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Deng Q, Li Y, Sun Z, Gao X, Zhou J, Ma G, Qu WM, Li R. Sleep disturbance in rodent models and its sex-specific implications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 164:105810. [PMID: 39009293 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105810] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances, encompassing altered sleep physiology or disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea, profoundly impact physiological functions and elevate disease risk. Despite extensive research, the underlying mechanisms and sex-specific differences in sleep disorders remain elusive. While polysomnography serves as a cornerstone for human sleep studies, animal models provide invaluable insights into sleep mechanisms. However, the availability of animal models of sleep disorders is limited, with each model often representing a specific sleep issue or mechanism. Therefore, selecting appropriate animal models for sleep research is critical. Given the significant sex differences in sleep patterns and disorders, incorporating both male and female subjects in studies is essential for uncovering sex-specific mechanisms with clinical relevance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various rodent models of sleep disturbance, including sleep deprivation, sleep fragmentation, and circadian rhythm dysfunction. We evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each model and discuss sex differences in sleep and sleep disorders, along with potential mechanisms. We aim to advance our understanding of sleep disorders and facilitate sex-specific interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Deng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zuoli Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi, China
| | | | - Guangwei Ma
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Min Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rena Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Herrera-Pérez JJ, Hernández-Hernández OT, Flores-Ramos M, Cueto-Escobedo J, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Martínez-Mota L. The intersection between menopause and depression: overview of research using animal models. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1408878. [PMID: 39081530 PMCID: PMC11287658 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1408878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Menopausal women may experience symptoms of depression, sometimes even progressing clinical depression requiring treatment to improve quality of life. While varying levels of estrogen in perimenopause may contribute to an increased biological vulnerability to mood disturbances, the effectiveness of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in the relief of depressive symptoms remains controversial. Menopausal depression has a complex, multifactorial etiology, that has limited the identification of optimal treatment strategies for the management of this psychiatric complaint. Nevertheless, clinical evidence increasingly supports the notion that estrogen exerts neuroprotective effects on brain structures related to mood regulation. Indeed, research using preclinical animal models continues to improve our understanding of menopause and the effectiveness of ERT and other substances at treating depression-like behaviors. However, questions regarding the efficacy of ERT in perimenopause have been raised. These questions may be answered by further investigation using specific animal models of reduced ovarian function. This review compares and discusses the advantages and pitfalls of different models emulating the menopausal stages and their relationship with the onset of depressive-like signs, as well as the efficacy and mechanisms of conventional and novel ERTs in treating depressive-like behavior. Ovariectomized young rats, middle-to-old aged intact rats, and females treated with reprotoxics have all been used as models of menopause, with stages ranging from surgical menopause to perimenopause. Additionally, this manuscript discusses the impact of organistic and therapeutic variables that may improve or reduce the antidepressant response of females to ERT. Findings from these models have revealed the complexity of the dynamic changes occurring in brain function during menopausal transition, reinforcing the idea that the best approach is timely intervention considering the opportunity window, in addition to the careful selection of treatment according to the presence or absence of reproductive tissue. Additionally, data from animal models has yielded evidence to support new promising estrogens that could be considered as ERTs with antidepressant properties and actions in endocrine situations in which traditional ERTs are not effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Jaime Herrera-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Olivia Tania Hernández-Hernández
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías Research Fellow. Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mónica Flores-Ramos
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jonathan Cueto-Escobedo
- Departamento de Investigación Clínica, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa-Enríquez, Mexico
| | | | - Lucía Martínez-Mota
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
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3
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Bonaldo B, Casile A, Ostuni MT, Bettarelli M, Nasini S, Marraudino M, Panzica G, Gotti S. Perinatal exposure to bisphenol A or S: Effects on anxiety-related behaviors and serotonergic system. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 349:140827. [PMID: 38042429 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140827] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenols, synthetic organic compounds used in the production of plastics, are an extremely abundant class of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, i.e., exogenous chemicals or mixtures of chemicals that can interfere with any aspect of hormone action. Exposure to BPs can lead to a wide range of effects, and it is especially dangerous if it occurs during specific critical periods of life. Focusing on the perinatal exposure to BPA or its largely used substitute BPS, we investigated the effects on anxiety-related behaviors and the serotonergic system, which is highly involved in controlling these behaviors, in adult mice. We treated C57BL/6J dams orally with a dose of 4 μg/kg body weight/day (i.e., EFSA TDI) of BPA or BPS dissolved in corn oil or with vehicle alone, at the onset of mating and continued treatment until the offspring were weaned. Adult offspring of both sexes performed the elevated plus maze and the open field tests. Then, we analyzed the serotonergic system in dorsal (DR) and median (MnR) raphe nuclei by immunohistochemical techniques. Behavioral tests highlighted alterations in BPA- and BPS-treated mice, suggesting different effects of the bisphenols exposure on anxiety-related behavior in males (anxiolytic) and females (anxiogenic). The analysis of the serotonergic system highlighted a sex dimorphism in the DR only, with control females showing higher values of serotonin immunoreactivity (5-HT-ir) than control males. BPA-treated males displayed a significant increase of 5-HT-ir in all analyzed nuclei, whereas BPS-treated males showed an increase in ventral DR only. In females, both bisphenols-treated groups showed a significant increase of 5-HT-ir in dorsal DR compared to the controls, and BPA-treated females also showed a significant increase in MnR.These results provide evidence that exposure during the early phases of life to BPA or BPS alters anxiety and the raphe serotonergic neurons in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitta Bonaldo
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy; Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy; Department of Health Sciences and Research Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases (CAAD), University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy.
| | - Antonino Casile
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy; Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy; School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, Camerino, 62032, Italy
| | - Marialaura Teresa Ostuni
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Martina Bettarelli
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Sofia Nasini
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, Largo Meneghetti 2, 35131, Padua, PD, Italy
| | - Marilena Marraudino
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy; Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - GianCarlo Panzica
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy; Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefano Gotti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano, Turin, Italy; Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Cioffi L, Cosimo Melcangi R. Post-Finasteride Syndrome And Post-Ssri Sexual Dysfunction: Two Clinical Conditions Apparently Distant, But Very Close. Front Neuroendocrinol 2024; 72:101114. [PMID: 37993021 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Post-finasteride syndrome and post-SSRI sexual dysfunction, are two poorly explored clinical conditions in which men treated for androgenetic alopecia with finasteride or for depression with SSRI antidepressants show persistent side effects despite drug suspension (e.g., sexual dysfunction, psychological complaints, sleep disorders). Because of some similarities in the symptoms, common pathological mechanisms are proposed here. Indeed, as discussed, clinical studies and preclinical data obtained so far suggest an important role for brain modulators (i.e., neuroactive steroids), neurotransmitters (i.e., serotonin, and cathecolamines), and gut microbiota in the context of the gut-brain axis. In particular, the observed interconnections of these signals in these two clinical conditions may suggest similar etiopathogenetic mechanisms, such as the involvement of the enzyme converting norepinephrine into epinephrine (i.e., phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase). However, despite the current efforts, more work is still needed to advance the understanding of these clinical conditions in terms of diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Cioffi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy.
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Morishita M, Higo S, Iwata K, Ishii H. Sex and interspecies differences in ESR2-expressing cell distributions in mouse and rat brains. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:89. [PMID: 38111056 PMCID: PMC10726529 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00574-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND ESR2, a nuclear estrogen receptor also known as estrogen receptor β, is expressed in the brain and contributes to the actions of estrogen in various physiological phenomena. However, its expression profiles in the brain have long been debated because of difficulties in detecting ESR2-expressing cells. In the present study, we aimed to determine the distribution of ESR2 in rodent brains, as well as its sex and interspecies differences, using immunohistochemical detection with a well-validated anti-ESR2 antibody (PPZ0506). METHODS To determine the expression profiles of ESR2 protein in rodent brains, whole brain sections from mice and rats of both sexes were subjected to immunostaining for ESR2. In addition, to evaluate the effects of circulating estrogen on ESR2 expression profiles, ovariectomized female mice and rats were treated with low or high doses of estrogen, and the resulting numbers of ESR2-immunopositive cells were analyzed. Welch's t-test was used for comparisons between two groups for sex differences, and one-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey-Kramer test were used for comparisons among multiple groups with different estrogen treatments. RESULTS ESR2-immunopositive cells were observed in several subregions of mouse and rat brains, including the preoptic area, extended amygdala, hypothalamus, mesencephalon, and cerebral cortex. Their distribution profiles exhibited sex and interspecies differences. In addition, low-dose estrogen treatment in ovariectomized female mice and rats tended to increase the numbers of ESR2-immunopositive cells, whereas high-dose estrogen treatment tended to decrease these numbers. CONCLUSIONS Immunohistochemistry using the well-validated PPZ0506 antibody revealed a more localized expression of ESR2 protein in rodent brains than has previously been reported. Furthermore, there were marked sex and interspecies differences in its distribution. Our histological analyses also revealed estrogen-dependent changes in ESR2 expression levels in female brains. These findings will be helpful for understanding the ESR2-mediated actions of estrogen in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Morishita
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Shimpei Higo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Kinuyo Iwata
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Ishii
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.
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6
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Nguyen Hoai B, Hoang L, Nguyen Cao T, Pham Minh Q, A Jannini E. Testosterone and aging male, a perspective from a developing country. Aging Male 2023; 26:2223712. [PMID: 37335039 DOI: 10.1080/13685538.2023.2223712] [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: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hypogonadism is associated with a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms that can affect the overall health of men. However, in a developing country, there are several imposing challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism, including a lack of awareness and understanding of the condition among healthcare providers and patients, limited resources and the high cost of treatment. This review aimed to examine the potential benefits and risks of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and provides a perspective of a developing country on the topic. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather relevant information on the impact of testosterone deficiency on ageing males and the effectiveness of TRT for treating hypogonadism. Published peer-reviewed articles were analyzed to evaluate the benefits and risks of TRT. Additionally, the unique challenges faced in the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism in a developing country were considered. RESULTS Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for hypogonadism, particularly in symptomatic men with low testosterone levels. It offers potential benefits such as improvements in symptoms and overall quality of life. However, there are associated risks and side effects that need to be considered. In a developing country, challenges such as limited awareness and understanding of hypogonadism, resource constraints, and high treatment costs pose additional barriers to accessing TRT and comprehensive care. CONCLUSION In conclusion, TRT holds promise as a treatment for hypogonadism, but its implementation and accessibility face significant challenges in a developing country. Addressing these challenges, including raising awareness, allocating resources, and finding cost-effective solutions, is crucial for ensuring that men with hypogonadism in such settings receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Further research and efforts are needed to improve the management of hypogonadism in developing countries and optimize the potential benefits of TRT for affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bac Nguyen Hoai
- Department of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Hanoi Medical University's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Long Hoang
- Department of Urology, Hanoi Medical University's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thang Nguyen Cao
- Department of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Hanoi Medical University's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Quan Pham Minh
- Department of Andrology and Sexual Medicine, Hanoi Medical University's Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Emmanuele A Jannini
- Chair of Endocrinology and Sexual Medicine (ENDOSEX), University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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He J, Yan JJ, Zha X, Ding XJ, Zhang YL, Lu Z, Xu XH. Sexually dimorphic effects of estrogen receptor 2 deletion in the dorsal raphe nucleus on emotional behaviors. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13195. [PMID: 36072992 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in emotional behaviors and affective disorders have been widely noted, of which sexually dimorphic secretion of gonadal steroid hormones such as estrogen is suspected to play a role. However, the underlying neural mechanisms remain poorly understood. We noted that the expression of estrogen receptor 2 (Esr2, or ERβ), a key mediator of estrogen signaling in the brain, was enriched in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), a region involved in emotion regulation. To investigate whether DRN Esr2 expression confers sex-specific susceptibility or vulnerability in emotional behaviors, we generated a conditional allele of Esr2 that allowed for site-specific deletion of Esr2 in the DRN via local injection of Cre-expressing viruses. DRN-specific Esr2 deletion mildly increased anxiety behaviors in females, as shown by decreased time spent in the center zone of an open field in knockout females. By contrast, DRN Esr2 deletion had no effects on anxiety levels in males, as demonstrated by knockout males spending comparable time in the center zone of an open field and open arms of an elevated-plus maze. Furthermore, in the tail suspension test, DRN Esr2 deletion reduced immobility, a depression-like behavior, in a male-biased manner. Together, these results reveal sex-specific functions of DRN Esr2 in regulating emotional behaviors and suggest targeted manipulation of DRN Esr2 signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat sex-biased affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing He
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Jing Yan
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Zha
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Ding
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Li Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China
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Tarif AMM, Islam MN, Jahan MR, Afrin M, Meher MM, Nozaki K, Masumoto KH, Yanai A, Shinoda K. Neurochemical phenotypes of huntingtin-associated protein 1 in reference to secretomotor and vasodilator neurons in the submucosal plexuses of rodent small intestine. Neurosci Res 2022; 191:13-27. [PMID: 36581175 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.12.023] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Huntingtin-associated protein 1(HAP1) is an immunohistochemical marker of the stigmoid body (STB). Brain and spinal cord regions with lack of STB/HAP1 immunoreactivity are always neurodegenerative targets, whereas STB/HAP1 abundant regions are usually spared from neurodegeneration. In addition to the brain and spinal cord, HAP1 is abundantly expressed in the excitatory and inhibitory motor neurons in myenteric plexuses of the enteric nervous system (ENS). However, the detailed expression of HAP1 and its neurochemical characterization in submucosal plexuses of ENS are still unknown. In this study, we aimed to clarify the expression and neurochemical characterization of HAP1 in the submucosal plexuses of the small intestine in adult mice and rats. HAP1 was highly expressed in the submucosal plexuses of both rodents. The percentage of HAP1-immunoreactive submucosal neurons was not significantly varied between the intestinal segments of these rodents. Double immunofluorescence results revealed that almost all the cholinergic secretomotor neurons containing ChAT/ CGRP/ somatostatin/ calretinin, non-cholinergic secretomotor neurons containing VIP/NOS/TH/calretinin, and vasodilator neurons containing VIP/calretinin expressed HAP1. Our current study is the first to clarify that STB/HAP1 is expressed in secretomotor and vasodilator neurons of submucosal plexuses, suggesting that STB/HAP1 might modulate or protect the secretomotor and vasodilator functions of submucosal neurons in ENS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Md Mamun Tarif
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Md Nabiul Islam
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Mir Rubayet Jahan
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube 755-8505, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Marya Afrin
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube 755-8505, Japan; Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Mirza Mienur Meher
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube 755-8505, Japan; Department of Basic Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube 755- 8505, Japan
| | - Kanako Nozaki
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Koh-Hei Masumoto
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube 755-8505, Japan
| | - Akie Yanai
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube 755-8505, Japan; Department of Basic Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube 755- 8505, Japan
| | - Koh Shinoda
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube 755-8505, Japan.
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Anderson NK, Goodwin SE, Schuppe ER, Dawn A, Preininger D, Mangiamele LA, Fuxjager MJ. Activational vs. organizational effects of sex steroids and their role in the evolution of reproductive behavior: Looking to foot-flagging frogs and beyond. Horm Behav 2022; 146:105248. [PMID: 36054981 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids play an important role in regulation of the vertebrate reproductive phenotype. This is because sex steroids not only activate sexual behaviors that mediate copulation, courtship, and aggression, but they also help guide the development of neural and muscular systems that underlie these traits. Many biologists have therefore described the effects of sex steroid action on reproductive behavior as both "activational" and "organizational," respectively. Here, we focus on these phenomena from an evolutionary standpoint, highlighting that we know relatively little about the way that organizational effects evolve in the natural world to support the adaptation and diversification of reproductive behavior. We first review the evidence that such effects do in fact evolve to mediate the evolution of sexual behavior. We then introduce an emerging animal model - the foot-flagging frog, Staurois parvus - that will be useful to study how sex hormones shape neuromotor development necessary for sexual displays. The foot flag is nothing more than a waving display that males use to compete for access to female mates, and thus the neural circuits that control its production are likely laid down when limb control systems arise during the developmental transition from tadpole to frog. We provide data that highlights how sex steroids might organize foot-flagging behavior through its putative underlying mechanisms. Overall, we anticipate that future studies of foot-flagging frogs will open a powerful window from which to see how sex steroids influence the neuromotor systems to help germinate circuits that drive signaling behavior. In this way, our aim is to bring attention to the important frontier of endocrinological regulation of evolutionary developmental biology (endo-evo-devo) and its relationship to behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel K Anderson
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Sarah E Goodwin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States of America
| | - Eric R Schuppe
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - AllexAndrya Dawn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States of America
| | - Doris Preininger
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Zoo, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lisa A Mangiamele
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, Northampton, MA, United States of America.
| | - Matthew J Fuxjager
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States of America.
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10
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Abstract
Sex as a biological variable is the focus of much literature and has been emphasized by the National Institutes of Health, in part, to remedy a long history of male-dominated studies in preclinical and clinical research. We propose that time-of-day is also a crucial biological variable in biomedical research. In common with sex differences, time-of-day should be considered in analyses and reported to improve reproducibility of studies and to provide the appropriate context to the conclusions. Endogenous circadian rhythms are present in virtually all living organisms, including bacteria, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Virtually all physiological and behavioral processes display daily fluctuations in optimal performance that are driven by these endogenous circadian clocks; importantly, many of those circadian rhythms also show sex differences. In this review, we describe some of the documented sex differences in circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Walton
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
| | - Jacob R Bumgarner
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
| | - Randy J Nelson
- Department of Neuroscience, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506, USA
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11
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Igarashi K, Kuchiiwa T, Kuchiiwa S, Iwai H, Tomita K, Sato T. Kamishoyosan (a Japanese traditional herbal formula), which effectively reduces the aggressive biting behavior of male and female mice, and potential regulation through increase of Tph1, Tph2, and Esr2 mRNA levels. Brain Res 2021; 1768:147580. [PMID: 34260963 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Kamishoyosan (KSS), a Japanese traditional herbal formula, is used to treat symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system in men and women; it is especially known for improving the symptoms of irritability (e.g., bad temper and persistent anger). Although clinical and ethological studies of KSS have been conducted, its efficacy in reducing irritability remains to be validated. In the present study, male and female ddY-strain mice were isolation-reared for 8 weeks (from the third postnatal week) to induce pathologically aggressive biting behavior (ABB), which was used as an indicator of irritability. The ABB of mice toward metal rods was measured using the Aggressive Response Meter. An intraperitoneal administration of KSS (100 mg/kg) effectively reduced ABB in male and female mice at 2 h after the administration; however, this effect was canceled by prior administration of WAY-100635 [a 5-hydroxytryptoamine (5-HT)-1A receptor antagonist; 0.5 mg/kg] and bicuculline (a type-A gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor antagonist; 1.0 mg/kg). Additionally, tamoxifen, ICI-182780, and G-15 (all estrogen receptor antagonists) inhibited the action of KSS in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, gene expression of tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph) 1 and Tph2 were increased and 5-HT immunofluorescence was slightly increased in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of isolation-reared mice administered with KSS. Collectively, these results indicate that KSS effectively reduces ABB in isolation-reared male and female mice through stimulation of 5-HT production in the DRN. Our findings also suggest that gene expression of estrogen receptor (Esr) 2 increased in the DRN might be associated with the reduction of ABB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kento Igarashi
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Toshiko Kuchiiwa
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Human Science, Kagoshima Immaculate Herat University, 2365 Amatatsu-Cho, Satsuma-Sendai 895-0011, Japan; Department of Morphological Science, Field of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuchiiwa
- Department of Morphological Science, Field of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Haruki Iwai
- Department of Oral Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tomita
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Sato
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan.
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12
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Coolen RL, Cambier JC, Spantidea PI, van Asselt E, Blok BFM. Androgen receptors in areas of the spinal cord and brainstem: A study in adult male cats. J Anat 2021; 239:125-135. [PMID: 33619726 PMCID: PMC8197961 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones, including androgens and estrogens, play an important role in autonomic, reproductive and sexual behavior. The areas that are important in these behaviors lie within the spinal cord and brainstem. Relevant dysfunctional behavior in patients with altered androgen availability or androgen receptor sensitivity might be explained by the distribution of androgens and their receptors in the central nervous system. We hypothesize that autonomic dysfunction is correlated with the androgen sensitivity of spinal cord and brainstem areas responsible for autonomic functions. In this study, androgen receptor immunoreactive (AR‐IR) nuclei in the spinal cord and brainstem were studied using the androgen receptor antibody PG21 in four uncastrated young adult male cats. A dense distribution of AR‐IR nuclei was detected in the superior layers of the dorsal horn, including lamina I. Intensely stained nuclei, but less densely distributed, were found in lamina X and preganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic cells of the intermediolateral cell column. Areas in the caudal brainstem showing a high density of AR‐IR nuclei included the area postrema, the dorsal motor vagus nucleus and the retrotrapezoid nucleus. More cranially, the central linear nucleus in the pons contained a dense distribution of AR‐IR nuclei. The mesencephalic periaqueductal gray (PAG) showed a dense distribution of AR‐IR nuclei apart from the most central part of the PAG directly adjacent to the ependymal lining. Other areas in the mesencephalon with a dense distribution of AR‐IR nuclei were the dorsal raphe nucleus, the retrorubral nucleus, the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area of Tsai. It is concluded that AR‐IR nuclei are located in specific areas of the central nervous system that are involved in the control of sensory function and autonomic behavior. Furthermore, damage of these AR‐IR areas might explain related dysfunction in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa L Coolen
- Department of Urology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Els van Asselt
- Department of Urology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bertil F M Blok
- Department of Urology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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Pilorz V, Kolms B, Oster H. Rapid Jetlag Resetting of Behavioral, Physiological, and Molecular Rhythms in Proestrous Female Mice. J Biol Rhythms 2020; 35:612-627. [PMID: 33140660 DOI: 10.1177/0748730420965291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A gradual adaptation to a shifted light-dark (LD) cycle is a key element of the circadian clock system and believed to be controlled by the central circadian pacemaker, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Endocrine factors have a strong influence on the regulation of the circadian clock network and alter acute photic responses of the SCN clock. In females, endocrine function depends on the stage of the ovarian cycle. So far, however, little is known about the effect of the estrous cycle on behavioral and molecular responses to shifts in the LD rhythm. Based on this, we investigated whether estrous state affects the kinetics of phase shift during jetlag in behavior, physiology, and molecular clock rhythms in the SCN and in peripheral tissues. Female mice exposed to an advanced LD phase at proestrous or metestrous showed different phase-shift kinetics, with proestrous females displaying accelerated adaptation in behavior and physiology. Constant darkness release experiments suggest that these fast phase shifts do not reflect resetting of the SCN pacemaker. Explant experiments on SCN, adrenal gland, and uterus confirmed this finding with proestrous females showing significantly faster clock phase shifts in peripheral tissues compared with the SCN. Together, these findings provide strong evidence for an accelerated adaptation of proestrous compared with metestrous females to new LD conditions that is accompanied by rapid behavioral, physiological, and molecular rhythm resetting. Not only do these findings open up a new avenue to understand the effect of estrous cycle on the clock network under changing environmental conditions but also imply a greater susceptibility in proestrous females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Violetta Pilorz
- Institute of Neurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Beke Kolms
- Institute of Neurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Henrik Oster
- Institute of Neurobiology, Center of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, University of Lübeck, Luebeck, Germany
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14
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Kawabata-Sakata Y, Nishiike Y, Fleming T, Kikuchi Y, Okubo K. Androgen-dependent sexual dimorphism in pituitary tryptophan hydroxylase expression: relevance to sex differences in pituitary hormones. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200713. [PMID: 32517612 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin is a biogenic monoamine conserved across phyla that is implicated in diverse physiological and behavioural functions. On examining the expression of the rate-limiting enzymes in serotonin synthesis, tryptophan hydroxylases (TPHs), in the teleost medaka (Oryzias latipes), we found that males have much higher levels of tph1 expression as compared with females. This robust sexual dimorphism was found to probably result from the direct stimulation of tph1 transcription by androgen/androgen receptor binding to canonical bipartite androgen-responsive elements in its proximal promoter region. Our results further revealed that tph1 expression occurs exclusively in pro-opiomelanocortin (pomc)-expressing cells and that the resulting serotonin and its derivative melatonin inhibit the expression of the pituitary hormone genes, fshb, sl and tshb. This suggests that serotonin and/or melatonin synthesized in pomc-expressing cells act in a paracrine manner to suppress pituitary hormone levels. Consistent with these findings and the male-biased expression of tph1, the expression levels of fshb, sl and tshb were all higher in females than in males. Taken together, the male bias in tph1 expression and consequent serotonin/melatonin production presumably contribute to sex differences in the expression of pituitary hormones and ultimately in the physiological functions mediated by them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukika Kawabata-Sakata
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.,Department of Pathophysiology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
| | - Yuji Nishiike
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Thomas Fleming
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kikuchi
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kataaki Okubo
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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15
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Nishimura Y, Mabuchi K, Omura N, Igarashi A, Miura M, Mima N, Negishi H, Morimoto K, Takamata A. Fluoxetine Mimics the Anorectic Action of Estrogen and Its Regulation of Circadian Feeding in Ovariectomized Female Rats. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12030849. [PMID: 32235766 PMCID: PMC7146435 DOI: 10.3390/nu12030849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated that chronic estrogen replacement in ovariectomized rats reduces food intake and augments c-Fos expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), specifically during the light phase. Here, we hypothesized that serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), which have anorectic action and play a role in regulating circadian rhythm, mediate the light phase-specific anorectic action of estrogen, and that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) mimic the hypophagic action of estrogen. Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and treated with estradiol (E2) or cholesterol by subcutaneously implanting a silicon capsule containing E2 or cholesterol. Then, half of the cholesterol-treated rats were injected with the SSRI fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) (FLX group), while the remaining rats in the cholesterol-treated group (CON group) and all those in the E2 group were injected with saline subcutaneously twice daily at the onsets of the light and dark phases. Both E2 and FLX reduced food intake during the light phase but not the dark phase, and reduced body weight gain. In addition, both E2 and FLX augmented the c-Fos expression in the SCN, specifically during the light phase. These data indicate that FLX exerts estrogen-like antiobesity and hypophagic actions by modifying circadian feeding patterns, and suggest that estrogen regulates circadian feeding rhythm via serotonergic neurons in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Nishimura
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Kaori Mabuchi
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Natsumi Omura
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Ayako Igarashi
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Megumi Miura
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Nanako Mima
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Hiroko Negishi
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Keiko Morimoto
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Akira Takamata
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +81-742-20-3469
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16
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Nicolaides NC, Chrousos GP. Sex differences in circadian endocrine rhythms: Clinical implications. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 52:2575-2585. [PMID: 32012359 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14692] [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: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Organisms have developed a highly conserved and tightly regulated circadian system, to adjust their daily activities to day/night cycles. This system consists of a central clock, which is located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus, and the peripheral clocks that are ubiquitously expressed in all tissues. Both the central and peripheral clocks communicate with each other and achieve circadian oscillations of gene expression through transcriptional/translational loops mediated by clock transcription factors. It is worth mentioning that circadian non-transcriptional/non-translational rhythms also occur in non-nucleated cells. Interestingly, sex has been identified as an important factor influencing the activity of the circadian system. Indeed, several sex differences have been documented in the anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology that pertain to circadian rhythms. In this review, we present the historical milestones of understanding circadian rhythms, describe the central and peripheral components of the circadian clock system, discuss representative examples of sexual dimorphism of circadian rhythms, and present the most relevant clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, and University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece.,UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, and University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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17
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Juneja A, Barenboim L, Jacobson L. Selective effects of dorsal raphé nucleus glucocorticoid receptor deletion on depression-like behavior in female C57BL/6J mice. Neurosci Lett 2020; 717:134697. [PMID: 31846734 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134697] [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: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We have shown differing effects of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) deletion from the dorsal raphé nucleus (DRN) and locus coeruleus (LC) on depression-relevant behavior in male mice, but DRN GR deletion has not been tested in female mice. Female floxed GR mice were given DRN injections of AAV2/9 pseudotype viral vectors transducing Cre recombinase to produce DRN GR gene deletion (Cre) and compared with mice receiving DRN injections of AAV2/9 transducing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Social interaction, a measure of depression-like withdrawal, was unaffected by DRN GR deletion, but forced swim immobility, a measure of despair-like passivity, was reduced in female Cre vs. GFP mice. Behavioral effects were not attributable to changes in basal corticosterone or LC GR deletion. Combined with our prior studies, the current findings suggest that DRN GR have sex-independent effects to promote forced swim immobility, but influence social interaction only in male mice. Differential effects of DRN GR deletion in female mice may provide insight into the greater incidence of depression and specific depression symptoms in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Juneja
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | - Linda Barenboim
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States
| | - Lauren Jacobson
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
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18
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Neonatal treatment with clomipramine modifies the expression of estrogen receptors in brain areas of male adult rats. Brain Res 2019; 1724:146443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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19
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Hernández-Hernández OT, Martínez-Mota L, Herrera-Pérez JJ, Jiménez-Rubio G. Role of Estradiol in the Expression of Genes Involved in Serotonin Neurotransmission: Implications for Female Depression. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:459-471. [PMID: 29956632 PMCID: PMC6520586 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180628165107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In women, changes in estrogen levels may increase the incidence and/or symptomatology of depression and affect the response to antidepressant treatments. Estrogen therapy in females may provide some mood benefits as a single treatment or might augment clinical response to antidepressants that inhibit serotonin reuptake. OBJECTIVE We analyzed the mechanisms of estradiol action involved in the regulation of gene expression that modulates serotonin neurotransmission implicated in depression. METHOD Publications were identified by a literature search on PubMed. RESULTS The participation of estradiol in depression may include regulation of the expression of tryptophan hydroxylase-2, monoamine oxidase A and B, serotonin transporter and serotonin-1A receptor. This effect is mediated by estradiol binding to intracellular estrogen receptor that interacts with estrogen response elements in the promoter sequences of tryptophan hydroxylase-2, serotonin transporter and monoamine oxidase-B. In addition to directly binding deoxyribonucleic acid, estrogen receptor can tether to other transcription factors, including activator protein 1, specificity protein 1, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β and nuclear factor kappa B to regulate gene promoters that lack estrogen response elements, such as monoamine oxidase-A and serotonin 1A receptor. CONCLUSION Estradiol increases tryptophan hydroxylase-2 and serotonin transporter expression and decreases the expression of serotonin 1A receptor and monoamine oxidase A and B through the interaction with its intracellular receptors. The understanding of molecular mechanisms of estradiol regulation on the protein expression that modulates serotonin neurotransmission will be helpful for the development of new and more effective treatment for women with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Tania Hernández-Hernández
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia Research Fellow Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Calzada Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegacion Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Lucía Martínez-Mota
- Laboratorio de Farmacologia Conductual, Direccion de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Calzada Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegacion Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - José Jaime Herrera-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Farmacologia Conductual, Direccion de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Calzada Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegacion Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Graciela Jiménez-Rubio
- Laboratorio de Farmacologia Conductual, Direccion de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Calzada Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegacion Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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20
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Tang S, Zhou X, Hu K, Liu P, Xiong M, Li H. The role of gonadal hormones in the hypoglossal discharge activity of rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia. Brain Res Bull 2019; 149:175-183. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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21
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Saylor RA, Hersey M, West A, Buchanan AM, Berger SN, Nijhout HF, Reed MC, Best J, Hashemi P. In vivo Hippocampal Serotonin Dynamics in Male and Female Mice: Determining Effects of Acute Escitalopram Using Fast Scan Cyclic Voltammetry. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:362. [PMID: 31110471 PMCID: PMC6499219 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder, impacting females at a rate roughly twice that of males. This disparity has become the focus of many studies which are working to determine if there are environmental or biological underpinnings to depression pathology. The biology of depression is not well understood, but experts agree that a key neurotransmitter of interest is serotonin. Most research on basic serotonin neurochemistry, by us and others, has predominantly focused on male models. Thus, it is now critical to include female models to decipher possible fundamental differences between the sexes that may underlie this disorder. In this paper, we seek to determine any such differences using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) and fast-scan controlled adsorption voltammetry. These techniques allow us to probe the serotonergic system via measurement of evoked and ambient serotonin at carbon fiber microelectrodes (CFMs). Our data reveal no statistical differences, in the hippocampus, in female serotonin chemistry during the different stages of the estrous cycle compared to the mean female response. Furthermore, no difference was observed in evoked serotonin release and reuptake, nor ambient extracellular serotonin levels between male and female mice. We applied a previously developed mathematical model that fits our serotonin signals as a function of several synaptic processes that control the extracellular levels of this transmitter. We used the model to study potential system differences between males and females. One hypothesis brought fourth, that female mice exhibit tighter autoreceptor control of serotonin, is validated via literature and methiothepin challenge. We postulate that this tight regulation may act as a control mechanism against changes in the serotonin signal mediated by estrogen spikes. Importantly, this safety mechanism has no consequence for acutely administered escitalopram’s (ESCIT’s) ability to increase extracellular serotonin between the sexes. This work demonstrates little fundamental differences in in vivo hippocampal serotonin between the sexes, bar control mechanisms in female mice that can be observed under extraneous circumstances. We thus highlight the importance of considering sex as a biological factor in determining pharmacodynamics for personalized medical treatments that involve targeting serotonin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Saylor
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Melinda Hersey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Alyssa West
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Anna Marie Buchanan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Shane N Berger
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | | | - Michael C Reed
- Department of Mathematics, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Janet Best
- Department of Mathematics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Parastoo Hashemi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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22
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Cataldi M, Muscogiuri G, Savastano S, Barrea L, Guida B, Taglialatela M, Colao A. Gender-related issues in the pharmacology of new anti-obesity drugs. Obes Rev 2019; 20:375-384. [PMID: 30589980 DOI: 10.1111/obr.12805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Four new medicines-liraglutide, lorcaserin, bupropion/naltrexone, and phentermine/topiramate-have been recently added to the pharmacological arsenal for obesity treatment and could represent important tools to manage this epidemic disease. To achieve satisfactory anti-obesity goals, the use of these new medicines should be optimized and tailored to specific patient subpopulations also by applying dose adjustments if needed. In the present review, we posit that gender could be among the factors influencing the activity of the new obesity drugs both because of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic factors. Although evidence from premarketing clinical studies suggested that no dose adjustment by gender is necessary for any of these new medicines, these studies were not specifically designed to identify gender-related differences. This observation, together with the strong theoretical background supporting the hypothesis of a gender-dimorphic response, strongly call upon an urgent need of new real-life data on gender-related difference in the pharmacology of these new obesity drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Cataldi
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Muscogiuri
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Savastano
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Barrea
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Bruna Guida
- Division of Physiology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Maurizio Taglialatela
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy.,Federico II University Hospital, Naples, Italy
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Hatcher KM, Royston SE, Mahoney MM. Modulation of circadian rhythms through estrogen receptor signaling. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 51:217-228. [PMID: 30270552 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are physiological and behavioral processes that exhibit a 24-hr cycle. These daily rhythms are essential for living organisms to align their behavior and physiology with the environment to increase the likelihood of survival. In mammals, circadian rhythms synchronize with the environment primarily by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a hypothalamic brain region that integrates exogenous and endogenous timing cues. Sex steroid hormones, including estrogens, are thought to modulate sexually dimorphic behaviors through developmental programming of the brain (i.e., organization), as well as acute receptor signaling during adulthood (i.e., activation). Importantly, there are known sex differences in the expression of circadian locomotor activity and molecular organization of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, likely due, in part, to the actions of circulating estrogens. Circadian locomotor rhythms, which are coordinated by the suprachiasmatic nucleus, have been shown to be regulated by developmental and adult levels of circulating estrogens. Further, increasing evidence suggests that estrogens can modulate expression of circadian clock genes that are essential for orchestration of circadian rhythms by the suprachiasmatic nucleus. In this review, we will discuss the organizational and activational modulation of the circadian timekeeping system by estrogens through estrogen receptor signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Hatcher
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Sara E Royston
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine and Pain, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Spine and Pain Management, Christie Clinic, Champaign, Illinois
| | - Megan M Mahoney
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois.,Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
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24
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Krolick KN, Zhu Q, Shi H. Effects of Estrogens on Central Nervous System Neurotransmission: Implications for Sex Differences in Mental Disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 160:105-171. [PMID: 30470289 PMCID: PMC6737530 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nearly one of every five US individuals aged 12 years old or older lives with certain types of mental disorders. Men are more likely to use various types of substances, while women tend to be more susceptible to mood disorders, addiction, and eating disorders, all of which are risks associated with suicidal attempts. Fundamental sex differences exist in multiple aspects of the functions and activities of neurotransmitter-mediated neural circuits in the central nervous system (CNS). Dysregulation of these neural circuits leads to various types of mental disorders. The potential mechanisms of sex differences in the CNS neural circuitry regulating mood, reward, and motivation are only beginning to be understood, although they have been largely attributed to the effects of sex hormones on CNS neurotransmission pathways. Understanding this topic is important for developing prevention and treatment of mental disorders that should be tailored differently for men and women. Studies using animal models have provided important insights into pathogenesis, mechanisms, and new therapeutic approaches of human diseases, but some concerns remain to be addressed. The purpose of this chapter is to integrate human and animal studies involving the effects of the sex hormones, estrogens, on CNS neurotransmission, reward processing, and associated mental disorders. We provide an overview of existing evidence for the physiological, behavioral, cellular, and molecular actions of estrogens in the context of controlling neurotransmission in the CNS circuits regulating mood, reward, and motivation and discuss related pathology that leads to mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen N Krolick
- Center for Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Qi Zhu
- Center for Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States
| | - Haifei Shi
- Center for Physiology and Neuroscience, Department of Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States; Cellular, Molecular and Structural Biology, Miami University, Oxford, OH, United States.
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25
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Negative consequences of early-life adversity on substance use as mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor modulation of serotonin activity. Neurobiol Stress 2018; 9:29-39. [PMID: 30151419 PMCID: PMC6108067 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Early-life adversity is associated with increased risk for substance abuse in later life, with women more likely to report past and current stress as a mediating factor in their substance use and relapse as compared to men. Preclinical models of neonatal and peri-adolescent (early through late adolescence) stress all support a direct relationship between experiences of early-life adversity and adult substance-related behaviors, and provide valuable information regarding the underlying neurobiology. This review will provide an overview of these animal models and how these paradigms alter drug and alcohol consumption and/or seeking in male and female adults. An introduction to the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and serotonin systems, their development and their interactions at the level of the dorsal raphe will be provided, illustrating how this particular stress system is sexually dimorphic, and is well positioned to be affected by stressors early in development and throughout maturation. A model for CRF-serotonin interactions in the dorsal raphe and how these influence dopaminergic activity within the nucleus accumbens and subsequent reward-associated behaviors will be provided, and alterations to the activity of this system following early-life adversity will be identified. Overall, converging findings suggest that early-life adversity has long-term effects on the functioning of the CRF-serotonin system, highlighting a potentially important and targetable mediator linking stress to addiction. Future work should focus on identifying the exact mechanisms that promote long-term changes to the expression and activity of CRF receptors in the dorsal raphe. Moreover, it is important to clarify whether similar neurobiological mechanisms exist for males and females, given the sexual dimorphism both in CRF receptors and serotonin indices in the dorsal raphe and in the behavioral outcomes of early-life adversity. Early life stress increases risk for substance abuse in adulthood. Stress and drugs increase CRF which alters serotonin release in the brain. CRF2 receptor expression in the dorsal raphe is altered by early life stress. Resultant changes to serotonin output facilitates dopamine in the accumbens. CRF2-sertotonin-dopamine interactions may link early life stress with substance abuse.
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Key Words
- 5-HIAA, 5–Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid
- BNST, Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis
- CRF, Corticotropin-Releasing Factor
- CRF-BP, Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Binding Protein
- CeA, Central Nucleus of the Amygdala
- Corticotropin-releasing factor
- Dorsal raphe nucleus
- Drug reward
- Early-life stress
- LC, Locus Coeruleus
- MDMA, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
- NAc, Nucleus Accumbens
- NMDA, N-methyl-d-aspartate
- PND, Postnatal Day
- Serotonin
- Sex differences
- TPH2, Tryptophan Hydroxylase 2
- VTA, Ventral Tegmental Area
- dRN, Dorsal Raphe Nucleus
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26
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Giatti S, Diviccaro S, Panzica G, Melcangi RC. Post-finasteride syndrome and post-SSRI sexual dysfunction: two sides of the same coin? Endocrine 2018; 61:180-193. [PMID: 29675596 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1593-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction is a clinical condition due to different causes including the iatrogenic origin. For instance, it is well known that sexual dysfunction may occur in patients treated with antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). A similar side effect has been also reported during treatment with finasteride, an inhibitor of the enzyme 5alpha-reductase, for androgenetic alopecia. Interestingly, sexual dysfunction persists in both cases after drug discontinuation. These conditions have been named post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) and post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). In particular, feeling of a lack of connection between the brain and penis, loss of libido and sex drive, difficulty in achieving an erection and genital paresthesia have been reported by patients of both conditions. It is interesting to note that the incidence of these diseases is probably so far underestimated and their etiopathogenesis is not sufficiently explored. To this aim, the present review will report the state of art of these two different pathologies and discuss, on the basis of the role exerted by three different neuromodulators such as dopamine, serotonin and neuroactive steroids, whether the persistent sexual dysfunction observed could be determined by common mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Giatti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Diviccaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Panzica
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze "Rita Levi Montalcini", Università degli studi di Torino, Neuroscience Institute Cavallieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cosimo Melcangi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
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27
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Ulhaq ZS, Kishida M. Brain Aromatase Modulates Serotonergic Neuron by Regulating Serotonin Levels in Zebrafish Embryos and Larvae. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:230. [PMID: 29867763 PMCID: PMC5954033 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Teleost fish are known to express two isoforms of P450 aromatase, a key enzyme for estrogen synthesis. One of the isoforms, brain aromatase (AroB), cyp19a1b, is highly expressed during early development of zebrafish, thereby suggesting its role in brain development. On the other hand, early development of serotonergic neuron, one of the major monoamine neurons, is considered to play an important role in neurogenesis. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the role of AroB in development of serotonergic neuron by testing the effects of (1) estradiol (E2) exposure and (2) morpholino (MO)-mediated AroB knockdown. When embryos were exposed to E2, the effects were biphasic. The low dose of E2 (0.005 µM) significantly increased serotonin (5-HT) positive area at 48 hour post-fertilization (hpf) detected by immunohistochemistry and relative mRNA levels of tryptophan hydroxylase isoforms (tph1a, tph1b, and tph2) at 96 hpf measured by semi-quantitative PCR. To test the effects on serotonin transmission, heart rate and thigmotaxis, an indicator of anxiety, were analyzed. The low dose also significantly increased heart rate at 48 hpf and decreased thigmotaxis. The high dose of E2 (1 µM) exhibited opposite effects in all parameters. The effects of both low and high doses were reversed by addition of estrogen receptor (ER) blocker, ICI 182,780, thereby suggesting that the effects were mediated through ER. When AroB MO was injected to fertilized eggs, 5-HT-positive area was significantly decreased, while the significant decrease in relative tph mRNA levels was found only with tph2 but not with two other isoforms. AroB MO also decreased heart rate and increased thigmotaxis. All the effects were rescued by co-injection with AroB mRNA and by exposure to E2. Taken together, this study demonstrates the role of brain aromatase in development of serotonergic neuron in zebrafish embryos and larvae, implying that brain-formed estrogen is an important factor to sustain early development of serotonergic neuron.
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28
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Sethi S, Keil KP, Lein PJ. Species and Sex Differences in the Morphogenic Response of Primary Rodent Neurons to 3,3'-Dichlorobiphenyl (PCB 11). TOXICS 2017; 6:toxics6010004. [PMID: 29295518 PMCID: PMC5874777 DOI: 10.3390/toxics6010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PCB 11 is an emerging global pollutant that we recently showed promotes axonal and dendritic growth in primary rat neuronal cell cultures. Here, we address the influence of sex and species on neuronal responses to PCB 11. Neuronal morphology was quantified in sex-specific primary hippocampal and cortical neuron-glia co-cultures derived from neonatal C57BL/6J mice and Sprague Dawley rats exposed for 48 h to vehicle (0.1% DMSO) or PCB 11 at concentrations ranging from 1 fM to 1 nM. Total axonal length was quantified in tau-1 immunoreactive neurons at day in vitro (DIV) 2; dendritic arborization was assessed by Sholl analysis at DIV 9 in neurons transfected with MAP2B-FusRed. In mouse cultures, PCB 11 enhanced dendritic arborization in female, but not male, hippocampal neurons and male, but not female, cortical neurons. In rat cultures, PCB 11 promoted dendritic arborization in male and female hippocampal and cortical neurons. PCB 11 also increased axonal growth in mouse and rat neurons of both sexes and neuronal cell types. These data demonstrate that PCB 11 exerts sex-specific effects on neuronal morphogenesis that vary depending on species, neurite type, and neuronal cell type. These findings have significant implications for risk assessment of this emerging developmental neurotoxicant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunjay Sethi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Kimberly P Keil
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Pamela J Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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29
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Testosterone levels in healthy men correlate negatively with serotonin 4 receptor binding. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 81:22-28. [PMID: 28426945 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The serotonergic system integrates sex steroid information and plays a central role in mood and stress regulation, cognition, appetite and sleep. This interplay may be critical for likelihood of developing depressive episodes, at least in a subgroup of sensitive individuals. The serotonin 4 receptor (5-HT4R) indexes central serotonergic tonus, which may be related to endogenous sex-steroid levels in the mentally healthy state even though this remains elusive. Here we evaluate if peripheral levels of estradiol and testosterone are associated with 5-HT4R binding as imaged by [11C]SB207145 positron emission tomography in a group of 41 healthy men. We estimated global 5-HT4R binding using a latent variable model framework, which models shared correlation between 5-HT4R across multiple brain regions (hippocampus, amygdala, posterior and anterior cingulate, thalamus, pallidostriatum and neocortex). We tested whether testosterone and estradiol predict global 5-HT4R, adjusting for age. We found that testosterone, but not estradiol, correlated negatively with global 5-HT4R levels (p=0.02) suggesting that men with high levels of testosterone have higher cerebral serotonergic tonus. Our findings corroborate the link between sex hormone levels and serotonin signalling. Future longitudinal studies in clinical relevant populations are needed to elucidate the potential importance of testosterone in the pathophysiology of e.g. major depression and its treatment.
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30
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Reproductive steroid receptors and actions in the locus coeruleus of male macaques: Part of an aggression circuit? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 71:210-22. [PMID: 27083854 PMCID: PMC4996758 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study was initiated to determine whether the noradrenergic (NE) neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC) could mediate the stimulatory action of androgens on serotonin-related gene expression in male macaques. These experiments follow our observations that serotonin neurons lack androgen receptors (ARs), and yet respond to androgens. Male Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) were castrated for 5-7months and then treated for 3months with [1] placebo, [2] T (testosterone), [3] DHT (dihydrotestosterone; non-aromatizable androgen) plus ATD (steroidal aromatase inhibitor), or [4] FLUT (Flutamide; androgen antagonist) plus ATD (n=5/group). The noradrenergic (NE) innervation of the raphe was determined with immunolabeling of axons with an antibody to dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DBH). Immunolabeling of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) dendrites and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) axons innervating the LC was also determined. Due to the longer treatment period employed, the expression of the cognate nuclear receptors was sought. Androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) immunostaining was accomplished. Quantitative image analysis was applied and immunopositive neurons or axons with boutons were measured. Double-label of NE neurons for each receptor plus TH determined whether the receptors were localized in NE neurons. Androgens with or without aromatase activity significantly stimulated DBH axon density in the raphe (ANOVA, p=0.006), and LC dendritic TH (ANOVA, p<0.0001), similar to serotonin-related mRNA expression in the raphe. There were significantly more AR-positive neurons in T- and DHT+ATD-treated groups compared to placebo or FLUT+ATD-treated groups (ANOVA, p=0.0014). There was no difference in the number of positive-neurons stained for ERα or ERβ. The CRH axon density in the LC was significantly reduced with aromatase inhibition, suggesting that CRH depends on estrogen, not androgens (ANOVA, p=0.0023). Double-immunohistochemistry revealed that NE neurons did not contain AR. Rather, AR-positive nuclei were found in neighboring cells that are likely neurons. However, >80% of LC NE neurons contained ERα or ERβ. In conclusion, the LC NE neurons may transduce the stimulatory effect of androgens on serotonin-related gene expression. Since LC NE neurons lack AR, the androgenic stimulation of dendritic TH and axonal DBH may be indirectly mediated by other neurons. Estrogen, either from metabolism of T or from de novo synthesis, appears necessary for robust CRH innervation of the LC, which differs from female macaques.
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31
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Borrow AP, Handa RJ. Estrogen Receptors Modulation of Anxiety-Like Behavior. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2016; 103:27-52. [PMID: 28061972 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens exert profound effects on the expression of anxiety in humans and rodents; however, the directionality of these effects varies considerably within both clinical and preclinical literature. It is believed that discrepancies regarding the nature of estrogens' effects on anxiety are attributable to the differential effects of specific estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes. In this chapter we will discuss the relative impact on anxiety and anxiety-like behavior of each of the three main ERs: ERα, which has a generally anxiogenic effect, ERβ, which has a generally anxiolytic effect, and the G-protein-coupled ER known as GPR30, which has been found to both increase and decrease anxiety-like behavior. In addition, we will describe the known mechanisms by which these receptor subtypes exert their influence on emotional responses, focusing on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the oxytocinergic and serotonergic systems. The impact of estrogens on the expression of anxiety is likely the result of their combined effects on all of these neurobiological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Borrow
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - R J Handa
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States.
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Knockout of ho-1 protects the striatum from ferrous iron-induced injury in a male-specific manner in mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26358. [PMID: 27198537 PMCID: PMC4873828 DOI: 10.1038/srep26358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Men have worse survival than premenopausal women after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). After ICH, overproduction of iron associated with induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in brain was observed. Rodent ICH model using ferrous citrate (FC)-infusion into the striatum to simulate iron overload, showed a higher degree of injury severity in males than in females. However, the participation of HO-1 in sex-differences of iron-induced brain injury remains unknown. The present results showed a higher level of HO-1 expression associated with more severe injury in males compared with females after FC-infusion. Estradiol (E2) contributed to lower levels of FC-induced HO-1 expression in females compared with males. Heterozygote ho-1 KO decreased the levels of FC-induced injury severity, histological lesions, behavioral deficits, autophagy and autophagic cell death in the striatum of males but not in females. Moreover, ho-1 deficiency enhanced the neuroprotection by E2 only in males. These results suggested that over induction of HO-1 plays a harmful role in FC-induced brain injury in a male-specific manner. Suppression of HO-1 combined with E2 exhibits a synergistic effect on neuroprotection against FC-induced striatal injury in males. These findings open up the prospect for male-specific neuroprotection targeting HO-1 suppression for patients suffering from striatal iron overload.
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33
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Ploskonka SD, Eaton JL, Carr MS, Schmidt JV, Cushing BS. Developmental expression of estrogen receptor beta in the brain of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). Dev Psychobiol 2015; 58:223-30. [PMID: 26419697 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Here, for the first time, the expression of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) is characterized in the brains of the highly prosocial prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). ERβ immunoreactivity was compared in weanlings (postnatal Day 21) and adult males and females. The results indicate several major findings. First, unlike ERα, ERβ expression is not sexually dimorphic. Second, the adult pattern of ERβ-IR is established at the time of weaning, as there were no age-dependent effects on distribution. Finally, ERβ does not appear to be as widely distributed in voles compared with rats and mice. High levels of ERβ-IR were observed in several regions/nuclei within the medial pre-optic area, ventrolateral pre-optic nuclei, and in the hypothalamus, especially in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. The visualization of ERβ in prairie voles is important as the socially monogamous prairie vole functions as a human relevant model system for studying the expression of social behavior and social deficit disorders. Future studies will now be able to determine the effect of treatments on the expression and/or development of ERβ in this highly social species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D Ploskonka
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325
| | - Jennifer L Eaton
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325
| | - Michael S Carr
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607
| | - Jennifer V Schmidt
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607
| | - Bruce S Cushing
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325. .,Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968.
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34
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Pesaresi M, Soon-Shiong R, French L, Kaplan DR, Miller FD, Paus T. Axon diameter and axonal transport: In vivo and in vitro effects of androgens. Neuroimage 2015; 115:191-201. [PMID: 25956809 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2015.04.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone is a sex hormone involved in brain maturation via multiple molecular mechanisms. Previous human studies described age-related changes in the overall volume and structural properties of white matter during male puberty. Based on this work, we have proposed that testosterone may induce a radial growth of the axon and, possibly, modulate axonal transport. In order to determine whether this is the case we have used two different experimental approaches. With electron microscopy, we have evaluated sex differences in the structural properties of axons in the corpus callosum (splenium) of young rats, and tested consequences of castration carried out after weaning. Then we examined in vitro the effect of the non-aromatizable androgen Mibolerone on the structure and bidirectional transport of wheat-germ agglutinin vesicles in the axons of cultured sympathetic neurons. With electron microscopy, we found robust sex differences in axonal diameter (males>females) and g ratio (males>females). Removal of endogenous testosterone by castration was associated with lower axon diameter and lower g ratio in castrated (vs. intact) males. In vitro, Mibolerone influenced the axonal transport in a time- and dose-dependent manner, and increased the axon caliber as compared with vehicle-treated neurons. These findings are consistent with the role of testosterone in shaping the axon by regulating its radial growth, as predicted by the initial human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pesaresi
- Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - R Soon-Shiong
- Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - L French
- Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1, Canada
| | - D R Kaplan
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - F D Miller
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - T Paus
- Rotman Research Institute, University of Toronto, 3560 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario M6A 2E1, Canada.
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Effect of sex steroid hormones on the number of serotonergic neurons in rat dorsal raphe nucleus. Neurosci Lett 2015; 594:127-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Bethea CL, Phu K, Belikova Y, Bethea SC. Localization and regulation of reproductive steroid receptors in the raphe serotonin system of male macaques. J Chem Neuroanat 2015; 66-67:19-27. [PMID: 25908331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We previously showed that tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) and serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) mRNAs are increased by the androgens, testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in serotonin neurons of male macaques. In addition, we observed that serotonin in axons of a terminal region were markedly decreased by aromatase inhibition and lack of estradiol (E) from metabolism of T. These observations implicated androgen receptors (AR) and estrogen receptors (ER) in the transduction of steroid hormone actions in serotonin neurons. Due to the longer treatment period employed, the expression of the cognate nuclear receptors was sought. We used single and double immunohistochemistry to quantitate and phenotypically localize AR, ERα and ERβ in the dorsal raphe of male macaques. Male Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) were castrated for 5-7 months and then treated for 3 months with [1] placebo, [2] T, [3] DHT (non-aromatizable androgen) plus ATD (steroidal aromatase inhibitor), or [4] Flutamide (FLUT; androgen antagonist) plus ATD (n = 5/group). After single labeling of each receptor, quantitative image analysis was applied and receptor positive neurons were counted. Double-label of raphe neurons for each receptor plus TPH2 determined whether the receptors were localized in serotonin neurons. There were significantly more AR-positive neurons in T- and DHT+ATD-treated groups (p = 0.0014) compared to placebo or FLUT+ATD-treated groups. There was no difference in the number of positive-neurons stained for ERα or ERβ⋅ Double-immunohistochemistry revealed that serotonin neurons did not contain AR. Rather, AR-positive nuclei were found in neighboring cells that are likely neurons. However, approximately 40% of dorsal raphe serotonin neurons contained ERα or ERβ⋅ In conclusion, the stimulatory effect of androgens on TPH2 and SERT mRNA expression is mediated indirectly by neighboring neurons contain AR. The stimulatory effect of E, derived from T metabolism, on serotonin transport is partially mediated directly via nuclear ERs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L Bethea
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, United States; Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97201, United States.
| | - Kenny Phu
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, United States
| | - Yelena Belikova
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, United States
| | - Sarah C Bethea
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR 97006, United States
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Citraro R, Gallelli L, Leo A, De Fazio P, Gallelli P, Russo E, De Sarro G. Effects of chronic sodium alendronate on depression and anxiety in a menopausal experimental model. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2014; 129:65-71. [PMID: 25542587 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2014.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During menopause, lower levels of estrogen may induce bone resorption as well as anxiety and depression. Bisphosphonates represent the first choice in the treatment of osteoporosis and no data are available concerning their effects on comorbid behavior alterations. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effects of chronic alendronate (1 mg/kg/day) on depression and anxiety in an experimental animal model of menopause. METHODS Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized or sham operated at 6-7 months of age. Two weeks after surgery, rats were randomized into four treatment (24 consecutive weeks) groups: (1) vehicle-treated SHAM group, (2) alendronate-treated SHAM group, (3) vehicle-treated ovariectomized group, and (4) alendronate-treated ovariectomized group. After treatment, we evaluated both depressive- and anxiety-like behavior through forced swimming test (FST) and open-field test (OF). Finally, the inverted screen test was used to assess the incapacitating effects of ovariectomy in rats. RESULTS We documented a significant and time-related increase in immobility times and in anxiety-like behavior in rats with ovariectomy in comparison to control sham group. Alendronate at 3 months, but not at 6 months, significantly decreased both immobility time and anxiety levels, but it significantly increased motor performance. Using the Pearson's test, we documented a significant correlation between behavior and motor performance. CONCLUSION Despite the apparent effects of alendronate on animal behavior, in our experiments, such effects seem to be mediated by an increase in motor performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Science of Health Department, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Antonio Leo
- Science of Health Department, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Pasquale De Fazio
- Science of Health Department, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Gallelli
- Science of Health Department, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy.
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Jahan MR, Kokubu K, Islam MN, Matsuo C, Yanai A, Wroblewski G, Fujinaga R, Shinoda K. Species differences in androgen receptor expression in the medial preoptic and anterior hypothalamic areas of adult male and female rodents. Neuroscience 2014; 284:943-961. [PMID: 25446364 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The medial preoptic and anterior hypothalamic areas (MPO/AH) are important androgen targets regulating homeostasis, neuroendocrinology and circadian rhythm as well as instinctive and sociosexual behaviors. Although species differences between rats and mice have been pointed out in terms of morphology and physiology, detailed distributions of androgen receptor (AR) have never been compared between the two rodents. In the present study, AR distribution was examined immunohistochemically in serial sections of the MPO/AH and compared for adult rats and mice. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry clearly demonstrated that AR expression in the brain was stronger in mice than in rats and was stronger in males than in females. In addition, we found (1) an "obliquely elongated calbindin-ir cell island" in mice medial preoptic nucleus (MPN) expressed AR intensely, as well as the sexually dimorphic nucleus in the MPN (SDN-MPN) in rats, strongly supporting a "putative SDN-MPN" previously proposed in mice; (2) AR expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) was much more prominent in mice than in rats and differed in localization between the two species; (3) a mouse-specific AR-ir cell cluster was newly identified as the "tear drop nucleus (TDN)", with male-dominant sexual dimorphism; and (4) two rat-specific AR-ir cell clusters were also newly identified as the "rostral and caudal nebular islands", with male-dominant sexual dimorphism. The present results may provide basic morphological evidence underlying species differences in androgen-modified psychological, physiological and endocrinergic responses. Above all, the findings of the mouse-specific TDN and differing AR expression in the SCN might explain not only species difference in gonadal modification of circadian rhythm, but also distinct structural bases in the context of transduction of SCN oscillation. The current study could also serve as a caution that data on androgen-sensitive functions obtained from one species should not always be directly applied to others among rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Jahan
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - K Kokubu
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Md N Islam
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - C Matsuo
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - A Yanai
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - G Wroblewski
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - R Fujinaga
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - K Shinoda
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan.
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Borrow AP, Cameron NM. Estrogenic mediation of serotonergic and neurotrophic systems: implications for female mood disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 54:13-25. [PMID: 24865152 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Clinical research has demonstrated a significant sex difference in the occurrence of depressive disorders. Beginning at pubertal onset, women report a higher incidence of depression than men. Women are also vulnerable to the development of depressive disorders such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression. These disorders are associated with reproductive stages involving changes in gonadal hormone levels. Specifically, female depression and female affective behaviors are influenced by estradiol levels. This review argues two major mechanisms by which estrogens influence depression and depressive-like behavior: through interactions with neurotrophic factors and through an influence on the serotonergic system. In particular, estradiol increases brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels within the brain, and alters serotonergic expression in a receptor subtype-specific manner. We will take a regional approach, examining these effects of estrogens in the major brain areas implicated in depression. Finally, we will discuss the gaps in our current knowledge of the effects of estrogens on female depression, and the potential utility for estrogen receptor modulators in treatment for this disorder.
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Bian C, Zhang K, Zhao Y, Guo Q, Cai W, Zhang J. Regional specific regulation of steroid receptor coactivator-1 immunoreactivity by orchidectomy in the brain of adult male mice. Steroids 2014; 88:7-14. [PMID: 24945110 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2014.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Revised: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Androgens including testosterone and dihydrotestosterone play important roles on brain structure and function, either directly through androgen receptor or indirectly through estrogen receptors, which need coactivators for their transcription activation. Steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) has been shown to be multifunctional potentials in the brain, but how it is regulated by androgens in the brain remains unclear. In this study, we explored the effect of orchidectomy (ORX) on the expression of SRC-1 in the adult male mice using nickel-intensified immunohistochemistry. The results showed that ORX induced dramatic decrease of SRC-1 immunoreactivity in the olfactory tubercle, piriform cortex, ventral pallidum, most parts of the septal area, hippocampus, substantia nigra (compact part), pontine nuclei and nucleus of the trapezoid body (p<0.01). Significant decrease of SRC-1 was noticed in the dorsal and lateral septal nucleus, medial preoptical area, dorsomedial and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and superior paraolivary nucleus (p<0.05). Whereas in other regions examined, levels of SRC-1 immunoreactivity were not obviously changed by ORX (p>0.05). The above results demonstrated ORX downregulation of SRC-1 in specific regions that have been involved in sense of smell, learning and memory, cognition, neuroendocrine, reproduction and motor control, indicating that SRC-1 play pivotal role in the mediating circulating androgenic regulation on these important brain functions. It also indicates that SRC-1 may serve as a novel target for the central disorders caused by the age-related decrease of circulating androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Bian
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Kaiyuan Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China; Cadet Brigade, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yangang Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Qiang Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Wenqin Cai
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
| | - Jiqiang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
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Chronic nandrolone decanoate exposure during adolescence affects emotional behavior and monoaminergic neurotransmission in adulthood. Neuropharmacology 2014; 83:79-88. [PMID: 24721625 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nandrolone decanoate, an anabolic androgen steroid (AAS) illicitly used by adult and adolescent athletes to enhance physical performance and body image, induces psychiatric side effects, such as aggression, depression as well as a spectrum of adverse physiological impairments. Since adolescence represents a neurodevelopmental window that is extremely sensitive to the detrimental effects of drug abuse, we investigated the long-term behavioral and neurophysiological consequences of nandrolone abuse during adolescence. Adolescent rats received daily injections of nandrolone decanoate (15 mg/kg, i.m.) for 14 days (PND 40-53). At early adulthood (PND 68), forced swim, sucrose preference, open field and elevated plus maze tests were performed to assess behavioral changes. In vivo electrophysiological recordings were carried out to monitor changes in electrical activity of serotonergic neurons of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC). Our results show that after early exposure to nandrolone, rats display depression-related behavior, characterized by increased immobility in the forced swim test and reduced sucrose intake in the sucrose preference test. In addition, adult rats presented anxiety-like behavior characterized by decreased time and number of entries in the central zone of the open field and decreased time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze. Nandrolone decreased the firing rate of spontaneously active serotonergic neurons in the DRN while increasing the firing rate of noradrenergic neurons in the LC. These results provide evidence that nandrolone decanoate exposure during adolescence alters the emotional profile of animals in adulthood and significantly modifies both serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission.
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Handa RJ, Weiser MJ. Gonadal steroid hormones and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:197-220. [PMID: 24246855 PMCID: PMC5802971 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 290] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2013] [Revised: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis represents a complex neuroendocrine feedback loop controlling the secretion of adrenal glucocorticoid hormones. Central to its function is the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) where neurons expressing corticotropin releasing factor reside. These HPA motor neurons are a primary site of integration leading to graded endocrine responses to physical and psychological stressors. An important regulatory factor that must be considered, prior to generating an appropriate response is the animal's reproductive status. Thus, PVN neurons express androgen and estrogen receptors and receive input from sites that also express these receptors. Consequently, changes in reproduction and gonadal steroid levels modulate the stress response and this underlies sex differences in HPA axis function. This review examines the make up of the HPA axis and hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and the interactions between the two that should be considered when exploring normal and pathological responses to environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Handa
- Department of Basic Medical Science, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States.
| | - Michael J Weiser
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., R&D Human Nutrition and Health, Boulder, CO 80301, United States
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Inoue S, Shikanai H, Matsumoto M, Hiraide S, Saito Y, Yanagawa Y, Yoshioka M, Shimamura KI, Togashi H. Metaplastic regulation of the median raphe nucleus via serotonin 5-HT1A receptor on hippocampal synaptic plasticity is associated with gender-specific emotional expression in rats. J Pharmacol Sci 2014; 124:394-407. [PMID: 24599137 DOI: 10.1254/jphs.13237fp] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender differences in psychiatric disorders are considered to be associated with the serotonergic (5-HTergic) system; however the underlying mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, possible involvement of the median raphe nucleus (MRN)-hippocampus 5-HTergic system in gender-specific emotional regulation was investigated, focusing on synaptic plasticity in rats. A behavioral study using a contextual fear conditioning (CFC) paradigm showed that the females exhibited low anxiety-like behavior. Extracellular 5-HT levels in the hippocampus were increased by CFC only in the males. Long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal CA1 field was suppressed after CFC in the males, which was mimicked by the synaptic response to MRN electrical stimulation. In the MRN, 5-HT immunoreactive cells significantly increased in the females compared with those in the males. Pretreatment with the 5-HT1A receptor agonists tandospirone (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and 8-OH DPAT (3 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly suppressed LTP induction in the males. Synaptic responses to CFC and 5-HT1A receptor interventions were not observed in the females. These results suggest that the metaplastic 5-HTergic mechanism via 5-HT1A receptors in the MRN-hippocampus pathway is a key component for gender-specific emotional regulation and may be a cause of psychiatric disorders associated with vulnerability or resistance to emotional stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumitaka Inoue
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Japan
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Bailey M, Silver R. Sex differences in circadian timing systems: implications for disease. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:111-39. [PMID: 24287074 PMCID: PMC4041593 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Virtually every eukaryotic cell has an endogenous circadian clock and a biological sex. These cell-based clocks have been conceptualized as oscillators whose phase can be reset by internal signals such as hormones, and external cues such as light. The present review highlights the inter-relationship between circadian clocks and sex differences. In mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) serves as a master clock synchronizing the phase of clocks throughout the body. Gonadal steroid receptors are expressed in almost every site that receives direct SCN input. Here we review sex differences in the circadian timing system in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG), the hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary (HPA) axis, and sleep-arousal systems. We also point to ways in which disruption of circadian rhythms within these systems differs in the sexes and is associated with dysfunction and disease. Understanding sex differentiated circadian timing systems can lead to improved treatment strategies for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Bailey
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, United States.
| | - Rae Silver
- Department of Psychology, Columbia University, United States; Department of Psychology, Barnard College, United States; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, United States.
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Burghardt NS, Sigurdsson T, Gorman JM, McEwen BS, LeDoux JE. Chronic antidepressant treatment impairs the acquisition of fear extinction. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 73:1078-86. [PMID: 23260230 PMCID: PMC3610782 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Like fear conditioning, the acquisition phase of extinction involves new learning that is mediated by the amygdala. During extinction training, the conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented in the absence of the unconditioned stimulus, and the expression of previously learned fear gradually becomes suppressed. Our previous study revealed that chronic treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) impairs the acquisition of auditory fear conditioning. To gain further insight into how SSRIs affect fear learning, we tested the effects of chronic SSRI treatment on the acquisition of extinction. METHODS Rats were treated chronically (22 days) or subchronically (9 days) with the SSRI citalopram (10 mg/kg/day) before extinction training. The results were compared with those after chronic and subchronic treatment with tianeptine (10 mg/kg/day), an antidepressant with a different method of action. The expression of the NR2B subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in the amygdala was examined after behavioral testing. RESULTS Chronic but not subchronic administration of citalopram impaired the acquisition of extinction and downregulated the NR2B subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in the lateral and basal nuclei of the amygdala. Similar behavioral and molecular changes were found with tianeptine treatment. CONCLUSIONS These results provide further evidence that chronic antidepressant treatment can impair amygdala-dependent learning. Our findings are consistent with a role for glutamatergic neurotransmission in the final common pathway of antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesha S Burghardt
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032-2695, USA.
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Sun XQ, Xu C, Leclerc P, Giuliano F, Benoît G, Droupy S. Distribution of androgen and oestrogen receptors-α in the seminal vesicle-related spinal neurones in male rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2013; 25:547-59. [PMID: 23414238 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Revised: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The seminal vesicles are male accessory sex glands that contribute much of the seminal fluid volume. Previous studies have suggested that the majority of autonomic innervations to the rat seminal vesicles originate from the bilateral major pelvic ganglia. Many preganglionic autonomic neurones innervating the pelvic ganglion were expressed androgen receptors (AR) or oestrogen receptor (ER)-α immunoreactivity. However, direct neuroanatomic data regarding the distribution of AR and ER-α in seminal vesicle related-spinal neurones are lacking. In the present study, a nonvirulent pseudorabies virus (PRV-152 strain) was used in a retrograde tracing experiment. Four days after PRV injection into the seminal vesicles of male rats, spinal cord sections were prepared. Double- and triple-fluorescence techniques using AR and ER-α with choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and PRV were used to investigate the AR and ER-α distribution in the seminal vesicles related spinal neurones in male rats. In lamina X, 14% of the PRV-labelled neurones in the L1-L4 segments and 43% in the L5-S1 segments were double-labelled with AR. In the L1-L4 segments, 6% of PRV-labelled neurones and 26% in the L5-S1 segments were double-labelled with ER-α. In the intermedial cell column area, 10% of PRV-labelled neurones in the L1-L4 segments and 47% of PRV-labelled neurones in the L5-S1 segments were double-labelled with AR. Up to 16% of PRV-labelled neurones in the L5-S1 segments were double-labelled with ER-α. No PRV-labelled neurones in the L1-L4 segments were double-labelled with ER-α. However, for the AR and ER-α/PRV/ChAT triple-fluorescence experiments, very few seminal vesicle preganglionic neurones expressed AR or ER-α. Our data suggests that many spinal interneurones but not preganglionic neurones involved in the seminal vesicle control in male rats were double-labelled with AR or ER-α, and they were mainly located at the parasympathetic level in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Q Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Donner NC, Lowry CA. Sex differences in anxiety and emotional behavior. Pflugers Arch 2013; 465:601-26. [PMID: 23588380 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-013-1271-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 227] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Research has elucidated causal links between stress exposure and the development of anxiety disorders, but due to the limited use of female or sex-comparative animal models, little is known about the mechanisms underlying sex differences in those disorders. This is despite an overwhelming wealth of evidence from the clinical literature that the prevalence of anxiety disorders is about twice as high in women compared to men, in addition to gender differences in severity and treatment efficacy. We here review human gender differences in generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety-relevant biological functions, discuss the limitations of classic conflict anxiety tests to measure naturally occurring sex differences in anxiety-like behaviors, describe sex-dependent manifestation of anxiety states after gestational, neonatal, or adolescent stressors, and present animal models of chronic anxiety states induced by acute or chronic stressors during adulthood. Potential mechanisms underlying sex differences in stress-related anxiety states include emerging evidence supporting the existence of two anatomically and functionally distinct serotonergic circuits that are related to the modulation of conflict anxiety and panic-like anxiety, respectively. We discuss how these serotonergic circuits may be controlled by reproductive steroid hormone-dependent modulation of crfr1 and crfr2 expression in the midbrain dorsal raphe nucleus and by estrous stage-dependent alterations of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) neurotransmission in the periaqueductal gray, ultimately leading to sex differences in emotional behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina C Donner
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, 1725 Pleasant Street, 114 Clare Small, Boulder, CO 80309-0354, USA.
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Bethea CL, Reddy AP, Robertson N, Coleman K. Effects of aromatase inhibition and androgen activity on serotonin and behavior in male macaques. Behav Neurosci 2013; 127:400-14. [PMID: 23506438 DOI: 10.1037/a0032016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Aggression in humans and animals has been linked to androgens and serotonin function. To further our understanding of the effect of androgens on serotonin and aggression in male macaques, we sought to manipulate circulating androgens and the activity of aromatase; and to then determine behavior and the endogenous availability of serotonin. Male Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) were castrated for 5-7 months and then treated for 3 months with (a) placebo; (b) testosterone (T); (c) T + Dutasteride (5a reductase inhibitor; AvodartTM); (d) T + Letrozole (nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor; FemeraTM); (e) Flutamide + ATD (androgen antagonist plus steroidal aromatase inhibitor); or (f) dihydrotestosterone (DHT) + ATD (n = 5/group). Behavioral observations were made during treatments. At the end of the treatment period, each animal was sedated with propofol and administered a bolus of fenfluramine (5 mg/kg). Fenfluramine causes the release of serotonin proportional to endogenous availability and in turn, serotonin stimulates the secretion of prolactin. Therefore, serum prolactin concentrations reflect endogenous serotonin. Fenfluramine significantly increased serotonin/prolactin in all groups (p < .0001). Fenfluramine-induced serotonin/prolactin in the T-treated group was significantly higher than the other groups (p < .0001). Castration partially reduced the serotonin/prolactin response and Letrozole partially blocked the effect of T. Complete inhibition of aromatase with ATD, a noncompetitive inhibitor, significantly and similarly reduced the fenfluramine-induced serotonin/prolactin response in the presence or absence of DHT. Neither aggressive behavior nor yawning (indicators of androgen activity) correlated with serotonin/prolactin, but posited aromatase activity correlated significantly with prolactin (p < .0008; r² = 0.95). In summary, androgens induced aggressive behavior but they did not regulate serotonin. Altogether, the data suggest that aromatase activity supports serotonin production and that androgens increase aggression by another mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia L Bethea
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon 97006, USA.
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Akhmadeev AV, Kalimullina LB. Sex Steroids and Monoamines in the System of Neuroendocrine Regulation of the Functions of the Amygdaloid Complex of the Brain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11055-012-9702-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Characterization of the "sporadically lurking HAP1-immunoreactive (SLH) cells" in the hippocampus, with special reference to the expression of steroid receptors, GABA, and progenitor cell markers. Neuroscience 2012; 210:67-81. [PMID: 22421101 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Revised: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) is a neural huntingtin interactor that is widely expressed as a core molecule of the stigmoid body (a neurocytoplasmic inclusion) in the limbic and hypothalamic regions and has putative protective functions against some neurodegenerative diseases (HAP1 protection hypothesis). Although HAP1 has been reported to be intimately associated with several steroid receptors, HAP1-immunoreactive (HAP1-ir) cells remain to be identified in the hippocampus, which is one of the major steroidal targets. In this study, we determined the distribution of hippocampal HAP1-ir cells in light and fluorescence microscopy and characterized their morphological relationships with steroid receptors, markers of adult neurogenesis, and the GABAergic system in adult male and female Wistar rats. HAP1-ir cells, which were sporadically distributed particularly in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus and in the interface between the stratum lacunosum-moleculare and stratum radiatum of Ammon's horn, were identified as the "sporadically lurking HAP1-ir (SLH)" cells. The SLH cells showed no clear association with neural progenitor/proliferating or migrating cell markers of adult neurogenesis, such as Ki-67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, doublecortin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the SGZ, whereas all the SLH cells expressed a neuronal specific nuclear protein (NeuN). More than 90% of the SLH cells expressed nuclear estrogen receptor (ER) α but neither ERβ nor the androgen receptor, whereas glucocorticoid receptor was differently stained in the SLH cells depending on the antibodies. More than 60% of them exhibited GABA immunoreactivity in the SGZ, suggestive of basket cells, but they were distinct from the ones expressing cholecystokinin or parvalbumin. We conclude that SLH cells, which should be stable against apoptosis due to putative HAP1 protectivity, might be involved in estrogen-dependent maturation, remodeling and activation of hippocampal memory and learning functions via ERα and partly through GABAergic regulation.
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