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Matsuda KI, Takahashi T, Morishita S, Tanaka M. Histological analysis of neuronal changes in the olfactory cortex during pregnancy. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26780. [PMID: 38444488 PMCID: PMC10912243 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluctuations in olfactory sensitivity are widely known to occur during pregnancy and may be responsible for hyperemesis gravidarum. These changes are thought to be caused by structural and functional alterations in neurons in response to marked changes of the hormonal milieu. In this study, we examined changes in neurons in the olfactory cortex during pregnancy and after delivery in rats. Dendritic spine densities were measured in the piriform cortex (PIR) and posterolateral cortical amygdala (COApl), which are involved in olfaction. The results showed increased numbers of dendritic spines in the PIR in mid-pregnancy and in the COApl during early and late pregnancy, but not in the motor area of the cerebral cortex, indicating a correlation with changes in olfactory sensitivity during pregnancy. Immunohistochemical analysis of expression of ovarian hormone receptors in these brain regions revealed a decrease in the number of estrogen receptor α-positive cells during pregnancy in the PIR and during pregnancy and the postpartum period in the COApl. Regarding pregnancy-related peptide hormones, oxytocin receptors were expressed in the PIR and COApl, while prolactin receptors were not found in these regions. Accordingly, oxytocin-containing neurites were distributed in both regions. These results suggest that the balance of these hormonal signals has an effect on olfactory sensitivity in pregnant females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Ichi Matsuda
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoki Takahashi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sae Morishita
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masaki Tanaka
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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2
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Johnson CE, Hammock EAD, Dewan AK. Vasopressin receptor 1a, oxytocin receptor, and oxytocin knockout male and female mice display normal perceptual abilities towards non-social odorants. Horm Behav 2023; 148:105302. [PMID: 36628861 PMCID: PMC10067158 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105302] [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: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Genetic knockouts of the vasopressin receptor 1a (Avpr1a), oxytocin receptor (Oxtr), or oxytocin (Oxt) gene in mice have helped cement the causal relationship between these neuropeptide systems and various social behaviors (e.g., social investigation, recognition, and communication, as well as territoriality and aggression). In mice, these social behaviors depend upon the olfactory system. Thus, it is critical to assess the olfactory capabilities of these knockout models to accurately interpret the observed differences in social behavior. Prior studies utilizing these transgenic mice have sought to test for baseline deficits in olfactory processing; predominantly through use of odor habituation/dishabituation tasks, buried food tests, or investigation assays using non-social odorants. While informative, these assays rely on the animal's intrinsic motivation and locomotor behavior to measure olfactory capabilities and thus, often yield mixed results. Instead, psychophysical analyses using operant conditioning procedures and flow-dilution olfactometry are ideally suited to precisely quantify olfactory perception. In the present study, we used these methods to assess the main olfactory capabilities of adult male and female Avpr1a, Oxtr, and Oxt transgenic mice to volatile non-social odorants. Our results indicate that homozygous and heterozygous knockout mice of all three strains have the same sensitivity and discrimination ability as their wild-type littermates. These data strongly support the hypothesis that the observed social deficits of these global knockout mice are not due to baseline deficits of their main olfactory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Elise Johnson
- Department of Psychology, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States.
| | - Elizabeth Anne Dunn Hammock
- Department of Psychology, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States.
| | - Adam Kabir Dewan
- Department of Psychology, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States.
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3
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Konkoly J, Kormos V, Gaszner B, Correia P, Berta G, Biró-Sütő T, Zelena D, Pintér E. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 ion channel expressed by the Edinger-Westphal nucleus contributes to stress adaptation in murine model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1059073. [PMID: 36561364 PMCID: PMC9763580 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1059073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) is involved in stress adaptation. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) mRNA was previously shown to be expressed abundantly in mouse and human EWcp urocortin 1 (UCN1) positive neurons and reacted to chronic stress. Since UCN1 neurons are deeply implicated in stress-related disorders, we hypothesized that TRPA1/UCN1 neurons are also affected in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We examined male Trpa1 wild type (WT) and gene-deficient (KO) mice in the single prolonged stress (SPS) model of PTSD. Two weeks later the behavioral changes were monitored by forced swim test (FST) and restraint. The Trpa1 and Ucn1 mRNA expression and the UCN1 peptide content were assessed by RNAscope in situ hybridization technique combined with immunofluorescence labeling in the EWcp. SPS-induced immobility was lower in Trpa1 KO compared to WT animals, both in the FST and restraint, corresponding to diminished depression-like behavior. The copy number of Trpa1 mRNA decreased significantly in EWcp of WT animals in response to SPS. Higher basal Ucn1 mRNA expression was observed in the EWcp of KO animals, that was not affected by SPS exposure. EWcp neurons of WT animals responded to SPS with substantially increased amount of UCN1 peptide content compared to control animals, whereas such changes were not observable in KO mice. The decreased Trpa1 mRNA expression in the SPS model of PTSD associated with increased neuronal UCN1 peptide content suggests that this cation channel might be involved in the regulation of stress adaptation and may contribute to the pathomechanism of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Konkoly
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary,*Correspondence: Viktória Kormos,
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Department of Anatomy, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Pedro Correia
- Department of Physiology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gergely Berta
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary,Signal Transduction Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tünde Biró-Sütő
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Department of Physiology, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
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4
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Konkoly J, Kormos V, Gaszner B, Sándor Z, Kecskés A, Alomari A, Szilágyi A, Szilágyi B, Zelena D, Pintér E. The Role of TRPA1 Channels in the Central Processing of Odours Contributing to the Behavioural Responses of Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14121336. [PMID: 34959735 PMCID: PMC8703823 DOI: 10.3390/ph14121336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a nonselective cation channel, contributes to several (patho)physiological processes. Smell loss is an early sign in several neurodegenerative disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases; therefore, we focused on its role in olfaction and social behaviour with the aim to reveal its potential therapeutic use. The presence of Trpa1 mRNA was studied along the olfactory tract of mice by combined RNAscope in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry. The aversive effects of fox and cat odour were examined in parallel with stress hormone levels. In vitro calcium imaging was applied to test if these substances can directly activate TRPA1 receptors. The role of TRPA1 in social behaviour was investigated by comparing Trpa1 wild-type and knockout mice (KO). Trpa1 mRNA was detected in the olfactory bulb and piriform cortex, while its expression was weak in the olfactory epithelium. Fox, but not cat odour directly activated TRPA1 channels in TRPA1-overexpressing Chinese Hamster Ovary cell lines. Accordingly, KO animals showed less aversion against fox, but not cat odour. The social interest of KO mice was reduced during social habituation–dishabituation and social interaction, but not during resident–intruder tests. TRPA1 may contribute to odour processing at several points of the olfactory tract and may play an important role in shaping the social behaviour of mice. Thus, TRPA1 may influence the development of certain social disorders, serving as a potential drug target in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Konkoly
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (J.K.); (V.K.); (Z.S.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre of the University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.G.); (D.Z.)
| | - Viktória Kormos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (J.K.); (V.K.); (Z.S.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre of the University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.G.); (D.Z.)
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs Gaszner
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre of the University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.G.); (D.Z.)
- Research Group for Mood Disorders, Department of Anatomy, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Sándor
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (J.K.); (V.K.); (Z.S.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre of the University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.G.); (D.Z.)
| | - Angéla Kecskés
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (J.K.); (V.K.); (Z.S.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre of the University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.G.); (D.Z.)
| | - Ammar Alomari
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (J.K.); (V.K.); (Z.S.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre of the University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.G.); (D.Z.)
| | - Alíz Szilágyi
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.S.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beatrix Szilágyi
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.S.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre of the University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.G.); (D.Z.)
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.S.); (B.S.)
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Erika Pintér
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (J.K.); (V.K.); (Z.S.); (A.K.); (A.A.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre of the University of Pécs, H-7624 Pécs, Hungary; (B.G.); (D.Z.)
- Correspondence:
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5
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Tartaglione AM, Farioli Vecchioli S, Giorgi MC, Cutuli D, Calamandrei G. Altered responsiveness to pups in virgin female mice of the BTBR strain: Insights from pattern of c-Fos expression in brain regions involved in maternal behavior. Behav Brain Res 2021; 410:113365. [PMID: 33992667 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BTBR is an inbred mouse strain that displays several behavioral alterations resembling the core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder, including deficit in sociability. In the present study, we investigated whether the pup-induced maternal behavior in virgin female mice, a naturally rewarding behavior, is impaired in this strain similarly to social interaction with adult conspecifics. We firstly assessed the maternal responsiveness towards newly born pups expressed by either virgin female mice of the BTBR strain or of the normo-social B6 strain. Next, we examined in both strains the expression of c-Fos as a marker of neuronal activity in selected brain areas involved in the regulation of maternal behavior in rodents including the olfactory bulb, the medial preoptic area and the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). We also examined the effects of pup presentation on oxytocinergic neurons of the PVN, the major brain site of synthesis of oxytocin, which has a pivotal role in facilitation of maternal response and social responsiveness in general. As a final step, we assessed the c-Fos expression pattern comparing the effect of exposure to pups with that induced by exposure to another social stimulus, focusing on other areas implicated in maternal responsiveness as well as in the affective component of social behavior such as pyriform cortex and central and basolateral amygdala. Our data showed that BTBR virgin females are less responsive to presentation of pups in comparison to B6, in parallel with lower activation of brain areas implicated in the maternal and social responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Tartaglione
- Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | | | - M C Giorgi
- Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy
| | - D Cutuli
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy; IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - G Calamandrei
- Centre for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, National Institute of Health (ISS), Rome, Italy.
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6
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Sun C, Yin Z, Li B, Du H, Tang K, Liu P, Hang Pun S, Lei TC, Li A. Oxytocin modulates neural processing of mitral/tufted cells in the olfactory bulb. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 231:e13626. [PMID: 33580583 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM Oxytocin plays an important role in social recognition in rodents, which is mediated predominantly by the olfactory system. Although oxytocin modulates neural activity in the olfactory bulb, the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Here, we studied how direct infusion of oxytocin into the olfactory bulb affect social interactions in mice and modulate the neural activity of mitral/tufted cells in the olfactory bulb. METHODS A three-chamber social interaction test was used in the behavioural test. For in vivo studies, single unit recordings, local field potential recordings and fibre photometry recordings were used to record the neural activity of olfactory bulb. For in vitro studies, we performed patch clamp recordings in the slice of the olfactory bulb. RESULTS Behaviourally, direct oxytocin infusion in olfactory bulb increased performance in a social interaction task. Moreover, odour-evoked responses of mitral/tufted cells and neural discrimination of odours were both enhanced by oxytocin, whereas the spontaneous firing rate of mitral/tufted cells was reduced. At the neural network level, oxytocin decreased the amplitude of odour-evoked high gamma responses. At the cell population level, oxytocin decreased odour-evoked calcium responses (reflecting neural activity) specifically in granule cells. Moreover, in vitro slice recordings revealed that the inhibitory effect of oxytocin on mitral cell activity is mediated mainly by modulation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels and involves the oxytocin receptor-Gq-PLC-IP3 signalling pathway. CONCLUSION Oxytocin modulates social interaction, likely by increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of odour responses in mitral cells which is partly through ATP-sensitive potassium channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changcheng Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou China
| | - Zhaoyang Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou China
| | - Ben‐Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed‐Signal VLSI University of Macau Macau China
- Department of Electrical Engineering University of Colorado Denver CO USA
| | - Han Du
- Institute of Neuroscience Soochow University Suzhou China
| | - Keke Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou China
| | - Penglai Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou China
| | - Sio Hang Pun
- State Key Laboratory of Analog and Mixed‐Signal VLSI University of Macau Macau China
- Institute of Microelectronics University of Macau Macau China
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty of Science and Technology University of Macau Macau China
| | - Tim C. Lei
- Department of Electrical Engineering University of Colorado Denver CO USA
| | - Anan Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Xuzhou Medical University Xuzhou China
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7
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Abramova O, Zorkina Y, Ushakova V, Zubkov E, Morozova A, Chekhonin V. The role of oxytocin and vasopressin dysfunction in cognitive impairment and mental disorders. Neuropeptides 2020; 83:102079. [PMID: 32839007 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2020.102079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) are structurally homologous peptide hormones synthesized in the hypothalamus. Nowadays, the role of OXT and AVP in the regulation of social behaviour and emotions is generally known. However, recent researches indicate that peptides also participate in cognitive functioning. This review presents the evidence that the OXT/AVP systems are involved in the formation of social, working, spatial and episodic memory, mediated by such brain structures as the hippocampal CA2 and CA3 regions, amygdala and prefrontal cortex. Some data have demonstrated that the OXT receptor's polymorphisms are associated with impaired memory in humans, and OXT knockout in mice is connected with memory deficit. Additionally, OXT and AVP are involved in mental disorders' progression. Stress-induced imbalance of the OXT/AVP systems leads to an increased risk of various mental disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and autism. At the same time, cognitive deficits are observed in stress and mental disorders, and perhaps peptide hormones play a part in this. The final part of the review describes possible therapeutic strategies for the use of OXT and AVP for treatment of various mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Abramova
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia.
| | - Yana Zorkina
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valeria Ushakova
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia; Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia
| | - Eugene Zubkov
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Morozova
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir Chekhonin
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V.P. Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia; Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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8
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Duerrauer L, Muratspahić E, Gattringer J, Keov P, Mendel HC, Pfleger KDG, Muttenthaler M, Gruber CW. I8-arachnotocin-an arthropod-derived G protein-biased ligand of the human vasopressin V 2 receptor. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19295. [PMID: 31848378 PMCID: PMC6917733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55675-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) and their G protein-coupled receptors OTR, V1aR, V1bR, and V2R form an important and widely-distributed neuroendocrine signaling system. In mammals, this signaling system regulates water homeostasis, blood pressure, reproduction, as well as social behaviors such as pair bonding, trust and aggression. There exists high demand for ligands with differing pharmacological profiles to study the physiological and pathological functions of the individual receptor subtypes. Here, we present the pharmacological characterization of an arthropod (Metaseiulus occidentalis) OT/VP-like nonapeptide across the human OT/VP receptors. I8-arachnotocin is a full agonist with respect to second messenger signaling at human V2R (EC50 34 nM) and V1bR (EC50 1.2 µM), a partial agonist at OTR (EC50 790 nM), and a competitive antagonist at V1aR [pA2 6.25 (558 nM)]. Intriguingly, I8-arachnotocin activated the Gαs pathway of V2R without recruiting either β-arrestin-1 or β-arrestin-2. I8-arachnotocin might thus be a novel pharmacological tool to study the (patho)physiological relevance of β-arrestin-1 or -2 recruitment to the V2R. These findings furthermore highlight arthropods as a novel, vast and untapped source for the discovery of novel pharmacological probes and potential drug leads targeting neurohormone receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leopold Duerrauer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Edin Muratspahić
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin Gattringer
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Keov
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen C Mendel
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kevin D G Pfleger
- Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia and Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacology and Physiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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9
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Dobolyi A, Cservenák M, Young LJ. Thalamic integration of social stimuli regulating parental behavior and the oxytocin system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 51:102-115. [PMID: 29842887 PMCID: PMC6175608 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Critically important components of the maternal neural circuit in the preoptic area robustly activated by suckling were recently identified. In turn, suckling also contributes to hormonal adaptations to motherhood, which includes oxytocin release and consequent milk ejection. Other reproductive or social stimuli can also trigger the release of oxytocin centrally, influencing parental or social behaviors. However, the neuronal pathways that transfer suckling and other somatosensory stimuli to the preoptic area and oxytocin neurons have been poorly characterized. Recently, a relay center of suckling was determined and characterized in the posterior intralaminar complex of the thalamus (PIL). Its neurons containing tuberoinfundibular peptide 39 project to both the preoptic area and oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus. The present review argues that the PIL is a major relay nucleus conveying somatosensory information supporting maternal behavior and oxytocin release in mothers, and may be involved more generally in social cue evoked oxytocin release, too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpad Dobolyi
- MTA-ELTE Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Melinda Cservenák
- MTA-ELTE Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Laboratory of Neuromorphology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Larry J Young
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, USA.
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