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Kaiser M, Jaillardon L. Pathogenesis of the crosstalk between reproductive function and stress in animals-part 1: Hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, sympatho-adrenomedullary system and kisspeptin. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58 Suppl 2:176-183. [PMID: 37724657 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14444] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Stress is defined as a disruption of the body homeostasis in response to modest as well as perceived challenge. Two main physiological routes, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system (HPA) and the sympatho-adrenomedullary system (SAM), aim to maintain or restore homeostasis by mutual interaction. SAM is quickly-reacting as it primarily works through the nervous system-the sympathetic nervous system. In response to stress, signals are sent to activate the adrenal medulla which releases catecholamines (primarily adrenaline and norepinephrine). The catecholamines have a momentary effect on the body's organs that are prepared for a fight situation. At the same time, the stressor activates the HPA axis by signals from the brain causing secretion of the pituitary hormone adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH acts on the adrenal cortex, which secretes glucocorticoids, including cortisol. Since HPA primarily works through hormones, the system is slightly slower than SAM and gives rise to a metabolic effect. While short-term stress response is an adaptive and beneficial process, chronic or excessive stress can lead to a range of negative health outcomes including reproductive disorders and infertility. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the link between stress and reproduction. This includes in particular kisspeptin, which is closely related to reproduction, as it is a powerful stimulator of the Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) system. The present review, through current knowledge in various male and female species, deals with the role of the SAM and the HPA, including the major action of kisspeptin and glucocorticoids that trigger the consequences of psychological or physiological stress on reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Kaiser
- Management and Modelling, Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Laetitia Jaillardon
- Oniris, LabOniris, Nantes Atlantic National College of Veterinary Medicine, Food Sciences and Engineering, Nantes, France
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2
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Abstract
Signaling via extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK), a downstream effector, mediates numerous processes. For example, ERK1/2-RSK signaling is essential for estrogen homeostasis in the mammary gland and uterus to maintain physiological responsiveness. This review will focus on the coordination of ERK1/2-RSK2 and estrogen signaling through estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). The interrelationship and the feedback mechanisms between these pathways occurs at the level of transcription, translation, and posttranslational modification. Identifying how ERK1/2-RSK2 and estrogen signaling cooperate in homeostasis and disease may lead to novel therapeutic approaches in estrogen-dependent disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A Lannigan
- Correspondence: Deborah A. Lannigan, PhD, Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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Acute stress anticipates and amplifies the Luteinizing Hormone pre-ovulatory surge in rats: role of noradrenergic neurons. Brain Res 2022; 1781:147805. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Horie S, Kiyokage E, Hayashi S, Inoue K, Sohn J, Hioki H, Furuta T, Toida K. Structural basis for noradrenergic regulation of neural circuits in the mouse olfactory bulb. J Comp Neurol 2021; 529:2189-2208. [PMID: 33616936 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory input is processed in the glomerulus of the main olfactory bulb (OB) and relayed to higher centers in the brain by projection neurons. Conversely, centrifugal inputs from other brain regions project to the OB. We have previously analyzed centrifugal inputs into the OB from several brain regions using single-neuron labeling. In this study, we analyzed the centrifugal noradrenergic (NA) fibers derived from the locus coeruleus (LC), because their projection pathways and synaptic connections in the OB have not been clarified in detail. We analyzed the NA centrifugal projections by single-neuron labeling and immunoelectron microscopy. Individual NA neurons labeled by viral infection were three-dimensionally traced using Neurolucida software to visualize the projection pathway from the LC to the OB. Also, centrifugal NA fibers were visualized using an antibody for noradrenaline transporter (NET). NET immunoreactive (-ir) fibers contained many varicosities and synaptic vesicles. Furthermore, electron tomography demonstrated that NET-ir fibers formed asymmetrical synapses of varied morphology. Although these synapses were present at varicosities, the density of synapses was relatively low throughout the OB. The maximal density of synapses was found in the external plexiform layer; about 17% of all observed varicosities contained synapses. These results strongly suggest that NA-containing fibers in the OB release NA from both varicosities and synapses to influence the activities of OB neurons. The present study provides a morphological basis for olfactory modulation by centrifugal NA fibers derived from the LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawa Horie
- Department of Anatomy, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Emi Kiyokage
- Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shuichi Hayashi
- Department of Anatomy, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kanako Inoue
- Research Center for Ultra-High Voltage Electron Microscopy, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jaerin Sohn
- Division of Cerebral Circuitry, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hioki
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Furuta
- Department of Oral Anatomy and Neurobiology, Osaka University Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazunori Toida
- Department of Anatomy, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan.,Research Center for Ultra-High Voltage Electron Microscopy, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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Clarke IJ, Arbabi L. New concepts of the central control of reproduction, integrating influence of stress, metabolic state, and season. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2016; 56 Suppl:S165-79. [PMID: 27345314 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin releasing hormone is the primary driver of reproductive function and pulsatile GnRH secretion from the brain causes the synthesis and secretion of LH and FSH from the pituitary gland. Recent work has revealed that the secretion of GnRH is controlled at the level of the GnRH secretory terminals in the median eminence. At this level, projections of kisspeptin cells from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus are seen to be closely associated with fibers and terminals of GnRH cells. Direct application of kisspeptin into the median eminence causes release of GnRH. The kisspeptin cells are activated at the time of a natural "pulse" secretion of GnRH, as reflected in the secretion of LH. This appears to be due to input to the kisspeptin cells from glutamatergic cells in the basal hypothalamus, indicating that more than 1 neural element is involved in the secretion of GnRH. Because the GnRH secretory terminals are outside the blood-brain barrier, factors such as kisspeptin may be administered systemically to cause GnRH secretion; this offers opportunities for manipulation of the reproductive axis using factors that do not cross the blood-brain barrier. In particular, kisspeptin or analogs of the same may be used to activate reproduction in the nonbreeding season of domestic animals. Another brain peptide that influences reproductive function is gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH). Work in sheep shows that this peptide acts on GnRH neuronal perikarya, but projections to the median eminence also allow secretion into the hypophysial portal blood and action of GnIH on pituitary gonadotropes. GnIH cells are upregulated in anestrus, and infusion of GnIH can block the ovulatory surge in GnRH and/or LH secretion. Metabolic status may also affect the secretion of reproduction, and this could involve action of gut peptides and leptin. Neuropeptide Y and Y-receptor ligands have a negative impact on reproduction, and Neuropeptide Y production is markedly increased in negative energy balance; this may be the cause of lowered GnRH and gonadotropin secretion in this state. There is a complex interaction between appetite-regulating peptide neurons and kisspeptin neurons that enables the former to regulate the latter both positively and negatively. In terms of how GnRH secretion is reduced during stress, recent data indicate that GnIH cells are integrally involved, with increased input to the GnRH cells. The secretion of GnIH into the portal blood is not increased during stress, so the negative effect is most likely effected at the level of GnRH neuronal cell bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- I J Clarke
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.
| | - L Arbabi
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
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Rose JL, Hamlin AS, Scott CJ. Sex differences in the expression of estrogen receptor alpha within noradrenergic neurons in the sheep brain stem. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2014; 49:6-13. [PMID: 25010022 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In female sheep, high levels of estrogen exert a positive feedback action on gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion to stimulate a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Part of this action appears to be via brain stem noradrenergic neurons. By contrast, estrogen action in male sheep has a negative feedback action to inhibit GnRH and LH secretion. To investigate whether part of this sex difference is due to differences in estrogen action in the brain stem, we tested the hypothesis that the distribution of estrogen receptor α (ERα) within noradrenergic neurons in the brain stem differs between rams and ewes. To determine the distribution of ERα, we used double-label fluorescence immunohistochemistry for dopamine β-Hydroxylase, as a marker for noradrenergic and adrenergic cells, and ERα. In the ventrolateral medulla (A1 region), most ERα-immunoreactive (-ir) cells were located in the caudal part of the nucleus. Overall, there were more ERα-ir cells in rams than ewes, but the proportion of double-labeled cells was did not differ between sexes. Much greater numbers of ERα-ir cells were found in the nucleus of the solitary tract (A2 region), but <10% were double labeled and there were no sex differences. The majority of ERα-labeled cells in this nucleus was located in the more rostral areas. ERα-labeled cells were found in several rostral brain stem regions but none of these were double labeled and so were not quantified. Because there was no sex difference in the number of ERα-ir cells in the brain stem that were noradrenergic, the sex difference in the action of estrogen on gonadotropin secretion in sheep is unlikely to involve actions on brain stem noradrenergic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Rose
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, North South Wales, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University and NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australia
| | - A S Hamlin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, North South Wales, Australia
| | - C J Scott
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, North South Wales, Australia; Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation, Charles Sturt University and NSW Department of Primary Industries, Australia.
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Fergani C, Routly JE, Jones DN, Pickavance LC, Smith RF, Dobson H. Kisspeptin, c-Fos and CRFR type 2 expression in the preoptic area and mediobasal hypothalamus during the follicular phase of intact ewes, and alteration after LPS. Physiol Behav 2013; 110-111:158-68. [PMID: 23313561 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2012.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Increasing estradiol concentrations during the late follicular phase stimulate sexual behavior and the GnRH/LH surge, and it is known that kisspeptin signaling is essential for the latter. Administration of LPS can block these events, but the mechanism involved is unclear. We examined brain tissue from intact ewes to determine: i) which regions are activated with respect to sexual behavior, the LH surge and LPS administration, ii) the location and activation pattern of kisspeptin cells in control and LPS treated animals, and iii) whether CRFR type 2 is involved in such disruptive mechanisms. Follicular phases were synchronized with progesterone vaginal pessaries and control animals were killed at 0 h, 16 h, 31 h or 40 h (n=4-6/group) after progesterone withdrawal (time zero). At 28 h, other animals received endotoxin (LPS; 100 ng/kg) and were subsequently killed at 31 h or 40 h (n=5/group). LH surges only occurred in control ewes, during which there was a marked increase in c-Fos expression within the ventromedial nucleus (VMN), arcuate nucleus (ARC), and medial preoptic area (mPOA), as well as an increase in the percentage of kisspeptin cells co-expressing c-Fos in the ARC and mPOA compared to animals sacrificed at all other times. Expression of c-Fos also increased in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in animals just before the expected onset of sexual behavior. However, LPS treatment increased c-Fos expression within the VMN, ARC, mPOA and diagonal band of broca (dBb), along with CRFR type 2 immunoreactivity in the lower part of the ARC and median eminence (ME), compared to controls. Furthermore, the percentage of kisspeptin cells co-expressing c-Fos was lower in the ARC and mPOA. Thus, we hypothesize that in intact ewes, the BNST is involved in the initiation of sexual behavior while the VMN, ARC, and mPOA as well as kisspeptin cells located in the latter two areas are involved in estradiol positive feedback only during the LH surge. By contrast, disruption of sexual behavior and the LH surge after LPS involves cells located in the VMN, ARC, mPOA and dBb, as well as cells containing CRFR type 2 in the lower part of the ARC and ME, and is accompanied by inhibition of kisspeptin cell activation in both the ARC and mPOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fergani
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, UK.
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Clarke IJ, Caraty A. Kisspeptin and seasonality of reproduction. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 784:411-30. [PMID: 23550017 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-6199-9_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Wild and domesticated species display seasonality in reproductive function, controlled predominantly by photoperiod. Seasonal alterations in breeding status are caused by changes in the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) that are mediated by upstream neuronal afferents that regulate the GnRH cells. In particular, kisspeptin appears to play a major role in seasonality of reproduction, transducing the feedback effect of gonadal steroids as well as having an independent (nonsteroid dependent) circannual rhythm. A substantial body of data on this issue has been obtained from studies in sheep and hamsters and this is reviewed here in detail. Kisspeptin function is upregulated during the breeding season in sheep, stimulating reproductive function, but contradictory data are found in Siberian and Syrian hamsters. The relative quiescence of kisspeptin cells in the nonbreeding season can be counteracted by administration of the peptide, leading to activation of reproductive function. Although there is a major role for melatonin in the transduction of photoperiod to the reproductive system, kisspeptin cells do not appear to express the melatonin receptor, so the means by which seasonality changes the level of kisspeptin activity remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain J Clarke
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Australia.
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Walton JC, Weil ZM, Nelson RJ. Influence of photoperiod on hormones, behavior, and immune function. Front Neuroendocrinol 2011; 32:303-19. [PMID: 21156187 PMCID: PMC3139743 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2010] [Revised: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Photoperiodism is the ability of plants and animals to measure environmental day length to ascertain time of year. Central to the evolution of photoperiodism in animals is the adaptive distribution of energetically challenging activities across the year to optimize reproductive fitness while balancing the energetic tradeoffs necessary for seasonally-appropriate survival strategies. The ability to accurately predict future events requires endogenous mechanisms to permit physiological anticipation of annual conditions. Day length provides a virtually noise free environmental signal to monitor and accurately predict time of the year. In mammals, melatonin provides the hormonal signal transducing day length. Duration of pineal melatonin is inversely related to day length and its secretion drives enduring changes in many physiological systems, including the HPA, HPG, and brain-gut axes, the autonomic nervous system, and the immune system. Thus, melatonin is the fulcrum mediating redistribution of energetic investment among physiological processes to maximize fitness and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Walton
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Control of GnRH secretion: one step back. Front Neuroendocrinol 2011; 32:367-75. [PMID: 21216259 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 11/17/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The reproductive system is controlled by gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the brain, which is finely modulated by a number of factors including gonadal sex steroids. GnRH cells do not express estrogen receptor α, but feedback is transmitted by neurons that are at least 'one step back' from the GnRH cells. Modulation by season, stress and nutrition are effected by neuronal pathways that converge on the GnRH cells. Kisspeptin and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) neurons are regulators of GnRH secretion, the former being a major conduit for transmission of sex steroid feedback. GnIH cells project to GnRH cells and may play a role in the seasonal changes in reproductive activity in sheep. GnIH also modulates the action of GnRH at the level of the pituitary gonadotrope. This review focuses on the role that kisspeptin and GnIH neurons play, as modulators that are 'one step back' from GnRH neurons.
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