1
|
Karaca E, Yarim M. Naringenin stimulates aromatase expression and alleviates the clinical and histopathological findings of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57bl6 mice. Histochem Cell Biol 2023; 160:477-490. [PMID: 37378907 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02217-1] [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] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to demonstrate the possible protective and therapeutic effects of naringenin, an estrogenically effective flavonoid, in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), which is the rodent model of multiple sclerosis. For this purpose, 50 12-week-old C57BL6 male mice were divided into five groups; control, naringenin, EAE, prophylactic naringenin + EAE, and EAE + therapeutic naringenin. The EAE model was induced with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein(35-55), and naringenin (50 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage. The prophylactic and therapeutic effects of naringenin were examined according to clinical, histopathological, immunohistochemical, electron microscopic, and RT-PCR (aromatase, 3βHSD, estrogen receptors, and progesterone receptor expression) parameters. The acute EAE model was successfully induced, along with its clinical and histopathological findings. RT-PCR showed that expression of aromatase, 3βHSD, estrogen receptor-β, and progesterone receptor gene decreased, while estrogen receptor-α increased after EAE induction. Electron microscopic analysis showed mitochondrial damage and degenerative changes in myelinated axons and neurons in EAE, which could be behind the downregulation in the expressions of neurosteroid enzymes. Aromatase immunopositivity rates also decreased in EAE, while estrogen receptor α and β, and progesterone receptor immunopositivity rates increased. Naringenin improved aromatase immunopositivity rates and gene expression in both prophylactic and therapeutic use. Clinical and histopathological findings revealed that EAE findings were alleviated in both prophylactic and therapeutic groups, along with significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltrations in the white matter of the spinal cords. In conclusion, naringenin could provide long-term beneficial effects even in prophylactic use due to stimulating aromatase expression, but it could not prevent or eliminate the EAE model's lesions completely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Efe Karaca
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, 55200, Atakum, Samsun, Turkey.
| | - Murat Yarim
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ondokuz Mayıs University, 55200, Atakum, Samsun, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ruiz-Cantero MC, González-Cano R, Tejada MÁ, Santos-Caballero M, Perazzoli G, Nieto FR, Cobos EJ. Sigma-1 receptor: A drug target for the modulation of neuroimmune and neuroglial interactions during chronic pain. Pharmacol Res 2021; 163:105339. [PMID: 33276102 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immune and glial cells play a pivotal role in chronic pain. Therefore, it is possible that the pharmacological modulation of neurotransmission from an exclusively neuronal perspective may not be enough for adequate pain management, and the modulation of complex interactions between neurons and other cell types might be needed for successful pain relief. In this article, we review the current scientific evidence for the modulatory effects of sigma-1 receptors on communication between the immune and nervous systems during inflammation, as well as the influence of this receptor on peripheral and central neuroinflammation. Several experimental models of pathological pain are considered, including peripheral and central neuropathic pain, osteoarthritic, and cancer pain. Sigma-1 receptor inhibition prevents peripheral (macrophage infiltration into the dorsal root ganglion) and central (activation of microglia and astrocytes) neuroinflammation in several pain models, and enhances immune-driven peripheral opioid analgesia during painful inflammation, maximizing the analgesic potential of peripheral immune cells. Therefore, sigma-1 antagonists may constitute a new class of analgesics with an unprecedented mechanism of action and potential utility in several painful disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Carmen Ruiz-Cantero
- Department of Pharmacology, and Neurosciences Institute (Biomedical Research Center), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Rafael González-Cano
- Department of Pharmacology, and Neurosciences Institute (Biomedical Research Center), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Á Tejada
- Department of Pharmacology, and Neurosciences Institute (Biomedical Research Center), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; INCLIVA Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
| | - Miriam Santos-Caballero
- Department of Pharmacology, and Neurosciences Institute (Biomedical Research Center), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain
| | - Gloria Perazzoli
- Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain; Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Francisco R Nieto
- Department of Pharmacology, and Neurosciences Institute (Biomedical Research Center), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain.
| | - Enrique J Cobos
- Department of Pharmacology, and Neurosciences Institute (Biomedical Research Center), University of Granada, Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute ibs.GRANADA, Granada, Spain; Teófilo Hernando Institute for Drug Discovery, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
McLeod VM, Chiam MDF, Lau CL, Rupasinghe TW, Boon WC, Turner BJ. Dysregulation of Steroid Hormone Receptors in Motor Neurons and Glia Associates with Disease Progression in ALS Mice. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5867502. [PMID: 32621747 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease targeting motor neurons which shows sexual dimorphism in its incidence, age of onset, and progression rate. All steroid hormones, including androgens, estrogens, and progestogens, have been implicated in modulating ALS. Increasing evidence suggests that steroid hormones provide neuroprotective and neurotrophic support to motor neurons, either directly or via surrounding glial cell interactions, by activating their respective nuclear hormone receptors and initiating transcriptional regulatory responses. The SOD1G93A transgenic mouse also shows sex-specific differences in age of onset and progression, and remains the most widely used model in ALS research. To provide a more comprehensive understanding of the influences of steroid hormone signaling in ALS, we systemically characterized sex hormone receptor expression at transcript and protein levels, cellular localization, and the impact of disease course in lumbar spinal cords of male and female SOD1G93A mice. We found that spinal motor neurons highly express nuclear androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor (ER)α, ERβ, and progesterone receptor with variations in glial cell expression. AR showed the most robust sex-specific difference in expression and was downregulated in male SOD1G93A mouse spinal cord, in association with depletion in 5α-reductase type 2 isoform, which primarily metabolizes testosterone to 5α-dihydrotestosterone. ERα was highly enriched in reactive astrocytes of SOD1G93A mice and ERβ was strongly upregulated. The 5α-reductase type 1 isoform was upregulated with disease progression and may influence local spinal cord hormone levels. In conclusion, steroid hormone receptor expression is dynamic and cell-type specific in SOD1G93A mice which may provide targets to modulate progression in ALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M McLeod
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mathew D F Chiam
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Chew L Lau
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Thusitha W Rupasinghe
- Metabolomics Australia, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wah C Boon
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Bradley J Turner
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gölz C, Kirchhoff FP, Westerhorstmann J, Schmidt M, Hirnet T, Rune GM, Bender RA, Schäfer MKE. Sex hormones modulate pathogenic processes in experimental traumatic brain injury. J Neurochem 2019; 150:173-187. [PMID: 30790293 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and animal studies have revealed sex-specific differences in histopathological and neurological outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI). The impact of perioperative administration of sex steroid inhibitors on TBI is still elusive. Here, we subjected male and female C57Bl/6N mice to the controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of TBI and applied pharmacological inhibitors of steroid hormone synthesis, that is, letrozole (LET, inhibiting estradiol synthesis by aromatase) and finasteride (FIN, inhibiting dihydrotestosterone synthesis by 5α-reductase), respectively, starting 72 h prior CCI, and continuing for a further 48 h after CCI. Initial gene expression analyses showed that androgen (Ar) and estrogen receptors (Esr1) were sex-specifically altered 72 h after CCI. When examining brain lesion size, we found larger lesions in male than in female mice, but did not observe effects of FIN or LET treatment. However, LET treatment exacerbated neurological deficits 24 and 72 h after CCI. On the molecular level, FIN administration reduced calpain-dependent spectrin breakdown products, a proxy of excitotoxicity and disturbed Ca2+ homeostasis, specifically in males, whereas LET increased the reactive astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acid protein specifically in females. Examination of neurotrophins (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, neuronal growth factor, NT-3) and their receptors (p75NTR , TrkA, TrkB, TrkC) revealed CCI-induced down-regulation of TrkB and TrkC protein expression, which was reduced by LET in both sexes. Interestingly, FIN decreased neuronal growth factor mRNA expression and protein levels of its receptor TrkA only in males. Taken together, our data suggest a sex-specific impact on pathogenic processes in the injured brain after TBI. Sex hormones may thus modulate pathogenic processes in experimental TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gölz
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Florian Paul Kirchhoff
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Matthias Schmidt
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tobias Hirnet
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Gabriele M Rune
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Roland A Bender
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Center, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael K E Schäfer
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, Mainz, Germany.,Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Choi HS, Lee MJ, Choi SR, Smeester BA, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Spinal Sigma-1 Receptor-mediated Dephosphorylation of Astrocytic Aromatase Plays a Key Role in Formalin-induced Inflammatory Nociception. Neuroscience 2018; 372:181-191. [PMID: 29289721 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Aromatase is a key enzyme responsible for the biosynthesis of estrogen from testosterone. Although recent evidence indicates that spinal cord aromatase participates in nociceptive processing, the mechanisms underlying its regulation and its involvement in nociception remain unclear. The present study focuses on the potential role of astrocyte aromatase in formalin-induced acute pain and begins to uncover one mechanism by which spinal aromatase activation is controlled. Following intraplantar formalin injection, nociceptive responses were quantified and immunohistochemistry/co-immunoprecipitation assays were used to investigate the changes in spinal Fos expression and the phospho-serine levels of spinal aromatase. Intrathecal (i.t.) injection of letrozole (an aromatase inhibitor) mitigated both the late phase formalin-induced nociceptive responses and formalin-induced spinal Fos expression. Furthermore, formalin-injected mice showed significantly reduced phospho-serine levels of aromatase, which is associated with the rapid activation of this enzyme. However, sigma-1 receptor inhibition with i.t. BD1047 blocked the dephosphorylation of aromatase and potentiated the pharmacological effect of letrozole on formalin-induced nociceptive responses. In addition, i.t. administration of a sub-effective dose of BD1047 potentiated the pharmacological effect of cyclosporin A (a calcineurin inhibitor) on both the formalin-induced reduction in phospho-serine levels of aromatase and nociceptive behavior. These results suggest that dephosphorylation is an important regulatory mechanism involved in the rapid activation of aromatase and that spinal sigma-1 receptors mediate this dephosphorylation of aromatase through an intrinsic calcineurin pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hoon-Seong Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Ji Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sheu-Ran Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Branden A Smeester
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Alvin J Beitz
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
| | - Jang-Hern Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Research Institute for Veterinary Science and College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hernandez-Leon A, De la Luz-Cuellar YE, Granados-Soto V, González-Trujano ME, Fernández-Guasti A. Sex differences and estradiol involvement in hyperalgesia and allodynia in an experimental model of fibromyalgia. Horm Behav 2018; 97:39-46. [PMID: 29080671 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a musculoskeletal chronic pain syndrome. Its prevalence in women is higher than in men possibly by hormonal factors given that symptoms are aggravated during sex hormone-related events, such as the premenstrual period, pregnancy, postpartum or menopause. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether hyperalgesia and allodynia, in reserpine-induced experimental FM, depend on sex, estrous cycle, ovariectomy and replacement with 17β-estradiol. To fulfill this objective, we compared males, intact females with known estrous cycle phases and ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with 17β-estradiol. Data demonstrated that reserpine administration disrupted the normal estrous cycle and produced that all females entered metestrus/diestrus. In addition, this treatment leads to muscle hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia in a similar manner in male and intact female rats. However, the absence of ovarian hormones (in OVX rats) increased muscle nociception. 17β-estradiol (2.5-10μg/rat) produced antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects 24h, but not 8h, after its administration, suggesting a genomic mechanism. The present results support the validity of the reserpine-induced FM model for searching alternatives of treatment, particularly during endocrine phases when pain is exacerbated such as menopause, and that 17β-estradiol replacement might be useful.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Hernandez-Leon
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, Unidad Coapa, Calz. De los Tenorios 235, Col. Granjas Coapa, 14330 Mexico City, Mexico; Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo, Huipulco, 14370 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yarim Elideth De la Luz-Cuellar
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, Unidad Coapa, Calz. De los Tenorios 235, Col. Granjas Coapa, 14330 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Vinicio Granados-Soto
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, Unidad Coapa, Calz. De los Tenorios 235, Col. Granjas Coapa, 14330 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María Eva González-Trujano
- Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calz. México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo, Huipulco, 14370 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alonso Fernández-Guasti
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Cinvestav, Unidad Coapa, Calz. De los Tenorios 235, Col. Granjas Coapa, 14330 Mexico City, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rosenfeld CS, Shay DA, Vieira-Potter VJ. Cognitive Effects of Aromatase and Possible Role in Memory Disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:610. [PMID: 30386297 PMCID: PMC6199361 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse cognitive functions in many vertebrate species are influenced by local conversion of androgens to 17β-estradiol (E2) by aromatase. This enzyme is highly expressed in various brain regions across species, with some inter-species variation in terms of regional brain expression. Since women with breast cancer and men and women with other disorders are often treated with aromatase inhibitors (AI), these populations might be especially vulnerable to cognitive deficits due to low neuroE2 synthesis, i.e., synthesis of E2 directly within the brain. Animal models have been useful in deciphering aromatase effects on cognitive functions. Consequences of AI administration at various life cycle stages have been assessed on auditory, song processing, and spatial memory in birds and various aspects of cognition in rodent models. Additionally, cognitive deficits have been described in aromatase knockout (ArKO) mice that systemically lack this gene throughout their lifespan. This review will consider evidence to date that AI treatment in male and female rodent models, birds, and humans results in cognitive impairments. How brain aromatase regulates cognitive function throughout the lifespan, and gaps in current knowledge will be considered, along with future directions to better define how aromatase might guide learning and memory from early development through the geriatric period. Better understanding the importance of E2 synthesis on neurobehavioral responses at various ages will likely aid in the discovery of therapeutic strategies to prevent potential cognitive deficits, including Alzheimer's Disease, in individuals treated with AI or those possessing CYP19 gene polymorphisms, as well as cognitive effects of normal aging that may be related to changes in brain aromatase activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S. Rosenfeld
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Cheryl S. Rosenfeld
| | - Dusti A. Shay
- Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Victoria J. Vieira-Potter
- Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Victoria J. Vieira-Potter
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gao P, Ding XW, Dong L, Luo P, Zhang GH, Rong WF. Expression of aromatase in the rostral ventromedial medulla and its role in the regulation of visceral pain. CNS Neurosci Ther 2017; 23:980-989. [PMID: 29047208 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Estrogens are known to exert a wide spectrum of actions on brain functions including modulation of pain. Besides the circulating estrogens produced mainly by the ovaries, many brain regions are also capable of de novo synthesizing estrogens, which may exert important modulatory effects on neuronal functions. This study was aimed to test the hypothesis that aromatase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to estradiols, may be distributed in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), where it may impact on visceral pain. METHODS AND RESULTS Adult female rats were treated with cyclophosphamide (CPM, 50 mg/kg, ip, once every 3 days) or saline. At approximately day 10 following the 3rd injection, CPM-treated rats exhibited colorectal hyperalgesia as they showed significantly greater abdominal withdrawal responses (AWR) to graded colorectal distension (CRD, 0-100 mm Hg) than the saline group. Immunofluorescent staining and Western blot assay revealed that CPM-induced colorectal hyperalgesia was associated with significantly increased expression of aromatase and phosphorylated μ-type opioid receptor (pMOR) and decreased expression of total MOR in the RVM. Intracisternal application of aromatase inhibitors, fadrozole, and letrozole reversed CPM-induced colorectal hyperalgesia and restored pMOR and MOR expression in the RVM. CONCLUSIONS Our observations confirmed the expression of aromatase in the RVM, a pivotal brain region in descending modulation of pain and opioid analgesia. The results support the hypothesis that locally produced estrogens in the RVM may be involved in the maintenance of chronic visceral hyperalgesia and the downstream signaling may involve phosphorylation of MOR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po Gao
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medical Research, Tongren Hospital and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Ding
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medical Research, Tongren Hospital and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Dong
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medical Research, Tongren Hospital and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Luo
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medical Research, Tongren Hospital and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Hua Zhang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medical Research, Tongren Hospital and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Fang Rong
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medical Research, Tongren Hospital and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Cerebrocranial Diseases, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ono K, Viet CT, Ye Y, Dang D, Hitomi S, Toyono T, Inenaga K, Dolan JC, Schmidt BL. Cutaneous pigmentation modulates skin sensitivity via tyrosinase-dependent dopaminergic signalling. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9181. [PMID: 28835637 PMCID: PMC5569050 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09682-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose a new mechanism of sensory modulation through cutaneous dopaminergic signalling. We hypothesize that dopaminergic signalling contributes to differential cutaneous sensitivity in darker versus lighter pigmented humans and mouse strains. We show that thermal and mechanical cutaneous sensitivity is pigmentation dependent. Meta-analyses in humans and mice, along with our own mouse behavioural studies, reveal higher thermal sensitivity in pigmented skin relative to less-pigmented or albino skin. We show that dopamine from melanocytes activates the D1-like dopamine receptor on primary sensory neurons. Dopaminergic activation increases expression of the heat-sensitive TRPV1 ion channel and reduces expression of the mechanically-sensitive Piezo2 channel; thermal threshold is lower and mechanical threshold is higher in pigmented skin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Ono
- Bluestone Centre for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Chi T Viet
- Bluestone Centre for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, 10010, USA.,Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Yi Ye
- Bluestone Centre for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Dongmin Dang
- Bluestone Centre for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Suzuro Hitomi
- Division of Physiology, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 803-8580, Japan
| | - Takashi Toyono
- Division of Oral Anatomy, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 803-8580, Japan
| | - Kiyotoshi Inenaga
- Division of Physiology, Kyushu Dental University, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 803-8580, Japan
| | - John C Dolan
- Bluestone Centre for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, 10010, USA.,Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Brian L Schmidt
- Bluestone Centre for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, 10010, USA. .,Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, 10010, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Tran M, Kuhn JA, Bráz JM, Basbaum AI. Neuronal aromatase expression in pain processing regions of the medullary and spinal cord dorsal horn. J Comp Neurol 2017. [PMID: 28649695 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In both acute and chronic pain conditions, women tend to be more sensitive than men. This sex difference may be regulated by estrogens, such as estradiol, that are synthesized in the spinal cord and brainstem and act locally to influence pain processing. To identify a potential cellular source of local estrogen, here we examined the expression of aromatase, the enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to estradiol. Our studies focused on primary afferent neurons and on their central targets in the spinal cord and medulla as well as in the nucleus of the solitary tract, the target of nodose ganglion-derived visceral afferents. Immunohistochemical staining in an aromatase reporter mouse revealed that many neurons in laminae I and V of the spinal cord dorsal horn and caudal spinal trigeminal nucleus and in the nucleus of the solitary tract express aromatase. The great majority of these cells also express inhibitory interneuron markers. We did not find sex differences in aromatase expression and neither the pattern nor the number of neurons changed in a sciatic nerve transection model of neuropathic pain or in the Complete Freund's adjuvant model of inflammatory pain. A few aromatase neurons express Fos after cheek injection of capsaicin, formalin, or chloroquine. In total, given their location, these aromatase neurons are poised to engage nociceptive circuits, whether it is through local estrogen synthesis or inhibitory neurotransmitter release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- May Tran
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Julia A Kuhn
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - João M Bráz
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Allan I Basbaum
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Characterization of aromatase expression in the spinal cord of an animal model of familial ALS. Brain Res Bull 2017; 132:180-189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
12
|
Morozov YM, Koch M, Rakic P, Horvath TL. Cannabinoid type 1 receptor-containing axons innervate NPY/AgRP neurons in the mouse arcuate nucleus. Mol Metab 2017; 6:374-381. [PMID: 28377876 PMCID: PMC5369208 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Phytocannabinoids, such as THC and endocannabinoids, are well known to promote feeding behavior and to control energy metabolism through cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1R). However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Generally, cannabinoid-conducted retrograde dis-inhibition of hunger-promoting neurons has been suggested to promote food intake, but so far it has not been demonstrated due to technical limitations. Methods We applied immunohistochemical labeling of CB1R for light microscopy and electron microscopy combined with three-dimensional reconstruction from serial sections in CB1R-expressing and CB1R-null mice, which served as a negative control. Hunger-promoting neurons expressing Agouti-related protein and neuropeptide Y (AgRP/NPY) in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus were identified in NPY-GFP and NPY-hrGFP mice. Results Using three-dimensional reconstruction from serial sections we demonstrated numerous discontinuous segments of anti-CB1R labeling in the synaptic boutons and axonal shafts in the arcuate nucleus. We observed CB1R in the symmetric, presumed GABAergic, synaptic boutons innervating AgRP/NPY neurons. We also detected CB1R-containing axons producing symmetric and asymmetric synapses onto AgRP/NPY-negative neurons. Furthermore, we identified CB1R in close apposition to the endocannabinoid (2-arachidonoylglycerol)-synthesizing enzyme diacylglycerol lipase-alpha at AgRP/NPY neurons. Conclusions Our immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study demonstrates the morphological substrate for cannabinoid-conducted feeding behavior via retrograde dis-inhibition of hunger-promoting AgRP/NPY neurons. 3D electron microscopy displays CB1R-immunopositive axons in the hypothalamus. CB1R-expressing inhibitory synapses innervate hunger-promoting AgRP/NPY neurons. Pre-synaptic CB1R and post-synaptic DAGL are co-localized at AgRP/NPY neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yury M Morozov
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 06520 New Haven, CT, USA; Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 06520 New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Marco Koch
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 06520 New Haven, CT, USA; Institute of Anatomy, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Pasko Rakic
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 06520 New Haven, CT, USA; Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 06520 New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tamas L Horvath
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, 06520 New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
The relationship of bone-tumor-induced spinal cord astrocyte activation and aromatase expression to mechanical hyperalgesia and cold hypersensitivity in intact female and ovariectomized mice. Neuroscience 2016; 324:344-54. [PMID: 26995084 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recently, our group established a relationship between tumor-induced spinal cord astrocyte activation and aromatase expression and the development of bone tumor nociception in male mice. As an extension of this work, we now report on the association of tumor-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and cold hypersensitivity to changes in spinal cord dorsal horn GFAP and aromatase expression in intact (INT) female mice and the effect of ovariectomy on these parameters. Implantation of fibrosarcoma cells produced robust mechanical hyperalgesia in INT animals, while ovariectomized (OVX) females had significantly less mechanical hyperalgesia. Cold hypersensitivity was apparent by post-implantation day 7 in INT and OVX females compared to their saline-injected controls and increased throughout the experiment. The decrease in mechanical hyperalgesia in OVX females was mirrored by significant decreases in spinal astrocyte activity in laminae I-II, III-IV, V-VI and X and aromatase expression in laminae V-VI and X in the dorsal horn of tumor-bearing animals. Administration of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole reduced tumor-induced hyperalgesia in INT females only suggesting that the tumor-induced increase in aromatase expression and its associated increase in spinal estrogen play a role in the development of bone tumor-induced hyperalgesia. Finally, intrathecal (i.t.) administration of 17β-estradiol caused a significant increase in tumor-induced hyperalgesia in INT tumor-bearing females. Since i.t. 17β-estradiol increases tumor pain and ovariectomy significantly decreases tumor pain, as well as spinal aromatase, estrogen may play a critical role in the spinal cord response to the changing tumor environment and the development of tumor-induced nociception.
Collapse
|