1
|
Gale A, Kelly M, Belfield JB, Williams N, Fisher M, Guarraci FA, Stokes JA. Prepubescent Electronic Cigarette Exposure Affects Sexual Motivation and Puberty in Female But Not Male Long-Evans Rats. Nicotine Tob Res 2024:ntad225. [PMID: 38160709 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A method for delivering vaporized nicotine to animals has been developed using e-cigarette devices. The present experiment was designed to measure the effects of e-cigarette nicotine on pubertal onset and development of reproductive behavior in female and male Long-Evans rats. AIM AND METHODS Rats received daily 10-min sessions of electronic-cigarette vaporized nicotine (5% Virginia Tobacco JUUL Pods) or room air in a whole-body exposure chamber (postnatal day 28-31). Pubertal onset was monitored daily (ie, vaginal opening in females, preputial separation in males). Two weeks later, rats were tested for sexual motivation using the partner-preference paradigm, whereby subjects were given the opportunity to approach either a sexual partner or a same-sex social partner. Four weeks later, partner preference was assessed again, 10 min after rats were re-exposed to their same prepubertal treatment. RESULTS We found that prepubescent electronic-cigarette vaporized nicotine disrupted puberty and sexual motivation in female but not male rats. In vaped females, vaginal opening was delayed and less time was spent with the male stimulus compared to room-air controls. In contrast, no effect of e-cigarette vapor was observed on pubertal onset or on any measures of sexual behavior in male rats. No effects were observed in either female or male rats on the second partner-preference test. CONCLUSIONS Prepubescent vaporized nicotine affected the development of reproductive physiology and behavior in female rats but not in male rats, whereas an additional acute exposure to nicotine vapor had no effect in either female or male adult rats. IMPLICATIONS Given the prevalence of increasingly younger users, more animal research is needed to explore the effects of e-cigarette smoking on multiple developmental systems including reproductive physiology and behavior. This model could be useful in exploring multiple behavioral and physiological endpoints in both sexes. Adjustments to the duration of exposure and control conditions will be necessary for future experiments to best model human use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Gale
- Department of Psychology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA
| | - Megan Kelly
- Department of Psychology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA
| | | | - Natalie Williams
- Department of Psychology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA
| | - Mila Fisher
- Department of Psychology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA
| | - Fay A Guarraci
- Department of Psychology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer A Stokes
- Department of Kinesiology, Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Luo Y, Zhao P, Dou M, Mao J, Zhang G, Su Y, Wang Q, Wang Q, Wang Y, Sun R, Liu T, Gong M, Gao Y, Yin X, Song L, Shi H. Exogenous microbiota-derived metabolite trimethylamine N-oxide treatment alters social behaviors: Involvement of hippocampal metabolic adaptation. Neuropharmacology 2021; 191:108563. [PMID: 33887311 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that gut microbiota and its metabolites can influence the brain function and the related behaviors. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), an indirect metabolite of gut microbiota, has been linked to aging, cognitive impairment, and many brain disorders. However, the potential effects of TMAO on social behaviors remain elusive. The present study investigated the effects of early life systemic TMAO exposure and intra-hippocampal TMAO infusion during adulthood on social behaviors in mice. We also analyzed the effects of intra-hippocampus infusion of TMAO during adulthood on levels of metabolites. The results showed that both systemic TMAO exposure in the post-weaning period and intra-hippocampal TMAO infusion during adulthood decreased social rank and reduced sexual preference in adult mice. Data from LC-MS metabolomics analysis showed that intra-hippocampal TMAO infusion induced a total 207 differential metabolites, which belongs to several metabolic or signaling pathways, especially FoxO signaling pathway and retrograde endocannabinoid signaling pathway. These data suggest that TMAO may affect social behaviors by regulating metabolites in the hippocampus, which may provide a new insight into the role of gut microbiota in regulating social behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Luo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Epidemiology of Hunan Province, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, China; Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Penghui Zhao
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Mengxiao Dou
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Jiawen Mao
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Ge Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yujiao Su
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Qingqun Wang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Yurun Wang
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Ruoxuan Sun
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Tingxuan Liu
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Miao Gong
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medicinal University, 050017, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medicinal University, 050017, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medicinal University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China
| | - Xi Yin
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Department of Functional Region of Diagnosis, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050011, China.
| | - Li Song
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medicinal University, 050017, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medicinal University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| | - Haishui Shi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Medical and Health Science of HeBMU, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Hebei Medicinal University, 050017, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medicine, Hebei Medicinal University, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China; Research Unit of Digestive Tract Microecosystem Pharmacology and Toxicology. Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shijiazhuang, 050017, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wuyts E, De Neef N, Coppens V, Fransen E, Schellens E, Van Der Pol M, Morrens M. Between Pleasure and Pain: A Pilot Study on the Biological Mechanisms Associated With BDSM Interactions in Dominants and Submissives. J Sex Med 2020; 17:784-792. [PMID: 32044259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BDSM is an abbreviation used to reference the concepts of bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism, and masochism, enacted by power exchanges between consensual partners. AIM To shed light upon the rewarding biological mechanisms associated with BDSM interactions. METHODS A group of 35 BDSM couples (dominant and submissive counterparts) were recruited and tested during a BDSM interaction, with an additional control group of 27 non-BDSM interested people tested in a normal social interaction. OUTCOMES We compared the evolution of the stress and reward hormone levels of cortisol, beta-endorphins, and endocannabinoids (2AG and anandamide) in a group of BDSM practitioners before and after an active BDSM interaction with the levels in control individuals. RESULTS We showed that submissives showed increases in cortisol and endocannabinoid levels due to the BDSM interaction, with dominants only showing increased endocannabinoid levels when the BDSM interaction was associated with power play. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This study effectively provides a link between behavior that many think of as aberrant on one hand, and biological pleasure experience on the other, in the hope that it may relieve some of the stigma these practitioners still endure. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS It is one of the first and largest studies of its kind, but is still limited in sample size and only represents a specific population of Flemish BDSM practitioners. CONCLUSION Even though this is one of the first studies of its kind, we can conclude that there is a clear indication for increased pleasure in submissives when looking at biological effects of a BDSM interaction, which was related to the increases in experienced stress. Wuyts E, De Neef N, Coppens V, et al. Between Pleasure and Pain: A Pilot Study on the Biological Mechanisms Associated With BDSM Interactions in Dominants and Submissives. J Sex Med 2020;17:784-792.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise Wuyts
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Nele De Neef
- Europe Hospitals, Campus St Michel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Violette Coppens
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; University Department of Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | | | - Eline Schellens
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; University Department of Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| | | | - Manuel Morrens
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute (CAPRI), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Campus Drie Eiken, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; University Department of Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Centre Duffel, Duffel, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lynn B, Gee A, Zhang L, Pfaus JG. Effects of Cannabinoids on Female Sexual Function. Sex Med Rev 2019; 8:18-27. [PMID: 31521567 DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in some countries and a few US states, its use has become more widely prevalent. Both exogenous cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) have been shown to affect female gonadotropin pathways and female sexuality. Yet, our understanding of the mechanisms and effects on female sexual function is limited. AIM To review the literature regarding the effects of both endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids on female sexual function in both animals and humans. METHODS We performed a PubMed search for English-language articles in peer-reviewed journals between 1970 and 2019. We used the following search terms: "cannabinoids," "endocannabinoids," "marijuana," "cannabis," and "female sexual function" or "sexual function." The main outcomes of the papers were reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The main outcome measure was sexual function in females. RESULTS A total of 12 human studies and 8 animal studies that evaluated the relationship between cannabinoids and female sexual function were included. Study types in animals were blinded, prospective, placebo-controlled trials. Human studies were based primarily on questionnaire data. The data indicate dose-dependent effects on female sexual desire and receptivity, such that low doses generally facilitate or have no effect but high doses inhibit. CONCLUSIONS More research is needed to develop a better understanding of the effects of cannabinoids on female sexual function. There does appear to be an effect on both animals and humans, but whether the effect is positive or negative along dose and species lines requires more study. With the legalization of marijuana occurring in more countries and more US states, there needs to be more well-controlled studies evaluating the effects. Lynn B, Gee A, Zhang L, et al. Effects of Cannabinoids on Female Sexual Function. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:18-27.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Becky Lynn
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Amy Gee
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Luna Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - James G Pfaus
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Androvicova R, Horacek J, Stark T, Drago F, Micale V. Endocannabinoid system in sexual motivational processes: Is it a novel therapeutic horizon? Pharmacol Res 2016; 115:200-208. [PMID: 27884725 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is composed of the cannabinoid receptors types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) for marijuana's psychoactive ingredient Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), the endogenous ligands (AEA and 2-AG) and the enzymatic systems involved in their biosynthesis and degradation, recently emerged as important modulator of emotional and non-emotional behaviors. For centuries, in addition to its recreational actions, several contradictory claims regarding the effects of Cannabis use in sexual functioning and behavior (e.g. aphrodisiac vs anti-aphrodisiac) of both sexes have been accumulated. The identification of Δ9-THC and later on, the discovery of the ECS have opened a potential therapeutic target for sexual dysfunctions, given the partial efficacy of current pharmacological treatment. In agreement with the bidirectional modulation induced by cannabinoids on several behavioral responses, the endogenous cannabinoid AEA elicited biphasic effects on sexual behavior as well. The present article reviews current available knowledge on herbal, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids with respect to the modulation of several aspects of sexuality in preclinical and human studies, highlighting their therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Androvicova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic; 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Horacek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic; 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sagheddu C, Muntoni AL, Pistis M, Melis M. Endocannabinoid Signaling in Motivation, Reward, and Addiction. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2015; 125:257-302. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|