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Baxendale S. The impact of suppressing puberty on neuropsychological function: A review. Acta Paediatr 2024. [PMID: 38334046 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
AIM Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of medications that interrupt puberty, given the magnitude and complexity of changes that occur in brain function and structure during this sensitive window of neurodevelopment. This review examines the literature on the impact of pubertal suppression on cognitive and behavioural function in animals and humans. METHODS All studies reporting cognitive impacts of treatment with GnRH agonists/antagonists for pubertal suppression in animals or humans were sought via a systematic search strategy across the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and PsycINFO databases. RESULTS Sixteen studies were identified. In mammals, the neuropsychological impacts of puberty blockers are complex and often sex specific (n = 11 studies). There is no evidence that cognitive effects are fully reversible following discontinuation of treatment. No human studies have systematically explored the impact of these treatments on neuropsychological function with an adequate baseline and follow-up. There is some evidence of a detrimental impact of pubertal suppression on IQ in children. CONCLUSION Critical questions remain unanswered regarding the nature, extent and permanence of any arrested development of cognitive function associated with puberty blockers. The impact of puberal suppression on measures of neuropsychological function is an urgent research priority.
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2
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Aydoğdu S, Eken E. Calculation of cerebral hemispheres volume values (grey matter, white matter and lateral ventricle) of sheep and goat: A stereological study. Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e12983. [PMID: 37822137 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Stereology is a discipline that allows us to obtain quantitative information about the geometric structure of three-dimensional objects. In this study, the volume of grey matter (GM), white matter (WM), and lateral ventricle (LV) of the cerebral hemispheres (CH) in sheep and goats were calculated. For this purpose, six healthy male sheep and goat brains (1-2 years old) without any anomaly were used. Brains were fixed with 10% formaldehyde in the skull. The skull was opened using standard anatomical dissection methods, and the brains were carefully removed. Brain weight and volume were measured (using Archimedes' principle) after the meninges were removed. The cerebral hemispheres were separated from the other parts of the brain by a section made in front of the rostral colliculus. In the same way, the weight and volume of the cerebral hemispheres were measured. Afterward, the cerebral hemispheres were blocked with agar, and transversal cross sections (from rostral to caudal) with an average thickness of 3.42 mm were taken from the cerebral hemispheres. Grey matter was stained with Berlin blue macroscopic staining method. The stained cross sections were scanned at 600 dpi resolution, and a point counting grid was placed on the images with the ImageJ software. Cavalieri's principle calculated the surface area and volume measurements of the grey matter, white matter, and lateral ventricle. GM, WM, and LV volumes in sheep and goat cerebral hemispheres were calculated as 54.94, 21.48 and 3.06 mL in sheep, 57.46, 24.13 and 3.12 mL in goats, respectively. The percentages of these structures in the total hemisphere volume were 71.83%, 28.17% and 4.00% in sheep, 70.42%, 29.58% and 3.82% in goats, respectively. Asymmetry was not observed in cerebral hemispheres in both species. A difference was found in the WM, LV and LV: CH ratios in the right/left comparison of the goat (p < 0.05). In comparing sheep and goats, a significant difference was observed in WM right, WM left, WM total, CH left and CH total (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the cerebral hemispheres' grey matter and white matter ratio are frequently used to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases. In recent years, the increase in neurodegenerative disease models in farm animals has been enormous. It is thought that these values obtained from healthy animals in the current study will be important for such experimental studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Aydoğdu
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Emrullah Eken
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey
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3
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Piekarski DJ, Colich NL, Ho TC. The effects of puberty and sex on adolescent white matter development: A systematic review. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2023; 60:101214. [PMID: 36913887 PMCID: PMC10010971 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2023.101214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescence, the transition between childhood and adulthood, is characterized by rapid brain development in white matter (WM) that is attributed in part to rising levels in adrenal and gonadal hormones. The extent to which pubertal hormones and related neuroendocrine processes explain sex differences in WM during this period is unclear. In this systematic review, we sought to examine whether there are consistent associations between hormonal changes and morphological and microstructural properties of WM across species and whether these effects are sex-specific. We identified 90 (75 human, 15 non-human) studies that met inclusion criteria for our analyses. While studies in human adolescents show notable heterogeneity, results broadly demonstrate that increases in gonadal hormones across pubertal development are associated with macro- and microstructural changes in WM tracts that are consistent with the sex differences found in non-human animals, particularly in the corpus callosum. We discuss limitations of the current state of the science and recommend important future directions for investigators in the field to consider in order to advance our understanding of the neuroscience of puberty and to promote forward and backward translation across model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tiffany C Ho
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States.
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4
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Tillet Y. Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a New Tool for Neuroendocrine Research in Sheep. Neuroendocrinology 2023; 113:208-215. [PMID: 35051936 DOI: 10.1159/000522087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain analysis is used in rodents and for clinical investigation in humans, and it becomes also possible now for large animal models studies. Specific facilities are available with clinical scanners and benefit to neuroendocrine investigations in sheep. Sheep has a large gyrencephalic brain and its organization is very similar to primates and human, and among physiological regulations, oestrous cycle of the ewes is similar to women. Therefore, this animal is a good model for preclinical researches using MRI, as illustrated with steroids impact on the brain. New data were obtained concerning the effect of sexual steroids on neuronal networks involved in the control of reproduction and in the influence of sexual steroids on cognition. In addition to the importance of such data for understanding the role of these hormones on brain functions, they give new insights to consider the sheep as a powerful model for preclinical studies in the field of neuroendocrinology. These points are discussed in this short review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yves Tillet
- CNRS UMR 7247, IFCE, INRAE, University of Tours, Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Nouzilly, France
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5
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Anacker C, Sydnor E, Chen BK, LaGamma CC, McGowan JC, Mastrodonato A, Hunsberger HC, Shores R, Dixon RS, McEwen BS, Byne W, Meyer-Bahlburg HFL, Bockting W, Ehrhardt AA, Denny CA. Behavioral and neurobiological effects of GnRH agonist treatment in mice-potential implications for puberty suppression in transgender individuals. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:882-890. [PMID: 32919399 PMCID: PMC8115503 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00826-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, ~1.4 million individuals identify as transgender. Many transgender adolescents experience gender dysphoria related to incongruence between their gender identity and sex assigned at birth. This dysphoria may worsen as puberty progresses. Puberty suppression by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa), such as leuprolide, can help alleviate gender dysphoria and provide additional time before irreversible changes in secondary sex characteristics may be initiated through feminizing or masculinizing hormone therapy congruent with the adolescent's gender experience. However, the effects of GnRH agonists on brain function and mental health are not well understood. Here, we investigated the effects of leuprolide on reproductive function, social and affective behavior, cognition, and brain activity in a rodent model. Six-week-old male and female C57BL/6J mice were injected daily with saline or leuprolide (20 μg) for 6 weeks and tested in several behavioral assays. We found that leuprolide increases hyperlocomotion, changes social preference, and increases neuroendocrine stress responses in male mice, while the same treatment increases hyponeophagia and despair-like behavior in females. Neuronal hyperactivity was found in the dentate gyrus (DG) of leuprolide-treated females, but not males, consistent with the elevation in hyponeophagia and despair-like behavior in females. These data show for the first time that GnRH agonist treatment after puberty onset exerts sex-specific effects on social- and affective behavior, stress regulation, and neural activity. Investigating the behavioral and neurobiological effects of GnRH agonists in mice will be important to better guide the investigation of potential consequences of this treatment for youth experiencing gender dysphoria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Anacker
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)/New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, NYSPI, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Columbia University Stem Cell Initiative (CSCI), New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Ezra Sydnor
- Amgen Summer Scholars Program, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), Rochester, NY, 14623, USA
| | - Briana K Chen
- Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior (NB&B), Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Christina C LaGamma
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)/New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| | - Josephine C McGowan
- Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior (NB&B), Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Alessia Mastrodonato
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)/New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Holly C Hunsberger
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)/New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Ryan Shores
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)/New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Rushell S Dixon
- Doctoral Program in Neurobiology and Behavior (NB&B), Columbia University, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Bruce S McEwen
- Department of Immunology, Virology, and Microbiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - William Byne
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, NYSPI, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Heino F L Meyer-Bahlburg
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, NYSPI, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Walter Bockting
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, NYSPI, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Anke A Ehrhardt
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, NYSPI, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Christine A Denny
- Division of Systems Neuroscience, Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Inc. (RFMH)/New York State Psychiatric Institute (NYSPI), New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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6
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Bacon ER, Brinton RD. Epigenetics of the developing and aging brain: Mechanisms that regulate onset and outcomes of brain reorganization. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:503-516. [PMID: 33657435 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Brain development is a life-long process that encompasses several critical periods of transition, during which significant cognitive changes occur. Embryonic development, puberty, and reproductive senescence are all periods of transition that are hypersensitive to environmental factors. Rather than isolated episodes, each transition builds upon the last and is influenced by consequential changes that occur in the transition before it. Epigenetic marks, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, provide mechanisms by which early events can influence development, cognition, and health outcomes. For example, parental environment influences imprinting patterns in gamete cells, which ultimately impacts gene expression in the embryo which may result in hypersensitivity to poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy, raising the risks for cognitive impairment later in life. This review explores how epigenetics induce and regulate critical periods, and also discusses how early environmental interactions prime a system towards a particular health outcome and influence susceptibility to disease or cognitive impairment throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza R Bacon
- Department of Neuroscience, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA; The Center for Precision Medicine, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Department of Neuroscience, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA; Center for Innovation in Brain Science, School of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
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7
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Barrière DA, Ella A, Adriaensen H, Roselli CE, Chemineau P, Keller M. In vivo magnetic resonance imaging reveals the effect of gonadal hormones on morphological and functional brain sexual dimorphisms in adult sheep. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 109:104387. [PMID: 31465941 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in the brain and behavior are produced by the perinatal action of testosterone, which is converted into estradiol by the enzyme aromatase in the brain. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely used in humans to study these differences, the use of animal models, where hormonal status can be properly manipulated, is necessary to explore the mechanisms involved. We used sheep, a recognized model in the field of neuroendocrinology, to assess brain morphological and functional sex differences and their regulation by adult gonadal hormones. To this end, we performed voxel-based morphometry and a resting-state functional MRI approach to assess sex differences in gonadally intact animals. We demonstrated significant sex differences in gray matter concentration (GMC) at the level of the gonadotropic axis, i.e., not only within the hypothalamus and pituitary but also within the hippocampus and the amygdala of intact animals. We then performed the same analysis one month after gonadectomy and found that some of these differences were reduced, especially in the hypothalamus and amygdala. By contrast, we found few differences in the organization of the functional connectome between males and females either before or after gonadectomy. As a whole, our study identifies brain regions that are sexually dimorphic in the sheep brain at the resolution of the MRI and highlights the role of gonadal hormones in the maintenance of these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- David André Barrière
- UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours/IFCE, Nouzilly, France; Neurospin, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Arsène Ella
- UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours/IFCE, Nouzilly, France; MRC Cognition & Brain Science Unit, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Hans Adriaensen
- UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours/IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | | | - Philippe Chemineau
- UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours/IFCE, Nouzilly, France
| | - Matthieu Keller
- UMR Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours/IFCE, Nouzilly, France.
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8
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Hough D, Robinson JE, Bellingham M, Fleming LM, McLaughlin M, Jama K, Haraldsen IRH, Solbakk AK, Evans NP. Peripubertal GnRH and testosterone co-treatment leads to increased familiarity preferences in male sheep. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 108:70-77. [PMID: 31229635 PMCID: PMC6712355 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment is effective for the medical suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in situations like central precocious puberty and gender dysphoria. However, its administration during the peripubertal period could influence normal brain development and function because GnRH receptors are expressed in brain regions that regulate emotions, cognition, motivation and memory. This study used an ovine model to determine whether chronic peripubertal GnRHa-treatment affected the developmental shift from preference of familiarity to novelty. Experimental groups included Controls and GnRHa-treated rams. To differentiate between effects of altered GnRH signaling and those associated with the loss of sex steroids, a group was also included that received testosterone replacement as well as GnRHa (GnRHa + T). Preference for a novel versus familiar object was assessed during 5-min social isolation at 8, 28 and 46 weeks of age. Approach behavior was measured as interactions with and time spent near the objects, whereas avoidance behavior was measured by time spent in the entrance zone and attempts to escape the arena via the entry point. Emotional reactivity was measured by the number of vocalizations, escape attempts and urinations. As Control and GnRHa-treated rams aged, their approach behaviors showed a shift from preference for familiarity (8 weeks) to novelty (46 weeks). In contrast, relative to the Controls the GnRHa + T rams exhibited more approach behaviors towards both objects, at 28 and 46 weeks of age and preferred familiarity at 46 weeks of age. Vocalisation rate was increased in GnRHa treated rams in late puberty (28 weeks) compared to both Control and GnRHa + T rams but this effect was not seen in young adulthood (46 weeks). These results suggest that the specific suppression of testosterone during a developmental window in late puberty may reduce emotional reactivity and hamper learning a flexible adjustment to environmental change. The results also suggest that disruption of either endogenous testosterone signalling or a synergistic action between GnRH and testosterone signalling, may delay maturation of cognitive processes (e.g. information processing) that affects the motivation of rams to approach and avoid objects.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hough
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - JE Robinson
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - M Bellingham
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - LM Fleming
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - M McLaughlin
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - K Jama
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - IRH Haraldsen
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, Division of Surgery and Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital – Rikshospitalet, 0027 Oslo, Norway
| | - AK Solbakk
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Surgery and Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital – Rikshospitalet, 0027 Oslo, Norway,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Pb 1094 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway,Department of Neuropsychology, Helgeland Hospital, 8607 Mosjøen, Norway
| | - NP Evans
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK,Corresponding author.
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Ella A, Barrière DA, Adriaensen H, Palmer DN, Melzer TR, Mitchell NL, Keller M. The development of brain magnetic resonance approaches in large animal models for preclinical research. Anim Front 2019; 9:44-51. [PMID: 32002261 PMCID: PMC6951960 DOI: 10.1093/af/vfz024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arsène Ella
- Physiologie de la Reproduction & des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours, France.,MRC Cognition and Brain Science Unit, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - David A Barrière
- Physiologie de la Reproduction & des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours, France.,Neurospin, CEA, France
| | - Hans Adriaensen
- Physiologie de la Reproduction & des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours, France
| | - David N Palmer
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, New Zealand
| | - Tracy R Melzer
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, and New Zealand Brain Research Institute, New Zealand
| | - Nadia L Mitchell
- Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University, New Zealand.,Department of Radiology, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Matthieu Keller
- Physiologie de la Reproduction & des Comportements, INRA/CNRS/Université de Tours, France
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10
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A reduction in long-term spatial memory persists after discontinuation of peripubertal GnRH agonist treatment in sheep. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 77:1-8. [PMID: 27987429 PMCID: PMC5333793 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) administration is used where suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity is beneficial, such as steroid-dependent cancers, early onset gender dysphoria, central precocious puberty and as a reversible contraceptive in veterinary medicine. GnRH receptors, however, are expressed outside the reproductive axis, e.g. brain areas such as the hippocampus which is crucial for learning and memory processes. Previous work, using an ovine model, has demonstrated that long-term spatial memory is reduced in adult rams (45 weeks of age), following peripubertal blockade of GnRH signaling (GnRHa: goserelin acetate), and this was independent of the associated loss of gonadal steroid signaling. The current study investigated whether this effect is reversed after discontinuation of GnRHa-treatment. The results demonstrate that peripubertal GnRHa-treatment suppressed reproductive function in rams, which was restored after cessation of GnRHa-treatment at 44 weeks of age, as indicated by similar testes size (relative to body weight) in both GnRHa-Recovery and Control rams at 81 weeks of age. Rams in which GnRHa-treatment was discontinued (GnRHa-Recovery) had comparable spatial maze traverse times to Controls, during spatial orientation and learning assessments at 85 and 99 weeks of age. Former GnRHa-treatment altered how quickly the rams progressed beyond a specific point in the spatial maze at 83 and 99 weeks of age, and the direction of this effect depended on gonadal steroid exposure, i.e. GnRHa-Recovery rams progressed quicker during breeding season and slower during non-breeding season, compared to Controls. The long-term spatial memory performance of GnRHa-Recovery rams remained reduced (P<0.05, 1.5-fold slower) after discontinuation of GnRHa, compared to Controls. This result suggests that the time at which puberty normally occurs may represent a critical period of hippocampal plasticity. Perturbing normal hippocampal formation in this peripubertal period may also have long lasting effects on other brain areas and aspects of cognitive function.
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11
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Hough D, Bellingham M, Haraldsen I, McLaughlin M, Rennie M, Robinson J, Solbakk A, Evans N. Spatial memory is impaired by peripubertal GnRH agonist treatment and testosterone replacement in sheep. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 75:173-182. [PMID: 27837697 PMCID: PMC5140006 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) is used therapeutically to block activity within the reproductive axis through down-regulation of GnRH receptors within the pituitary gland. GnRH receptors are also expressed in non-reproductive tissues, including areas of the brain such as the hippocampus and amygdala. The impact of long-term GnRHa-treatment on hippocampus-dependent cognitive functions, such as spatial orientation, learning and memory, is not well studied, particularly when treatment encompasses a critical window of development such as puberty. The current study used an ovine model to assess spatial maze performance and memory of rams that were untreated (Controls), had both GnRH and testosterone signaling blocked (GnRHa-treated), or specifically had GnRH signaling blocked (GnRHa-treated with testosterone replacement) during the peripubertal period (8, 27 and 41 weeks of age). The results demonstrate that emotional reactivity during spatial tasks was compromised by the blockade of gonadal steroid signaling, as seen by the restorative effects of testosterone replacement, while traverse times remained unchanged during assessment of spatial orientation and learning. The blockade of GnRH signaling alone was associated with impaired retention of long-term spatial memory and this effect was not restored with the replacement of testosterone signaling. These results indicate that GnRH signaling is involved in the retention and recollection of spatial information, potentially via alterations to spatial reference memory, and that therapeutic medical treatments using chronic GnRHa may have effects on this aspect of cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Hough
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - M. Bellingham
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - I.R.H. Haraldsen
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital — Rikshospitalet, 0027, Oslo, Norway
| | - M. McLaughlin
- Division of Veterinary Bioscience and Education, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - M. Rennie
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - J.E. Robinson
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - A.K. Solbakk
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital — Rikshospitalet, 0027, Oslo, Norway,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Pb 1094 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway,Department of Neuropsychology, Helgeland Hospital, Mosjøen, Norway
| | - N.P. Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK,Corresponding author.
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12
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Ella A, Delgadillo JA, Chemineau P, Keller M. Computation of a high-resolution MRI 3D stereotaxic atlas of the sheep brain. J Comp Neurol 2016; 525:676-692. [PMID: 27503489 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The sheep model was first used in the fields of animal reproduction and veterinary sciences and then was utilized in fundamental and preclinical studies. For more than a decade, magnetic resonance (MR) studies performed on this model have been increasingly reported, especially in the field of neuroscience. To contribute to MR translational neuroscience research, a brain template and an atlas are necessary. We have recently generated the first complete T1-weighted (T1W) and T2W MR population average images (or templates) of in vivo sheep brains. In this study, we 1) defined a 3D stereotaxic coordinate system for previously established in vivo population average templates; 2) used deformation fields obtained during optimized nonlinear registrations to compute nonlinear tissues or prior probability maps (nlTPMs) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), gray matter (GM), and white matter (WM) tissues; 3) delineated 25 external and 28 internal sheep brain structures by segmenting both templates and nlTPMs; and 4) annotated and labeled these structures using an existing histological atlas. We built a quality high-resolution 3D atlas of average in vivo sheep brains linked to a reference stereotaxic space. The atlas and nlTPMs, associated with previously computed T1W and T2W in vivo sheep brain templates and nlTPMs, provide a complete set of imaging space that are able to be imported into other imaging software programs and could be used as standardized tools for neuroimaging studies or other neuroscience methods, such as image registration, image segmentation, identification of brain structures, implementation of recording devices, or neuronavigation. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:676-692, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsène Ella
- INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France.,CNRS, UMR 7247, F-37380, Nouzilly, France.,Université François Rabelais, F-37041, Nouzilly, France
| | - José A Delgadillo
- Centro de Investigacion en Reproducion Caprina, Universidad Autonoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Torreon, Mexico
| | - Philippe Chemineau
- INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France.,CNRS, UMR 7247, F-37380, Nouzilly, France.,Université François Rabelais, F-37041, Nouzilly, France
| | - Matthieu Keller
- INRA, UMR 85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, F-37380, Nouzilly, France.,CNRS, UMR 7247, F-37380, Nouzilly, France.,Université François Rabelais, F-37041, Nouzilly, France
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13
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Wojniusz S, Callens N, Sütterlin S, Andersson S, De Schepper J, Gies I, Vanbesien J, De Waele K, Van Aken S, Craen M, Vögele C, Cools M, Haraldsen IR. Cognitive, Emotional, and Psychosocial Functioning of Girls Treated with Pharmacological Puberty Blockage for Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1053. [PMID: 27462292 PMCID: PMC4940404 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Central precocious puberty (CPP) develops due to premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, resulting in early pubertal changes and rapid bone maturation. CPP is associated with lower adult height and increased risk for development of psychological problems. Standard treatment of CPP is based on postponement of pubertal development by blockade of the HPG axis with gonadotropin releasing hormone analogs (GnRHa) leading to abolition of gonadal sex hormones synthesis. Whereas the hormonal and auxological effects of GnRHa are well-researched, there is a lack of knowledge whether GnRHa treatment influences psychological functioning of treated children, despite the fact that prevention of psychological problems is used as one of the main reasons for treatment initiation. In the present study we seek to address this issue by exploring differences in cognitive function, behavior, emotional reactivity, and psychosocial problems between GnRHa treated CPP girls and age-matched controls. Fifteen girls with idiopathic CPP; median age 10.4 years, treated with slow-release GnRHa (triptorelin acetate-Decapeptyl SR® 11.25) and 15 age-matched controls, were assessed with a comprehensive test battery consisting of paper and pencil tests, computerized tasks, behavioral paradigms, heart rate variability, and questionnaires filled in by the children's parents. Both groups showed very similar scores with regard to cognitive performance, behavioral and psychosocial problems. Compared to controls, treated girls displayed significantly higher emotional reactivity (p = 0.016; Cohen's d = 1.04) on one of the two emotional reactivity task conditions. Unexpectedly, the CPP group showed significantly lower resting heart rates than the controls (p = 0.004; Cohen's d = 1.03); lower heart rate was associated with longer treatment duration (r = -0.582, p = 0.037). The results suggest that GnRHa treated CPP girls do not differ in their cognitive or psychosocial functioning from age matched controls. However, they might process emotional stimuli differently. The unexpected finding of lower heart rate that was associated with longer duration of the treatment should be further explored by methods appropriate for assessment of cardiac health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Slawomir Wojniusz
- Division of Surgery and Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Oslo University HospitalOslo, Norway; Department of Physiotherapy, Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied SciencesOslo, Norway
| | - Nina Callens
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Sütterlin
- Division of Surgery and Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Oslo University HospitalOslo, Norway; Section for Psychology, Lillehammer University CollegeLillehammer, Norway
| | - Stein Andersson
- Division of Surgery and Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Oslo University HospitalOslo, Norway; Department of Psychology, University of OsloOslo, Norway
| | - Jean De Schepper
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent UniversityGhent, Belgium; Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Brussels University HospitalBrussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Gies
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Brussels University Hospital Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jesse Vanbesien
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Brussels University Hospital Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kathleen De Waele
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sara Van Aken
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University Ghent, Belgium
| | - Margarita Craen
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claus Vögele
- Research Unit INSIDE, Institute for Health and Behavior, University of Luxembourg Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Martine Cools
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital and Ghent University Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ira R Haraldsen
- Division of Surgery and Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Medical Neurobiology, Oslo University Hospital Oslo, Norway
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14
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Construction of an MRI 3D high resolution sheep brain template. Magn Reson Imaging 2015; 33:1329-1337. [PMID: 26363468 DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Sheep is a developing animal model used in the field of neurosciences for the study of many behavioral, physiological or pathophysiological mechanisms, including for example, the central control of social behavior, brain injury or neurodegenerative diseases. However, sheep remains an orphan species in the field of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Therefore, a mean image (template), resulting of registrations of multiple subject images is needed and currently does not exist. In this study, we: i) computed multimodal high resolution 3D in-vivo sheep brain templates of T1 weighted (T1W) and T2W images, ii) computed gray matter (GM), white matter (WM) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) prior probability maps using linear and optimized non-linear registrations iii) used prior probability maps to perform the segmentation of a single brain tissues. Computed multimodal sheep brain templates showed to preserve and underline all brain patterns of a single T1W or T2W image, and prior probability maps allowed to improve the segmentation of brain tissues. Finally, we demonstrated that these templates and prior probability maps were able to be portable in other publicly available imaging software and could be used as standardized spaces for multi-institution neuroimaging studies or other neuroscience methods.
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15
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Nitzsche B, Frey S, Collins LD, Seeger J, Lobsien D, Dreyer A, Kirsten H, Stoffel MH, Fonov VS, Boltze J. A stereotaxic, population-averaged T1w ovine brain atlas including cerebral morphology and tissue volumes. Front Neuroanat 2015; 9:69. [PMID: 26089780 PMCID: PMC4455244 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2015.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Standard stereotaxic reference systems play a key role in human brain studies. Stereotaxic coordinate systems have also been developed for experimental animals including non-human primates, dogs, and rodents. However, they are lacking for other species being relevant in experimental neuroscience including sheep. Here, we present a spatial, unbiased ovine brain template with tissue probability maps (TPM) that offer a detailed stereotaxic reference frame for anatomical features and localization of brain areas, thereby enabling inter-individual and cross-study comparability. Three-dimensional data sets from healthy adult Merino sheep (Ovis orientalis aries, 12 ewes and 26 neutered rams) were acquired on a 1.5 T Philips MRI using a T1w sequence. Data were averaged by linear and non-linear registration algorithms. Moreover, animals were subjected to detailed brain volume analysis including examinations with respect to body weight (BW), age, and sex. The created T1w brain template provides an appropriate population-averaged ovine brain anatomy in a spatial standard coordinate system. Additionally, TPM for gray (GM) and white (WM) matter as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) classification enabled automatic prior-based tissue segmentation using statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Overall, a positive correlation of GM volume and BW explained about 15% of the variance of GM while a positive correlation between WM and age was found. Absolute tissue volume differences were not detected, indeed ewes showed significantly more GM per bodyweight as compared to neutered rams. The created framework including spatial brain template and TPM represent a useful tool for unbiased automatic image preprocessing and morphological characterization in sheep. Therefore, the reported results may serve as a starting point for further experimental and/or translational research aiming at in vivo analysis in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Nitzsche
- Department of Cell Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology Leipzig, Germany ; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Leipzig Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephen Frey
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Louis D Collins
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Johannes Seeger
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Leipzig Leipzig, Germany
| | - Donald Lobsien
- Department of Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Leipzig Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje Dreyer
- Department of Cell Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology Leipzig, Germany ; Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Leipzig Leipzig, Germany
| | - Holger Kirsten
- Department of Cell Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology Leipzig, Germany ; Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig Leipzig, Germany ; LIFE Center (Leipzig Interdisciplinary Research Cluster of Genetic Factors, Phenotypes and Environment), University of Leipzig Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael H Stoffel
- Division of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir S Fonov
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Johannes Boltze
- Department of Cell Therapy, Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology Leipzig, Germany ; Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Leipzig Leipzig, Germany ; Neurovascular Regulation Laboratory at Neuroscience Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School Charlestown, MA, USA
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16
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Morrison KE, Rodgers AB, Morgan CP, Bale TL. Epigenetic mechanisms in pubertal brain maturation. Neuroscience 2014; 264:17-24. [PMID: 24239720 PMCID: PMC3959229 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 10/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Puberty is a critical period of development during which the reemergence of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion from the hypothalamus triggers a cascade of hormone-dependent processes. Maturation of specific brain regions including the prefrontal cortex occurs during this window, but the complex mechanisms underlying these dynamic changes are not well understood. Particularly, the potential involvement of epigenetics in this programming has been under-examined. The epigenome is known to guide earlier stages of development, and it is similarly poised to regulate vital pubertal-driven brain maturation. Further, as epigenetic machinery is highly environmentally responsive, its involvement may also lend this period of growth to greater vulnerability to external insults, resulting in reprogramming and increased disease risk. Importantly, neuropsychiatric diseases commonly present in individuals during or immediately following puberty, and environmental perturbations including stress may precipitate disease onset by disrupting the normal trajectory of pubertal brain development via epigenetic mechanisms. In this review, we discuss epigenetic processes involved in pubertal brain maturation, the potential points of derailment, and the importance of future studies for understanding this dynamic developmental window and gaining a better understanding of neuropsychiatric disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Morrison
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, United States.
| | - A B Rodgers
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, United States
| | - C P Morgan
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, United States
| | - T L Bale
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, United States
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Robinson JE, Evans NP, Dumbell R, Solbakk AK, Ropstad E, Haraldsen IRH. Effects of inhibition of gonadotropin releasing hormone secretion on the response to novel objects in young male and female sheep. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 40:130-9. [PMID: 24485485 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Revised: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the actions of blocking the GnRH receptor using a specific agonist on the response of male and female sheep to a novel object placed in their pen. The study is part of a series performed on 46 same sex twin animals. One of the pair received a subcutaneous implant of the GnRH agonist Goserelin acetate every four weeks while the other remained untreated. Implantation began immediately prior to puberty; at 8 weeks in the males and 28 weeks in the females (as timing of puberty is sex specific). To determine the effects of agonist treatment on the reproductive axis blood samples were collected for measurement of testosterone in the males and progesterone in the females. In addition the volume of the scrotum was determined. The present study aimed to determine whether there are sexually differentiated behavioural responses to a novel object at different stages of brain development (8, 28 and 48 weeks of age) and whether these responses are altered by GnRHa treatment. Approach behaviour towards and interactions with the novel object were monitored as was the number of vocalisations per unit time during the test period. GnRHa treatment suppressed testosterone concentrations and testicular growth in the males and progesterone release in the females. Sheep vocalised significantly more prior to weaning (8 weeks of age) than post weaning (28 and 48 weeks of age) suggesting stress on separation from their dams. Our current study shows that males are more likely to leave their conspecifics to approach a novel object than females. As this behaviour was not altered by suppression of the reproductive axis we suggest that, although sex differences are more obviously expressed in the phenotype after puberty, these may be developed during adolescence but not primarily altered during puberty by sex hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Robinson
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK.
| | - Neil P Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK
| | - Rebecca Dumbell
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Scotland, UK
| | - Anne-Kristin Solbakk
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Division of Surgery and Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital - Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erik Ropstad
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 8146 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ira Ronit Hebold Haraldsen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Division of Surgery and Clinical Neuroscience, Oslo University Hospital - Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
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18
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Nuruddin S, Krogenæs A, Brynildsrud OB, Verhaegen S, Evans NP, Robinson JE, Haraldsen IRH, Ropstad E. Peri-pubertal gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment affects sex biased gene expression of amygdala in sheep. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:3115-27. [PMID: 24103890 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The nature of hormonal involvement in pubertal brain development has attracted wide interest. Structural changes within the brain that occur during pubertal development appear mainly in regions closely linked with emotion, motivation and cognitive functions. Using a sheep model, we have previously shown that peri-pubertal pharmacological blockade of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) receptors, results in exaggerated sex-differences in cognitive executive function and emotional control, as well as sex and hemisphere specific patterns of expression of hippocampal genes associated with synaptic plasticity and endocrine signaling. In this study, we explored effects of this treatment regime on the gene expression profile of the ovine amygdala. The study was conducted with 30 same-sex twin lambs (14 female and 16 male), half of which were treated with the GnRH agonist (GnRHa) goserelin acetate every 4th week, beginning before puberty, until approximately 50 weeks of age. Gene expression profiles of the left and right amygdala were measured using 8×15 K Agilent ovine microarrays. Differential expression of selected genes was confirmed by qRT-PCR (Quantitative real time PCR). Networking analyses and Gene Ontology (GO) Term analyses were performed with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), version 7.5 and DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization and integrated Discovery) version 6.7 software packages, respectively. GnRHa treatment was associated with significant sex- and hemisphere-specific differential patterns of gene expression. GnRHa treatment was associated with differential expression of 432 (|logFC|>0.3, adj. p value <0.05) and 46 (p value <0.0.5) genes in the left and right amygdala, respectively, of female animals, relative to the reference sample which consisted of all a pooled sample from control and treated animals of both sexes. No genes were found to be differentially expressed as a result of GnRHa treatment in the male animals. The results indicated that GnRH may, directly and/or indirectly, be involved in the regulation of sex- and hemisphere-specific differential expression of genes in the amygdala. This finding should be considered when long-term peri-pubertal GnRHa treatment is used in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Nuruddin
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, P.O. Box 8146 Dep., 0033 Oslo, Norway
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