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Catalbas K, Pattnaik T, Congdon S, Nelson C, Villano LC, Sweeney P. Hypothalamic AgRP neurons regulate the hyperphagia of lactation. Mol Metab 2024; 86:101975. [PMID: 38925247 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101975] [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: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The lactational period is associated with profound hyperphagia to accommodate the energy demands of nursing. These changes are important for the long-term metabolic health of the mother and children as altered feeding during lactation increases the risk of mothers and offspring developing metabolic disorders later in life. However, the specific behavioral mechanisms and neural circuitry mediating the hyperphagia of lactation are incompletely understood. METHODS Here, we utilized home cage feeding devices to characterize the dynamics of feeding behavior in lactating mice. A combination of pharmacological and behavioral assays were utilized to determine how lactation alters meal structure, circadian aspects of feeding, hedonic feeding, and sensitivity to hunger and satiety signals in lactating mice. Finally, we utilized chemogenetic, immunohistochemical, and in vivo imaging approaches to characterize the role of hypothalamic agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons in lactational-hyperphagia. RESULTS The lactational period is associated with increased meal size, altered circadian patterns of feeding, reduced sensitivity to gut-brain satiety signals, and enhanced sensitivity to negative energy balance. Hypothalamic AgRP neurons display increased sensitivity to negative energy balance and altered in vivo activity during the lactational state. Further, using in vivo imaging approaches we demonstrate that AgRP neurons are directly activated by lactation. Chemogenetic inhibition of AgRP neurons acutely reduces feeding in lactating mice, demonstrating an important role for these neurons in lactational-hyperphagia. CONCLUSIONS Together, these results show that lactation collectively alters multiple components of feeding behavior and position AgRP neurons as an important cellular substrate mediating the hyperphagia of lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerem Catalbas
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, USA; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Neuroscience Program, USA
| | - Tanya Pattnaik
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, USA
| | - Samuel Congdon
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, USA
| | - Christina Nelson
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, USA
| | - Lara C Villano
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, USA
| | - Patrick Sweeney
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, USA; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Neuroscience Program, USA.
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Pomar CA, Castillo P, Palou M, Palou A, Picó C. Implementation of a healthy diet to lactating rats attenuates the early detrimental programming effects in the offspring born to obese dams. Putative relationship with milk hormone levels. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 107:109043. [PMID: 35569798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lactation is a critical period of development and alterations in milk composition due to maternal diet or status may affect infant growth. We aimed to evaluate in rats whether improving maternal nutrition during lactation attenuates early imprinted adverse metabolic effects in the offspring born to obese dams. Three groups were studied: Control (C) dams, fed with standard diet; Western diet (WD) dams, fed with WD one month prior to gestation and during gestation and lactation; and Reversion (Rev) dams, fed as WD-dams, but moved to a standard diet during lactation. Macronutrient content, insulin, leptin and adiponectin levels were determined in milk. Phenotypic traits and circulating parameters in dams and their offspring were determined throughout lactation. Results showed that, at weaning, WD-dams displayed lower body weight and greater plasma insulin and non-esterified fatty acids levels than C-dams, and signs of hepatic steatosis. Milk from WD-dams showed lower protein content and insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels during the entire or the late lactation. Rev-dams retained excess body fat content, but milk composition and most circulating parameters were not different from controls at late lactation and showed higher leptin mRNA levels in mammary gland than WD-dams. The offspring of WD-dams, but not that of Rev-dams, displayed higher body weight, adiposity, and circulating leptin and glucose levels than controls at weaning. In conclusion, dietary improvement during lactation prevents early adverse effects in offspring associated with maternal intake of an obesogenic diet, that may be related with the normalization of milk hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina A Pomar
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Nutrigenomics, Biomarkers and Risk Evaluation), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears, IdISBa, 07010, Palma, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN). Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Castillo
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Nutrigenomics, Biomarkers and Risk Evaluation), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears, IdISBa, 07010, Palma, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN). Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariona Palou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Nutrigenomics, Biomarkers and Risk Evaluation), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears, IdISBa, 07010, Palma, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN). Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Andreu Palou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Nutrigenomics, Biomarkers and Risk Evaluation), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears, IdISBa, 07010, Palma, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN). Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Catalina Picó
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Nutrition and Biotechnology (Nutrigenomics, Biomarkers and Risk Evaluation), University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Illes Balears, IdISBa, 07010, Palma, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN). Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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3
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Wellman M, Budin R, Woodside B, Abizaid A. Energetic demands of lactation produce an increase in the expression of growth hormone secretagogue receptor in the hypothalamus and ventral tegmental area of the rat despite a reduction in circulating ghrelin. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13126. [PMID: 35365872 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Lactating rats show changes in the secretion of hormones and brain signals that promote hyperphagia and facilitate the production of milk. Little is known, however, about the role of ghrelin in the mechanisms sustaining lactational hyperphagia. Here, we used Wistar female rats that underwent surgery to sever the galactophores to prevent milk delivery (GC rats) and decrease the energetic drain of milk delivery. We compared plasma acyl-ghrelin concentrations and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) mRNA expression in different brain regions of GC rats with those of sham operated lactating and nonlactating rats. Additional lactating and nonlactating rats were implanted with cannulae aimed at the lateral ventricles and were used to compare feeding responses to central ghrelin or GHSR antagonist infusions to those of nonlactating rats receiving similar infusions on day 14-16 postpartum (pp). Results show lower plasma acyl-ghrelin concentrations on day 15 pp sham operated lactating rats compared to GC or nonlactating rats. These changes occur in association with increased GHSR mRNA expression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) of sham operated lactating rats. Despite lactational hyperphagia, infusions of ghrelin (0.25 or 1 μg) resulted in similar increases in food intake in lactating and nonlactating rats. In addition, infusions of the GHSR antagonist JMV3002 (4 μg in 1 μl of vehicle) produced greater suppression of food intake in lactating rats than in nonlactating rats. These data suggest that, despite lower plasma ghrelin, the energetic drain of lactation increases sensitivity to the orexigenic effects of ghrelin in brain regions important for food intake and energy balance, and these events are associated with lactational hyperphagia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wellman
- Neuroscience Department, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Radek Budin
- Centre for Studies in Behavioural Neurobiology, Psychology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Barbara Woodside
- Centre for Studies in Behavioural Neurobiology, Psychology Department, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alfonso Abizaid
- Neuroscience Department, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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4
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Ragan CM, Ahmed EI, Vitale EM, Linning-Duffy K, Miller-Smith SM, Maguire J, Lonstein JS. Postpartum State, but Not Maternal Caregiving or Level of Anxiety, Increases Medial Prefrontal Cortex GAD65 and vGAT in Female Rats. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 2:746518. [PMID: 35211693 PMCID: PMC8861351 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2021.746518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Upregulation of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA, is involved in many of the behavioral differences between postpartum and nulliparous female rodents. This is evidenced by studies showing that pharmacological blockade of GABAergic activity impairs maternal caregiving and postpartum affective behaviors. However, the influence of motherhood on the capacity for GABA synthesis or release in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC; brain region involved in many social and affective behaviors) is not well-understood. Western blotting was used to compare postpartum and nulliparous rats in protein levels of the 65-kD isoform of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65; synthesizes most GABA released from terminals) and vesicular GABA transporter (vGAT; accumulates GABA into synaptic vesicles for release) in the mPFC. We found that postpartum mothers had higher GAD65 and vGAT compared to virgins, but such differences were not found between maternally sensitized and non-sensitized virgins, indicating that reproduction rather than just the display of maternal caregiving is required. To test whether GAD65 and vGAT levels in the mPFC were more specifically related to anxiety-related behavior within postpartum mothers, we selected 8 low-anxiety and 8 high-anxiety dams based on their time spent in the open arms of an elevated plus maze on postpartum day 7. There were no significant differences between the anxiety groups in either GAD65 or vGAT levels. These data further indicate that frontal cortical GABA is affected by female reproduction and more likely contributes to differences in the display of socioemotional behaviors across, but not within, female reproductive state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Ragan
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- School of Biology and Undergraduate Neuroscience Program, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Eman I. Ahmed
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Erika M. Vitale
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | | | - Stephanie M. Miller-Smith
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jamie Maguire
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Joseph S. Lonstein
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Joseph S. Lonstein
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5
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Wasinski F, Teixeira PDS, List EO, Kopchick JJ, Donato J. Growth hormone receptor contributes to the activation of STAT5 in the hypothalamus of pregnant mice. Neurosci Lett 2021; 770:136402. [PMID: 34929316 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) receptor (GHR) signaling induces the phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (pSTAT5) in the cells of several tissues including in the hypothalamus. During pregnancy, several STAT5-recruiting hormones (e.g., prolactin, GH and placental lactogens) are highly secreted. However, the precise contribution of GHR signaling to the surge of pSTAT5 immunoreactive neurons that occurs in the hypothalamus of pregnant mice is currently unknown. Thus, the objective of the present study was to determine whether GHR expression in neurons is required for inducing pSTAT5 expression in several hypothalamic nuclei during pregnancy. Initially, we demonstrated that late pregnant C57BL/6 mice (gestational day 14 to 18) exhibited increased pulsatile GH secretion compared to virgin females. Next, we confirmed that neuron-specific GHR ablation robustly reduces hypothalamic Ghr mRNA levels and prevents GH-induced pSTAT5 in the arcuate, paraventricular and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei. Subsequently, the number of pSTAT5 immunoreactive cells was determined in the hypothalamus of late pregnant mice. Although neuron-specific GHR ablation did not affect the number of pSTAT5 immunoreactive cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, reduced pSTAT5 expression was observed in the arcuate and ventromedial nuclei of pregnant neuron-specific GHR knockouts, compared to control pregnant mice. In summary, a subset of hypothalamic neurons requires GHR signaling to express pSTAT5 during pregnancy. These findings contribute to the understanding of the endocrine factors that affect the activation of transcription factors in the brain during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Wasinski
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil
| | - Pryscila D S Teixeira
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil
| | - Edward O List
- Edison Biotechnology Institute and Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - John J Kopchick
- Edison Biotechnology Institute and Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701, USA
| | - Jose Donato
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil.
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Martins MG, Cruz AGD, Oliveira GPD, Woodside B, Horta-Júnior JDADCE, Kiss ACI. Effects of snack intake during pregnancy and lactation on reproductive outcome in mild hyperglycemic rats. Physiol Behav 2021; 240:113544. [PMID: 34332976 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic disorders, like diabetes, as well as maternal diet, alter nutrient availability in utero, inducing adaptations in the offspring. Whether the effects of maternal hyperglycemia are modulated by diet, however, has yet to be explored. In the current study, we examined this issue by giving females rats, treated neonatally with STZ to induce mild hyperglycemia, and control littermates either ad libitum access to standard chow (Control n = 17; STZ n = 16) or standard chow and snacks (Control-snack n = 18; STZ-snack n = 19) (potato chips and a red fruit-flavored sucrose syrup solution 1.5%) throughout pregnancy and lactation. We hypothesized that the maternal glucose intolerance typically seen in female rats treated neonatally with STZ would be exacerbated by snack intake, and that the combination of snack intake and STZ treatment would lead to alterations in maternal behavior and offspring development. Maternal body weight and food intake were measured daily through pregnancy and lactation and litter weight throughout lactation. At birth, litter size, offspring weight, body length, and anogenital distance were obtained and offspring were classified according to their weight. Measures of nursing and retrieval behavior, as well as exploration in the open field and the elevated plus-maze were also recorded. As predicted, snack intake tended to aggravate the glucose intolerance of STZ-treated rats during pregnancy. Both Control and STZ-treated females that had access to snacks ate more calories and fat, but less carbohydrate and protein than females having access to chow alone. Overall, STZ-treated dams gave birth to fewer pups. Chow-fed STZ females gave birth to a greater proportion of large for pregnancy age pups, whereas dams in the Control-snack group gave birth to a greater proportion of small pups. The birth weight classification of pups born to STZ-snack rats, however, resembled that of the Control chow-fed females. Although all litters gained weight during lactation, litters from snack-fed dams gained less weight regardless of maternal hyperglycemia and did not show catch-up growth by weaning. Overall, STZ rats spent more time nest building, whereas the average inter milk ejection interval was higher in snack-fed females. STZ-snack dams retrieved the complete litter faster than dams in the other groups. Together, these data suggest that when mild hyperglycemic females are given access to snacks throughout pregnancy and lactation their intake is similar to that of Control females given snack access. The combination of hyperglycemia and snack access tended to decrease glucose tolerance in pregnancy, and normalized birth weight classification, but produced few other effects that were not seen as a function of snack intake or hyperglycemia alone. Since birth weight is a strong predictor of health issues, future studies will further investigate offspring behavioral and metabolic outcomes later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Galleazzo Martins
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences of the University of São Paulo (IB/USP), Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil; São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Rua Prof. Dr. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, s/n, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil.
| | - Alessandra Gonçalves da Cruz
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences of the University of São Paulo (IB/USP), Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil; São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Rua Prof. Dr. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, s/n, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Giovana Pereira de Oliveira
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences of the University of São Paulo (IB/USP), Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil; São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Rua Prof. Dr. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, s/n, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Barbara Woodside
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Psychology Department, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, Quebec, Canada H4B 1R6
| | - José de Anchieta de Castro E Horta-Júnior
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Rua Prof. Dr. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, s/n, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Inhasz Kiss
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences of the University of São Paulo (IB/USP), Rua do Matão, trav. 14, 321, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil; São Paulo State University (Unesp), Institute of Biosciences, Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Rua Prof. Dr. Antonio Celso Wagner Zanin, s/n, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil
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7
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Russo C, Patanè M, Pellitteri R, Stanzani S, Russo A. Prenatal music exposure influences weight, ghrelin expression, and morphology of rat hypothalamic neuron cultures. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 81:151-158. [PMID: 33368583 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Music plays an important role in brain physiology, in some areas related to emotions, food intake and body weight, such as the hypothalamus. There are different frequencies to which it can be tuned, today the most utilized is at 440 Hz, while in the past the 432 Hz frequency was more used to show particular effects on brain. It is known that Ghrelin, a peptide hormone, regulates food intake in the hypothalamus; in a previous paper, we reported that musical stimuli at 432 Hz modified the Ghrelin expression in the rat, increasing beneficial effects on metabolism. In this study, we used this frequency and we focused our attention on body weight, Ghrelin expression, and neuron morphology in hypothalamic cultures. To investigate the role of music, we utilized newborn pups from pregnant rats that were exposed to music stimuli at 432 Hz during the perinatal period and for the postnatal period, some for 3 days (P3) and others for 6 days (P6). Some pups were not exposed to music stimuli (controls). Our results showed that music increased the body weight of pups; in addition, enhanced Ghrelin expression in hypothalamic neurons and their axonal elongation were highlighted by immunocytochemical techniques. Moreover, we found that the positive music effect started in pups at P3 and increased at P6 compared with controls. These results suggest that the musical frequency at 432 Hz could stimulate the orexigenic Ghrelin effects influencing the increase in body weight and affecting the number of hypothalamic neurons expressing Ghrelin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Russo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Martina Patanè
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosalia Pellitteri
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stanzani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonella Russo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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8
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Li H, Wei J, Ma F, Shan Q, Gao D, Jin Y, Sun P. Melatonin Modulates Lactation by Regulating Prolactin Secretion Via Tuberoinfundibular Dopaminergic Neurons in the Hypothalamus- Pituitary System. Curr Protein Pept Sci 2020; 21:744-750. [DOI: 10.2174/1389203721666200511093733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In-depth studies have identified many hormones important for controlling mammary growth
and maintaining lactation. One of these is melatonin, which is synthesized and secreted by the pineal
gland to regulate circadian rhythms, improve antioxidant capacity, and enhance immunity. Prolactin is
secreted by the pituitary gland and is associated with the growth and development of mammary glands
as well as initiation and maintenance of lactation. The hypothalamus-pituitary system, the most important
endocrine system in the body, regulates prolactin secretion mainly through dopamine released
from tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons. This review provides a reference for further study and
describes the regulation of lactation and prolactin secretion by melatonin, primarily via the protection
and stimulation of tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jingya Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fengtao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qiang Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Duo Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yuhang Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Peng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, China
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9
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Pandey A, Khan HR, Alex NS, Puttaraju M, Chandrasekaran TT, Rudraiah M. Under-carboxylated osteocalcin regulates glucose and lipid metabolism during pregnancy and lactation in rats. J Endocrinol Invest 2020; 43:1081-1095. [PMID: 32056149 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-020-01195-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Under-carboxylated osteocalcin (UcOC), a bone-released hormone is suggested to regulate energy metabolism. Pregnancy and lactation physiological conditions that require high levels of energy. The current study attempts to examine whether UcOC is involved in regulating energy metabolism during these conditions using adult Wistar rats. METHODS AND RESULTS Insulin tolerance tests indicated insulin resistance during late pregnancy (day 19 of pregnancy; P19) and insulin sensitivity during early lactation (day 6 of lactation; L6). Gene expression analyses suggested that muscle glucose metabolism was downregulated during P19 and enhanced during L6. Concomitantly, circulatory UcOC levels were lower during pregnancy but higher during early lactation; the rise in UcOC levels was tightly linked to the lactation process. Altering endogenous UcOC levels pharmacologically with warfarin and alendronate in P19 and L6 rats changed whole-body insulin response and muscle glucose transporter (Glut4) expression. Glut4 expression can be increased by either UcOC or estrogen receptors (ERs), both of which act independent of each other. A high fat diet decreased UcOC levels and insulin sensitivity in lactating rats, suggesting that diet can compromise UcOC-established energy homeostasis. Gene expression of lipid metabolism markers and triglyceride levels suggested that UcOC suppression during early pregnancy is an essential step in maternal lipid storage. CONCLUSION Taken together, we found that UcOC plays an important role in energy homeostasis via regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism during pregnancy and lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pandey
- Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - H R Khan
- Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - N S Alex
- Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - M Puttaraju
- Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - T T Chandrasekaran
- Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - M Rudraiah
- Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
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10
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Rincón-Cortés M, Grace AA. Postpartum changes in affect-related behavior and VTA dopamine neuron activity in rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 97:109768. [PMID: 31655159 PMCID: PMC6910715 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The onset of motherhood is accompanied by alterations in emotional and affective behaviors. Many new mothers experience transient and mild depressive symptoms that typically resolve spontaneously (i.e. postpartum blues) but increase the risk for postpartum depression (PPD). There is little data regarding the neural adaptations occurring in response to parturition and shortly after birth that may be associated with these affective changes. Although the dopamine (DA) system is involved in affect, maternal motivation and PPD, little is known about postpartum DA function. We compared affective behavior in virgin and postpartum adult female rats at early and late time points. In vivo extracellular recordings of VTA DA neurons were performed to evaluate 3 parameters: number of active DA neurons (i.e. population activity), firing rate, and firing pattern. Compared with virgins, postpartum rats exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze at 1-day postpartum; reduced social motivation at 1- and 3-days postpartum, reduced anxiety-like behavior in the novelty suppressed feeding test throughout the first week postpartum and increased forced swim test immobility at 1-day postpartum. 1- and 3-day postpartum females exhibited attenuated VTA population activity without changes in firing rate or pattern. None of these effects were observed in late postpartum females when compared with virgins. These data suggest that parturition induces time-dependent changes in a subset of affect-related behaviors and DA function during the postpartum period in rodents, with early postpartum females exhibiting depression-related phenotypes (i.e. low social motivation, higher immobility, blunted DA activity).
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Affiliation(s)
- Millie Rincón-Cortés
- Departments of Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States of America.
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11
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Teixeira PDS, Wasinski F, Lima LB, Frazão R, Bittencourt JC, Donato J. Regulation and neurochemical identity of melanin-concentrating hormone neurones in the preoptic area of lactating mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12818. [PMID: 31782183 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neurones expressing the melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) can be found in the medial preoptic area (mPOA) and ventral aspects of the periventricular preoptic nucleus of rats by mid-to-late lactation and this expression disappears after weaning. The transitory expression of MCH in the preoptic area suggests a role for these neurones in the control of the end of lactation. However, the neurochemical identity of mPOA MCH neurones and the regulatory factors that control the transient MCH expression remain largely unknown, especially in the mouse. In the present study, we showed that mice also present the transitory expression of MCH in the mPOA at late lactation. mPOA MCH cells did not colocalise significantly with markers of GABAergic (VGAT), glutamatergic (VGLUT2 and VGLUT3) or dopaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase) neurones. mPOA MCH cells also did not express Kiss1 or oxytocin. By contrast, approximately 70% and 90% of mPOA MCH neurones colocalised with oestrogen receptor α and prolactin-induced phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5), respectively. Finally, we demonstrated that the number of MCH neurones in the mPOA is significantly higher in females during the first lactation, compared to mice on the second lactation or pregnant mice during the first lactation or brain-specific STAT5 knockout mice during the first lactation. In summary, our findings indicate that MCH neurones in the mPOA of lactating mice are sensitive to oestrogens and prolactin. Thus, mPOA MCH expression is possibly influenced by hormonal variations. Furthermore, the STAT5 signalling pathway is likely involved in the regulation of MCH expression in the mPOA of lactating mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pryscila D S Teixeira
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Frederick Wasinski
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro B Lima
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Frazão
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jackson C Bittencourt
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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12
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Teixeira PDS, Couto GC, Furigo IC, List EO, Kopchick JJ, Donato J. Central growth hormone action regulates metabolism during pregnancy. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2019; 317:E925-E940. [PMID: 31479305 PMCID: PMC7132326 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00229.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The maternal organism undergoes numerous metabolic adaptations to become prepared for the demands associated with the coming offspring. These metabolic adaptations involve changes induced by several hormones that act at multiple levels, ultimately influencing energy and glucose homeostasis during pregnancy and lactation. Previous studies have shown that central growth hormone (GH) action modulates glucose and energy homeostasis. However, whether central GH action regulates metabolism during pregnancy and lactation is still unknown. In the present study, we generated mice carrying ablation of GH receptor (GHR) in agouti-related protein (AgRP)-expressing neurons, in leptin receptor (LepR)-expressing cells or in the entire brain to investigate the role played by central GH action during pregnancy and lactation. AgRP-specific GHR ablation led to minor metabolic changes during pregnancy and lactation. However, while brain-specific GHR ablation reduced food intake and body adiposity during gestation, LepR GHR knockout (KO) mice exhibited increased leptin responsiveness in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus during late pregnancy, although their offspring showed reduced growth rate. Additionally, both Brain GHR KO and LepR GHR KO mice had lower glucose tolerance and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion during pregnancy, despite presenting increased insulin sensitivity, compared with control pregnant animals. Our findings revealed that during pregnancy central GH action regulates food intake, fat retention, as well as the sensitivity to insulin and leptin in a cell-specific manner. Together, the results suggest that GH acts in concert with other "gestational hormones" to prepare the maternal organism for the metabolic demands of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pryscila D S Teixeira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele C Couto
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isadora C Furigo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edward O List
- Edison Biotechnology Institute and Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
| | - John J Kopchick
- Edison Biotechnology Institute and Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zhao M, Harris BN, Nguyen CTY, Saltzman W. Effects of single parenthood on mothers' behavior, morphology, and endocrine function in the biparental California mouse. Horm Behav 2019; 114:104536. [PMID: 31153926 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Motherhood is energetically costly for mammals and is associated with pronounced changes in mothers' physiology, morphology and behavior. In ~5% of mammals, fathers assist their mates with rearing offspring and can enhance offspring survival and development. Although these beneficial consequences of paternal care can be mediated by direct effects on offspring, they might also be mediated indirectly, through beneficial effects on mothers. We tested the hypothesis that fathers in the monogamous, biparental California mouse (Peromyscus californicus) reduce the burden of parental care on their mates, and therefore, that females rearing offspring with and without assistance from their mates will show differences in endocrinology, morphology and behavior, as well as in the survival and development of their pups. We found that pups' survival and development in the lab did not differ between those raised by a single mother and those reared by both mother and father. Single mothers spent more time in feeding behaviors than paired mothers. Both single and paired mothers had higher lean mass and/or lower fat mass and showed more anxiety-like behavior in open-field tests and tail-suspension tests, compared to non-breeding females. Single mothers had higher body-mass-corrected liver and heart masses, but lower ovarian and uterine masses, than paired mothers and/or non-breeding females. Mass of the gastrointestinal tract did not differ between single and paired mothers, but single mothers had heavier gastrointestinal tract compared to non-breeding females. Single motherhood also induced a flattened diel corticosterone rhythm and a blunted corticosterone response to stress, compared to non-breeding conditions. These findings suggest that the absence of a mate induces morphological and endocrine changes in mothers, which might result from increased energetic demands of pup care and could potentially help maintain normal survival and development of pups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhao
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, United States of America
| | - Breanna N Harris
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, United States of America
| | - Catherine T Y Nguyen
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, United States of America
| | - Wendy Saltzman
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, United States of America.
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14
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Ramos-Lobo AM, Furigo IC, Teixeira PDS, Zampieri TT, Wasinski F, Buonfiglio DC, Donato J. Maternal metabolic adaptations are necessary for normal offspring growth and brain development. Physiol Rep 2019. [PMID: 29536670 PMCID: PMC5849578 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Several metabolic adaptations emerge during pregnancy and continue through lactation, including increases in food intake and body weight, as well as insulin and leptin resistance. These maternal adaptations are thought to play a role in offspring viability and success. Using a model of attenuated maternal metabolic adaptations induced by ablation of the Socs3 gene in leptin receptor expressing cells (SOCS3 KO mice), our study aimed to investigate whether maternal metabolic changes are required for normal offspring development, and if their absence causes metabolic imbalances in adulthood. The litters were subjected to a cross‐fostering experimental design to distinguish the prenatal and postnatal effects caused by maternal metabolic adaptations. Males either born or raised by SOCS3 KO mice showed reduced body weight until 8 weeks of life. Both adult males and females born or raised by SOCS3 KO mice also had lower body adiposity. Despite that, no significant changes in energy expenditure, glucose tolerance or insulin resistance were observed. However, males either born or raised by SOCS3 KO mice showed reduced brain mass in adulthood. Furthermore, animals born from SOCS3 KO mice also had lower proopiomelanocortin fiber density in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the commonly observed metabolic changes in pregnancy and lactation are necessary for normal offspring growth and brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Ramos-Lobo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Isadora C Furigo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Pryscila D S Teixeira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais T Zampieri
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Frederick Wasinski
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Daniella C Buonfiglio
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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15
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Masuda A, Houdijk JGM, Allen JE, Athanasiadou S. Body Protein Reserves Sustain Maternal Performance in Early Lactation but Dietary Protein Is Necessary to Maintain Performance and Immune Responses to Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in Lactating Rats. J Nutr 2018; 148:1638-1646. [PMID: 30204917 DOI: 10.1093/jn/nxy133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has been shown that dietary protein supplementation during lactation boosts immunity in Nippostrongylus brasiliensis-infected periparturient rats. It is not known whether body protein reserves accumulated during gestation have a similar effect during lactation. Objective This study aimed to quantify the impact of body protein reserves and dietary protein supplementation on maternal performance and immune responses to N. brasiliensis during lactation. Methods Multiparous female Sprague-Dawley rats were administered a primary infection of N. brasiliensis before mating and were restriction-fed either 60 g [low-protein diet gestation (Lge)] or 210 g [high-protein diet gestation (Hge)] crude protein (CP) per kilogram of dry matter (DM) until parturition. From parturition onward, dams were restriction-fed either 100 g [low-protein diet lactation (Lla)] or 300 g [high-protein diet lactation (Hla)] CP per kilogram of DM, generating 4 different dietary treatments. A subset of rats was sampled before parturition; postparturition, dams were secondarily infected with N. brasiliensis and samples were collected at days 5 and 11 postparturition. Results Maternal performance until parturition, as measured by pup weight, was better in Hge rats than in Lge rats [Lge: 4.84 g; Hge: 6.15 g; standard error of the difference (SED): 0.19]. On day 11, pup weights of dams with reduced protein reserves fed protein during lactation (Lge-Hla; 20.28 g) were higher than their counterparts from Hge-Lla dams (17.88 g; SED: 0.92). Worm counts were significantly different between Lge-Lla-fed (253; 95% CI: 124, 382) and Hge-Hla-fed (87; 95% CI: 22, 104) dams on day 11 (P = 0.024). The expression of splenic interleukin 13 (Il13) and arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase (Alox15) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Hge-Hla dams compared with Lge-Lla dams on day 5. Conclusions Although protein reserves were adequate to maintain maternal performance in the early stage of lactation in dams infected with N. brasiliensis, they were not adequate to maintain maternal performance and effective immune responses at later stages. Dietary protein supplementation was required to achieve this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Masuda
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scotland's Rural College, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - Jos G M Houdijk
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Scotland's Rural College, Easter Bush, United Kingdom
| | - Judith E Allen
- Division of Infection, Immunity, and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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16
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Zhao M, Garland T, Chappell MA, Andrew JR, Harris BN, Saltzman W. Effects of a physical and energetic challenge on male California mice ( Peromyscus californicus): modulation by reproductive condition. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.168559. [PMID: 29170256 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.168559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction strongly influences metabolism, morphology and behavior in female mammals. In species in which males provide parental care, reproduction might have similar effects on fathers. We examined effects of an environmental challenge on metabolically important physiological, morphological and behavioral measures, and determined whether these effects differed between reproductive and non-reproductive males in the biparental California mouse (Peromyscus californicus). Males were paired with an ovary-intact female, an ovariectomized female treated with estrogen and progesterone to induce estrus, or an untreated ovariectomized female. Within each group, half of the animals were housed under standard laboratory conditions and half in cages requiring them to climb wire towers to obtain food and water; these latter animals were also fasted for 24 h every third day. We predicted that few differences would be observed between fathers and non-reproductive males under standard conditions, but that fathers would be in poorer condition than non-reproductive males under challenging conditions. Body and fat mass showed a housing condition×reproductive group interaction: the challenge condition increased body and fat mass in both groups of non-reproductive males, but breeding males were unaffected. Males housed under the physical and energetic challenge had higher blood lipid content, lower maximal aerobic capacity and related traits (hematocrit and relative triceps surae mass), increased pain sensitivity and increased number of fecal boli excreted during tail-suspension tests (a measure of anxiety), compared with controls. Thus, our physical and energetic challenge paradigm altered metabolism, morphology and behavior, but these effects were largely unaffected by reproductive condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhao
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Theodore Garland
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Mark A Chappell
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jacob R Andrew
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Breanna N Harris
- Department of Biological Sciences, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
| | - Wendy Saltzman
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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17
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Hyland L, Rosenbaum S, Edwards A, Palacios D, Graham MD, Pfaus JG, Woodside B, Abizaid A. Central ghrelin receptor stimulation modulates sex motivation in male rats in a site dependent manner. Horm Behav 2018; 97:56-66. [PMID: 29080670 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin, a hormone produced primarily by the stomach, has been associated with motivational processes that include reward-seeking behaviors. In male laboratory mice, elevation of ghrelin levels enhances some aspects of sexual motivation and behavior, whereas in other experiments with male mice, rats, and other species, ghrelin treatment or food deprivation decreases sexual motivation and/or behavior. The present tested the hypothesis that stimulation of ghrelin receptors in different brain regions have opposite effects on male sexual motivation and behavior. To do this we examined appetitive and consummatory sex behaviors of male rats with a truncated ghrelin receptor (FHH-GHSRm1/Mcwi), and that of their WT (FHH) littermates. We also examined the effects of ghrelin or the ghrelin antagonist D-Lys-GHRP6 delivered into the VTA or the MPOA on appetitive and consummatory sex behaviors in male Long Evans rats. Results demonstrate that rats with a truncated ghrelin receptor, or rats that are food deprived, show deficits in anticipatory sex. Furthermore, although ghrelin does not further stimulate sex anticipation in rats when infused into the VTA, intra-VTA infusions of D-Lys-GHRP6 into the VTA further decreases in sex anticipation in food deprived rats. In contrast, ghrelin delivery into the mPOA decreased sex anticipation compared to saline or D-Lys-GHRP6 infused rats. Overall, these data suggest that ghrelin receptor signalling is important for full expression of appetitive sex behaviors. Within the VTA, ghrelin may act to enhance sex motivation, while acting on the mPOA to decrease sex motivation and promote foraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Hyland
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Alexander Edwards
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Palacios
- Centre for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - M Dean Graham
- Centre for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - James G Pfaus
- Centre for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Barbara Woodside
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Centre for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alfonso Abizaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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18
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Schneider JE, Deviche P. Molecular and Neuroendocrine Approaches to Understanding Trade-offs: Food, Sex, Aggression, Stress, and Longevity-An Introduction to the Symposium. Integr Comp Biol 2017; 57:1151-1160. [PMID: 28992053 PMCID: PMC5886330 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Life history strategies are composed of multiple fitness components, each of which incurs costs and benefits. Consequently, organisms cannot maximize all fitness components simultaneously. This situation results in a dynamic array of trade-offs in which some fitness traits prevail at the expense of others, often depending on context. The identification of specific constraints and trade-offs has helped elucidate physiological mechanisms that underlie variation in behavioral and physiological life history strategies. There is general recognition that trade-offs are made at the individual and population level, but much remains to be learned concerning the molecular neuroendocrine mechanisms that underlie trade-offs. For example, we still do not know whether the mechanisms that underlie trade-offs at the individual level relate to trade-offs at the population level. To advance our understanding of trade-offs, we organized a group of speakers who study neuroendocrine mechanisms at the interface of traits that are not maximized simultaneously. Speakers were invited to represent research from a wide range of taxa including invertebrates (e.g., worms and insects), fish, nonavian reptiles, birds, and mammals. Three general themes emerged. First, the study of trade-offs requires that we investigate traditional endocrine mechanisms that include hormones, neuropeptides, and their receptors, and in addition, other chemical messengers not traditionally included in endocrinology. The latter group includes growth factors, metabolic intermediates, and molecules of the immune system. Second, the nomenclature and theory of neuroscience that has dominated the study of behavior is being re-evaluated in the face of evidence for the peripheral actions of so-called neuropeptides and neurotransmitters and the behavioral repercussions of these actions. Finally, environmental and ecological contexts continue to be critical in unmasking molecular mechanisms that are hidden when study animals are housed in enclosed spaces, with unlimited food, without competitors or conspecifics, and in constant ambient conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill E Schneider
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, 111 Research Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
| | - Pierre Deviche
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287–4501, USA
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19
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Gellén B, Zelena D, Usdin TB, Dobolyi Á. The parathyroid hormone 2 receptor participates in physiological and behavioral alterations of mother mice. Physiol Behav 2017; 181:51-58. [PMID: 28890271 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Gellén
- MTA-ELTE Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Ted B Usdin
- Section on Fundamental Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Árpád Dobolyi
- MTA-ELTE Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary; Laboratory of Neuromorphology and Human Brain Tissue Bank, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Fischer EK, O'Connell LA. Modification of feeding circuits in the evolution of social behavior. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 220:92-102. [PMID: 28057832 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.143859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Adaptive trade-offs between foraging and social behavior intuitively explain many aspects of individual decision-making. Given the intimate connection between social behavior and feeding/foraging at the behavioral level, we propose that social behaviors are linked to foraging on a mechanistic level, and that modifications of feeding circuits are crucial in the evolution of complex social behaviors. In this Review, we first highlight the overlap between mechanisms underlying foraging and parental care and then expand this argument to consider the manipulation of feeding-related pathways in the evolution of other complex social behaviors. We include examples from diverse taxa to highlight that the independent evolution of complex social behaviors is a variation on the theme of feeding circuit modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva K Fischer
- Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Lauren A O'Connell
- Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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21
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Furigo IC, Ramos-Lobo AM, Frazão R, Donato J. Brain STAT5 signaling and behavioral control. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 438:70-76. [PMID: 27118133 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several growth factors and cytokines recruit the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) signaling pathway to control cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Nonetheless, the importance of this transcription factor for brain functions is still poorly understood. Because some STAT5-inducing hormones, such as prolactin and leptin, act in the brain to regulate the expression of motivated behaviors, this signaling pathway is likely involved in behavioral modulation. Therefore, the objective of the present review was to summarize and discuss the available data regarding the possible role of central STAT5 signaling in the regulation of brain functions, especially on behavioral control. We discussed studies that investigated the importance of STAT5 signaling in the regulation of maternal and feeding behaviors. Additionally, we highlighted other behaviors that could be potentially affected by STAT5 signaling. This knowledge may help to understand how motivated behaviors are regulated at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora C Furigo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Angela M Ramos-Lobo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Frazão
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-900, Brazil
| | - J Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil.
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22
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Toufexis DJ, Lipatova O, Johnson AC, Abizaid A. Food-Restriction Lowers the Acoustic Startle Response in both Male and Female Rats, and, in Combination with Acute Ghrelin Injection, Abolishes the Expression of Fear-Potentiated Startle in Male Rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 27754564 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Food restriction has been reported to reduce anxiety-like behaviour in male rats, whereas the effects of food restriction on anxiety in female rats are less clear. Ghrelin is a peptide hormone produced and secreted in the stomach that stimulates food intake and is considered to play a role in reward and emotional responses such as fear expression. Under food restriction, endogenous ghrelin levels increase. In the present study, we examined the effect of moderate food restriction (80% of ad libitum fed weight), with or without an acute application of a small dose of exogenous ghrelin intended to cause an immediate hunger response, on the expression of the acoustic startle reflex (ASR). This was carried out under basal conditions (baseline ASR to 90- and 95-dB noise bursts), and in the presence of a light cue associated with a mild foot-shock, as measured by fear-potentiated startle, which compares the proportional change in ASR in the presence of the conditioned stimulus. The results obtained show that food-restriction reduces basal ASR in both male and female rats, apart from any concomitant change in motor activity, suggesting that food-restriction reduces anxiety levels in both sexes. In addition, the data show that food-restriction reduces fear-potentiated startle in male but not female rats. Acute ghrelin injection, prior to fear-potentiated startle testing, eliminates the expression of fear-potentiated startle in food-restricted male rats alone, suggesting a role for ghrelin in the reduction of fear expression in food-restricted male rats. These data imply that, although food-restriction decreases anxiety in both sexes, learned fear responses remain intact after food-restriction in female but not male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Toufexis
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - O Lipatova
- Department of Psychology, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA, USA
| | - A C Johnson
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - A Abizaid
- Alfonso Abizaid, Department of Neuroscience, Carlton University, Ottawa, Canada
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Jonas W, Woodside B. Physiological mechanisms, behavioral and psychological factors influencing the transfer of milk from mothers to their young. Horm Behav 2016; 77:167-81. [PMID: 26232032 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Revised: 07/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Parental Care".Producing milk to support the growth of their young is a central element of maternal care in mammals. In spite of the facts that ecological constraints influence nursing frequency, length of time until weaning and the composition of milk, there is considerable similarity in the anatomy and physiology of milk production and delivery across mammalian species. Here we provide an overview of cross species variation in nursing patterns and milk composition as well as the mechanisms underlying mammary gland development, milk production and letdown. Not all women breastfeed their infants, thus in later sections we review studies of factors that facilitate or impede the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. The results of these investigations suggest that the decisions to initiate and maintain breastfeeding are influenced by an array of personal, social and biological factors. Finally, studies comparing the development of breastfed and formula fed infants as well as those investigating associations between breastfeeding, maternal health and mother/infant interaction are reviewed. Leading health agencies including the World Health Organization and CDC advocate breastfeeding for at least the first 6months postpartum. To achieve these rates will require not only institutional support but also a focus on individual mother/infant dyads and their experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wibke Jonas
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Fraser Mustard Institute of Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Barbara Woodside
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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24
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Effects of sodium butyrate supplementation on reproductive performance and colostrum composition in gilts. Animal 2016; 10:1722-7. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731116000537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Abstract
Prolactin (PRL) released from lactotrophs of the anterior pituitary gland in response to the suckling by the offspring is the major hormonal signal responsible for stimulation of milk synthesis in the mammary glands. PRL secretion is under chronic inhibition exerted by dopamine (DA), which is released from neurons of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus into the hypophyseal portal vasculature. Suckling by the young activates ascending systems that decrease the release of DA from this system, resulting in enhanced responsiveness to one or more PRL-releasing hormones, such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT), synthesized in magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamic supraoptic, paraventricular, and several accessory nuclei, is responsible for contracting the myoepithelial cells of the mammary gland to produce milk ejection. Electrophysiological recordings demonstrate that shortly before each milk ejection, the entire neurosecretory OT population fires a synchronized burst of action potentials (the milk ejection burst), resulting in release of OT from nerve terminals in the neurohypophysis. Both of these neuroendocrine systems undergo alterations in late gestation that prepare them for the secretory demands of lactation, and that reduce their responsiveness to stimuli other than suckling, especially physical stressors. The demands of milk synthesis and release produce a condition of negative energy balance in the suckled mother, and, in laboratory rodents, are accompanied by a dramatic hyperphagia. The reduction in secretion of the adipocyte hormone, leptin, a hallmark of negative energy balance, may be an important endocrine signal to hypothalamic systems that integrate lactation-associated food intake with neuroendocrine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Crowley
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
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26
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Abstract
The hypothalamic control of prolactin secretion is different from other anterior pituitary hormones, in that it is predominantly inhibitory, by means of dopamine from the tuberoinfundibular dopamine neurons. In addition, prolactin does not have an endocrine target tissue, and therefore lacks the classical feedback pathway to regulate its secretion. Instead, it is regulated by short loop feedback, whereby prolactin itself acts in the brain to stimulate production of dopamine and thereby inhibit its own secretion. Finally, despite its relatively simple name, prolactin has a broad range of functions in the body, in addition to its defining role in promoting lactation. As such, the hypothalamo-prolactin axis has many characteristics that are quite distinct from other hypothalamo-pituitary systems. This review will provide a brief overview of our current understanding of the neuroendocrine control of prolactin secretion, in particular focusing on the plasticity evident in this system, which keeps prolactin secretion at low levels most of the time, but enables extended periods of hyperprolactinemia when necessary for lactation. Key prolactin functions beyond milk production will be discussed, particularly focusing on the role of prolactin in inducing adaptive responses in multiple different systems to facilitate lactation, and the consequences if prolactin action is impaired. A feature of this pleiotropic activity is that functions that may be adaptive in the lactating state might be maladaptive if prolactin levels are elevated inappropriately. Overall, my goal is to give a flavour of both the history and current state of the field of prolactin neuroendocrinology, and identify some exciting new areas of research development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of AnatomyUniversity of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New ZealandMaurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular BiodiscoveryAuckland, New Zealand Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of AnatomyUniversity of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin 9054, New ZealandMaurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular BiodiscoveryAuckland, New Zealand
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Lonstein JS, Lévy F, Fleming AS. Common and divergent psychobiological mechanisms underlying maternal behaviors in non-human and human mammals. Horm Behav 2015; 73:156-85. [PMID: 26122301 PMCID: PMC4546863 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Maternal interactions with young occupy most of the reproductive period for female mammals and are absolutely essential for offspring survival and development. The hormonal, sensory, reward-related, emotional, cognitive and neurobiological regulators of maternal caregiving behaviors have been well studied in numerous subprimate mammalian species, and some of the importance of this body of work is thought to be its relevance for understanding similar controls in humans. We here review many of the important biopsychological influences on maternal behaviors in the two best studied non-human animals, laboratory rats and sheep, and directly examine how the conceptual framework established by some of the major discoveries in these animal "models" do or do not hold for our understanding of human mothering. We also explore some of the limits for extrapolating from non-human animals to humans. We conclude that there are many similarities between non-human and human mothers in the biological and psychological factors influencing their early maternal behavior and that many of the differences are due to species-characteristic features related to the role of hormones, the relative importance of each sensory system, flexibility in what behaviors are exhibited, the presence or absence of language, and the complexity of cortical function influencing caregiving behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Lonstein
- Neuroscience Program, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Psychology, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
| | - Frédéric Lévy
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours IFCE, Nouzilly 37380, France.
| | - Alison S Fleming
- Fraser Mustard Institute for Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto at Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
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Buonfiglio DC, Ramos-Lobo AM, Silveira MA, Furigo IC, Hennighausen L, Frazão R, Donato J. Neuronal STAT5 signaling is required for maintaining lactation but not for postpartum maternal behaviors in mice. Horm Behav 2015; 71:60-8. [PMID: 25896118 PMCID: PMC6282758 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Prolactin and placental lactogens control mammary development and lactation as well as play an important role in maternal behaviors. However, the molecular mechanisms in the brain responsible for this regulation remain largely unknown. Therefore, the present study investigated whether Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 5 (STAT5) signaling in the brain, the key transcriptional factor recruited by prolactin receptor and other hormones, is required for postpartum maternal behavior, maintenance of lactation and offspring growth. Neuronal ablation of STAT5 impaired the control of prolactin secretion and reduced the hypothalamic expression of suppressors of cytokine signaling (i.e., SOCS3 and CISH). In addition, neuronal STAT5 deletion attenuated the hyperphagia commonly observed during lactation by decreasing the hypothalamic expression of orexigenic neurotransmitters such as the neuropeptide Y and agouti-related protein. The lower food intake of lactating neuron-specific STAT5 knockout females resulted in reduced milk production and offspring growth. Unexpectedly, postpartum maternal behavior expression was not impaired in neuron-specific STAT5 knockout females. On the contrary, the latency to retrieve and group the pups into the nest was reduced in mutant dams. Finally, we demonstrated that approximately 30% of recorded neurons in the medial preoptic area were acutely depolarized by prolactin suggesting that fast STAT5-independent signaling pathways may be involved in the regulation of maternal behaviors. Overall, our results revealed important information about the molecular mechanisms recruited by hormones to orchestrate the activation of neural circuitries engaged in the induction of maternal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella C Buonfiglio
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Angela M Ramos-Lobo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Marina A Silveira
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Isadora C Furigo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Lothar Hennighausen
- Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Renata Frazão
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil.
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Zampieri TT, Ramos-Lobo AM, Furigo IC, Pedroso JAB, Buonfiglio DC, Donato J. SOCS3 deficiency in leptin receptor-expressing cells mitigates the development of pregnancy-induced metabolic changes. Mol Metab 2014; 4:237-45. [PMID: 25737950 PMCID: PMC4338315 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2014.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective During pregnancy, women normally increase their food intake and body fat mass, and exhibit insulin resistance. However, an increasing number of women are developing metabolic imbalances during pregnancy, including excessive gestational weight gain and gestational diabetes mellitus. Despite the negative health impacts of pregnancy-induced metabolic imbalances, their molecular causes remain unclear. Therefore, the present study investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for orchestrating the metabolic changes observed during pregnancy. Methods Initially, we investigated the hypothalamic expression of key genes that could influence the energy balance and glucose homeostasis during pregnancy. Based on these results, we generated a conditional knockout mouse that lacks the suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) only in leptin receptor-expressing cells and studied these animals during pregnancy. Results Among several genes involved in leptin resistance, only SOCS3 was increased in the hypothalamus of pregnant mice. Remarkably, SOCS3 deletion from leptin receptor-expressing cells prevented pregnancy-induced hyperphagia, body fat accumulation as well as leptin and insulin resistance without affecting the ability of the females to carry their gestation to term. Additionally, we found that SOCS3 conditional deletion protected females against long-term postpartum fat retention and streptozotocin-induced gestational diabetes. Conclusions Our study identified the increased hypothalamic expression of SOCS3 as a key mechanism responsible for triggering pregnancy-induced leptin resistance and metabolic adaptations. These findings not only help to explain a common phenomenon of the mammalian physiology, but it may also aid in the development of approaches to prevent and treat gestational metabolic imbalances.
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Key Words
- ARH, arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus
- DIO, diet-induced obesity
- DMH, dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus
- EGWG, excessive gestational weight gain
- GDM, gestational diabetes mellitus
- GH-V, placental growth hormone
- GTT, glucose tolerance test
- Gestational diabetes
- Hypothalamus
- IR, insulin receptor
- ITT, insulin tolerance test
- LepR, leptin receptor
- Leptin
- Leptin resistance
- Obesity
- PKC, protein kinase C
- RP, retroperitoneal
- SOCS3, suppressor of cytokine signaling-3
- STZ, streptozotocin
- Suppressor of cytokine signaling
- VMH, ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus
- pSTAT3, phosphorylation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
- pSTAT3-ir, pSTAT3-immunoreactive
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Affiliation(s)
- Thais T Zampieri
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Angela M Ramos-Lobo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Isadora C Furigo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - João A B Pedroso
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Daniella C Buonfiglio
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
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30
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Saltzman W, Ziegler TE. Functional significance of hormonal changes in mammalian fathers. J Neuroendocrinol 2014; 26:685-96. [PMID: 25039657 PMCID: PMC4995091 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the 5-10% of mammals in which both parents routinely provide infant care, fathers as well as mothers undergo systematic endocrine changes as they transition into parenthood. Although fatherhood-associated changes in such hormones and neuropeptides as prolactin, testosterone, glucocorticoids, vasopressin and oxytocin have been characterised in only a small number of biparental rodents and primates, they appear to be more variable than corresponding changes in mothers, and experimental studies typically have not provided strong or consistent evidence that these endocrine shifts play causal roles in the activation of paternal care. Consequently, their functional significance remains unclear. We propose that endocrine changes in mammalian fathers may enable males to meet the species-specific demands of fatherhood by influencing diverse aspects of their behaviour and physiology, similar to many effects of hormones and neuropeptides in mothers. We review the evidence for such effects, focusing on recent studies investigating whether mammalian fathers in biparental species undergo systematic changes in (i) energetics and body composition; (ii) neural plasticity, cognition and sensory physiology; and (iii) stress responsiveness and emotionality, all of which may be mediated by endocrine changes. The few published studies, based on a small number of rodent and primate species, suggest that hormonal and neuropeptide alterations in mammalian fathers might mediate shifts in paternal energy balance, body composition and neural plasticity, although they do not appear to have major effects on stress responsiveness or emotionality. Further research is needed on a wider variety of biparental mammals, under more naturalistic conditions, to more fully determine the functional significance of hormone and neuropeptide profiles of mammalian fatherhood and to clarify how fatherhood may trade off with (or perhaps enhance) aspects of organismal function in biparental mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Saltzman
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside
| | - Toni E. Ziegler
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin – Madison
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Veening JG, de Jong TR, Waldinger MD, Korte SM, Olivier B. The role of oxytocin in male and female reproductive behavior. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 753:209-28. [PMID: 25088178 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a nonapeptide with an impressive variety of physiological functions. Among them, the 'prosocial' effects have been discussed in several recent reviews, but the direct effects on male and female sexual behavior did receive much less attention so far. As our contribution to honor the lifelong interest of Berend Olivier in the control mechanisms of sexual behavior, we decided to explore the role of OT in the present review. In the successive sections, some physiological mechanisms and the 'pair-bonding' effects of OT will be discussed, followed by sections about desire, female appetitive and copulatory behavior, including lordosis and orgasm. At the male side, the effects on erection and ejaculation are reviewed, followed by a section about 'premature ejaculation' and a possible role of OT in its treatment. In addition to OT, serotonin receives some attention as one of the main mechanisms controlling the effects of OT. In the succeeding sections, the importance of OT for 'the fruits of labor' is discussed, as it plays an important role in both maternal and paternal behavior. Finally, we pay attention to an intriguing brain area, the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMHvl), apparently functioning in both sexual and aggressive behavior, which are at first view completely opposite behavioral systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- J G Veening
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Division of Pharmacology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Anatomy, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - T R de Jong
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - M D Waldinger
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Division of Pharmacology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S M Korte
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Division of Pharmacology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - B Olivier
- Department of Psychopharmacology, Division of Pharmacology, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Donlin M, Cavanaugh BL, Spagnuolo OS, Yan L, Lonstein JS. Effects of sex and reproductive experience on the number of orexin A-immunoreactive cells in the prairie vole brain. Peptides 2014; 57:122-8. [PMID: 24874707 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Large populations of cells synthesizing the neuropeptide orexin (OX) exist in the caudal hypothalamus of all species examined and are implicated in physiological and behavioral processes including arousal, stress, anxiety and depression, reproduction, and goal-directed behaviors. Hypothalamic OX expression is sexually dimorphic in different directions in laboratory rats (F>M) and mice (M>F), suggesting different roles in male and female physiology and behavior that are species-specific. We here examined if the number of hypothalamic cells immunoreactive for orexin A (OXA) differs between male and female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), a socially monogamous species that pairbonds after mating and in which both sexes care for offspring, and if reproductive experience influences their number of OXA-immunoreactive (OXA-ir) cells. It was found that the total number of OXA-ir cells did not differ between the sexes, but females had more OXA-ir cells than males in anterior levels of the caudal hypothalamus, while males had more OXA-ir cells posteriorly. Sexually experienced females sacrificed 12 days after the birth of their first litter, or one day after birth of a second litter, had more OXA-ir cells in anterior levels but not posterior levels of the caudal hypothalamus compared to females housed with a brother (incest avoidance prevents sibling mating). Male prairie voles showed no effect of reproductive experience but showed an unexpected effect of cohabitation duration regardless of mating. The sex difference in the distribution of OXA-ir cells, and their increased number in anterior levels of the caudal hypothalamus of reproductively experienced female prairie voles, may reflect a sex-specific mechanism involved in pairbonding, parenting, or lactation in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Donlin
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 108 Giltner Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Breyanna L Cavanaugh
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 108 Giltner Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Olivia S Spagnuolo
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 108 Giltner Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Lily Yan
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 108 Giltner Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Joseph S Lonstein
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 108 Giltner Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States.
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Casey TM, Crodian J, Erickson E, Kuropatwinski KK, Gleiberman AS, Antoch MP. Tissue-specific changes in molecular clocks during the transition from pregnancy to lactation in mice. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:127. [PMID: 24759789 PMCID: PMC4094001 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.116137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian clocks regulate homeostasis and mediate responses to stressors. Lactation is one of the most energetically demanding periods of an adult female's life. Peripartum changes occur in almost every organ so the dam can support neonatal growth through milk production while homeostasis is maintained. How circadian clocks are involved in adaptation to lactation is currently unknown. The abundance and temporal pattern of core clock genes' expression were measured in suprachiasmatic nucleus, liver, and mammary from late pregnant and early lactation mice. Tissue-specific changes in molecular clocks occurred between physiological states. Amplitude and robustness of rhythms increased in suprachiasmatic nucleus and liver. Mammary rhythms of core molecular clock genes were suppressed. Attenuated rhythms appeared to be a physiological adaptation of mammary to lactation, because manipulation of timing of suckling resulting in significant differences in plasma prolactin and corticosterone had no effect on amplitude. Analysis of core clock proteins revealed that the stoichiometric relationship between positive (CLOCK) and negative (PER2) components remained 1:1 in liver but was increased to 4:1 in mammary during physiological transition. Induction of differentiation of mammary epithelial cell line HC11 with dexamethasone, insulin, and prolactin resulted in similar stoichiometric changes among positive and negative clock regulators, and prolactin induced phase shifts in HC11 Arntl expression rhythm. Data support that distinct mechanisms drive periparturient changes in mammary clock. Stoichiometric change in clock regulators occurs with gland differentiation. Suppression of mammary clock gene expression rhythms represents a physiological adaptation to suckling cues. Adaptations in mammary clock are likely needed in part to support suckling demands of neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M Casey
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Jennifer Crodian
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Emily Erickson
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Karen K Kuropatwinski
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York
| | | | - Marina P Antoch
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York
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Suzuki Y, Nakahara K, Maruyama K, Okame R, Ensho T, Inoue Y, Murakami N. Changes in mRNA expression of arcuate nucleus appetite-regulating peptides during lactation in rats. J Mol Endocrinol 2014; 52:97-109. [PMID: 24299740 PMCID: PMC3907180 DOI: 10.1530/jme-13-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of hypothalamic appetite-regulating peptides to further hyperphagia accompanying the course of lactation in rats was investigated by using PCR array and real-time PCR. Furthermore, changes in the mRNA expression for appetite-regulating peptides in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (ARC) were analyzed at all stages of pregnancy and lactation, and also after weaning. Food intake was significantly higher during pregnancy, lactation, and after weaning than during non-lactation periods. During lactation, ARC expression of mRNAs for agouti-related protein (AgRP) and peptide YY was increased, whereas that of mRNAs for proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and cholecystokinin (CCK) was decreased, in comparison with non-lactation periods. The increase in AgRP mRNA expression during lactation was especially marked. The plasma level of leptin was significantly decreased during the course of lactation, whereas that of acyl-ghrelin was unchanged. In addition, food intake was negatively correlated with the plasma leptin level during lactation. This study has clarified synchronous changes in the expression of many appetite-regulating peptides in ARC of rats during lactation. Our results suggest that hyperphagia during lactation in rats is caused by decreases in POMC and CCK expression and increases in AgRP expression in ARC, the latter being most notable. Together with the decrease in the blood leptin level, such changes in mRNA expression may explain the further hyperphagia accompanying the course of lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Suzuki
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
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