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Gormally BMG, Bridgette K, Emmi A, Schuerman D, Lopes PC. Female presence does not increase testosterone but still ameliorates sickness behaviours in male Japanese quail. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 9:220450. [PMID: 35620017 PMCID: PMC9128847 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.220450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Infections can dramatically modify animal behaviour. The extent of these changes depends on an animal's environment. It has been proposed that testosterone modulates the suppression of behavioural symptoms of sickness under certain reproductive contexts. To further understand the role played by testosterone in modulating sickness behaviours under reproductive contexts, we studied a species, the Japanese quail, in which female exposure rapidly decreases circulating testosterone in males. Males received either an immune challenge (lipopolysaccharide - LPS) or a control injection and their behaviours, mass change and testosterone levels were quantified in the presence or absence of a female. Both the presence of a female and LPS treatment reduced testosterone levels. LPS-treated males maintained in isolation expressed expected sickness behaviours, including increased resting (quantified as crouching) and decreased food and water intake. Despite the reduction in testosterone, when paired with females LPS-treated males showed similar amounts of mating behaviours to controls and reduced crouching. In sum, even under very low levels of testosterone, male quail had reduced sickness behaviours when exposed to females, indicating that testosterone may not be key in modulating sickness behaviours, at least in this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenna M. G. Gormally
- Department of Biology, Chapman University, Orange, 1 University Drive, CA 92866, USA
| | - Kaelyn Bridgette
- Department of Biology, Chapman University, Orange, 1 University Drive, CA 92866, USA
| | - Aubrey Emmi
- Department of Biology, Chapman University, Orange, 1 University Drive, CA 92866, USA
| | - Delilah Schuerman
- Department of Biology, Chapman University, Orange, 1 University Drive, CA 92866, USA
| | - Patricia C. Lopes
- Department of Biology, Chapman University, Orange, 1 University Drive, CA 92866, USA
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2
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Aspesi D, Choleris E. Neuroendocrine underpinning of social recognition in males and females. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13070. [PMID: 34927288 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Social recognition is an essential skill for the expression of appropriate behaviors towards conspecifics in most social species. Several studies point to oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) as key mediators of social recognition in males and females. However, sex differences in social cognitive behaviors highlight an important interplay between OT, AVP and the sex steroids. Estrogens facilitate social recognition by regulating OT action in the hypothalamus and that of OT receptor in the medial amygdala. The role of OT in these brain regions appears to be essential for social recognition in both males and females. Conversely, social recognition in male rats and mice is more dependent on AVP release in the lateral septum than in females. The AVP system comprises a series of highly sexually dimorphic brain nuclei, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the amygdala and the lateral septum. Various studies suggest that testosterone and its metabolites, including estradiol, influence social recognition in males by modulating the activity of the AVP at V1a receptor. Intriguingly, both estrogens and androgens can affect social recognition very rapidly, through non-genomic mechanisms. In addition, the androgen metabolites, namely 3α-diol and 3β-diol, may also have an impact on social behaviors either by interacting with the estrogen receptors or through other mechanisms. Overall, the regulation of OT and AVP by sex steroids fine tunes social recognition and the behaviors that depend upon it (e.g., social bond, hierarchical organization, aggression) in a sex-dependent manner. Elucidating the sex-dependent interaction between sex steroids and neuroendocrine systems is essential for understanding sex differences in the normal and abnormal expression of social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Aspesi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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3
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Advancing reproductive neuroendocrinology through research on the regulation of GnIH and on its diverse actions on reproductive physiology and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 64:100955. [PMID: 34767778 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) in 2000 has led to a new research era of reproductive neuroendocrinology because, for a long time, researchers believed that only gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulated reproduction as a neurohormone. Later studies on GnIH demonstrated that it acts as a new key neurohormone inhibiting reproduction in vertebrates. GnIH reduces gonadotropin release andsynthesis via the GnIH receptor GPR147 on gonadotropes and GnRH neurons. Furthermore, GnIH inhibits reproductive behavior, in addition to reproductive neuroendocrine function. The modification of the synthesis of GnIH and its release by the neuroendocrine integration of environmental and internal factors has also been demonstrated. Thus, the discovery of GnIH has facilitated advances in reproductive neuroendocrinology. Here, we describe the advances in reproductive neuroendocrinology driven by the discovery of GnIH, research on the effects of GnIH on reproductive physiology and behavior, and the regulatory mechanisms underlying GnIH synthesis and release.
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George EM, Wolf SE, Bentz AB, Rosvall KA. Testing hormonal responses to real and simulated social challenges in a competitive female bird. Behav Ecol 2022; 33:233-244. [PMID: 35210941 PMCID: PMC8857935 DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arab129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 08/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Competitive interactions often occur in series; therefore animals may respond to social challenges in ways that prepare them for success in future conflict. Changes in the production of the steroid hormone testosterone (T) are thought to mediate phenotypic responses to competition, but research over the past few decades has yielded mixed results, leading to several potential explanations as to why T does not always elevate following a social challenge. Here, we measured T levels in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), a system in which females compete for limited nesting cavities and female aggression is at least partially mediated by T. We experimentally induced social challenges in two ways: (1) using decoys to simulate territorial intrusions and (2) removing subsets of nesting cavities to increase competition among displaced and territory-holding females. Critically, these experiments occurred pre-laying, when females are physiologically capable of rapidly increasing circulating T levels. However, despite marked aggression in both experiments, T did not elevate following real or simulated social challenges, and in some cases, socially challenged females had lower T levels than controls. Likewise, the degree of aggression was negatively correlated with T levels following a simulated territorial intrusion. Though not in line with the idea that social challenges prompt T elevation in preparation for future challenges, these patterns nevertheless connect T to territorial aggression in females. Coupled with past work showing that T promotes aggression, these results suggest that T may act rapidly to allow animals to adaptively respond to the urgent demands of a competitive event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M George
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Sarah E Wolf
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Alexandra B Bentz
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Kimberly A Rosvall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone as a regulator of social interactions in vertebrates. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 64:100954. [PMID: 34757092 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The social environment changes circulating hormone levels and expression of social behavior in animals. Social information is perceived by sensory systems, leading to cellular and molecular changes through neural processes. Peripheral reproductive hormone levels are regulated by activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Until the end of the last century, the neurochemical systems that convey social information to the HPG axis were not well understood. Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) was the first hypothalamic neuropeptide shown to inhibit gonadotropin release, in 2000. GnIH is now regarded as a negative upstream regulator of the HPG axis, and it is becoming increasingly evident that it responds to social cues. In addition to controlling reproductive physiology, GnIH seems to modulate the reproductive behavior of animals. Here, we review studies investigating how GnIH neurons respond to social information and describe the mechanisms through which GnIH regulates social behavior.
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Tsutsui K, Ubuka T. Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH): A new key neurohormone controlling reproductive physiology and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 61:100900. [PMID: 33450199 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of novel neurohormones is important for the advancement of neuroendocrinology. In early 1970s, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a hypothalamic neuropeptide that promotes gonadotropin release, was identified to be an endogenous neurohormone in mammals. In 2000, thirty years later, another hypothalamic neuropeptide, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), that inhibits gonadotropin release, was found in quail. GnIH acts via GPR147 and inhibits gonadotropin release and synthesis and reproductive function in birds through actions on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus and pituitary gonadotrophs. Later, GnIH was found in other vertebrates including humans. GnIH studies have advanced the progress of reproductive neuroendocrinology. Furthermore, recent GnIH studies have indicated that abnormal changes in GnIH expression may cause pubertal disorder and reproductive dysfunction. Here, we describe GnIH discovery and its impact on the progress of reproductive neuroendocrinology. This review also highlights advancement and perspective of GnIH studies on drug development for pubertal disorder and reproductive dysfunction. (149/150).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan; Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Kagamiyama 1-7-1, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan.
| | - Takayoshi Ubuka
- Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
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Tsutsui K, Ubuka T. Discovery of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), progress in GnIH research on reproductive physiology and behavior and perspective of GnIH research on neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 514:110914. [PMID: 32535039 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.110914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Based on extensive studies on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) it was assumed that GnRH is the only hypothalamic neurohormone regulating gonadotropin release in vertebrates. In 2000, however, Tsutsui's group discovered gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide that inhibits gonadotropin release, in quail. Subsequent studies by Tsutsui's group demonstrated that GnIH is conserved among vertebrates, acting as a new key neurohormone regulating reproduction. GnIH inhibits gonadotropin synthesis and release through actions on gonadotropes and GnRH neurons via GnIH receptor, GPR147. Thus, GnRH is not the sole hypothalamic neurohormone controlling vertebrate reproduction. The following studies by Tsutsui's group have further demonstrated that GnIH has several important functions in addition to the control of reproduction. Accordingly, GnIH has drastically changed our understanding about reproductive neuroendocrinology. This review summarizes the discovery of GnIH, progress in GnIH research on reproductive physiology and behavior and perspective of GnIH research on neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan.
| | - Takayoshi Ubuka
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan
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Tobari Y, Tsutsui K. Effects of Social Information on the Release and Expression of Gonadotropin-Inhibitory Hormone in Birds. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:243. [PMID: 31068902 PMCID: PMC6491735 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The social environment changes circulating hormone levels and associated behavior in animals. Although social information is perceived by sensory systems in the brain, and peripheral reproductive hormonal levels are regulated mainly by the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, the neurochemical systems that convey social information to the HPG axis were not well-understood until the 2000s. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated that a neuropeptide localized in the hypothalamus, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), is responsive to social information. GnIH was first identified in the quail hypothalamo-hypophyseal system and named for its ability to inhibit gonadotropin secretion. Hypothalamic GnIH neurons have thus begun to be regarded as integrators, translating social information into changes in the levels of circulating gonadal hormones through the HPG axis. Here, we review current research investigating the responses of the GnIH neuronal systems to social status, offspring, and the presence/absence of conspecifics, and describe the neurochemical pathways linking visual perception of a potential mate to a rapid change in blood gonadotropin levels via the hypothalamus-pituitary axis in male birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuko Tobari
- Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
- *Correspondence: Yasuko Tobari
| | - Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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Tsutsui K, Ubuka T. How to Contribute to the Progress of Neuroendocrinology: Discovery of GnIH and Progress of GnIH Research. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:662. [PMID: 30483217 PMCID: PMC6241250 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is essential to discover novel neuropeptides that regulate the functions of pituitary, brain and peripheral secretory glands for the progress of neuroendocrinology. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a hypothalamic neuropeptide stimulating gonadotropin release was isolated and its structure was determined by Schally's and Guillemin's groups at the beginning of the 1970s. It was subsequently shown that GnRH is highly conserved among vertebrates. GnRH was assumed the sole hypothalamic neuropeptide that regulates gonadotropin release in vertebrates based on extensive studies of GnRH over the following three decades. However, in 2000, Tsutsui's group isolated and determined the structure of a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide, which inhibits gonadotropin release, in quail, an avian species, and named it gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). Following studies by Tsutsui's group demonstrated that GnIH is highly conserved among vertebrates, from humans to agnathans, and acts as a key neuropeptide inhibiting reproduction. Intensive research on GnIH demonstrated that GnIH inhibits gonadotropin synthesis and release by acting on gonadotropes and GnRH neurons via GPR147 in birds and mammals. Fish GnIH also regulates gonadotropin release according to its reproductive condition, indicating the conserved role of GnIH in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in vertebrates. Therefore, we can now say that GnRH is not the only hypothalamic neuropeptide controlling vertebrate reproduction. In addition, recent studies by Tsutsui's group demonstrated that GnIH acts in the brain to regulate behaviors, including reproductive behavior. The 18 years of GnIH research with leading laboratories in the world have significantly advanced our knowledge of the neuroendocrine control mechanism of reproductive physiology and behavior as well as interactions of the HPG, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axes. This review describes how GnIH was discovered and GnIH research progressed in this new research era of reproductive neuroendocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Ubuka
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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Thompson RR, Mangiamele LA. Rapid sex steroid effects on reproductive responses in male goldfish: Sensory and motor mechanisms. Horm Behav 2018; 104:52-62. [PMID: 29777656 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Contribution to Special Issue on Fast effects of steroids. Although we have learned a great deal about the molecular mechanisms through which sex steroids rapidly affect cellular physiology, we still know little about the links between those mechanisms and behavioral output, nor about their functional consequences in natural contexts. In this review, we first briefly discuss the contexts associated with rapid effects of sex steroids on reproductive behaviors and their likely functional outcomes, as well the sensory, motor, and motivational mechanisms associated with those effects. We then discuss our recent studies on the rapid effects of testosterone in goldfish. Those studies indicate that testosterone, through its aromatization and the subsequent activation of estrogen receptors, rapidly stimulates physiological processes related to the release of milt/sperm through likely influences on motor pathways, as well as behavioral responses to female visual stimuli that may reflect, in part, influences on early stages of sensory processing. Such motor and sensory mechanism are likely important for sperm competition and mate detection / tracking, respectively, in competitive mating contexts. We also present preliminary data on rapid effects of testosterone on responses to pheromones that may not involve estrogen receptors, suggesting a dissociation in the receptor mechanisms that mediate behavioral responses in different sensory modalities. Lastly, we briefly discuss the implications of our work on unresolved questions about rapid sex steroid neuromodulation in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richmond R Thompson
- Department of Psychology, Program in Neuroscience, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME 04011, United States.
| | - Lisa A Mangiamele
- Department of Biological Sciences, Smith College, North Hampton, MA 01063, United States
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Cornil CA, Ball GF, Balthazart J. Differential control of appetitive and consummatory sexual behavior by neuroestrogens in male quail. Horm Behav 2018; 104:15-31. [PMID: 29452074 PMCID: PMC6103895 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Contribution to Special Issue on Fast effects of steroids. Estrogens exert pleiotropic effects on multiple physiological and behavioral traits including sexual behavior. These effects are classically mediated via binding to nuclear receptors and subsequent regulation of target gene transcription. Estrogens also affect neuronal activity and cell-signaling pathways via faster, membrane-initiated events. Although the distinction between appetitive and consummatory aspects of sexual behavior has been criticized, this distinction remains valuable in that it facilitates the causal analysis of certain behavioral systems. Effects of neuroestrogens produced by neuronal aromatization of testosterone on copulatory performance (consummatory aspect) and on sexual motivation (appetitive aspect) are described in male quail. The central administration of estradiol rapidly increases expression of sexual motivation, as assessed by two measures of sexual motivation produced in response to the visual presentation of a female but not sexual performance in male Japanese quail. This effect is mimicked by membrane-impermeable analogs of estradiol, indicating that it is initiated at the cell membrane. Conversely, blocking the action of estrogens or their synthesis by a single intracerebroventricular injection of estrogen receptor antagonists or aromatase inhibitors, respectively, decreases sexual motivation within minutes without affecting performance. The same steroid has thus evolved complementary mechanisms to regulate different behavioral components (motivation vs. performance) in distinct temporal domains (long- vs. short-term) so that diverse reproductive activities can be properly coordinated. Changes in preoptic aromatase activity and estradiol as well as glutamate concentrations are observed during or immediately after copulation. The interaction between these neuroendocrine/neurochemical changes and their functional significance is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory F Ball
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, United States
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Tsutsui K, Son YL, Kiyohara M, Miyata I. Discovery of GnIH and Its Role in Hypothyroidism-Induced Delayed Puberty. Endocrinology 2018; 159:62-68. [PMID: 28938445 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
It is known that hypothyroidism delays puberty in mammals. Interaction between the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes may be important processes in delayed puberty. Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a newly discovered hypothalamic neuropeptide that inhibits gonadotropin synthesis and release in quail. It now appears that GnIH is conserved across various mammals and primates, including humans, and inhibits reproduction. We have further demonstrated that GnIH is involved in pubertal delay induced by thyroid dysfunction in female mice. Hypothyroidism delays pubertal onset with the increase in hypothalamic GnIH expression and the decrease in circulating gonadotropin and estradiol levels. Thyroid status regulates GnIH expression by epigenetic modification of the GnIH promoter region. Furthermore, knockout of GnIH gene abolishes the effect of hypothyroidism on delayed pubertal onset. Accordingly, it is considered that GnIH is a mediator of pubertal disorder induced by thyroid dysfunction. This is a novel function of GnIH that interacts between the HPT-HPG axes in pubertal onset delay. This mini-review summarizes the structure, expression, and function of GnIH and highlights the action of GnIH in pubertal disorder induced by thyroid dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Medical Life Science of Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - You Lee Son
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Medical Life Science of Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory of Photobiology, Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mika Kiyohara
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Medical Life Science of Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Miyata
- Department of Pediatrics, Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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Fernández-Vargas M. Rapid effects of estrogens and androgens on temporal and spectral features in ultrasonic vocalizations. Horm Behav 2017; 94:69-83. [PMID: 28687274 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Hormonal Responses to a Potential Mate in Male Birds. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1001:137-149. [DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3975-1_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Wingfield JC, Perfito N, Calisi R, Bentley G, Ubuka T, Mukai M, O'Brien S, Tsutsui K. Putting the brakes on reproduction: Implications for conservation, global climate change and biomedicine. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 227:16-26. [PMID: 26474923 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal breeding is widespread in vertebrates and involves sequential development of the gonads, onset of breeding activities (e.g. cycling in females) and then termination resulting in regression of the reproductive system. Whereas males generally show complete spermatogenesis prior to and after onset of breeding, females of many vertebrate species show only partial ovarian development and may delay onset of cycling (e.g. estrous), yolk deposition or germinal vesicle breakdown until conditions conducive for ovulation and onset of breeding are favorable. Regulation of this "brake" on the onset of breeding remains relatively unknown, but could have profound implications for conservation efforts and for "mismatches" of breeding in relation to global climate change. Using avian models it is proposed that a brain peptide, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), may be the brake to prevent onset of breeding in females. Evidence to date suggests that although GnIH may be involved in the regulation of gonadal development and regression, it plays more regulatory roles in the process of final ovarian development leading to ovulation, transitions from sexual to parental behavior and suppression of reproductive function by environmental stress. Accumulating experimental evidence strongly suggests that GnIH inhibits actions of gonadotropin-releasing hormones on behavior (central effects), gonadotropin secretion (central and hypophysiotropic effects), and has direct actions in the gonad to inhibit steroidogenesis. Thus, actual onset of breeding activities leading to ovulation may involve environmental cues releasing an inhibition (brake) on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonad axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Wingfield
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Nicole Perfito
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Rebecca Calisi
- Department of Biology, Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - George Bentley
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - T Ubuka
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - M Mukai
- Department of Food Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Sara O'Brien
- Department of Biology, Radford University, Radford, VA 24142, USA
| | - K Tsutsui
- Department of Biology, Waseda University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
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16
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Tsutsui K, Ubuka T. GnIH Control of Feeding and Reproductive Behaviors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:170. [PMID: 28082949 PMCID: PMC5186799 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2000, Tsutsui and colleagues discovered a neuropeptide gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) that inhibits gonadotropin release in birds. Subsequently, extensive studies during the last 15 years have demonstrated that GnIH is a key neurohormone that regulates reproduction in vertebrates, acting in the brain and on the pituitary to modulate reproduction and reproductive behavior. On the other hand, deprivation of food and other metabolic challenges inhibit the reproductive axis as well as sexual motivation. Interestingly, recent studies have further indicated that GnIH controls feeding behavior in vertebrates, such as in birds and mammals. This review summarizes the discovery of GnIH and its conservation in vertebrates and the neuroendocrine control of feeding behavior and reproductive behavior by GnIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kazuyoshi Tsutsui,
| | - Takayoshi Ubuka
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Brain Research Institute Monash Sunway, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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Rouse ML, Stevenson TJ, Fortune ES, Ball GF. Reproductive state modulates testosterone-induced singing in adult female European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Horm Behav 2015; 72:78-87. [PMID: 25989596 PMCID: PMC4469036 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) exhibit seasonal changes in singing and in the volumes of the neural substrate. Increases in song nuclei volume are mediated at least in part by increases in day length, which is also associated with increases in plasma testosterone (T), reproductive activity, and singing behavior in males. The correlations between photoperiod (i.e. daylength), T, reproductive state and singing hamper our ability to disentangle causal relationships. We investigated how photoperiodic-induced variation in reproductive state modulates the effects of T on singing behavior and song nuclei volumes in adult female starlings. Female starlings do not naturally produce measureable levels of circulating T but nevertheless respond to exogenous T, which induces male-like singing. We manipulated photoperiod by placing birds in a photosensitive or photorefractory state and then treated them with T-filled or empty silastic implants. We recorded morning singing behavior for 3 weeks, after which we assessed reproductive condition and measured song nuclei volumes. We found that T-treated photosensitive birds sang significantly more than all other groups including T-treated photorefractory birds. All T-treated birds had larger song nuclei volumes than with blank-treated birds (despite photorefractory T-treated birds not increasing song-rate). There was no effect of photoperiod on the song nuclei volumes of T-treated birds. These data show that the behavioral effects of exogenous T can be modulated by reproductive state in adult female songbirds. Furthermore, these data are consistent with other observations that increases in singing rate in response to T are not necessarily due to the direct effects of T on song nuclei volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvin L Rouse
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Tyler J Stevenson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eric S Fortune
- Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University Heights, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Gregory F Ball
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Quispe R, Trappschuh M, Gahr M, Goymann W. Towards more physiological manipulations of hormones in field studies: comparing the release dynamics of three kinds of testosterone implants, silastic tubing, time-release pellets and beeswax. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 212:100-5. [PMID: 25623144 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [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: 10/29/2014] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Hormone manipulations are of increasing interest in the areas of physiological ecology and evolution, because hormones are mediators of complex phenotypic changes. Often, however, hormone manipulations in field settings follow the approaches that have been used in classical endocrinology, potentially using supra-physiological doses. To answer ecological and evolutionary questions, it may be important to manipulate hormones within their physiological range. We compare the release dynamics of three kinds of implants, silastic tubing, time-release pellets, and beeswax pellets, each containing 3mg of testosterone. These implants were placed into female Japanese quail, and plasma levels of testosterone measured over a period of 30 days. Testosterone in silastic tubing led to supraphysiological levels. Also, testosterone concentrations were highly variable between individuals. Time-release pellets led to levels of testosterone that were slightly supraphysiological during the first days. Over the period of 30 days, however, testosterone concentrations were more consistent. Beeswax implants led to a physiological increase in testosterone and a relatively constant release. The study demonstrated that hormone implants in 10mm silastic tubing led to a supraphysiological peak in female quail. Thus, the use of similar-sized or even larger silastic implants in males or in other smaller vertebrates needs careful assessment. Time-release pellets and beeswax implants provide a more controlled release and degrade within the body. Thus, it is not necessary to recapture the animal to remove the implant. We propose beeswax implants as an appropriate procedure to manipulate testosterone levels within the physiological range. Hence, such implants may be an effective alternative for field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Quispe
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Eberhard-Gwinner-Straße, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany.
| | - Monika Trappschuh
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Eberhard-Gwinner-Straße, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Manfred Gahr
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Eberhard-Gwinner-Straße, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Goymann
- Department of Behavioral Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Eberhard-Gwinner-Straße, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
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Tsutsui K, Ubuka T, Son YL, Bentley GE, Kriegsfeld LJ. Contribution of GnIH Research to the Progress of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:179. [PMID: 26635728 PMCID: PMC4655308 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in mammals at the beginning of the 1970s, it was generally accepted that GnRH is the only hypothalamic neuropeptide regulating gonadotropin release in mammals and other vertebrates. In 2000, however, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide that actively inhibits gonadotropin release, was discovered in quail. Numerous studies over the past decade and a half have demonstrated that GnIH serves as a key player regulating reproduction across vertebrates, acting on the brain and pituitary to modulate reproductive physiology and behavior. In the latter case, recent evidence indicates that GnIH can regulate reproductive behavior through changes in neurosteroid, such as neuroestrogen, biosynthesis in the brain. This review summarizes the discovery of GnIH, and the contributions to GnIH research focused on its mode of action, regulation of biosynthesis, and how these findings advance our understanding of reproductive neuroendocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kazuyoshi Tsutsui,
| | - Takayoshi Ubuka
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Brain Research Institute Monash Sunway of the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
| | - You Lee Son
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - George E. Bentley
- Department of Integrative Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lance J. Kriegsfeld
- Department of Psychology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
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A new pathway mediating social effects on the endocrine system: female presence acting via norepinephrine release stimulates gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone in the paraventricular nucleus and suppresses luteinizing hormone in quail. J Neurosci 2014; 34:9803-11. [PMID: 25031417 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3706-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid effects of social interactions on transient changes in hormonal levels are known in a wide variety of vertebrate taxa, ranging from fish to humans. Although these responses are mediated by the brain, neurochemical pathways that translate social signals into reproductive physiological changes are unclear. In this study, we analyzed how a female presence modifies synthesis and/or release of various neurochemicals, such as monoamines and neuropeptides, in the brain and downstream reproductive hormones in sexually active male Japanese quail. By viewing a female bird, sexually active males rapidly increased norepinephrine (NE) release in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, in which gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) neuronal cell bodies exist, increased GnIH precursor mRNA expression in the PVN, and decreased luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration in the plasma. GnIH is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that inhibits gonadotropin secretion from the pituitary. It was further shown that GnIH can rapidly suppress LH release after intravenous administration in this study. Centrally administered NE decreased plasma LH concentration in vivo. It was also shown that NE stimulated the release of GnIH from diencephalic tissue blocks in vitro. Fluorescence double-label immunohistochemistry indicated that GnIH neurons received noradrenergic innervations, and immunohistochemistry combined with in situ hybridization have further shown that GnIH neurons expressed α2A-adrenergic receptor mRNA. These results indicate that a female presence increases NE release in the PVN and stimulates GnIH release, resulting in the suppression of LH release in sexually active male quail.
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Ubuka T, Son YL, Tobari Y, Narihiro M, Bentley GE, Kriegsfeld LJ, Tsutsui K. Central and direct regulation of testicular activity by gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone and its receptor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:8. [PMID: 24478760 PMCID: PMC3902780 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) was first identified in Japanese quail to be an inhibitor of gonadotropin synthesis and release. GnIH peptides have since been identified in all vertebrates, and all share an LPXRFamide (X = L or Q) motif at their C-termini. The receptor for GnIH is the G protein-coupled receptor 147 (GPR147), which inhibits cAMP signaling. Cell bodies of GnIH neurons are located in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) in birds and the dorsomedial hypothalamic area (DMH) in most mammals. GnIH neurons in the PVN or DMH project to the median eminence to control anterior pituitary function via GPR147 expressed in gonadotropes. Further, GnIH inhibits gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced gonadotropin subunit gene transcription by inhibiting the adenylate cyclase/cAMP/PKA-dependent ERK pathway in an immortalized mouse gonadotrope cell line (LβT2 cells). GnIH neurons also project to GnRH neurons that express GPR147 in the preoptic area (POA) in birds and mammals. Accordingly, GnIH can inhibit gonadotropin synthesis and release by decreasing the activity of GnRH neurons as well as by directly inhibiting pituitary gonadotrope activity. GnIH and GPR147 can thus centrally suppress testosterone secretion and spermatogenesis by acting in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. GnIH and GPR147 are also expressed in the testis of birds and mammals, possibly acting in an autocrine/paracrine manner to suppress testosterone secretion and spermatogenesis. GnIH expression is also regulated by melatonin, stress, and social environment in birds and mammals. Accordingly, the GnIH-GPR147 system may play a role in transducing physical and social environmental information to regulate optimal testicular activity in birds and mammals. This review discusses central and direct inhibitory effects of GnIH and GPR147 on testosterone secretion and spermatogenesis in birds and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayoshi Ubuka
- Department of Biology, Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - You Lee Son
- Department of Biology, Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuko Tobari
- Department of Biology, Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Misato Narihiro
- Department of Biology, Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - George E. Bentley
- Department of Integrative Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lance J. Kriegsfeld
- Department of Psychology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Department of Biology, Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Kazuyoshi Tsutsui, Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology, Center for Medical Life Science, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan e-mail:
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Cornil CA, Seredynski AL, de Bournonville C, Dickens MJ, Charlier TD, Ball GF, Balthazart J. Rapid control of reproductive behaviour by locally synthesised oestrogens: focus on aromatase. J Neuroendocrinol 2013; 25:1070-8. [PMID: 23763492 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2013] [Revised: 05/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oestrogens activate nucleus- and membrane-initiated signalling. Nucleus-initiated events control a wide array of physiological and behavioural responses. These effects generally take place within relatively long periods of time (several hours to days). By contrast, membrane-initiated signalling affects a multitude of cellular functions in a much shorter timeframe (seconds to minutes). However, much less is known about their functional significance. Furthermore, the origin of the oestrogens able to trigger these acute effects is rarely examined. Finally, these two distinct types of oestrogenic actions have often been studied independently such that we do not exactly know how they cooperate to control the same response. The present review presents a synthesis of recent work carried out in our laboratory that aimed to address these issues in the context of the study of male sexual behaviour in Japanese quail, which is a considered as a suitable species for tackling these issues. The first section presents data indicating that 17β-oestradiol, or its membrane impermeable analogues, acutely enhances measures of male sexual motivation but does not affect copulatory behaviour. These effects depend on the activation of membrane-initiated events and local oestrogen production. The second part of this review discusses the regulation of brain oestrogen synthesis through post-translational modifications of the enzyme aromatase. Initially discovered in vitro, these rapid and reversible enzymatic modulations occur in vivo following variations in the social and environment context and therefore provide a mechanism of acute regulation of local oestrogen provision with a spatial and time resolution compatible with the rapid effects observed on male sexual behaviour. Finally, we discuss how these distinct modes of oestrogenic action (membrane- versus nucleus-initiated) acting in different time frames (short- versus long-term) interact to control different components (motivation versus performance) of the same behavioural response and improve reproductive fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Cornil
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liege, Belgium
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Cornil CA, Ball GF, Balthazart J. Rapid control of male typical behaviors by brain-derived estrogens. Front Neuroendocrinol 2012; 33:425-46. [PMID: 22983088 PMCID: PMC3496013 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 08/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Beside their genomic mode of action, estrogens also activate a variety of cellular signaling pathways through non-genomic mechanisms. Until recently, little was known regarding the functional significance of such actions in males and the mechanisms that control local estrogen concentration with a spatial and time resolution compatible with these non-genomic actions had rarely been examined. Here, we review evidence that estrogens rapidly modulate a variety of behaviors in male vertebrates. Then, we present in vitro work supporting the existence of a control mechanism of local brain estrogen synthesis by aromatase along with in vivo evidence that rapid changes in aromatase activity also occur in a region-specific manner in response to changes in the social or environmental context. Finally, we suggest that the brain estrogen provision may also play a significant role in females. Together these data bolster the hypothesis that brain-derived estrogens should be considered as neuromodulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A Cornil
- GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
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24
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Agmo A. On the intricate relationship between sexual motivation and arousal. Horm Behav 2011; 59:681-8. [PMID: 20816969 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2010] [Revised: 08/25/2010] [Accepted: 08/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Sexual motivation and sexual arousal are widely used concepts. While there seem to be considerable agreement as to the meaning of sexual motivation, there is certain confusion about the exact meaning of sexual arousal. Some use it as a synonym to sexual motivation and others make it equivalent to erection or vaginal lubrication. An unresolved question is the relationship between sexual arousal and general arousal as well as that between arousal and motivation. I present arguments for the view that arousal refers to the general state of alertness of the organism. Consequently, there is no such thing as a specific sexual arousal. I suggest that this term should be abandoned, or if that is not feasible, to make it a synonym to enhanced genital blood flow. The notion of a subjective sexual arousal, some kind of vaguely described mental state, seems to lack all explanatory value. I then show that general arousal is an important determinant of sexual motivation, and that the execution of copulatory acts leads to increased general arousal. This increase leads to enhanced sexual motivation, making the activation of sexual reflexes requiring high levels of motivation possible. Examples of such reflexes may be ejaculation in males of many species, and perhaps the psychic state of orgasm in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Agmo
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway.
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25
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Xie J, Kuenzel WJ, Sharp PJ, Jurkevich A. Appetitive and consummatory sexual and agonistic behaviour elicits FOS expression in aromatase and vasotocin neurones within the preoptic area and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of male domestic chickens. J Neuroendocrinol 2011; 23:232-43. [PMID: 21219483 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02108.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Some components of male sexual and agonistic behaviours are considered to be regulated by the same neurocircuitry in the medial preoptic nucleus (POM) and the medial portion of bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTM). To better understand this neurocircuitry, numbers of aromatase- (ARO) or arginine vasotocin- (AVT) immunoreactive (ir) neurones expressing immediate early gene protein FOS were compared in the POM and BSTM of male chickens following sexual or agonistic behaviours. Observations were made on males showing: (i) appetitive (courtship) and consummatory (copulation) sexual behaviours; (ii) only appetitive sexual behaviour, or (iii) displaying agonistic behaviour toward other males. Control males were placed on their own in the observation pen, or only handled. In the POM, appetitive sexual behaviour increased ARO+FOS colocalisation, whereas agonistic behaviour decreased the number of visible ARO-ir cells. In the dorsolateral subdivision of BSTM (BSTM1), appetitive sexual behaviour also increased ARO+FOS colocalisation, although the numbers of visible ARO-ir and AVT-ir cells were not altered by sexual or agonistic behaviours. In the ventromedial BSTM (BSTM2), appetitive sexual behaviour increased ARO+FOS and AVT+FOS colocalisation, and all behaviours decreased the number of visible ARO-ir cells, particularly in males expressing consummatory sexual behaviour. Positive correlations were found between numbers of cells with ARO+FOS and AVT+FOS colocalisation in both subdivisions of the BSTM. Waltzing frequency was positively correlated with ARO+FOS colocalisation in the lateral POM, and in both subdivisions of the BSTM in males expressing sexual behaviour. Waltzing frequency in males expressing agonistic behaviour was negatively correlated with the total number of visible ARO-ir cells in the lateral POM and BSTM2. These observations suggest a key role for ARO and AVT neurones in BSTM2 in the expression of appetitive sexual behaviour, and differential roles for ARO cells in the POM and BSTM in the regulation of components of sexual and agonistic behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Xie
- The Center of Excellence for Poultry Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA
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Ziegler TE, Peterson LJ, Sosa ME, Barnard AM. Differential endocrine responses to infant odors in common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) fathers. Horm Behav 2011; 59:265-70. [PMID: 21145893 PMCID: PMC3040271 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Revised: 11/28/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory cues can exert priming effects on many mammalian species. Paternally experienced marmosets, Callithrix jacchus, exposed to direct isolated olfactory contact with their own infant's scent show rapid decreases in testosterone levels within 20 min, whereas paternally inexperienced males do not. The following study tests whether there is a differential steroid response to exposure of infant scent from dependent infants (own and novel) and independent infants (own and novel). We examined the serum levels of estradiol, estrone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and combined estrogens and androgens in eight male marmosets 20 min after exposure to isolated infant scent. Testosterone and androgen levels combined were significantly lower with exposure to own infant scent than a novel infant scent when the infants were at a dependent age but not at an independent age. Estrogen levels elevated significantly in response to own infant scent when the infants were at a dependent age but not at an independent age. These results suggest that marmoset fathers are more responsive to priming cues from related infants and hormonal responses from fathers are greatest when the infant is at a dependent age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni E Ziegler
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin - Madison, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
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Cornil CA, Ball GF. Effects of social experience on subsequent sexual performance in naïve male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Horm Behav 2010; 57:515-22. [PMID: 20188733 PMCID: PMC2849880 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2009] [Revised: 02/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/18/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
On their first sexual encounter, naïve male Japanese quail will attend to and approach a female; they sometimes mount but they do not always copulate. During the second encounter, most males successfully copulate. Although sexual experience facilitates subsequent sexual interactions, sensory cues provided by females, independent of any sexual encounter, may also enhance sexual performance. To investigate whether previous exposure to a conspecific affects subsequent sexual behavior, we allowed inexperienced males to observe an empty box, or a conspecific consisting of either an experienced female or male for 2.5 min/day on 7 days. Measures of appetitive sexual behavior were recorded during these tests. On day 8, subjects were allowed to copulate with a novel female for 5 min. On the following days, all subjects were repeatedly provided with visual access to a female and allowed to mate. In the pre-copulatory trials males initially exhibited a high frequency of appetitive responses that dissipated with repetition. Pre-copulatory experience also significantly affected motivation to mate with subjects exposed to females copulating more quickly than other subjects. Post-copulatory appetitive behavior also differed between groups: control subjects showed the highest behavioral frequency followed by males exposed to females and finally males exposed to males. These data indicate that pre-copulatory social experience profoundly influences subsequent sexual behavior and probably reproductive success. This experience effect is independent of any hormonal effect (such as one resulting from changes in secretion following different social interactions) given that the subjects were castrates chronically treated with testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A Cornil
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA.
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28
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Li Y, Lai EPC. Extraction of 17beta-estradiol in water using non-imprinted polymer submicron particles in membrane filters. J Environ Sci (China) 2010; 22:1820-1825. [PMID: 21235173 DOI: 10.1016/s1001-0742(09)60325-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
17beta-Estradiol (E2) is an endocrine disrupting chemical of harm to both animals and human beings at a low concentration level (ng/L). It cannot be completely removed by wastewater treatments, and is often detected in both environment and drinking waters. The purpose of this feasibility study, towards environmental engineering in the field of water analysis and treatment, was to remove E2 by extraction using non-imprinted polymer (NIP) submicron particles. Experimental results showed that 0.5 mg/L of E2 could be completely extracted by adding 10 mg of NIP particles directly into 10 mL of water. However, the extraction efficiency decreased to 64% for 100 mL of water, prefilling the NIP particles inside a membrane filter showed a potential for water treatment of a large volume, requiring no effort to distribute the particles uniformly in the water. High extraction efficiency (80 +/- 10)% for E2 was achieved for 100 mL of water. A total mass of 0.29 mg E2 was extracted from 1000 mL of water containing 0.8 mg/L E2 (by using only 10 mg of NIP particles). Both efficiency and mass capacity can be increased, by scaling up the amount of NIP particles, towards environmental engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyan Li
- Institute of Environmental Science, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario K1S 5B6, Canada.
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