1
|
Merullo DP, Asogwa CN, Sanchez-Valpuesta M, Hayase S, Pattnaik BR, Wada K, Riters LV. Neurotensin and neurotensin receptor 1 mRNA expression in song-control regions changes during development in male zebra finches. Dev Neurobiol 2018; 78:671-686. [PMID: 29569407 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Learned vocalizations are important for communication in some vertebrate taxa. The neural circuitry for the learning and production of vocalizations is well known in songbirds, many of which learn songs initially during a critical period early in life. Dopamine is essential for motor learning, including song learning, and dopamine-related measures change throughout development in song-control regions such as HVC, the lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (LMAN), Area X, and the robust nucleus of the arcopallium (RA). In mammals, the neuropeptide neurotensin strongly interacts with dopamine signaling. This study investigated a potential role for the neurotensin system in song learning by examining how neurotensin (Nts) and neurotensin receptor 1 (Ntsr1) expression change throughout development. Nts and Ntsr1 mRNA expression was analyzed in song-control regions of male zebra finches in four stages of the song learning process: pre-subsong (25 days posthatch; dph), subsong (45 dph), plastic song (60 dph), and crystallized song (130 dph). Nts expression in LMAN during the subsong stage was lower compared to other time points. Ntsr1 expression was highest in HVC, Area X, and RA during the pre-subsong stage. Opposite and complementary expression patterns for the two genes in song nuclei and across the whole brain suggest distinct roles for regions that produce and receive Nts. The expression changes at crucial time points for song development are similar to changes observed in dopamine studies and suggest Nts may be involved in the process of vocal learning. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 78: 671-686, 2018.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devin P Merullo
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706
| | - Chinweike N Asogwa
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
| | | | - Shin Hayase
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Bikash R Pattnaik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706
| | - Kazuhiro Wada
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Lauren V Riters
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, 53706
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Co-localization patterns of neurotensin receptor 1 and tyrosine hydroxylase in brain regions involved in motivation and social behavior in male European starlings. J Chem Neuroanat 2018; 89:1-10. [PMID: 29407461 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2018.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Animals communicate in distinct social contexts to convey information specific to those contexts, such as sexual or agonistic motivation. In seasonally-breeding male songbirds, seasonal changes in day length and increases in testosterone stimulate sexually-motivated song directed at females for courtship and reproduction. Dopamine and testosterone may act in the same brain regions to stimulate sexually-motivated singing. The neuropeptide neurotensin, acting at the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTR1), can strongly influence dopamine transmission. The goal of this study was to gain insight into the degree to which seasonal changes in physiology modify interactions between neurotensin and dopamine to adjust context-appropriate communication. Male European starlings were examined in physiological conditions that stimulate season-typical forms of communication: late summer/early fall non-breeding condition (low testosterone; birds sing infrequently), late fall non-breeding condition (low testosterone; birds produce non-sexually motivated song), and spring breeding condition (high testosterone; males produce sexually-motivated song). Double fluorescent immunolabeling was performed to detect co-localization patterns between tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis) and NTR1 in brain regions implicated in motivation and song production (the ventral tegmental area, medial preoptic nucleus, periaqueductal gray, and lateral septum). Co-localization between TH and NTR1 was present in the ventral tegmental area for all physiological conditions, and the number of co-localized cells did not differ across conditions. Immunolabeling for TH and NTR1 was also present in the other examined regions, although no co-localization was seen. These results support the hypothesis that interactions between NTR1 and dopamine in the ventral tegmental area may modulate vocalizations, but suggest that testosterone- or photoperiod-induced changes in NTR1/TH co-localization do not underlie seasonally-appropriate adjustment of communication.
Collapse
|
3
|
Merullo DP, Angyal CS, Stevenson SA, Riters LV. Song in an Affiliative Context Relates to the Neural Expression of Dopamine- and Neurotensin-Related Genes in Male European Starlings. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2016; 88:81-92. [PMID: 27614972 DOI: 10.1159/000448191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Some animals, including songbirds, vocalize at high rates when alone or in large groups. In songbirds, vocal behavior in these contexts is important for song learning and group cohesion. It is not obviously targeted at any particular individual and is described as 'undirected'. Studies suggest a role for dopamine (DA) in undirected song. The neuropeptide neurotensin (NT) can enhance dopaminergic signaling upon binding to the NT receptor 1 (NTR1) and is found in regions where DA can influence song, including the ventral tegmental area (VTA), septum, and the song control nucleus Area X. To begin to test the hypothesis that NT and DA in these regions interact to influence undirected song, we used quantitative real-time PCR to relate undirected singing to mRNA expression of NT, NTR1, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; a synthetic enzyme for DA) and D1 and D2 receptors in male European starlings. TH and NT expression in VTA, and NT and D1 expression in Area X, positively correlated with song. NT markers also correlated positively with DA markers in VTA. Given the role of VTA projections to Area X in song learning, these results suggest that interactions between NT and DA in these regions may contribute to vocal learning. In septum, NTR1 expression positively correlated with song and NT and DA markers were correlated, suggesting that NT in this region may influence dopaminergic transmission to facilitate undirected vocalizations. Overall, these findings implicate interactions between NT and DA in affiliative communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devin P Merullo
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wis., USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bolivar JH, Muñoz-García JC, Castro-Dopico T, Dijkman PM, Stansfeld PJ, Watts A. Interaction of lipids with the neurotensin receptor 1. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2016; 1858:1278-87. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2016.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
5
|
Merullo DP, Cordes MA, Susan DeVries M, Stevenson SA, Riters LV. Neurotensin neural mRNA expression correlates with vocal communication and other highly-motivated social behaviors in male European starlings. Physiol Behav 2015; 151:155-61. [PMID: 26192712 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Vocalizations coordinate social interactions in many species and often are important for behaviors such as mate attraction or territorial defense. Although the neural circuitry underlying vocal communication is well-known for some animal groups, such as songbirds, the motivational processes that regulate vocal signals are not as clearly understood. Neurotensin (NT) is a neuropeptide implicated in motivation that can modulate the activity of dopaminergic neurons. Dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are key to mediating highly motivated, goal-directed behaviors, including sexually-motivated birdsong. However, the role of NT in modifying vocal communication or other social behaviors has not been well-studied. Here in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) we analyzed relationships between sexually-motivated song and NT and NT1 receptor (NTSR1) expression in VTA. Additionally, we examined NT and NTSR1 expression in four regions that receive dopaminergic projections from VTA and are involved in courtship song: the medial preoptic nucleus (POM), the lateral septum (LS), Area X, and HVC. Relationships between NT and NTSR1 expression and non-vocal courtship and agonistic behaviors were also examined. NT expression in Area X positively related to sexually-motivated song production. NT expression in POM positively correlated with non-vocal courtship behavior and agonistic behavior. NT expression in POM was greatest in males owning nesting sites, and the opposite pattern was observed for NTSR1 expression in LS. These results are the first to implicate NT in Area X in birdsong, and further highlight NT as a potential neuromodulator for the control of vocal communication and other social behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devin P Merullo
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Melissa A Cordes
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - M Susan DeVries
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sharon A Stevenson
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Lauren V Riters
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Merullo DP, Cordes MA, Stevenson SA, Riters LV. Neurotensin immunolabeling relates to sexually-motivated song and other social behaviors in male European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Behav Brain Res 2015; 282:133-43. [PMID: 25595421 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The brain regions involved in vocal communication are well described for some species, including songbirds, but less is known about the neural mechanisms underlying motivational aspects of communication. Mesolimbic dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) are central to mediating motivated behaviors. In songbirds, VTA provides dopaminergic innervation to brain regions associated with motivation and social behavior that are also involved in sexually-motivated song production. Neurotensin (NT) is a neuropeptide that strongly modulates dopamine activity, co-localizes with dopamine in VTA, and is found in regions where dopaminergic cells project from VTA. Yet, little is known about how NT contributes to vocal communication or other motivated behaviors. We examined the relationships between sexually-motivated song produced by male European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and NT immunolabeling in brain regions involved in social behavior and motivation. Additionally, we observed relationships between NT labeling, non-vocal courtship behaviors (another measure of sexual motivation), and agonistic behavior to begin to understand NT's role in socially-motivated behaviors. NT labeling in VTA, lateral septum, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis correlated with sexually-motivated singing and non-vocal courtship behaviors. NT labeling in VTA, lateral septum, medial preoptic nucleus, and periaqueductal gray was associated with agonistic behavior. This study is the first to suggest NT's involvement in song, and one of the few to implicate NT in social behaviors more generally. Additionally, our results are consistent with the idea that distinct patterns of neuropeptide activity in brain areas involved in social behavior and motivation underlie differentially motivated behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devin P Merullo
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Melissa A Cordes
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Sharon A Stevenson
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Lauren V Riters
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 430 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Masuda K, Iwakoshi-Ukena E, Bessho Y, Taniuchi S, Maejima S, Shikano K, Kondo K, Furumitsu M, Ukena K. Identification of neurotensin and LANT-6 and localization of mRNA encoding their precursor in the chicken brain. Zoolog Sci 2014; 31:353-9. [PMID: 24882095 DOI: 10.2108/zs140010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurotensin (NT) and neurotensin-related peptide (Lys(8), Asn(9), NT(8-13): LANT-6) have previously been purified from chicken intestine. However, the presence of these peptides and the localization of their precursor mRNA in the brain were not well understood. In the present study, through a comprehensive analysis of bioactive substances, NT and LANT-6 were identified in the chicken brain using tandem mass spectrometry combined with a bioassay of the colon contraction. The effect of NT and LANT-6 on the colon contraction was assessed, and NT was found to be 10 times more potent than LANT-6. Furthermore, the sites of NT/LANT-6 precursor mRNA expression in the brain were investigated using quantitative RT-PCR. The result showed that the mRNA was expressed most in the telencephalon, followed by the diencephalon. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that cells containing NT/LANT-6 precursor mRNA were widely distributed throughout the brain except for the cerebellum. Additionally, these were highly concentrated in the frontal telencephalon, including the nidopallium, hyperpallium, and hippocampus. Collectively, these results indicate that NT and LANT-6 are produced in the chicken brain, and they may participate in multiple functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Masuda
- Section of Behavioral Sciences, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8521, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Tanaka M, Nakao N, Yamamoto I, Tsushima N, Ohta Y. Changes in expression levels of neurotensin precursor and receptor mRNA in chicken intestinal tissues and liver during late embryonic and early posthatching development. Poult Sci 2013; 92:2765-71. [DOI: 10.3382/ps.2012-02939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
|
9
|
Degolier TF, Brown DR, Duke GE, Palmer MM, Swenson JR, Carraway RE. Neurotensin and cholecystokinin contract gallbladder circular muscle in chickens. Poult Sci 2013; 92:2156-62. [PMID: 23873564 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2013-03079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The contractile effects of neurotensin (NT) and cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) on isolated circular smooth muscle strips of chicken gallbladder were investigated. The NT (0.25-300 nM) produced concentration-dependent contractions on smooth muscle with an EC50 of 8.5 nM (95% confidence limits = 5.3-13.6 nM). In comparison, CCK-8 produced concentration-dependent contractions with an EC50 of 13 nM (95% confidence limits of 9-20 nM). There were no statistical differences in contractile responses when comparing NT and CCK-8 at equimolar concentrations. The NT appears to act directly on smooth muscle tissue in the chicken; the contractile responses were not blocked by 10 µM atropine or tetrodotoxin. A portion of the activity is mediated by extracellular calcium as 100 nM nifedipine inhibited 30% of peptide-induced muscle tension. The NT receptor (NTR) type 1 antagonist SR 48692 (0.1 µM) did not significantly reduce NT potency. The contractile effects of CCK-8 remained unaltered in tissues pretreated with atropine, TTX, or nifedipine. The CCK-A antagonist lorglumide, at a concentration of 1 µM, reduced the contractile potency of CCK-8 by one-half. Avian receptors for NT and CCK may differ pharmacologically from their mammalian counterparts, but their contractile actions on the gallbladder resulting in increased biliary output by flow are further evidence of their role in the postprandial regulation of lipid digestion in chickens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T F Degolier
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bethel University, St. Paul, MN 55112, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Yamamoto I, Nakao N, Kaiya H, Miyazato M, Tsushima N, Arai T, Tanaka M. Two chicken neuromedin U receptors: characterization of primary structure, biological activity and tissue distribution. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 174:116-23. [PMID: 21878335 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Revised: 08/06/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a bioactive peptide that is involved in a variety of physiological functions. Two of its receptors, NMUR1 and NMUR2, have been identified and characterized in mammals. In this study, we performed cDNA cloning of chicken NMUR1 and NMUR2, and characterized their primary structure, biological activity, and expression patterns in chicken tissues. The chicken NMUR1 and NMUR2 cDNAs encoded 438 and 395 amino acid sequences, respectively. Chicken NMUR1 showed 54.8%-56.5% sequence identity with human, rat, and mouse NMUR1, and NMUR2 shared 67.3%-70.1% sequence identity with mammalian orthologs. Both chicken receptors have typical characteristics of G-protein-coupled receptors with seven transmembrane domains and the D/ERY motif. An increase in intracellular Ca(2+) mobilization was observed in HEK293 cells transfected with chicken NMUR1 or NMUR2 cDNA and treated with chicken or rat NMU. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that NMUR1 mRNA was preferentially expressed in the intestinal tissues such as the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, and colon/rectum, and brain regions such as the midbrain and optic lobe, and the ovary in adult hens. NMUR2 mRNA was exclusively expressed in the brain regions such as the cerebrum and midbrain. These results indicate that NMUR1 and NMUR2 mRNAs, which encode functional receptor proteins, are expressed in chicken tissues with different distribution patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Yamamoto
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Musashino, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|