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Lin JC, Daigle CL, Tang PC, Wang CK. Influence of sex hormones on the aggressive behavior during peck order establishment and stabilization in meat and egg type chickens. Poult Sci 2024; 103:103669. [PMID: 38603931 PMCID: PMC11017360 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In the poultry industry, broiler and layer strains are genetically selected for different purposes (e.g., high meat-yield and high egg-production). Genetic selection for productivity can have unintended consequences on the behavioral repertoire of the birds, including aggression. Alongside the increasing societal concern regarding the welfare of animal in agriculture, the number of countries that are advocating the prohibition of using battery cages for laying hens has resulted in the transition and adoption of cage-free or free-range systems. Thus, both broiler and layer chickens are housed in large flocks rather than housed individually in cages. Housing birds in groups increases the opportunity for birds to engage in social behaviors, including aggression, that are used to establish social status. Aggressive interactions are associated with the risk of injury and the potential for a subordinate animal to have unmet needs (e.g., access to feed). The aim of this study was to characterize the relationships among aggressive behavior, neurobiology, and hormones during peck order establishment and social hierarchy stabilization of 2 divergently selected strains (meat- and egg-type chicken). Meat-type strains performed more male on male (P < 0.001), male on female (P < 0.0001), and female on female (P < 0.0001) non-reciprocal aggression behavior (NRA) than egg-type strains. Greater serum testosterone and estradiol concentrations in the weeks after the peck order establishment were observed in meat-type birds compared those in egg-type birds for both males and females (all P < 0.05). Greater (P < 0.05) cellular densities of androgen receptors, but not estrogen receptors, were observed in the hypothalamus of meat-type birds compared to egg-type birds. These findings suggest that greater sex hormone concentrations in the meat-type birds may be a consequence of genetic selection for rapid growth resulting in more sex hormones-induced aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jou-Ching Lin
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
| | - Courtney Lynd Daigle
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, Kleberg Center, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Pin-Chi Tang
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Kai Wang
- Department of Animal Science, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan; The iEGG and Animal Biotechnology Center, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan.
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2
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Bowers JM, Li CY, Parker CG, Westbrook ME, Juntti SA. Pheromone Perception in Fish: Mechanisms and Modulation by Internal Status. Integr Comp Biol 2023; 63:407-427. [PMID: 37263784 PMCID: PMC10445421 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icad049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pheromones are chemical signals that facilitate communication between animals, and most animals use pheromones for reproduction and other forms of social behavior. The identification of key ligands and olfactory receptors used for pheromonal communication provides insight into the sensory processing of these important cues. An individual's responses to pheromones can be plastic, as physiological status modulates behavioral outputs. In this review, we outline the mechanisms for pheromone sensation and highlight physiological mechanisms that modify pheromone-guided behavior. We focus on hormones, which regulate pheromonal communication across vertebrates including fish, amphibians, and rodents. This regulation may occur in peripheral olfactory organs and the brain, but the mechanisms remain unclear. While this review centers on research in fish, we will discuss other systems to provide insight into how hormonal mechanisms function across taxa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Bowers
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, 2128 Bioscience Research Bldg, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Cheng-Yu Li
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, 2128 Bioscience Research Bldg, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Coltan G Parker
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, 2128 Bioscience Research Bldg, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Molly E Westbrook
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, 2128 Bioscience Research Bldg, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Scott A Juntti
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, 2128 Bioscience Research Bldg, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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3
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Trouillet AC, Ducroq S, Naulé L, Capela D, Parmentier C, Radovick S, Hardin-Pouzet H, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Deletion of neural estrogen receptor alpha induces sex differential effects on reproductive behavior in mice. Commun Biol 2022; 5:383. [PMID: 35444217 PMCID: PMC9021208 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03324-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER) α is involved in several estrogen-modulated neural and peripheral functions. To determine its role in the expression of female and male reproductive behavior, a mouse line lacking the ERα in the nervous system was generated. Mutant females did not exhibit sexual behavior despite normal olfactory preference, and had a reduced number of progesterone receptor-immunoreactive neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus. Mutant males displayed a moderately impaired sexual behavior and unaffected fertility, despite evidences of altered organization of sexually dimorphic populations in the preoptic area. In comparison, males deleted for both neural ERα and androgen receptor (AR) displayed greater sexual deficiencies. Thus, these data highlight a predominant role for neural ERα in females and a complementary role with the AR in males in the regulation of sexual behavior, and provide a solid background for future analyses of neuronal versus glial implication of these signaling pathways in both sexes. Neural deletion of the estrogen receptor, ERα, inhibits sexual behavior in female mice, but only has moderately effect in male mice. These results contrast with previous studies using global ERα knockouts, which found that ERα is mandatory for reproductive behavior in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Charlotte Trouillet
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Suzanne Ducroq
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Lydie Naulé
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Daphné Capela
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Parmentier
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sally Radovick
- Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Hélène Hardin-Pouzet
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France.
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4
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Török B, Fazekas CL, Szabó A, Zelena D. Epigenetic Modulation of Vasopressin Expression in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179415. [PMID: 34502322 PMCID: PMC8430944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasopressin is a ubiquitous molecule playing an important role in a wide range of physiological processes thereby implicated in the pathomechanism of many disorders. Its effect is well characterized through V2 receptors, which regulates the water resorption in kidney, while its vasoconstrictory effect through V1a receptor also received a lot of attention in the maintenance of blood pressure during shock. However, the most striking is its central effect both through the V1b receptors in stress-axis regulation as well as through V1a receptors regulating many aspects of our behavior (e.g., social behavior, learning and memory). Vasopressin has been implicated in the development of depression, due to its connection with chronic stress, as well as schizophrenia because of its involvement in social interactions and memory processes. Epigenetic changes may also play a role in the development of these disorders. The possible mechanism includes DNA methylation, histone modification and/or micro RNAs, and these possible regulations will be in the focus of our present review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiána Török
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (B.T.); (C.L.F.); (A.S.)
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (B.T.); (C.L.F.); (A.S.)
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Adrienn Szabó
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (B.T.); (C.L.F.); (A.S.)
- János Szentágothai School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary; (B.T.); (C.L.F.); (A.S.)
- Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- Correspondence:
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González-Palomares E, López-Jury L, Wetekam J, Kiai A, García-Rosales F, Hechavarria JC. Male Carollia perspicillata bats call more than females in a distressful context. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:202336. [PMID: 34040789 PMCID: PMC8113905 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.202336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Distress calls are a vocalization type widespread across the animal kingdom, emitted when the animals are under duress, e.g. when captured by a predator. Here, we report on an observation we came across serendipitously while recording distress calls from the bat species Carollia perspicillata, i.e. the existence of sex difference in the distress calling behaviour of this species. We show that in C. perspicillata bats, males are more likely to produce distress vocalizations than females when hand-held. Male bats call more, their calls are louder, harsher (faster amplitude modulated) and cover lower carrier frequencies than female vocalizations. We discuss our results within a framework of potential hormonal, neurobiological and behavioural differences that could explain our findings, and open multiple paths to continue the study of sex-related differences in vocal behaviour in bats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luciana López-Jury
- Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Johannes Wetekam
- Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ava Kiai
- Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Francisco García-Rosales
- Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Julio C. Hechavarria
- Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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6
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Martínez-Rodríguez E, Martín-Sánchez A, Kul E, Bose A, Martínez-Martínez FJ, Stork O, Martínez-García F, Lanuza E, Santos M, Agustín-Pavón C. Male-specific features are reduced in Mecp2-null mice: analyses of vasopressinergic innervation, pheromone production and social behaviour. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:2219-2238. [PMID: 32749543 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02122-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Deficits in arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT), two neuropeptides closely implicated in the modulation of social behaviours, have been reported in some early developmental disorders and autism spectrum disorders. Mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene are associated to Rett syndrome and other neuropsychiatric conditions. Thus, we first analysed AVP and OT expression in the brain of Mecp2-mutant mice by immunohistochemistry. Our results revealed no significant differences in these systems in young adult Mecp2-heterozygous females, as compared to WT littermates. By contrast, we found a significant reduction in the sexually dimorphic, testosterone-dependent, vasopressinergic innervation in several nuclei of the social brain network and oxytocinergic innervation in the lateral habenula of Mecp2-null males, as compared to WT littermates. Analysis of urinary production of pheromones shows that Mecp2-null males lack the testosterone-dependent pheromone darcin, strongly suggesting low levels of androgens in these males. In addition, resident-intruder tests revealed lack of aggressive behaviour in Mecp2-null males and decreased chemoinvestigation of the intruder. By contrast, Mecp2-null males exhibited enhanced social approach, as compared to WT animals, in a 3-chamber social interaction test. In summary, Mecp2-null males, which display internal testicles, display a significant reduction of some male-specific features, such as vasopressinergic innervation within the social brain network, male pheromone production and aggressive behaviour. Thus, atypical social behaviours in Mecp2-null males may be caused, at least in part, by the effect of lack of MeCP2 over sexual differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martínez-Rodríguez
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Ana Martín-Sánchez
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Universitat Jaume I de Castelló, Castelló, Spain.,Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Neuroscience Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emre Kul
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aparajita Bose
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Neurologie, Ammerland-Klinik GmbH, Westerstede, Germany
| | - Francisco José Martínez-Martínez
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Oliver Stork
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Fernando Martínez-García
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Universitat Jaume I de Castelló, Castelló, Spain
| | - Enrique Lanuza
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Mónica Santos
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, and Center for Behavioral Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany. .,CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculdade de Medicina, pólo I, 2º andar, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Carmen Agustín-Pavón
- Unitat Mixta d'Investigació Neuroanatomia Funcional, Departament de Biologia Cel·lular, Funcional i Antropologia Física, Universitat de València, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n, 46100, Burjassot, Spain.
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7
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Swift-Gallant A, Coome LA, Ramzan F, Monks DA. Non-androgenic testicular mediation of androphilia in male mice with global overexpression of androgen receptors. Behav Brain Res 2020; 391:112694. [PMID: 32428632 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112694] [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: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Sexual attraction is robustly sexually differentiated among mammalian species. Gonadal androgens acting perinatally and in adulthood are required for male-typical preference for female sexual cues. Recent evidence suggests that at the high extent of AR signaling, male mice show an increased preference for same-sex odor cues. These findings were found only in mice that overexpress AR globally in all tissues (CMV-AR), whereas neural AR overexpression (Nestin-AR) did not affect sexual preference. The present studies investigated the endocrine basis of this phenotype and examined whether preference for male or female stimulus animals (partner preference) was also affected in these transgenic animals. We manipulated adult gonadal hormones in male mice that overexpress AR globally and males that overexpress AR only in neural tissue. We replicate the finding that androphilia is increased in gonadally intact CMV-AR males, and these males exhibited reduced neural activation in response to estrus female odors. Testosterone treatment of gonadectomized CMV-AR males was sufficient to induce a gynephilic olfactory preference, while a gynephilic partner preference was induced with gonadectomy alone. These findings suggest that altered sexual preference of CMV-AR male mice is mediated by inhibitory activational functions of the testes. Together, these results suggest that at the high extent of AR signaling, non-neural AR via the gonads, can promote androphilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Swift-Gallant
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - L A Coome
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - F Ramzan
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
| | - D A Monks
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Cells and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada.
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8
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Dombret C, Naulé L, Trouillet AC, Parmentier C, Hardin-Pouzet H, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Effects of neural estrogen receptor beta deletion on social and mood-related behaviors and underlying mechanisms in male mice. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6242. [PMID: 32277160 PMCID: PMC7148327 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63427-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol derived from neural aromatization of testosterone plays a key role in the organization and activation of neural structures underlying male behaviors. This study evaluated the contribution of the estrogen receptor (ER) β in estradiol-induced modulation of social and mood-related behaviors by using mice lacking the ERβ gene in the nervous system. Mutant males exhibited reduced social interaction with same-sex congeners and impaired aggressive behavior. They also displayed increased locomotor activity, and reduced or unaffected anxiety-state level in three paradigms. However, when mice were exposed to unescapable stress in the forced swim and tail suspension tests, they spent more time immobile and a reduced time in swimming and climbing. These behavioral alterations were associated with unaffected circadian and restraint stress-induced corticosterone levels, and unchanged number of tryptophan hydroxylase 2-immunoreactive neurons in the dorsal raphe. By contrast, reduced mRNA levels of oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin were observed in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, whereas no changes were detected in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. The neural ERβ is thus involved to different extent levels in social and mood-related behaviors, with a particular action on oxytocin and arginine-vasopressin signaling pathways of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis, yet the involvement of other brain areas cannot be excluded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Dombret
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Lydie Naulé
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Charlotte Trouillet
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Parmentier
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Hardin-Pouzet
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France.
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9
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Sandhu KV, Demiray YE, Yanagawa Y, Stork O. Dietary phytoestrogens modulate aggression and activity in social behavior circuits of male mice. Horm Behav 2020; 119:104637. [PMID: 31783026 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Phytoestrogens comprise biologically active constituents of human and animal diet that can impact on systemic and local estrogen functions in the brain. Here we report on the importance of dietary phytoestrogens for maintaining activity in a brain circuit controlling aggressive and social behavior of male mice. After six weeks of low-phytoestrogen chronic diet (diadzein plus genistein <20 μg/g) a reduction of intermale aggression and altered territorial marking behavior could be observed, compared to littermates on a standard soy-bean based diet (300 μg/g). Further, mice on low-phyto diet displayed a decrease in sociability and a reduced preference for social odors, indicating a general disturbance of social behavior. Underlying circuits were investigated by analysing the induction of the activity marker c-Fos upon social encounter. Low-phyto diet led to a markedly reduced c-Fos induction in the medial as well as the cortical amygdala, the lateral septum, medial preoptic area and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. No difference between groups was observed in the olfactory bulb. Together our data suggest that dietary phytoestrogens critically modulate social behavior circuits in the male mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Veer Sandhu
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Yunus Emre Demiray
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Yuchio Yanagawa
- Department of Genetic and Behavioural Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine and JST, CREST, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Oliver Stork
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioural Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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10
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Jager A, Maas DA, Fricke K, de Vries RB, Poelmans G, Glennon JC. Aggressive behavior in transgenic animal models: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 91:198-217. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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11
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Jardí F, Laurent MR, Dubois V, Kim N, Khalil R, Decallonne B, Vanderschueren D, Claessens F. Androgen and estrogen actions on male physical activity: a story beyond muscle. J Endocrinol 2018; 238:R31-R52. [PMID: 29743340 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [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: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Physical inactivity is a pandemic that contributes to several chronic diseases and poses a significant burden on health care systems worldwide. The search for effective strategies to combat sedentary behavior has led to an intensification of the research efforts to unravel the biological substrate controlling activity. A wide body of preclinical evidence makes a strong case for sex steroids regulating physical activity in both genders, albeit the mechanisms implicated remain unclear. The beneficial effects of androgens on muscle as well as on other peripheral functions might play a role in favoring adaptation to exercise. Alternatively or in addition, sex steroids could act on specific brain circuitries to boost physical activity. This review critically discusses the evidence supporting a role for androgens and estrogens stimulating male physical activity, with special emphasis on the possible role of peripheral and/or central mechanisms. Finally, the potential translation of these findings to humans is briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferran Jardí
- Clinical and Experimental EndocrinologyDepartment of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Michaël R Laurent
- Molecular Endocrinology LaboratoryDepartment of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Gerontology and GeriatricsDepartment of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Dubois
- Molecular Endocrinology LaboratoryDepartment of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nari Kim
- Clinical and Experimental EndocrinologyDepartment of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rougin Khalil
- Clinical and Experimental EndocrinologyDepartment of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brigitte Decallonne
- Clinical and Experimental EndocrinologyDepartment of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Clinical and Experimental EndocrinologyDepartment of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank Claessens
- Molecular Endocrinology LaboratoryDepartment of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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12
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Wacker D, Ludwig M. The role of vasopressin in olfactory and visual processing. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:201-215. [PMID: 29951699 PMCID: PMC6335376 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2867-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neural vasopressin is a potent modulator of behaviour in vertebrates. It acts at both sensory processing regions and within larger regulatory networks to mediate changes in social recognition, affiliation, aggression, communication and other social behaviours. There are multiple populations of vasopressin neurons within the brain, including groups in olfactory and visual processing regions. Some of these vasopressin neurons, such as those in the main and accessory olfactory bulbs, anterior olfactory nucleus, piriform cortex and retina, were recently identified using an enhanced green fluorescent protein-vasopressin (eGFP-VP) transgenic rat. Based on the interconnectivity of vasopressin-producing and sensitive brain areas and in consideration of autocrine, paracrine and neurohormone-like actions associated with somato-dendritic release, we discuss how these different neuronal populations may interact to impact behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Wacker
- School of STEM (Division of Biological Sciences), University of Washington Bothell, Bothell, WA, USA.
| | - Mike Ludwig
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.,Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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13
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Mhaouty-Kodja S. Role of the androgen receptor in the central nervous system. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 465:103-112. [PMID: 28826929 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of gonadal androgens in functions of the central nervous system was suggested for the first time about half a century ago. Since then, the number of functions attributed to androgens has steadily increased, ranging from regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and reproductive behaviors to modulation of cognition, anxiety and other non-reproductive functions. This review focuses on the implication of the neural androgen receptor in these androgen-sensitive functions and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 7 Quai St Bernard, 75005 Paris, France.
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14
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Capela D, Dombret C, Poissenot K, Poignant M, Malbert-Colas A, Franceschini I, Keller M, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Adult male mice exposure to nonylphenol alters courtship vocalizations and mating. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2988. [PMID: 29445187 PMCID: PMC5813014 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-21245-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The neural circuitry processing male sexual behavior is tightly regulated by testosterone and its neural metabolite estradiol. The present study evaluated the effects of adult exposure to low doses of nonylphenol (NP), a widespread environmental contaminant, on the neuroendocrine regulation of testosterone and expression of sexual behavior. Oral exposure of C57BL/6J males to NP (0.5, 5 or 50 μg/kg/day) for 4 weeks did not affect circulating levels of testosterone or the kisspeptin system, a key regulator of the gonadotropic axis. In contrast, mice exposed to NP at 5 μg/kg/day emitted an increased number and duration of ultrasonic vocalizations, took longer to reach ejaculation and showed increased number of mounts, intromissions and thrusts. This was associated with normal olfactory preference and locomotor activity, and increased anxiety level. Analysis of the neural circuitry that underlies sexual behavior showed changes in the number of cells expressing androgen and estrogen receptors in males exposed to NP at 5 μg/kg/day. The neural circuitry underlying sexual behavior is thus highly sensitive to adult exposure to NP. Furthermore, almost all the observed effects were induced at 5 μg/kg/day of NP, indicating that this endocrine disrupter triggers a non-monotonic response in the adult male mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphné Capela
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Carlos Dombret
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Kevin Poissenot
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 85, Nouzilly, 37380, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7247, Nouzilly, 37380, France.,Université François Rabelais, Tours, 37000, France.,Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | - Manon Poignant
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Aude Malbert-Colas
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Isabelle Franceschini
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 85, Nouzilly, 37380, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7247, Nouzilly, 37380, France.,Université François Rabelais, Tours, 37000, France.,Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | - Matthieu Keller
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, UMR 85, Nouzilly, 37380, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7247, Nouzilly, 37380, France.,Université François Rabelais, Tours, 37000, France.,Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Nouzilly, 37380, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, 75005, France.
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15
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Dombret C, Capela D, Poissenot K, Parmentier C, Bergsten E, Pionneau C, Chardonnet S, Hardin-Pouzet H, Grange-Messent V, Keller M, Franceschini I, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Neural Mechanisms Underlying the Disruption of Male Courtship Behavior by Adult Exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate in Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2017; 125:097001. [PMID: 28934723 PMCID: PMC5915199 DOI: 10.1289/ehp1443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Courtship behavior plays a critical role in attracting females and reproduction success. However, the effects of exposure to a ubiquitous contaminant di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on these behaviors and, in particular, on courtship vocalizations have not been examined. OBJECTIVE The effects of adult exposure to DEHP on courtship and mating behaviors and gonadotropic axis and neural mechanisms involved in DEHP-induced effects were analyzed in male mice. METHODS Adult C57BL/6J males were orally exposed to DEHP (0, 0.5, 5, and 50μg/kg/d) for 4 wk. Olfactory preference, ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), partner preference and mating, as well as locomotor activity and motor coordination, were measured. The kisspeptin system and testosterone levels were analyzed. Proteomic and molecular studies were conducted on the hypothalamic preoptic nucleus, the key region involved in sexual motivation to vocalize and mate. RESULTS DEHP at 50μg/kg/d reduced the emission of USVs, whereas lower doses changed the ratio of syllable categories. This was associated with diminished sexual interest of female partners toward males exposed to 5 or 50μg/kg/d and increased latency to mate, despite normal olfactory preference. The kisspeptin system and circulating testosterone levels were unaffected. In DEHP-exposed males, proteomic analysis of the preoptic nucleus identified differentially expressed proteins connected to the androgen receptor (AR). Indeed, exposure to 5 or 50μg/kg/d of DEHP induced selective AR downregulation in this nucleus and upstream chemosensory regions. The involvement of AR changes in the observed alterations was further supported by the reduced emission of courtship vocalizations in males with disrupted neural AR expression. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate the critical role of neural AR in courtship vocalizations and raises the possibility that the vulnerability of this signaling pathway to exposure to endocrine disrupters may be detrimental for courtship communication and mating in several species. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP1443.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Dombret
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS , Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Daphné Capela
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS , Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Kevin Poissenot
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 85 , Nouzilly, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7247 , Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais , Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation , Nouzilly, France
| | - Caroline Parmentier
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS , Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Emma Bergsten
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS , Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Hélène Hardin-Pouzet
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS , Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Grange-Messent
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS , Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Matthieu Keller
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 85 , Nouzilly, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7247 , Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais , Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation , Nouzilly, France
| | - Isabelle Franceschini
- Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 85 , Nouzilly, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7247 , Nouzilly, France
- Université François Rabelais , Tours, France
- Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation , Nouzilly, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS , Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
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16
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Freudenberg F, Carreño Gutierrez H, Post AM, Reif A, Norton WHJ. Aggression in non-human vertebrates: Genetic mechanisms and molecular pathways. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171:603-40. [PMID: 26284957 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Aggression is an adaptive behavioral trait that is important for the establishment of social hierarchies and competition for mating partners, food, and territories. While a certain level of aggression can be beneficial for the survival of an individual or species, abnormal aggression levels can be detrimental. Abnormal aggression is commonly found in human patients with psychiatric disorders. The predisposition to aggression is influenced by a combination of environmental and genetic factors and a large number of genes have been associated with aggression in both human and animal studies. In this review, we compare and contrast aggression studies in zebrafish and mouse. We present gene ontology and pathway analyses of genes linked to aggression and discuss the molecular pathways that underpin agonistic behavior in these species. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Freudenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Antonia M Post
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - William H J Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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17
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Naulé L, Marie-Luce C, Parmentier C, Martini M, Albac C, Trouillet AC, Keller M, Hardin-Pouzet H, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Revisiting the neural role of estrogen receptor beta in male sexual behavior by conditional mutagenesis. Horm Behav 2016; 80:1-9. [PMID: 26836767 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.01.014] [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: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Estradiol derived from neural aromatization of gonadal testosterone plays a key role in the perinatal organization of the neural circuitry underlying male sexual behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of neural estrogen receptor (ER) β in estradiol-induced effects without interfering with its peripheral functions. For this purpose, male mice lacking ERβ in the nervous system were generated. Analyses of males in two consecutive tests with a time interval of two weeks showed an effect of experience, but not of genotype, on the latencies to the first mount, intromission, pelvic thrusting and ejaculation. Similarly, there was an effect of experience, but not of genotype, on the number of thrusts and mating length. Neural ERβ deletion had no effect on the ability of males to adopt a lordosis posture in response to male mounts, after castration and priming with estradiol and progesterone. Indeed, only low percentages of both genotypes exhibited a low lordosis quotient. It also did not affect their olfactory preference. Quantification of tyrosine hydroxylase- and kisspeptin-immunoreactive neurons in the preoptic area showed unaffected sexual dimorphism of both populations in mutants. By contrast, the number of androgen receptor- and ERα-immunoreactive cells was significantly increased in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis of mutant males. These data show that neural ERβ does not play a crucial role in the organization and activation of the neural circuitry underlying male sexual behavior. These discrepancies with the phenotype of global ERβ knockout models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydie Naulé
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Clarisse Marie-Luce
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Caroline Parmentier
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Mariangela Martini
- UMR 85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France; UMR7247, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais, Tours, France; Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Nouzilly, France
| | - Christelle Albac
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Anne-Charlotte Trouillet
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Matthieu Keller
- UMR 85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France; UMR7247, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais, Tours, France; Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Nouzilly, France
| | - Hélène Hardin-Pouzet
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France.
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18
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Karlsson SA, Studer E, Kettunen P, Westberg L. Neural Androgen Receptors Modulate Gene Expression and Social Recognition But Not Social Investigation. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:41. [PMID: 27014003 PMCID: PMC4792870 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of sex and androgen receptors (ARs) for social preference and social memory is rather unknown. In this study of mice we compared males, females and males lacking ARs specifically in the nervous system, ARNesDel, with respect to social preference, assessed with the three-chambered apparatus test, and social recognition, assessed with the social discrimination procedure. In the social discrimination test we also evaluated the tentative importance of the sex of the stimulus animal. Novel object recognition and olfaction were investigated to complement the results from the social tests. Gene expression analysis was performed to reveal molecules involved in the effects of sex and androgens on social behaviors. All three test groups showed social preference in the three-chambered apparatus test. In both social tests an AR-independent sexual dimorphism was seen in the persistence of social investigation of female conspecifics, whereas the social interest toward male stimuli mice was similar in all groups. Male and female controls recognized conspecifics independent of their sex, whereas ARNesDel males recognized female but not male stimuli mice. Moreover, the non-social behaviors were not affected by AR deficiency. The gene expression analyses of hypothalamus and amygdala indicated that Oxtr, Cd38, Esr1, Cyp19a1, Ucn3, Crh, and Gtf2i were differentially expressed between the three groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that ARs are required for recognition of male but not female conspecifics, while being dispensable for social investigation toward both sexes. In addition, the AR seems to regulate genes related to oxytocin, estrogen and William’s syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Karlsson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Studer
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Petronella Kettunen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars Westberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden
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19
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Jahan MR, Kokubu K, Islam MN, Matsuo C, Yanai A, Wroblewski G, Fujinaga R, Shinoda K. Species differences in androgen receptor expression in the medial preoptic and anterior hypothalamic areas of adult male and female rodents. Neuroscience 2014; 284:943-961. [PMID: 25446364 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 11/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The medial preoptic and anterior hypothalamic areas (MPO/AH) are important androgen targets regulating homeostasis, neuroendocrinology and circadian rhythm as well as instinctive and sociosexual behaviors. Although species differences between rats and mice have been pointed out in terms of morphology and physiology, detailed distributions of androgen receptor (AR) have never been compared between the two rodents. In the present study, AR distribution was examined immunohistochemically in serial sections of the MPO/AH and compared for adult rats and mice. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry clearly demonstrated that AR expression in the brain was stronger in mice than in rats and was stronger in males than in females. In addition, we found (1) an "obliquely elongated calbindin-ir cell island" in mice medial preoptic nucleus (MPN) expressed AR intensely, as well as the sexually dimorphic nucleus in the MPN (SDN-MPN) in rats, strongly supporting a "putative SDN-MPN" previously proposed in mice; (2) AR expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) was much more prominent in mice than in rats and differed in localization between the two species; (3) a mouse-specific AR-ir cell cluster was newly identified as the "tear drop nucleus (TDN)", with male-dominant sexual dimorphism; and (4) two rat-specific AR-ir cell clusters were also newly identified as the "rostral and caudal nebular islands", with male-dominant sexual dimorphism. The present results may provide basic morphological evidence underlying species differences in androgen-modified psychological, physiological and endocrinergic responses. Above all, the findings of the mouse-specific TDN and differing AR expression in the SCN might explain not only species difference in gonadal modification of circadian rhythm, but also distinct structural bases in the context of transduction of SCN oscillation. The current study could also serve as a caution that data on androgen-sensitive functions obtained from one species should not always be directly applied to others among rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Jahan
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - K Kokubu
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - Md N Islam
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - C Matsuo
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - A Yanai
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - G Wroblewski
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - R Fujinaga
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan
| | - K Shinoda
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minami-Kogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan.
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20
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Androgen regulates development of the sexually dimorphic gastrin-releasing peptide neuron system in the lumbar spinal cord: evidence from a mouse line lacking androgen receptor in the nervous system. Neurosci Lett 2013; 558:109-14. [PMID: 24211692 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.10.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2013] [Revised: 10/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Androgens including testosterone, organize the nervous system as well as masculine external and internal genitalia during the perinatal period. Androgen organization involves promotion of masculine body features, usually by acting through androgen receptors (ARs). We have recently demonstrated that the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) system in the lumbar spinal cord also mediates spinal centers promoting penile reflexes during male sexual behavior in rats. Testosterone may induce sexual differentiation of this spinal GRP system during development and maintain its activation in adulthood. In the present study, we examined the role of ARs in the nervous system regulating the development of the sexually dimorphic GRP system. For this purpose, we used a conditional mouse line selectively lacking the AR gene in the nervous system. AR floxed males carrying (mutants) or not (controls) the nestin-Cre transgene were castrated in adulthood and supplemented with physiological amounts of testosterone. Loss of AR expression in the nervous system resulted in a significant decrease in the number of GRP neurons compared to control littermates. Consequently, the intensity of GRP axonal projections onto the lower lumbar and upper sacral spinal cord was greater in control males than in mutant males. These results suggest that ARs expressed in the nervous system play a significant role in the development of the GRP system in the male lumbar spinal cord. The AR-deletion mutation may attenuate sexual behavior and activity of mutant males via spinal GRP system-mediated neural mechanisms.
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