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Shangase KB, Luvuno M, Mabandla M. Effects of combined postweaning social isolation and ketamine administration on schizophrenia-like behaviour in male Sprague Dawley rats. Behav Brain Res 2024; 476:115214. [PMID: 39182622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
The pathophysiology behind negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia is not well understood, thus limiting the effectiveness of treatment on these symptoms. Developing reliable animal model of schizophrenia is vital to advance our understanding on the neurobiological basis of the disorder. Double hit is used to refer to the use of two schizophrenia inducing interventions viz ketamine exposure and social isolation. In this study we aim to investigate the robustness of double hit model of schizophrenia in inducing negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. On postnatal day (PND) 23, thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly grouped into four equal groups as follows: group housed + saline (GH), group housed + ketamine (GHK), isolated + saline (SI), and isolated + ketamine (SIK). A single ketamine dose (16 mg/kg) was administered 3 times a week for four weeks. Isolated animals were housed singly throughout the study. The following behavioural tests were carried out: elevated plus maze, three chamber social interaction, resident intruder tests, and novel object recognition (NOR). The SIK group exhibited high anxiety levels, with increased ACTH, corticosterone and norepinephrine concentration when compared to the other groups. The SIK animals also presented with reduced social interaction and decreased oxytocin concentration. SIK rats were more aggressive towards a juvenile intruder but had low testosterone concentration. The SIK group or double hit model showed impaired visual learning and memory and increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines. This suggest that the double hit model is more robust in inducing negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia than each treatment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khanyiso Bright Shangase
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa.
| | - Mluleki Luvuno
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
| | - Musa Mabandla
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Science, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4041, South Africa
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2
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Leiter I, Mittmann V, Schaper MK, Schulze M, Schmicke M. Evaluation of hormones as candidate early biomarkers of Holstein bull performance around the first semen collection at artificial insemination centres. Reprod Domest Anim 2024; 59:e14646. [PMID: 38923114 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) centres select bulls as calves according to their genetic breeding values and raise them until the first semen collection; yet, a high dropout rate of reared bulls is a problem for AI centres. Potential hormonal indicators of bull sexual maturation (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), testosterone, oestradiol, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)) were observed and evaluated in relation to the performance parameters to perhaps identify candidate biomarkers allowing an early selection of bulls as suitable sires. Blood samples from 102 German Holstein calves at 4 ± 1, 8 ± 1 and 12 ± 2 months of age from six AI centres were analysed using validated immunoassays for cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, oestradiol and IGF-1. Semen analyses included native and thawed diluted semen. Bulls were classified at the first semen collection into groups with good versus poor performance (GP vs. LP). After 2 years, the subsequent differentiation was done in high (HPP), medium (MPP) and low performance persistency (LPP). Age at first semen collection was an important factor for sperm quality. Cortisol concentrations decreased with age, but the cortisol/DHEA ratio decreased with age only in GP bulls (p < .05). Oestradiol and testosterone concentrations both correlated with libido behaviour (p < .05). Testosterone and IGF-1 concentrations were higher at the time of first semen collection in GP bulls and increased with age (p < .05). In conclusion, testosterone and IGF-1 concentrations at first semen collection are associated with performance at first semen collection and future performance persistency, and might be useful early biomarkers for consistent sperm producing bulls on AI centres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Leiter
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Victoria Mittmann
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marie-Kristin Schaper
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany
| | - Marion Schmicke
- Clinic for Cattle, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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3
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Hsieh KL, Sun TB, Huang KH, Lin CH, Tang LY, Liu CL, Chao CM, Chang CP. Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning normalizes scrotal temperature, sperm quality, testicular structure, and erectile function in adult male rats subjected to exertional heat injury. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 584:112175. [PMID: 38341020 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Testicular hyperthermia has been noted in men who work in high ambient temperatures. Scrotal temperatures above the normal range caused germ cell loss in the testes and resulted in male subfertility. In adult male rats, exercising at a higher environmental temperature (36 °C with relative humidity of 50%, 52 min) caused exertional heat stroke (EHS) characterized by scrotal hyperthermia, impaired sperm quality, dysmorphology in testes, prostates and bladders, and erectile dysfunction. Here, we aim to ascertain whether hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBOP: 100% O2 at 2.0 atm absolute [ATA] for 2 h daily for 14 days consequently before the onset of EHS) is able to prevent the problem of EHS-induced sterility, testes, prostates, and bladders dysmorphology and erectile dysfunction. At the end of exertional heat stress compared to normobaric air (NBA or non-HBOP) rats, the HBOP rats exhibited lower body core temperature (40 °C vs. 43 °C), lower scrotal temperature (34 °C vs. 36 °C), lower neurological severity scores (2.8 vs. 5.8), higher erectile ability, (5984 mmHg-sec vs. 3788 mmHg-sec), higher plasma testosterone (6.8 ng/mL vs. 3.5 ng/mL), lower plasma follicle stimulating hormone (196.3 mIU/mL vs. 513.8 mIU/mL), lower plasma luteinizing hormone (131 IU/L vs. 189 IU/L), lower plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (5136 pg/mL vs. 6129 pg/mL), lower plasma corticosterone (0.56 ng/mL vs. 1.18 ng/mL), lower sperm loss and lower values of histopathological scores for epididymis, testis, seminal vesicle, prostate, and bladder. Our data suggest that HBOP reduces body core and scrotal hyperthermia and improves sperm loss, testis/prostate/bladder dysmorphology, and erectile dysfunction after EHS in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Lin Hsieh
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Tzong-Bor Sun
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan; Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Hua Huang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Hsien Lin
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Ling-Yu Tang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Liang Liu
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan; Department of Dental Laboratory Technology, Min-Hwei College of Health Care Management, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Ping Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.
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4
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Gilgoff R, Mengelkoch S, Elbers J, Kotz K, Radin A, Pasumarthi I, Murthy R, Sindher S, Harris NB, Slavich GM. The Stress Phenotyping Framework: A multidisciplinary biobehavioral approach for assessing and therapeutically targeting maladaptive stress physiology. Stress 2024; 27:2327333. [PMID: 38711299 PMCID: PMC11219250 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2327333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Although dysregulated stress biology is becoming increasingly recognized as a key driver of lifelong disparities in chronic disease, we presently have no validated biomarkers of toxic stress physiology; no biological, behavioral, or cognitive treatments specifically focused on normalizing toxic stress processes; and no agreed-upon guidelines for treating stress in the clinic or evaluating the efficacy of interventions that seek to reduce toxic stress and improve human functioning. We address these critical issues by (a) systematically describing key systems and mechanisms that are dysregulated by stress; (b) summarizing indicators, biomarkers, and instruments for assessing stress response systems; and (c) highlighting therapeutic approaches that can be used to normalize stress-related biopsychosocial functioning. We also present a novel multidisciplinary Stress Phenotyping Framework that can bring stress researchers and clinicians one step closer to realizing the goal of using precision medicine-based approaches to prevent and treat stress-associated health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Gilgoff
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Summer Mengelkoch
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jorina Elbers
- Trauma recovery Program, HeartMath Institute, Boulder Creek, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Isha Pasumarthi
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Reanna Murthy
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Sayantani Sindher
- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | | | - George M. Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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5
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Gore IR, Gould E. Developmental and adult stress: effects of steroids and neurosteroids. Stress 2024; 27:2317856. [PMID: 38563163 PMCID: PMC11046567 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2317856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In humans, exposure to early life adversity has profound implications for susceptibility to developing neuropsychiatric disorders later in life. Studies in rodents have shown that stress experienced during early postnatal life can have lasting effects on brain development. Glucocorticoids and sex steroids are produced in endocrine glands and the brain from cholesterol; these molecules bind to nuclear and membrane-associated steroid receptors. Unlike other steroids that can also be made in the brain, neurosteroids bind specifically to neurotransmitter receptors, not steroid receptors. The relationships among steroids, neurosteroids, and stress are multifaceted and not yet fully understood. However, studies demonstrating altered levels of progestogens, androgens, estrogens, glucocorticoids, and their neuroactive metabolites in both developmental and adult stress paradigms strongly suggest that these molecules may be important players in stress effects on brain circuits and behavior. In this review, we discuss the influence of developmental and adult stress on various components of the brain, including neurons, glia, and perineuronal nets, with a focus on sex steroids and neurosteroids. Gaining an enhanced understanding of how early adversity impacts the intricate systems of brain steroid and neurosteroid regulation could prove instrumental in identifying novel therapeutic targets for stress-related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isha R Gore
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gould
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
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6
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Davis D, Dovey J, Sagoshi S, Thaweepanyaporn K, Ogawa S, Vasudevan N. Steroid hormone-mediated regulation of sexual and aggressive behaviour by non-genomic signalling. Steroids 2023; 200:109324. [PMID: 37820890 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Sex and aggression are well studied examples of social behaviours that are common to most animals and are mediated by an evolutionary conserved group of interconnected nuclei in the brain called the social behaviour network. Though glucocorticoids and in particular estrogen regulate these social behaviours, their effects in the brain are generally thought to be mediated by genomic signalling, a slow transcriptional regulation mediated by nuclear hormone receptors. In the last decade or so, there has been renewed interest in understanding the physiological significance of rapid, non-genomic signalling mediated by steroids. Though the identity of the membrane hormone receptors that mediate this signalling is not clearly understood and appears to be different in different cell types, such signalling contributes to physiologically relevant behaviours such as sex and aggression. In this short review, we summarise the evidence for this phenomenon in the rodent, by focusing on estrogen and to some extent, glucocorticoid signalling. The use of these signals, in relation to genomic signalling is manifold and ranges from potentiation of transcription to the possible transduction of environmental signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- DeAsia Davis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Janine Dovey
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Shoko Sagoshi
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States; Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | - Sonoko Ogawa
- Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nandini Vasudevan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, United Kingdom.
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7
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Alonge MM, Greville LJS, Ma X, Faure PA, Bentley GE. Acute restraint stress rapidly impacts reproductive neuroendocrinology and downstream gonad function in big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb245592. [PMID: 37827114 PMCID: PMC10629485 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.245592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Animals face unpredictable challenges that require rapid, facultative physiological reactions to support survival but may compromise reproduction. Bats have a long-standing reputation for being highly sensitive to stressors, with sensitivity and resilience varying both within and among species, yet little is known about how stress affects the signaling that regulates reproductive physiology. Here, we provide the first description of the molecular response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis of male big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) in response to short-term stress using a standardized restraint manipulation. This acute stressor was sufficient to upregulate plasma corticosterone and resulted in a rapid decrease in circulating testosterone. While we did not find differences in the mRNA expression of key steroidogenic enzymes (StAR, aromatase, 5-alpha reductase), seminiferous tubule diameter was reduced in stressed bats coupled with a 5-fold increase in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA expression in the testes. These changes, in part, may be mediated by RFamide-related peptide (RFRP) because fewer immunoreactive cell bodies were detected in the brains of stressed bats compared with controls - suggesting a possible increase in secretion - and increased RFRP expression locally in the gonads. The rapid sensitivity of the bat testes to stress may be connected to deleterious impacts on tissue health and function as supported by significant transcriptional upregulation of key pro-apoptotic signaling molecules (Bax, cytochrome c). Experiments like this broadly contribute to our understanding of the stronger ecological predictions regarding physiological responses of bats within the context of stress, which may impact decisions surrounding animal handling and conservation approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattina M. Alonge
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Integrative Biology, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
| | - Lucas J. S. Greville
- McMaster University, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
- University of Waterloo, Department of Biology, Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G1
| | - Xuehao Ma
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Integrative Biology, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Paul A. Faure
- McMaster University, Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4L8
| | - George E. Bentley
- University of California, Berkeley, Department of Integrative Biology, Berkeley, CA 94720-3200, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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8
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Akram M, Ali SA, Kaul G. Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation ameliorates chronic restraint stress-induced male reproductive dysfunction. Food Funct 2023; 14:8558-8574. [PMID: 37661714 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03153e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Restraint stress (RS) can induce male reproductive deficits by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and causing oxidative stress. Previous studies have shown that probiotics can alleviate neurological and metabolic disorders induced by stress. However, the effects of probiotics on RS-induced reproductive deficits have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus NCDC-610 (Probiotic-1) and Lactobacillus fermentum NCDC-400 (Probiotic-2) with prebiotic (fructooligosaccharides (FOS)) could prevent RS-induced reproductive deficits. C57BL6/J mice were subjected to RS for four hours daily before oral administration of probiotics (4 × 109 CFU per mice) either separately or concurrently with FOS. The results showed that oral administration of Probiotic-1 and Probiotic-2 protected against RS-induced sperm deficits, including sperm count, motility, morphology, and histopathology of testes, and improved intestinal health. Furthermore, Probiotic-1 and Probiotic-2 prevented RS-induced changes in testosterone levels by up-regulating the expressions of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17βHSD) in the testes. Additionally, Probiotic-1 and Probiotic-2 increased the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase and reduced the fold change of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), indicating a protective effect against RS-induced oxidative stress. Oral administration of Probiotic-1 and Probiotic-2, either separately or concurrently with FOS (probiotic dose of 4 × 109 CFU per mice and prebiotic 5% w/v), prevented RS-induced activation of the HPA axis and improved male fertility. These findings suggest that L. rhamnosus NCDC-610 and L. fermentum NCDC-400 are safe and effective probiotics for mitigating stress-induced male reproductive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Akram
- Semen Biology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India.
| | - Syed Azmal Ali
- Cell Biology and Proteomics Lab, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India
- Division of Proteomics of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gautam Kaul
- Semen Biology Lab, Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Haryana, India.
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9
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Zafeiris KN, Tsimbos C, Verropoulou G, Hatzisavva K. Studying the seasonality of conceptions among five distinct population subgroups in mainland Greece: a story of similarities and variability. J Biosoc Sci 2023; 55:893-907. [PMID: 36263503 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932022000396] [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] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The paper studies seasonality of conceptions among five distinct population subgroups of mainland Greece for the period 1951-2002. The populations explored include those residing in Metsovo, Dion, Organi, Kehros, as well as a "General" Sample consisting of persons located in various areas of continental Greece. The populations under investigation present diverse characteristics regarding religion, cultural background, socio-economic status etc. Records of births were derived from the Vital Registration System of the respective municipalities and communities of the populations under research were constructed. The date of child conception was estimated as the recorded date of birth minus 260 days.The analysis focuses, among others, on the construction of seasonal indices, applying a variant ratio to moving averages method which reveal, in relative terms, the seasonality of the phenomenon. Subsequently, these ratios are considered as the dependent variable in regression models while months, expressed in terms of dummy variables, are introduced as predictors. Four main sub-periods are considered; 1951-64, 1965-80, 1981-92 and 1992-2002. The findings show that the extent of seasonality differs between periods as well as between the five population subgroups though the phenomenon becomes less prominent over time in all cases. There is a tendency of an increased number of conceptions among mountainous populations during summer, irrespective of religion or socio-economic status, possibly partly due to environmental factors (i.e. seasonal workload, domestic organisation of extended families, etc). Nevertheless, the mountainous populations differ regarding the intensity and duration of this phenomenon. By contrast, in Dion, a lowland Christian Orthodox population, conceptions increase after Easter and remain elevated until June.
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Affiliation(s)
- K N Zafeiris
- Laboratory of Physical Anthropology, Department of History and Ethnology, Democritus University of Thrace, O. Tsaldari1, Komotini69132, Greece
| | - C Tsimbos
- Department of Statistics and Insurance Science, University of Piraeus, 80, M. Karaoli & A. Dimitriou St., Piraeus18534, Greece
| | - G Verropoulou
- Department of Statistics and Insurance Science, University of Piraeus, 80, M. Karaoli & A. Dimitriou St., Piraeus18534, Greece
| | - K Hatzisavva
- Laboratory of Physical Anthropology, Department of History and Ethnology, Democritus University of Thrace, O. Tsaldari1, Komotini69132, Greece
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10
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Titon SCM, Junior BT, Assis VR, Cobo de Figueiredo A, Floreste FR, Lima AS, Gomes FR. Testosterone immunomodulation in free-living and captive Rhinella icterica male toads. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220118. [PMID: 37305916 PMCID: PMC10258661 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Testosterone (T) regulates immune function, with both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive effects on several vertebrates. We investigated the covariation between plasma T and corticosterone (CORT) levels and immunity (plasma bacterial killing ability (BKA), and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR)) in free-living Rhinella icterica male toads inside and outside the reproductive season. We found an overall positive correlation between steroids and immune traits, with toads during the reproductive season displaying increased T, CORT and BKA. We also investigated the T transdermal application effects on T, CORT, phagocytosis of blood cells, BKA and NLR in captive toads. Toads were treated with T (1, 10 or 100 µg) or vehicle (sesame oil) for eight consecutive days. Animals were bled on the first and eighth days of treatment. Increased plasma T was observed on the first and last day of T-treatment, while increased BKA was observed following all T doses on the last day, with a positive correlation between T and BKA. Plasma CORT, NLR and phagocytosis increased on the last day for all T-treated and vehicle groups. Overall, we demonstrated a positive covariation between T and immune traits in the field and T-induced augmented BKA in captive toads, indicating a T immunoenhancing effect in R. icterica males. This article is part of the theme issue 'Amphibian immunity: stress, disease and ecoimmunology'.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Braz Titon Junior
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vania Regina Assis
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aymam Cobo de Figueiredo
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Felipe Rangel Floreste
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alan Siqueira Lima
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernando Ribeiro Gomes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, 05508-090 São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Takanami K, Morishita M, Sakamoto T, Sakamoto H. Chronic corticosterone exposure evokes itch hypersensitivity and sexual dysfunction in male rats: relationship between the two distinct gastrin-releasing peptide systems in the spinal cord. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2023; 339:114289. [PMID: 37094615 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
In today's society, people are subjected to many social stressors, and excessive chronic stress causes functional disruption of the neuroendocrine system and many diseases. Although the exacerbation of atopic dermatitis with symptoms of itching and erectile dysfunction is induced by chronic stress, the details of the mechanisms are unknown. Here, we examined the effects of chronic stress on itch sensation and male sexual function at the behavioral and molecular levels, focusing on two distinct gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) systems that independently regulate itch transmission, i.e., the somatosensory GRP system, and male sexual function, i.e., the lumbosacral autonomic GRP system, in the spinal cord. In a rat model of chronic stress induced by chronic corticosterone (CORT) administration, we observed increased plasma CORT concentrations, decreased body weight, and increased anxiety-like behavior, similar to that observed in humans. Chronic CORT exposure induced hypersensitivity to itch and increased the Grp mRNA level in the spinal somatosensory system, but there was no change in pain or tactile sensitivity. Antagonists of the somatosensory GRP receptor, an itch-specific mediator, suppressed itch hypersensitivity induced by chronic CORT exposure. In contrast, chronic CORT exposure decreased male sexual behavior, ejaculated semen volume, vesicular gland weight, and plasma testosterone levels. However, there were no effects on the expression of Grp mRNA or protein in the lumbosacral autonomic GRP system, which regulates male sexual function. In summary, chronic stress model rats showed itch hypersensitivity and impaired sexual function in males, and the involvement of the spinal GRP systems was apparent in itch hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Takanami
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Ushimado, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan; Mouse Genomics Resources Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan; Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Human Life and Environmental Sciences, Nara Women's University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan.
| | - Makoto Morishita
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Ushimado, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Ushimado, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Ushimado, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
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Medeiros LDS, Rodrigues PDS, Santos DNL, Silva-Sampaio AC, Kirsten TB, Suffredini IB, Coque ADC, da Silva RA, Bernardi MM. Prenatal restraint stress downregulates the hypothalamic kisspeptidergic system transcripts genes, reduces the estrogen plasma levels, delayed the onset of puberty, and reduced the sexual behavior intensity in female rats. Physiol Behav 2023; 260:114055. [PMID: 36563733 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.114055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study investigated the possible relationships between the expression of the Kiss1 and Gpr54 gene expressions and the pituitary-gonadal hormones with the female onset of puberty and sexual behavior. The Kiss1 and Gpr54 gene expressions were examined because they are critical to controlling the hypothalamic activation of GnRH neurons and, in turn, the pituitary-gonadal hormones related to the early onset of puberty and sexual behavior. Further, it was evaluated that the pituitary and gonadal hormones involved in the vaginal opening and the expression of sexual behavior. METHODS Pregnant rats exposed to PRS from gestation days 17 to 20 were evaluated for maternal and open-field behaviors. The maternal behavior was analyzed because it may alter brain sexual organization affecting the pups development. It was observed in female pups the physical and development and, in adult age, the open-field behavior, the anxiety-like behavior, the estrous cycle, the sexual behavior, the serum FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels, and the gene expression of kisspeptin protein (Kiss1) and Gpr54 in the hypothalamus. RESULTS the maternal and open-field behaviors were unaffected. In the F1 generation, PRS reduced weight at weaning, delayed the day of the vaginal opening and reduced the intensity of lordosis, the estrogen levels, and the Kiss1 and Gpr54 gene expression. These effects were attributed to hypothalamic kisspeptidergic system downregulation of transcripts genes and the reduced estrogen levels affected by the PRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren da Silva Medeiros
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Paula da Silva Rodrigues
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Daniel Nascimento Lago Santos
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Silva-Sampaio
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Thiago Berti Kirsten
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Ivana Barbosa Suffredini
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Biodiversidade, Laboratório de Extração, Universidade Paulista - UNIP, Av. Paulista, 900, São Paulo, SP 01310-100, Brazil
| | - Alex de Camargo Coque
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Augusto da Silva
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil; School of Dentistry, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Taubaté, Rua dos Operários, 9, Taubaté, SP 12020-340, Brazil
| | - Maria Martha Bernardi
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil.
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Giulioni C, Maurizi V, Galosi AB. The role of physical agents' exposure in male infertility: A critical review. Arch Ital Urol Androl 2023; 95:10890. [PMID: 36924383 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2023.10890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A decrease in semen quality is an increasingly widespread pathological condition worldwide. Jobs and lifestyles have changed a lot with the advancement of technology in the last few decades, and a new series of risk factors for male infertility have spread. OBJECTIVE This review aims to summarize the current literature on this relationship, evaluating alterations in semen parameters and hormonal profile. METHODS A deep research was performed through MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science on articles regarding the relationship between physical agents and male fertility over the last twenty years. Some physical agents already associated with male infertility, such as heat and radiation, while emerging ones, such as physical exertion, psychological stress and sedentary activities, were newly considered. RESULTS Most studies described sperm quality after exposure. Overall sperm impairment was shown after radiation and alteration of specific parameters, such as sperm concentration, were observed after psychological stress and sedentary work. In addition, an association was also reported between physical exertion and hormonal profile, especially pituitary hormones and testosterone. CONCLUSIONS Although the associations between physical agents and male infertility are suggestive, the level of evidence of the studies is not adequate to define their influence, except for physical exertion. Therefore, new prospective studies are necessary for the validation of the correlation and the possible safeguarding of the exposed working classes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Giulioni
- Department of Urology, Polytechnic University of Marche Region, Umberto I Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti", Ancona.
| | - Valentina Maurizi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche Region, "Ospedali Riuniti" University Hospital, Ancona.
| | - Andrea Benedetto Galosi
- Department of Urology, Polytechnic University of Marche Region, Umberto I Hospital "Ospedali Riuniti", Ancona.
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Sotelo-Tapia C, Medina AC, Cortes PM, Hernández-Arteaga E, Hidalgo-Aguirre RM, Guevara MA, Hernández-González M. Ejaculation latency determines susceptibility to stress in the male rat. Behav Processes 2023; 205:104819. [PMID: 36642152 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104819] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Stress induces diverse effects on sexual behavior, ranging from enhanced execution to the complete abolishment of sexual interaction. However, it is not clear whether some characteristics intrinsic to the individual that experiences stress could also explain this differential effect. This study seeks to relate sexual execution to susceptibility to stress (as post-stress sexual motivation). To this end, we designed a three-session experimental paradigm. In the first session, male rats were allowed to copulate with a female. In the second, the male rats received electric foot shocks as they attempted to approach the female. The third and final session was used to determine the effects of stress on sexual behavior by separating the rats into two groups: a motivation-impaired group (rats that did not cross to achieve copulation), and an unimpaired group (rats that did cross). Mount latency was affected immediately by stress in both groups, though only the non-crossing group presented a reduced number of copulatory events. The rats that did not cross showed slower-paced sexual execution even before stress was applied compared to the rats that crossed. These results show that rats that are more susceptible to stress present higher ejaculation latency even before the application of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Sotelo-Tapia
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Andrea Cristina Medina
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Pedro Manuel Cortes
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | | | - Rosa María Hidalgo-Aguirre
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Centro Universitario de los Valles, Universidad de Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Guevara
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
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15
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Ågmo A, Laan E. Sexual incentive motivation, sexual behavior, and general arousal: Do rats and humans tell the same story? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104595. [PMID: 35231490 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sexual incentive stimuli activate sexual motivation and heighten the level of general arousal. The sexual motive may induce the individual to approach the incentive, and eventually to initiate sexual acts. Both approach and the ensuing copulatory interaction further enhance general arousal. We present data from rodents and humans in support of these assertions. We then suggest that orgasm is experienced when the combined level of excitation surpasses a threshold. In order to analyze the neurobiological bases of sexual motivation, we employ the concept of a central motive state. We then discuss the mechanisms involved in the long- and short-term control of that state as well as those mediating the momentaneous actions of sexual incentive stimuli. This leads to an analysis of the neurobiology behind the interindividual differences in responsivity of the sexual central motive state. Knowledge is still fragmentary, and many contradictory observations have been made. Nevertheless, we conclude that the basic mechanisms of sexual motivation and the role of general arousal are similar in rodents and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Ågmo
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Ellen Laan
- Department of Sexology and Psychosomatic Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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16
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Chen G, Yu D, Wu Y, Dong J, Hu L, Feng N. Dopamine D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens modulate erectile function in a rat model of nonorganic erectile dysfunction. Andrology 2022; 10:808-817. [PMID: 35235251 PMCID: PMC9311273 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background The central molecular mechanisms of nonorganic erectile dysfunction remains unknown. Objective This study aimed to investigate the association of dopaminergic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens of male rats with nonorganic erectile dysfunction. Materials/methods Nonorganic erectile dysfunction was induced by chronic mild stress. The sucrose consumption test, sexual behavior test, and apomorphine test were carried out to select depression‐like rats with erectile dysfunction. These rats were considered as nonorganic erectile dysfunction model rats. Dopamine D1/D2 receptor agonist/antagonist was infused into the nucleus accumbens to observe the effect on sexual behavior. Dopaminergic projections to the nucleus accumbens were labeled with both the retrograde tracer FluoroGold injected into the nucleus accumbens and tyrosine hydroxylase. The expression level of tyrosine hydroxylase in dopaminergic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens in the ventral tegmental area was measured. The expression levels of dopamine D1/D2 receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase in the nucleus accumbens were also measured. Results Nonorganic erectile dysfunction was proved by the sucrose consumption test, sexual behavior test, and apomorphine test in model rats. After central infusion of the dopamine D2 receptor agonist into the nucleus accumbens, the recovery of erectile function, sexual arousal, and motivation were indicated by increased intromission ratio and decreased mount latency. Decreased expression levels of dopamine D2 receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase in the nucleus accumbens and decreased expression level of tyrosine hydroxylase in the dopaminergic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens were observed in model rats. Discussion These results suggest the impairment of dopaminergic neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens and dopamine D2 signaling in the nucleus accumbens, causing the suppression of erectile function, sexual arousal, and motivation. Conclusion These results suggest that the impaired dopamine D2 receptor pathway in the nucleus accumbens may be one of the main pathway involved in the development of nonorganic erectile dysfunction in the present model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guotao Chen
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Deshui Yu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yunhong Wu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jian Dong
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Lei Hu
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ninghan Feng
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
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17
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Karamichos D, Escandon P, Vasini B, Nicholas SE, Van L, Dang DH, Cunningham RL, Riaz KM. Anterior pituitary, sex hormones, and keratoconus: Beyond traditional targets. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 88:101016. [PMID: 34740824 PMCID: PMC9058044 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.101016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
"The Diseases of the Horny-coat of The Eye", known today as keratoconus, is a progressive, multifactorial, non-inflammatory ectatic corneal disorder that is characterized by steepening (bulging) and thinning of the cornea, irregular astigmatism, myopia, and scarring that can cause devastating vision loss. The significant socioeconomic impact of the disease is immeasurable, as patients with keratoconus can have difficulties securing certain jobs or even joining the military. Despite the introduction of corneal crosslinking and improvements in scleral contact lens designs, corneal transplants remain the main surgical intervention for treating keratoconus refractory to medical therapy and visual rehabilitation. To-date, the etiology and pathogenesis of keratoconus remains unclear. Research studies have increased exponentially over the years, highlighting the clinical significance and international interest in this disease. Hormonal imbalances have been linked to keratoconus, both clinically and experimentally, with both sexes affected. However, it is unclear how (molecular/cellular signaling) or when (age/disease stage(s)) those hormones affect the keratoconic cornea. Previous studies have categorized the human cornea as an extragonadal tissue, showing modulation of the gonadotropins, specifically luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Studies herein provide new data (both in vitro and in vivo) to further delineate the role of hormones/gonadotropins in the keratoconus pathobiology, and propose the existence of a new axis named the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal-Corneal (HPAC) axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Karamichos
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA.
| | - Paulina Escandon
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Brenda Vasini
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Sarah E Nicholas
- North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3430 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Lyly Van
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Deanna H Dang
- College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 940 Stanton L Young, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX, 76107, USA
| | - Kamran M Riaz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Dean McGee Eye Institute, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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18
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The Role of the Hippocampus in the Neuroendocrine Response to Neurobiological Stimuli in Experiment. Bull Exp Biol Med 2021; 171:494-498. [PMID: 34542755 DOI: 10.1007/s10517-021-05258-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We compared the levels of functional activity of cells in each adrenal zone with blood levels of corticosterone, testosterone, and neuropeptide Y in control and hippocampectomized F1(C57BL/6×DBA/2) mice during modeling of metabolic, motivational, and cognitive tension. The morphofunctional state of the adrenal glands was studied using a new morphometric approach. It was found that hippocampectomy changed the testosterone response to neurobiological stimuli; similar changes were observed in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex producing dehydroepiandrosterone that is involved in the regulation of testosterone secretion. At the same time, hippocampectomy enhanced the response of the peptide hormone; the index of functional activity of chromaffin cells producing this hormone also increased. These findings allow us to put forward a hypothesis that the hippocampus is involved in the regulation of mutual influences of the studied hormones and that it modulates the sensitivity of testosterone and NPY to metabolic and cognitive factors.
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19
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Rabbani SI, Sajid S, Mani V, Afroz SM, Khan O, Asdaq SMB, Yasmin F, Alamri AS, Alsanie WF, Alhomrani M, Mohzari Y, Alrashed A, Alajami HN, Aljohani AO, Alamer RF, Alanazi AK. Salvadora persica protects libido by reducing corticosterone and elevating the testosterone levels in chronic cigarette smoke exposure rats. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:4931-4937. [PMID: 34466068 PMCID: PMC8381055 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.04.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Objectives Cigarette smoke is associated with several diseased states including defects in reproductive behavior. Salvadora persica (S. persica) known as the toothbrush plant is reported to possess several pharmacological properties including antidepressants and anxiolytics. The present research was done to determine the libido-protective effect of S. persica in chronic cigarette smoke-exposed rats. Materials and Methods The decoction of freshly dried roots of S. persica (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, oral) was administered to the chronic-cigarette smoke-exposed adult rats. The parameters related to libido were recorded using a close-camera circuit (CCTV). Serum corticosterone and testosterone levels were estimated. Further, the phytochemical constituents were identified in the decoction. The data obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results The observation from the study revealed that cigarette smoke exposure reduces the sexual activity parameters significantly (p < 0.01), besides elevated the serum corticosterone and suppressed the testosterone levels in rats. Administration of S. persica at 200 mg/kg improved significantly (p < 0.05) the parameters related to libido. The decoction also reversed the changes in the levels of tested hormones in serum. Interpretation and Conclusion The findings indicate that a 200 mg/kg S. persica decoction can protect libido in chronic cigarette smoke-exposed rats. The activity may be due to the presence of several phytoconstituents such as alkaloid, flavonoids and phytosterols that might produce vasodilatory effect in sex organs and enhance the synthesis of endogenous testosterone to improve libido characteristics weakened by chronic cigarette smoke exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Imam Rabbani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sultan Sajid
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Vasudevan Mani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Salman Mohammed Afroz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Farhana Yasmin
- Department of Mathematics, College of Applied Sciences, AlMaarefa University, Dariyah, 13713, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulhakeem S Alamri
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, The Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.,Centre of Biomedical Sciences Research (CBSR), Deanship of Scientific Research, Taif University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walaa F Alsanie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, The Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.,Centre of Biomedical Sciences Research (CBSR), Deanship of Scientific Research, Taif University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Alhomrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, The Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.,Centre of Biomedical Sciences Research (CBSR), Deanship of Scientific Research, Taif University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya Mohzari
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Alrashed
- Pharmaceutical Services Administration, Inpatient Department, Main Hospital, KFMC, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hamdan Najib Alajami
- Pharmaceutical Services Administration, King Saud Medical City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Awad Othman Aljohani
- Pharmaceutical Services Administration, King Saud Medical City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rakan Fahad Alamer
- Pharmaceutical Services Administration, King Saud Medical City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmajead Khalid Alanazi
- Pharmaceutical Services Administration, King Saud Medical City, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Dávila-Hernández A, González-González R, Guzmán-Velázquez S, Hernández Hernández OT, Zamudio SR, Martínez-Mota L. Antidepressant-like effects of acupuncture via modulation of corticosterone, sex hormones, and hippocampal BDNF expression in male rats. Brain Res Bull 2021; 173:53-65. [PMID: 33991609 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-weaning social isolated rodents exhibit pathophysiological changes associated with depression including adrenal axis hyperactivity, gonadal hormone level disturbances, molecular alterations in hippocampus, and immobility behavior in the forced swimming test (FST). Although acupuncture by absorbable thread implantation (acu-catgut, AC) elicits antidepressant-like effects in social isolated rats, AC effects on neuroendocrine and hippocampal molecular alterations have been less characterized. OBJECTIVE To investigate the participation of gonadal hormones, corticosterone, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) hippocampal expression, on the AC antidepressant-like effects in social isolated male rats. METHODS Sprague-Dawley male rats were raised in social isolation (SI) or standard conditions, for 11 weeks. AC (on Baihui (Du20), Yintang (E X-HN3), Shenshu (BL 23), Pishu (BL 20), Ganshu (BL 18), Xinshu (BL 15) and Guanyuan (Ren 4)), or Sham-AC (puncturing of acupoints without embedding the thread), was applied during the last three weeks of isolation period. Rats were evaluated in the FST; hormones plasmatic levels and hippocampal BDNF content were quantified by ELISA and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS Social isolated rats showed more immobility in the FST and had lower testosterone and estradiol levels, higher corticosterone levels, and reduced hippocampal BDNF content than controls. BDNF level in hippocampus inversely correlated to depression-like behavior. AC but not sham-AC normalized immobility behavior, steroid hormone levels, and BDNF content, as in rats raised in a social environment. CONCLUSIONS AC antidepressant effect could be related to an improvement of hippocampal BDNF protein expression, as well as corticosterone and sex hormones disturbances associated with prolonged exposure to stress caused by social isolation. Present findings have implications for depression treatment in individuals early exposed to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Dávila-Hernández
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Departamento de Fisiología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Roberto González-González
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Medicina y Homeopatía, Departamento de Posgrado e Investigación, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Sonia Guzmán-Velázquez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Departamento de Fisiología, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Olivia Tania Hernández Hernández
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología Research Fellow Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Sergio R Zamudio
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Departamento de Fisiología, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Lucía Martínez-Mota
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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21
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Lin PH, Huang KH, Tian YF, Lin CH, Chao CM, Tang LY, Hsieh KL, Chang CP. Exertional heat stroke on fertility, erectile function, and testicular morphology in male rats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3539. [PMID: 33574487 PMCID: PMC7878509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83121-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The association of exertional heat stroke (EHS) and testicular morphological changes affecting sperm quality, as well as the association of EHS and hypothalamic changes affecting sexual behavior, has yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of EHS on fertility, erectile function, and testicular morphology in male rats. Animals were exercised at higher room temperature (36 ℃ relative humidity 50%) to induce EHS, characterized by excessive hyperthermia, neurobehavioral deficits, hypothalamic cell damage, systemic inflammation, coagulopathy, and multiple organ injury. In particular, EHS animals had erectile dysfunction (as determined by measuring the changes of intracavernosal pressure and mean arterial pressure in response to electrical stimulation of cavernous nerves). Rats also displayed testicular temperature disruption, poorly differentiated seminiferous tubules, impaired sperm quality, and atrophy of interstitial Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and peri-tubular cells in the testicular tissues accompanied by no spermatozoa and broken cells with pyknosis in their seminal vesicle and prostatitis. These EHS effects were still observed after 3 days following EHS onset, at least. Our findings provide a greater understanding of the effect of experimentally induced EHS on masculine sexual behavior, fertility, stress hormones, and morphology of both testis and prostate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Da-An Women and Children Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hua Huang
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Address: No. 901, Zhonghua Rd, Yongkang District, Tainan, 710, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Feng Tian
- Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, 710, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsien Lin
- Department of Medicine, Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Address: No. 901, Zhonghua Rd, Yongkang District, Tainan, 710, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Nursing, Min-Hwei College of Health Care Management, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Yu Tang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Address: No. 901, Zhonghua Rd, Yongkang District, Tainan, 710, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Lin Hsieh
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Address: No. 901, Zhonghua Rd, Yongkang District, Tainan, 710, Taiwan. .,Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-Ping Chang
- Department of Medical Research, Chi Mei Medical Center, Address: No. 901, Zhonghua Rd, Yongkang District, Tainan, 710, Taiwan.
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22
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Sahin Z, Ozkurkculer A, Kalkan OF, Bulmus FG, Bulmus O, Kutlu S. Gonadotropin levels reduced in seven days immobilization stress-induced depressive-like behavior in female rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 33:199-206. [PMID: 33561912 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0195] [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: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Reproduction is one of the physiological functions that are often negatively affected by chronic stress. We aimed to examine effects of two distinct 7-day chronic immobilization stress (IMO) models on gonadotropins levels and depression-like behaviors in female rats. METHODS Adult Wistar albino female rats were divided into three groups as follows (n=7 for each group): control, IMO-1 (45 min daily for 7-day) and IMO-2 (45 min twice a day for 7-day). Neuropsychiatric behaviors were determined by using forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT). Gonadotropins were analyzed using ELISA tests. RESULTS In FST, swimming was lower, and immobility was higher in the IMO-1 group and IMO--2 group. Climbing score of the IMO-2 group was higher compared to the control group. In OFT, there was no significant alteration in the mean velocity, total distance, duration of time spent in the central area and duration of latency in the central area between the stress groups and the control group. Final body weight and percentage of body weight change were lower in both stress groups. The follicle-stimulating hormone level was lower only in the IMO-2 group, and the luteinizing hormone concentrations were significantly lower in the IMO-1 group and IMO-2 group. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that depression-like behaviors increased, and gonadotropins decreased in the female rats exposed to 7-day chronic IMO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zafer Sahin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Alpaslan Ozkurkculer
- Department of Physiology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Omer Faruk Kalkan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Funda Gulcu Bulmus
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Bulmus
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences, Balikesir University, Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Selim Kutlu
- Department of Physiology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
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23
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Ng JS, Chin KY. Potential mechanisms linking psychological stress to bone health. Int J Med Sci 2021; 18:604-614. [PMID: 33437195 PMCID: PMC7797546 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.50680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic psychological stress affects many body systems, including the skeleton, through various mechanisms. This review aims to provide an overview of the factors mediating the relationship between psychological stress and bone health. These factors can be divided into physiological and behavioural changes induced by psychological stress. The physiological factors involve endocrinological changes, such as increased glucocorticoids, prolactin, leptin and parathyroid hormone levels and reduced gonadal hormones. Low-grade inflammation and hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system during psychological stress are also physiological changes detrimental to bone health. The behavioural changes during mental stress, such as altered dietary pattern, cigarette smoking, alcoholism and physical inactivity, also threaten the skeletal system. Psychological stress may be partly responsible for epigenetic regulation of skeletal development. It may also mediate the relationship between socioeconomic status and bone health. However, more direct evidence is required to prove these hypotheses. In conclusion, chronic psychological stress should be recognised as a risk factor of osteoporosis and stress-coping methods should be incorporated as part of the comprehensive osteoporosis-preventing strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Sheng Ng
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Malaysia
| | - Kok-Yong Chin
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras 56000, Malaysia
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24
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Nwachukwu K, Rhoads E, Meek S, Bardi M. Back to nature: herbal treatment, environmental enrichment, and social play can protect against unpredictable chronic stress in Long-Evans rats (Rattus norvegicus). Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:2999-3012. [PMID: 34333673 PMCID: PMC8325775 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05917-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The importance of integrative biobehavioral responses to complex challenges cannot be overlooked. In this study, the synergetic effects of icariin (a flavonoid present in the plant Epimedium brevicornum), natural enrichment (NaEn), and play behavior were investigated. Rats (n = 60) were assigned to standard housing or NaEn; these two groups were subsequently divided into controls, rats receiving icariin treatments, and rats receiving icariin and allowed to play with an individual from another cage. All rats were exposed to unpredictable mild stressors for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment, a Forced Swim Task (FST) was conducted to assess emotional regulation during an inescapable acute challenge. Biological samples were collected weekly and before and after the FST to monitor endocrine changes. Corticosterone (CORT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and testosterone (T) were assayed. We found that icariin had a significant effect on DHEA/CORT ratios and T levels. NaEn also had a significant effect on both CORT and DHEA, but not on T levels. Play did not appear to be significantly related to the endocrine changes. The strongest positive effects on emotional resilience were observed in NaEn rats that also received icariin. Our results confirmed that using multiple channels to stimulate adaptive responses can be effective in increasing the ability of an organism to face uncertainty. Considering how quickly our life can change due to unpredictable events, our data is instrumental to a better comprehension of the many aspects of integrative biobehavioral responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiana Nwachukwu
- grid.262455.20000 0001 2205 6070Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA 23005 USA
| | - Elizabeth Rhoads
- grid.262455.20000 0001 2205 6070Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA 23005 USA
| | - Sarah Meek
- grid.262455.20000 0001 2205 6070Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA 23005 USA
| | - Massimo Bardi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA, 23005, USA. .,134D Copley Science Center, Randolph-Macon College, Ashland, VA, 23005, USA.
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25
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Pillay N, Rymer TL. Sons benefit from paternal care in African striped mice. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 63:662-675. [PMID: 33098084 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian paternal care is rare and is often linked to enhanced fitness under particular ecological conditions. The proximate consequences of paternal care on offspring are lacking, however. Here, we tested whether levels of paternal care predict the behavioural, cognitive and physiological development of sons in the naturally paternal African striped mouse (Rhabdomys pumilio). We focused on sons raised in two treatments: biparental (both parents) or uniparental (mother alone) families. We recorded levels of interactions between pups with both parents, and later assessed the behaviour, cognition and physiology of sons at three developmental stages: juvenile, sub-adult and adult (sexual maturity). Sons from biparental families showed (a) reduced anxiety as juveniles; (b) greater exploration and social interaction at different stages; (c) better cognition; and (d) reduced corticosterone concentrations than sons from uniparental families. In contrast, sons from uniparental families showed greater levels of paternal care, although prolactin concentrations did not differ between treatments. Paternal care in striped mice enhances fitness of males. Here, we also show that sons benefit psychologically and physiologically through interactions with their fathers. However, sons also trade-off such benefits against their own paternal care behaviour, suggesting that fathers influence the development of their son's phenotype in complex ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neville Pillay
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tasmin L Rymer
- School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.,College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
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26
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Hernández-Arteaga E, Hernández-González M, Bonilla-Jaime H, Guevara MA, Ågmo A. Pubertal stress decreases sexual motivation and supresses the relation between cerebral theta rhythms and testosterone levels in adult male rats. Brain Res 2020; 1745:146937. [PMID: 32505750 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146937] [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: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of stress during puberty on sexual motivation and the correlation between serum testosterone levels (T) and the absolute power of the theta electroencephalographic rhythms, recorded in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) of adult male rats. Thirty males of the stressed group (SG, housed 1 per cage from days 25-50) and 30 controls (CG, housed 5 per cage), were tested in copulatory interactions at 90 days of age. The above mentioned physiological parameters were obtained during the awake-quiet state in a sub-group without sexual motivation (WSM, n = 15, stimulated with a nonreceptive female) and a sub-group with sexual motivation (SM, n = 15, stimulated with a receptive-female). Pearson correlations (r) between these parameters were calculated for each sub-group and brain structure and then compared between sub-groups. SG presented higher mount and intromission latencies than CG. While CG-WSM showed a positive r between T levels and theta band (0.23-0.59), those CG-SM presented a negative r (-0.23 to -0.67). An r that tended towards zero (-0.31 to 0.29) was obtained in both stressed sub-groups. This study shows that pubertal stress suppresses the relation between serum T levels and theta rhythms in the mPFC and BLA in adult male rats. This is one of the first studies evaluating the association between these two physiological parameters specifically in the context of sexual motivation; thus increasing our understanding of the effect of pubertal stress on prefrontal-amygdaline functioning during the sexually-motivated state in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Herlinda Bonilla-Jaime
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Guevara
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Anders Ågmo
- Psychology Department, Tromsø University, Tromsø, Norway
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27
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Rizk NI, Rizk MS, Mohamed AS, Naguib YM. Attenuation of sleep deprivation dependent deterioration in male fertility parameters by vitamin C. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2020; 18:2. [PMID: 31926565 PMCID: PMC6954532 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-020-0563-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Male fertility is multifaceted and its integrity is as well multifactorial. Normal spermatogenesis is dependent on competent testicular function; namely normal anatomy, histology, physiology and hormonal regulation. Lifestyle stressors, including sleep interruption and even deprivation, have been shown to seriously impact male fertility. We studied here both the effects and the possible underlying mechanisms of vitamin C on male fertility in sleep deprived rats. METHODS Thirty male Wistar albino rats were used in the present study. Rats were divided (10/group) into: control (remained in their cages with free access to food and water), sleep deprivation (SD) group (subjected to paradoxical sleep deprivation for 5 consequent days, rats received intra-peritoneal injections of vehicle daily throughout the sleep deprivation), and sleep deprivation vitamin C-treated (SDC) group (subjected to sleep deprivation for 5 consequent days with concomitant intra-peritoneal injections of 100 mg/kg/day vitamin C). Sperm analysis, hormonal assay, and measurement of serum oxidative stress and inflammatory markers were performed. Testicular gene expression of Nrf2 and NF-κβ was assessed. Structural changes were evaluated by testicular histopathology, while PCNA immunostaining was conducted to assess spermatogenesis. RESULTS Sleep deprivation had significantly altered sperm motility, viability, morphology and count. Serum levels of cortisol, corticosterone, IL-6, IL-17, MDA were increased, while testosterone and TAC levels were decreased. Testicular gene expression of Nrf2 was decreased, while NF-κβ was increased. Sleep deprivation caused structural changes in the testes, and PCNA immunostaining showed defective spermatogenesis. Administration of vitamin C significantly countered sleep deprivation induced deterioration in male fertility parameters. CONCLUSION Treatment with vitamin C enhanced booth testicular structure and function in sleep deprived rats. Vitamin C could be a potential fertility enhancer against lifestyle stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermin I Rizk
- Clinical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Mohamed S Rizk
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Asmaa S Mohamed
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Yahya M Naguib
- Clinical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt.
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28
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Odeon MM, Acosta GB. Repeated maternal separation: Alcohol consumption, anxious behavior and corticosterone were reversed by a non-pharmacological treatment. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 95:109726. [PMID: 31386878 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Adverse events in early life have been related to a maladaptive stress response during adulthood, which could predispose individuals to psychiatric and physiological disorders. The purpose of this work was to study the implications of repeated maternal separation (RMS) plus a physical stressor (cold stress), voluntary ethanol consumption and plasmatic levels of corticosterone (Cor) via conflict behavior tests. To this aim, pups were separated daily from their mothers for one hour and subjected to cold stress (4 °C) between postnatal days (PD) 2 and 20. Control groups were left undisturbed with their mothers. Afterwards, all groups were exposed to voluntary ethanol (6%) or dextrose (1%) intake for 7 days. After a 30-day period of environmental enrichment (EE), the animals were again exposed to the voluntary intake protocol for 7 days. At 66 days, they were subjected to different conflict tests. Thereafter, rats were sacrificed by decapitation and blood trunk was collected to determine plasma corticosterone levels. We demonstrated that early RMS increased both voluntary alcohol intake and Cor levels. Moreover, young adult animals showed excessive activity in conflict tests. Whereas in animals exposed to a non-pharmacological treatment, known as environmental enrichment (EE), the effects previously obtained were reversed and/or prevented. In summary, we can conclude that the combination of maternal separation in early life plus cold stress increase both the voluntary exposure to alcohol and disruptive behaviors. This is a risk factor for the development of chronic diseases such as alcoholism and long-term depression. However, we found that an enriched environment may have a beneficial effect with respect to alcohol intake and aggressive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Mercedes Odeon
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Junín 956, 5° floor, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina.
| | - Gabriela Beatriz Acosta
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Junín 956, 5° floor, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires C1113AAD, Argentina.
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29
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Kaur S, Singh N, Jaggi AS. Opening of T-type Ca2+ channels and activation of HCN channels contribute in stress adaptation in cold water immersion stress-subjected mice. Life Sci 2019; 232:116605. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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30
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Chen M, Zhang X, Hao W. H3K4 dimethylation at FosB promoter in the striatum of chronic stressed rats promotes morphine-induced conditioned place preference. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221506. [PMID: 31442272 PMCID: PMC6707596 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of FosB gene in striatum is essential in addiction establishment. Activated glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) induce FosB gene expression in response to stressor. Therefore, elevation of FosB expression in striatum serves as one mechanism by which stress increases risk for addiction. In this study, adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to investigate whether chronic stress result in histone modifications at FosB gene promoter in striatum and how these histone modifications affect FosB expression and the establishment of addiction behavior after administration of drugs of abuse. Animals were randomly assigned to three groups: Electric foot shock (EFS) group received 7-day EFS to induce chronic stress; electric foot shock plus mifepristone (EFS + Mif) group were injected with mifepristone, a nonspecific GRs antagonist, before EFS; control group did not receive any EFS. All groups then received 2-day conditioned place preference (CPP) training with morphine (5 mg/kg body weight) to test vulnerability to drug addiction. Before and after morphine administration, FosB mRNA in striatum was quantified by real-time RT-PCR. Levels of histone H3/H4 acetylation and histone H3K4 dimethylation at FosB promoter in striatum after morphine administration were measured by using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) plus real-time PCR. EFS group had stronger place preference to morphine and had significantly higher level of FosB mRNA in striatum than the other two groups. H3K4 dimethylation was 2.6-fold higher in EFS group than control group, while no statistical difference in H3/H4 acetylation. Mifepristone administration before EFS decreased histone H3K4 dimethylation and FosB mRNA in striatum, and also diminished morphine-induced conditioned place preference. Altogether, increased level of H3K4 dimethylation at FosB promoter in striatum is partially dependent on the activation of GR and responsible for the elevated level of morphine-induced FosB mRNA in chronic stressed animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Hao
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Mental Health Institute of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, China
- National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, Hunan, China
- * E-mail:
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31
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The effects of spaceflight and fracture healing on distant skeletal sites. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11419. [PMID: 31388031 PMCID: PMC6684622 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47695-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight results in reduced mechanical loading of the skeleton, which leads to dramatic bone loss. Low bone mass is associated with increased fracture risk, and this combination may compromise future, long-term, spaceflight missions. Here, we examined the systemic effects of spaceflight and fracture surgery/healing on several non-injured bones within the axial and appendicular skeleton. Forty C57BL/6, male mice were randomized into the following groups: (1) Sham surgery mice housed on the earth (Ground + Sham); (2) Femoral segmental bone defect surgery mice housed on the earth (Ground + Surgery); (3) Sham surgery mice housed in spaceflight (Flight + Sham); and (4) Femoral segmental bone defect surgery mice housed in spaceflight (Flight + Surgery). Mice were 9 weeks old at the time of launch and were euthanized approximately 4 weeks after launch. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) was used to evaluate standard bone parameters in the tibia, humerus, sternebra, vertebrae, ribs, calvarium, mandible, and incisor. One intriguing finding was that both spaceflight and surgery resulted in virtually identical losses in tibial trabecular bone volume fraction, BV/TV (24–28% reduction). Another important finding was that surgery markedly changed tibial cortical bone geometry. Understanding how spaceflight, surgery, and their combination impact non-injured bones will improve treatment strategies for astronauts and terrestrial humans alike.
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32
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Grebe NM, Del Giudice M, Emery Thompson M, Nickels N, Ponzi D, Zilioli S, Maestripieri D, Gangestad SW. Testosterone, cortisol, and status-striving personality features: A review and empirical evaluation of the Dual Hormone hypothesis. Horm Behav 2019; 109:25-37. [PMID: 30685468 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research in behavioral endocrinology has implicated the gonadal hormone testosterone in the regulation of mating effort, often expressed in primates in the form of aggressive and/or status-striving behavior. Based on the idea that neuroendocrine axes influence each other, recent work among humans has proposed that links between testosterone and indices of status-striving are rendered conditional by the effects of glucocorticoids. The Dual Hormone hypothesis is one particular instance of this argument, predicting that cortisol blocks the effects of testosterone on dominance, aggression, and risk-taking in humans. Support for the Dual Hormone hypothesis is wide-ranging, but considerations of theoretical ambiguity, null findings, and low statistical power pose problems for interpreting the published literature. Here, we contribute to the development of the Dual Hormone hypothesis by (1) critically reviewing the extant literature-including p-curve analyses of published findings; and, (2) "opening the file drawer" and examining relationships between testosterone, cortisol, and status-striving personality features in seven previously published studies from our laboratories (total N = 718; median N per feature = 318) that examined unrelated predictions. Results from p-curve suggest that published studies have only 16% power to detect effects, while our own data show no robust interactions between testosterone and cortisol in predicting status-striving personality features. We discuss the implications of these results for the Dual Hormone hypothesis, limitations of our analyses, and the development of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Grebe
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Marco Del Giudice
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Nora Nickels
- Department of Comparative Human Development, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Davide Ponzi
- Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Samuele Zilioli
- Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Dario Maestripieri
- Department of Comparative Human Development, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Steven W Gangestad
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Arun S, Burawat J, Yannasithinon S, Sukhorum W, Limpongsa A, Iamsaard S. Phyllanthus emblica leaf extract ameliorates testicular damage in rats with chronic stress. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2018; 19:948-959. [PMID: 30507078 PMCID: PMC6305255 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1800362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Stress affects the male reproductive system and can cause sub-fertility or infertility. Although Phyllanthus emblica L. (PE) extract has been shown to have high antioxidant capacity and protective properties in damaged tissue, the preventive effects of PE extract on testicular function from stress-related impairment have never been demonstrated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PE aqueous leaf extract on testicular impairment and protein marker changes in rats suffering from chronic stress. Adult male rats were divided into four groups: a control group, a chronic stress (CS) group, and two groups with CS that received different doses of PE extract (50 or 100 mg/kg body weight (BW)). In the treatment groups, the animals were given PE extract daily before stress induction for 42 consecutive days. Stress was induced through immobilization (4 h/d) followed by forced cold swimming (15 min/d). Sperm quality and the histology of the testes and caudal epididymis were examined, as were levels of serum corticosterone, testosterone, and malondialdehyde (MDA). The expressions of testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins were investigated using immuno-Western blot analysis, as these proteins are assumed to play important roles in spermatogenesis and androgen synthesis. The results showed that PE (50 mg/kg BW) significantly increased sperm concentration and testosterone levels, while decreasing corticosterone levels, MDA levels, sperm head abnormalities, and acrosome-reacted sperm in CS rats. In addition, PE at both doses was found to diminish testicular histopathology in the CS rats. We also found that 50 mg/kg BW of PE significantly improved StAR protein expression and altered the intensities of some tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins in testis. We conclude that PE leaf extract at 50 mg/kg BW can prevent testicular damage in rats with CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supatcharee Arun
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Product, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Jaturon Burawat
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | | | - Wannisa Sukhorum
- School of Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
| | - Akgpol Limpongsa
- Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Product, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Sitthichai Iamsaard
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
- Center for Research and Development of Herbal Health Product, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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Callaway WA, Turner AA, Croshaw OB, Ferguson JA, Julson ZJN, Volp TM, Kerr SE, Rymer TL. Melomys cervinipes (Rodentia: Muridae). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/mspecies/sey015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy A Callaway
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ayla A Turner
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Oscar B Croshaw
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jade A Ferguson
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Zachary J -N Julson
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Trevor M Volp
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah E Kerr
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tasmin L Rymer
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
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Chen G, Chen J, Yang B, Yu W, Chen Y, Dai Y. Dopamine D2 receptors in the basolateral amygdala modulate erectile function in a rat model of nonorganic erectile dysfunction. Andrologia 2018; 51:e13160. [PMID: 30276840 DOI: 10.1111/and.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonorganic erectile dysfunction is a problem with unknown central mechanisms. Changes in brain activity in the amygdala have been observed in human patients. This study aimed to investigate the dopamine system in the basolateral amygdala of male rats with nonorganic erectile dysfunction. We applied chronic mild stress to induce nonorganic erectile dysfunction. After exposure to chronic mild stress, the sucrose consumption test, sexual behaviour test and apomorphine test were used to select depression-like rats with erectile dysfunction as nonorganic erectile dysfunction model rats. The sexual behaviour of these rats after central infusion of a dopamine D1/D2 receptor agonist/antagonist was observed. The expression levels of dopamine D1/D2 receptors and tyrosine hydroxylase in the basolateral amygdala were also measured. The result of the sucrose consumption test, sexual behaviour test and apomorphine test indicated a successful nonorganic erectile dysfunction model. Central infusion of a dopamine D2 receptor agonist increased intromission ratio in model rats. Lower expression levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and the dopamine D2 receptor in the basolateral amygdala were observed in rats with nonorganic erectile dysfunction. These results suggest that impairment of the dopamine D2 receptor pathway in the basolateral amygdala may contribute to the development of nonorganic erectile dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guotao Chen
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China.,Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianhuai Chen
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Baibing Yang
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen Yu
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Andrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of TCM, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of TCM, Nanjing, China
| | - Yutian Dai
- Department of Andrology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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Abolins-Abols M, Hanauer RE, Rosvall KA, Peterson MP, Ketterson ED. The effect of chronic and acute stressors, and their interaction, on testes function: an experimental test during testicular recrudescence. J Exp Biol 2018; 221:jeb180869. [PMID: 29997161 PMCID: PMC6919650 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.180869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Organisms are expected to invest less in reproduction in response to a stressor, but theory predicts that this effect should depend on the frequency and duration of stressors in the environment. Here, we investigated how an acute stressor affected testes function in a songbird, and how chronic stressors influenced the acute stress response. We exposed male dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) either to chronic or minimal (control) disturbance during testicular recrudescence, after which we measured baseline testosterone, testosterone after an acute handling stressor, and capacity to produce testosterone after hormonal stimulation. In a 2×2 design, we then killed males from the two chronic treatment groups either immediately or after an acute stressor to investigate the effect of long- and short-term stressors on the testicular transcriptome. We found that chronically disturbed birds had marginally lower baseline testosterone. The acute stressor suppressed testosterone in control birds, but not in the chronic disturbance group. The ability to elevate testosterone did not differ between the chronic treatments. Surprisingly, chronic disturbance had a weak effect on the testicular transcriptome, and did not affect the transcriptomic response to the acute stressor. The acute stressor, on the other hand, upregulated the cellular stress response and affected expression of genes associated with hormonal stress response. Overall, we show that testicular function is sensitive to acute stressors but surprisingly robust to long-term stressors, and that chronic disturbance attenuates the decrease in testosterone in response to an acute stressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikus Abolins-Abols
- 505 S Goodwin Ave, Department of Animal Biology, School of Integrative Biology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- 1001 E. 3rd St., Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Rachel E Hanauer
- 1001 E. 3rd St., Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Kimberly A Rosvall
- 1001 E. 3rd St., Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Mark P Peterson
- 1800 Technology Dr. NE, Life-Science Innovations, Willmar, MN 56201, USA
| | - Ellen D Ketterson
- 1001 E. 3rd St., Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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Díaz Pacheco M, Vargas Romero J, Rojas-Maya S, Retana-Márquez S. Effects of crowding and water restriction stress on creole goat reproduction in the Oaxacan Sierra Mixteca, Mexico. Reprod Domest Anim 2018; 53:1386-1395. [PMID: 30091483 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress disrupts reproductive efficiency. Yet, the manner in which stress disturbs reproduction in goats is currently unknown. The Oaxacan Mixteca region is one of Mexico's poorest, with high levels of deforestation, high ambient temperatures, and lack of water. Native goats of the Oaxacan Mixteca Region live in these stressful conditions, as well as in overcrowded and water restricted conditions. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of these very stressful conditions on the reproduction of male and female goats. Control group was uncrowded, with daily water supply; stress group was overcrowded, with water restriction. The study was conducted from September 2015 to February 2016; the expression of reproductive behaviour and variations of cortisol levels were assessed. In females, oestradiol and progesterone were evaluated during the oestrous cycle. In males, testosterone levels were evaluated before and during reproductive activity. Sexual behaviour decreased in stressed goats: approaching, tail swishing, urination, vaginal discharge and flank contraction decreased in stressed females. Anogenital sniffing, licking, Flehmen reflex, bleating, mount attempts and mounts decreased in male goats. Cortisol levels in stressed animals were higher compared with control animals. Oestradiol and Progesterone levels in stressed females were significantly lower during the follicular and luteal phase, respectively, compared with control females. Testosterone levels in stressed males were lower than in control males, both before and during reproduction. These results indicate that even though goats from the Oaxacan Mixteca Region are habituated to their environmental conditions, they are still stressed by them, as shown by a higher activation of the adrenal axis in stressed goats than in control goats. High cortisol levels may induce low oestradiol levels in females and low testosterone levels in males, as well as a disruption in the expression of their reproductive behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Díaz Pacheco
- Maestría en Biología de la Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Vargas Romero
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, México
| | - Susana Rojas-Maya
- Departamento de Neuroendocrinología de la Conducta Reproductiva, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México
| | - Socorro Retana-Márquez
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, México
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Demirtaş Şahin T, Yazir Y, Utkan T, Gacar G, Halbutoğulları ZS, Gocmez SS. Depression induced by chronic stress leads to penile cavernosal dysfunction: protective effect of anti-TNF-α treatment. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 96:933-942. [PMID: 30052465 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2017-0778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Psychological stress may lead to erectile dysfunction (ED), and inflammation has been evaluated as a major contributing factor. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of etanercept (ETN), an anti-tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) protein, on cavernosal function in the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) rat model of depression. Animals were divided into 4 groups: animals not exposed to UCMS, animals not exposed to UCMS and treated with ETN, animals exposed to UCMS, and animals treated with ETN while exposed to UCMS. UCMS significantly impaired the neurogenic and endothelium-dependent relaxation responses; reduced cavernosal endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) and neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) expressions; decreased testosterone levels; enhanced systemic levels of corticosterone, TNF-α, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1); and also increased cavernosal levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in rats. ETN administration restored NO-mediated neurogenic and endothelium-dependent relaxation responses of the corpus cavernosum, increased cavernosal eNOS and nNOS expressions, enhanced testosterone levels, and decreased corticosterone levels in UCMS-exposed rats. Also, systemic inflammatory markers and cavernosal proinflammatory cytokine levels were reduced by ETN. Our results demonstrate the role of TNF-α-mediated inflammation in the development of depression and ED in rats exposed to chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğçe Demirtaş Şahin
- a Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Yusufhan Yazir
- b Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Faculty, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey.,c Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Research and Application Center, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Tijen Utkan
- a Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Gulcin Gacar
- c Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Research and Application Center, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | | | - Semil Selcen Gocmez
- a Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
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Yazir Y, Demirtaş Şahin T, Furat Rençber S, Gacar G, Halbutoğulları ZS, Utkan T, Aricioglu F. Restorative effect of resveratrol on expression of endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase in cavernous tissues of chronic unpredictable mild stress-exposed rats: an impact of inflammation. Int J Impot Res 2018; 30:318-326. [DOI: 10.1038/s41443-018-0048-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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40
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de Oliveira JC, de Moura EG, Miranda RA, de Moraes AMP, Barella LF, da Conceição EPS, Gomes RM, Ribeiro TA, Malta A, Martins IP, Franco CCDS, Lisboa PC, Mathias PCDF. Low-protein diet in puberty impairs testosterone output and energy metabolism in male rats. J Endocrinol 2018; 237:243-254. [PMID: 29599416 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We examined the long-term effects of protein restriction during puberty on the function of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes in male rats. Male Wistar rats from the age of 30 to 60 days were fed a low-protein diet (4%, LP). A normal-protein diet (20.5%) was reintroduced to rats from the age of 60 to 120 days. Control rats were fed a normal-protein diet throughout life (NP). Rats of 60 or 120 days old were killed. Food consumption, body weight, visceral fat deposits, lipid profile, glycemia, insulinemia, corticosteronemia, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), testosteronemia and leptinemia were evaluated. Glucose-insulin homeostasis, pancreatic-islet insulinotropic response, testosterone production and hypothalamic protein expression of the androgen receptor (AR), glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and leptin signaling pathway were also determined. LP rats were hypophagic, leaner, hypoglycemic, hypoinsulinemic and hypoleptinemic at the age of 60 days (P < 0.05). These rats exhibited hyperactivity of the HPA axis, hypoactivity of the HPG axis and a weak insulinotropic response (P < 0.01). LP rats at the age of 120 days were hyperphagic and exhibited higher visceral fat accumulation, hyperleptinemia and dyslipidemia; lower blood ACTH, testosterone and testosterone release; and reduced hypothalamic expression of AR, GR and SOCS3, with a higher pSTAT3/STAT3 ratio (P < 0.05). Glucose-insulin homeostasis was disrupted and associated with hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and increased insulinotropic response of the pancreatic islets. The cholinergic and glucose pancreatic-islet responses were small in 60-day-old LP rats but increased in 120-day-old LP rats. The hyperactivity of the HPA axis and the suppression of the HPG axis caused by protein restriction at puberty contributed to energy and metabolic disorders as long-term consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Cezar de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular da Secreção, Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Sinop, Brazil
| | - Egberto Gaspar de Moura
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rosiane Aparecida Miranda
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular da Secreção, Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana Maria Praxedes de Moraes
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular da Secreção, Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe Barella
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular da Secreção, Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Ellen Paula Santos da Conceição
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Mello Gomes
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Aparecida Ribeiro
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular da Secreção, Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Ananda Malta
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular da Secreção, Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Isabela Peixoto Martins
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular da Secreção, Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Claudinéia Conationi da Silva Franco
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular da Secreção, Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Cristina Lisboa
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Laboratório de Fisiologia Endócrina, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cezar de Freitas Mathias
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular da Secreção, Departamento de Biotecnologia, Genética e Biologia Celular, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, Brazil
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Pfaff DW, Baum MJ. Hormone-dependent medial preoptic/lumbar spinal cord/autonomic coordination supporting male sexual behaviors. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 467:21-30. [PMID: 29100889 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone (T) can act directly through neural androgen receptors (AR) to facilitate male sexual behavior; however, T's metabolites also can play complicated and interesting roles in the control of mating. One metabolite, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binds to AR with significantly greater affinity than that of T. Is that important behaviorally? Another metabolite, estradiol (E), offers a potential alternative route of facilitating male mating behavior by acting through estradiol receptors (ER). In this review we explore the roles and relative importance of T as well as E and DHT at various levels of the neuroaxis for the activation of male sex behavior in common laboratory animals and, when relevant research findings are available, in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald W Pfaff
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Michael J Baum
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, United States
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Calisi RM, Austin SH, Lang AS, MacManes MD. Sex-biased transcriptomic response of the reproductive axis to stress. Horm Behav 2018; 100:56-68. [PMID: 29378207 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stress is a well-known cause of reproductive dysfunction in many species, including birds, rodents, and humans, though males and females may respond differently. A powerful way to investigate how stress affects reproduction is by examining its effects on a biological system essential for regulating reproduction, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Often this is done by observing how a stressor affects the amount of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol or corticosterone, circulating in the blood and their relationship with a handful of known HPG-producing reproductive hormones, like testosterone and estradiol. Until now, we have lacked a full understanding of how stress affects all genomic activity of the HPG axis and how this might differ between the sexes. We leveraged a highly replicated and sex-balanced experimental approach to test how male and female rock doves (Columba livia) respond to restraint stress at the level of their transcriptome. Females exhibit increased genomic responsiveness to stress at all levels of their HPG axis as compared to males, and these responsive genes are mostly unique to females. Reasons for this may be due to fluctuations in the female endocrine environment over the reproductive cycle and/or their evolutionary history, including parental investment and the potential for maternal effects. Direct links between genome to phenome cause and effect cannot be ascertained at this stage; however, the data we report provide a vital genomic foundation on which sex-specific reproductive dysfunction and adaptation in the face of stress can be further experimentally studied, as well as novel gene targets for genetic intervention and therapy investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Calisi
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, United States.
| | - Suzanne H Austin
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Andrew S Lang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, United States
| | - Matthew D MacManes
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, United States
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Chen G, Yang B, Chen J, Zhu L, Jiang H, Yu W, Zang F, Chen Y, Dai Y. Changes in Male Rat Sexual Behavior and Brain Activity Revealed by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Response to Chronic Mild Stress. J Sex Med 2018; 15:136-147. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.11.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Revised: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Yazir Y, Utkan T, Şahin TD, Gocmez SS. Improvement of penile neurogenic and endothelial relaxant responses by chronic administration of resveratrol in rabbits exposed to unpredictable chronic mild stress. Int J Impot Res 2018; 30:163-170. [DOI: 10.1038/s41443-018-0016-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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López López AL, Escobar Villanueva MC, Brianza Padilla M, Bonilla Jaime H, Alarcón Aguilar FJ. CHRONIC UNPREDICTABLE MILD STRESS PROGRESSIVELY DISTURBS GLUCOSE METABOLISM AND APPETITE HORMONES IN RATS. ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA-BUCHAREST 2018; 14:16-23. [PMID: 31149231 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2018.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Context Chronic stress is characterized by increased release of catecholamines, glucocorticoids and other neurohumoral factors, predisposing individuals to obesity, insulin resistance and vascular disease, pathologies considered priority health problems. Study of alterations induced by stress on metabolism in association with food intake modulatory hormones (insulin, leptin and ghrelin) is mandatory. Objective This research studied temporal course during 60 days of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) on glucose and lipids metabolism, and on the neuroendocrine system that regulates appetite-satiety balance. Materials and Methods Wistar rats were exposed to CUMS for 20, 40 and 60 days. Corticosterone stayed high during 60 days of CUMS; after 40 days, body weight, cholesterol and triglycerides decreased and glucose intolerance was evident at day 60; insulin and ghrelin increased at 20 and 40 days, respectively; leptin decreased after day 20. Data suggest that 60 days of CUMS progressively disturb metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids as well as food intake regulatory hormones, affecting the metabolism, and can lead to the development of chronic degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L López López
- Faculty of Nursing, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California. Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M C Escobar Villanueva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, D.C.B.S., Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M Brianza Padilla
- Laboratory of Reproductive Pharmacology, Department of Reproduction Biology, D.C.B.S., Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - H Bonilla Jaime
- Laboratory of Reproductive Pharmacology, Department of Reproduction Biology, D.C.B.S., Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - F J Alarcón Aguilar
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, D.C.B.S., Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
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Ullah R, Batool A, Wazir M, Naz R, Rahman TU, Wahab F, Shahab M, Fu J. Gonadotropin inhibitory hormone and RF9 stimulate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in adult male rhesus monkeys. Neuropeptides 2017; 66:1-7. [PMID: 28757099 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Stress activates gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis) and represses hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG-axis) but RF9 administration relieves stress-induced repression of the HPG-axis. Importantly, it was not known whether GnIH signaling and RF9 synthetic peptide modulate the HPA axis. To assess this, mammalian orthologs of GnIH (RFRP-1 and RFRP-3) and RF9 were administered to intact adult male rhesus monkeys. RFRP-1 (125μg/animal), RFRP-3 (250μg/animal) and RF9 (0.1mg/kg BW) were intravenously (iv) injected into normal fed (n=4) monkeys. Additionally, a single bolus iv injection of RF9 (0.1mg/kg BW) was also administered to 48h fasted monkeys (n=4) to check the effects of RF9 signaling on an activated HPA-axis. Serial blood samples were collected, centrifuged and the obtained plasma was used for the analysis of cortisol by specific enzyme immunoassay. RFRP-1 treatment significantly increased cortisol levels while RFRP-3 increased the plasma cortisol, but the effect was non-significant. RF9 treatment significantly increased cortisol levels in normal fed animals. In contrast, RF9 injection did not significantly alter circulating cortisol in fasted monkeys. In conclusion, our results suggest stimulatory action of RFRPs and RF9 on the HPA axis in the adult male monkeys. However, the mechanism and site of action of RFRP-1 and RF9 along the HPA-axis is still unknown. Therefore, further studies are needed to decipher the mechanism and site of action of RFRPs and RF9 on the HPA axis in primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Ullah
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310051, China; Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Aalia Batool
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan; The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1 Beichen West Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Madiha Wazir
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Rabia Naz
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Tanzil Ur Rahman
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan; Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Reproductive Genetics, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fazal Wahab
- Platform Degenerative Diseases, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Kellnerweg 4, D-37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Muhammad Shahab
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Junfen Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310051, China.
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Deviche P, Desaivre S, Giraudeau M. Experimental Manipulation of Corticosterone Does Not Influence the Clearance Rate of Plasma Testosterone in Birds. Physiol Biochem Zool 2017; 90:575-582. [DOI: 10.1086/693043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Christian CB, Shariff AF. Asymmetry and empathy: Higher asymmetry is associated with lower levels of mentalizing. Early Hum Dev 2017; 111:6-15. [PMID: 28527753 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
People differ in their mentalizing abilities. Though past research suggests that individual differences in exposure to prenatal testosterone may be able to explain why some people excel at mentalizing, while others struggle, meta-analyses yield a null relationship between 2D:4D ratio (a proxy for prenatal testosterone) and mentalizing. Importantly, however, past research has not examined the asymmetrical differences between the digit ratios on the right and left hands. In the current work, we test whether the difference between the digit ratios of the left and right hands may function as a better predictor of mentalizing than digit ratio alone. In Study 1, we begin by validating an online, self-report measure of 2D:4D ratio, providing test-retest reliability, convergent, and concurrent validity for our measure. In Study 2, we demonstrate that a) 2D:4D is quadratically related to asymmetry, b) asymmetry is negatively associated with mentalizing, and c) the relationship between asymmetry and mentalizing cannot be explained by the relationship between asymmetry and short-term memory. Taken together, our results paint a more nuanced picture of the relationship between digit ratio and mentalizing ability.
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Meraz-Medina T, Hernández-González M, Bonilla-Jaime H, Guevara MA, Flores-Mancilla L, Vigueras-Villaseñor RM, Arteaga-Silva M. Changes in hormonal levels associated with enforced interval copulation and anxiety in sexually inexperienced and experienced male rats. Physiol Behav 2017; 177:74-81. [PMID: 28385557 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2016] [Revised: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the effect of sexual experience on anxiety and hormonal levels associated with the performance of sexual behavior. Two groups of male rats, one with, the second without, sexual experience, were exposed to four different copulatory conditions: ad libitum copulation until ejaculation (ADC-E); enforced interval copulation until ejaculation (EIC-E); ad libitum copulation up to 3 intromissions (ADC-3I); and enforced interval copulation up to 3 intromissions (EIC-E3I). At the end of each condition the animals were subjected to an open-field test to measure anxiety, before being sacrificed to measure corticosterone (CORT) and testosterone (T) levels. The sexually-inexperienced males showed less hyperactivity, lower sexual motivation, and higher anxiety levels. Only in the ADC-E and EIC-E conditions did both the inexperienced and experienced rats have a higher number of entries to the central squares of the open-field test. Both the sexually-inexperienced and experienced male rats showed an increase in CORT levels, but only the latter had increased T levels under all copulatory conditions. These findings reveal that the anxiolytic effect of mating is dependent on previous sexual experience and the degree of control that the male rats had during sexual interaction. The changes in the levels of both hormones could be part of the physiological process necessary to satisfy the demands involved in sexual performance and open filed. These data provide further insight into the role of sexual experience in mediating the release of CORT and T, as well as the anxiolytic effects of ejaculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzintli Meraz-Medina
- Coordinación Lic. en Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad de Guadalajara, Centro Universitario del Sur, Enrique Arreola 883, Ciudad Guzmán, CP 4900 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Marisela Hernández-González
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Francisco de Quevedo 180, Col. Arcos Vallarta, CP 44130 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Herlinda Bonilla-Jaime
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, P.O. Box 55 535, CP 09340 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Miguel Angel Guevara
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Francisco de Quevedo 180, Col. Arcos Vallarta, CP 44130 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Leopoldo Flores-Mancilla
- Unidad Académica de Medicina Humana y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecasa, Ejido la Escondid, CP 98160 Zacatecas, Mexico
| | | | - Marcela Arteaga-Silva
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Iztapalapa, P.O. Box 55 535, CP 09340 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Stradaioli G, Peric T, Montillo M, Comin A, Corazzin M, Veronesi MC, Prandi A. Hair cortisol and testosterone concentrations and semen production of Bos taurus bulls. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2017.1303339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Stradaioli
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Tanja Peric
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
- Center za biomedicinske znanosti in inženiring, University of Nova Gorica, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
| | - Marta Montillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Antonella Comin
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Mirco Corazzin
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Veronesi
- Dipartimento di Scienze veterinarie per la salute, la produzione animale e la sicurezza alimentare, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Prandi
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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