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Ortiz‐Leal I, Torres MV, Barreiro‐Vázquez J, López‐Beceiro A, Fidalgo L, Shin T, Sanchez‐Quinteiro P. The vomeronasal system of the wolf (Canis lupus signatus): The singularities of a wild canid. J Anat 2024; 245:109-136. [PMID: 38366249 PMCID: PMC11161832 DOI: 10.1111/joa.14024] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Wolves, akin to their fellow canids, extensively employ chemical signals for various aspects of communication, including territory maintenance, reproductive synchronisation and social hierarchy signalling. Pheromone-mediated chemical communication operates unconsciously among individuals, serving as an innate sensory modality that regulates both their physiology and behaviour. Despite its crucial role in the life of the wolf, there is a lacuna in comprehensive research on the neuroanatomical and physiological underpinnings of chemical communication within this species. This study investigates the vomeronasal system (VNS) of the Iberian wolf, simultaneously probing potential alterations brought about by dog domestication. Our findings demonstrate the presence of a fully functional VNS, vital for pheromone-mediated communication, in the Iberian wolf. While macroscopic similarities between the VNS of the wolf and the domestic dog are discernible, notable microscopic differences emerge. These distinctions include the presence of neuronal clusters associated with the sensory epithelium of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) and a heightened degree of differentiation of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB). Immunohistochemical analyses reveal the expression of the two primary families of vomeronasal receptors (V1R and V2R) within the VNO. However, only the V1R family is expressed in the AOB. These findings not only yield profound insights into the VNS of the wolf but also hint at how domestication might have altered neural configurations that underpin species-specific behaviours. This understanding holds implications for the development of innovative strategies, such as the application of semiochemicals for wolf population management, aligning with contemporary conservation goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Ortiz‐Leal
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of VeterinaryUniversity of Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Mateo V. Torres
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of VeterinaryUniversity of Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - José‐Daniel Barreiro‐Vázquez
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of VeterinaryUniversity of Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Ana López‐Beceiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of VeterinaryUniversity of Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Luis Fidalgo
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of VeterinaryUniversity of Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
| | - Taekyun Shin
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Veterinary Medical Research Institute, Jeju National UniversityJejuRepublic of Korea
| | - Pablo Sanchez‐Quinteiro
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of VeterinaryUniversity of Santiago de CompostelaLugoSpain
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2
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Bogacki-Rychlik W, Gawęda K, Bialy M. Neurophysiology of male sexual arousal-Behavioral perspective. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 17:1330460. [PMID: 38333545 PMCID: PMC10851294 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1330460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
In the presented review, we analyzed the physiology of male sexual arousal and its relation to the motivational aspects of this behavior. We highlighted the distinction between these processes based on observable physiological and behavioral parameters. Thus, we proposed the experimentally applicable differentiation between sexual arousal (SA) and sexual motivation (SM). We propose to define sexual arousal as an overall autonomic nervous system response leading to penile erection, triggered selectively by specific sexual cues. These autonomic processes include both spinal and supraspinal neuronal networks, activated by sensory pathways including information from sexual partner and sexual context, as well as external and internal genital organs. To avoid misinterpretation of experimental data, we also propose to precise the term "sexual motivation" as all actions performed by the individual that increase the probability of sexual interactions or increase the probability of exposition to sexual context cues. Neuronal structures such as the amygdala, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, hypothalamus, nucleus raphe, periaqueductal gray, and nucleus paragigantocellularis play crucial roles in controlling the level of arousal and regulating peripheral responses via specific autonomic effectors. On the highest level of CNS, the activity of cortical structures involved in the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, such as the insula and anterior cingulate cortex, can visualize an elevated level of SA in both animal and human brains. From a preclinical perspective, we underlie the usefulness of the non-contact erection test (NCE) procedure in understanding factors influencing sexual arousal, including studies of sexual preference in animal models. Taken together results obtained by different methods, we wanted to focus attention on neurophysiological aspects that are distinctly related to sexual arousal and can be used as an objective parameter, leading to higher translational transparency between basic, preclinical, and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michal Bialy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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3
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Bembenek BM, Meyers-Manor JE, Forbes-Lorman RM. Decrease in ERɑ within the BNST of sexually naïve male rats following an encounter with a novel female. Behav Brain Res 2023; 454:114626. [PMID: 37595756 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114626] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone and its metabolites facilitate male-typical social behaviors in sexually experienced animals. The metabolite estradiol acts on estrogen receptors (ERs) within the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) to facilitate socio-sexual behaviors. While circulating testosterone does not increase in naïve males, aromatase-expressing neurons within the BNST of naïve males are necessary for sex recognition, suggesting that local estradiol production may be responsible. In the present study, we examined ERɑ-immunoreactive (ir) cell number within the brain of sexually naïve male rats 24 h after an encounter with a novel animal. As expected, males investigated females more than males. Additionally, males that encountered females had fewer ERɑ-ir cells within both anterior and posterior BNST compared to those who encountered a novel male or a non-social control. There were no changes within the AVPV, MPN, or MeA. The decrease in ERɑ-ir cell number within the posterior BNST only occurred in males that encountered estrus females whereas the decrease in the anterior BNST occurred only in males that encountered non-estrus females. Additionally, anogenital investigations were correlated with fewer ERɑ-ir cells in the posterior BNST, while cage sniffing correlated with the number ERɑ-ir cells in the anterior BNST. There were no differences in serum testosterone 45 min or 24 h after the encounter, suggesting changes in ERɑ were due to local changes in estradiol levels. Our results expand upon previous research regarding the role of estradiol within the subregions of the BNST in naïve male rat socio-sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna M Bembenek
- Ripon College, Ripon, WI 54971, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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4
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Marliani G, Gelli D, Bellinello E, Costantin RS, Nicoloso S, Accorsi PA, Vaglio S. Effects of pharmacological castration on endocrinological and chemical profiles in captive red and fallow deer. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2023.2190351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G. Marliani
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
- Animal Behaviour & Wildlife Conservation Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - D. Gelli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Legnaro, Italy
| | - E. Bellinello
- Azienda USL Bologna, Sanità Pubblica veterinaria, Vergato, Italy
| | | | | | - P. A. Accorsi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano Emilia, Italy
| | - S. Vaglio
- Animal Behaviour & Wildlife Conservation Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
- University College–The Castle, Durham University, Durham, UK
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5
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Xie W, Chen M, Shen Y, Liu Y, Zhang H, Weng Q. Vomeronasal Receptors Associated with Circulating Estrogen Processing Chemosensory Cues in Semi-Aquatic Mammals. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10724. [PMID: 37445898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In numerous animals, one essential chemosensory organ that detects chemical signals is the vomeronasal organ (VNO), which is involved in species-specific behaviors, including social and sexual behaviors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanism underlying the processing of chemosensory cues in semi-aquatic mammals using muskrats as the animal model. Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus) has a sensitive VNO system that activates seasonal breeding behaviors through receiving specific substances, including pheromones and hormones. Vomeronasal organ receptor type 1 (V1R) and type 2 (V2R) and estrogen receptor α and β (ERα and ERβ) were found in sensory epithelial cells, non-sensory epithelial cells and lamina propria cells of the female muskrats' VNO. V2R and ERα mRNA levels in the VNO during the breeding period declined sharply, in comparison to those during the non-breeding period, while V1R and ERβ mRNA levels were detected reversely. Additionally, transcriptomic study in the VNO identified that differently expressed genes might be related to estrogen signal and metabolic pathways. These findings suggested that the seasonal structural and functional changes in the VNO of female muskrats with different reproductive status and estrogen was regulated through binding to ERα and ERβ in the female muskrats' VNO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqian Xie
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Meiqi Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuyao Shen
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuning Liu
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Haolin Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qiang Weng
- Laboratory of Animal Physiology, College of Biological Sciences and Technology, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing 100083, China
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Brown bear skin-borne secretions display evidence of individuality and age-sex variation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3163. [PMID: 36823208 PMCID: PMC9950453 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29479-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Scent originates from excretions and secretions, and its chemical complexity in mammals translates into a diverse mode of signalling. Identifying how information is encoded can help to establish the mechanisms of olfactory communication and the use of odours as chemical signals. Building upon existing behavioural and histological literature, we examined the chemical profile of secretions used for scent marking by a solitary, non-territorial carnivore, the brown bear (Ursus arctos). We investigated the incidence, abundance, and uniqueness of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cutaneous glandular secretions of 12 wild brown bears collected during late and post-breeding season, and assessed whether age-sex class, body site, and individual identity explained profile variation. VOC profiles varied in the average number of compounds, compound incidence, and compound abundance by age-sex class and individual identity (when individuals were grouped by sex), but not by body site. Mature males differed from other age-sex classes, secreting fewer compounds on average with the least variance between individuals. Compound uniqueness varied by body site and age for both males and females and across individuals. Our results indicate that brown bear skin-borne secretions may facilitate age-sex class and individual recognition, which can contribute towards further understanding of mating systems and social behaviour.
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7
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Sanders CW, Stewart DL, Pacifici K, Hess GR, Olfenbuttel C, DePerno CS. Variations in reproduction and age structure in the North American river otter in North Carolina, USA. J Wildl Manage 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Charles W. Sanders
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - Dennis L. Stewart
- Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge United States Fish and Wildlife Service (retired) Manteo NC 27954 USA
| | - Krishna Pacifici
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - George R. Hess
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
| | - Colleen Olfenbuttel
- Surveys and Research Program, Wildlife Management Division North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission Pittsboro NC 27312 USA
| | - Christopher S. DePerno
- Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology Program, Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, College of Natural Resources North Carolina State University Raleigh NC 27695 USA
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8
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Abaffy T, Lu HY, Matsunami H. Sex steroid hormone synthesis, metabolism, and the effects on the mammalian olfactory system. Cell Tissue Res 2023; 391:19-42. [PMID: 36401093 PMCID: PMC9676892 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03707-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones influence olfactory-mediated social behaviors, and it is generally hypothesized that these effects result from circulating hormones and/or neurosteroids synthesized in the brain. However, it is unclear whether sex steroid hormones are synthesized in the olfactory epithelium or the olfactory bulb, and if they can modulate the activity of the olfactory sensory neurons. Here, we review important discoveries related to the metabolism of sex steroids in the mouse olfactory epithelium and olfactory bulb, along with potential areas of future research. We summarize current knowledge regarding the expression, neuroanatomical distribution, and biological activity of the steroidogenic enzymes, sex steroid receptors, and proteins that are important to the metabolism of these hormones and reflect on their potential to influence early olfactory processing. We also review evidence related to the effects of sex steroid hormones on the development and activity of olfactory sensory neurons. By better understanding how these hormones are metabolized and how they act both at the periphery and olfactory bulb level, we can better appreciate the complexity of the olfactory system and discover potential similarities and differences in early olfactory processing between sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Abaffy
- Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Department, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Hsiu-Yi Lu
- Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Department, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Hiroaki Matsunami
- Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Department, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710 USA
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9
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Inhibition of the medial amygdala disrupts escalated aggression in lactating female mice after repeated exposure to male intruders. Commun Biol 2022; 5:980. [PMID: 36114351 PMCID: PMC9481530 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03928-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Virgin female laboratory mice readily express pup care when co-housed with dams and pups. However, pup-sensitized virgins fail to express intruder-directed aggression on a single session of testing. To study whether repeated testing would affect the onset and dynamics of maternal or intruder-directed aggression, we tested dams and their accompanying virgins from postpartum day 4 to 6. Repeated testing led to escalated aggression towards male intruders in dams, but virgins never developed aggression. In dams, inhibition of the medial amygdala using DREADD (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) vectors carrying the hM4Di receptor blocked the expected increase in maternal aggression on the second testing day. Our data support that the onset of maternal aggression is linked to physiological changes occurring during motherhood, and that medial amygdala, a key centre integrating vomeronasal, olfactory and hormonal information, enables the expression of escalated aggression induced by repeated testing. Future studies selectively targeting specific neuronal populations of the medial amygdala are needed to allow a deeper understanding of the control of experience-dependent aggression increase, a phenomenon leading to the high aggression levels found in violent behaviours. The onset of maternal aggression in mice is dependent on physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and lactation, and the medial amygdala is key in the expression of escalated aggression induced by repeated testing.
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10
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Reddy R, Pillay V, Baijnath S, Singh SD, Ramdin S, Naicker T, Govender N. Mating success of timed pregnancies in Sprague Dawley rats: Considerations for execution. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100682. [PMID: 35930886 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2022.100682] [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: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
This study compares three different mating techniques in Sprague-Dawley rats, using the pregnancy rate as the main indicator of success. It provides recommendations for timed-pregnancy experiments to achieve an appropriate sample size for the study of human pregnancy disorders. The implementation of a preconditioning phase, determination of the estrous cycle, the use of two mating strategies (Lee-Boot and Whitten effect), female: male mating ratios, and cohabitation duration should be considered as they improve the mating success rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Reddy
- Dept of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Virushka Pillay
- Dept of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sooraj Baijnath
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sanil D Singh
- Biomedical Resource Unit, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban, South Africa
| | - Sapna Ramdin
- Dept of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thajasvarie Naicker
- Optics and Imaging Centre, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Nalini Govender
- Dept of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa.
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11
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Hu B, Mo Z, Jiang J, Liang J, Wei M, Zhu X, Liang Y, Liu Y, Huang Q, Ouyang Y, Sun J. The pheromone affects reproductive physiology and behavior by regulating hormone in juvenile mice. Growth Factors 2022; 40:13-25. [PMID: 35320050 DOI: 10.1080/08977194.2022.2053527] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Pheromones could promote hormone secretions and regulate sexual behavior. It was unclear whether multiparous pheromone could induce variations in puberty. The aim was to ascertain whether pheromone in urine of multiparous females induced central precocious puberty (CPP) in juvenile C57BL/6J females. The precocious puberty was examined by vaginal smear, lordosis reaction, HE stain, and ELISA analysis. Results suggested that the first vaginal opening and the first estrus were significantly earlier. The time interval of the first vaginal opening and estrus was significantly shortened. It was interesting that the first estrus was significantly correlated with the first vaginal opening and the time interval of the first estrus. In the first estrus, female lordosis reaction, the number of mature follicles, and the weight of the ovary and uterus significantly increased. The level of luteinizing hormones also significantly increased. Thus, multiparous pheromone can regulate sex hormone to induce CPP in juvenile C57BL/6J females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Hu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhongxiang Mo
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jianlin Jiang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jinning Liang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Minlin Wei
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiujuan Zhu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yuan Liang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yunhao Liu
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qiaojuan Huang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yiqiang Ouyang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Junming Sun
- Laboratory Animal Center, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Abondano LA, Ziegler TE, Di Fiore A. Reproductive endocrinology of wild female woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii) during puberty, ovarian cyclicity, and pregnancy. Am J Primatol 2022; 84:e23303. [PMID: 34255870 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.23303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral observations can provide clues about female reproductive status. However, the study of the endocrine dynamics that underlie processes such as puberty, ovulation, conception, and gestation, may help increase our understanding of female reproductive biology. We used noninvasive methods to study female reproductive endocrinology in wild woolly monkeys (genus Lagothrix). We extracted ovarian steroid hormones from fecal samples collected non-invasively to examine changes in the concentrations of progesterone and estrogen metabolites (pregnanediol-3-glucuronide and estrone-3-glucuronide, respectively) during periods of female puberty, ovarian cyclicity, and pregnancy. The two subadult females in our study showed significant increases in ovarian hormone concentrations before disappearing and presumably dispersing, suggesting that they might reach the onset of puberty before emigrating from their natal groups. Ovarian cycle length in adult females was, on average, ~22 days (N = 21). Of the 10 cycling females, five conceived and four gave birth to offspring, with an average gestation period of ~214 days, but the infant born to the female with the shortest estimated gestation period (182 days) disappeared within a month after parturition. The fact that less than half of all cycling females conceived, and that only three out of five of those females gave birth to offspring that survived past the first month, suggests that reproduction is energetically costly for female woolly monkeys. Ovarian cycle length and gestation period among woolly monkeys are similar to those in their closest relatives, spider monkeys and muriquis suggesting that reproductive physiology may be highly conserved among females within the Tribe Atelini.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Abondano
- Department of Anthropology and Primate Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Toni E Ziegler
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Anthony Di Fiore
- Department of Anthropology and Primate Molecular Ecology and Evolution Laboratory, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.,College of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Universidad San Francisco de, Quito, Cumbayá, Ecuador
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13
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Rosen SF, Lima LV, Chen C, Nejade R, Zhao M, Nemoto W, Toprak E, Skvortsova A, Tansley SN, Zumbusch A, Sotocinal SG, Pittman C, Mogil JS. Olfactory exposure to late-pregnant and lactating mice causes stress-induced analgesia in male mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabi9366. [PMID: 35594354 PMCID: PMC9122321 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi9366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In an attempt to improve reproducibility, more attention is being paid to potential sources of stress in the laboratory environment. Here, we report that the mere proximity of pregnant or lactating female mice causes olfactory-mediated stress-induced analgesia, to a variety of noxious stimuli, in gonadally intact male mice. We show that exposure to volatile compounds released in the urine of pregnant and lactating female mice can themselves produce stress and associated pain inhibition. This phenomenon, a novel form of female-to-male chemosignaling, is mediated by female scent marking of urinary volatiles, such as n-pentyl-acetate, and likely signals potential maternal aggression aimed at defending against infanticide by stranger males.
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14
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Wright KN, Johnson NL, Dossat AM, Wilson JT, Wesson DW. Reducing local synthesis of estrogen in the tubular striatum promotes attraction to same-sex odors in female mice. Horm Behav 2022; 140:105122. [PMID: 35101702 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105122] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived 17β-estradiol (E2) confers rapid effects on neural activity. The tubular striatum (TuS, also called the olfactory tubercle) is both capable of local E2 synthesis due to its abundant expression of aromatase and is a critical locus for odor-guided motivated behavior and odor hedonics. TuS neurons also contain mRNA for estrogen receptors α, β, and the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor. We demonstrate here that mRNA for estrogen receptors appears to be expressed upon TuS dopamine 1 receptor-expressing neurons, suggesting that E2 may play a neuromodulatory role in circuits which are important for motivated behavior. Therefore, we reasoned that E2 in the TuS may influence attraction to urinary odors which are highly attractive. Using whole-body plethysmography, we examined odor-evoked high-frequency sniffing as a measure of odor attaction. Bilateral infusion of the aromatase inhibitor letrozole into the TuS of gonadectomized female adult mice induced a resistance to habituation over successive trials in their investigatory sniffing for female mouse urinary odors, indicative of an enhanced attraction. All males displayed resistance to habituation for female urinary odors, indicative of enhanced attraction that is independent from E2 manipulation. Letrozole's effects were not due to group differences in basal respiration, nor changes in the ability to detect or discriminate between odors (both monomolecular odorants and urinary odors). Therefore, de novo E2 synthesis in the TuS impacts females' but not males' attraction to female urinary odors, suggesting a sex-specific influence of E2 in odor hedonics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine N Wright
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Center for Smell and Taste, Center for Addiction Research and Education, 1200 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Natalie L Johnson
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Center for Smell and Taste, Center for Addiction Research and Education, 1200 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Amanda M Dossat
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Center for Smell and Taste, Center for Addiction Research and Education, 1200 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jamie T Wilson
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Center for Smell and Taste, Center for Addiction Research and Education, 1200 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Daniel W Wesson
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Center for Smell and Taste, Center for Addiction Research and Education, 1200 Newell Dr., Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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15
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Graham JL, Charlier TD, Bonadonna F, Caro SP. Olfactory detection of trace amounts of plant volatiles is correlated with testosterone in a passerine bird. Horm Behav 2021; 136:105045. [PMID: 34537486 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In response to damage by insects, plants release herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) into the air. Insectivorous birds exploit these cues and, consequently, reduce the damages inflicted to the plants. However, little is known about whether they solely use HIPVs as foraging cues, or if they also use them to modulate traits linked to reproduction. As caterpillars are the primary food source required for insectivorous birds to raise offspring, their ability to locate and predict future peaks in caterpillar biomass using olfaction is likely to be advantageous. Therefore, we tested whether an insectivorous songbird that naturally inhabits oak dominated forests can be trained to detect early spring infestation by hatchling caterpillars, at a time when oaks begin bursting, and birds prepare to breed. Tree buds were either infested with caterpillars or left as a control and visually obscured in a Y-Maze choice test. Additionally, we measured testosterone and 17β-estradiol as they influence olfactory perception in mammals and are linked to reproduction in vertebrates. After being trained to associate the presence of HIPVs with that of food, blue tits spent more time with, were more active around, and more frequently chose to first visit the infested trees, showing that blue tits can smell caterpillar activity. Males with higher testosterone spent more time around infested trees, suggesting that foraging behavior during the pre-breeding season is linked with a major reproductive signal. There was no relationship between foraging and estradiol in females. These results are an important foundation for further investigation of the role of hormones in avian olfaction and how smell may be useful for making breeding decisions that could improve reproductive success.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thierry D Charlier
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail), UMR_S 1085, F-35000 Rennes, France.
| | | | - Samuel P Caro
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France.
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16
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Prenatal exposure to valproic acid and treatment with intranasal oxytocin have sex-specific effects on behavior in Long Evans rats. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 32:561-570. [PMID: 34494987 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social behaviors and communication. In rodents and humans, prenatal exposure to antiepileptic valproic acid is associated with an increased risk for autistic-like characteristics. One potential treatment is oxytocin, a prosocial neuropeptide that can be delivered intranasally. However, the sex-specific effects of valproic acid exposure and intranasal oxytocin treatment on behavior have not been fully explored. Pregnant Long Evans rats were administered valproic acid (500 mg/kg) or saline midday on gestational day 12, and after weaning, male and female pups were assigned to control (saline-saline), valproic acid-saline, or valproic acid-oxytocin groups. Oxytocin (0.8 IU/kg) or saline was delivered intranasally 30-60 min before tests for anxiety-like behaviors (elevated plus maze), social interactions (sociability) and sociosexual behaviors (partner preference, 50 kHz vocalizations and scent marking). Prenatal exposure to valproic acid resulted in sex-specific differences in behavior. When compared to controls, valproic acid males showed enhanced anxiety-like behaviors in adolescence and fewer scent marks in adulthood, while valproic acid females showed reduced sexual (partner) preference as adults. Intranasal oxytocin was anxiolytic for valproic acid males, but moderately anxiogenic for valproic acid females, and in both sexes it surprisingly impaired social interactions in the sociability test. Furthermore, intranasal oxytocin failed to improve sociosexual deficits in valproic acid rats. These findings highlight the importance of conducting preclinical studies in both sexes, and suggest that oxytocin may be an effective treatment in animal models with heightened anxiety-like behaviors.
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17
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Jones MK, Huff TB, Freeman EW, Songsasen N. Differential expression of urinary volatile organic compounds by sex, male reproductive status, and pairing status in the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus). PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256388. [PMID: 34415938 PMCID: PMC8378691 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) is an induced ovulator. Though the mechanism of ovulation induction remains unknown, it is suspected to be urinary chemical signals excreted by males. This study assessed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in weekly urine samples across 5 months from 13 maned wolves (6 intact males, 1 neutered male, 6 females) with the goal of identifying VOCs that are differentially expressed across sex, reproductive status, and pairing status. Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to extract and separate VOCs that were identified via spectral matching with authentic standards, with spectral libraries, or with new software that further matches molecular fragment structures with mass spectral peaks. Two VOCs were present across all 317 urine samples: 2,5-dimethyl pyrazine and 2-methyl-6-(1-propenyl)-pyrazine. Fifteen VOCs differed significantly (Adj. P < 0.001 and |log2 fold change| >2.0) between intact males and females. Using partial least squares-discriminant analysis, the compounds with the highest importance to the sex classification were delta-decalactone, delta-dodecalactone, and bis(prenyl) sulfide. Sixty-two VOCs differed between intact males and the neutered male. Important classifier compounds were 3-ethyl 2,5-dimethyl pyrazine, 2-methyl-6-(1-propenyl)-pyrazine, and tetrahydro-2-isopentyl-5-propyl furan. Several VOCs established as important here have been implicated in reproductive communication in other mammals. This study is the most robust examination of differential expression in the maned wolf thus far and provides the most comprehensive analysis of maned wolf urinary VOCs to date, increasing the sample size substantially over previous chemical communication studies in this species. New data analysis software allowed for the identification of compounds in the hormone-producing mevalonate pathway which were previously unreported in maned wolf urine. Several putative semiochemicals were identified as good candidates for behavioral bioassays to determine their role in maned wolf reproduction, and specifically in ovulation induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke K. Jones
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Thomas B. Huff
- Shared Research Instrumentation Facility, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth W. Freeman
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
- School of Integrative Studies, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Nucharin Songsasen
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, United States of America
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18
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Trova S, Bovetti S, Bonzano S, De Marchis S, Peretto P. Sex Steroids and the Shaping of the Peripubertal Brain: The Sexual-Dimorphic Set-Up of Adult Neurogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157984. [PMID: 34360747 PMCID: PMC8347822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones represent an amazing class of molecules that play pleiotropic roles in vertebrates. In mammals, during postnatal development, sex steroids significantly influence the organization of sexually dimorphic neural circuits underlying behaviors critical for survival, such as the reproductive one. During the last decades, multiple studies have shown that many cortical and subcortical brain regions undergo sex steroid-dependent structural organization around puberty, a critical stage of life characterized by high sensitivity to external stimuli and a profound structural and functional remodeling of the organism. Here, we first give an overview of current data on how sex steroids shape the peripubertal brain by regulating neuroplasticity mechanisms. Then, we focus on adult neurogenesis, a striking form of persistent structural plasticity involved in the control of social behaviors and regulated by a fine-tuned integration of external and internal cues. We discuss recent data supporting that the sex steroid-dependent peripubertal organization of neural circuits involves a sexually dimorphic set-up of adult neurogenesis that in turn could be relevant for sex-specific reproductive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Trova
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS), University of Torino, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.T.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (S.D.M.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Serena Bovetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS), University of Torino, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.T.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (S.D.M.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Bonzano
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS), University of Torino, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.T.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (S.D.M.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia De Marchis
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS), University of Torino, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.T.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (S.D.M.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Peretto
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS), University of Torino, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.T.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (S.D.M.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence:
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19
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Kondratyuk EY, Zadubrovskiy PA, Zadubrovskaya IV, Sakharov AV. The physiological reaction of Siberian hamsters ( Phodopus sungorus, Cricetidae) to chemical signals of perspective mating partners before and during courtship. Biol Open 2021; 10:10/3/bio057570. [PMID: 33771909 PMCID: PMC8015212 DOI: 10.1242/bio.057570] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In this investigation we assessed the physiological reaction of hamsters in response to chemical signals from potential sexual partners, and also after a private meeting with them, which allowed us to ascertain the type of mating system for this species. The reception of olfactory signals led to an increase in peroxidase activity in the blood for both sexes, indicative of activity of a non-specific line of immune defense in recipients. The increase in blood cortisol level in response to the chemical signals of a partner was only observed in females. Males spent more time near samples of estrous females, with elevated levels of cortisol in the urine. In olfactory tests, an hour after grouping all the individuals in pairs there was a significant increase in blood peroxidase activity, which indicates the reaction of a non-specific link in the immune system of partners. This increase was greater in the pairs with a mutual preference. Females from these pairs demonstrated a substantial decrease in stress hormone levels in the plasma after an hour of mating in comparison to females prior to mating, and in non-preferred coupling. Summary: Perception of olfactory signals before and during courtship lead to an increase of non-specific immune activity. For pairs formed by mutual preference there was a noted decrease of stress-hormone only in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Yu Kondratyuk
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630091, Russia
| | - P A Zadubrovskiy
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630091, Russia
| | - I V Zadubrovskaya
- Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, SB RAS, Novosibirsk 630091, Russia.,Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Novosibirsk 6300126, Russia
| | - A V Sakharov
- Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Novosibirsk 6300126, Russia
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20
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Garcia-Calero E, Puelles L. Development of the mouse anterior amygdalar radial unit marked by Lhx9-expression. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:575-600. [PMID: 33515280 PMCID: PMC7910270 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The amygdala in mammals plays a key role in emotional processing and learning, being subdivided in pallial and subpallial derivatives. Recently, the cortical ring model and the pallial amygdalar radial model (Puelles et al. 2019; Garcia-Calero et al. 2020) described the pallial amygdala as an histogenetic field external to the allocortical ring, and subdivided it in five major radial domains called lateral, basal, anterior, posterior and retroendopiriform units. The anterior radial unit, whose cells typically express the Lhx9 gene (see molecular profile in Garcia-Calero et al. 2020), is located next to the pallial/subpallial boundary. This radial domain shows massive radial translocation and accumulation of its derivatives into its intermediate and superficial strata, with only a glial palisade representing its final periventricular domain. To better understand the development of this singular radial domain, not described previously, we followed the expression of Lhx9 during mouse amygdalar development in the context of the postulated radial subdivisions of the pallial amygdala and other telencephalic developmental features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Garcia-Calero
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine and IMIB-Arrixaca Institute, University of Murcia, 30120, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Luis Puelles
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Medicine and IMIB-Arrixaca Institute, University of Murcia, 30120, Murcia, Spain
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21
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Hayashi H, Kumagai R, Kondo Y. Why does castrated male odor attract sexually active male rats?-Attractivity induced by hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis block. Physiol Behav 2020; 230:113288. [PMID: 33321143 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2020.113288] [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: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sexually experienced male rats show an olfactory preference for estrous female odor compared to male odor. Notably, they also prefer castrated male over gonadally intact male odor. This study examined the role of elevated circulating gonadotropins and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) induced by disinhibition of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis in the castration-induced attractiveness of male rats. Experiment I compared preference of sexually experienced males between odors of castrated males injected with a GnRH antagonist (Cast+Ant), castrated males injected with saline (Cast), and gonadally intact males (Sham). These olfactory preference tests revealed that probe males significantly preferred Cast over Sham and Cast+Ant odors but had no preference between Sham and Cast+Ant odors. Experiment II used hypophysectomy (HPx) to remove the gonadotropin source in place of pharmacologically antagonizing GnRH. Similarly, the probe males preferred Cast (high both GnRH and gonadotropins) over HPx (high GnRH but no gonadotropin) odors, but also preferred HPx than Sham (low both GnRH and gonadotropins) odors. We then examined the effects of exogenous gonadotropins, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), to reveal which gonadotropins critically affect on the attractiveness of HPx males. The olfactory preference tests revealed that injecting eCG, but not hCG, significantly increased the probe males` preference compared to HPx male odor, suggesting that the attractiveness is augmented via follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor rather than luteinizing hormone receptor. These results indicate that sexually active male rats show olfactory preference for castrated male rats due to elevated GnRH and FSH blood levels produced by a lack of androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himeka Hayashi
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, 2525 Yatsusawa, Uenohara, Yamanashi 409-0193, Japan
| | - Ryoko Kumagai
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, 2525 Yatsusawa, Uenohara, Yamanashi 409-0193, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kondo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, 2525 Yatsusawa, Uenohara, Yamanashi 409-0193, Japan.
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22
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Manikkaraja C, Bhavika M, Singh R, Nagarathnam B, George G, Gulyani A, Archunan G, Sowdhamini R. Molecular and functional characterization of buffalo nasal epithelial odorant binding proteins and their structural insights by in silico and biochemical approaches. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:4164-4187. [PMID: 33292066 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1854117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The olfactory system is capable of detecting and distinguishing thousands of environmental odorants that play a key role in reproduction, social behaviours including pheromones influenced classical events. Membrane secretary odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are soluble lipocalins, localized in the nasal membrane of mammals. They bind and carry odorants within the nasal epithelium to putative olfactory transmembrane receptors (ORs). OBP has not yet been exploited to develop a suitable technique to detect oestrus which is being reported as a difficult task in buffalo. In the present study, using molecular biology and protein engineering approaches, we have cloned six novel OBP isoforms from buffalo nasal epithelium odorant-binding proteins (bnOBPs). Furthermore, 3 D models were developed and molecular-docking, dynamics experiments were performed by in silico approaches. In particular, we found four residues (Phe104, Phe134, Phe69 and Asn118) in OBP1a, which contributed to favourable interactions towards two sex pheromones, specifically oleic acid and p-cresol. We expressed this protein in Escherichia coli from female buffalo urine and validated through fluorescence quenching studies to show similar strong binding affinities of OBP1a to oleic acid and p-cresol. By using structural data, the binding specificity was also verified by site-directed mutagenesis of the four residues followed by in vitro binding assays. Our results enable us to better understand the functions of different nasal epithelium OBP isoforms in buffaloes. They also lead to improved understanding of the interaction between olfactory proteins and odorants to develop highly selective biosensing devices for non-invasive detection of oestrus in buffaloes. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chidhambaram Manikkaraja
- Pheromone Technology Lab, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mam Bhavika
- GKVK Campus, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Randhir Singh
- The Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Balasubramanian Nagarathnam
- GKVK Campus, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Geen George
- The Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Akash Gulyani
- The Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.,Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Govindaraju Archunan
- Pheromone Technology Lab, Department of Animal Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ramanathan Sowdhamini
- GKVK Campus, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
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23
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Levy DR, Sofer Y, Brumfeld V, Zilkha N, Kimchi T. The Nasopalatine Ducts Are Required for Proper Pheromone Signaling in Mice. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:585323. [PMID: 33328853 PMCID: PMC7710809 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.585323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The vomeronasal organ (VNO) specializes in detection of chemosignals, mainly pheromones, which control social communication and reproduction in many mammals. These pheromones must solubilize with nasal fluids before entering the VNO, and it was suggested that they are delivered to and cleared from the VNO by active pumping. Yet, the details of this pheromone delivery process are unclear. In this study, we first constructed a high-resolution 3D morphological image of the whole adult mouse snout, by using ultra-high-resolution micro-CT. We identified a net of micro tunnels starting from the nostrils and extending around and through the VNO. These micro tunnels connect the nasal cavity with the VNO and the oral cavity via the nasopalatine ducts (NPD). Other micro tunnels connect the nasal cavity to the main olfactory epithelium. We next demonstrated that physical obstruction of the NPD severely impairs the clearance of dissolved compounds from the VNO lumen. Moreover, we found that mice with blocked NPD display alterations in chemosignaling-evoked neuronal activation in brain regions associated with the vomeronasal system. Finally, NPD-blocked male mice exhibit reduced preference for female chemosignals, and impaired social interaction behavior. Taken together, our findings indicate that the NPD in mice are connected to both the nasal and oral cavity, serving an essential role in regulating the flow of soluble chemosignals through the VNO, and are required for proper pheromone-mediated social communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Rubi Levy
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yizhak Sofer
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Vlad Brumfeld
- Department of Structural Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Noga Zilkha
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tali Kimchi
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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24
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Unraveling the multifaceted nature of the nuclear function of mTOR. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1868:118907. [PMID: 33189783 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Positioned at the axis between the cell and its environment, mTOR directs a wide range of cellular activity in response to nutrients, growth factors, and stress. Our understanding of the role of mTOR is evolving beyond the spatial confines of the cytosol, and its role in the nucleus becoming ever more apparent. In this review, we will address various studies that explore the role of nuclear mTOR (nmTOR) in specific cellular programs and how these pathways influence one another. To understand the emerging roles of nuclear mTOR, we discuss data and propose plausible mechanisms to offer novel ideas, hypotheses, and future research directions.
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25
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Rozenkrantz L, Weissgross R, Weiss T, Ravreby I, Frumin I, Shushan S, Gorodisky L, Reshef N, Holzman Y, Pinchover L, Endevelt-Shapira Y, Mishor E, Soroka T, Finkel M, Tagania L, Ravia A, Perl O, Furman-Haran E, Carp H, Sobel N. Unexplained repeated pregnancy loss is associated with altered perceptual and brain responses to men's body-odor. eLife 2020; 9:e55305. [PMID: 32988456 PMCID: PMC7524551 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian olfaction and reproduction are tightly linked, a link less explored in humans. Here, we asked whether human unexplained repeated pregnancy loss (uRPL) is associated with altered olfaction, and particularly altered olfactory responses to body-odor. We found that whereas most women with uRPL could identify the body-odor of their spouse, most control women could not. Moreover, women with uRPL rated the perceptual attributes of men's body-odor differently from controls. These pronounced differences were accompanied by an only modest albeit significant advantage in ordinary, non-body-odor-related olfaction in uRPL. Next, using structural and functional brain imaging, we found that in comparison to controls, most women with uRPL had smaller olfactory bulbs, yet increased hypothalamic response in association with men's body-odor. These findings combine to suggest altered olfactory perceptual and brain responses in women experiencing uRPL, particularly in relation to men's body-odor. Whether this link has any causal aspects to it remains to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liron Rozenkrantz
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Reut Weissgross
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tali Weiss
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Inbal Ravreby
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Idan Frumin
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sagit Shushan
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel
| | - Lior Gorodisky
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Netta Reshef
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yael Holzman
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Liron Pinchover
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yaara Endevelt-Shapira
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Eva Mishor
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Timna Soroka
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Maya Finkel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Liav Tagania
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Aharon Ravia
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ofer Perl
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Edna Furman-Haran
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Howard Carp
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Noam Sobel
- Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- The Azrieli National Institute for Human Brain Imaging and Research, Rehovot, Israel
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26
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Biggs LM, Meredith M. ActivatIon of Calcium binding protein-ir neurons IN MEDIAL AMYGDALA during chemosignal processing. Chem Senses 2020; 45:bjaa030. [PMID: 32386197 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjaa030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The medial amygdala receives sensory input from chemical signals important in mammalian social communication. As measured by immediate early gene expression, its responses to different chemosignals differ in the spatial patterns of neuronal activation and in the types of cells activated. Medial amygdala projections to basal forebrain contibute to generation of appropriate behavioral responses and GABA neurons are important for these functions, both as interneurons and projection neurons. Here we investigate reponses of male golden-hamster medial amygdala neurons expressing immunoreactivity (-ir) for calbindin (CB), calretinin (CR) and parvalbumin (PV), calcium binding proteins (CBPs) which can distinguish different GABA-ergic neuron types. CB-ir and CR-ir cells both had significant responses to female hamster chemosignals and showed different spatial patterns across medial amygdala. Responses to chemosignals (from unfamiliar females) were significantly reduced in males with sexual experience, compared to naïve males. Medial amygdala did not express PV-ir cells and the adjacent intercalated nucleus, which has been implicated in medial amygdala chemosensory responses did not express any of the CBPs investigated here. This additional evidence for chemosensory specificity in the response of medial amygdala to social chemical signals, in cells characterized by CBP expression, suggests multiple GABA circuit elements may be involved in information processing for behavioral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey M Biggs
- Program in Neuroscience and Dept. Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee FL
| | - Michael Meredith
- Program in Neuroscience and Dept. Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee FL
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27
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Calvi E, Quassolo U, Massaia M, Scandurra A, D'Aniello B, D'Amelio P. The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra- and interspecific chemical communication of emotions. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01585. [PMID: 32212329 PMCID: PMC7218249 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 01/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The sense of olfaction has been considered of minor importance in human communication. In recent years, evidence has emerged that humans might be influenced by unconscious messages sent through chemosignals in body odors. Data concerning the ability of humans to recognize fear, maybe related to the evolutionary role of these emotions in the fight-or-flight reactions, are well known. METHODS To further understand the role of emotional chemosignals in mediating communication in humans and its influence on animal behaviors, we conducted a systematic literature review. RESULTS Chemosignals derived from axillary odors collected under a variety of emotional stimuli and sad tears in humans affect receivers' social interactions, danger detection and risk-taking behavior, social aspects of eating, and performance under stressing conditions. In addition, beyond the fight-or-flight response, even the body odors of happiness can be perceived by others. Furthermore, human chemosignals can influence behaviors and stressful responses in animals, particularly dogs and horses, which may partially explain their special relationship with humans. CONCLUSION Our review highlights the importance of chemosignaling in human intra- and interspecific interactions and suggests the need for further investigations, both in physiological conditions and in patients with psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Calvi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Umberto Quassolo
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Anna Scandurra
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Biagio D'Aniello
- Department of Biology, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Patrizia D'Amelio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Department of Medicine, Geriatric Medicine and Geriatric Rehabilitation, CHUV, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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28
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Tarumi W, Shinohara K. Women's body odour during the ovulatory phase modulates testosterone and cortisol levels in men. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230838. [PMID: 32231386 PMCID: PMC7108710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that men may perceive women’s bodily odour to be more attractive during the high-fertility ovulatory phase than during other phases in the menstrual cycle. In particular, women’s bodily odour may influence important aspects of male mating behaviour, but the precise nature of this phenomena remains to be elucidated. Twenty-six men and five women participated in the study. Each woman wore a cotton T-shirt during the night for 3 days during the ovulatory phase, after which the regions of the T-shirt that had been in contact with the woman’s chest, armpits, and back, were cut out of the garment. We evaluated the changes in testosterone and cortisol levels in the saliva of men who smelled these cloth pieces. The odour emitted from the backs of women in the ovulatory phase was found to increase testosterone secretion in men, whereas the odour emitted from the chests of women in the ovulatory phase reduced cortisol secretion in men. These results suggest that the odour of specific body parts of women modulate unconscious physiological reactions in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wataru Tarumi
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences Nagasaki University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Shinohara
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences Nagasaki University, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki, Japan
- * E-mail:
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29
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Amstislavsky SY, Brusentsev EY, Petrova OM, Naprimerov VA, Levinson AL. Development and Aging of the Mammalian Reproductive System. Russ J Dev Biol 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360420010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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30
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Dzięcioł M, Podgórski P, Stańczyk E, Szumny A, Woszczyło M, Pieczewska B, Niżański W, Nicpoń J, Wrzosek MA. MRI Features of the Vomeronasal Organ in Dogs ( Canis Familiaris). Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:159. [PMID: 32266300 PMCID: PMC7105831 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
According to current knowledge, the vomeronasal organ (VNO, Jacobson's organ) is the structure responsible for semiochemical signal detection. In dogs and other mammals, it is located close to the vomer and palatine processes of the incisive and maxillary bones. Although there are reports describing the anatomy and histology of this structure, there are limited available reports assessing this organ in live individuals and no direct visualization reports in dogs. The aim of this study was 2-fold: (1) preparation and optimization of a protocol for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the VNO in a cadaver study with precise visualization and localization, and (2) characterization of the physiological VNO image features in MRI of live dogs. The first part of the study was performed on 10 beagle cadavers, the second on 8 live beagle dogs. For the VNO visualization, a 1.5T MRI (Philips® Ingenia) scanner and 20-channel digital head-neck spine coil were used (Philips®, Holland). The cadaver study allowed confirmation of the organ's location by the topical application of an MRI contrast agent (gadolinium) via the external entrance of the VNO canal. Accurate delineation of the VNO was obtained using a high resolution submillimeter three-dimensional T1-fast field echo (FFE) 3D sequence. Imaging of the VNO in 8 living dogs allowed the description of the morphological MRI features and direct evaluation of its shape and size. The results obtained demonstrate the ability to visualize the VNO in vivo and to evaluate its structure in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Dzięcioł
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Przemysław Podgórski
- Department of General Radiology, Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology Wroclaw, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewa Stańczyk
- Center of Experimental Diagnostics and Innovative Biomedical Technologies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Antoni Szumny
- Department of Chemistry, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Martyna Woszczyło
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Barbara Pieczewska
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Wojciech Niżański
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Józef Nicpoń
- Center of Experimental Diagnostics and Innovative Biomedical Technologies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Adam Wrzosek
- Department of Internal Diseases With Clinic for Horses, Dogs and Cats, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
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31
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Yang L, Demetriou L, Wall MB, Mills EG, Zargaran D, Sykes M, Prague JK, Abbara A, Owen BM, Bassett PA, Rabiner EA, Comninos AN, Dhillo WS. Kisspeptin enhances brain responses to olfactory and visual cues of attraction in men. JCI Insight 2020; 5:133633. [PMID: 32051344 PMCID: PMC7098781 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.133633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Successful reproduction is a fundamental physiological process that relies on the integration of sensory cues of attraction with appropriate emotions and behaviors and the reproductive axis. However, the factors responsible for this integration remain largely unexplored. Using functional neuroimaging, hormonal, and psychometric analyses, we demonstrate that the reproductive hormone kisspeptin enhances brain activity in response to olfactory and visual cues of attraction in men. Furthermore, the brain regions enhanced by kisspeptin correspond to areas within the olfactory and limbic systems that govern sexual behavior and perception of beauty as well as overlap with its endogenous expression pattern. Of key functional and behavioral significance, we observed that kisspeptin was most effective in men with lower sexual quality-of-life scores. As such, our results reveal a previously undescribed attraction pathway in humans activated by kisspeptin and identify kisspeptin signaling as a new therapeutic target for related reproductive and psychosexual disorders. Kisspeptin enhances brain processing in response to olfactory and visual cues of attraction and is most effective in men with lower sexual quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Yang
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Lysia Demetriou
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.,Invicro, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew B Wall
- Invicro, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Division of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.,Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Edouard Ga Mills
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - David Zargaran
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Sykes
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Julia K Prague
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Abbara
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Bryn M Owen
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Eugenii A Rabiner
- Invicro, Hammersmith Hospital, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N Comninos
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom.,Department of Endocrinology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Section of Endocrinology & Investigative Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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32
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Adkins-Regan E. Sexual and pairing partner preference in birds and other animals. Horm Behav 2020; 118:104646. [PMID: 31778718 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Research on hormonal involvement in animals' preferences for mating or pairing with same- or other-sex partners has been among the topics featured in Hormones and Behavior over the years. In several species of non-pair-forming mammals, there is good evidence that the early sex steroid environment has an organizational effect on later sexual partner preference. Research with zebra finches, a pair-forming species, shows a likely early estrogenic organizational hormone effect on pairing partner preference, an effect that can also interact with the early social environment to determine adult pairing preference. Experiments with two amphibian and fish species suggest that activational hormone effects (effects of the hormone milieu in adulthood) may regulate sexual partner preference. As a complement to the research on hormonal involvement, a growing body of theoretical and empirical research addresses the possible adaptive functions of the same-sex sexual and pairing behavior observed in many wild animals. Such advances have important implications for conceptualizing neuroendocrine mechanisms of partner preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Adkins-Regan
- Department of Psychology and Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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33
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Ishiwaka R, Kakihara H, Masuda Y. Characteristics of Pregnancy Following Mating in Three Types of Estrus in the Captive Harvest Mouse (Micromys minutus). MAMMAL STUDY 2019. [DOI: 10.3106/ms2019-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Reiko Ishiwaka
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuenkibanadainishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Kakihara
- Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, 232-3 Aza-yomogida, Naruko Onsen, Osaki, Miyagi 989-6711, Japan
| | - Yasuhisa Masuda
- Kuju Grassland Ecomuseum, 5-4-67-101 Ozasa, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0033, Japan
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34
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Riehl C, Strong MJ. Stable social relationships between unrelated females increase individual fitness in a cooperative bird. Proc Biol Sci 2019; 285:rspb.2018.0130. [PMID: 29643212 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2018.0130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Social animals often form long-lasting relationships with fellow group members, usually with close kin. In primates, strong social bonds have been associated with increased longevity, offspring survival and reproductive success. However, little is known about the fitness effects of social bonds between non-kin, especially outside of mammals. In this study, we use long-term field research on a cooperatively breeding bird, the greater ani (Crotophaga major), to ask whether adult females benefit by remaining in long-term associations with unrelated, co-breeding females. We find that females that have previously nested together synchronize their reproduction more rapidly than those nesting with unfamiliar partners, which leads to lower competition and higher fledging success. Importantly, although previous experience with a co-breeding female influenced reproductive synchrony, the degree of reproductive synchrony did not influence whether co-breeding females remained together in subsequent years, ruling out the alternate hypothesis that highly synchronized females are simply more likely to remain together. These results indicate that switching groups is costly to females, and that social familiarity improves reproductive coordination. Stable social relationships therefore have significant fitness consequences for cooperatively nesting female birds, suggesting that direct benefits alone may favour the evolution of associations between non-relatives and contribute to long-term group stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Riehl
- Princeton University, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; 106A Guyot Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Meghan J Strong
- Princeton University, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; 106A Guyot Hall, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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35
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Dalpian F, Rasia-Filho AA, Calcagnotto ME. Sexual dimorphism, estrous cycle and laterality determine the intrinsic and synaptic properties of medial amygdala neurons in rat. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.227793. [PMID: 30967401 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.227793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The posterodorsal medial amygdala (MePD) is a sex steroid-sensitive area that modulates different social behavior by relaying chemosensorial information to hypothalamic nuclei. However, little is known about MePD cell type diversity and functional connectivity. Here, we have characterized neurons and synaptic inputs in the right and left MePD of adult male and cycling female (in diestrus, proestrus or estrus) rats. Based on their electrophysiological properties and morphology, we found two coexisting subpopulations of spiny neurons that are sexually dimorphic. They were classified as Class I (predominantly bitufted-shaped neurons showing irregular spikes with frequency adaptation) or Class II (predominantly stellate-shaped neurons showing full spike frequency adaptation). Furthermore, excitatory and inhibitory inputs onto MePD cells were modulated by sex, estrous cycle and hemispheric lateralization. In the left MePD, there was an overall increase in the excitatory input to neurons of males compared to cycling females. However, in proestrus, the MePD neurons received mainly inhibitory inputs. Our findings indicate the existence of hemispheric lateralization, estrous cycle and sexual dimorphism influences at cellular and synaptic levels in the adult rat MePD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Dalpian
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90170-050, Brazil
| | - Alberto A Rasia-Filho
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90170-050, Brazil.,Department of Basic Sciences/Physiology, Federal University of Health Sciences, Porto Alegre, RS 90170-050, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90170-050, Brazil .,Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry of Neuronal Excitability and Synaptic Plasticity Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil
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36
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Zipple MN, Roberts EK, Alberts SC, Beehner JC. Male-mediated prenatal loss: Functions and mechanisms. Evol Anthropol 2019; 28:114-125. [PMID: 30953577 PMCID: PMC6548597 DOI: 10.1002/evan.21776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Sexually selected infanticide has been the subject of intense empirical and theoretical study for decades; a related phenomenon, male-mediated prenatal loss, has received much less attention in evolutionary studies. Male-mediated prenatal loss occurs when inseminated or pregnant females terminate reproductive effort following exposure to a nonsire male, either through implantation failure or pregnancy termination. Male-mediated prenatal loss encompasses two sub-phenomena: sexually selected feticide and the Bruce effect. In this review, we provide a framework that explains the relationship between feticide and the Bruce effect and describes what is known about the proximate and ultimate mechanisms involved in each. Using a simple model, we demonstrate that male-mediated prenatal loss can provide greater reproductive benefits to males than infanticide. We therefore suggest that, compared to infanticide, male-mediated prenatal loss may be more prevalent in mammalian species and may have played a greater role in their social evolution than has previously been documented.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eila K Roberts
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Susan C Alberts
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Institute of Primate Research, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jacinta C Beehner
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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37
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Coombes HA, Stockley P, Hurst JL. Female Chemical Signalling Underlying Reproduction in Mammals. J Chem Ecol 2018; 44:851-873. [PMID: 29992368 PMCID: PMC6096499 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-018-0981-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemical communication plays many key roles in mammalian reproduction, although attention has focused particularly on male scent signalling. Here, we review evidence that female chemical signals also play important roles in sexual attraction, in mediating reproductive competition and cooperation between females, and in maternal care, all central to female reproductive success. Female odours function not only to advertise sexual receptivity and location, they can also have important physiological priming effects on male development and sperm production. However, the extent to which female scents are used to assess the quality of females as potential mates has received little attention. Female investment in scent signalling is strongly influenced by the social structure and breeding system of the species. Although investment is typically male-biased, high competition between females can lead to a reversed pattern of female- biased investment. As among males, scent marking and counter-marking are often used to advertise territory defence and high social rank. Female odours have been implicated in the reproductive suppression of young or subordinate females across a range of social systems, with females of lower competitive ability potentially benefiting by delaying reproduction until conditions are more favourable. Further, the ability to recognise individuals, group members and kin through scent underpins group cohesion and cooperation in many social species, as well as playing an important role in mother-offspring recognition. However, despite the diversity of female scent signals, chemical communication in female mammals remains relatively understudied and poorly understood. We highlight several key areas of future research that are worthy of further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly A Coombes
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
| | - Paula Stockley
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Jane L Hurst
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
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38
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Zancan M, Cunha RSR, Schroeder F, Xavier LL, Rasia‐Filho AA. Remodeling of the number and structure of dendritic spines in the medial amygdala: From prepubertal sexual dimorphism to puberty and effect of sexual experience in male rats. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 48:1851-1865. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Zancan
- Department of Basic Sciences/PhysiologyFederal University of Health Sciences Porto Alegre Brazil
- Graduation Program in NeuroscienceFederal University of Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Rick Shandler R. Cunha
- Department of Basic Sciences/PhysiologyFederal University of Health Sciences Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Francielle Schroeder
- Laboratory of Tissue BiologyFaculty of BiosciencesPontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Léder L. Xavier
- Laboratory of Tissue BiologyFaculty of BiosciencesPontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Alberto A. Rasia‐Filho
- Department of Basic Sciences/PhysiologyFederal University of Health Sciences Porto Alegre Brazil
- Graduation Program in NeuroscienceFederal University of Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre Brazil
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39
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Loxley GM, Unsworth J, Turton MJ, Jebb A, Lilley KS, Simpson DM, Rigden DJ, Hurst JL, Beynon RJ. Glareosin: a novel sexually dimorphic urinary lipocalin in the bank vole, Myodes glareolus. Open Biol 2018; 7:rsob.170135. [PMID: 28878040 PMCID: PMC5627053 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.170135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The urine of bank voles (Myodes glareolus) contains substantial quantities of a small protein that is expressed at much higher levels in males than females, and at higher levels in males in the breeding season. This protein was purified and completely sequenced at the protein level by mass spectrometry. Leucine/isoleucine ambiguity was completely resolved by metabolic labelling, monitoring the incorporation of dietary deuterated leucine into specific sites in the protein. The predicted mass of the sequenced protein was exactly consonant with the mass of the protein measured in bank vole urine samples, correcting for the formation of two disulfide bonds. The sequence of the protein revealed that it was a lipocalin related to aphrodisin and other odorant-binding proteins (OBPs), but differed from all OBPs previously described. The pattern of secretion in urine used for scent marking by male bank voles, and the similarity to other lipocalins used as chemical signals in rodents, suggest that this protein plays a role in male sexual and/or competitive communication. We propose the name glareosin for this novel protein to reflect the origin of the protein and to emphasize the distinction from known OBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Loxley
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Jennifer Unsworth
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Michael J Turton
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Alexandra Jebb
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Kathryn S Lilley
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Deborah M Simpson
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Daniel J Rigden
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Jane L Hurst
- Mammalian Behaviour and Evolution Group, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Robert J Beynon
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
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Hirsch MM, Brusco J, Vaccaro T, Margis R, Moreira JE, Gottfried C, Rasia-Filho AA. Sex Differences and Estrous Cycle Changes in Synaptic Plasticity-related microRNA in the Rat Medial Amygdala. Neuroscience 2018; 379:405-414. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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41
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Impact of X/Y genes and sex hormones on mouse neuroanatomy. Neuroimage 2018; 173:551-563. [PMID: 29501873 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological sex influences brain anatomy across many species. Sex differences in brain anatomy have classically been attributed to differences in sex chromosome complement (XX versus XY) and/or in levels of gonadal sex steroids released from ovaries and testes. Using the four core genotype (4CG) mouse model in which gonadal sex and sex chromosome complement are decoupled, we previously found that sex hormones and chromosomes influence the volume of distinct brain regions. However, recent studies suggest there may be more complex interactions between hormones and chromosomes, and that circulating steroids can compensate for and/or mask underlying chromosomal effects. Moreover, the impact of pre vs post-pubertal sex hormone exposure on this sex hormone/sex chromosome interplay is not well understood. Thus, we used whole brain high-resolution ex-vivo MRI of intact and pre-pubertally gonadectomized 4CG mice to investigate two questions: 1) Do circulating steroids mask sex differences in brain anatomy driven by sex chromosome complement? And 2) What is the contribution of pre- versus post-pubertal hormones to sex-hormone-dependent differences in brain anatomy? We found evidence of both cooperative and compensatory interactions between sex chromosomes and sex hormones in several brain regions, but the interaction effects were of low magnitude. Additionally, most brain regions affected by sex hormones were sensitive to both pre- and post-pubertal hormones. This data provides further insight into the biological origins of sex differences in brain anatomy.
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Jeannerat E, Marti E, Berney C, Janett F, Bollwein H, Sieme H, Burger D, Wedekind C. Stallion semen quality depends on major histocompatibility complex matching to teaser mare. Mol Ecol 2018; 27:1025-1035. [PMID: 29334412 DOI: 10.1111/mec.14490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has repeatedly been found to influence mate choice of vertebrates, with MHC-dissimilar mates typically being preferred over MHC-similar mates. We used horses (Equus caballus) to test whether MHC matching also affects male investment into ejaculates after short exposure to a female. Semen characteristics varied much among stallions. Controlling for this variance with a full-factorial within-subject experimental design, we found that a short exposure to an MHC-dissimilar mare enhanced male plasma testosterone and led to ejaculates with elevated sperm numbers as compared to exposure to an MHC-similar mare. Sperm velocity seemed not affected by the treatment. Overall genetic similarity between stallions and mares (determined from polymorphic microsatellites on 20 different chromosomes) played no significant role here. The MHC type of the teaser mare also affected characteristics of cold-stored sperm after 24 and 48 hr. As expected from ejaculate economics, sperm viability was elevated after exposure to an MHC-dissimilar mare. However, oxidative stress and the percentage of sperm with a high DNA fragmentation were mostly increased after exposure to an MHC-dissimilar mare, depending also on whether the teaser mare was in oestrous or not. We conclude that males can quickly adjust ejaculate quality relative to a female's MHC, and that this male reaction to the social environment can also affect important characteristics of cold-stored semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Jeannerat
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine ISME, Agroscope and University of Berne, Avenches, Switzerland
| | - E Marti
- Department of Clinical Research, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | - C Berney
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - F Janett
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - H Bollwein
- Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - H Sieme
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - D Burger
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine ISME, Agroscope and University of Berne, Avenches, Switzerland
| | - C Wedekind
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Vaz RP, Cardoso A, Serrão P, Pereira PA, Madeira MD. Chronic stress leads to long-lasting deficits in olfactory-guided behaviors, and to neuroplastic changes in the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract. Horm Behav 2018; 98:130-144. [PMID: 29277699 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A recent study reported that the integrity of the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract (nLOT) is required for normal olfaction and for the display of odor-driven behaviors that are critical for species survival and reproduction. In addition to being bi-directionally connected with a key element of the neural circuitry that mediates stress response, the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala, the nLOT is a potential target for glucocorticoids as its cells express glucocorticoid receptors. Herein, we have addressed this hypothesis by exploring, first, if chronic variable stress (CVS) disrupts odor detection and discrimination, and innate olfactory-driven behaviors, namely predator avoidance, sexual behavior and aggression in male rats. Next, we examined if CVS alters the nLOT structure and if such changes can be ascribed to stress-induced effects on the activity of the main output neurons, which are glutamatergic, and/or of local GABAergic interneurons. Finally, we analyzed if the stress-induced changes are transient or, conversely, persist after cessation of CVS exposure. Our data demonstrate that CVS leads to severe olfactory deficits with inability to detect and discriminate between odors and to innately avoid predator odors. No effects of CVS on sexual and aggressive behaviors were observed. Results also showed that CVS leads to somatic hypertrophy of pyramidal glutamatergic neurons, which likely results from neuronal disinhibition consequent to the loss of inhibitory inputs mediated by GABAergic interneurons. Most of the CVS-induced effects persist beyond a 4-week stress-free period, suggesting long-lasting effects of chronic stress on the structure and function of the olfactory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo P Vaz
- Unit of Anatomy - Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Otorhinolaryngology Department, Centro Hospitalar S. João, EPE, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Armando Cardoso
- Unit of Anatomy - Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula Serrão
- Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics - Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal; MedInUP - Center for Drug Discovery and Innovative Medicines, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Pedro A Pereira
- Unit of Anatomy - Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
| | - M Dulce Madeira
- Unit of Anatomy - Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
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Lenschow M, Cordel M, Pokorny T, Mair MM, Hofferberth J, Ruther J. The Post-mating Switch in the Pheromone Response of Nasonia Females Is Mediated by Dopamine and Can Be Reversed by Appetitive Learning. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:14. [PMID: 29441003 PMCID: PMC5797616 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The olfactory sense is of crucial importance for animals, but their response to chemical stimuli is plastic and depends on their physiological state and prior experience. In many insect species, mating status influences the response to sex pheromones, but the underlying neuromodulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. After mating, females of the parasitic wasp Nasonia vitripennis are no longer attracted to the male sex pheromone. Here we show that this post-mating behavioral switch is mediated by dopamine (DA). Females fed a DA-receptor antagonist prior to mating maintained their attraction to the male pheromone after mating while virgin females injected with DA became unresponsive. However, the switch is reversible as mated females regained their pheromone preference after appetitive learning. Feeding mated N. vitripennis females with antagonists of either octopamine- (OA) or DA-receptors prevented relearning of the pheromone preference suggesting that both receptors are involved in appetitive learning. Moreover, DA injection into mated females was sufficient to mimic the oviposition reward during odor conditioning with the male pheromone. Our data indicate that DA plays a key role in the plastic pheromone response of N. vitripennis females and reveal some striking parallels between insects and mammals in the neuromodulatory mechanisms underlying olfactory plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lenschow
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Cordel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tamara Pokorny
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Magdalena M Mair
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - John Hofferberth
- Department of Chemistry, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, United States
| | - Joachim Ruther
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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45
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Ferkin MH. Odor Communication and Mate Choice in Rodents. BIOLOGY 2018; 7:E13. [PMID: 29370074 PMCID: PMC5872039 DOI: 10.3390/biology7010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This paper details how chemical communication is affected by ecological challenges such as finding mates. I list several conditions that affect the decision to attract mates, the decision to respond to the signals of potential mates and how the response depends on context. These mate-choice decisions and their outcomes will depend on the life history constraints placed on individuals such as their fecundity, sex, lifespan, opportunities to mate in the future and age at senescence. Consequently, the sender's decision to scent mark or self-groom as well as the receiver's choice of response represents a tradeoff between the current costs of the participant's own survival and future reproduction against that of reproducing now. The decision to scent nark and the response to the scent mark of opposite-sex conspecifics should maximize the fitness of the participants in that context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael H Ferkin
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38017, USA.
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46
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Jennings KJ, Chasles M, Cho H, Mikkelsen J, Bentley G, Keller M, Kriegsfeld LJ. The Preoptic Area and the RFamide-Related Peptide Neuronal System Gate Seasonal Changes in Chemosensory Processing. Integr Comp Biol 2017; 57:1055-1065. [PMID: 28985371 PMCID: PMC6251579 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icx099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Males of many species rely on chemosensory information for social communication. In male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), as in many species, female chemosignals potently stimulate sexual behavior and a concurrent, rapid increase in circulating luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T). However, under winter-like, short-day (SD) photoperiods, when Syrian hamsters are reproductively quiescent, these same female chemosignals fail to elicit behavioral or hormonal responses, even after T replacement. It is currently unknown where in the brain chemosensory processing is gated in a seasonally dependent manner such that reproductive responses are only displayed during the appropriate breeding season. The goal of the present study was to determine where this gating occurred by identifying neural loci that respond differentially to female chemosignals across photoperiods, independent of circulating T concentrations. Adult male Syrian hamsters were housed under either long-day (LD) (reproductively active) or SD (reproductively inactive) photoperiods with half of the SD animals receiving T replacement. Animals were exposed to either female hamster vaginal secretions (FHVSs) diluted in mineral oil or to vehicle, and the activational state of chemosensory processing centers and elements of the neuroendocrine reproductive axis were examined. Components of the chemosensory pathway upstream of hypothalamic centers increased expression of FOS, an indirect marker of neuronal activation, similarly across photoperiods. In contrast, the preoptic area (POA) of the hypothalamus responded to FHVS only in LD animals, consistent with its role in promoting expression of male sexual behavior. Within the neuroendocrine axis, the RF-amide related peptide (RFRP), but not the kisspeptin neuronal system responded to FHVS only in LD animals. Neither response within the POA or the RFRP neuronal system was rescued by T replacement in SD animals, mirroring photoperiodic regulation of reproductive responses. Considering the POA and the RFRP neuronal system promote reproductive behavior and function in male Syrian hamsters, differential activation of these systems represents a potential means by which photoperiod limits expression of reproduction to the appropriate environmental context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manon Chasles
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology Research Unit, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hweyryoung Cho
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Jens Mikkelsen
- Department of Neurology and Neurobiology Research Unit, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - George Bentley
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Matthieu Keller
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 0085 INRA, Centre Val-de-Loire, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - Lance J Kriegsfeld
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- The Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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DiBenedictis BT, Nussbaum ER, Cheung HK, Veenema AH. Quantitative mapping reveals age and sex differences in vasopressin, but not oxytocin, immunoreactivity in the rat social behavior neural network. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:2549-2570. [PMID: 28340511 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptides vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) have been implicated in the regulation of numerous social behaviors in adult and juvenile animals. AVP and OT signaling predominantly occur within a circuit of interconnected brain regions known collectively as the "social behavior neural network" (SBNN). Importantly, AVP and OT signaling within the SBNN has been shown to differentially regulate diverse social behaviors, depending on the age and/or sex of the animal. We hypothesized that variation in the display of these behaviors is due in part to age and sex differences in AVP and OT synthesis within the SBNN. However, a thorough characterization of AVP and OT-immunoreactive (ir) fibers and cell bodies across age and sex within the SBNN has been lacking in rats. We therefore quantified AVP- and OT-ir fibers and cell bodies in 22 subregions of the forebrain SBNN in juvenile and adult, male and female rats. We found numerous age (16 subregions) and sex (10 subregions) differences in AVP-ir fiber fractional areas, and AVP-ir cell body numbers, which were mainly observed in the medial amygdala/bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to lateral septum circuit. In contrast to AVP, we observed no age or sex differences in OT-ir fiber fractional areas or cell bodies in any of the 22 subregions of the forebrain SBNN. Thus, unlike the static pattern observed for OT, AVP innervation of the forebrain SBNN appears to undergo developmental changes, and is highly sexually dimorphic, which likely has significant functional consequences for the regulation of social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett T DiBenedictis
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth R Nussbaum
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Harry K Cheung
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Alexa H Veenema
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
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48
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Vaz RP, Cardoso A, Sá SI, Pereira PA, Madeira MD. The integrity of the nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract is essential for the normal functioning of the olfactory system. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 222:3615-3637. [PMID: 28424894 PMCID: PMC5676812 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1422-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The nucleus of the lateral olfactory tract (nLOT) is a relatively small component of the cortical pallial amygdala, with peculiar neurogenic, neurochemical and connectivity patterns. Although it has been suggested that it might be involved in non-pheromonal olfactory-guided behaviors, particularly feeding, the functional implications of the nLOT have never been investigated. In view of this fact, we have tackled this subject by performing a series of behavioral tests and by quantifying biological and biochemical parameters in sexually naïve adult male rats that were submitted to bilateral excitotoxic lesions of the nLOT. nLOT-lesioned rats had severe olfactory deficits with inability to detect and discriminate between odors. Additionally, they did not display innate behavioral responses to biologically relevant chemosignals. Specifically, nLOT-lesioned rats did not show avoidance towards predator odors or aggressive behaviors towards intruders, and had severely impaired sexual behavior. In fact, nLOT lesions abolished preference for odors of receptive females, reduced chemoinvestigatory behavior and eliminated mounting behavior. nLOT-lesioned rats had normal circulating levels of testosterone, did not display anxiety- or depressive-like behaviors, and had unimpaired cognitive functions and fear acquisition and memory. Altogether, our results suggest that the nLOT integrity is required for the normal functioning of the olfactory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo P Vaz
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
- Otorhinolaryngology Department, Centro Hospitalar S. João, EPE, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Armando Cardoso
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana I Sá
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Pereira
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Dulce Madeira
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal
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Differential Effects of Hormones on Cellular Metabolism in Keratoconus In Vitro. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42896. [PMID: 28211546 PMCID: PMC5314412 DOI: 10.1038/srep42896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratoconus (KC) is a corneal thinning disease with an onset commonly immediately post-puberty and stabilization by 40 to 50 years of age. The role of hormones in regulating corneal tissue structure in homeostatic and pathological conditions is unknown. Our group recently linked altered hormone levels to KC. Our current study sought to investigate and delineate the effects of exogenous hormones, such as androgen, luteotropin, and estrogen, on corneal stroma bioenergetics. We utilized our established 3D in vitro model to characterize the effects of DHEA, prolactin, 17β-estradiol on insulin-growth factor-1 and -2 (IGF-1, -2) signaling and metabolic function in primary corneal fibroblasts from healthy controls (HCFs) and KC patients (HKCs). Our data showed that exogenous DHEA significantly downregulated IGF-1 and its receptor in both HCFs and HKCs with HKCs showing consistently lower basal pentose phosphate flux. Prolactin caused no significant change in IGF-1 levels and an increase in IGF-2 in HKCs correlating with an increase in ATP and NADH levels. 17β-estradiol led to a significant upregulation in pentose phosphate flux and glycolytic intermediates in HCFs. Our results identified hormone-specific responses regulated in HKCs compared to HCFs revealing a novel role for hormones on bioenergetics in KC.
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Serotonergic neuronal death and concomitant serotonin deficiency curb copulation ability of Drosophila platonic mutants. Nat Commun 2016; 7:13792. [PMID: 27958269 PMCID: PMC5159827 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms13792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila platonic (plt) males court females, but fail to copulate. Here we show that plt is an allele of scribbler (sbb), a BMP signalling component. sbb knockdown in larvae leads to the loss of approximately eight serotonergic neurons, which express the sex-determinant protein Doublesex (Dsx). Genetic deprivation of serotonin (5-HT) from dsx-expressing neurons results in copulation defects. Thus, sbb+ is developmentally required for the survival of a specific subset of dsx-expressing neurons, which support the normal execution of copulation in adults by providing 5-HT. Our study highlights the conserved involvement of serotonergic neurons in the control of copulatory mechanisms and the key role of BMP signalling in the formation of a sex-specific circuitry. Drosophila platonic (plt) mutant males court with females but fail to copulate. Here, the authors find plt is an allele of scribbler and may disrupt courtship behaviour via developmental disruption of a subgroup of serotonergic Doublesex+ neurons in the abdominal ganglion.
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