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Kalinowski D, Bogus-Nowakowska K, Kozłowska A, Równiak M. Dopaminergic and cholinergic modulation of the amygdala is altered in female mice with oestrogen receptor β deprivation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:897. [PMID: 36650256 PMCID: PMC9845293 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28069-2] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The amygdala is modulated by dopaminergic and cholinergic neurotransmission, and this modulation is altered in mood disorders. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the presence/absence of quantitative alterations in the expression of main dopaminergic and cholinergic markers in the amygdala of mice with oestrogen receptor β (ERβ) knock-out which exhibit increased anxiety, using immunohistochemistry and quantitative methods. Such alterations could either contribute to increased anxiety or be a compensatory mechanism for reducing anxiety. The results show that among dopaminergic markers, the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine D2-like receptor (DA2) is significantly elevated in the amygdala of mice with ERβ deprivation when compared to matched controls, whereas the content of dopamine D1-like receptor (DA1) is not altered by ERβ knock-out. In the case of cholinergic markers, muscarinic acetylcholine type 1 receptor (AChRM1) and alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChRα7) display overexpression while the content of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) remains unchanged. In conclusion, in the amygdala of ERβ knock-out female the dopaminergic and cholinergic signalling is altered, however, to determine the exact role of ERβ in the anxiety-related behaviour further studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Kalinowski
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, pl. Łódzki 3, 10-727, Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Krystyna Bogus-Nowakowska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, pl. Łódzki 3, 10-727, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Anna Kozłowska
- Department of Human Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Warszawska 30, 10-082, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Maciej Równiak
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, pl. Łódzki 3, 10-727, Olsztyn, Poland
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Szczurowska E, Szánti-Pintér E, Chetverikov N, Randáková A, Kudová E, Jakubík J. Modulation of Muscarinic Signalling in the Central Nervous System by Steroid Hormones and Neurosteroids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010507. [PMID: 36613951 PMCID: PMC9820491 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors expressed in the central nervous system mediate various functions, including cognition, memory, or reward. Therefore, muscarinic receptors represent potential pharmacological targets for various diseases and conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, addiction, epilepsy, or depression. Muscarinic receptors are allosterically modulated by neurosteroids and steroid hormones at physiologically relevant concentrations. In this review, we focus on the modulation of muscarinic receptors by neurosteroids and steroid hormones in the context of diseases and disorders of the central nervous system. Further, we propose the potential use of neuroactive steroids in the development of pharmacotherapeutics for these diseases and conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Szczurowska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eszter Szánti-Pintér
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Nikolai Chetverikov
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Randáková
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kudová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Náměstí 2, Prague 6, 166 10 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (J.J.)
| | - Jan Jakubík
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (J.J.)
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Ovariectomy reduces cholinergic modulation of excitatory synaptic transmission in the rat entorhinal cortex. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271131. [PMID: 35939438 PMCID: PMC9359571 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens are thought to contribute to cognitive function in part by promoting the function of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons that project to the hippocampus and cortical regions including the entorhinal cortex. Reductions in estrogens may alter cognition by reducing the function of cholinergic inputs to both the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. In the present study, we assessed the effects of ovariectomy on proteins associated with cholinergic synapses in the entorhinal cortex. Ovariectomy was conducted at PD63, and tissue was obtained on PD84 to 89 to quantify changes in the degradative enzyme acetylcholinesterase, the vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and muscarinic M1 receptor protein. Although the vesicular acetylcholine transporter was unaffected, ovariectomy reduced both acetylcholinesterase and M1 receptor protein, and these reductions were prevented by chronic replacement of 17β-estradiol following ovariectomy. We also assessed the effects of ovariectomy on the cholinergic modulation of excitatory transmission, by comparing the effects of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor eserine on evoked excitatory synaptic field potentials in brain slices obtained from intact rats, and from ovariectomized rats with or without 17β-estradiol replacement. Eserine is known to prolong the effects of endogenously released acetylcholine, resulting in an M1-like mediated reduction of glutamate release at excitatory synapses. The reduction in excitatory synaptic potentials in layer II of the entorhinal cortex induced by 15-min application of 10 μM eserine was greatly reduced in slices from ovariectomized rats as compared to intact rats and ovariectomized rats with replacement of 17β-estradiol. The reduced modulatory effect of eserine is consistent with the observed changes in cholinergic proteins, and suggests that reductions in 17β-estradiol following ovariectomy lead to impaired cholinergic function within the entorhinal cortex.
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The Impact of Removal of Ovarian Hormones on Cholinergic Muscarinic Receptors: Examining Prepulse Inhibition and Receptor Binding. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10020106. [PMID: 32079174 PMCID: PMC7071400 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10020106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hormones, such as estrogens and progesterone, are known to exert beneficial effects on cognition and some psychiatric disorders. The basis of these effects is not fully understood, but may involve altered cholinergic neurotransmission. This study aimed to investigate how a lack of ovarian hormones would impact muscarinic receptor-induced deficits in prepulse inhibition (PPI) and muscarinic receptor density in several brain regions. Adult female rats were either ovariectomized, to remove the source of ovarian hormones, or left intact (sham-operated). PPI is a measure of sensorimotor gating that is typically impaired in schizophrenia patients, and similar deficits can be induced in rats by administering scopolamine, a muscarinic receptor antagonist. Our results revealed no significant effects of ovariectomy on PPI after saline or scopolamine treatment. Autoradiography was performed to measure cholinergic muscarinic receptor binding density using [3H]-pirenzepine, [3H]-AF-DX, and [3H]-4-DAMP, to label M1, M2/M4, and M3 receptors, respectively. We examined the amygdala, caudate putamen, dorsal hippocampus, motor cortex, retrosplenial cortex, and ventromedial hypothalamus. There were no significant group differences in any region for any muscarinic receptor type. These results suggest that removing peripheral ovarian hormones does not influence the cholinergic muscarinic receptor system in the context of PPI or receptor binding density.
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Myslivecek J, Farar V, Valuskova P. M(4) muscarinic receptors and locomotor activity regulation. Physiol Res 2018; 66:S443-S455. [PMID: 29355372 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
M(4) muscarinic receptors (M(4) MR) represent a subfamily of G-protein coupled receptors serving a substantial role in spontaneous locomotor activity regulation, cognition and modulation of cholinergic system. With increasing body of literature discussing the role of M(4) MR some controversies arose. Thus, we try here to summarize the current evidence regarding the M(4) MR, with the special focus on their role in Locomotor activity control. We review the molecular function of M(4) MR in specific brain areas implicated in locomotor regulation, and shortly in other CNS processes that could be connected to locomotor activity. We also focus on brain areas implicated in locomotor activity biorhythm changes like suprachiasmatic nucleus, subparaventricular zone posterior hypothalamic area, striatum and thalamus. Gender-related aspects and differences in locomotor activity in males and females are discussed further.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Myslivecek
- Institute of Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Valuskova P, Forczek ST, Farar V, Myslivecek J. The deletion of M 4 muscarinic receptors increases motor activity in females in the dark phase. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e01057. [PMID: 29978954 PMCID: PMC6085911 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES M4 muscarinic receptors (MR) presumably play a role in motor coordination. Previous studies have shown different results depending on genetic background and number of backcrosses. However, no attention has been given to biorhythms. MATERIAL AND METHODS We therefore analyzed biorhythms under a light/dark cycle obtained telemetrically in intact animals (activity, body temperature) in M4 KO mice growth on the C57Bl6 background using ChronosFit software. Studying pure effects of gene knockout in daily rhythms is especially important knowledge for pharmacological/behavioral studies in which drugs are usually tested in the morning. RESULTS We show that M4 KO mice motor activity does not differ substantially from wild-type mice during light period while in the dark phase (mice active part of the day), the M4 KO mice reveal biorhythm changes in many parameters. Moreover, these differences are sex-dependent and are evident in females only. Mesor, night-day difference, and night value were doubled or tripled when comparing female KO versus male KO. Our in vitro autoradiography demonstrates that M4 MR proportion represents 24% in the motor cortex (MOCx), 30% in the somatosensory cortex, 50% in the striatum, 69% in the thalamus, and 48% in the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL). The M4 MR densities were negligible in the subparaventricular zone, the posterior hypothalamic area, and in the suprachiasmatic nuclei. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that cholinergic signaling at M4 MR in brain structures such as striatum, MOCx, and probably with the important participation of IGL significantly control motor activity biorhythm. Animal activity differs in the light and dark phases, which should be taken into consideration when interpreting the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Valuskova
- 1st Faculty of MedicineInstitute of PhysiologyCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Sandor T. Forczek
- Isotope LaboratoryInstitute of Experimental BotanyAcademy of Sciences of the Czech RepublicPragueCzech Republic
| | - Vladimir Farar
- 1st Faculty of MedicineInstitute of PhysiologyCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jaromir Myslivecek
- 1st Faculty of MedicineInstitute of PhysiologyCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
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Barros LA, Tufik S, Andersen ML. The role of progesterone in memory: an overview of three decades. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 49:193-204. [PMID: 25434881 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Memory comprises acquisition, consolidation and retrieval of information. Many substances can influence these different phases. It is well demonstrated that sex hormones, mainly estrogen, impact cognitive function. More recently, progesterone has also been documented as playing an important role in cognition, since it influences brain regions involved in memory. Currently, many women are under hormone treatment, which contain progesterone to decrease the risk of development of endometrial cancer. This affords the opportunity to study the real effects of this hormonal replacement on cognition. There are many contradictory results regarding the role of progesterone in memory. Therefore, the aim of this review was to synthesize these studies using the new perspective of the influence of hormone replacement on cognition in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Barros
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Napoleão de Barros, 925, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - S Tufik
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Napoleão de Barros, 925, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - M L Andersen
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Napoleão de Barros, 925, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Zhao H, Niu Q, Li X, Liu T, Xu Y, Han H, Wang W, Fan N, Tian Q, Zhang H, Wang Z. Long-term resveratrol consumption protects ovariectomized rats chronically treated with d-galactose from developing memory decline without effects on the uterus. Brain Res 2012; 1467:67-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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9
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Stelly CE, Cronin J, Daniel JM, Schrader LA. Long-term oestradiol treatment enhances hippocampal synaptic plasticity that is dependent on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in ovariectomised female rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:887-96. [PMID: 22313316 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2012.02287.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Short-term oestradiol treatment modulates hippocampus-dependent memory and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Long-term oestradiol treatment can also enhance hippocampus- dependent memory, although the effects of long-term oestradiol treatment on synaptic plasticity are unknown. We investigated the effects of long-term oestradiol treatment on synaptic plasticity at the Schaeffer Collateral/CA1 synapse in 8-month-old female rats. In addition, we determined the role of endogenous activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in synaptic transmission and plasticity using scopolamine (1 μm), an antagonist of mAChRs. Hippocampus slices from ovariectomised rats that were treated with oestradiol-containing capsules for 5 months were compared with slices from ovariectomised rats that received cholesterol-containing capsules. Unexpectedly, scopolamine application significantly increased the baseline field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) and decreased paired pulse facilitation (PPF) in slices from cholesterol-treated rats. Baseline fEPSPs and PPF were not significantly modulated in slices from oestradiol-treated rats by scopolamine. Slices from oestradiol-treated rats showed enhanced long-term potentiation relative to slices from cholesterol-treated rats. Scopolamine significantly reduced the magnitude of plasticity in slices from oestradiol-treated rats. Taken together, these results suggest that mAChRs have a significant effect on baseline synaptic transmission through a decrease in the probability of glutamate release in slices from cholesterol-treated rats. Long-term oestradiol treatment blocks this effect and enhances theta-burst stimulation-induced synaptic plasticity in the middle-aged female rat, and this effect is mediated by activation of mAChRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Stelly
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
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10
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Buiter HJ, Leysen JE, Schuit RC, Fisher A, Lammertsma AA, Windhorst AD. Radiosynthesis and biological evaluation of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist ligand [11C]AF150(S). J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.2932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hans J.C. Buiter
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Research; VU University Medical Center; PO Box 7057; 1007 MB; Amsterdam; The Netherlands
| | - Josée E. Leysen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Research; VU University Medical Center; PO Box 7057; 1007 MB; Amsterdam; The Netherlands
| | - Robert C. Schuit
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Research; VU University Medical Center; PO Box 7057; 1007 MB; Amsterdam; The Netherlands
| | - Abraham Fisher
- Israel Institute for Biological Research; Ness-Ziona; Israel
| | - Adriaan A. Lammertsma
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Research; VU University Medical Center; PO Box 7057; 1007 MB; Amsterdam; The Netherlands
| | - Albert D. Windhorst
- Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET Research; VU University Medical Center; PO Box 7057; 1007 MB; Amsterdam; The Netherlands
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Talboom JS, Engler-Chiurazzi EB, Whiteaker P, Simard AR, Lukas R, Acosta JI, Prokai L, Bimonte-Nelson HA. A component of Premarin(®) enhances multiple cognitive functions and influences nicotinic receptor expression. Horm Behav 2010; 58:917-28. [PMID: 20849857 PMCID: PMC2982882 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2010.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2010] [Revised: 09/02/2010] [Accepted: 09/05/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In women, ovarian hormone loss at menopause has been related to cognitive decline, and some studies suggest that estrogen-containing hormone therapy (HT) can mitigate these effects. Recently, the Women's Health Initiative study found that conjugated equine estrogens, the most commonly prescribed HT, do not benefit cognition. Isolated components of conjugated equine estrogens (tradename Premarin(®)) have been evaluated in vitro, with delta(8,9)-dehydroestrone (∆(8)E1) and equilin showing the strongest neuroprotective profiles. It has not been evaluated whether ∆(8)E1 or equilin impact cognition or the cholinergic system, which is affected by other estrogens and known to modulate cognition. Here, in middle-aged, ovariectomized rats, we evaluated the effects of ∆(8)E1 and equilin treatments on a cognitive battery and cholinergic nicotinic receptors (nAChR). Specifically, we used (125)I-labeled epibatidine binding to assay brain nicotinic receptor containing 4α and 2β subunits (α4β2-nAChR), since this nicotinic receptor subtype has been shown previously to be sensitive to other estrogens. ∆(8)E1 enhanced spatial working, recent and reference memory. ∆(8)E1 also decreased hippocampal and entorhinal cortex α4β2-nAChR expression, which was related to spatial reference memory performance. Equilin treatment did not affect spatial memory or rat α4β2-nAChR expression, and neither estrogen impacted (86)Rb(+) efflux, indicating lack of direct action on human α4β2 nAChR function. Both estrogens influenced vaginal smear profiles, uterine weights, and serum luteinizing hormone levels, analogous to classic estrogens. The findings indicate that specific isolated Premarin(®) components differ in their ability to affect cognition and nAChR expression. Taken with the works of others showing ∆(8)E1-induced benefits on several dimensions of health-related concerns associated with menopause, this body of research identifies ∆(8)E1 as a new avenue to be investigated as a potential component of HT that may benefit brain health and function during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S. Talboom
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287
- Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006
| | - Elizabeth B. Engler-Chiurazzi
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287
- Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006
| | - Paul Whiteaker
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013
| | - Alain R. Simard
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013
| | - Ronald Lukas
- Division of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013
- Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006
| | - Jazmin I. Acosta
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287
- Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006
| | - Laszlo Prokai
- University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76107
| | - Heather A. Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287
- Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ 85006
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Cardoso CC, Ricardo VP, Frussa-Filho R, Porto CS, Abdalla FMF. Effects of 17β-estradiol on expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes and estrogen receptor α in rat hippocampus. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 634:192-200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2009] [Revised: 02/01/2010] [Accepted: 02/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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13
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Lewis MC, Orr PT, Frick KM. Differential effects of acute progesterone administration on spatial and object memory in middle-aged and aged female C57BL/6 mice. Horm Behav 2008; 54:455-62. [PMID: 18585714 PMCID: PMC2586174 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2008.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2008] [Revised: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 05/15/2008] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the effects of acute progesterone administration on hippocampal-dependent memory consolidation in ovariectomized middle-aged (16 months old) and aged (22 months old) female mice. Spatial memory was tested in a 2-day Morris water-maze task and object memory was tested using an object recognition task with 24- and 48-h delays. Immediately after water-maze training, mice received i.p. injections of vehicle, or 5.0, 10.0, or 20.0 mg/kg of water-soluble progesterone. Twenty-four hours later, retention of the platform location was tested. No overnight forgetting of the platform location was observed in middle-aged vehicle-treated mice. Acute progesterone administration had no effect on spatial memory in middle-aged mice. However, aged vehicle-treated mice demonstrated impaired memory for the platform location on Day 2 relative to Day 1. Twenty mg/kg, but not 5 or 10 mg/kg, progesterone reversed these deficits, suggesting that 20 mg/kg progesterone can improve spatial memory in aged females. In the object recognition task, mice explored two identical objects and then immediately received vehicle or progesterone injections. In middle-aged mice, 10 and 20 mg/kg progesterone enhanced object memory consolidation, relative to chance, after 24-h, but all doses were ineffective after 48-h. In aged mice, 10 mg/kg progesterone enhanced object memory consolidation, relative to chance, after 24 h, whereas both 5 and 10 mg/kg progesterone enhanced memory after 48 h. Together, these results indicate that acute progesterone differentially enhances hippocampal-dependent memory in middle-aged and aged females.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrick T. Orr
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Karyn M. Frick
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520
- Corresponding Author: Karyn M Frick Ph.D., Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Ave. Rm. 106, New Haven, CT 06511, Phone: 203-432-4673, E-mail:
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Norbury R, Travis MJ, Erlandsson K, Waddington W, Ell PJ, Murphy DGM. Estrogen therapy and brain muscarinic receptor density in healthy females: a SPET study. Horm Behav 2007; 51:249-57. [PMID: 17173920 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2006.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2006] [Revised: 10/23/2006] [Accepted: 10/23/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen Therapy (ET) may protect against age-related cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g. Alzheimer's disease). The biological basis for this putative neuroprotective effect is not fully understood, but may include modulation of cholinergic systems. Cholinergic dysfunction has been implicated in age-related memory impairment and Alzheimer's disease. However, to date no one has investigated the effect of long-term ET on brain cholinergic muscarinic receptor aging, and related this to cognitive function. We used Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPET) and (R,R)[(123)I]-I-QNB, a novel ligand with high affinity for m(1)/m(4) muscarinic receptors, to examine the effect of long-term ET and age on brain m(1)/m(4) receptors in healthy females. We included 10 younger premenopausal subjects and 22 postmenopausal women; 11 long-term ET users (all treated following surgical menopause) and 11 ET never-users (surgical menopause, n=2). Also, verbal memory and executive function was assessed in all postmenopausal subjects. Compared to young women, postmenopausal women (ET users and never-users combined) had significantly lower muscarinic receptor density in all brain regions examined. ET users also had higher muscarinic receptor density than ET never-users in all the brain regions, and this reached statistical significance in left striatum and hippocampus, lateral frontal cortex and thalamus. Moreover, in ET users, (R,R)[(123)I]-I-QNB binding in left hippocampus and temporal cortex was significantly positively correlated with plasma estradiol levels. We also found evidence for improved executive function in ET users as compared to ET never-users. However, there was no significant relationship between receptor binding and cognitive function within any of the groups. In healthy postmenopausal women use of long-term ET is associated with reduced age-related differences in muscarinic receptor binding, and this may be related to serum estradiol levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ray Norbury
- Psychopharmacology and Emotion Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, UK.
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Abstract
In the late 1980s, the finding that the dentate gyrus contains more granule cells in the male than in the female of certain mouse strains provided the first indication that the dentate gyrus is a significant target for the effects of sex steroids during development. Gonadal hormones also play a crucial role in shaping the function and morphology of the adult brain. Besides reproduction-related processes, sex steroids participate in higher brain operations such as cognition and mood, in which the hippocampus is a critical mediator. Being part of the hippocampal formation, the dentate gyrus is naturally involved in these mechanisms and as such, this structure is also a critical target for the activational effects of sex steroids. These activational effects are the results of three major types of steroid-mediated actions. Sex steroids modulate the function of dentate neurons under normal conditions. In addition, recent research suggests that hormone-induced cellular plasticity may play a larger role than previously thought, particularly in the dentate gyrus. Specifically, the regulation of dentate gyrus neurogenesis and synaptic remodeling by sex steroids received increasing attention lately. Finally, the dentate gyrus is influenced by gonadal hormones in the context of cellular injury, and the work in this area demonstrates that gonadal hormones have neuroprotective potential. The expression of estrogen, progestin, and androgen receptors in the dentate gyrus suggests that sex steroids, which could be of gonadal origin and/or synthesized locally in the dentate gyrus, may act directly on dentate cells. In addition, gonadal hormones could also influence the dentate gyrus indirectly, by subcortical hormone-sensitive structures such as the cholinergic septohippocampal system. Importantly, these three sex steroid-related themes, functional effects in the normal dentate gyrus, mechanisms involving neurogenesis and synaptic remodeling, as well as neuroprotection, have substantial implications for understanding normal cognitive function, with clinical importance for epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease and mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tibor Hajszan
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biophysics, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Teresa A Milner
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Division of Neurobiology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Harold and Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Csaba Leranth
- Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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16
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Mulugeta E, Chandranath I, Karlsson E, Winblad B, Adem A. Temporal and region-dependent changes in muscarinic M4 receptors in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex of adrenalectomized rats. Exp Brain Res 2006; 173:309-17. [PMID: 16676164 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-006-0490-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2006] [Accepted: 04/01/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Long-term adrenalectomy induces a dramatic loss of cells in the dentate gyrus and CA1-CA4 fields of the hippocampus resulting in an impairment of cognitive functions such as spatial learning, memory and exploratory behaviour. Muscarinic M1 and M4 receptor levels in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex of adult male Wistar rats were examined 3, 14, 30, 90, and 150 days after adrenalectomy. Receptor levels in the entorhinal cortex and the hippocampus were determined by quantitative autoradiography using 125I-M1-toxin-1 and 125I-M4-toxin-1, M1 and M4 subtype selective antagonists, respectively. Moreover, the level of hippocampal M1 and M4 muscarinic receptors were evaluated 1 month after adrenalectomy by immunoblot analysis. Adrenalectomy induced apoptotic processes were examined by analysing apoptotic markers using Western blot analysis. No significant changes were observed in the level of muscarinic M1 receptors in the entorhinal cortex, the dentate gyrus and in the different CA fields of the hippocampus of adrenalectomized (ADX) rats. However, M4 receptors showed a significant decrease in the entorhinal cortex (at 3 days), dentate gyrus and CA4 (at 14 days), CA3 (at 30 days), and CA2 and CA1 (at 90 days) after adrenalectomy. Moreover, a decrease in the level of M4 receptors was detected in ADX rats 1 month after adrenalectomy as compared with sham groups using M4 specific antibody. Apoptotic markers such as PARP and p53 were significantly increased whereas Bcl-2 marker was decreased in ADX rat brain homogenates compared to controls. Our results show that M1 and M4 receptors are differentially affected by adrenalectomy and indicate that these subtypes have different functions in the hippocampus. Our data on time and region-dependent decreases in hippocampal M4 receptors indicate that the M4 receptor subtype is influenced by adrenal hormones and suggest that the M4 receptor might be linked to memory function in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezra Mulugeta
- Section of Experimental Geriatrics, NEUROTEC, Karolinska Institute, 141 86, Huddinge, Sweden
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17
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Potier S, Sénécal J, Chabot JG, Psarropoulou C, Descarries L. A pentylenetetrazole-induced generalized seizure in early life enhances the efficacy of muscarinic receptor coupling to G-protein in hippocampus and neocortex of adult rat. Eur J Neurosci 2005; 21:1828-36. [PMID: 15869478 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2005.04026.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that exposure to the anti-cholinesterase eserine provokes interictal-like discharges in the CA3 area of hippocampal slices from adult rats in which a generalized seizure has been induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) when immature (at 20 days). Such increased responsiveness to acetylcholine (ACh) was not associated with any change in hippocampal acetylcholine or gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content, GABAergic inhibition or density of ACh innervation, but was blocked by the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine. We therefore turned to quantitative radioligand binding autoradiography, in situ hybridization and the [35S]GTPgammaS method to assess the properties of hippocampal and neocortical muscarinic receptors in adult rats having experienced a PTZ seizure at P20. The densities of M1 and M2 receptor binding sites, respectively labeled with [3H]pirenzepine and [3H]AFDX-384, as well as the amount of m1, m2 and m3 receptor mRNAs, did not differ from control in the hippocampus and neocortex of these rats. In contrast, in PTZ rats, both brain regions displayed a marked increase in [35S]GTPgammaS incorporation stimulated by ACh, bethanechol and particularly oxotremorine. This finding indicates that a generalized seizure in immature rat can entail a long-term and presumably permanent increase in the efficacy of G-protein coupling to muscarinic receptors in the hippocampus and neocortex of the adult. By analogy, such a mechanism could account for the susceptibility to epilepsy of human adults having suffered from prolonged convulsions in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soizic Potier
- Ste-Justine Hospital Research Centre & Department of Pediatrics, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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18
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El-Bakri NK, Islam A, Zhu S, Elhassan A, Mohammed A, Winblad B, Adem A. Effects of estrogen and progesterone treatment on rat hippocampal NMDA receptors: relationship to Morris water maze performance. J Cell Mol Med 2005; 8:537-44. [PMID: 15601582 PMCID: PMC6740259 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2004.tb00478.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen modulates NMDA receptors function in the brain. It increases both dendritic spine density and synapse number in the hippocampus, an effect that can be blocked by NMDA antagonist. In this study, we investigated the effect of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone treatment on NMDA receptors in ovariectomized rats. Two different doses were used for 10 weeks. Receptor autoradiography was done on brain sections using [(3)H] MK-801 as a ligand. Our results showed a significant increase in [(3)H] MK-801 binding in the dentate gyrus, CA3 and CA4 areas of the hippocampus of ovariectomized compared to sham operated rats. In addition, we observed similar changes in CA1. 17beta-estradiol treatment in both doses reduced the binding back to the normal level while progesterone treatment did not show any effect. Spatial reference memory was tested on Morris water maze task. Ovariectomy severely impaired spatial reference memory. Estradiol but not progesterone treatment significantly improved the memory performance of the ovariectomized rats. Low dose treatment showed better learning than high dose estrogen treatment. The decrease in the antagonist sites by estradiol treatment could result in an increase in the sensitivity of the hippocampus to the excitatory stimulation by glutamate system and hence the effect of estradiol on learning and memory. The changes of NMDA receptors in the hippocampus support the concept that estrogen-enhancing effect on spatial reference memory could be through the enhancing of NMDA function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid K El-Bakri
- Karolinska Institute, Neurotec, Experimental Geriatrics, KUS Huddinge B-84, S-141 86 Huddinge, Sweden.
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19
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El-Bakri NK, Islam A, Suliman I, Lindgren U, Winblad B, Adem A. Ovariectomy and gonadal hormone treatment: effects on insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors in the rat brain. Growth Horm IGF Res 2004; 14:388-393. [PMID: 15336232 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2004.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2003] [Revised: 04/27/2004] [Accepted: 04/28/2004] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Various studies demonstrate that estradiol regulates structure and function of adult neurons. Long-term effect of estradiol in terms of neuroprotection is less documented compared to short-term one. It is well documented that estradiol interacts with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) in the brain. The present study examines the effect of ovariectomy and two doses of ovarian hormone treatment on IGF-I receptor density in the adult rat by receptor autoradiography using (125)I-IGF-I as a ligand. Our result showed that ovariectomy decreased IGF-I receptor density in hippocampus, hypothalamus and parietal cortex compared to that of the sham-operated group. Treatment with low or high dose estrogen restored IGF-I receptor density to the control levels in nearly all areas studied in this investigation. It seems that low dose estrogen has more pronounced effect than the high dose in restoring IGF-I receptor density. On the other hand, progesterone treatment in high but not in low dose restored IGF-I receptor density to that of the control. These results demonstrate that both estrogen and progesterone significantly affects IGF-I receptor density in different areas of the brain. These effects indicate a dose-dependent modulator effect of ovarian hormones on IGF-I activity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid K El-Bakri
- Neurotec, Section of Experimental Geriatrics, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge University Hospital, B-84 S-141 86 Huddinge, Sweden.
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20
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Cardoso CC, Pereira RTS, Koyama CA, Porto CS, Abdalla FMF. Effects of estrogen on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the rat hippocampus. Neuroendocrinology 2004; 80:379-86. [PMID: 15741743 DOI: 10.1159/000084202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2004] [Accepted: 12/02/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether different estrogen manipulations have effects on the expression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in the adult female rat hippocampus. Hippocampus was obtained from rats in proestrus (control), ovariectomized for 2, 10 and 15 days, ovariectomized for 15 days and treated with 17beta-estradiol for 7 days, and treated with 17beta-estradiol immediately after ovariectomy for 21 days. Rats' estrogen status was monitored by measuring estradiol plasma levels and uterus relative weight. [3H]quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) binding studies indicated that ovariectomy time-dependently increases the number of mAChRs in hippocampus when compared to those obtained from control rats. Estradiol treatments for 21 days avoid the effect of ovariectomy. However, the estradiol treatments for 7 days after 15 days of ovariectomy slightly change the number of mAChRs. In conclusion, these results showed that ovariectomy time-dependently increases mAChRs number in the rat hippocampus. In addition, these data suggest that treatment with estradiol initiated within a specific period of time after the loss of ovarian function may be effective at preventing specific effects of hormone deprivation on hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila C Cardoso
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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