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Surugiu R, Burdusel D, Ruscu MA, Cercel A, Hermann DM, Cadenas IF, Popa-Wagner A. Clinical Ageing. Subcell Biochem 2023; 103:437-458. [PMID: 37120476 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-26576-1_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Ageing is generally characterised by the declining ability to respond to stress, increasing homeostatic imbalance, and increased risk of ageing-associated diseases . Mechanistically, the lifelong accumulation of a wide range of molecular and cellular impairments leads to organismal senescence. The aging population poses a severe medical concern due to the burden it places on healthcare systems and the general public as well as the prevalence of diseases and impairments associated with old age. In this chapter, we discuss organ failure during ageing as well as ageing of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and drugs that can regulate it. A much-debated subject is about ageing and regeneration. With age, there is a gradual decline in the regenerative properties of most tissues. The goal of regenerative medicine is to restore cells, tissues, and structures that are lost or damaged after disease, injury, or ageing. The question arises as to whether this is due to the intrinsic ageing of stem cells or, rather, to the impairment of stem-cell function in the aged tissue environment. The risk of having a stroke event doubles each decade after the age of 55. Therefore, it is of great interest to develop neurorestorative therapies for stroke which occurs mostly in elderly people. Initial enthusiasm for stimulating restorative processes in the ischaemic brain with cell-based therapies has meanwhile converted into a more balanced view, recognising impediments related to survival, migration, differentiation, and integration of therapeutic cells in the hostile aged brain environment. Therefore, a current lack of understanding of the fate of transplanted cells means that the safety of cell therapy in stroke patients is still unproven. Another issue associated with ischaemic stroke is that patients at risk for these sequels of stroke are not duly diagnosed and treated due to the lack of reliable biomarkers. However, recently neurovascular unit-derived exosomes in response to Stroke and released into serum are new plasma genetic and proteomic biomarkers associated with ischaemic stroke. The second valid option, which is also more economical, is to invest in prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Surugiu
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
- University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Daiana Burdusel
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
- University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Mihai-Andrei Ruscu
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
| | - Andreea Cercel
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics Group, Sant Pau Hospital Institute of Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dirk M Hermann
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
- University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Israel Fernandez Cadenas
- Stroke Pharmacogenomics and Genetics Group, Sant Pau Hospital Institute of Research, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aurel Popa-Wagner
- Experimental Research Centre for Normal and Pathological Aging, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania.
- University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Baeken C, Xu Y, Wu GR, Dockx R, Peremans K, De Raedt R. Hostility in medication-resistant major depression and comorbid generalized anxiety disorder is related to increased hippocampal-amygdala 5-HT 2A receptor density. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2021; 271:1369-1378. [PMID: 33904978 PMCID: PMC8429407 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-021-01243-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are severe and difficult-to-treat psychiatric illnesses with high rates of comorbidity. Although both disorders are treated with serotonergic based psychotropic agents, little is known on the influence of the serotonergic neurotransmitter system on the occurrence of comorbid GAD when clinically depressed. To investigate this poorly understood clinical question, we examined the involvement of frontolimbic post-synaptic 5-HT2A receptors in 20 medication-resistant depressed (MRD) patients with half of them diagnosed with comorbid GAD with 123I-5-I-R91150 SPECT. To explore whether 5-HT2A receptor-binding indices (BI) associated with comorbid GAD could be related to distinct psychopathological symptoms, all were assessed with the symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). MRD patients with comorbid GAD displayed significantly higher 5-HT2A receptor BI in the hippocampal-amygdala complex, compared to MRD patients without GAD. Correlation analyses revealed that the 5-HT2A receptor BI in these areas were significantly related to the SCL-90-R subscale hostility (HOS), especially for those MRD patients with comorbid GAD. Comorbid MRD-GAD may be characterized with increased hippocampal-amygdala 5-HT2A receptor BI which could represent enhanced levels in hostility in such kinds of patients. Adapted psychotherapeutic interventions may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Baeken
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium ,grid.8767.e0000 0001 2290 8069Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZBrussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, Belgium ,grid.6852.90000 0004 0398 8763Department of Electrical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Yanfeng Xu
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Ghent Experimental Psychiatry (GHEP) Lab, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium ,grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Guo-Rong Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Robrecht Dockx
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Kathelijne Peremans
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Rudi De Raedt
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Angoa-Pérez M, Zagorac B, Francescutti DM, Theis KR, Kuhn DM. Responses to chronic corticosterone on brain glucocorticoid receptors, adrenal gland, and gut microbiota in mice lacking neuronal serotonin. Brain Res 2020; 1751:147190. [PMID: 33152342 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the stress-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis can result in disease. Bidirectional communication exists between the brain and the gut, and alterations in these interactions appear to be involved in stress regulation and in the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric diseases, such as depression. Serotonin (5HT) plays a crucial role in the functions of these two major organs but its direct influence under stress conditions remains unclear. To investigate the role of neuronal 5HT on chronic stress responses and its influence on the gut microbiome, mice lacking the gene for tryptophan hydroxylase-2 were treated with the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT) for 21 days. The intake of fluid and food, as well as body weights were recorded daily. CORT levels, expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the brain and the size of the adrenal gland were evaluated. Caecum was used for 16S rRNA gene characterization of the gut microbiota. Results show that 5HT depletion produced an increase in food intake and a paradoxical reduction in body weight that were enhanced by CORT. Neuronal 5HT depletion impaired the feedback regulation of CORT levels but had no putative effect on the CORT-induced decrease in hippocampal GR expression and the reduction of the adrenal cortex size. Finally, the composition and structure of the gut microbiota were significantly impacted by the absence of neuronal 5HT, and these alterations were enhanced by chronic CORT treatment. Therefore, we conclude that neuronal 5HT influences the stress-related responses at different levels involving CORT levels regulation and the gut microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Pérez
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States.
| | - Branislava Zagorac
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Dina M Francescutti
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Kevin R Theis
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States; Perinatal Research Initiative in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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4
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Tafet GE, Nemeroff CB. Pharmacological Treatment of Anxiety Disorders: The Role of the HPA Axis. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:443. [PMID: 32499732 PMCID: PMC7243209 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress in general, and early life stress in particular, has been associated with the development of anxiety and mood disorders. The molecular, biological and psychological links between stress exposure and the pathogenesis of anxiety and mood disorders have been extensively studied, resulting in the search of novel psychopharmacological strategies aimed at targets of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Hyperactivity of the HPA axis has been observed in certain subgroups of patients with anxiety and mood disorders. In addition, the effects of different anti-anxiety agents on various components of the HPA axis has been investigated, including benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). For example, benzodiazepines, including clonazepam and alprazolam, have been demonstrated to reduce the activity of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) neurons in the hypothalamus. TCAs and SSRIs are also effective anti-anxiety agents and these may act, in part, by modulating the HPA axis. In this regard, the SSRI escitalopram inhibits CRF release in the central nucleus of the amygdala, while increasing glucocorticoid receptor (GRs) density in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. The molecular effects of these anti-anxiety agents in the regulation of the HPA axis, taken together with their clinical efficacy, may provide further understanding about the role of the HPA axis in the pathophysiology of mood and anxiety disorders, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo E. Tafet
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Maimónides University, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Charles B. Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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5
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Spulber S, Conti M, Elberling F, Raciti M, Borroto-Escuela DO, Fuxe K, Ceccatelli S. Desipramine restores the alterations in circadian entrainment induced by prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:263. [PMID: 31624238 PMCID: PMC6797805 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in circadian rhythms are closely linked to depression, and we have shown earlier that progressive alterations in circadian entrainment precede the onset of depression in mice exposed in utero to excess glucocorticoids. The aim of this study was to investigate whether treatment with the noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor desipramine (DMI) could restore the alterations in circadian entrainment and prevent the onset of depression-like behavior. C57Bl/6 mice were exposed to dexamethasone (DEX-synthetic glucocorticoid analog, 0.05 mg/kg/day) between gestational day 14 and delivery. Male offspring aged 6 months (mo) were treated with DMI (10 mg/kg/day in drinking water) for at least 21 days before behavioral testing. We recorded spontaneous activity using the TraffiCage™ system and found that DEX mice re-entrained faster than controls after an abrupt advance in light-dark cycle by 6 h, while DMI treatment significantly delayed re-entrainment. Next we assessed the synchronization of peripheral oscillators with the central clock (located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus-SCN), as well as the mechanisms required for entrainment. We found that photic entrainment of the SCN was apparently preserved in DEX mice, but the expression of clock genes in the hippocampus was not synchronized with the light-dark cycle. This was associated with downregulated mRNA expression for arginine vasopressin (AVP; the main molecular output entraining peripheral clocks) in the SCN, and for glucocorticoid receptor (GR; required for the negative feedback loop regulating glucocorticoid secretion) in the hippocampus. DMI treatment restored the mRNA expression of AVP in the SCN and enhanced GR-mediated signaling by upregulating GR expression and nuclear translocation in the hippocampus. Furthermore, DMI treatment at 6 mo prevented the onset of depression-like behavior and the associated alterations in neurogenesis in 12-mo-old DEX mice. Taken together, our data indicate that DMI treatment enhances GR-mediated signaling and restores the synchronization of peripheral clocks with the SCN and support the hypothesis that altered circadian entrainment is a modifiable risk factor for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Spulber
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Mirko Conti
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Marilena Raciti
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Kjell Fuxe
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Ceccatelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Wei CL, Wang S, Yen JT, Cheng YF, Liao CL, Hsu CC, Wu CC, Tsai YC. Antidepressant-like activities of live and heat-killed Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 in chronic corticosterone-treated mice and possible mechanisms. Brain Res 2019; 1711:202-213. [PMID: 30684456 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that ingestion of specific probiotics, known as "psychobiotics", confer beneficial effects on mental health. This study investigated antidepressant-like effects and possible underlying mechanisms of Lactobacillus paracasei PS23 (PS23), live or heat-killed, in a mouse model of corticosterone-induced depression using fluoxetine as standard drug. PS23 were orally gavaged to mice from day 1 to 41 or fluoxetine from day 17 to 41 and injected with corticosterone from day 17 to 37. After the last corticosterone treatment, anxiety- and depression-like behaviors were tested within 4 days. On day 42, serum and brain tissue were collected 24 min after forced swim stress. Abnormal behavioral changes induced by corticosterone were ameliorated by treatment with live PS23 in open field and sucrose preference tests, with heat-killed PS23 in open field, forced swim and sucrose preference tests, and with fluoxetine in open field and forced swim tests. Furthermore, both live and heat-killed PS23 and fluoxetine reversed corticosterone-reduced protein levels of brain-derived neurotropic factor, mineralocorticoid, and glucocorticoid receptors in the hippocampus. In addition, live PS23 also reverses corticosterone-reduced serotonin levels in hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and striatum; whereas heat-killed PS23 reverses corticosterone-reduced dopamine levels in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. And fluoxetine normalized reduced corticosterone level in serum. These studies showed that both live and heat-killed PS23 can reverse chronic corticosterone-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and that may provide insights into the mechanism and a potential psychobiotic for depression management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Li Wei
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Chiayi University, 300 Syuefu Rd., Chiayi City 60004, Taiwan.
| | - Sabrina Wang
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Yang-Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Ting Yen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Fang Cheng
- Bened Biomedical Co., Ltd., 2F-2, No. 129, Sec. 2, Zhongshan N. Rd., Taipei 10448, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Li Liao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Chieh Hsu
- Bened Biomedical Co., Ltd., 2F-2, No. 129, Sec. 2, Zhongshan N. Rd., Taipei 10448, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Chen Wu
- Bened Biomedical Co., Ltd., 2F-2, No. 129, Sec. 2, Zhongshan N. Rd., Taipei 10448, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Chieh Tsai
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan; Microbiome Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, 155, Sec. 2, Li-Nong St., Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
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7
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Mitic M, Brkic Z, Lukic I, Adzic M. Convergence of glycogen synthase kinase 3β and GR signaling in response to fluoxetine treatment in chronically stressed female and male rats. Behav Brain Res 2017; 333:295-303. [PMID: 28729116 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence strongly suggest that impaired glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling is involved in stress-related mood disorders, and nominate GR as a potential target for antidepressants (ADs). It is known that different classes of ADs affects the GR action via modifying its phosphorylation, while the mechanism through which ADs alter GR phosphorylation targeted by GSK3β, a kinase modulated via serotonin neurotransmission, are unclear. On this basis, we investigated whether GSK3β-GR signaling could be a convergence point of fluoxetine action on brain function and behavior, by examining its effect on GSK3β targeted-GR phosphorylation on threonine 171 (pGR171), and expression of GR-regulated genes in the hippocampus of female and male rats exposed to chronic isolation stress. Stress induced sex-specific GSK3β-targeted phosphorylation of pGR171 in the nucleus of the hippocampus of stressed animals. Namely, while in females stress triggered coupled action of GSK3β-pGR171 signaling, in males changes in pGR171 levels did not correspond to GSK3β activity. On the other hand, fluoxetine managed to up-regulate this pathway in sex-unbiased manner. Furthermore, fluoxetine reverted stress-induced changes in most of the analyzed genes in males, CRH, 5-HT1a and p11, while in females its effect was limited to CRH. These data further suggest that pGR171 signaling affects cellular localization of GR in response to chronic stress and fluoxetine in both sexes. Collectively, our results describe a novel convergence point between GR signaling and GSK3β pathway in rat hippocampus in response to stress and fluoxetine in both sexes and its involvement in fluoxetine-regulated brain function in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milos Mitic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, University of Belgrade, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, P.O. Box-522-MBE090, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Zeljka Brkic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, University of Belgrade, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, P.O. Box-522-MBE090, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Iva Lukic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, University of Belgrade, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, P.O. Box-522-MBE090, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Miroslav Adzic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, University of Belgrade, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, P.O. Box-522-MBE090, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
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Waider J, Ziegler J, Lau T. Outside the brain: an inside view on transgenic animal and stem cell-based models to examine neuronal serotonin-dependent regulation of HPA axis-controlled events during development and adult stages. Stem Cell Investig 2017; 3:94. [PMID: 28078274 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2016.11.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Recently, Trista North and colleagues showed that neuronal synthesis of serotonin is an essential key process for embryonic hematopoietic stem (HPS) cell production in zebrafish. Using their experimental design, they were able to show that neuronal serotonin activates the stress-responsive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and glucocorticoid receptor activity which in turn induces HPS cell formation. In our perspective, we give a short overview on established experimental approaches for serotonergic neurotransmission in vivo and in vitro and their potential to address putative contributions of serotonergic neurotransmission to physiological processes beyond the central nervous systems (CNS). We briefly introduce common features of brain serotonin-depleted, tryptophan hydroxylase-2 knockout mice, which can be applied to investigate the contribution of brain-derived serotonin to developmental and adult physiological processes outside the CNS. These models allow to analyzing gender-specific, HPA axis-dependent processes in female and male knockout mice during developmental and adult stages. We also highlight the application of human and mouse stem cell-derived serotonergic neurons as an independent research model as well as complementary experimental approach to transgenic animal models. In case of human serotonergic neurotransmission, human in vitro-generated neurons present a very promising and highly valuable experimental approach to address characteristics of human neuronal serotonin signaling on a molecular and cellular level. The combination of transgenic animal models and newly established stem cell technologies will provide powerful research platforms, which will help to answer yet unsolved mysteries of serotonergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Waider
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Janina Ziegler
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Lau
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Loonen AJM, Ivanova SA. Circuits Regulating Pleasure and Happiness-Mechanisms of Depression. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:571. [PMID: 27891086 PMCID: PMC5102894 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
According to our model of the regulation of appetitive-searching vs. distress-avoiding behaviors, the motivation to display these essential conducts is regulated by two parallel cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical, re-entry circuits, including the core and the shell parts of the nucleus accumbens, respectively. An entire series of basal ganglia, running from the caudate nucleus on one side, to the centromedial amygdala on the other side, controls the intensity of these reward-seeking and misery-fleeing behaviors by stimulating the activity of the (pre)frontal and limbic cortices. Hyperactive motivation to display behavior that potentially results in reward induces feelings of hankering (relief leads to pleasure). Hyperactive motivation to exhibit behavior related to avoidance of misery results in dysphoria (relief leads to happiness). These two systems collaborate in a reciprocal fashion. In clinical depression, a mismatch exists between the activities of these two circuits: the balance is shifted to the misery-avoiding side. Five theories have been developed to explain the mechanism of depressive mood disorders, including the monoamine, biorhythm, neuro-endocrine, neuro-immune, and kindling/neuroplasticity theories. This paper describes these theories in relationship to the model (described above) of the regulation of reward-seeking vs. misery-avoiding behaviors. Chronic stress that leads to structural changes may induce the mismatch between the two systems. This mismatch leads to lack of pleasure, low energy, and indecisiveness, on one hand, and dysphoria, continuous worrying, and negative expectations on the other hand. The neuroplastic effects of monoamines, cortisol, and cytokines may mediate the induction of these structural alterations. Long-term exposure to stressful situations (particularly experienced during childhood) may lead to increased susceptibility for developing this condition. This hypothesis opens up the possibility of treating depression with psychotherapy. Genetic and other biological factors (toxic, infectious, or traumatic) may increase sensitivity to the induction of relevant neuroplastic changes. Reversal or compensation of these neuroplastic adjustments may explain the effects of biological therapies in treating depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton J. M. Loonen
- Department of Pharmacy, University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
- GGZ WNB, Mental Health HospitalBergen op Zoom, Netherlands
| | - Svetlana A. Ivanova
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of SciencesTomsk, Russia
- National Research Tomsk Polytechnic UniversityTomsk, Russia
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Lee MS, Kim YH, Park WS, Park OK, Kwon SH, Hong KS, Rhim H, Shim I, Morita K, Wong DL, Patel PD, Lyons DM, Schatzberg AF, Her S. Temporal variability of glucocorticoid receptor activity is functionally important for the therapeutic action of fluoxetine in the hippocampus. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:252-60. [PMID: 25330740 PMCID: PMC5189925 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the actions of antidepressants on glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signalling. To resolve these inconsistencies, we used a lentiviral-based reporter system to directly monitor rat hippocampal GR activity during stress adaptation. Temporal GR activation was induced significantly by acute stress, as demonstrated by an increase in the intra-individual variability of the acute stress group compared with the variability of the non-stress group. However, the increased intra-individual variability was dampened by exposure to chronic stress, which was partly restored by fluoxetine treatment without affecting glucocorticoid secretion. Immobility in the forced-swim test was negatively correlated with the intra-individual variability, but was not correlated with the quantitative GR activity during fluoxetine therapy; this highlights the temporal variability in the neurobiological links between GR signalling and the therapeutic action of fluoxetine. Furthermore, we demonstrated sequential phosphorylation between GR (S224) and (S232) following fluoxetine treatment, showing a molecular basis for hormone-independent nuclear translocation and transcriptional enhancement. Collectively, these results suggest a neurobiological mechanism by which fluoxetine treatment confers resilience to the chronic stress-mediated attenuation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-S Lee
- Bio-Imaging Centre, Korea Basic Science Institute, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Y-H Kim
- Bio-Imaging Centre, Korea Basic Science Institute, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - W-S Park
- Bio-Imaging Centre, Korea Basic Science Institute, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - O-K Park
- Bio-Imaging Centre, Korea Basic Science Institute, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - S-H Kwon
- Bio-Imaging Centre, Korea Basic Science Institute, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - K S Hong
- Division of MR Research, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongwon, South Korea
| | - H Rhim
- Neuroscience Centre, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - I Shim
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Centre, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - K Morita
- Department of Nursing, Shikoku University, School of Health Sciences, Tokushima, Japan
| | - D L Wong
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - P D Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan Medical Centre, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - D M Lyons
- Departments of Psychiatry, Stanford University Medical Centre, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - A F Schatzberg
- Departments of Psychiatry, Stanford University Medical Centre, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - S Her
- Bio-Imaging Centre, Korea Basic Science Institute, Chuncheon, South Korea,Bio-Imaging Centre, Korea Basic Science Institute, 192-1 Hyoja 2-Dong, Chuncheon, Gangwon-Do 200-701, South Korea. E-mail:
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11
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Belvederi Murri M, Prestia D, Mondelli V, Pariante C, Patti S, Olivieri B, Arzani C, Masotti M, Respino M, Antonioli M, Vassallo L, Serafini G, Perna G, Pompili M, Amore M. The HPA axis in bipolar disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 63:327-42. [PMID: 26547798 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide a quantitative and qualitative synthesis of the available evidence on the role of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis in the pathophysiology of Bipolar Disorder (BD). METHODS Meta-analysis and meta-regression of case-control studies examining the levels of cortisol, ACTH, CRH levels. Systematic review of stress reactivity, genetic, molecular and neuroimaging studies related to HPA axis activity in BD. RESULTS Forty-one studies were included in the meta-analyses. BD was associated with significantly increased levels of cortisol (basal and post-dexamethasone) and ACTH, but not of CRH. In the meta-regression, case-control differences in cortisol levels were positively associated with the manic phase (p=0.005) and participants' age (p=0.08), and negatively with antipsychotics use (p=0.001). Reviewed studies suggest that BD is associated with abnormalities of stress-related molecular pathways in several brain areas. Variants of HPA axis-related genes seem not associated with a direct risk of developing BD, but with different clinical presentations. Also, studies on unaffected relatives suggest that HPA axis dysregulation is not an endophenotype of BD, but seems related to environmental risk factors, such as childhood trauma. Progressive HPA axis dysfunction is a putative mechanism that might underlie the clinical and cognitive deterioration of patients with BD. CONCLUSIONS BD is associated with dysfunction of HPA axis activity, with important pathophysiological implications. Targeting HPA axis dysfunctions might be a novel strategy to improve the outcomes of BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martino Belvederi Murri
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Italy; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Davide Prestia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carmine Pariante
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sara Patti
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Benedetta Olivieri
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Costanza Arzani
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattia Masotti
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Respino
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Antonioli
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Sassari, Italy
| | - Linda Vassallo
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Perna
- San Benedetto Hospital, Hermanas Hospitalarias, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Albese con Cassano, Como, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Suicide Prevention Center, Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Suicide Prevention Center, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Italy
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12
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Waller JA, Chen F, Sánchez C. Vortioxetine promotes maturation of dendritic spines in vitro: A comparative study in hippocampal cultures. Neuropharmacology 2015; 103:143-54. [PMID: 26702943 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is prevalent in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), and cognitive impairments can persist after relief of depressive symptoms. The multimodal-acting antidepressant vortioxetine is an antagonist at 5-HT3, 5-HT7, and 5-HT1D receptors, a partial agonist at 5-HT1B receptors, an agonist at 5-HT1A receptors, and an inhibitor of the serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) and has pro-cognitive properties. In preclinical studies, vortioxetine enhances long-term potentiation (LTP), a cellular correlate of neuroplasticity, and enhances memory in various cognitive tasks. However, the molecular mechanisms by which vortioxetine augments LTP and memory remain unknown. Dendritic spines are specialized, actin-rich microdomains on dendritic shafts and are major sites of most excitatory synapses. Since dendritic spine remodeling is implicated in synaptic plasticity and spine size dictates the strength of synaptic transmission, we assessed if vortioxetine, relative to other antidepressants including ketamine, duloxetine, and fluoxetine, plays a role in the maintenance of dendritic spine architecture in vitro. We show that vortioxetine, ketamine, and duloxetine induce spine enlargement. However, only vortioxetine treatment increased the number of spines in contact with presynaptic terminals. In contrast, fluoxetine had no effect on spine remodeling. These findings imply that the various 5-HT receptor mechanisms of vortioxetine may play a role in its effect on spine dynamics and in increasing the proportion of potentially functional synaptic contacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Waller
- External Sourcing and Scientific Excellence, Lundbeck Research USA, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA
| | - Fenghua Chen
- Stereology and Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Centre for Stochastic Geometry and Advanced Bioimaging, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, DK-8240 Risskov, Denmark
| | - Connie Sánchez
- External Sourcing and Scientific Excellence, Lundbeck Research USA, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA.
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13
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Weaver ICG, Hellstrom IC, Brown SE, Andrews SD, Dymov S, Diorio J, Zhang TY, Szyf M, Meaney MJ. The methylated-DNA binding protein MBD2 enhances NGFI-A (egr-1)-mediated transcriptional activation of the glucocorticoid receptor. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:rstb.2013.0513. [PMID: 25135974 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Variations in maternal care in the rat influence the epigenetic state and transcriptional activity of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene in the hippocampus. The mechanisms underlying this maternal effect remained to be defined, including the nature of the relevant maternally regulated intracellular signalling pathways. We show here that increased maternal licking/grooming (LG), which stably enhances hippocampal GR expression, paradoxically increases hippocampal expression of the methyl-CpG binding domain protein-2 (MBD2) and MBD2 binding to the exon 17 GR promoter. Knockdown experiments of MBD2 in hippocampal primary cell culture show that MBD2 is required for activation of exon 17 GR promoter. Ectopic co-expression of nerve growth factor-inducible protein A (NGFI-A) with MBD2 in HEK 293 cells with site-directed mutagenesis of the NGFI-A response element within the methylated exon 17 GR promoter supports the hypothesis that MBD2 collaborates with NGFI-A in binding and activation of this promoter. These data suggest a possible mechanism linking signalling pathways, which are activated by behavioural stimuli and activation of target genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian C G Weaver
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Life Science Research Institute, 1348 Summer Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 0A8
| | - Ian C Hellstrom
- Lumder Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3 Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 0G4
| | - Shelley E Brown
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Sir William Oslar Promenade, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6
| | - Stephen D Andrews
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Sir William Oslar Promenade, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6
| | - Sergiy Dymov
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Sir William Oslar Promenade, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6
| | - Josie Diorio
- Lumder Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3 Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 0G4
| | - Tie-Yuan Zhang
- Lumder Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3 Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 0G4
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 0G4 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Sir William Oslar Promenade, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Lumder Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3 Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3A 0G4
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14
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Jacobson L. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis: neuropsychiatric aspects. Compr Physiol 2014; 4:715-38. [PMID: 24715565 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c130036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Evidence of aberrant hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) activity in many psychiatric disorders, although not universal, has sparked long-standing interest in HPA hormones as biomarkers of disease or treatment response. HPA activity may be chronically elevated in melancholic depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. The HPA axis may be more reactive to stress in social anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorders. In contrast, HPA activity is more likely to be low in PTSD and atypical depression. Antidepressants are widely considered to inhibit HPA activity, although inhibition is not unanimously reported in the literature. There is evidence, also uneven, that the mood stabilizers lithium and carbamazepine have the potential to augment HPA measures, while benzodiazepines, atypical antipsychotics, and to some extent, typical antipsychotics have the potential to inhibit HPA activity. Currently, the most reliable use of HPA measures in most disorders is to predict the likelihood of relapse, although changes in HPA activity have also been proposed to play a role in the clinical benefits of psychiatric treatments. Greater attention to patient heterogeneity and more consistent approaches to assessing treatment effects on HPA function may solidify the value of HPA measures in predicting treatment response or developing novel strategies to manage psychiatric disease.
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15
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Li M, Fu Q, Li Y, Li S, Xue J, Ma S. Emodin opposes chronic unpredictable mild stress induced depressive-like behavior in mice by upregulating the levels of hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Fitoterapia 2014; 98:1-10. [PMID: 24932776 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Emodin, the major active component of Rhubarb, has shown neuroprotective activity. This study is attempted to investigate whether emodin possesses beneficial effects on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced behavioral deficits (depression-like behaviors) and explore the possible mechanisms. ICR mice were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress for 42 consecutive days. Then, emodin and fluoxetine (positive control drug) were administered for 21 consecutive days at the last three weeks of CUMS procedure. The classical behavioral tests: open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) were applied to evaluate the antidepressant effects of emodin. Then plasma corticosterone concentration, hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were tested to probe the mechanisms. Our results indicated that 6 weeks of CUMS exposure induced significant depression-like behavior, with high, plasma corticosterone concentration and low hippocampal GR and BDNF expression levels. Whereas, chronic emodin (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) treatments reversed the behavioral deficiency induced by CUMS exposure. Treatment with emodin normalized the change of plasma corticosterone level, which demonstrated that emodin could partially restore CUMS-induced HPA axis impairments. Besides, hippocampal GR (mRNA and protein) and BDNF (mRNA) expressions were also up-regulated after emodin treatments. In conclusion, emodin remarkably improved depression-like behavior in CUMS mice and its antidepressant activity is mediated, at least in part, by the up-regulating GR and BDNF levels in hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Jinsong Xue
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Shiping Ma
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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16
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Schmandke A, Schmandke A, Pietro MA, Schwab ME. An open source based high content screening method for cell biology laboratories investigating cell spreading and adhesion. PLoS One 2013; 8:e78212. [PMID: 24205161 PMCID: PMC3804740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0078212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adhesion dependent mechanisms are increasingly recognized to be important for a wide range of biological processes, diseases and therapeutics. This has led to a rising demand of pharmaceutical modulators. However, most currently available adhesion assays are time consuming and/or lack sensitivity and reproducibility or depend on specialized and expensive equipment often only available at screening facilities. Thus, rapid and economical high-content screening approaches are urgently needed. RESULTS We established a fully open source high-content screening method for identifying modulators of adhesion. We successfully used this method to detect small molecules that are able to influence cell adhesion and cell spreading of Swiss-3T3 fibroblasts in general and/or specifically counteract Nogo-A-Δ20-induced inhibition of adhesion and cell spreading. The tricyclic anti-depressant clomipramine hydrochloride was shown to not only inhibit Nogo-A-Δ20-induced cell spreading inhibition in 3T3 fibroblasts but also to promote growth and counteract neurite outgrowth inhibition in highly purified primary neurons isolated from rat cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS We have developed and validated a high content screening approach that can be used in any ordinarily equipped cell biology laboratory employing exclusively freely available open-source software in order to find novel modulators of adhesion and cell spreading. The versatility and adjustability of the whole screening method will enable not only centers specialized in high-throughput screens but most importantly also labs not routinely employing screens in their daily work routine to investigate the effects of a wide range of different compounds or siRNAs on adhesion and adhesion-modulating molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andre Schmandke
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich and Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Schmandke
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich and Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Maurianne A. Pietro
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich and Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin E. Schwab
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich and Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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17
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Lau T, Heimann F, Bartsch D, Schloss P, Weber T. Nongenomic, glucocorticoid receptor-mediated regulation of serotonin transporter cell surface expression in embryonic stem cell derived serotonergic neurons. Neurosci Lett 2013; 554:115-20. [PMID: 24021805 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.08.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Depressive disorders have been linked to the combined dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis and the serotonergic system. The HPA-axis and serotonergic (5-HT) neurons exert reciprocal regulatory actions. It has been reported that glucocorticoid-glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling influences serotonin transporter (5-HTT) transcription but data also points to the fact that 5-HTT expression is regulated nongenomically via redistribution of 5-HTT from the cell surface into intracellular compartments. In order to analyze the acute effects of glucocorticoids on 5-HTT cell surface localization we differentiated serotonergic neurons from mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells derived from the C57BL/6N blastocysts. These postmitotic 5-HT neurons express all relevant serotonergic markers following the application of a growth factor-based differentiation protocol. Increasing concentrations of the GR agonist dexamethasone (Dex) resulted in enhanced, dose-dependent 5-HTT cell surface localization in the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide already 1h after incubation. Inhibition of GR function by the specific GR-antagonist mifepristone abolished the increase in 5-HTT cell surface localization. Hence, our data account for a nongenomic upregulation of 5-HTT cell surface expression by glucocorticoid-GR interaction which likely constitutes a rapid physiological response to increased levels of glucocorticoids as seen during stress. Taken together, we provide a cellular model to analyze and dissect glucocorticoid-5HTT interactions on a molecular level that corresponds to in vivo animal models using C57BL/6N mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Lau
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Biochemical Laboratory, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim/Heidelberg University, J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany.
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18
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Flandreau EI, Bourke CH, Ressler KJ, Vale WW, Nemeroff CB, Owens MJ. Escitalopram alters gene expression and HPA axis reactivity in rats following chronic overexpression of corticotropin-releasing factor from the central amygdala. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:1349-61. [PMID: 23267723 PMCID: PMC3749072 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2012] [Revised: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that viral-mediated overexpression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) within the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) reproduces many of the behavioral and endocrine consequences of chronic stress. The present experiment sought to determine whether administration of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram reverses the adverse effects of CeA CRF overexpression. In a 2×2 design, adult male rats received bilateral infusions of a control lentivirus or a lentivirus in which a portion of the CRF promoter is used to drive increased expression of CRF peptide. Four weeks later, rats were then implanted with an Alzet minipump to deliver vehicle or 10mg/kg/day escitalopram for a 4-week period of time. The defensive withdrawal (DW) test of anxiety and the sucrose-preference test (SPT) of anhedonia were performed both before and after pump implantation. Additional post-implant behavioral tests included the elevated plus maze (EPM) and social interaction (SI) test. Following completion of behavioral testing, the dexamethasone/CRF test was performed to assess HPA axis reactivity. Brains were collected and expression of HPA axis-relevant transcripts were measured using in situ hybridization. Amygdalar CRF overexpression increased anxiety-like behavior in the DW test at week eight, which was only partially prevented by escitalopram. In both CRF-overexpressing and control groups, escitalopram decreased hippocampal CRF expression while increasing hypothalamic and hippocampal expression of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). These gene expression changes were associated with a significant decrease in HPA axis reactivity in rats treated with escitalopram. Interestingly, escitalopram increased the rate of weight gain only in rats overexpressing CRF. Overall these data support our hypothesis that amygdalar CRF is critical in anxiety-like behavior; because the antidepressant was unable to reverse behavioral manifestations of CeA CRF-OE. This may be a potential animal model to study treatment-resistant psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth I. Flandreau
- Psychiatry Department, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA 92093-0804, United States,Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 404 3949147; fax: +1 619 543 2493
| | - Chase H. Bourke
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Woodruff Memorial Research Building, Suite 4000, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Kerry J. Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Dr, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - Wylie W. Vale
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
| | - Charles B. Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Clinical Research Building, 1120 NW 14th Street, Room 1455 (D-21), Miami, FL 33136, United States
| | - Michael J. Owens
- Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Woodruff Memorial Research Building, Suite 4000, 101 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
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Wu TC, Chen HT, Chang HY, Yang CY, Hsiao MC, Cheng ML, Chen JC. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist spironolactone prevents chronic corticosterone induced depression-like behavior. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:871-83. [PMID: 23044404 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2012.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Revised: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
High level of serum corticosteroid is frequently associated with depression, in which a notable HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis hyperactivity is often observed. There are two types of corticosteroid receptors expressed in the hippocampus that provide potent negative feedback regulation on the HPA axis but dysfunction during depression, i.e. the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). The balance between hippocampal MR and GR during chronic stress plays an important role in the occurrence of depression. The aim of this study is to explore if chronic corticosterone administration would induce depression-like behavior and affect the expression and function of hippocampal MR and GR, in addition to assess whether manipulation of corticosteroid receptors would modulate depressive behaviors. Hence, mice were treated with corticosterone (40 mg/kg) for 21 days followed by assessment in a battery of depression-like behaviors. The results show that chronic corticosterone-treated animals displayed an increased immobility time in a forced-swimming test, decreased preference to sucrose solution and novel object recognition performance, and enhanced hippocampal serotonin but decreased MR expression in both hippocampus and hypothalamus. On the other hand, co-administration of MR antagonist, spironolactone (25mg/kg, i.p. × 7 days) in corticosteroid-treated animals reduced immobility time in a forced-swimming test and improved performance in a novel object recognition test. In conclusion, we demonstrate that chronic corticosterone treatment triggers several depression-like behaviors, and in parallel, down-regulates MR expression in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. Administration of an MR antagonist confers an anti-depressant effect in chronic corticosterone-treated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Ching Wu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang-Gung University, 259 Wen-Hwa 1st Road, Tao-Yuan 333, Taiwan
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20
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Liu MY, Zhu LJ, Zhou QG. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase is an endogenous negative regulator of glucocorticoid receptor in the hippocampus. Neurol Sci 2012; 34:1167-72. [PMID: 23064802 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-012-1213-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus is rich in both glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). But the relationship between the two molecules under physiological states remains unrevealed. Here, we report that nNOS knockout mice display increased GR expression in the hippocampus. Both systemic administration of 7-Nitroindazole (7-NI), a selective nNOS activity inhibitor, and selective infusion of 7-NI into the hippocampus resulted in an increase in GR expression in the hippocampus. Moreover, KCl exposure, which can induce overexpression of nNOS, resulted in a decrease in GR protein level in cultured hippocampal neurons. Moreover, blockade of nNOS activity in the hippocampus leads to decreased corticosterone (CORT, glucocorticoids in rodents) concentration in the plasma and reduced corticotrophin-releasing factor expression in the hypothalamus. The results indicate that nNOS is an endogenous inhibitor of GR in the hippocampus and that nNOS in the hippocampus may participate in the modulation of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis activity via GR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-ying Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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21
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Yau JLW, Seckl JR. Local amplification of glucocorticoids in the aging brain and impaired spatial memory. Front Aging Neurosci 2012; 4:24. [PMID: 22952463 PMCID: PMC3430012 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2012.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is a prime target for glucocorticoids (GCs) and a brain structure particularly vulnerable to aging. Prolonged exposure to excess GCs compromises hippocampal electrophysiology, structure, and function. Blood GC levels tend to increase with aging and correlate with impaired spatial memory in aging rodents and humans. The magnitude of GC action within tissues depends not only on levels of steroid hormone that enter the cells from the periphery and the density of intracellular receptors but also on the local metabolism of GCs by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSD). The predominant isozyme in the adult brain, 11β-HSD1, locally regenerates active GCs from inert 11-keto forms thus amplifying GC levels within specific target cells including in the hippocampus and cortex. Aging associates with elevated hippocampal and neocortical 11β-HSD1 and impaired spatial learning while deficiency of 11β-HSD1 in knockout (KO) mice prevents the emergence of cognitive decline with age. Furthermore, short-term pharmacological inhibition of 11β-HSD1 in already aged mice reverses spatial memory impairments. Here, we review research findings that support a key role for GCs with special emphasis on their intracellular regulation by 11β-HSD1 in the emergence of spatial memory deficits with aging, and discuss the use of 11β-HSD1 inhibitors as a promising novel treatment in ameliorating/improving age-related memory impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce L W Yau
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology and Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh Edinburgh, UK
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Lingis M, Richards E, Perrone D, Keller-Wood M. Serotonergic effects on feeding, but not hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal secretion, are altered in ovine pregnancy. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2012; 302:E1231-8. [PMID: 22374755 PMCID: PMC3361981 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00582.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In ovine pregnancy, as in human pregnancy, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal activity is chronically increased. These studies were designed to test the hypotheses that expression of serotonergic genes and responsiveness to serotonin are increased in pregnancy. We tested the stimulatory effect of an acute, intracerebroventricular injection of the serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine on plasma ACTH and cortisol in ewes during late pregnancy or postpartum. We also tested the effect of lower-dose, longer-term stimulation by intracerebroventricular infusion of fluoxetine in pregnant and nonpregnant ewes over 6 days. Overall, we found that the stimulatory effect of fluoxetine on ACTH and cortisol was not significantly different between late-gestation and nonpregnant ewes, although the effect of acute fluoxetine administration was inversely related to plasma progesterone concentrations. Also, there were no differences in hypothalamic expression of the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, corticotropin-releasing hormone, AVP, the serotonin reuptake transporter, or the serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] receptors 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A) with pregnancy or fluoxetine treatment. However, chronic fluoxetine infusion reduced food intake in the nonpregnant, but not pregnant, ewes. Expression of proopiomelanocortin mRNA in the hypothalamus was reduced in pregnant compared with nonpregnant ewes. Our results indicate that pregnancy does not increase responsiveness of ACTH and cortisol to serotonergic stimulation but, rather, that progesterone reduces the ACTH response. In addition, we found a reduced ability of serotonin to inhibit feeding in the pregnant ewes, consistent with a reduction in anorexic mechanisms in the pregnant state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Lingis
- Box 100274, Dept. of Physiology and Functional Genomics, Univ. of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Dexamethasone stimulated gene expression in peripheral blood is a sensitive marker for glucocorticoid receptor resistance in depressed patients. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:1455-64. [PMID: 22237309 PMCID: PMC3327850 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although gene expression profiles in peripheral blood in major depression are not likely to identify genes directly involved in the pathomechanism of affective disorders, they may serve as biomarkers for this disorder. As previous studies using baseline gene expression profiles have provided mixed results, our approach was to use an in vivo dexamethasone challenge test and to compare glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated changes in gene expression between depressed patients and healthy controls. Whole genome gene expression data (baseline and following GR-stimulation with 1.5 mg dexamethasone p.o.) from two independent cohorts were analyzed to identify gene expression pattern that would predict case and control status using a training (N=18 cases/18 controls) and a test cohort (N=11/13). Dexamethasone led to reproducible regulation of 2670 genes in controls and 1151 transcripts in cases. Several genes, including FKBP5 and DUSP1, previously associated with the pathophysiology of major depression, were found to be reliable markers of GR-activation. Using random forest analyses for classification, GR-stimulated gene expression outperformed baseline gene expression as a classifier for case and control status with a correct classification of 79.1 vs 41.6% in the test cohort. GR-stimulated gene expression performed best in dexamethasone non-suppressor patients (88.7% correctly classified with 100% sensitivity), but also correctly classified 77.3% of the suppressor patients (76.7% sensitivity), when using a refined set of 19 genes. Our study suggests that in vivo stimulated gene expression in peripheral blood cells could be a promising molecular marker of altered GR-functioning, an important component of the underlying pathology, in patients suffering from depressive episodes.
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Masuda T, Nakagawa S, Boku S, Nishikawa H, Takamura N, Kato A, Inoue T, Koyama T. Noradrenaline increases neural precursor cells derived from adult rat dentate gyrus through β2 receptor. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2012; 36:44-51. [PMID: 21914456 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2011] [Revised: 08/18/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Several preclinical researches indicate that increased neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus might underlie the therapeutic effect of antidepressant treatment. Most antidepressant drugs have ability to increase serotonin (5-HT) and/or noradrenaline (NA) in brain, and chronic treatment with antidepressant drugs increases the number of proliferating neural precursor cells and neurogenesis in hippocampus. However, the direct effects of antidepressant drugs, 5-HT and NA on the neural precursor cells remain largely unknown. Neural precursor cells in adult hippocampus are divided into stem/progenitor cells of four types based on stages of neural development. We recently established a culture system of adult rat dentate gyrus-derived neural precursor cells (ADPs), which correspond to be type 2a early progenitor cells. Here the direct effects of antidepressant drugs of four types (fluoxetine, imipramine, reboxetine, and tranylcypromine) and two neurotransmitters (5-HT and NA) on the proliferation of ADPs were investigated. Neither antidepressant drugs of all types nor 5-HT increased the number of ADPs. On the other hand, NA increased the number and the DNA synthesis of ADPs. The effect of NA on ADP proliferation was antagonized by propranolol and timolol (β-adrenergic receptor (AR) antagonists), but not by phentolamine (α-AR antagonist), prazosin (α1-AR antagonist), or yohimbine (α2-AR antagonist). Moreover, it was antagonized by ICI 118, 551 (β2-AR selective antagonist) and salmeterol (β2-AR selective agonist) promoted ADP proliferation. These results suggest that NA might increase the proliferation of early progenitor cells in adult hippocampus via β2-AR directly, but antidepressant drugs and 5-HT do not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Masuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
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25
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Balk RDS, Silva MHD, Bridi JC, Carvalho NR, Portella RDL, Dobrachinski F, Amaral GP, Barcelos R, Dias GRM, Rocha JBTD, Barbosa NBV, Soares FAA. Effect of repeated restraint stress and clomipramine on Na+/K+-ATPase activity and behavior in rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2011; 29:909-16. [PMID: 21762772 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2011.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 06/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (LHPA) and the release of glucocorticoids are fundamental for the adaptive response and immediate survival of an organism in reaction to acute stimuli. However, high levels of glucocorticoids in the brain may produce neuronal injury and a decrease of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity, with effects on neurotransmitter signaling, neural activity, as well as the whole animal behavior. Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine by indirect actions on the dopaminergic system and LHPA axis. Its chronic use increases the body's ability to cope with stress; however, high doses can potentiate its side effects on memory, learning, and sensory motor function. The purpose of the present study was to compare the effect of repeated restraint stress and clomipramine treatment on Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity and on the behavior of male rats. Changes in the behavioral response were evaluated by measuring the memory, learning, anxiety, and exploratory responses. Our results showed that exposure to repeated restraint stress reduced levels of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase in brain structures and changed short and long-term memory, learning, and exploratory response when compared to the control group. Exposure to clomipramine treatment increased anxiety levels and reduced Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase activity in the cerebral cortex as well as short term memory, learning, and exploratory response. In conclusion, the present results provide additional evidence concerning how repeated restraint stress and clomipramine chronically administered at higher dose levels affect the neural activity and behavior of male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo de Souza Balk
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Campus UFSM, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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Anacker C, Zunszain PA, Cattaneo A, Carvalho LA, Garabedian MJ, Thuret S, Price J, Pariante CM. Antidepressants increase human hippocampal neurogenesis by activating the glucocorticoid receptor. Mol Psychiatry 2011; 16:738-50. [PMID: 21483429 PMCID: PMC3121947 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2011.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2010] [Revised: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Antidepressants increase adult hippocampal neurogenesis in animal models, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we used human hippocampal progenitor cells to investigate the molecular pathways involved in the antidepressant-induced modulation of neurogenesis. Because our previous studies have shown that antidepressants regulate glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function, we specifically tested whether the GR may be involved in the effects of these drugs on neurogenesis. We found that treatment (for 3-10 days) with the antidepressant, sertraline, increased neuronal differentiation via a GR-dependent mechanism. Specifically, sertraline increased both immature, doublecortin (Dcx)-positive neuroblasts (+16%) and mature, microtubulin-associated protein-2 (MAP2)-positive neurons (+26%). This effect was abolished by the GR-antagonist, RU486. Interestingly, progenitor cell proliferation, as investigated by 5'-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, was only increased when cells were co-treated with sertraline and the GR-agonist, dexamethasone, (+14%) an effect which was also abolished by RU486. Furthermore, the phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4)-inhibitor, rolipram, enhanced the effects of sertraline, whereas the protein kinase A (PKA)-inhibitor, H89, suppressed the effects of sertraline. Indeed, sertraline increased GR transactivation, modified GR phosphorylation and increased expression of the GR-regulated cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (CDK2) inhibitors, p27(Kip1) and p57(Kip2). In conclusion, our data suggest that the antidepressant, sertraline, increases human hippocampal neurogenesis via a GR-dependent mechanism that requires PKA signaling, GR phosphorylation and activation of a specific set of genes. Our data point toward an important role for the GR in the antidepressant-induced modulation of neurogenesis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Anacker
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Perinatal Psychiatry and Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology (SPI-lab), Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research ‘Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health', Institute of Psychiatry and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour (CCBB), London, UK
| | - P A Zunszain
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Perinatal Psychiatry and Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology (SPI-lab), Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - A Cattaneo
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Perinatal Psychiatry and Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology (SPI-lab), Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS San Giovanni di Dio, Brescia, Italy
| | - L A Carvalho
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Perinatal Psychiatry and Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology (SPI-lab), Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - M J Garabedian
- Department of Microbiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Thuret
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour (CCBB), London, UK
| | - J Price
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour (CCBB), London, UK
| | - C M Pariante
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Perinatal Psychiatry and Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology (SPI-lab), Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research ‘Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health', Institute of Psychiatry and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Shishkina GT, Kalinina TS, Berezova IV, Dygalo NN. Stress-induced activation of the brainstem Bcl-xL gene expression in rats treated with fluoxetine: correlations with serotonin metabolism and depressive-like behavior. Neuropharmacology 2011; 62:177-83. [PMID: 21740920 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying stress-induced depression and antidepressant drug action were shown to involve alterations in serotonergic (5-HT) neurotransmission and expression of genes coding for proteins associated with neurotrophic signaling pathways and cell-survival in the hippocampus and cortex. Expression of these genes in the brainstem containing 5-HT neurons may also be related to vulnerability or resilience to stress-related psychopathology. Here we investigated 5-HT markers and expression of genes for Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and apoptotic proteins in the brainstem in relation to swim stress-induced behavioral despair. We found that anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL gene is sensitive to stress during the course of fluoxetine administration. Responsiveness of this gene to stress appeared concomitantly with an antidepressant-like effect of fluoxetine in the forced swim test. Bcl-xL transcript levels showed negative correlations with duration of immobility in the test and 5-HT turnover in the brainstem. In contrast, BDNF and pro-apoptotic protein Bax mRNA levels were unchanged by either fluoxetine or stress, suggesting specificity of Bcl-xL gene responses to these treatments. We also found that the levels of mRNAs for tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2) and 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) were significantly down-regulated following prolonged treatment with fluoxetine, but were not affected by stress. Unlike TPH2 and 5-HTT, 5-HT1A receptor mRNA levels were not altered by fluoxetine but significantly increased in response to swim stress. These data show that long-term fluoxetine treatment leads to changes in 5-HT and Bcl-xL responses to stress associated with antidepressant-like effects of the drug. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Anxiety and Depression'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina T Shishkina
- Functional Neurogenomics Laboratory, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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Mostalac-Preciado CR, de Gortari P, López-Rubalcava C. Antidepressant-like effects of mineralocorticoid but not glucocorticoid antagonists in the lateral septum: interactions with the serotonergic system. Behav Brain Res 2011; 223:88-98. [PMID: 21515309 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2011.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2010] [Revised: 04/06/2011] [Accepted: 04/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The lateral septum (LS) is a limbic brain region that receives serotonergic projections from raphe neurons and participates in the modulation of stress responses and affective states. The present study determined whether mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and/or glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) located in the LS interact with the serotonergic system in the regulation of depressive-like behavior of rats subjected to the forced swimming test (FST). We also studied the effect of corticosterone release induced by the FST on MR- and GR-mRNA expression in the LS. Specifically, we studied the antidepressant-like effects of spironolactone (a MR antagonist), mifepristone (a GR antagonist), and the antidepressant clomipramine (CMI) administered directly into the LS. In addition, spironolactone and CMI actions were studied in animals with serotonergic depletion induced by dl-p-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA). Finally, adrenalectomized and Sham-operated rats were subjected to the FST to determine MR- and GR-mRNA expression in the LS at different post-FST intervals. The results showed that intraseptal injection of spironolactone, but not mifepristone induced antidepressant-like actions in the FST; this effect was blocked by pCPA treatment. CMI and spironolactone increased 5-HT concentrations in the LS of rats subjected to the FST. Increases in corticosterone release, induced by the FST, correlated with a decrease in MR-mRNA expression in the LS; no correlation was found with GR-mRNA expression. In conclusion, MRs in the lateral septum, but not GRs, participate in the regulation of depressive-like behavior of animals subjected to the FST. Both serotonin and corticosterone play an important role in MR actions in the LS.
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Anacker C, Zunszain PA, Carvalho LA, Pariante CM. The glucocorticoid receptor: pivot of depression and of antidepressant treatment? Psychoneuroendocrinology 2011; 36:415-25. [PMID: 20399565 PMCID: PMC3513407 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 414] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2010] [Revised: 03/11/2010] [Accepted: 03/18/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hyperactivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and increased levels of glucocorticoid hormones in patients with depression have mostly been ascribed to impaired feedback regulation of the HPA axis, possibly caused by altered function of the receptor for glucocorticoid hormones, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Antidepressants, in turn, ameliorate many of the neurobiological disturbances in depression, including HPA axis hyperactivity, and thereby alleviate depressive symptoms. There is strong evidence for the notion that antidepressants exert these effects by modulating the GR. Such modulations, however, can be manifold and range from regulation of receptor expression to post-translational modifications, which may result in differences in GR nuclear translocation and GR-dependent gene transcription. The idea that the therapeutic action of antidepressants is mediated, at least in part, by restoring GR function, is consistent with studies showing that decreased GR function contributes to HPA axis hyperactivity and to the development of depressive symptoms. Conversely, excessive glucocorticoid signalling, which requires an active GR, is associated with functional impairments in the depressed brain, especially in the hippocampus, where it results in reduced neurogenesis and impaired neuroplasticity. In this review, we will focus on the GR as a key player in the precipitation, development and resolution of depression. We will discuss potential explanations for the apparent controversy between glucocorticoid resistance and the detrimental effects of excessive glucocorticoid signalling. We will review some of the evidence for modulation of the GR by antidepressants and we will provide further insight into how antidepressants may regulate the GR to overcome depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Anacker
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour (CCBB), Department of Psychological Medicine, Section of Perinatal Psychiatry & Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology (SPI-lab), 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK.
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30
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Pilipović I, Kosec D, Radojević K, Perisić M, Pesić V, Stojić-Vukanić Z, Leposavi G. Glucocorticoids, master modulators of the thymic catecholaminergic system? Braz J Med Biol Res 2010; 43:279-84. [PMID: 20401436 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2010007500005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2009] [Accepted: 01/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that the major mediators of stress, i.e., catecholamines and glucocorticoids, play an important role in modulating thymopoiesis and consequently immune responses. Furthermore, there are data suggesting that glucocorticoids influence catecholamine action. Therefore, to assess the putative relevance of glucocorticoid-catecholamine interplay in the modulation of thymopoiesis we analyzed thymocyte differentiation/maturation in non-adrenalectomized and andrenalectomized rats subjected to treatment with propranolol (0.4 mg.100 g body weight-1.day-1) for 4 days. The effects of beta-adrenoceptor blockade on thymopoiesis in non-adrenalectomized rats differed not only quantitatively but also qualitatively from those in adrenalectomized rats. In adrenalectomized rats, besides a more efficient thymopoiesis [judged by a more pronounced increase in the relative proportion of the most mature single-positive TCRalphabetahigh thymocytes as revealed by two-way ANOVA; for CD4+CD8- F (1,20) = 10.92, P < 0.01; for CD4-CD8+ F (1,20) = 7.47, P < 0.05], a skewed thymocyte maturation towards the CD4-CD8+ phenotype, and consequently a diminished CD4+CD8-/CD4-CD8+ mature TCRalphabetahigh thymocyte ratio (3.41 +/- 0.21 in non-adrenalectomized rats vs 2.90 +/- 0.31 in adrenalectomized rats, P < 0.05) were found. Therefore, we assumed that catecholaminergic modulation of thymopoiesis exhibits a substantial degree of glucocorticoid-dependent plasticity. Given that glucocorticoids, apart from catecholamine synthesis, influence adrenoceptor expression, we also hypothesized that the lack of adrenal glucocorticoids affected not only beta-adrenoceptor- but also alpha-adrenoceptor-mediated modulation of thymopoiesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Pilipović
- Immunology Research Centre "Branislav Janković", Institute of Virology, Vaccines and Sera "Torlak", Belgrade, Serbia
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Clomipramine Treatment and Repeated Restraint Stress Alter Parameters of Oxidative Stress in Brain Regions of Male Rats. Neurochem Res 2010; 35:1761-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-010-0240-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Carvalho LA, Garner BA, Dew T, Fazakerley H, Pariante CM. Antidepressants, but not antipsychotics, modulate GR function in human whole blood: an insight into molecular mechanisms. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2010; 20:379-87. [PMID: 20231081 PMCID: PMC2982744 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2010.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2009] [Revised: 02/05/2010] [Accepted: 02/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies have demonstrated an impairment of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with major depression (GR resistance), and its resolution by antidepressant treatment. Recently, we showed that this impairment is indeed due to a dysfunction of GR in depressed patients (Carvalho et al., 2009), and that the ability of the antidepressant clomipramine to decrease GR function in peripheral blood cells is impaired in patients with major depression who are clinically resistant to treatment (Carvalho et al. 2008). To further investigate the effect of antidepressants on GR function in humans, we have compared the effect of the antidepressants clomipramine, amytriptiline, sertraline, paroxetine and venlafaxine, and of the antipsychotics, haloperidol and risperidone, on GR function in peripheral blood cells from healthy volunteers (n=33). GR function was measured by glucocorticoid inhibition of lypopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Compared to vehicle-treated cells, all antidepressants inhibited dexamethasone (DEX, 10-100nM) inhibition of LPS-stimulated IL-6 levels (p values ranging from 0.007 to 0.1). This effect was specific to antidepressants, as antipsychotics had no effect on DEX-inhibition of LPS-stimulated IL-6 levels. The phosphodiesterase (PDE) type 4 inhibitor, rolipram, potentiated the effect of antidepressants on GR function, while the GR antagonist, RU-486, inhibited the effect of antidepressants on GR function. These findings indicate that the effect of antidepressants on GR function are specific for this class of psychotropic drugs, and involve second messenger pathways relevant to GR function and inflammation. Furthermore, it also points towards a possible mechanism by which one maybe able to overcome treatment-resistant depression. Research in this field will lead to new insights into the pathophysiology and treatment of affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A Carvalho
- Section of Perinatal Psychiatry & Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK.
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Munier M, Meduri G, Viengchareun S, Leclerc P, Le Menuet D, Lombès M. Regulation of mineralocorticoid receptor expression during neuronal differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells. Endocrinology 2010; 151:2244-54. [PMID: 20207834 PMCID: PMC3107824 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) plays a critical role in brain function. However, the regulatory mechanisms controlling neuronal MR expression that constitutes a key element of the hormonal response are currently unknown. Two alternative P1 and P2 promoters drive human MR gene transcription. To examine promoter activities and their regulation during neuronal differentiation and in mature neurons, we generated stably transfected recombinant murine embryonic stem cell (ES) lines, namely P1-GFP and P2-GFP, in which each promoter drove the expression of the reporter gene green fluorescent protein (GFP). An optimized protocol, using embryoid bodies and retinoic acid, permitted us to obtain a reproducible neuronal differentiation as revealed by the decrease in phosphatase alkaline activity, the concomitant appearance of morphological changes (neurites), and the increase in the expression of neuronal markers (nestin, beta-tubulin III, and microtubule-associated protein-2) as demonstrated by immunocytochemistry and quantitative PCR. Using these cell-based models, we showed that MR expression increased by 5-fold during neuronal differentiation, MR being preferentially if not exclusively expressed in mature neurons. Although the P2 promoter was always weaker than the P1 promoter during neuronal differentiation, their activities increased by 7- and 5-fold, respectively, and correlated with MR expression. Finally, although progesterone and dexamethasone were ineffective, aldosterone stimulated both P1 and P2 activity and MR expression, an effect that was abrogated by knockdown of MR by small interfering RNA. In conclusion, we provide evidence for a tight transcriptional control of MR expression during neuronal differentiation. Given the neuroprotective and antiapoptotic role proposed for MR, the neuronal differentiation of ES cell lines opens potential therapeutic perspectives in neurological and psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Munier
- Récepteurs stéroïdiens : physiopathologie endocrinienne et métabolique
INSERM : U693IFR93Université Paris Sud - Paris XIFaculté de médecine 63, Rue Gabriel Peri 94276 Le Kremlin Bicêtre,FR
| | - Geri Meduri
- Récepteurs stéroïdiens : physiopathologie endocrinienne et métabolique
INSERM : U693IFR93Université Paris Sud - Paris XIFaculté de médecine 63, Rue Gabriel Peri 94276 Le Kremlin Bicêtre,FR
- Service de génétique moléculaire, pharmacogénétique et hormonologie
Assistance publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)Hôpital BicêtreUniversité Paris Sud - Paris XI78, rue du Général Leclerc 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre,FR
| | - Say Viengchareun
- Récepteurs stéroïdiens : physiopathologie endocrinienne et métabolique
INSERM : U693IFR93Université Paris Sud - Paris XIFaculté de médecine 63, Rue Gabriel Peri 94276 Le Kremlin Bicêtre,FR
| | - Phillipe Leclerc
- IFR de Bicêtre
INSERM : IFR93Assistance publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)Université Paris Sud - Paris XIBatiment Inserm Gregory Pincus PARIS XI 80, Rue du General Leclerc 94276 Le Kremlin Bicêtre CEDEX,FR
| | - Damien Le Menuet
- Récepteurs stéroïdiens : physiopathologie endocrinienne et métabolique
INSERM : U693IFR93Université Paris Sud - Paris XIFaculté de médecine 63, Rue Gabriel Peri 94276 Le Kremlin Bicêtre,FR
| | - Marc Lombès
- Récepteurs stéroïdiens : physiopathologie endocrinienne et métabolique
INSERM : U693IFR93Université Paris Sud - Paris XIFaculté de médecine 63, Rue Gabriel Peri 94276 Le Kremlin Bicêtre,FR
- Service d'Endocrinologie et Maladies de la reproduction
Assistance publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP)Hôpital BicêtreLe Kremlin Bicêtre 94275,FR
- * Correspondence should be adressed to: Marc Lombès
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Elaković I, Vasiljević D, Adzic M, Djordjevic A, Djordjevic J, Radojcić M, Matić G. Sexually dimorphic functional alterations of rat hepatic glucocorticoid receptor in response to fluoxetine. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 632:79-85. [PMID: 20122922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Revised: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Gender-related differences in the expression and functional properties of the hepatic glucocorticoid receptor were studied before and after antidepressant fluoxetine administration to both unstressed and rats exposed to a chronic social isolation stress. Some of the receptor's functional properties, including hormone-binding capacity (B(max)), hormone-binding potency (B(max)/K(D) ratio) and the DNA-binding ability, were found to be sexually dimorphic. Fluoxetine treatment (5mg/kg body mass, 21day, intraperitoneally) induced a decrease in B(max) and in the amount of Hsp70 co-immunoprecipitated with the glucocorticoid receptor only in males, and stimulated the association of the receptor with Hsp90 in females. When applied during the last three weeks of the 6-week isolation, fluoxetine parallelly elevated B(max) and the receptor protein level in female animals, while in males diminished B(max) and inhibited association of the receptor with Hsp70. Binding of dexamethasone-receptor complexes both to DNA-cellulose and to isolated liver nuclei did not appear to be a target for fluoxetine action. The results point to sex-related differences in the glucocorticoid receptor functioning and in its response to fluoxetine, and suggest that these differences may contribute to well known sexual dimorphism in the sensitivity to stress, to stress-related disorders and to antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Elaković
- University of Belgrade Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stanković", Department of Biochemistry, Serbia
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Kinjo T, Kowalczyk P, Kowalczyk M, Walaszek Z, Nishimaki T, Slaga TJ, Hanausek M. Desipramine inhibits the growth of a mouse skin squamous cell carcinoma cell line and affects glucocorticoid receptor-mediated transcription. Mol Carcinog 2009; 48:1123-30. [PMID: 19575421 DOI: 10.1002/mc.20564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of tricyclic antidepressant desipramine (DMI) on the growth inhibition and translocation of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus in cancerous and noncancerous cell lines and the effect of DMI on GR-mediated transcription. Nontumorigenic, immortalized keratinocytes cell line (3PC), papilloma (MT1/2), and squamous cell carcinoma (Ca3/7) cell lines were initially used to study the cell growth inhibition by DMI. Although, the growth of all three cell lines was suppressed by DMI, it was more effective in Ca3/7 cells. Therefore, we next examined the effect of DMI on Ca3/7 cells, resistant to growth inhibition by the synthetic glucocorticoid fluocinolone acetonide (FA). DMI inhibited cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner. The translocation of GR was induced by FA alone, DMI alone, and combination of both agents. FA induced GR-mediated transcription in Ca3/7 cells transfected with a luciferase reporter gene under the control of glucocorticoid response element (GRE), but DMI alone did not affect GR-mediated transcription. However, DMI inhibited FA-induced, GR-mediated transcription when both agents were given together. Pretreatment with DMI followed by combination of DMI and FA decreased GR-mediated transcription more than pretreatment with FA. The expression of metallothionein-1 (Mt-1) gene, which is regulated by GR, was induced significantly by the combination of DMI and FA, and enhanced significantly by pretreatment with FA but not DMI. DMI is suggested to inhibit the growth of Ca3/7 cells and to affect GR-mediated transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Kinjo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA
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Shishkina GT, Kalinina TS, Dygalo NN. Serotonergic changes produced by repeated exposure to forced swimming: correlation with behavior. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1148:148-53. [PMID: 19120103 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1410.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Repeated forced swim resulted in a decrease in the concentrations of serotonin (5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the hypothalamus and amygdala 24 h after the second swim session. This stressor also increased the mRNA levels for tryptophan hydroxylase-2, the rate-limiting enzyme in neuronal 5-HT synthesis, and 5-HT transporter in the midbrain as well as 5-HT1A receptor in the frontal cortex. Some of these serotonergic changes may be involved in the mechanisms of a depressive-like behavior induced by a stress of repeated swim in these animals.
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Abstract
Clinical studies have demonstrated an impairment of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated negative feedback on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with major depression (GR resistance), and its resolution by antidepressant treatment. Accordingly, reduced GR function has also been demonstrated in vitro, in peripheral tissues of depressed patients, as shown by reduced sensitivity to the effects of glucocorticoids on immune and metabolic functions. We and others have shown that antidepressants in vitro are able to modulate GR mRNA expression, GR protein level and GR function. This paper reviews the in vitro studies that have examined the effect of antidepressants on GR expression, number and function in human and animal cell lines, and the possible molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Antidepressants are shown to both increase and decrease GR function in vitro, based on different experimental conditions. Specifically, increased GR function is likely to be mediated by an increased intracellular concentration of glucocorticoids, while decreased GR function seems to be the consequence of GR downregulation. We suggest that the study of the effects of antidepressants on glucocorticoid function might help clarify the therapeutic action of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia A Carvalho
- Section and Laboratory of Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology, Division of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.
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Viana A, Rates S, Naudin B, Janin F, Costentin J, do Rego JC. Effects of acute or 3-day treatments of Hypericum caprifoliatum Cham. & Schltdt. (Guttiferae) extract or of two established antidepressants on basal and stress-induced increase in serum and brain corticosterone levels. J Psychopharmacol 2008; 22:681-90. [PMID: 18308787 DOI: 10.1177/0269881107082898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Since depressive patients present alterations in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that are normalised by antidepressants, this HPA axis has been considered as a target of their actions. We have investigated the mechanism of action of a cyclohexane extract of Hypericum caprifoliatum (HCP), which displays antidepressant like activity, by studying, in mice, the influence of HCP and of two established antidepressant drugs, imipramine and bupropion, administered either acutely or semi-chronically (once a day, three consecutive days), on serum and brain cortex corticosterone levels, either in basal conditions or shortly after a forced-swimming session (FSS). Administered acutely, imipramine (20 mg/kg, per os (p.o.)), bupropion (30 mg/kg, p.o.) and HCP (360 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the immobility time and had no effects on FSS-induced increase of serum and cortical corticosterone levels. Conversely, 3 days repeated treatment with imipramine or bupropion resulted in a significant reduction of immobility time and FSS-induced increase of serum and cortical corticosterone levels. In a different way, repeated treatment with HCP significantly reduced the immobility time and only cortical corticosterone levels in stressed mice. These results indicate that short-term treatments with antidepressants are sufficient to induce modifications in the HPA axis reactivity to stress; and that apparently HCP has an influence on corticosterone levels by a mechanism diverse from the other tested antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Af Viana
- Unité de Neuropsychopharmacologie Expérimentale, Faculté de Médecine and Pharmacie, Rouen Cedex, France
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39
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Macedo JA, Hesse J, Turner JD, Meyer J, Hellhammer DH, Muller CP. Glucocorticoid sensitivity in fibromyalgia patients: decreased expression of corticosteroid receptors and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2008; 33:799-809. [PMID: 18468809 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2008.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2007] [Revised: 03/17/2008] [Accepted: 03/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In fibromyalgia (FM) patients, differences in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) affinity and disturbances associated with loss of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis resiliency have been observed. Based on these studies, we investigated whether FM would be associated with abnormalities in glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity. Salivary and blood samples were collected from 27 FM patients and 29 healthy controls. Total plasma cortisol and salivary free cortisol were quantified by ELISA and time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay, respectively. GR sensitivity to dexamethasone was evaluated through IL-6 inhibition in stimulated whole blood. The corticosteroid receptors, GR alpha and mineralocorticoid receptor, as well as the glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) and the FK506 binding protein 5 mRNA expression were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by real-time RT-PCR. Furthermore, the corticosteroid receptors were analysed for polymorphism. We observed lower basal plasma cortisol levels (borderline statistical significance) and a lower expression of corticosteroid receptors and GILZ in FM patients when compared to healthy controls. The MR rs5522 (I180V) minor allele was found more often in FM patients than in controls and this variant was recently associated with a mild loss of receptor function. The lower GR and MR expression and possibly the reduced MR function may be associated with an impaired function of the HPA axis in these patients which, compounded by lower anti-inflammatory mediators, may sustain some of symptoms that contribute to the clinical picture of the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana A Macedo
- Institute of Immunology, Laboratoire National de Santé, 20A rue Auguste Lumière, L-1011, Luxembourg
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Yau JLW, Noble J, Thomas S, Kerwin R, Morgan PE, Lightman S, Seckl JR, Pariante CM. The antidepressant desipramine requires the ABCB1 (Mdr1)-type p-glycoprotein to upregulate the glucocorticoid receptor in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2007; 32:2520-9. [PMID: 17356567 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms by which antidepressants regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis are still unknown. The ABCB1-type multiple drug resistance (MDR) p-glycoprotein (PGP) regulates the HPA axis by limiting the access of glucocorticoids to the brain in mice and humans. Previous work in cell cultures has found that antidepressants enhance glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function in vitro by inhibiting MDR PGP, and therefore by increasing the intracellular concentration of glucocorticoids-but this model has never been tested directly in animals. Here, the tricyclic antidepressant, desipramine (20 mg/kg/day, i.p., for seven days), was administered to abcb1ab MDR PGP knockout mice (congenic on the FVB/N background strain) and to FVB/N controls. The hippocampal mRNA expression of GR, mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), MDR (Mdr1a) PGP, and 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) were measured, together with plasma corticosterone levels. In FVB/N controls, desipramine induced a significant upregulation of GR mRNA in the CA1 region (+31%; p=0.045); in contrast, in abcb1ab (-/-) mice, desipramine induced a significant downregulation of GR mRNA in the CA1 region (-45%; p=0.004). MR mRNA expression was unaltered. Desipramine decreased corticosterone levels in both FVB/N controls and in abcb1ab (-/-) mice, but in abcb1ab (-/-) mice the effects were smaller. Specifically, in FVB/N controls (but not in abcb1ab (-/-) mice), desipramine reduced corticosterone levels not only compared with saline-treated mice but also compared with the 'physiological' levels of untreated mice (-39%; p=0.05). Finally, desipramine reduced Mdr1a mRNA expression across all hippocampus areas (-9 to -23%), but had no effect on 11beta-HSD1 mRNA expression. These data support the notion that the MDR PGP is one of the molecular targets through which antidepressants regulate the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce L W Yau
- Endocrinology Unit, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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41
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Viengchareun S, Le Menuet D, Martinerie L, Munier M, Pascual-Le Tallec L, Lombès M. The mineralocorticoid receptor: insights into its molecular and (patho)physiological biology. NUCLEAR RECEPTOR SIGNALING 2007; 5:e012. [PMID: 18174920 PMCID: PMC2121322 DOI: 10.1621/nrs.05012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2007] [Accepted: 11/02/2007] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The last decade has witnessed tremendous progress in the understanding of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), its molecular mechanism of action, and its implications for physiology and pathophysiology. After the initial cloning of MR, and identification of its gene structure and promoters, it now appears as a major actor in protein-protein interaction networks. The role of transcriptional coregulators and the determinants of mineralocorticoid selectivity have been elucidated. Targeted oncogenesis and transgenic mouse models have identified unexpected sites of MR expression and novel roles for MR in non-epithelial tissues. These experimental approaches have contributed to the generation of new cell lines for the characterization of aldosterone signaling pathways, and have also facilitated a better understanding of MR physiology in the heart, vasculature, brain and adipose tissues. This review describes the structure, molecular mechanism of action and transcriptional regulation mediated by MR, emphasizing the most recent developments at the cellular and molecular level. Finally, through insights obtained from mouse models and human disease, its role in physiology and pathophysiology will be reviewed. Future investigations of MR biology should lead to new therapeutic strategies, modulating cell-specific actions in the management of cardiovascular disease, neuroprotection, mineralocorticoid resistance, and metabolic disorders.
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42
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Shishkina GT, Kalinina TS, Dygalo NN. Up-regulation of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 mRNA in the rat brain by chronic fluoxetine treatment correlates with its antidepressant effect. Neuroscience 2007; 150:404-12. [PMID: 17950541 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2007] [Revised: 09/01/2007] [Accepted: 10/03/2007] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2), the rate-limiting enzyme in 5-HT synthesis in the brain, is a candidate for participation in a mechanism mediating the antidepressant effect of selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine. Using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and semi-quantitative RT-PCR techniques, we have examined the effects of fluoxetine administration with drinking water (7.5 mg/kg/day) for 2, 4 and 8 weeks on TPH2 mRNA expression in the midbrain part of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and in the brainstem containing the rest of the raphe complex. Fluoxetine treatment for 4 and 8 weeks significantly increased basal TPH2 mRNA levels in the midbrain, an effect that was correlated with the appearance of antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim test. A significant induction of TPH2 and 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) mRNAs was detected in the midbrain of untreated rats 24 h after the swim test. In these animals, the swim test also produced a marked decrease in 5-HT metabolite (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)) content in the amygdala. Fluoxetine treatment for 4 and 8, but not for 2 weeks, abolished these swim-induced changes in TPH2 and 5-HTT mRNAs levels in the midbrain and 5-HIAA content in the amygdala. The results of the present study suggest that TPH2 gene expression in the midbrain part of the DRN is implicated in depression and stress response, as well as in the antidepressant fluoxetine action.
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Affiliation(s)
- G T Shishkina
- Functional Neurogenomics Laboratory, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Russian Academy of Science, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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43
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Jans LAW, Riedel WJ, Markus CR, Blokland A. Serotonergic vulnerability and depression: assumptions, experimental evidence and implications. Mol Psychiatry 2007; 12:522-43. [PMID: 17160067 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4001920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 277] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the term serotonergic vulnerability (SV) has been used in scientific literature, but so far it has not been explicitly defined. This review article attempts to elucidate the SV concept. SV can be defined as increased sensitivity to natural or experimental alterations of the serotonergic (5-HTergic) system. Several factors that may disrupt the 5-HTergic system and hence contribute to SV are discussed, including genetic factors, female gender, personality characteristics, several types of stress and drug use. It is explained that SV can be demonstrated by means of manipulations of the 5-HTergic system, such as 5-HT challenges or acute tryptophan depletion (ATD). Results of 5-HT challenge studies and ATD studies are discussed in terms of their implications for the concept of SV. A model is proposed in which a combination of various factors that may compromise 5-HT functioning in one person can result in depression or other 5-HT-related pathology. By manipulating 5-HT levels, in particular with ATD, vulnerable subjects may be identified before pathology initiates, providing the opportunity to take preventive action. Although it is not likely that this model applies to all cases of depression, or is able to identify all vulnerable subjects, the strength of the model is that it may enable identification of vulnerable subjects before the 5-HT related pathology occurs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L A W Jans
- Faculty of Psychology, Department of Neurocognition, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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44
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Cecconi D, Mion S, Astner H, Domenici E, Righetti PG, Carboni L. Proteomic analysis of rat cortical neurons after fluoxetine treatment. Brain Res 2007; 1135:41-51. [PMID: 17196950 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2006] [Revised: 11/27/2006] [Accepted: 12/04/2006] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The known neurochemical effect of most currently available antidepressants is the enhancement of the synaptic levels of monoamine neurotransmitters. However, the existence of other mechanisms has been suggested to justify the significant delay between the modulation of the monoaminergic system and the clinical effects. In order to investigate the effects of the antidepressant fluoxetine (a prototypical serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitor) and to improve the understanding of its mechanism of action, we performed a proteomic investigation in rat primary cortical neurons exposed sub-chronically to this antidepressant. Cortical neurons were treated for 3 days with 1 microM fluoxetine or vehicle. Protein extracts were processed for 2D gel characterization. Image analysis allowed the identification of six proteins differently expressed by more than 100% and seven proteins differently expressed by more than 50% (P<0.05). Nine proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Among them, cyclophilin A, 14-3-3 protein z/delta and GRP78 are involved in neuroprotection, in serotonin biosynthesis and in axonal transport, respectively. This study showed that the primary culture of cortical neurons is a suitable system for studying the effects of fluoxetine action and may contribute to improve the understanding of fluoxetine psychotherapeutic action and the mechanisms mediating the long-term effects of this antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Cecconi
- Department of Agricultural and Industrial Biotechnologies, University of Verona, Italy
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45
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Chen MJ, Nguyen TV, Pike CJ, Russo-Neustadt AA. Norepinephrine induces BDNF and activates the PI-3K and MAPK cascades in embryonic hippocampal neurons. Cell Signal 2007; 19:114-28. [PMID: 16876982 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2006.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2006] [Accepted: 05/29/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Both antidepressant treatment and physical exercise have been shown to increase circulating levels of norepinephine (NE) and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Increases in BDNF have been shown to be associated with enhanced dendritic arborization and neuronal survival, which forms the theoretical basis of the Neurotrophin Hypothesis of antidepressant action. Using isolated embryonic hippocampal neurons and immunoblotting, we show that application of NE increases BDNF and phosphorylated Trk, and that these increases can be prevented by ERK and PI-3K inhibitors. In addition, NE-induced increases in phospho-ERK2 and PI-3K were each suppressed by a PI-3K and MAPK inhibitor, respectively. Furthermore, phosphorylation of cAMP-response element binding (CREB) protein was also increased by NE and brought down to baseline levels by MAPK and PI-3K inhibitors. And finally, because both the MAPK and PI-3K inhibitors suppress phosphorylation of both TrkB (upstream) and CREB (downstream), these results indicate that NE-induced BDNF expression follows a cyclic pathway, reminiscent of a positive feedback loop. The results of this study provide an in vitro model of the intracellular signaling mechanisms activated by NE, via ligand-G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-to-BDNF-RTK transactivation, that is putatively thought to occur in vivo as a result of excitatory neural activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Chen
- California State University, Los Angeles, Department of Biological Sciences, 5151 State University Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90032, USA.
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46
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Erdeljan P, Andrews MH, MacDonald JF, Matthews SG. Glucocorticoids and serotonin alter glucocorticoid receptor mRNA levels in fetal guinea-pig hippocampal neurons, in vitro. Reprod Fertil Dev 2006; 17:743-9. [PMID: 16364229 DOI: 10.1071/rd05043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2005] [Accepted: 09/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is susceptible to programming during fetal life. Such programming occurs, at least partially, at the level of the hippocampus. The hippocampus plays a central role in regulation of the HPA axis and release of endogenous glucocorticoids, via mediation of glucocorticoid negative feedback. Fetal exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids can permanently alter glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) levels within the hippocampus, and serotonin is thought to be involved in this process. In the present study, we hypothesised that dexamethasone, cortisol and serotonin exposure would modify GR mRNA expression within fetal guinea-pig hippocampal cultures. Cultures were derived from 40-day-old guinea-pig fetuses, and were exposed to 0, 1, 10 and 100 nM dexamethasone, cortisol or serotonin for 4 days. Expression of GR and MR mRNA was examined by in situ hybridisation followed by high-resolution silver emulsion autoradiography. Four-day exposure to dexamethasone (P < 0.05; 100 nM) or cortisol (P = 0.08; 100 nM) downregulated the expression of GR mRNA within neurons. There was no change in the expression of MR mRNA levels following cortisol treatment. Exposure to serotonin (100 nM) significantly increased GR mRNA levels in hippocampal neurons. We conclude that synthetic and endogenous glucocorticoids, as well as serotonin, can influence GR expression during hippocampal development and in this way may act to permanently programme HPA function.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Erdeljan
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, ON, Canada
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47
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Funato H, Kobayashi A, Watanabe Y. Differential effects of antidepressants on dexamethasone-induced nuclear translocation and expression of glucocorticoid receptor. Brain Res 2006; 1117:125-34. [PMID: 16956592 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2006] [Revised: 06/06/2006] [Accepted: 08/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a key regulator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Mood disorder patients often exhibit abnormalities in this axis. Although the clinical benefit of antidepressants is associated with the normalization of the disturbed HPA activity by enhanced negative feedback of the HPA axis, the precise mechanism remains unknown. In order to examine the effect of antidepressants on the translocation of GR into the nucleus, we performed time-lapse observation on SY5Y cells that had been transiently transfected with plasmids expressing the green fluorescence protein (GFP)-tagged GRalpha. Clomipramine and desipramine facilitated dexamethasone (Dex)-induced GFP-GRalpha nuclear translocation. Coincubation of verapamil, an inhibitor of membrane steroid transporters, showed little or no additive effect on GFP-GRalpha nuclear translocation induced by both Dex and clomipramine. In the absence of Dex, antidepressants did not induce the translocation of GFP-GRalpha into the nucleus. Using real-time PCR, we examined the effect of antidepressants on splicing isoform of GR, GRalpha, and GRbeta in SY5Y and Jurkat cells. Incubation with paroxetine and desipramine for 48 h and 7 days increased GRalpha expression, whereas the expression of GRbeta remained stable. Antidepressants did not alter the expression of SRp30c that is associated with alternative splicing of GR transcript. Thus, antidepressants exert differential effects on the translocation and expression of GR to enhance GR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromasa Funato
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Minamikogushi, Ube, Yamaguchi 755-8505, Japan.
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48
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Turner JD, Schote AB, Macedo JA, Pelascini LPL, Muller CP. Tissue specific glucocorticoid receptor expression, a role for alternative first exon usage? Biochem Pharmacol 2006; 72:1529-37. [PMID: 16930562 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2006.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2006] [Revised: 07/04/2006] [Accepted: 07/11/2006] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The CpG island upstream of the GR is highly structured and conserved at least in all the animal species that have been investigated. Sequence alignment of these CpG islands shows inter-species homology ranging from 64 to 99%. This 3.1kb CpG rich region upstream of the GR exon 2 encodes 5' untranslated mRNA regions. These CpG rich regions are organised into multiple first exons and, as we and others have postulated, each with its own promoter region. Alternative mRNA transcript variants are obtained by the splicing of these alternative first exons to a common acceptor site in the second exon of the GR. Exon 2 contains an in-frame stop codon immediately upstream of the ATG start codon to ensure that this 5' heterogeneity remains untranslated, and that the sequence and structure of the GR is unaffected. Tissue specific differential usage of exon 1s has been observed in a range of human tissues, and to a lesser extent in the rat and mouse. The GR expression level is tightly controlled within each tissue or cell type at baseline and upon stimulation. We suggest that no single promoter region may be capable of containing all the necessary promoter elements and yet preserve the necessary proximity to the transcription initiation site to produce such a plethora of responses. Thus we further suggest that alternative first exons each under the control of specific transcription factors control both the tissue specific GR expression and are involved in the tissue specific GR transcriptional response to stimulation. Spreading the necessary promoter elements over multiple promoter regions, each with an associated alternative transcription initiation site would appear to vastly increase the capacity for transcriptional control of GR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Turner
- Institute of Immunology, Laboratoire National de Santé, 20A rue Auguste Lumière, L-1950 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
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49
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Viltart O, Mairesse J, Darnaudéry M, Louvart H, Vanbesien-Mailliot C, Catalani A, Maccari S. Prenatal stress alters Fos protein expression in hippocampus and locus coeruleus stress-related brain structures. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2006; 31:769-80. [PMID: 16624492 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2006.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2005] [Revised: 02/18/2006] [Accepted: 02/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal stress (PS) durably influences responses of rats from birth throughout life by inducing deficits of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis feedback. The neuronal mechanisms sustaining such alterations are still unknown. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether in PS and control rats, the exposure to a mild stressor differentially induces Fos protein in hippocampus and locus coeruleus, brain areas involved in the feedback control of the HPA axis. Moreover, Fos protein expression was also evaluated in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) that reflect the magnitude of the hormonal response to stress. Basal plasma corticosterone levels were not different between the groups, while, PS rats exhibited higher number of Fos-immunoreactive neurons than controls, in the hippocampus and locus coeruleus in basal condition. A higher basal expression of a marker of GABAergic synapses, the vGAT, was also observed in the hypothalamus of PS rats. Fifteen minutes after the end of the exposure to the open arm of the elevated plus-maze (mild stress) a similar increased plasma corticosterone levels was observed in both groups in parallel with an increased number of Fos-immunoreactive neurons in the PVN. Return to basal plasma corticosterone values was delayed only in the PS rats. On the contrary, after stress, no changes in Fos-immunoreactivity were observed in the hippocampus and locus coeruleus of PS rats compared to basal condition. After stress, only PS rats presented an elevation of the number of activated catecholaminergic neurons in the locus coeruleus. In conclusion, these results suggest for the first time that PS alters the neuronal activation of hippocampus and locus coeruleus implicated in the feedback mechanism of the HPA axis. These data give anatomical substrates to sustain the HPA axis hyperactivity classically described in PS rats after stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odile Viltart
- Laboratory of Perinatal Stress, JE2365, University of Lille 1, 59655 Villeneuve d'Ascq, France
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Ahmed T, Frey JU, Korz V. Long-term effects of brief acute stress on cellular signaling and hippocampal LTP. J Neurosci 2006; 26:3951-8. [PMID: 16611811 PMCID: PMC6673904 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4901-05.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2004] [Revised: 02/16/2006] [Accepted: 02/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, we reported that a brief exposure to swim stress transforms an electrically induced, protein synthesis-independent early long-term potentiation (early LTP) into a protein synthesis-dependent late LTP ["reinforcement of LTP" in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG)] (Korz and Frey, 2003). This transformation depends on activation of mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) by corticosterone, and on intact basolateral amygdala (BLA) function. Here, we demonstrate that a brief swim experience results in lasting changes in levels of hippocampal cellular signaling molecules that are known to be involved in the induction of late LTP. Within the DG, MRs were rapidly upregulated, whereas glucocorticoid receptor (GR) levels were elevated with a 3 h delay. Levels of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase 2 (pMAPK2) and p38 MAPK, as well as phosphorylated calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (pCaMKII) were enhanced shortly after swim stress and remained elevated until 24 h, whereas levels of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) remained unchanged. MR and GR were upregulated with a longer delay within the CA1 region, whereas levels of pMAPK2 and p38MAPK were rapidly increased, but the former returned to basal levels after 3 h. Levels of pCREB and pCaMKII were maintained in an enhanced state after swim stress. DG-LTP reinforcement requires a serotonergic but not dopaminergic heterosynaptic receptor activation that probably mediates the BLA-dependent modulation of LTP under stress. Thus, molecular alterations induced by specific stress resemble late LTP-related molecular changes. These changes, in interaction with stress-specific heterosynaptic processes, may support the transformation of early LTP into late LTP. The results contribute to the understanding of the rapid consolidation of cellular and possibly systemic memories triggered by stress.
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