1
|
Li J, Jiang Y, Xue W, Liu L, Yu H, Zhang X, Ye X, Miao J, Liu J, Chen Y, Lan X, Liu X, Yao W, Sun J, Zheng J, Xiao J. Effects of transplantation of umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells into the scrotum on sexual function in elderly mice. Regen Med 2023; 18:695-706. [PMID: 37554102 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2022-0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study investigated the effect of allografting umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (UCBMCs) into the scrotum on sexual function in male elderly mice. Methods: UCBMCs were injected once into the scrotal sheath cavity of elderly mice. Results: The transplanted UCBMCs survived in the scrotal sheath cavity for 1 month. The mice had significantly increased blood testosterone concentrations, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels and total nitric oxide synthase (T-NOS) activity in the corpus cavernosum and an increase in the number of mouse matings within 30 min (all p = 0.000). Conclusion: Scrotum-implanted UCBMCs improve the sexual function of male elderly mice through testosterone production and the NOS/cGMP pathway, which may provide an innovative transplantation approach for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Medical School, Ningde Normal University, Ningde, 352100, China
- Medical School, Kunming University, Kunming, 650214, China
| | - Yinghong Jiang
- Medical School, Kunming University, Kunming, 650214, China
| | - Wei Xue
- Medical School, Kunming University, Kunming, 650214, China
| | - Lejiang Liu
- Medical School, Kunming University, Kunming, 650214, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Medical School, Kunming University, Kunming, 650214, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Medical School, Kunming University, Kunming, 650214, China
| | - Xiao Ye
- Medical School, Ningde Normal University, Ningde, 352100, China
| | - Jianrong Miao
- Medical School, Ningde Normal University, Ningde, 352100, China
| | - Jianling Liu
- Medical School, Ningde Normal University, Ningde, 352100, China
| | - Yueen Chen
- Medical School, Ningde Normal University, Ningde, 352100, China
| | - Xingbin Lan
- Medical School, Ningde Normal University, Ningde, 352100, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Medical School, Ningde Normal University, Ningde, 352100, China
| | - Wensong Yao
- Medical School, Ningde Normal University, Ningde, 352100, China
| | - Jianchuan Sun
- Medical School, Ningde Normal University, Ningde, 352100, China
| | - Jing Zheng
- Medical School, Ningde Normal University, Ningde, 352100, China
| | - Jianzhong Xiao
- Medical School, Ningde Normal University, Ningde, 352100, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Eck SR, Palmer JL, Bavley CC, Karbalaei R, Ordoñes Sanchez E, Flowers J, Holley A, Wimmer ME, Bangasser DA. Effects of early life adversity on male reproductive behavior and the medial preoptic area transcriptome. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1231-1239. [PMID: 35102257 PMCID: PMC9019015 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01282-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Early life adversity can alter reproductive development in humans, changing the timing of pubertal onset and sexual activity. One common form of early adversity is limited access to resources. This adversity can be modeled in rats using the limited bedding/nesting model (LBN), in which dams and pups are placed in a low resource environment from pups' postnatal days 2-9. Our laboratory previously found that adult male rats raised in LBN conditions have elevated levels of plasma estradiol compared to control males. In females, LBN had no effect on plasma hormone levels, pubertal timing, or estrous cycle duration. Estradiol mediates male reproductive behaviors. Thus, here we compared reproductive behaviors in adult males exposed to LBN vs. control housing. LBN males acquired the suite of reproductive behaviors (mounts, intromissions, and ejaculations) more quickly than their control counterparts over 3 weeks of testing. However, there was no effect of LBN in males on puberty onset or masculinization of certain brain regions, suggesting LBN effects on estradiol and reproductive behaviors manifest after puberty. In male and female rats, we next used RNA sequencing to characterize LBN-induced transcriptional changes in the medial preoptic area (mPOA), which underlies male reproductive behaviors. LBN produced sex-specific alterations in gene expression, with many transcripts showing changes in opposite directions. Numerous transcripts altered by LBN in males are regulated by estradiol, linking hormonal changes to molecular changes in the mPOA. Pathway analysis revealed that LBN induced changes in neurosignaling and immune signaling in males and females, respectively. Collectively, these studies reveal novel neurobiological mechanisms by which early life adversity can alter reproductive strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R. Eck
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Jamie L. Palmer
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Charlotte C. Bavley
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Reza Karbalaei
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Evelyn Ordoñes Sanchez
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - James Flowers
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Amanda Holley
- grid.411024.20000 0001 2175 4264Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Mathieu E. Wimmer
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| | - Debra A. Bangasser
- grid.264727.20000 0001 2248 3398Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122 USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Melis MR, Argiolas A. Erectile Function and Sexual Behavior: A Review of the Role of Nitric Oxide in the Central Nervous System. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11121866. [PMID: 34944510 PMCID: PMC8699072 DOI: 10.3390/biom11121866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), the neuromodulator/neurotransmitter formed from l-arginine by neuronal, endothelial and inducible NO synthases, is involved in numerous functions across the body, from the control of arterial blood pressure to penile erection, and at central level from energy homeostasis regulation to memory, learning and sexual behavior. The aim of this work is to review earlier studies showing that NO plays a role in erectile function and sexual behavior in the hypothalamus and its paraventricular nucleus and the medial preoptic area, and integrate these findings with those of recent studies on this matter. This revisitation shows that NO influences erectile function and sexual behavior in males and females by acting not only in the paraventricular nucleus and medial preoptic area but also in extrahypothalamic brain areas, often with different mechanisms. Most importantly, since these areas are strictly interconnected with the paraventricular nucleus and medial preoptic area, send to and receive neural projections from the spinal cord, in which sexual communication between brain and genital apparatus takes place, this review reveals that central NO participates in concert with neurotransmitters/neuropeptides to a neural circuit controlling both the consummatory (penile erection, copulation, lordosis) and appetitive components (sexual motivation, arousal, reward) of sexual behavior.
Collapse
|
4
|
Jean A, Mhaouty-Kodja S, Hardin-Pouzet H. Hypothalamic cellular and molecular plasticity linked to sexual experience in male rats and mice. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 63:100949. [PMID: 34687674 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Male sexual behavior is subject to learning, resulting in increased efficiency of experienced males compared to naive ones. The improvement in behavioral parameters is underpinned by cellular and molecular changes in the neural circuit controlling sexual behavior, particularly in the hypothalamic medial preoptic area. This review provides an update on the mechanisms related to the sexual experience in male rodents, emphasizing the differences between rats and mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Jean
- Sorbonne Université - Faculté de Sciences et Ingénierie, Neuroplasticité des Comportements de la Reproduction, Neurosciences Paris Seine, UM119 - CNRS UMR 8246 - INSERM UMRS 1130, 7 quai Saint Bernard, 75 005 Paris, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université - Faculté de Sciences et Ingénierie, Neuroplasticité des Comportements de la Reproduction, Neurosciences Paris Seine, UM119 - CNRS UMR 8246 - INSERM UMRS 1130, 7 quai Saint Bernard, 75 005 Paris, France
| | - Hélène Hardin-Pouzet
- Sorbonne Université - Faculté de Sciences et Ingénierie, Neuroplasticité des Comportements de la Reproduction, Neurosciences Paris Seine, UM119 - CNRS UMR 8246 - INSERM UMRS 1130, 7 quai Saint Bernard, 75 005 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Morishita M, Kamada A, Tsukahara S. Neuronal activation of the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area in female and male rats during copulation and its sex differences. Neurosci Lett 2021; 755:135915. [PMID: 33905774 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The medial preoptic area, which plays an essential role in the control of sexual behavior in rats, contains a sexually dimorphic nucleus that consists of neurons expressing calbindin-D28 K (Calb) that is referred to as the CALB-SDN. The CALB-SDN is larger and contains more Calb neurons in males than in females. The physiological functions of the CALB-SDN are not fully understood; however, CALB-SDN neurons are activated during sexual behavior in males, suggesting that the male CALB-SDN is involved in regulation of sexual behavior. However, no information exists about the physiological functions of the female CALB-SDN. In the present study, we performed an immunohistochemical analysis of c-Fos, a neuronal activity marker, in the CALB-SDN of female and male rats that had copulated with conspecifics of the opposite sex to determine whether neurons of the female CALB-SDN are activated during copulation and whether the neuronal activity of the CALB-SDN differs between sexes. The numbers of c-Fos-immunoreactive cells with or without Calb-immunoreactivity (c-Fos+/Calb+ and c-Fos+/Calb- cells) were greater in the CALB-SDN of rats that had copulated than in rats that had not copulated in each sex. Although the number of Calb+ cells in the CALB-SDN was smaller in females than in males, the increase in the number of c-Fos+/Calb+ cells in the female CALB-SDN with copulation was comparable to that in the male CALB-SDN with copulation. The increase in the number of c-Fos+/Calb- cells in the CALB-SDN with copulation was more prominent in males than in females. These results suggest that CALB-SDN neurons are activated during copulation in both sexes. The patterns of neuronal activation in the CALB-SDN during copulation may differ between sexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Morishita
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Arisa Kamada
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan
| | - Shinji Tsukahara
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, 338-8570, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Combined Effects of Oligopeptides Isolated from Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and Ostrea gigas Thunberg on Sexual Function in Male Mice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18052349. [PMID: 33670840 PMCID: PMC7967744 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Male sexual debility affects patients’ confidence and damages the relationship between the couples and thus affects the stability of the family. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oligopeptides isolated from ginseng and oyster (GOPs and OOPs), separately and in combination, on sexual function in male mice. In the first experiment, male mice were randomly divided into five groups: vehicle control group; whey protein (125.0 mg kg−1) group; and GOPs 62.5, 125.0, and 250.0 mg kg−1 groups. In the second experiment, male mice were randomly divided into five groups: vehicle control group, whey protein (160.0 mg kg−1) group, and OOPs 80.0, 160.0, and 320.0 mg kg−1 groups. In the third experiment, male mice were randomly divided into six groups: vehicle control group, whey protein (222.5 mg kg−1) group, and GOPs + OOPs 62.5 + 160.0, 62.5 + 320.0, and 125.0 + 160.0, 125.0 + 320.0 mg kg−1 groups. Test substances were given by gavage once a day for 30 days. The sexual behavior parameters, serum nitric oxide (NO), testosterone, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) concentrations were detected. We found that GOPs at 250.0 mg kg−1 improved male sexual behavior, NO, and testosterone content, whereas GOPs at 62.5 and 125.0 mg kg−1 and OOPs at 80.0, 160, and 320 mg kg−1 did not have significant effects. The combination of 62.5 mg kg−1 GOPs + 160.0 mg kg−1 OOPs and the combination of 125.0 mg kg−1 GOPs + 320.0 mg kg−1 OOPs improved male sexual behavior, serum NO, testosterone, and cGMP contents and decreased PDE5 content. The combination of 62.5 mg kg−1 GOPs and 160.0 mg kg−1 OOPs had the best effects among four combined groups. These results suggested that GOPs in combination with OOPs had the synergistic effects of enhancing male sexual function, probably via elevating serum testosterone, NO, and corpus cavernosum cGMP level and decreasing the corpus cavernosum PDE5 level. GOPs and OOPs could be novel natural agents for improving male sexual function.
Collapse
|
7
|
Nakashima S, Morishita M, Ueno K, Tsukahara S. Region-specific effects of copulation on dendritic spine morphology and gene expression related to spinogenesis in the medial preoptic nucleus of male rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 108:1-13. [PMID: 31174081 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The medial preoptic nucleus (MPN) plays an essential role in the control of male sexual behavior. In rats, the central part of the MPN (MPNc) contains a sexually dimorphic nucleus exhibiting male-biased morphological sex differences. Although it has been suggested that the MPNc of male rats functions to induce sexual arousal, the mechanisms by which male rats are sexually aroused to successfully achieve copulation are poorly understood. We recently showed that increased neuronal activity in the MPNc of male rats during copulation is higher at their first copulation compared with later copulations, indicating that a plastic change in excitatory synaptic transmission occurs with copulatory experience. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that changes to dendritic spines at structural and molecular levels occur following copulatory experience. First, we examined the effects of at least two copulations on the morphology of dendrites and spines in the MPNc and in the lateral and medial parts of the MPN (MPNlm) of male rats. In the MPNc, the total number of dendrites and their branches, and the surface area of dendrites were not significantly affected by copulation. However, the copulatory experience, specifically experience of ejaculation, significantly reduced the density of mushroom spines but not of filopodia, thin or stubby spines in the MPNc. In the MPNlm, the copulatory experience, specifically experience of ejaculation, significantly increased the surface area of dendrites, although there was no significant effect of copulation on spine density. Next, we measured the mRNA levels of genes encoding actin-binding proteins related to spinogenesis after male rats had copulated for their first and second times. Copulatory stimuli, especially stimuli from ejaculation, significantly reduced the mRNA levels of drebrin A and spinophilin in the MPNc but not in the MPNlm. These results indicate that copulatory experiences, especially experience of ejaculation, reduce spine density in the MPNc of male rats, which may result, in part, from downregulation of genes encoding actin-binding proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shizuka Nakashima
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morishita
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Kanna Ueno
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Shinji Tsukahara
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hull EM, Dominguez JM. Neuroendocrine Regulation of Male Sexual Behavior. Compr Physiol 2019; 9:1383-1410. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c180018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
9
|
Huang AC, Wu JM, Chang YH, Dubey NK, Chiu AW, Yeh CY, Tsai TH, Yeh KY. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase activity mediates Lycium barbarum polysaccharides-enhanced sexual performance without stimulating noncontact erection in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1293-1301. [PMID: 30539267 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5141-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is known to promote reproductive functions. However, its role in noncontact erection (NCE) of penis initiated by brain regions including medial preoptic area (MPOA) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) regions responsible for sexual behavior has not been investigated. OBJECTIVES Therefore, this study initially investigated the effects of LBP on male sexual function, and subsequently, the mechanistic insight was investigated through assessing the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the MPOA and PVN. METHODS The adult male rats were treated with 100 mg/kg of LBP or vehicle by oral gavage. Before and after 14 days of treatment, copulatory behavior and noncontact erection (NCE) were recorded. After the last behavioral test, the brain was isolated to measure nNOS expression in the MPOA and PVN. RESULTS Data showed that LBP treatment significantly increased both the frequencies of intromission as well as ejaculation, compared to the control group. Whereas, a reduced post-ejaculatory interval was observed compared to same group on day 0. Furthermore, the treatment led to an increased intromission ratio, inter-intromission interval, and the number of MPOA nNOS-immunoreactive cells (nNOS-ir). Additionally, a significantly positive correlation between ejaculation frequency and MPOA nNOS-ir cells was recorded. Of note, LBP treatment had no effects on NCE and PVN nNOS-ir expression. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that LBP enhances sexual behavior through increased nNOS expression in the MPOA in male rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andy C Huang
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, Taipei City Hospital Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Min Wu
- Department of Physical Therapy, Hung Kuang University, No. 1018, Sec. 6, Taiwan Boulevard, Shalu District, Taichung, 43302, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Han Chang
- Department of Physical Therapy, Hung Kuang University, No. 1018, Sec. 6, Taiwan Boulevard, Shalu District, Taichung, 43302, Taiwan
| | - Navneet Kumar Dubey
- Ceramics and Biomaterials Research Group, Advanced Institute of Materials Science, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Faculty of Applied Sciences, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Allen W Chiu
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, Taipei City Hospital Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Yeh
- Department of Nursing, Ching Kuo Institute of Management and Health, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hu Tsai
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Chemical Engineering, National United University, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Ying Yeh
- Department of Physical Therapy, Hung Kuang University, No. 1018, Sec. 6, Taiwan Boulevard, Shalu District, Taichung, 43302, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Estrada-Reyes R, Dorantes-Barrón AM, Arrieta-Báez D, Gómez-Patiño MB, Bernal-Trujillo A, Castro-García M, Carro-Juárez M, Martínez-Mota L. Piper auritum Kunth (Piperaceae) improves the sexual performance of sluggish male rats through enhancing ejaculation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 231:453-463. [PMID: 30545804 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Piper auritum Kunth is employed as an aphrodisiac in the traditional medicine, but corroborative evidence for such effect is scarce. AIM OF THE STUDY The pro-sexual effect of an aqueous extract of P. auritum and its possible mechanisms were analyzed in two paradigms of male sexual function. MATERIAL AND METHODS Effects of an aqueous extract of P. auritum (PA, single administration) were investigated in the fictive ejaculation, and copulatory behavior paradigms in sexually sluggish male rats. WAY 100635 (antagonist of 5-HT1A receptors), atosiban (antagonist of oxytocinergic receptors), L-NAME (inhibitor of the nitric oxide synthase) and baclofen (antagonist of GABAB receptors) were used as pre-treatments in order to investigate the role of different neurotransmitter systems in PA actions. Chemical profile of PA was determined by Gases Chromatography and Ultra Performance Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization-Masses Spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS). RESULTS In males with retarded ejaculation, PA stimulated ejaculatory behavior and recovered electromyographic activity of pelvic musculature participating in seminal emission and ejaculation. All pre-treatments blocked stimulating effects of PA on the fictive ejaculation; additionally WAY 100635 interfered with PA actions on ejaculatory behavior. Safrol, apigenin dimethylether, myristicin, vaccihein A, sakuranin and sakuranetin flavonoids, were main constituents of PA, with possible participation in its pro-sexual effects. CONCLUSIONS Pro-sexual effects of P. auritum elicited at level of ejaculation were mediated by several neurotransmitter systems, among which serotonin and its 5-HT1A receptors play an important role. Present findings support P. auritum reputation as an aphrodisiac, with potential use in delayed ejaculation disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Estrada-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ana María Dorantes-Barrón
- Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Daniel Arrieta-Báez
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional CNMN, Luis Enrique Erro s/n, Unidad Prof. Adolfo López Mateos, Gustavo A. Madero, 07738 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Mayra Beatriz Gómez-Patiño
- Instituto Politécnico Nacional CNMN, Luis Enrique Erro s/n, Unidad Prof. Adolfo López Mateos, Gustavo A. Madero, 07738 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Andrea Bernal-Trujillo
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Mario Castro-García
- Departamento of Etología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Miguel Carro-Juárez
- Laboratorio de Comportamiento Reproductivo, Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, 90000 Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Lucía Martínez-Mota
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Maejima S, Abe Y, Yamaguchi S, Musatov S, Ogawa S, Kondo Y, Tsukahara S. VGF in the Medial Preoptic Nucleus Increases Sexual Activity Following Sexual Arousal Induction in Male Rats. Endocrinology 2018; 159:3993-4005. [PMID: 30371765 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The central part of the medial preoptic nucleus (MPNc) is associated with sexual arousal induction in male rats. However, it is largely unclear how males are sexually aroused and achieve their first copulation. We previously reported that more MPNc neurons activate during the first copulation than the second copulation. In this study, to explore the molecules responsible for sexual arousal induction, we performed DNA microarray of the MPNc in sexually naive males and males after they copulated for their first and second times. We then performed quantitative PCR analyses to validate the results of the DNA microarray. Six genes were identified. Their expression increased following copulation and was higher in males after they copulated for the first time than after the second time. The genes encode transcription factors (Fos, Nfil3, and Nr4a3), a serine/threonine kinase (Sik1), an antioxidant protein (Srxn1), and a neuropeptide precursor VGF (Vgf), which may be the candidate genes responsible for sexual arousal induction. We examined the effects of Vgf knockdown in the MPNc on sexual partner preference and sexual behavior in sexually inexperienced and experienced males to determine the role of VGF in sexual arousal induction. A preference for estrous female rats was reinforced, and the latency of mount and intromission became short after sexually inexperienced males copulated for the first time. However, Vgf knockdown disrupted these phenomena. Vgf knockdown did not have any significant effect in sexually experienced males. VGF-derived neuropeptides presumably serve as an effector molecule to increase sexual activity following sexual arousal induction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sho Maejima
- Area of Life-NanoBio, Division of Strategy Research, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yuta Abe
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shohei Yamaguchi
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Sergei Musatov
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell University Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Sonoko Ogawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Kondo
- Department of Animal Sciences, Teikyo University of Science, Uenohara, Japan
| | - Shinji Tsukahara
- Area of Life-NanoBio, Division of Strategy Research, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
- Area of Regulatory Biology, Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jean A, Bonnet P, Liere P, Mhaouty-Kodja S, Hardin-Pouzet H. Revisiting medial preoptic area plasticity induced in male mice by sexual experience. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17846. [PMID: 29259324 PMCID: PMC5736590 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18248-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual experience in male rodents, induced by a first exposure to a receptive female, improves efficiency of following copulations. In mice, the mechanisms supporting this improvement are poorly understood. We characterized molecular modifications of the mouse hypothalamic medial preoptic area (mPOA), the main integrative structure for male sexual behaviour, after a single mating event. This paradigm induced long-lasting behavioural improvements and mPOA morphological changes, evidenced by dendritic spine maturation and an increase in the acetylated and tri-methylated forms of histone H3. Ejaculation affected testosterone, progesterone and corticosterone levels in both naive and experienced mice, but sexual experience did not modify basal plasma or hypothalamic levels of steroids. In contrast to studies carried out in rats, no changes were observed, either in the nitrergic system, or in sex steroid receptor levels. However, levels of glutamate- and calcium-associated proteins, including PSD-95, calbindin and the GluN1 subunit of the NMDA receptor, were increased in sexually experienced male mice. The Iba-1 microglial marker was up-regulated in these animals suggesting multicellular interactions induced within the mPOA by sexual experience. In conclusion, plasticity mechanisms induced by sexual experience differ between rat and mouse, even if in both cases they converge to potentiation of the mPOA network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Jean
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris - Seine; Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Bonnet
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris - Seine; Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 INSERM and Université Paris Sud and Université Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris - Seine; Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Helene Hardin-Pouzet
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris - Seine; Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sexual experience influences mating-induced activity in nitric oxide synthase-containing neurons in the medial preoptic area. Neurosci Lett 2014; 579:92-6. [PMID: 25058433 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2014] [Revised: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) acts in the medial preoptic area (mPOA) of the hypothalamus to facilitate the expression of male sexual behavior and has also been widely implicated in mechanisms of experience, learning, and memory. Using immunohistochemistry for Fos, as a marker for neural activity, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme that catalyzes the production of nitric oxide (NO), we examined whether sexual activity and sexual experience influence Fos co-expression in NOS-containing neurons in the mPOA of male rats. Consistent with previous findings, results indicate that mating increased activity in the mPOA, and that sexual experience facilitated the expression of sexual behaviors, together with increased mating-induced Fos and NOS in the mPOA. Results also indicate that mating increased co-expression of Fos in NOS-containing neurons, and that this increase was highest in animals undergoing their first sexual encounter, indicating that initial sexual experience increases NO production in the mPOA of male rats.
Collapse
|
14
|
Will RG, Hull EM, Dominguez JM. Influences of dopamine and glutamate in the medial preoptic area on male sexual behavior. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2014; 121:115-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
15
|
Sexual experience increases oxytocin receptor gene expression and protein in the medial preoptic area of the male rat. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:1688-97. [PMID: 23474276 PMCID: PMC3715561 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Revised: 01/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) promotes social and reproductive behaviors in mammals, and OT deficits may be linked to disordered social behaviors like autism and severe anxiety. Male rat sexual behavior is an excellent model for OT regulation of behavior, as its pattern and neural substrates are well characterized. We previously reported that OT microinjected into the medial preoptic area (MPOA), a major integrative site for male sexual behavior, facilitates copulation in sexually experienced male rats, whereas intra-MPOA injection of an OT antagonist (OTA) inhibits copulation. In the present studies, copulation on the day of sacrifice stimulated OTR mRNA expression in the MPOA, irrespective of previous sexual experience, with the highest levels observed in first-time copulators. In addition, sexually experienced males had higher levels of OTR protein in the MPOA than sexually naïve males and first-time copulators. Finally, intra-MPOA injection of OT facilitated mating in sexually naive males. Others have reported a positive correlation between OT mRNA levels and male sexual behavior. Our studies show that OT in the MPOA facilitates mating in both sexually naive and experienced males, some of the behavioral effects of OT are mediated by the OTR, and sexual experience is associated with increased OTR expression in the MPOA. Taken together, these data suggest a reciprocal interaction between central OT and behavior, in which OT facilitates copulation and copulation stimulates the OT/OTR system in the brain.
Collapse
|
16
|
Estrada-Reyes R, Carro-Juárez M, Martínez-Mota L. Pro-sexual effects of Turnera diffusa Wild (Turneraceae) in male rats involves the nitric oxide pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2013; 146:164-172. [PMID: 23298455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2012] [Revised: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Turnera diffusa Wild has been used in folk medicine by its aphrodisiac and tranquilizing properties. Previously we experimentally showed the aphrodisiac effect of a chemically characterized aqueous extract of Turnera diffusa in male rats. However, the mechanism of action underlying such effects has not been studied. STUDY AIMS As part of our systematic studies of pharmacological properties of Turnera diffusa, we aimed to analyze whether the increased sexual motivation and the augmented sexual performance of sexually sluggish (SL) male rats treated with Turnera diffusa involves the NO pathway. Additionally we analyzed whether such effects were exerted at the level of the brain or the spinal cord. Finally, anxiety levels and ambulatory activity were also evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS Turnera diffusa (10-40 mg/kg) and sildenafil citrate (10 mg/kg) with or without a nonspecific inhibitor of NO synthase, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl esther (L-NAME, 12.5 mg/kg) were evaluated in SL rats, in a standard sexual behavior test and in the fictive ejaculation model in spinal cord transected and urethane-anaesthetized SL rats. Anxiety levels or ambulation were assessed in the burying behavior and open-field tests. RESULTS Turnera diffusa and sildenafil (both at 10 mg/kg) facilitated expression of male sexual behavior by shortening mainly ejaculation latency. Treatments also facilitated the number of discharges in the ejaculatory motor pattern as well as the number of ejaculatory motor patterns and its associated penile erections. L-NAME prevented the pro-sexual effects of treatments on both experimental models. Besides, the extract of Turnera diffusa (10 mg/kg) produced an anxiolytic-like effect in male rats without affecting ambulation. CONCLUSIONS Findings from the present work support the notion that pro-sexual effect of the aqueous extract of Turnera diffusa in rats involves the participation of NO pathway, mainly at central level. The anxiolytic-like effect of Turnera diffusa is an advantage to its use for improving sexual performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Estrada-Reyes
- Laboratorio de Fitofarmacología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, Mexico City 14370, Mexico
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Francomano D, Donini LM, Lenzi A, Aversa A. Peripheral arterial tonometry to measure the effects of vardenafil on sympathetic tone in men with lifelong premature ejaculation. Int J Endocrinol 2013; 2013:394934. [PMID: 23606840 PMCID: PMC3623392 DOI: 10.1155/2013/394934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To elucidate whether adrenergic overtone is involved in the pathophysiology of men with lifelong (LL) premature ejaculation (PE), we investigated differences in reactive hyperemia index (RHI) responses by using peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT). 20 men with LL-PE (18-40 years) were enrolled in an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study and compared with 10 age-matched controls without LL-PE. Primary endpoints were PAT modifications induced by vardenafil 10 mg on demand. Secondary endpoints were the improvement in intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) as measured by the stopwatch technique and variations in anxiety scores at Stai-X1 for state-anxiety and Stai-X2 for trait-anxiety. At baseline, men with LL-PE showed higher RHI variation (P < 0.001), Stai-X1 and Stai X2 scores (P < 0.0001, resp.), and prolactin levels (P < 0.05) compared with controls. Vardenafil treatment markedly reduced RHI variation in men with LL-PE (P < 0.01) when compared with placebo. Mean changes in geometric IELT were higher after taking vardenafil (0.6 ± 0.3 versus 4.5 ± 1.1 min, P < 0.01) when compared with placebo. STAI-X1 and STAI-X2 scores fell within the normal range after treatment with vardenafil (P < 0.01). Vardenafil was an effective treatment in men with LL-PE; improvements of IELT may be due to increased NO production which is able to reduce adrenergic overactivity and anxiety levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Francomano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, viale Regina Elena 324, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo M. Donini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, viale Regina Elena 324, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, viale Regina Elena 324, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, viale Regina Elena 324, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- *Antonio Aversa:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
McHenry JA, Bell GA, Parrish BP, Hull EM. Dopamine D1 receptors and phosphorylation of dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 in the medial preoptic area are involved in experience-induced enhancement of male sexual behavior in rats. Behav Neurosci 2012; 126:523-9. [PMID: 22708956 DOI: 10.1037/a0028707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The medial preoptic area (MPOA) is an integral site for male sexual behavior. Dopamine is released in the MPOA before and during copulation and facilitates male rat sexual behavior. Repeated sexual experience and noncopulatory exposures to an estrous female facilitate subsequent copulation. However, the neurobiological mechanisms that mediate such enhancement remain unclear. Here, we examined the role of dopamine D₁ receptors in the MPOA in experience-induced enhancement of male sexual behavior in rats. In experiment 1, microinjections of the D₁ antagonist SCH-23390 into the MPOA before each of seven daily 30-min noncopulatory exposures to a receptive female impaired copulation on a drug-free test on Day 8, compared to vehicle-treated female-exposed animals. Copulatory performance in drug-treated animals was similar to that of vehicle-treated males that had not been preexposed to females. This effect was site specific. There were no group differences in locomotor activity in an open field on the copulation test day. In experiment 2, a separate cohort of animals was used to examine phosphorylation of dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP-32) in the MPOA of animals with acute and/or chronic sexual experience. DARPP-32 is a downstream marker of D₁ receptor signaling and substrate of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Western immunoblot analysis revealed that p-DARPP-32 expression was greatest in the MPOA of males that received both acute and chronic sexual experience, compared to all other mated conditions and naïve controls. These data suggest that D₁ receptors in the MPOA contribute to experience-induced enhancement of male sexual behavior, perhaps through a PKA regulated mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenna A McHenry
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Giuliano F, Clèment P. Pharmacology for the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation. Pharmacol Rev 2012; 64:621-44. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.111.004952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
|
20
|
Vigdorchik AV, Parrish BP, Lagoda GA, McHenry JA, Hull EM. An NMDA antagonist in the MPOA impairs copulation and stimulus sensitization in male rats. Behav Neurosci 2012; 126:186-95. [PMID: 22289046 PMCID: PMC3270382 DOI: 10.1037/a0026460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Systemic injections of an NMDA antagonist have been shown to impair mating in male rats. One site where glutamate and its NMDA receptors may contribute to mating is the medial preoptic area (MPOA), which is vital for male sexual behavior. Glutamate is released in the MPOA during copulation, and especially at the time of ejaculation. We report here that the NMDA antagonist MK-801, microinjected into the MPOA, impaired copulatory behavior in sexually naïve as well as experienced males. In rats tested both as naïve and after sexual experience, drug treatment produced more profound impairment in naïve males. In addition, MK-801, microinjected into the MPOA before each of 7 noncopulatory exposures to receptive female rats, resulted in copulatory impairments on a drug-free test on Day 8, relative to aCSF-treated rats; their behavior was similar to that of males that had not been preexposed to females. Therefore, NMDA receptors in the MPOA contribute to the control of copulation and stimulus sensitization. Glutamate, acting via NMDA receptors, regulates many neural functions, including neuronal plasticity. This is the first demonstration that a similar mechanism in the MPOA sensitizes male rats to the stimuli from a receptive female, and thereby enhances their behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna V. Vigdorchik
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260-4110
| | - Bradley P. Parrish
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4301
| | - Gwen A. Lagoda
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260-4110
| | - Jenna A. McHenry
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4301
| | - Elaine M. Hull
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4301
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14260-4110
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hull EM. Sex, drugs and gluttony: how the brain controls motivated behaviors. Physiol Behav 2011; 104:173-7. [PMID: 21554895 PMCID: PMC3107928 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.04.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2011] [Accepted: 04/27/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Bart Hoebel has forged a view of an integrated neural network that mediates both natural rewards and drug use. He pioneered the use of microdialysis, and also effectively used electrical stimulation, lesions, microinjections, and immunohistochemistry. He found that feeding, stimulant drug administration, and electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) all increased dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, whereas DA in the NAc enhanced motivation, DA in the LH inhibited motivated behaviors. The Hull lab has pursued some of those ideas. We have suggested that serotonin (5-HT) in the perifornical LH inhibits sexual behavior by inhibiting orexin/hypocretin neurons (OX/HCRT), which would otherwise excite neurons in the mesocorticolimbic DA tract. We have shown that DA release in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) is very important for male sexual behavior, and that testosterone, glutamate, nitric oxide (NO) and previous sexual experience promote MPOA DA release and mating. Future research should follow Bart Hoebel's emphasis on neural systems and interactions among brain areas and neurotransmitters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Hull
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4301, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yeh KY, Wu CH, Tsai YF. Ginkgo biloba treatment increases copulation but not nNOS activity in the medial preoptic area in male rats. Neurosci Lett 2011; 500:182-6. [PMID: 21723370 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2011] [Revised: 05/28/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is an important messenger in the central nervous system to mediate male copulatory behavior. EGb 761, a standardized extract of Gingko biloba, has been reported to facilitate male copulation in rats. The present study is to determine the effects of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) on copulation in male rats following EGb 761 treatment. Adult male rats were treated with 50mg/kg of EGb 761 or distilled water by oral gavage for 14 consecutive days. The animals were sacrificed approximately 14h after the last behavioral test and MPOA brain tissues were collected for nNOS immunohistochemistry. EGb 761 treatment for 14 days significantly increased the intromission frequency compared to the vehicle-treated controls on day 14. An increase in ejaculation frequency was also seen in the EGb 761-treated group compared to the vehicle-treated controls on day 14 and to the same group on day 0. However, EGb 761 treatment did not influence the number of nNOS-immunoreactive cells in the MPOA. These results suggest that enhanced male copulatory performance in sexually experienced rats administered EGb 761 may not be related to central nNOS activity in the MPOA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuei-Ying Yeh
- Department of Physical Therapy, HungKuang University, No. 34 Chung-Chie Road, Sha Lu, Taichung 443, Taiwan, ROC.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Simmons DA, Yahr P. Nitric oxidergic cells related to ejaculation in gerbil forebrain contain androgen receptor and respond to testosterone. J Comp Neurol 2011; 519:900-15. [PMID: 21280043 PMCID: PMC3863384 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Two clusters of forebrain neurons-one in the posterodorsal preoptic nucleus (PdPN) and one in the lateral part of the posterodorsal medial amygdala (MeApd)-are activated at ejaculation in male rats and gerbils as seen with Fos immunocytochemistry. To understand the functions of these cells and how they respond synchronously, it may be useful to identify their neurotransmitters. Nitric oxide (NO) was of interest because its levels in the preoptic area affect ejaculation, and it could synchronize clustered neurons through paracrine/volume transmission. Thus, we determined whether the ejaculation-related cells produce NO by assessing Fos co-localization with NO synthase (NOS) in recently mated male gerbils. We also studied NOS-Fos co-localization in the medial part of the medial preoptic nucleus (MPNm), where half of the neurons that express Fos after mating reflect ejaculation. We also quantified NOS co-localization with androgen receptor (AR) and NOS sensitivity to androgens at these sites. Without quantification, we extended these analyses throughout the hypothalamus and amygdala. Many mating-activated PdPN, lateral MeApd, and MPNm cells contained NOS (32-54%), and many NOS neurons at these sites expressed Fos (34-51%) or AR (25-69%). PdPN and MPNm NOS cells were sensitive to testosterone but not its androgenic metabolite dihydrotestosterone. The overall distribution of NOS and NOS-AR cells was similar to that in rats. These data suggest that NO may help to synchronize the activation of PdPN and lateral MeApd neurons at ejaculation and that NOS in PdPN and MPNm cells is regulated by testosterone acting via estradiol or without undergoing metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A. Simmons
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305-5235
| | - Pauline Yahr
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, California 92697-4550
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Stolzenberg DS, Numan M. Hypothalamic interaction with the mesolimbic DA system in the control of the maternal and sexual behaviors in rats. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2011; 35:826-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Revised: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
|
25
|
Bialy M, Kalata U, Nikolaev-Diak A, Nikolaev E. D1 receptors involved in the acquisition of sexual experience in male rats. Behav Brain Res 2010; 206:166-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2009] [Revised: 08/27/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
|
26
|
Sica M, Martini M, Viglietti-Panzica C, Panzica G. Estrous cycle influences the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the hypothalamus and limbic system of female mice. BMC Neurosci 2009; 10:78. [PMID: 19604366 PMCID: PMC2717099 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-10-78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2009] [Accepted: 07/15/2009] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide plays an important role in the regulation of male and female sexual behavior in rodents, and the expression of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is influenced by testosterone in the male rat, and by estrogens in the female. We have here quantitatively investigated the distribution of nNOS immunoreactive (ir) neurons in the limbic hypothalamic region of intact female mice sacrificed during different phases of estrous cycle. RESULTS Changes were observed in the medial preoptic area (MPA) (significantly higher number in estrus) and in the arcuate nucleus (Arc) (significantly higher number in proestrus). In the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial nucleus (VMHvl) and in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) no significant changes have been observed. In addition, by comparing males and females, we observed a stable sex dimorphism (males have a higher number of nNOS-ir cells in comparison to almost all the different phases of the estrous cycle) in the VMHvl and in the BST (when considering only the less intensely stained elements). In the MPA and in the Arc sex differences were detected only comparing some phases of the cycle. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that, in mice, the expression of nNOS in some hypothalamic regions involved in the control of reproduction and characterized by a large number of estrogen receptors is under the control of gonadal hormones and may vary according to the rapid variations of hormonal levels that take place during the estrous cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Sica
- University of Torino, Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, , C.so M. D'Azeglio 52, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Mariangela Martini
- University of Torino, Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, , C.so M. D'Azeglio 52, 10126 Torino, Italy
| | - Carla Viglietti-Panzica
- University of Torino, Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, , C.so M. D'Azeglio 52, 10126 Torino, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience-Italy (INN), Torino, Italy
| | - GianCarlo Panzica
- University of Torino, Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, , C.so M. D'Azeglio 52, 10126 Torino, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience-Italy (INN), Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Sica M, Martini M, Viglietti-Panzica C, Panzica G. Estrous cycle influences the expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase in the hypothalamus and limbic system of female mice. BMC Neurosci 2009. [PMID: 19604366 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-10-78-] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide plays an important role in the regulation of male and female sexual behavior in rodents, and the expression of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is influenced by testosterone in the male rat, and by estrogens in the female. We have here quantitatively investigated the distribution of nNOS immunoreactive (ir) neurons in the limbic hypothalamic region of intact female mice sacrificed during different phases of estrous cycle. RESULTS Changes were observed in the medial preoptic area (MPA) (significantly higher number in estrus) and in the arcuate nucleus (Arc) (significantly higher number in proestrus). In the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial nucleus (VMHvl) and in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) no significant changes have been observed. In addition, by comparing males and females, we observed a stable sex dimorphism (males have a higher number of nNOS-ir cells in comparison to almost all the different phases of the estrous cycle) in the VMHvl and in the BST (when considering only the less intensely stained elements). In the MPA and in the Arc sex differences were detected only comparing some phases of the cycle. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that, in mice, the expression of nNOS in some hypothalamic regions involved in the control of reproduction and characterized by a large number of estrogen receptors is under the control of gonadal hormones and may vary according to the rapid variations of hormonal levels that take place during the estrous cycle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Sica
- University of Torino, Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Torino, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chu X, Ågmo A. Sexual incentive motivation in old male rats: The effects of sildenafil and a compound (Impaza) stimulating endothelial NO synthase. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2008; 89:209-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2007.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2007] [Revised: 11/13/2007] [Accepted: 12/11/2007] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
29
|
Sato SM, Wersinger SR, Hull EM. The effects of nitric oxide-cGMP pathway stimulation on dopamine in the medial preoptic area and copulation in DHT-treated castrated male rats. Horm Behav 2007; 52:177-82. [PMID: 17467707 PMCID: PMC2001311 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2007.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2006] [Revised: 03/17/2007] [Accepted: 03/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) provides important facilitative influence on male rat copulation. We have shown that the nitric oxide-cGMP (NO-cGMP) pathway modulates MPOA DA levels and copulation. We have also shown that systemic estradiol (E(2)) maintains neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) immunoreactivity in the MPOA of castrates, as well as relatively normal DA levels. This effect of E(2) on nNOS probably accounts for at least some of the previously demonstrated behavioral facilitation by intra-MPOA E(2) administration in castrates. Therefore, we hypothesized that stimulation of the MPOA NO-cGMP pathway in dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-treated castrates should restore DA levels and copulatory behaviors. Reverse-dialysis of a NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP), increased extracellular DA in the MPOA of DHT-treated castrates and restored the ability to copulate to ejaculation in half of the animals. A cGMP analog, 8-Br-cGMP, also increased extracellular DA, though not as robustly, but did not restore copulatory ability. The effectiveness of the NO donor in restoring copulation and MPOA DA levels is consistent with our hypothesis. However, the lack of behavioral effects of 8-Br-cGMP, despite its increase in MPOA DA, suggests that NO may have additional mediators in the MPOA in the regulation of copulation. Furthermore, the suboptimal copulation seen in the NO donor-treated animals suggests the importance of extra-MPOA systems in the regulation of copulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoru M. Sato
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14260
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California CA, 90033
| | - Scott R. Wersinger
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14260
| | - Elaine M. Hull
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14260
- Department of Psychology, Florida Sate University, Tallahassee, FL 32306−1270
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
The hormonal factors and neural circuitry that control copulation are similar across rodent species, although there are differences in specific behavior patterns. Both estradiol (E) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) contribute to the activation of mating, although E is more important for copulation and DHT for genital reflexes. Hormonal activation of the medial preoptic area (MPOA) is most effective, although implants in the medial amygdala (MeA) can also stimulate mounting in castrates. Chemosensory inputs from the main and accessory olfactory systems are the most important stimuli for mating in rodents, especially in hamsters, although genitosensory input also contributes. Dopamine agonists facilitate sexual behavior, and serotonin (5-HT) is generally inhibitory, though certain 5-HT receptor subtypes facilitate erection or ejaculation. Norepinephrine agonists and opiates have dose-dependent effects, with low doses facilitating and high doses inhibiting behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Hull
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Trainor BC, Workman JL, Jessen R, Nelson RJ. Impaired nitric oxide synthase signaling dissociates social investigation and aggression. Behav Neurosci 2007; 121:362-9. [PMID: 17469926 PMCID: PMC2128042 DOI: 10.1037/0735-7044.121.2.362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A combination of social withdrawal and increased aggression is characteristic of several mental disorders. Most previous studies have investigated the neurochemical bases of social behavior and aggression independently, as opposed to how these behaviors are regulated in concert. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) produces gaseous nitric oxide, which functions as a neurotransmitter and is known to affect several types of behavior including mating and aggression. Compared with wild-type mice, we observed that nNOS knockout mice showed reduced behavioral responses to an intruder behind a wire barrier. Similar results were observed in mice treated with the selective nNOS inhibitor 3-bromo-7-nitroindazole (3BrN). In habituation-dishabituation tests, treatment with 3BrN did not block recognition of male urine but did attenuate investigation time compared with oil-treated animals. Finally, nNOS knockout mice and 3BrN treated mice were significantly more aggressive than wild-type and oil-treated males, respectively. In general, these behavioral effects are less pronounced in pair-housed males compared with singly-housed males. Thus, nNOS inhibition results in a phenotype that displays reduced social investigation and increased aggression. These data suggest that further study of nNOS signaling is warranted in mental disorders characterized by social withdrawal and increased aggression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Trainor
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Giuliano F, Bernabé J, Gengo P, Alexandre L, Clément P. Effect of acute dapoxetine administration on the pudendal motoneuron reflex in anesthetized rats: comparison with paroxetine. J Urol 2007; 177:386-9. [PMID: 17162096 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2006.08.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2005] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pudendal motoneuron reflex discharges elicited by bilateral electrical stimulation of the dorsal nerves of the penis were used as an experimental model of the expulsion reflex of ejaculation to investigate the effect of acute intravenous delivery of dapoxetine, a short acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, in anesthetized rats. Dapoxetine was compared with paroxetine, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor of reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS Stimulating electrodes were placed bilaterally on the dorsal nerves of the penis and a recording electrode was placed on the motor branch of the pudendal nerve to monitor pudendal motoneuron reflex discharges in urethane anesthetized rats. Pudendal motoneuron reflex discharges induced by penile dorsal nerve stimulation were measured before and 60 minutes after a single intravenous injection of dapoxetine or paroxetine, each tested at 3 doses (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg) or after a single injection of vehicle. RESULTS At all doses tested dapoxetine significantly lengthened the latency of pudendal motoneuron reflex discharges following bilateral stimulation of the dorsal nerves of the penis in comparison with vehicle, whereas only the 1 mg/kg dose of paroxetine was effective. The amplitudes of pudendal motoneuron reflex discharges were significantly decreased only in rats treated with 3 mg/kg dapoxetine compared to vehicle. CONCLUSIONS Acute systemic delivery of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is capable of modulating the expulsion reflex of ejaculation in anesthetized rats with dapoxetine appearing to be more effective than paroxetine. These findings support the beneficial effect of on-demand administration of dapoxetine for premature ejaculation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Giuliano
- Pelvipharm Laboratories, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hull EM, Dominguez JM. Getting his act together: roles of glutamate, nitric oxide, and dopamine in the medial preoptic area. Brain Res 2006; 1126:66-75. [PMID: 16963001 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2006] [Revised: 07/27/2006] [Accepted: 08/04/2006] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal hormones have primarily slow, genomically mediated effects, but copulation requires rapid interactions with a partner. A major way in which hormones facilitate male sexual behavior is by increasing production of neurotransmitter receptors or of enzymes that regulate neurotransmitter synthesis or release. Dopamine is an important facilitative neurotransmitter, and the medial preoptic area (MPOA) is a critical integrative site for male sexual behavior. MPOA dopamine is released before and during mating and facilitates copulation, genital reflexes, and sexual motivation. Gonadal hormones regulate dopamine release in the MPOA of male rats in part by increasing nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the MPOA; the resultant increase in production of nitric oxide (NO) increases both basal and female-stimulated dopamine release. Glutamate also increases dopamine release via increased production of NO. At least some of the glutamatergic inputs to the MPOA are from the medial amygdala (MeA) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), which mediate the female-stimulated increase in dopamine, which in turn enhances copulatory ability. Extracellular glutamate in the MPOA increases during copulation, especially during ejaculation, and increased glutamate facilitates copulation and genital reflexes. Previous sexual experience also facilitates copulation and confers resistance to impairment by various lesions, drugs, and stress. Experience enhances processing of sexual stimuli, and its effects require activation of glutamate NMDA receptors and NOS in the MPOA. Neuronal NOS is increased in the MPOA of experienced males. Therefore, glutamate, NO, and dopamine interact in the MPOA to facilitate mating and to enhance future sexual responsiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Hull
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Frye CA, Walf AA, Petralia SM. Progestin facilitation of lordosis in rodents involves adenylyl cyclase activity in the ventral tegmental area. Horm Behav 2006; 50:237-44. [PMID: 16643916 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2006.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2006] [Revised: 03/13/2006] [Accepted: 03/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Increasing cAMP, or activating dopamine type 1 (D(1)) or GABA(A)/benzodiazepine receptor complexes (GBRs), in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) enhances lordosis of rodents. Whether D(1)- and/or GBR-mediated increases in progestin-facilitated lordosis involve the cAMP-synthesizing enzyme, adenylyl cyclase, in the VTA, was investigated. In Experiment 1, ovariectomized estradiol (E(2); 10 microg at h 0)+progesterone (P; 250 microg at h 45)-primed hamsters first received bilateral infusions of the adenylyl cyclase inhibitor, 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine (DDA; 12 microM/side), or vehicle, and then were infused with the D(1) agonist, SKF38393 (100 ng/side), the GBR agonist, muscimol (100 ng/side), or vehicle, to the VTA. Lordosis was evaluated before and 30 min after each infusion. In Experiment 2, ovariectomized, E(2)-primed (10 microg at h 0) rats received VTA infusions of DDA (12 microM/side) or vehicle; SKF38393 (100 ng/side), muscimol (100 ng/side), or vehicle; and the neurosteroid, 5alpha-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP; 100 or 200 ng/side), or beta-cyclodextrin vehicle. Lordosis was assessed before the series of infusions, immediately after drug infusions and 10 or 60 min after 3alpha,5alpha-THP infusions. Progestin- or progestin plus SKF38393-or muscimol-mediated increases in lordosis were blocked by DDA pretreatment. Thus, in the VTA, progestins' membrane action may involve adenylyl cyclase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Frye
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Bisenius ES, Veeramachaneni DNR, Sammonds GE, Tobet S. Sex differences and the development of the rabbit brain: effects of vinclozolin. Biol Reprod 2006; 75:469-76. [PMID: 16738224 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.052795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The preoptic/anterior hypothalamic area (POA/AH) is one of the most sexually dimorphic areas of the vertebrate brain and plays a pivotal role in regulating male sexual behavior. Vinclozolin is a fungicide thought to be an environmental antiandrogen, which disrupts masculine sexual behavior when administered to rabbits during development. In this study, we examined several characteristics of the rabbit POA/AH for sexual dimorphism and endocrine disruption by vinclozolin. Pregnant rabbits were dosed orally with vinclozolin (10 mg/kg body weight) or carrot paste vehicle once daily for 6 wk beginning at midgestation and continuing through nursing until Postpartum Week 4. At 6 wk, offspring were perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde and brains processed for immunocytochemical localization of tyrosine hydroxylase, calbindin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), or Nissl stain. There were significant sex differences in the distribution of calbindin in the POA/AH and the size of cells in the dorsal POA/AH (values greater in females than in males), but not in the number or distribution of tyrosine hydroxylase or GnRH neurons. In both sexes, exposure to vinclozolin significantly increased calbindin expression in the ventral POA/AH and significantly decreased number of GnRH neurons selectively in the region of the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) but not more caudally in the POA/AH. This is the first documentation of a sexually dimorphic region in the rabbit brain, and further supports the use of this species as a model for studying the influence of vinclozolin on reproductive development with potential application to human systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erin S Bisenius
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Sato SM, Hull EM. The nitric oxide-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate pathway regulates dopamine efflux in the medial preoptic area and copulation in male rats. Neuroscience 2006; 139:417-28. [PMID: 16483721 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2005] [Revised: 12/10/2005] [Accepted: 12/15/2005] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) plays a significant role in regulation of male copulation. One mediator of the MPOA dopamine level is nitric oxide. In the current study, we investigated the role of the nitric oxide-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP) pathway in the regulation of MPOA dopamine and copulation in male rats. The reverse-dialysis of a membrane-permeable analog, 8-Br-cGMP, increased, while a soluble guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazole[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), significantly reduced basal dopamine and its metabolite levels. ODQ successfully blocked a nitric oxide donor-induced increase in dopamine levels, while a neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) inhibitor was ineffective in blocking an 8-Br-cGMP-induced increase in dopamine, indicating that cGMP is "downstream" of nitric oxide. Furthermore, 8-Br-cGMP facilitated, while ODQ inhibited copulation. Given the steroid-sensitive nature of nNOS functions and the multiple roles nitric oxide plays in the MPOA, we propose that nitric oxide provides important integration of various neurochemical and neuroendocrine signals. The involvement of the central nitric oxide-cGMP pathway in the regulation of copulation also raises an interesting therapeutic possibility, as the manipulation of the same pathway in peripheral tissue is already utilized in treatment of male sexual dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S M Sato
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Panzica GC, Viglietti-Panzica C, Sica M, Gotti S, Martini M, Pinos H, Carrillo B, Collado P. Effects of gonadal hormones on central nitric oxide producing systems. Neuroscience 2005; 138:987-95. [PMID: 16310319 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2005] [Revised: 07/13/2005] [Accepted: 07/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide-containing neurons are widely distributed within the CNS, including regions involved in the control of reproduction and sexual behavior. The expression of neuronal nitric oxide synthase is influenced by testosterone in male rat, and by estrogens in female. Moreover, nitric oxide synthase may co-localize with gonadal hormones' receptors. Gonadal hormones may influence nitric oxide synthase expression in adulthood as well as during the development. In fact, in mice knockout for estrogen receptor alpha, the nitric oxide synthase-expressing population is deeply reduced in specific regions. In physiological conditions, the female in mammalian species is exposed to short-term changes of gonadal hormones levels (estrous cycle). Our recent studies, performed in the rat vomeronasal system and in mouse hypothalamic and limbic systems reveal that, in rodents, the expression of nitric oxide synthase-producing elements within regions relevant for the control of sexual behavior is under the control of gonadal hormones. The expression of nitric oxide synthase may vary according to the rapid variations of hormonal levels that take place during the estrous cycle. This seems in accordance with the hypothesis that gonadal hormone activation of nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine-monophosphate pathway is important for lordosis behavior, as well as that this system is activated during mating behavior. Finally, comparative data available for other vertebrates suggest that class-specific and species-specific differences occur in the nitric oxide synthase system of hypothalamus and limbic structures. Therefore, particular caution is needed to generalize data obtained from studies in rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G C Panzica
- Neuroscience Institute of Turin, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, University of Torino, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Sanderson NSR, Weissler E, Crews D. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l-NAME suppresses androgen-induced male-like pseudocopulatory behavior in whiptail lizards. Brain Res 2005; 1052:236-9. [PMID: 16023092 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2005] [Revised: 06/01/2005] [Accepted: 06/05/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The synthesis of nitric oxide by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is involved in the androgen-dependent gating of male-typical copulatory behavior, both centrally, particularly in the preoptic area, and peripherally, notably through its role in penile erection. In the all-female whiptail lizard species Cnemidophorus uniparens, individuals display copulatory behaviors indistinguishable from males of similar species if gonadectomized and treated with testosterone. In this experiment, androgenized individuals were treated with a NOS inhibitor, which eliminated male-like behavior in half the individuals, suggesting that the central role of nitric oxide synthesis is conserved in this species. The deficit was principally in mounting, suggesting that sexual motivational systems were affected, rather than consummatory mechanisms.
Collapse
|
39
|
Sato S, Braham CS, Putnam SK, Hull EM. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase and gonadal steroid interaction in the MPOA of male rats: Co-localization and testosterone-induced restoration of copulation and nNOS-immunoreactivity. Brain Res 2005; 1043:205-13. [PMID: 15862534 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.02.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2005] [Revised: 02/21/2005] [Accepted: 02/24/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) has been implicated in various physiological functions, including male rat copulation. Based on their apparent sensitivity to gonadal steroid manipulation, we hypothesized that nNOS cells contain steroid receptors, and the testosterone-induced restoration of nNOS-immunoreactivity in castrates should accompany the restoration of copulation. In Experiment 1, we investigated co-localization of nNOS with the androgen receptor (AR) and the estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) using immunocytochemistry. We found regionally specific co-localizations of nNOS-AR and nNOS-ERalpha. In Experiment 2, we investigated the relationship between MPOA nNOS-immunoreactivity (ir) and copulatory measures in the testosterone-induced restoration paradigm in castrates. The restoration of various copulatory measures was accompanied by an increase in optical density of nNOS-ir, but not in the number of nNOS-ir cells. These data provide additional evidence supporting the role of MPOA nitric oxide in male rat copulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Sato
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, New York 14260-4110, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Putnam SK, Sato S, Riolo JV, Hull EM. Effects of testosterone metabolites on copulation, medial preoptic dopamine, and NOS-immunoreactivity in castrated male rats. Horm Behav 2005; 47:513-22. [PMID: 15811352 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2005.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2004] [Revised: 12/27/2004] [Accepted: 01/10/2005] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The medial preoptic area (MPOA) is an important integrative site for male sexual behavior. Dopamine (DA) is released in the MPOA of male rats shortly before and during copulation. In a previous study, we identified 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) as the metabolite of testosterone (T) that maintains MPOA basal extracellular DA levels. However, the presence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgenic metabolite of T, is required for the female-induced increase in MPOA DA observed during copulation. Recently, we reported that assays of MPOA tissue DA content showed that castrates actually had more stored DA than did gonadally intact males. Therefore, the reduction in extracellular levels in castrates was not due to decreased availability of DA; most likely it was due to decreased release. Furthermore, T upregulates neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the MPOA. NO has been implicated in the regulation of DA release in the MPOA. It is not known, however, which metabolite(s) of T regulate(s) tissue stores of DA and/or nNOS in the MPOA of male rats. The present experiments were designed to test the following: (1) whether E(2), DHT, or the combination of the two influences MPOA DA tissue levels, an indication of stored DA, in male rat castrates; and (2) whether E(2), DHT, or the combination of the two influences NOS-ir in the MPOA of castrated male rats. The results indicate that E(2) up-regulates nNOS-ir in the MPOA and maintains tissue content of DA at levels similar to those in T-treated rats. DHT did not influence nNOS-ir, while attenuating the effect of castration on tissue DA content.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan K Putnam
- Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, NY 14260-4110, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Coolen LM. Involvement of nitric oxide in sexual learning via action in the medial preoptic area: theoretical comment on Lagoda et al. (2004). Behav Neurosci 2005; 118:1473-5. [PMID: 15598160 DOI: 10.1037/0735-7044.118.6.1473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Repeated exposure to female-related stimuli causes functional alterations in the neural circuitry mediating male rat sexual behavior. In a study published in the current issue of this journal, G. M. Lagoda, J. W. Muschamp, A. Vigdorchik, and E. M. Hull (2004) provide interesting new evidence as to the mechanisms responsible for this effect, namely via activity of nitric oxide (NO) in the medial preoptic area. Given the history of NO in mediating neural plasticity in other systems, the results point to common mechanisms of plasticity between the processes underlying acquisition of sexual experience and those involved in learning and memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lique M Coolen
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology & Anatomy, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Vontz Center for Molecular Studies, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0521, USA.
| |
Collapse
|