1
|
Nishimura K, Ueta Y, Yoshino K. Estrogen-dependent oxytocin expression in the hypothalamus and estrogen-dependent vasopressin in the median eminence. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024. [PMID: 39340151 DOI: 10.1111/jog.16100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
The posterior pituitary (PP) hormones oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are synthesized within the hypothalamic nucleus and released from the PP into systemic circulation. Hypothalamic AVP projects its axons into the external layer of median eminence (eME) and regulates anterior pituitary hormone secretion during stress responses. Although similar as PP hormones, we demonstrate distinct regulatory roles of estrogen in hypothalamic OXT and AVP dynamics. OXT dynamics in the hypothalamus exhibit sex-dependent variations and that estrogen may influence dynamic OXT level changes, as observed in OXT-mRFP1 transgenic rats. Estrogen was also observed to modulate dynamic changes in AVP levels in the axon terminals of eME in female AVP-eGFP transgenic rats. Although OXT and AVP are produced within the similar hypothalamic region, both exhibit distinct dynamics within the hypothalamus. Estrogen acts on the hypothalamus, and further effects of estrogen replacement therapy can be expected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Nishimura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yoichi Ueta
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Yoshino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Schkoda S, Horman B, Witchey S, St Armour G, Nelson M, Gaeta E, Scott M, Patisaul HB. Sex-specific effects on elements of the social brain neural network in Wistar rats from perinatal exposure to FireMaster 550 or its components. Neurotoxicology 2024; 105:111-120. [PMID: 39241866 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.09.001] [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: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Developmental exposure to chemical flame retardants (FRs) has been linked to a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders and abnormal socioemotional behaviors in human and laboratory animal studies. We have previously shown in Wistar rats that gestational and lactational exposure to the FR mixture Firemaster 550 (FM 550) or its brominated or organophosphate ester (OPFR) components (at 2000 µg, 1000 µg, and 1000 µg oral to the dam respectively (absolute and not by bodyweight)) results in increased anxiety-like behaviors in females and decreased sociality in both sexes. Using their siblings, this study characterized sex and chemical specific targets of disruption in brain regions underlying each behavioral phenotype. Offspring were exposed across gestation and lactation then prepared for either immunohistochemistry or autoradiography at postnatal day 90 to quantify expression of serotonin, estrogen receptor α (ERα), and oxytocin receptor (OTR) in multiple brain regions. No effect of exposure was found in males for any biological target. In females, serotonin innervation was increased in the medial amygdala of FM 550 exposed animals while ERα expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) was reduced by FM 550 and OPFR. Evidence of disrupted OTR was observed in males, particularly the BNST but considered an exploratory finding given the small sample size. These results begin to shed light on the mechanisms by which developmental FR exposure alters socioemotional behaviors of relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Schkoda
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Brian Horman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Shannah Witchey
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Genevieve St Armour
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States; Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Mason Nelson
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Emily Gaeta
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Madeline Scott
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States; Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Torres T, Adam N, Mhaouty-Kodja S, Naulé L. Reproductive function and behaviors: an update on the role of neural estrogen receptors alpha and beta. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1408677. [PMID: 38978624 PMCID: PMC11228153 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1408677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Infertility is becoming a major public health problem, with increasing frequency due to medical, environmental and societal causes. The increasingly late age of childbearing, growing exposure to endocrine disruptors and other reprotoxic products, and increasing number of medical reproductive dysfunctions (endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.) are among the most common causes. Fertility relies on fine-tuned control of both neuroendocrine function and reproductive behaviors, those are critically regulated by sex steroid hormones. Testosterone and estradiol exert organizational and activational effects throughout life to establish and activate the neural circuits underlying reproductive function. This regulation is mediated through estrogen receptors (ERs) and androgen receptor (AR). Estradiol acts mainly via nuclear estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ. The aim of this review is to summarize the genetic studies that have been undertaken to comprehend the specific contribution of ERα and ERβ in the neural circuits underlying the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the expression of reproductive behaviors, including sexual and parental behavior. Particular emphasis will be placed on the neural role of these receptors and the underlying sex differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lydie Naulé
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR8246, INSERM U1130, Neuroscience Paris Seine – Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zuloaga DG, Lafrican JJ, Zuloaga KL. Androgen regulation of behavioral stress responses and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105528. [PMID: 38503191 PMCID: PMC11144109 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Testosterone is a powerful steroid hormone that can impact the brain and behavior in various ways, including regulating behavioral and neuroendocrine (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis) stress responses. Early in life androgens can act to alter development of brain regions associated with stress regulation, which ultimately impacts the display of stress responses later in life. Adult circulating androgens can also influence the expression of distinct genes and proteins that regulate stress responses. These changes in the brain are hypothesized to underlie the potent effects of androgens in regulating behaviors related to stress and stress-induced activation of the HPA axis. Androgens can induce alterations in these functions through direct binding to the androgen receptor (AR) or following conversion to estrogens and subsequent binding to estrogen receptors including estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1). In this review, we focus on the role of androgens in regulating behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses at different stages of the lifespan and the sex hormone receptors involved in regulating these effects. We also review the specific brain regions and cell phenotypes upon which androgens are proposed to act to regulate stress responses with an emphasis on hypothalamic and extended amygdala subregions. This knowledge of androgen effects on these neural systems is critical for understanding how sex hormones regulate stress responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.
| | | | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wright KA, Polk R, Lin T, Feifel D, Ebner NC. Four-week intranasal oxytocin administration reduces attachment avoidance in older women. Horm Behav 2023; 155:105413. [PMID: 37659357 PMCID: PMC10961710 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) serves as a critical modulator of social cognition and social behavior. Adult attachment is an affiliative process crucial for social interaction across adulthood. Insecure adult attachment comprises two broad dimensions, attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Both these dimensions of attachment are currently understudied regarding OT modulation, and especially in older adults. The present study determined the effects of chronic intranasal OT administration on adult attachment in generally healthy older women and men (aged 55-95 years). Embedded in a larger project, participants were randomly assigned to self-administer 24 international units of either OT or a placebo (P) intranasally twice daily for four weeks. The Experiences in Close Relationships Scale assessed adult attachment (anxiety and avoidance) pre- and post-treatment. There was no significant pre- to post-treatment change in attachment avoidance overall, but the treatment x timepoint x sex interaction was significant, in that women (but not men) in the OT (vs. P) group reported decreased attachment avoidance. No comparable effects were observed for attachment anxiety. Results suggest that older women may benefit from chronic intranasal OT treatment by experiencing less attachment avoidance in their adult relationships.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kylie A Wright
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Rebecca Polk
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mota-Rojas D, Marcet-Rius M, Domínguez-Oliva A, Martínez-Burnes J, Lezama-García K, Hernández-Ávalos I, Rodríguez-González D, Bienboire-Frosini C. The Role of Oxytocin in Domestic Animal’s Maternal Care: Parturition, Bonding, and Lactation. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071207. [PMID: 37048463 PMCID: PMC10093258 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is one of the essential hormones in the birth process; however, estradiol, prolactin, cortisol, relaxin, connexin, and prostaglandin are also present. In addition to parturition, the functions in which OXT is also involved in mammals include the induction of maternal behavior, including imprinting and maternal care, social cognition, and affiliative behavior, which can affect allo-parental care. The present article aimed to analyze the role of OXT and the neurophysiologic regulation of this hormone during parturition, how it can promote or impair maternal behavior and bonding, and its importance in lactation in domestic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Mota-Rojas
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Míriam Marcet-Rius
- Department of Animal Behaviour and Welfare, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), 84400 Apt, France
| | - Adriana Domínguez-Oliva
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico
| | - Karina Lezama-García
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Ismael Hernández-Ávalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
| | - Daniela Rodríguez-González
- Neurophysiology, Behavior and Animal Welfare Assessment, DPAA, Xochimilco Campus, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Cécile Bienboire-Frosini
- Department of Molecular Biology and Chemical Communication, Research Institute in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology (IRSEA), 84400 Apt, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gao Z, Ma X, Zhou X, Xin F, Gao S, Kou J, Becker B, Kendrick KM. Oxytocin Reduces the Attractiveness of Silver-Tongued Men for Women During Mid-Cycle. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:760695. [PMID: 35573309 PMCID: PMC9097854 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.760695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, the neuropeptide oxytocin promotes both attraction toward and bonds with romantic partners, although no studies have investigated whether this extends to the perceived attractiveness of flirtatious language. In a within-subject, randomized double-blind placebo-controlled behavior and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) paradigm (https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03144115), 75 women rated the attractiveness of either a male face alone or paired with a verbal compliment which varied in terms of topic (women or landscapes) and figurativeness (novel or conventional metaphors or literal expressions). Subjects were tested in fertile and luteal phases of their cycle and on both occasions received either 24 IU intranasal oxytocin or placebo. Results showed that, whereas under placebo women in the fertile phase rated the facial attractiveness of men producing novel metaphorical compliments higher than in their luteal phase, following oxytocin treatment they did not. Correspondingly, under oxytocin the faces of individuals producing novel metaphorical compliments evoked greater responses in brain regions involved in processing language (middle frontal gyrus) and cognitive and emotional conflict (posterior middle cingulate and dorsal anterior cingulate) but reduced functional connectivity between the dorsal anterior cingulate and right orbitofrontal and medial frontal gyri. Thus, sex hormones and oxytocin may have opposite effects in regulating mate selection in women during their fertile phase. Novel metaphorical compliments convey a greater sexual than bonding intention and thus while sex hormones at mid-cycle may promote attraction to individuals communicating sexual rather than bonding intent, oxytocin may bias attraction away from such individuals through increasing cognitive and emotional conflict responses toward them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Gao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- School of Foreign Languages, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaole Ma
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- School of Educational Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xinqi Zhou
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Xin
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shan Gao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- School of Foreign Languages, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Kou
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Keith M. Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Grassi D, Marraudino M, Garcia-Segura LM, Panzica GC. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus as a central hub for the estrogenic modulation of neuroendocrine function and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100974. [PMID: 34995643 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) help coordinate reproduction with body physiology, growth and metabolism. PVN integrates hormonal and neural signals originating in the periphery, generating an output mediated both by its long-distance neuronal projections, and by a variety of neurohormones produced by its magnocellular and parvocellular neurosecretory cells. Here we review the cyto-and chemo-architecture, the connectivity and function of PVN and the sex-specific regulation exerted by estradiol on PVN neurons and on the expression of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, neuropeptides and neurohormones in PVN. Classical and non-classical estrogen receptors (ERs) are expressed in neuronal afferents to PVN and in specific PVN interneurons, projecting neurons, neurosecretory neurons and glial cells that are involved in the input-output integration and coordination of neurohormonal signals. Indeed, PVN ERs are known to modulate body homeostatic processes such as autonomic functions, stress response, reproduction, and metabolic control. Finally, the functional implications of the estrogenic modulation of the PVN for body homeostasis are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D Grassi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Marraudino
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - L M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - G C Panzica
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy; Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Aspesi D, Choleris E. Neuroendocrine underpinning of social recognition in males and females. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13070. [PMID: 34927288 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Social recognition is an essential skill for the expression of appropriate behaviors towards conspecifics in most social species. Several studies point to oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) as key mediators of social recognition in males and females. However, sex differences in social cognitive behaviors highlight an important interplay between OT, AVP and the sex steroids. Estrogens facilitate social recognition by regulating OT action in the hypothalamus and that of OT receptor in the medial amygdala. The role of OT in these brain regions appears to be essential for social recognition in both males and females. Conversely, social recognition in male rats and mice is more dependent on AVP release in the lateral septum than in females. The AVP system comprises a series of highly sexually dimorphic brain nuclei, including the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the amygdala and the lateral septum. Various studies suggest that testosterone and its metabolites, including estradiol, influence social recognition in males by modulating the activity of the AVP at V1a receptor. Intriguingly, both estrogens and androgens can affect social recognition very rapidly, through non-genomic mechanisms. In addition, the androgen metabolites, namely 3α-diol and 3β-diol, may also have an impact on social behaviors either by interacting with the estrogen receptors or through other mechanisms. Overall, the regulation of OT and AVP by sex steroids fine tunes social recognition and the behaviors that depend upon it (e.g., social bond, hierarchical organization, aggression) in a sex-dependent manner. Elucidating the sex-dependent interaction between sex steroids and neuroendocrine systems is essential for understanding sex differences in the normal and abnormal expression of social behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Aspesi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sheng JA, Tan SML, Hale TM, Handa RJ. Androgens and Their Role in Regulating Sex Differences in the Hypothalamic/Pituitary/Adrenal Axis Stress Response and Stress-Related Behaviors. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2022; 2:261-274. [PMID: 35024695 PMCID: PMC8744007 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Androgens play a pivotal role during development. These gonadal hormones and their receptors exert organizational actions that shape brain morphology in regions controlling the stress regulatory systems in a male-specific manner. Specifically, androgens drive sex differences in the hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal (HPA) axis and corresponding hypothalamic neuropeptides. While studies have examined the role of estradiol and its receptors in sex differences in the HPA axis and associated behaviors, the role of androgens remains far less studied. Androgens are generally thought to modulate the HPA axis through the activation of androgen receptors (ARs). They can also impact the HPA axis through reduction to estrogenic metabolites that can bind estrogen receptors in the brain and periphery. Such regulation of the HPA axis stress response by androgens can often result in sex-biased risk factors for stress-related disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This review focuses on the biosynthesis pathways and molecular actions of androgens and their nuclear receptors. The impact of androgens on hypothalamic neuropeptide systems (corticotropin-releasing hormone, arginine vasopressin, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin) that control the stress response and stress-related disorders is discussed. Finally, this review discusses potential therapeutics involving androgens (androgen replacement therapies, selective AR modulator therapies) and ongoing clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julietta A Sheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Sarah M L Tan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Taben M Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Science, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Targeting Neurons with Functional Oxytocin Receptors: A Novel Set of Simple Knock-In Mouse Lines for Oxytocin Receptor Visualization and Manipulation. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0423-21.2022. [PMID: 35082173 PMCID: PMC8856715 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0423-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (Oxt) plays important roles in modulating social behaviors. Oxt receptor (Oxtr) is abundantly expressed in the brain and its relationship to socio-behavioral controls has been extensively studied using mouse brains. Several genetic tools to visualize and/or manipulate Oxtr-expressing cells, such as fluorescent reporters and Cre recombinase drivers, have been generated by ES-cell based gene targeting or bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenesis. However, these mouse lines displayed some differences in their Oxtr expression profiles probably because of the complex context and integrity of their genomic configurations in each line. Here, we apply our sophisticated genome-editing techniques to the Oxtr locus, systematically generating a series of knock-in mouse lines, in which its endogenous transcriptional regulations are intactly preserved and evaluate their expression profiles to ensure the reliability of our new tools. We employ the epitope tagging strategy, with which C-terminally fused tags can be detected by highly specific antibodies, to successfully visualize the Oxtr protein distribution on the neural membrane with super-resolution imaging for the first time. By using T2A self-cleaving peptide sequences, we also induce proper expressions of tdTomato reporter, codon-improved Cre recombinase (iCre), and spatiotemporally inducible Cre-ERT2 in Oxtr-expressing neurons. Electrophysiological recordings from tdTomato-positive cells in the reporter mice support the validity of our tool design. Retro-orbital injections of AAV-PHP.eB vector into the Cre line further enabled visualization of recombinase activities in the appropriate brain regions. Moreover, the first-time Cre-ERT2 line drives Cre-mediated recombination in a spatiotemporally controlled manner on tamoxifen (TMX) administration. These tools thus provide an excellent resource for future functional studies in Oxt-responsive neurons and should prove of broad interest in the field.
Collapse
|
12
|
Moerkerke M, Peeters M, de Vries L, Daniels N, Steyaert J, Alaerts K, Boets B. Endogenous Oxytocin Levels in Autism-A Meta-Analysis. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1545. [PMID: 34827545 PMCID: PMC8615844 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) circuitry plays a major role in the mediation of prosocial behavior. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication and have been suggested to display deficiencies in central OT mechanisms. The current preregistered meta-analysis evaluated potential group differences in endogenous OT levels between individuals with ASD and neurotypical (NT) controls. We included 18 studies comprising a total of 1422 participants. We found that endogenous OT levels are lower in children with ASD as compared to NT controls (n = 1123; g = -0.60; p = 0.006), but this effect seems to disappear in adolescent (n = 152; g = -0.20; p = 0.53) and adult populations (n = 147; g = 0.27; p = 0.45). Secondly, while no significant subgroup differences were found in regard to sex, the group difference in OT levels of individuals with versus without ASD seems to be only present in the studies with male participants (n = 814; g = -0.44; p = 0.08) and not female participants (n = 192; g = 0.11; p = 0.47). More research that employs more homogeneous methods is necessary to investigate potential developmental changes in endogenous OT levels, both in typical and atypical development, and to explore the possible use of OT level measurement as a diagnostic marker of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs Moerkerke
- Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.P.); (L.d.V.); (J.S.); (B.B.)
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Mathieu Peeters
- Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.P.); (L.d.V.); (J.S.); (B.B.)
| | - Lyssa de Vries
- Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.P.); (L.d.V.); (J.S.); (B.B.)
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Nicky Daniels
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.D.); (K.A.)
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean Steyaert
- Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.P.); (L.d.V.); (J.S.); (B.B.)
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.D.); (K.A.)
| | - Kaat Alaerts
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.D.); (K.A.)
- Research Group for Neurorehabilitation, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bart Boets
- Center for Developmental Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (M.P.); (L.d.V.); (J.S.); (B.B.)
- Leuven Autism Research (LAuRes), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (N.D.); (K.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Szczepanska-Sadowska E, Wsol A, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A, Żera T. Complementary Role of Oxytocin and Vasopressin in Cardiovascular Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11465. [PMID: 34768894 PMCID: PMC8584236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurons secreting oxytocin (OXY) and vasopressin (AVP) are located mainly in the supraoptic, paraventricular, and suprachiasmatic nucleus of the brain. Oxytocinergic and vasopressinergic projections reach several regions of the brain and the spinal cord. Both peptides are released from axons, soma, and dendrites and modulate the excitability of other neuroregulatory pathways. The synthesis and action of OXY and AVP in the peripheral organs (eye, heart, gastrointestinal system) is being investigated. The secretion of OXY and AVP is influenced by changes in body fluid osmolality, blood volume, blood pressure, hypoxia, and stress. Vasopressin interacts with three subtypes of receptors: V1aR, V1bR, and V2R whereas oxytocin activates its own OXTR and V1aR receptors. AVP and OXY receptors are present in several regions of the brain (cortex, hypothalamus, pons, medulla, and cerebellum) and in the peripheral organs (heart, lungs, carotid bodies, kidneys, adrenal glands, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, ovaries, uterus, thymus). Hypertension, myocardial infarction, and coexisting factors, such as pain and stress, have a significant impact on the secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin and on the expression of their receptors. The inappropriate regulation of oxytocin and vasopressin secretion during ischemia, hypoxia/hypercapnia, inflammation, pain, and stress may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Szczepanska-Sadowska
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Chair and Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.); (A.C.-J.); (T.Ż.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Oxytocin blood concentrations in alcohol use disorder: A cross-sectional, longitudinal, and sex-separated study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 51:55-67. [PMID: 34077851 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a severe illness, for which we lack sufficient mechanistic understanding. Preliminary evidence associates AUD with the oxytocin (OXT) system. Here we investigated alterations in endogenous OXT blood concentrations in patients with AUD and their association with alcohol drinking and prospective course. In sex-separated analyses, OXT serum concentrations of 200 in-patients with AUD (56.5% male; baseline, 24-72 h of abstinence) were compared with those of 240 age-matched healthy controls (55.4% male), investigated longitudinally (follow-up, 5 days later), and tested for associations with alcohol drinking behavior and prospective 24-month alcohol-related hospital readmissions. At baseline, the patients showed increased OXT concentrations relative to controls (men, 156%, P < 0.001; women, 124%, P = 0.002). The elevations normalized at follow-up. In male patients, baseline OXT concentrations correlated positively with alcohol concentration at admission, the amount of alcohol consumption per drinking year, and the number of previous withdrawal treatments (Rho > 0.195, P < 0.044). In beverage type-specific analysis, baseline OXT concentrations correlated with liquor consumption positively in male and negatively in female patients (|Rho| > 0.277, P < 0.017). Higher baseline OXT concentrations predicted more readmissions and fewer days to the first readmission (|Rho| > 0.185, P < 0.050) in male patients. This study provides novel and sex-separated insights into the role of the OXT system in AUD. We identified a mechanism that might underlie the sex-separated choice of beverage type and established that increased OXT concentrations during early abstinence predict a worse outcome in male patients with AUD.
Collapse
|
15
|
Alves RL, Portugal CC, Summavielle T, Barbosa F, Magalhães A. Maternal separation effects on mother rodents’ behaviour: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 117:98-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
16
|
Zuloaga DG, Heck AL, De Guzman RM, Handa RJ. Roles for androgens in mediating the sex differences of neuroendocrine and behavioral stress responses. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:44. [PMID: 32727567 PMCID: PMC7388454 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00319-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol and testosterone are powerful steroid hormones that impact brain function in numerous ways. During development, these hormones can act to program the adult brain in a male or female direction. During adulthood, gonadal steroid hormones can activate or inhibit brain regions to modulate adult functions. Sex differences in behavioral and neuroendocrine (i.e., hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis) responses to stress arise as a result of these organizational and activational actions. The sex differences that are present in the HPA and behavioral responses to stress are particularly important considering their role in maintaining homeostasis. Furthermore, dysregulation of these systems can underlie the sex biases in risk for complex, stress-related diseases that are found in humans. Although many studies have explored the role of estrogen and estrogen receptors in mediating sex differences in stress-related behaviors and HPA function, much less consideration has been given to the role of androgens. While circulating androgens can act by binding and activating androgen receptors, they can also act by metabolism to estrogenic molecules to impact estrogen signaling in the brain and periphery. This review focuses on androgens as an important hormone for modulating the HPA axis and behaviors throughout life and for setting up sex differences in key stress regulatory systems that could impact risk for disease in adulthood. In particular, impacts of androgens on neuropeptide systems known to play key roles in HPA and behavioral responses to stress (corticotropin-releasing factor, vasopressin, and oxytocin) are discussed. A greater knowledge of androgen action in the brain is key to understanding the neurobiology of stress in both sexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley L Heck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sagoshi S, Maejima S, Morishita M, Takenawa S, Otubo A, Takanami K, Sakamoto T, Sakamoto H, Tsukahara S, Ogawa S. Detection and Characterization of Estrogen Receptor Beta Expression in the Brain with Newly Developed Transgenic Mice. Neuroscience 2020; 438:182-197. [PMID: 32387645 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Two types of nuclear estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, have been shown to be differentially involved in the regulation of various types of behaviors. Due to a lack of tools for identifying ERβ expression, detailed anatomical distribution and neurochemical characteristics of ERβ expressing cells and cellular co-expression with ERα remain unclear. We have generated transgenic mice ERβ-RFPtg, in which RFP was inserted downstream of ERβ BAC promotor. We verified RFP signals as ERβ by confirming: (1) high ERβ mRNA levels in RFP-expressing cells collected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting; and (2) co-localization of ERβ mRNA and RFP proteins in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Strong ERβ-RFP signals were found in the PVN, medial preoptic area (MPOA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial amygdala (MeA), and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). In the MPOA and MeA, three types of cell populations were identified; those expressing both ERα and ERβ, and those expressing exclusively either ERα or ERβ. The majority of PVN and DRN cells expressed only ERβ-RFP. Further, ERβ-RFP positive cells co-expressed oxytocin in the PVN, and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 and progesterone receptors in the DRN. In the MeA, some ERβ-RFP positive cells co-expressed oxytocin receptors. These findings collectively suggest that ERβ-RFPtg mice can be a powerful tool for future studies on ERβ function in the estrogenic regulation of social behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Sagoshi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Sho Maejima
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morishita
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takenawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Akito Otubo
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Keiko Takanami
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Shinji Tsukahara
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Sonoko Ogawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Warfvinge K, Krause DN, Maddahi A, Grell AS, Edvinsson JC, Haanes KA, Edvinsson L. Oxytocin as a regulatory neuropeptide in the trigeminovascular system: Localization, expression and function of oxytocin and oxytocin receptors. Cephalalgia 2020; 40:1283-1295. [PMID: 32486908 DOI: 10.1177/0333102420929027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent clinical findings suggest that oxytocin could be a novel treatment for migraine. However, little is known about the role of this neuropeptide/hormone and its receptor in the trigeminovascular pathway. Here we determine expression, localization, and function of oxytocin and oxytocin receptors in rat trigeminal ganglia and targets of peripheral (dura mater and cranial arteries) and central (trigeminal nucleus caudalis) afferents. METHODS The methods include immunohistochemistry, messenger RNA measurements, quantitative PCR, release of calcitonin gene-related peptide and myography of arterial segments. RESULTS Oxytocin receptor mRNA was expressed in rat trigeminal ganglia and the receptor protein was localized in numerous small to medium-sized neurons and thick axons characteristic of A∂ sensory fibers. Double immunohistochemistry revealed only a small number of neurons expressing both oxytocin receptors and calcitonin gene-related peptide. In contrast, double immunostaining showed expression of the calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor component receptor activity-modifying protein 1 and oxytocin receptors in 23% of the small cells and in 47% of the medium-sized cells. Oxytocin immunofluorescence was observed only in trigeminal ganglia satellite glial cells. Oxytocin mRNA was below detection limit in the trigeminal ganglia. The trigeminal nucleus caudalis expressed mRNA for both oxytocin and its receptor. K+-evoked calcitonin gene-related peptide release from either isolated trigeminal ganglia or dura mater and it was not significantly affected by oxytocin (10 µM). Oxytocin directly constricted cranial arteries ex vivo (pEC50 ∼ 7); however, these effects were inhibited by the vasopressin V1A antagonist SR49059. CONCLUSION Oxytocin receptors are extensively expressed throughout the rat trigeminovascular system and in particular in trigeminal ganglia A∂ neurons and fibers, but no functional oxytocin receptors were demonstrated in the dura and cranial arteries. Thus, circulating oxytocin may act on oxytocin receptors in the trigeminal ganglia to affect nociception transmission. These effects may help explain hormonal influences in migraine and offer a novel way for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karin Warfvinge
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.,Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Diana N Krause
- Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Aida Maddahi
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Anne-Sofie Grell
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Jacob Ca Edvinsson
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian A Haanes
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Lars Edvinsson
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet, Glostrup, Denmark.,Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Brown CH, Ludwig M, Tasker JG, Stern JE. Somato-dendritic vasopressin and oxytocin secretion in endocrine and autonomic regulation. J Neuroendocrinol 2020; 32:e12856. [PMID: 32406599 PMCID: PMC9134751 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Somato-dendritic secretion was first demonstrated over 30 years ago. However, although its existence has become widely accepted, the function of somato-dendritic secretion is still not completely understood. Hypothalamic magnocellular neurosecretory cells were among the first neuronal phenotypes in which somato-dendritic secretion was demonstrated and are among the neurones for which the functions of somato-dendritic secretion are best characterised. These neurones secrete the neuropeptides, vasopressin and oxytocin, in an orthograde manner from their axons in the posterior pituitary gland into the blood circulation to regulate body fluid balance and reproductive physiology. Retrograde somato-dendritic secretion of vasopressin and oxytocin modulates the activity of the neurones from which they are secreted, as well as the activity of neighbouring populations of neurones, to provide intra- and inter-population signals that coordinate the endocrine and autonomic responses for the control of peripheral physiology. Somato-dendritic vasopressin and oxytocin have also been proposed to act as hormone-like signals in the brain. There is some evidence that somato-dendritic secretion from magnocellular neurosecretory cells modulates the activity of neurones beyond their local environment where there are no vasopressin- or oxytocin-containing axons but, to date, there is no conclusive evidence for, or against, hormone-like signalling throughout the brain, although it is difficult to imagine that the levels of vasopressin found throughout the brain could be underpinned by release from relatively sparse axon terminal fields. The generation of data to resolve this issue remains a priority for the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Colin H. Brown
- Department of Physiology, Brain Health Research Centre, Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Mike Ludwig
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Immunology, Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Jeffrey G. Tasker
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Javier E. Stern
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Koch SBJ, van Zuiden M, Nawijn L, Frijling JL, Veltman DJ, Olff M. Effects of intranasal oxytocin on distraction as emotion regulation strategy in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 29:266-277. [PMID: 30554861 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by difficulty down-regulating emotional responses towards trauma-reminders. The neuropeptide oxytocin may enhance treatment response in PTSD, by dampening excessive fear and improving fear regulation. However, oxytocin effects on (neural correlates of) cognitive emotion regulation abilities have never been investigated in PTSD patients. Therefore, we investigated behavioral and neural effects of intranasal oxytocin administration (40IU) on distraction as emotion regulation strategy in male and female police officers with and without PTSD (n = 76), using a randomized placebo-controlled cross-over fMRI study. The distraction condition consisted of a working memory task while negative affective pictures were presented. Under placebo, male PTSD patients showed decreased right striatal activity during distraction compared to male trauma-exposed controls, which was unaffected by oxytocin. After oxytocin administration, left thalamus activity during distraction was enhanced in all participants, independent of PTSD status or sex. Although left thalamus activity during distraction did not differ between PTSD patients and controls under placebo, it was negatively correlated with error rates within PTSD patients. Furthermore, oxytocin administration increased functional connectivity between the left thalamus and amygdala in PTSD patients and male trauma-exposed controls. Upregulation of thalamus activity during distraction by oxytocin may enhance cognitive emotion regulation abilities during psychotherapy in PTSD, although this should still be investigated in a clinical setting. Our findings open an important research avenue into oxytocin effects on cognitive emotion regulation in PTSD and other psychiatric disorders characterized by deficient emotion regulation abilities. Registered in the Netherlands Trial Registry, registration number: NTR3516.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saskia B J Koch
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Center for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Mirjam van Zuiden
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Nawijn
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, VU University, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jessie L Frijling
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick J Veltman
- Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, VU University, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Miranda Olff
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Arq Psychotrauma Expert Center, Diemen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Aulinas A, Plessow F, Pulumo RL, Asanza E, Mancuso CJ, Slattery M, Tolley C, Thomas JJ, Eddy KT, Miller KK, Klibanski A, Misra M, Lawson EA. Disrupted Oxytocin-Appetite Signaling in Females With Anorexia Nervosa. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:4931-4940. [PMID: 31251345 PMCID: PMC6734487 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT In healthy females, oxytocin levels decrease postmeal, corresponding to increased satiety. The postprandial response of oxytocin in females with anorexia nervosa (AN)/atypical AN is unknown. OBJECTIVES To determine the pattern of postprandial serum oxytocin levels in females with AN/atypical AN, relationship with appetite, and effect of weight, eating behavior, and endogenous estrogen status. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Clinical research center. PARTICIPANTS 67 women (36 with AN [<85% expected body weight (EBW)]; 31 with atypical AN [≥ 85% EBW)]), age 22.4 ± 0.9 (mean ± SEM) years, categorized by weight, restricting vs binge/purge behavior, and estrogen status. INTERVENTIONS Standardized mixed meal. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Blood sampling for oxytocin occurred fasting and 30, 60, and 120 minutes postmeal. Subjective appetite was assessed using visual analog scales. RESULTS In females with AN/atypical AN, oxytocin levels decreased from fasting to 60 (P = 0.002) and 120 (P = 0.005) minutes postmeal. The decrease in oxytocin from fasting to 120 minutes was greater in females with atypical AN than AN (P = 0.027) and did not differ by restricting vs binge/purge behavior or estrogen status. Controlling for caloric intake, the decrease in oxytocin was inversely related to the decrease in hunger postmeal in females with atypical AN (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS In females with AN/atypical AN, oxytocin levels decrease postmeal, as established in healthy females. Weight, but not restricting vs binge/purging nor endogenous estrogen status, affects postprandial oxytocin levels. The postprandial change in serum oxytocin levels is related to appetite in females with atypical AN only, suggesting a disconnect between oxytocin secretion and appetite in the undernourished state.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aulinas
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Franziska Plessow
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Elisa Asanza
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Meghan Slattery
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christiane Tolley
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer J Thomas
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kamryn T Eddy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Karen K Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Elizabeth A. Lawson, Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachussetts 02114. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Demographic, sampling- and assay-related confounders of endogenous oxytocin concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 54:100775. [PMID: 31351080 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Studies on endogenous oxytocin concentrations are often criticized for the debatable comparability between specimens and the variation in reported values. We performed meta-regressions on k = 229 studies (n = 12 741 participants), testing whether specimen, extraction, sex, age, time of day, or fasting instructions influenced oxytocin measurements. Predicted oxytocin concentrations differed depending on specimen and extraction: Measurements were extremely high in unextracted blood, compared to extracted blood and other specimens. Measurements were higher in samples with more female participants and higher age. Instructions not to smoke before sampling were correlated with higher oxytocin in unextracted samples. There was no impact of instructions to refrain from eating, drinking, consume caffeine, alcohol or exercising. Oxytocin concentrations increased from morning to afternoon. Our results showed that oxytocin is differentially reflected in blood, saliva, urine and cerebrospinal fluid. Extraction impacts oxytocin measurements, particularly in blood. Considering relevant confounders might increase comparability between studies.
Collapse
|
23
|
Toepfer P, O'Donnell KJ, Entringer S, Garg E, Heim CM, Lin DTS, MacIsaac JL, Kobor MS, Meaney MJ, Provençal N, Binder EB, Wadhwa PD, Buss C. Dynamic DNA methylation changes in the maternal oxytocin gene locus (OXT) during pregnancy predict postpartum maternal intrusiveness. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 103:156-162. [PMID: 30690225 PMCID: PMC6554513 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Maternal behavior (MB) is observable across mammals and represents an important feature of environmental variation during early postnatal development. Oxytocin (OT) plays a crucial role in MB. Even prior to childbirth, pregnancy induces epigenetic and other downstream changes in the maternal OT-system, likely mediated by the actions of steroid hormones. However, little is known about the nature and consequences of epigenetic modifications in the maternal OT-encoding gene (OXT) during pregnancy. Our study aims to investigate temporal dynamics of OXT promoter DNA methylation (DNAm) throughout pregnancy in predicting MB in humans. In 107 mother-child dyads, maternal OXT DNAm was serially analyzed in whole blood in early, mid and late pregnancy. MB was coded based on standardized mother-child interactions at six months postpartum. After controlling for cellular heterogeneity, race/ethnicity, age, and socioeconomic status, OXT-promoter DNAm exhibited a dynamic profile during pregnancy (b = 0.026, t=-3.37, p < .001), with decreases in DNAm from early to mid-pregnancy and no further change until late pregnancy. Moreover, dynamic DNAm trajectories of the OXT-promoter region predicted MB (intrusiveness) at six months postpartum (b = 0.006, t = 2.0, p < 0.05), with 6% higher OXT DNAm in late pregnancy in intrusive compared to non-intrusive mothers. We here demonstrate that OXT promoter DNAm changes significantly throughout gestation in peripheral blood and that these changes are associated with variability in MB, providing a novel potential biomarker predicting postnatal MB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Toepfer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kieran J O'Donnell
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany; University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Elika Garg
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christine M Heim
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany; Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - David T S Lin
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Sackler Program for Epigenetics and Psychobiology at McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Singapore
| | - Nadine Provençal
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; Simon Fraser University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Pathik D Wadhwa
- University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, Orange, CA, USA; Departments of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Epidemiology, University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Claudia Buss
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Institute of Medical Psychology, Berlin, Germany; University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, Orange, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Menstrual cycle-related fluctuations in oxytocin concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 52:144-155. [PMID: 30458185 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin affects physiological and psychological functions that are often expressed sex-specifically, suggesting interactions between oxytocin and sex hormones. As female sex hormone concentrations change during the menstrual cycle, oxytocin might fluctuate, too. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated endogenous oxytocin concentrations across menstrual cycle phases in healthy women. Data from 13 studies (120 women) showed a significant increase of oxytocin concentrations from the early follicular phase to ovulation (g = 0.39 [0.25; 0.53], p < .001) and a significant decrease from ovulation to the mid-luteal phase (g = -0.50 [-0.81; -0.18], p < .001). There were no significant differences between the early follicular and mid-luteal phase (g = -0.19 [-0.70; -0.32], p = .471). These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of differences in normal and abnormal psychobiological processes in women. They highlight the necessity to consider the menstrual cycle phase in studies on oxytocin in women.
Collapse
|
25
|
Burmester V, Higgs S, Terry P. Rapid-onset anorectic effects of intranasal oxytocin in young men. Appetite 2018; 130:104-109. [PMID: 30081055 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Although the neuropeptide oxytocin exhibits many of the characteristics that would support its use as an anorectic agent for overeaters, studies of oxytocin's effectiveness at reducing eating in humans remain limited. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, under the pretext of examining oxytocin's effects on various aspects of sensory perception, 20 men were given 24 IU of oxytocin and took a taste test of sweet, salty, and neutral snacks 45 min later. Participants self-rated appetite, anxiety, and other mood parameters, and then were left alone for 10 min with the pre-weighed snack food and invited to help themselves. To minimize the influence of hunger-driven eating, lunch had been provided immediately after oxytocin administration. In line with Ott et al. (2013), oxytocin significantly reduced the consumption of sweet foods; however, it also reduced consumption of salty snacks. Self-reported anxiety did not differ across drug conditions. The study is the first to demonstrate an effect of oxytocin on snack eating at 45 min post administration and on salty snacks. The anorectic efficacy of oxytocin after 45 min cannot easily be explained by the same mechanism as the one presumed to underpin its effects in previous studies that adopted much longer intervals between drug administration and testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Burmester
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, KT1 2EE, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne Higgs
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Philip Terry
- Department of Psychology, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, KT1 2EE, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Schuh-Hofer S, Eichhorn N, Grinevich V, Treede RD. Sleep Deprivation Related Changes of Plasma Oxytocin in Males and Female Contraceptive Users Depend on Sex and Correlate Differentially With Anxiety and Pain Hypersensitivity. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:161. [PMID: 30116181 PMCID: PMC6082934 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Disturbed sleep is known to substantially aggravate both the pain condition and the affective state of pain patients. The neurobiological mechanisms underlying these adverse effects are unknown. Oxytocin (OT), being largely involved in social and emotional behavior, is considered to also play a modulatory role in nociception. We hypothesized a pathophysiological role of OT for the hyperalgesic and anxiogenic effects of sleep loss. An established human model of one night of total sleep deprivation (TSD) was used to test this hypothesis. Twenty young healthy students (n = 10 male and n = 10 female) were investigated in a balanced cross-over design, contrasting TSD with a night of habitual sleep (HS). All females took monophasic oral contraceptives (OC) and were investigated during their ‘pill-free’ phase. Plasma OT concentrations were correlated with (1) pain thresholds, (2) descending pain inhibition, and (3) state-anxiety scores. Compared to the HS condition, the plasma OT concentration was significantly increased in sleep deprived females (p = 0.02) but not males (p = 0.69). TSD resulted in pain hypersensitivity to noxious cold (p = 0.05), noxious heat (p = 0.023), and pricking stimuli (p = 0.013) and significantly increased state-anxiety (p = 0.021). While, independent of sex, lower heat pain thresholds correlated with higher plasma OT (p = 0.036), no such associations were found for cold/mechanical pain. In sleep-deprived females, higher plasma OT showed a mild (but insignificant) association with lower pain inhibition (p = 0.093). We found a positive correlation between anxiety-scores and OT (p = 0.021), which was enhanced when respecting “sex” (p = 0.008) and “sleep” (p = 0.001) in a hierarchical regression analysis. Altogether, our study revealed a complex and partially sex-dependent correlation between plasma OT and TSD-induced changes of experimental pain and anxiety. The minor role of OT for TSD-induced changes of evoked pain, and its major involvement in anxiety, argues against a specific role of OT for linking the adverse effects of TSD on pain sensitivity and anxiety with each other. Future investigations are needed in order to dissect out the effect of OC on the sex-dependent effects of TSD observed in our study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Schuh-Hofer
- Department of Neurophysiology, Centre of Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Clinic for Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nicole Eichhorn
- Department of Neurophysiology, Centre of Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Schaller Research Group on Neuropeptides, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg and Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rolf-Detlef Treede
- Department of Neurophysiology, Centre of Biomedicine and Medical Technology Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Paletta P, Sheppard PAS, Matta R, Ervin KSJ, Choleris E. Rapid effects of estrogens on short-term memory: Possible mechanisms. Horm Behav 2018; 104:88-99. [PMID: 29847771 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Contribution to Special Issue on Fast effects of steroids. Estrogens affect learning and memory through rapid and delayed mechanisms. Here we review studies on rapid effects on short-term memory. Estradiol rapidly improves social and object recognition memory, spatial memory, and social learning when administered systemically. The dorsal hippocampus mediates estrogen rapid facilitation of object, social and spatial short-term memory. The medial amygdala mediates rapid facilitation of social recognition. The three estrogen receptors, α (ERα), β (ERβ) and the G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) appear to play different roles depending on the task and brain region. Both ERα and GPER agonists rapidly facilitate short-term social and object recognition and spatial memory when administered systemically or into the dorsal hippocampus and facilitate social recognition in the medial amygdala. Conversely, only GPER can facilitate social learning after systemic treatment and an ERβ agonist only rapidly improved short-term spatial memory when given systemically or into the hippocampus, but also facilitates social recognition in the medial amygdala. Investigations into the mechanisms behind estrogens' rapid effects on short term memory showed an involvement of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) kinase pathways. Recent evidence also showed that estrogens interact with the neuropeptide oxytocin in rapidly facilitating social recognition. Estrogens can increase the production and/or release of oxytocin and other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and acetylcholine. Therefore, it is possible that estrogens' rapid effects on short-term memory may occur through the regulation of various neurotransmitters, although more research is need on these interactions as well as the mechanisms of estrogens' actions on short-term memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Paletta
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Paul A S Sheppard
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Richard Matta
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Kelsy S J Ervin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Morisot N, Monier R, Le Moine C, Millan MJ, Contarino A. Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2-deficiency eliminates social behaviour deficits and vulnerability induced by cocaine. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:1504-1518. [PMID: 29406581 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Poor social behaviour and vulnerability to stress are major clinical features of stimulant use disorders. The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system mediates stress responses and might underlie substance use disorders; however, its involvement in social impairment induced by stimulant substances remains unknown. CRF signalling is mediated by two receptor types, CRF1 and CRF2 . In the present study we investigated the role of the CRF2 receptor in social behaviour deficits, vulnerability to stress and related brain alterations induced by cocaine administration and withdrawal. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH CRF2 receptor-deficient (CRF2 -/-) and littermate wild-type mice were repeatedly tested in the three-chamber task for sociability (i.e. preference for an unfamiliar conspecific vs. an object) and social novelty preference (SNP; i.e. preference for a novel vs. a familiar conspecific) before and after chronic cocaine administration. An in situ hybridization assay was used to assess gene expression of the stress-responsive arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) neuropeptides in the hypothalamus. KEY RESULTS CRF2 receptor deficiency eliminated the sociability deficit induced by cocaine withdrawal. Moreover, CRF2 -/- mice did not show either the stress-induced sociability deficit or the increased AVP and OT expression associated with long-term cocaine withdrawal, indicating resilience to stress. Throughout, wild-type and CRF2 -/- mice displayed SNP, suggesting that cocaine withdrawal-induced sociability deficits were not due to impaired detection of social stimuli. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings demonstrate a central role for the CRF2 receptor in social behaviour deficits and biomarkers of vulnerability induced by cocaine withdrawal, suggesting new therapeutic strategies for stimulant use disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Morisot
- INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,INCIA, UMR 5287, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Romain Monier
- INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,INCIA, UMR 5287, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Catherine Le Moine
- INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,INCIA, UMR 5287, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Mark J Millan
- Centre for Therapeutic Innovation in Neuropsychiatry, Institut de Recherches Servier, Croissy-sur-Seine, France
| | - Angelo Contarino
- INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,INCIA, UMR 5287, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lymer JM, Sheppard PAS, Kuun T, Blackman A, Jani N, Mahbub S, Choleris E. Estrogens and their receptors in the medial amygdala rapidly facilitate social recognition in female mice. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 89:30-38. [PMID: 29309995 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens have been shown to rapidly (within 1 h) affect learning and memory processes, including social recognition. Both systemic and hippocampal administration of 17β-estradiol facilitate social recognition in female mice within 40 min of administration. These effects were likely mediated by estrogen receptor (ER) α and the G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), as administration of the respective receptor agonists (PPT and G-1) also facilitated social recognition on a rapid time scale. The medial amygdala has been shown to be necessary for social recognition and long-term manipulations in rats have implicated medial amygdalar ERα. As such, our objective was to investigate whether estrogens and different ERs within the medial amygdala play a role in the rapid facilitation of social recognition in female mice. 17β-estradiol, G-1, PPT, or ERβ agonist DPN was infused directly into the medial amygdala of ovariectomized female mice. Mice were then tested in a social recognition paradigm, which was completed within 40 min, thus allowing the assessment of rapid effects of treatments. 17β-estradiol (10, 25, 50, 100 nM), PPT (300 nM), DPN (150 nM), and G-1 (50 nM) each rapidly facilitated social recognition. Therefore, estrogens in the medial amygdala rapidly facilitate social recognition in female mice, and the three main estrogen receptors: ERα, ERβ, and the GPER all are involved in these effects. This research adds to a network of brain regions, including the medial amygdala and the dorsal hippocampus, that are involved in mediating the rapid estrogenic facilitation of social recognition in female mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Lymer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Paul A S Sheppard
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Talya Kuun
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Andrea Blackman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Nilay Jani
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Sahnon Mahbub
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Choleris E, Galea LAM, Sohrabji F, Frick KM. Sex differences in the brain: Implications for behavioral and biomedical research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 85:126-145. [PMID: 29287628 PMCID: PMC5751942 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Biological differences between males and females are found at multiple levels. However, females have too often been under-represented in behavioral neuroscience research, which has stymied the study of potential sex differences in neurobiology and behavior. This review focuses on the study of sex differences in the neurobiology of social behavior, memory, emotions, and recovery from brain injury, with particular emphasis on the role of estrogens in regulating forebrain function. This work, presented by the authors at the 2016 meeting of the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society, emphasizes varying approaches from several mammalian species in which sex differences have not only been documented, but also become the focus of efforts to understand the mechanistic basis underlying them. This information may provide readers with useful experimental tools to successfully address recently introduced regulations by granting agencies that either require (e.g. the National Institutes of Health in the United States and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in Canada) or recommend (e.g. Horizon 2020 in Europe) the inclusion of both sexes in biomedical research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, MacKinnon Bldg. Room 4020, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada
| | - Farida Sohrabji
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M HSC College of Medicine, Bryan, TX 77807, United States
| | - Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Biosynthesis and secretion of the hypothalamic nonapeptide oxytocin largely depends on steroid hormones. Estradiol, corticosterone, and vitamin D seem to be the most prominent actors. Due to their lipophilic nature, systemic steroids are thought to be capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, thus mediating central functions including neuroendocrine and behavioral control. The actual mode of action of steroids in hypothalamic circuitry is still unknown: Most of the oxytocinergic perikarya lack nuclear steroid receptors but express proteins suspected to be membrane receptors for steroids. Oxytocin expressing neurons contain enzymes important for intrinsic steroid metabolism. Furthermore, they produce and probably liberate specific steroid-binding globulins. Rapid responses to steroid hormones may involve these binding proteins and membrane-associated receptors, rather than classic nuclear receptors and genomic pathways. Neuroendocrine regulation, reproductive behaviors, and stress response seem to depend on these mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott D Ochs
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Spartanburg, SC, USA
| | - Jack D Caldwell
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Spartanburg, SC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Garcia AN, Depena C, Bezner K, Yin W, Gore AC. The timing and duration of estradiol treatment in a rat model of the perimenopause: Influences on social behavior and the neuromolecular phenotype. Horm Behav 2018; 97:75-84. [PMID: 29108778 PMCID: PMC5771824 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study tested the effects of timing and duration of estradiol (E2) treatment, factors that are clinically relevant to hormone replacement in perimenopausal women, on social behavior and expression of genes in brain regions that regulate these behaviors. Female rats were ovariectomized (OVX) at 1year of age, roughly equivalent to middle-age in women, and given E2 or vehicle for different durations (3 or 6months) and timing (immediately or after a 3-month delay) relative to OVX. Social and ultrasonic vocalization (USV) behaviors were assessed at the 3 and 6month timepoints, and the rats' brains were then used for gene expression profiling in hypothalamus (supraoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial amygdala, and prefrontal cortex using a 48-gene qPCR platform. At the 3-month post-OVX testing period, E2 treatment significantly decreased the number of frequency-modulated USVs emitted. No effects of hormone were found at the 6-month testing period. There were few effects of timing and duration of E2 in a test of social preference of a rat given a choice between her same-sex cagemate and a novel conspecific. For gene expression, effects of timing and duration of E2 were region-specific, with the majority of changes found for genes involved in regulating social behavior such as neuropeptides (Oxt, Oxtr &Avp), neurotransmitters (Drd1, Drd2, Htr2a, Grin2d &Gabbr1), and steroid hormone receptors (Esr2, Ar, Pgr). These data suggest that the mode of E2 treatment has specific effects on social behavior and expression of target genes involved in the regulation of these behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N Garcia
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Christina Depena
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kelsey Bezner
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Weiling Yin
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Dzirbíková Z, Talarovičová A, Štefánik P, Olexová L, Kršková L. Testosterone enhancement during pregnancy influences social coping and gene expression of oxytocin and vasopressin in the brain of adult rats. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2018. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2018-024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
|
34
|
|
35
|
Yamashita J, Kawabata Y, Okubo K. Expression of isotocin is male-specifically up-regulated by gonadal androgen in the medaka brain. J Neuroendocrinol 2017; 29. [PMID: 29024132 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin, a mammalian neuropeptide primarily synthesised in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus, mediates a variety of physiological and behavioural processes, ranging from parturition and lactation to affiliation and prosociality. Multiple studies in rodents have shown that the expression of the oxytocin gene (Oxt) is stimulated by oestrogen, whereas androgen has no apparent effect. However, this finding is not consistent across all studies, and no study has examined sex steroid regulation of Oxt or its orthologues in other animals. In the present study, we show that, in the teleost fish, medaka (Oryzias latipes), the expression of the isotocin gene (it), the teleost orthologue of Oxt, in the parvocellular preoptic nuclei (homologous to the mammalian supraoptic nucleus) is male-specifically up-regulated by gonadal androgen, whereas it expression in the magnocellular/gigantocellular preoptic nuclei (homologous to the mammalian paraventricular nucleus) is independent of sex steroids in both sexes. None of the it-expressing neurones appear to co-express androgen receptors, suggesting that the effect of androgen on it expression is indirect. We found that the expression of a kisspeptin gene, kiss2, in the male brain is dependent on gonadal androgen, raising the possibility that the androgen-dependent expression of it may be mediated by kiss2 neurones. Our data also show that the isotocin peptide synthesised in response to androgen is axonally transported to the posterior pituitary to act peripherally. Given that levels of it expression are higher in females than in males, androgen may serve to compensate for the female-biased it expression to ensure a role for isotocin that is equally important for both sexes. These results are unexpectedly quite different from those reported in rodents, indicating that the regulatory role of sex steroids in Oxt/it expression has diverged during evolution, possibly with accompanying changes in the role of oxytocin/isotocin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Yamashita
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y Kawabata
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - K Okubo
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Oyola MG, Thompson MK, Handa AZ, Handa RJ. Distribution and chemical composition of estrogen receptor β neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the female and male mouse hypothalamus. J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:3666-3682. [PMID: 28758220 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Activation of estrogen receptor beta (ERβ)-expressing neurons regulates the mammalian stress response via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These neurons densely populate the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Recent research has revealed striking differences between rat and mouse PVN cytochemistry, but careful exploration of PVN ERβ neurons in mice has been hindered by a lack of specific ERβ antisera. Therefore, we used male and female transgenic mice expressing EGFP under the control of the mouse ERβ promoter (ERβ-EGFP) to examine the chemical architecture of PVN ERβ cells. Using immunohistochemistry, we found that 90% of ERβ-immunoreactivity (-ir) colocalized with EGFP. Cellular colocalization of EGFP with neuropeptides, transcription modulators, and neuronal tracers was examined throughout the PVN. ERβ-EGFP cells expressed oxytocin more abundantly in the rostral (71 ± 3%) than caudal (33 ± 8%) PVN. Arginine vasopressin colocalized with EGFP more often in females (18 ± 3%) than males (4 ± 1%). Moreover, estrogen receptor α-ir colocalized with ERβ-EGFP at low levels (15 ± 3%). Using a corticotropin releasing hormone-cre driver X tdTomato reporter mouse, we found a moderate colocalization with ERβ-ir (48 ± 16%) in the middle PVN. Peripheral injection of fluorogold revealed that the rostral PVN ERβ-EGFP cells are neuroendocrine neurons whereas non-neuroendocrine (presumably pre-autonomic) ERβ-EGFP neurons predominated in the posterior PVN. These data demonstrate chemoarchitectural differences in ERβ neurons of the mouse PVN that are different from that previously described for the rat, thus, elucidating potential neuronal pathways involved in the regulation of the HPA axis in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario G Oyola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Maranda K Thompson
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Univ. Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Aaron Z Handa
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Univ. Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hrebíčková I, Ševčíková M, Macúchová E, Šlamberová R. How methamphetamine exposure during different neurodevelopmental stages affects social behavior of adult rats? Physiol Behav 2017; 179:391-400. [PMID: 28694157 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Social behavior involves complex of different forms of interactions between individuals that is essential for healthy mental and physical development throughout lifespan. Psychostimulants, including methamphetamine (MA), have neurotoxic effect, especially, if they are targeting CNS during its critical periods of development. The present study was aimed on evaluation of changes in social interactions (SI) following scheduled prenatal/neonatal MA treatment in combination with acute application in adulthood. Eight groups of male and eight groups of female rats were tested in adulthood: rats, whose mothers were exposed to MA (5mg/ml/kg) or saline (SA, 1ml/kg) during the first half of gestation (ED 1-11), the second half of gestation (ED 12-22) and neonatal period (PD 1-11). To do this, we compared indirect neonatal applications via the exposed dams with group of rat pups that received MA or SA directly through injections. In adulthood, half animals from each group were injected with MA (1mg/kg), second half with saline 45min prior to the Social Interaction Test. Females and males were observed for social and nonsocial activities of two unfamiliar individuals of the same sex and treatment in a familiar Open field arena. The present study demonstrated that prenatal/neonatal MA exposure leads to decrease the time spent in genital investigation, following and nonsocial activity. Acute dose of MA leads to a decrease in all SI patterns and to an increase in nonsocial activities relative to acute SA. Females were more active than males. Animals exposed to prenatal/neonatal treatment during the second half of gestation (ED 12-22) and throughout lactation period (PD 1-11 indirect/direct) had fewer SI and greater exploratory behavior than animals exposed during the first half of gestation (ED 1-11).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Hrebíčková
- Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Department of Normal, Pathological and Clinical Physiology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Mária Ševčíková
- Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Department of Normal, Pathological and Clinical Physiology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Macúchová
- Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Department of Normal, Pathological and Clinical Physiology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Romana Šlamberová
- Charles University, Third Faculty of Medicine, Department of Normal, Pathological and Clinical Physiology, Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Patisaul HB. Endocrine disruption by dietary phyto-oestrogens: impact on dimorphic sexual systems and behaviours. Proc Nutr Soc 2017; 76:130-144. [PMID: 27389644 PMCID: PMC5646220 DOI: 10.1017/s0029665116000677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
A wide range of health benefits have been ascribed to soya intake including a lowered risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and menopausal symptoms. Because it is a hormonally active diet, however, soya can also be endocrine disrupting, suggesting that intake has the potential to cause adverse health effects in certain circumstances, particularly when exposure occurs during development. Consequently, the question of whether or not soya phyto-oestrogens are beneficial or harmful to human health is neither straightforward nor universally applicable to all groups. Possible benefits and risks depend on age, health status, and even the presence or absence of specific gut microflora. As global consumption increases, greater awareness and consideration of the endocrine-disrupting properties of soya by nutrition specialists and other health practitioners is needed. Consumption by infants and small children is of particular concern because their hormone-sensitive organs, including the brain and reproductive system, are still undergoing sexual differentiation and maturation. Thus, their susceptibility to the endocrine-disrupting activities of soya phyto-oestrogens may be especially high. As oestrogen receptor partial agonists with molecular and cellular properties similar to anthropogenic endocrine disruptors such as bisphenol A, the soya phyto-oestrogens provide an interesting model for how attitudes about what is 'synthetic' v. what is 'natural,' shapes understanding and perception of what it means for a compound to be endocrine disrupting and/or potentially harmful. This review describes the endocrine-disrupting properties of soya phyto-oestrogens with a focus on neuroendocrine development and behaviour.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences,Center for Human Health and the Environment,NC State University,Raleigh,NC 27695,USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Garcia AN, Bezner K, Depena C, Yin W, Gore AC. The effects of long-term estradiol treatment on social behavior and gene expression in adult female rats. Horm Behav 2017; 87:145-154. [PMID: 27871902 PMCID: PMC5203957 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the effects of long-term estradiol (E2) replacement on social behavior and gene expression in brain nuclei involved in the regulation of these social behaviors in adult female rats. We developed an ultrasonic vocalization (USV) test and a sociability test to examine communications, social interactions, and social preference, using young adult female cagemates. All rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and implanted with a Silastic capsule containing E2 or vehicle, and housed in same-treatment pairs for a 3-month period. Then, rats were behaviorally tested, euthanized, and 5 nuclei in the brain's social decision-making circuit were selected for neuromolecular profiling by a multiplex qPCR method. Our novel USV test proved to be a robust tool to measure numbers and types of calls emitted by cagemates that had been reintroduced after a 1-week separation. Results also showed that E2-treated OVX rats had profoundly decreased numbers of USV calls compared to vehicle-treated OVX rats. In a test of sociability, in which a female was allowed to choose between her cagemate or a same-treatment novel rat, we found few effects of E2 compared to vehicle, although interestingly, rats chose the cagemate over an unfamiliar conspecific. Gene expression results revealed that the supraoptic nucleus had the greatest number of gene changes caused by E2: Oxt, Oxtr and Avp were increased, and Drd2, Htr1a, Grin2b, and Gabbr1 were decreased, by E2. No genes were affected in the prefrontal cortex, and 1-4 genes were changed in paraventricular nucleus (Pgr), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (Oxtr, Esr2, Dnmt3a), and medial amygdala (Oxtr, Ar, Foxp1, Tac3). Thus, E2 changes communicative interactions between adult female rats, together with selected expression of genes in the brain, especially in the supraoptic nucleus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N Garcia
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kelsey Bezner
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Christina Depena
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Weiling Yin
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Patisaul HB. Endocrine Disruption of Vasopressin Systems and Related Behaviors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:134. [PMID: 28674520 PMCID: PMC5475378 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that interfere with the organizational or activational effects of hormones. Although the vast majority of the EDC literature focuses on steroid hormone signaling related impacts, growing evidence from a myriad of species reveals that the nonapeptide hormones vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) may also be EDC targets. EDCs shown to alter pathways and behaviors coordinated by AVP and/or OT include the plastics component bisphenol A (BPA), the soy phytoestrogen genistein (GEN), and various flame retardants. Many effects are sex specific and likely involve action at nuclear estrogen receptors. Effects include the elimination or reversal of well-characterized sexually dimorphic aspects of the AVP system, including innervation of the lateral septum and other brain regions critical for social and other non-reproductive behaviors. Disruption of magnocellular AVP function has also been reported in rats, suggesting possible effects on hemodynamics and cardiovascular function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather B. Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Heather B. Patisaul,
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Engert V, Koester AM, Riepenhausen A, Singer T. Boosting recovery rather than buffering reactivity: Higher stress-induced oxytocin secretion is associated with increased cortisol reactivity and faster vagal recovery after acute psychosocial stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 74:111-120. [PMID: 27608360 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Animal models and human studies using paradigms designed to stimulate endogenous oxytocin release suggest a stress-buffering role of oxytocin. We here examined the involvement of stress-induced peripheral oxytocin secretion in reactivity and recovery phases of the human psychosocial stress response. Healthy male and female participants (N=114) were subjected to a standardized laboratory stressor, the Trier Social Stress Test. In addition to plasma oxytocin, cortisol was assessed as a marker of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA-) axis activity, alpha-amylase and heart rate as markers of sympathetic activity, high frequency heart rate variability as a marker of vagal tone and self-rated anxiety as an indicator of subjective stress experience. On average, oxytocin levels increased by 51% following psychosocial stress. The stress-induced oxytocin secretion, however, did not reduce stress reactivity. To the contrary, higher oxytocin secretion was associated with greater cortisol reactivity and peak cortisol levels in both sexes. In the second phase of the stress response the opposite pattern was observed, with higher oxytocin secretion associated with faster vagal recovery. We suggest that after an early stage of oxytocin and HPA-axis co-activation, the stress-reducing action of oxytocin unfolds. Due to the time lag it manifests as a recovery-boosting rather than a reactivity-buffering effect. By reinforcing parasympathetic autonomic activity, specifically during stress recovery, oxytocin may provide an important protective function against the health-compromising effects of sustained stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Engert
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Department of Social Neuroscience, 04103 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Anna M Koester
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Department of Social Neuroscience, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antje Riepenhausen
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Department of Social Neuroscience, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tania Singer
- Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Department of Social Neuroscience, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Caldwell HK, Aulino EA, Freeman AR, Miller TV, Witchey SK. Oxytocin and behavior: Lessons from knockout mice. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 77:190-201. [PMID: 27513442 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that the nonapeptide oxytocin (Oxt) is important for the neural modulation of behaviors in many mammalian species. Since its discovery in 1906 and synthesis in the early 1950s, elegant pharmacological work has helped identify specific neural substrates on which Oxt exerts its effects. More recently, mice with targeted genetic disruptions of the Oxt system-i.e., both the peptide and its receptor (the Oxtr)-have further defined Oxt's actions and laid some important scientific groundwork for studies in other species. In this article, we highlight the scientific contributions that various mouse knockouts of the Oxt system have made to our understanding of Oxt's modulation of behavior. We specifically focus on how the use of these mice has shed light on our understanding of social recognition memory, maternal behavior, aggression, and several nonsocial behaviors. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 190-201, 2017.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather K Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242
| | - Elizabeth A Aulino
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242
| | - Angela R Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242
| | - Travis V Miller
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242
| | - Shannah K Witchey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
De Melo VU, Saldanha RRM, Dos Santos CR, De Campos Cruz J, Lira VA, Santana-Filho VJ, Michelini LC. Ovarian Hormone Deprivation Reduces Oxytocin Expression in Paraventricular Nucleus Preautonomic Neurons and Correlates with Baroreflex Impairment in Rats. Front Physiol 2016; 7:461. [PMID: 27790154 PMCID: PMC5063006 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases including hypertension increases dramatically in women after menopause, however the mechanisms involved remain incompletely understood. Oxytocinergic (OTergic) neurons are largely present within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Several studies have shown that OTergic drive from PVN to brainstem increases baroreflex sensitivity and improves autonomic control of the circulation. Since preautonomic PVN neurons express different types of estrogen receptors, we hypothesize that ovarian hormone deprivation causes baroreflex impairment, autonomic imbalance and hypertension by negatively impacting OTergic drive and oxytocin levels in pre-autonomic neurons. Here, we assessed oxytocin gene and protein expression (qPCR and immunohistochemistry) within PVN subnuclei in sham-operated and ovariectomized Wistar rats. Conscious hemodynamic recordings were used to assess resting blood pressure and heart rate and the autonomic modulation of heart and vessels was estimated by power spectral analysis. We observed that the ovarian hormone deprivation in ovariectomized rats decreased baroreflex sensitivity, increased sympathetic and reduced vagal outflows to the heart and augmented the resting blood pressure. Of note, ovariectomized rats had reduced PVN oxytocin mRNA and protein expression in all pre-autonomic PVN subnuclei. Furthermore, reduced PVN oxytocin protein levels were positively correlated with decreased baroreflex sensitivity and negatively correlated with increased LF/HF ratio. These findings suggest that reduced oxytocin expression in OTergic neurons of the PVN contributes to the baroreflex dysfunction and autonomic dysregulation observed with ovarian hormone deprivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vitor U De Melo
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of SergipeSão Cristóvão, Brazil; Department of Health and Human Physiology, Obesity Research and Education Initiative, Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of IowaIowa, IA, USA
| | - Rayssa R M Saldanha
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of Sergipe São Cristóvão, Brazil
| | - Carla R Dos Santos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Vitor A Lira
- Department of Health and Human Physiology, Obesity Research and Education Initiative, Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center, Abboud Cardiovascular Research Center, Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa Iowa, IA, USA
| | | | - Lisete C Michelini
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Arambula SE, Belcher SM, Planchart A, Turner SD, Patisaul HB. Impact of Low Dose Oral Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) on the Neonatal Rat Hypothalamic and Hippocampal Transcriptome: A CLARITY-BPA Consortium Study. Endocrinology 2016; 157:3856-3872. [PMID: 27571134 PMCID: PMC5045502 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting, high volume production chemical found in a variety of products. Evidence of prenatal exposure has raised concerns that developmental BPA may disrupt sex-specific brain organization and, consequently, induce lasting changes on neurophysiology and behavior. We and others have shown that exposure to BPA at doses below the no-observed-adverse-effect level can disrupt the sex-specific expression of estrogen-responsive genes in the neonatal rat brain including estrogen receptors (ERs). The present studies, conducted as part of the Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights of BPA Toxicity program, expanded this work by examining the hippocampal and hypothalamic transcriptome on postnatal day 1 with the hypothesis that genes sensitive to estrogen and/or sexually dimorphic in expression would be altered by prenatal BPA exposure. NCTR Sprague-Dawley dams were gavaged from gestational day 6 until parturition with BPA (0-, 2.5-, 25-, 250-, 2500-, or 25 000-μg/kg body weight [bw]/d). Ethinyl estradiol was used as a reference estrogen (0.05- or 0.5-μg/kg bw/d). Postnatal day 1 brains were microdissected and gene expression was assessed with RNA-sequencing (0-, 2.5-, and 2500-μg/kg bw BPA groups only) and/or quantitative real-time PCR (all exposure groups). BPA-related transcriptional changes were mainly confined to the hypothalamus. Consistent with prior observations, BPA induced sex-specific effects on hypothalamic ERα and ERβ (Esr1 and Esr2) expression and hippocampal and hypothalamic oxytocin (Oxt) expression. These data demonstrate prenatal BPA exposure, even at doses below the current no-observed-adverse-effect level, can alter gene expression in the developing brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheryl E Arambula
- Department of Biological Sciences (S.E.A., S.M.B., A.P., H.B.P.), Keck Center for Behavioral Biology (S.E.A., H.B.P.), and Center for Human Health and the Environment (S.E.A., S.M.B., A.P., H.B.P.), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695; and Department of Public Health Sciences (S.D.T.), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Scott M Belcher
- Department of Biological Sciences (S.E.A., S.M.B., A.P., H.B.P.), Keck Center for Behavioral Biology (S.E.A., H.B.P.), and Center for Human Health and the Environment (S.E.A., S.M.B., A.P., H.B.P.), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695; and Department of Public Health Sciences (S.D.T.), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Antonio Planchart
- Department of Biological Sciences (S.E.A., S.M.B., A.P., H.B.P.), Keck Center for Behavioral Biology (S.E.A., H.B.P.), and Center for Human Health and the Environment (S.E.A., S.M.B., A.P., H.B.P.), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695; and Department of Public Health Sciences (S.D.T.), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Stephen D Turner
- Department of Biological Sciences (S.E.A., S.M.B., A.P., H.B.P.), Keck Center for Behavioral Biology (S.E.A., H.B.P.), and Center for Human Health and the Environment (S.E.A., S.M.B., A.P., H.B.P.), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695; and Department of Public Health Sciences (S.D.T.), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences (S.E.A., S.M.B., A.P., H.B.P.), Keck Center for Behavioral Biology (S.E.A., H.B.P.), and Center for Human Health and the Environment (S.E.A., S.M.B., A.P., H.B.P.), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695; and Department of Public Health Sciences (S.D.T.), University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a heterogeneous, debilitating disorder characterized by three distinct sets of clinical features: positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits. Extant antipsychotic drugs have been most successful at treating the positive symptoms of patients with schizophrenia but have minimal therapeutic effects on negative symptoms and cognitive deficits, which are the symptoms that best predict the poor prognosis of these patients. Therefore, there has been a major effort towards identifying compounds that alleviate these symptoms. Oxytocin (OT) is a nonapeptide that regulates peripheral reproductive-relevant functions, and also acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain. Converging evidence from both preclinical and clinical research suggests that OT may have therapeutic efficacy for the positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. In the majority of the small, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials conducted to date, OT has shown particular promise in its potential to treat the intractable negative symptoms and social cognitive deficits exhibited by most of the patients with this debilitating disorder. In this leading article, we summarize the clinical evidence relevant to (1) endogenous OT and schizophrenia, and (2) the putative therapeutic effects of OT on each of the three clinical domains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul D Shilling
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA, 92103-8218, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Garcia AN, Depena CK, Yin W, Gore AC. Testing the critical window of estradiol replacement on gene expression of vasopressin, oxytocin, and their receptors, in the hypothalamus of aging female rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 419:102-12. [PMID: 26454088 PMCID: PMC4684429 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The current study tested the "critical window" hypothesis of menopause that postulates that the timing and duration of hormone treatment determine their potential outcomes. Our focus was genes in the rat hypothalamus involved in social and affiliative behaviors that change with aging and/or estradiol (E2): Avp, Avpr1a, Oxt, Oxtr, and Esr2 in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON). Rats were reproductively mature or aging adults, ovariectomized, given E2 or vehicle treatment of different durations, with or without a post-ovariectomy delay. Our hypothesis was that age-related changes in gene expression are mitigated by E2 treatments. Contrary to this, PVN Oxtr increased with E2, and Avpr1a increased with age. In the SON, Avpr1a increased with age, Oxtr with age and timing, and Avp was altered by duration. Thus, chronological age and E2 have independent actions on gene expression, with the "critical window" hypothesis supported by the observed timing and duration effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra N Garcia
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Christina K Depena
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Weiling Yin
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
de Moura AC, da Silva IRV, Reinaldo G, Dani C, Elsner VR, Giovenardi M. Global Histone H4 Acetylation in the Olfactory Bulb of Lactating Rats with Different Patterns of Maternal Behavior. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2015; 36:1209-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-015-0306-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
48
|
Effect of long-term intranasal oxytocin on sexual dysfunction in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: a randomized trial. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:715-23.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 06/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
49
|
Stamatakis A, Kalpachidou T, Raftogianni A, Zografou E, Tzanou A, Pondiki S, Stylianopoulou F. Rat dams exposed repeatedly to a daily brief separation from the pups exhibit increased maternal behavior, decreased anxiety and altered levels of receptors for estrogens (ERα, ERβ), oxytocin and serotonin (5-HT1A) in their brain. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 52:212-28. [PMID: 25486578 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the present study we investigated the neurobiological mechanisms underlying expression of maternal behavior. Increased maternal behavior was experimentally induced by a brief 15-min separation between the mother and the pups during postnatal days 1 to 22. On postnatal days (PND) 12 and 22, we determined in experimental and control dams levels of anxiety in the elevated plus maze (EPM) as well as the levels of receptors for estrogens (ERα, ERβ), oxytocin (OTR) and serotonin (5-HT1AR) in areas of the limbic system (prefrontal cortex-PFC, hippocampus, lateral septum-SL, medial preoptic area-MPOA, shell of nucleus accumbens-nAc-Sh, central-CeA and basolateral-BLA amygdala), involved in the regulation of maternal behavior. Experimental dams, which showed increased maternal behavior towards their offspring, displayed reduced anxiety in the EPM on both PND12 and PND22. These behavioral differences could be attributed to neurochemical alterations in their brain: On both PND12 and PND22, experimental mothers had higher levels of ERα and OTRs in the PFC, hippocampus, CeA, SL, MPOA and nAc-Sh. The experimental manipulation-induced increase in ERβ levels was less widespread, being localized in PFC, the hippocampal CA2 area, MPOA and nAc-Sh. In addition, 5-HT1ARs were reduced in the PFC, hippocampus, CeA, MPOA and nAc-Sh of the experimental mothers. Our results show that the experience of the daily repeated brief separation from the pups results in increased brain ERs and OTRs, as well as decreased 5-HT1ARs in the dam's brain; these neurochemical changes could underlie the observed increase in maternal behavior and the reduction of anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Stamatakis
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Kalpachidou
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Androniki Raftogianni
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstratia Zografou
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasia Tzanou
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula Pondiki
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Fotini Stylianopoulou
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Acevedo-Rodriguez A, Mani SK, Handa RJ. Oxytocin and Estrogen Receptor β in the Brain: An Overview. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:160. [PMID: 26528239 PMCID: PMC4606117 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide synthesized primarily by neurons of the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. These neurons have axons that project into the posterior pituitary and release OT into the bloodstream to promote labor and lactation; however, OT neurons also project to other brain areas where it plays a role in numerous brain functions. OT binds to the widely expressed OT receptor (OTR), and, in doing so, it regulates homeostatic processes, social recognition, and fear conditioning. In addition to these functions, OT decreases neuroendocrine stress signaling and anxiety-related and depression-like behaviors. Steroid hormones differentially modulate stress responses and alter OTR expression. In particular, estrogen receptor β activation has been found to both reduce anxiety-related behaviors and increase OT peptide transcription, suggesting a role for OT in this estrogen receptor β-mediated anxiolytic effect. Further research is needed to identify modulators of OT signaling and the pathways utilized and to elucidate molecular mechanisms controlling OT expression to allow better therapeutic manipulations of this system in patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Acevedo-Rodriguez
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shaila K. Mani
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Memory and Brain Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robert J. Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
- *Correspondence: Robert J. Handa,
| |
Collapse
|