1
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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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lydie Naulé
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR8246, INSERM U1130, Neuroscience Paris Seine – Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
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2
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Lafta MS, Mwinyi J, Affatato O, Rukh G, Dang J, Andersson G, Schiöth HB. Exploring sex differences: insights into gene expression, neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, cognition, and pathology. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1340108. [PMID: 38449735 PMCID: PMC10915038 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1340108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased knowledge about sex differences is important for development of individualized treatments against many diseases as well as understanding behavioral and pathological differences. This review summarizes sex chromosome effects on gene expression, epigenetics, and hormones in relation to the brain. We explore neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, cognition, and brain pathology aiming to explain the current state of the art. While some domains exhibit strong differences, others reveal subtle differences whose overall significance warrants clarification. We hope that the current review increases awareness and serves as a basis for the planning of future studies that consider both sexes equally regarding similarities and differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muataz S. Lafta
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Mwinyi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Women’s Mental Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oreste Affatato
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Women’s Mental Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gull Rukh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Junhua Dang
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helgi B. Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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3
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Reed MB, Handschuh PA, Klöbl M, Konadu ME, Kaufmann U, Hahn A, Kranz GS, Spies M, Lanzenberger R. The influence of sex steroid treatment on insular connectivity in gender dysphoria. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 155:106336. [PMID: 37499299 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex-specific differences in brain connectivity were found in various neuroimaging studies, though little is known about sex steroid effects on insular functioning. Based on well-characterized sex differences in emotion regulation, interoception and higher-level cognition, gender-dysphoric individuals receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy represent an interesting cohort to investigate how sex hormones might influence insular connectivity and related brain functions. METHODS To analyze the potential effect of sex steroids on insular connectivity at rest, 11 transgender women, 14 transgender men, 20 cisgender women, and 11 cisgender men were recruited. All participants underwent two magnetic resonance imaging sessions involving resting-state acquisitions separated by a median time period of 4.5 months and also completed the Bermond-Vorst alexithymia questionnaire at the initial and final examination. Between scans, transgender subjects received gender-affirming hormone therapy. RESULTS A seed based functional connectivity analysis revealed a significant 2-way interaction effect of group-by-time between right insula, cingulum, left middle frontal gyrus and left angular gyrus. Post-hoc tests demonstrated an increase in connectivity for transgender women when compared to cisgender men. Furthermore, spectral dynamic causal modelling showed reduced effective connectivity from the posterior cingulum and left angular gyrus to the left middle frontal gyrus as well as from the right insula to the left middle frontal gyrus. Alexithymia changes were found after gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender women in both fantasizing and identifying. CONCLUSION These findings suggest a considerable influence of estrogen administration and androgen suppression on brain networks implicated in interoception, own-body perception and higher-level cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray B Reed
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Patricia A Handschuh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Manfred Klöbl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Melisande E Konadu
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Kaufmann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg S Kranz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Marie Spies
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
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4
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Terrin F, Tesoriere A, Plotegher N, Dalla Valle L. Sex and Brain: The Role of Sex Chromosomes and Hormones in Brain Development and Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1486. [PMID: 37296608 PMCID: PMC10252697 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones and genes on the sex chromosomes are not only key factors in the regulation of sexual differentiation and reproduction but they are also deeply involved in brain homeostasis. Their action is crucial for the development of the brain, which presents different characteristics depending on the sex of individuals. The role of these players in the brain is fundamental in the maintenance of brain function during adulthood as well, thus being important also with respect to age-related neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we explore the role of biological sex in the development of the brain and analyze its impact on the predisposition toward and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, we focus on Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that has a higher incidence in the male population. We report how sex hormones and genes encoded by the sex chromosomes could protect from the disease or alternatively predispose toward its development. We finally underline the importance of considering sex when studying brain physiology and pathology in cellular and animal models in order to better understand disease etiology and develop novel tailored therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nicoletta Plotegher
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (A.T.)
| | - Luisa Dalla Valle
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (F.T.); (A.T.)
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5
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Phillips-Farfán BV, Quintanar BG, Reyes R, Fernández-Guasti A. Distribution of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in the brain of male rats with same-sex preference. Physiol Behav 2023; 268:114237. [PMID: 37192686 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Two distinct estrogen receptors (ERs) exist, ERα and ERβ. Both receptors participate in the sexual differentiation of the rat brain and likely participate in the regulation of adult sexual orientation (i.e. partner preference). This last idea was investigated herein by examining males treated with the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, administered prenatally (0.56 μg/kg G10-22). This treatment usually provokes same-sex preference in 1-2 males per litter. Vehicle-treated males (with female preference) and females in spontaneous proestrus (with male preference) were included as controls. ERα and ERβ expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in brain areas known to control masculine sexual behavior and partner preference, like the medial preoptic area (MPOA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), medial amygdala (MeA) and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH), as well as other brain regions suspected to participate in these processes. In addition, serum levels of estradiol were determined in all male groups. Letrozole-treated male rats that preferred sexually experienced males (LPM) showed over-expressed ERα in the hippocampal cornu Ammonis (CA 1, 3, 4) and dentate gyrus. The LPM group showed up-regulated ERβ expression in the CA2 and reticular thalamic nucleus. The levels of estradiol did not differ between the groups. The higher expression of ERs in these males was different than their expression in females, with male sex-preference. This suggests that males with same-sex preference showed a unique brain, this sui generis steroid receptor expression probably participates in the biological underpinnings of sexual preference.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebeca Reyes
- Departament of Pharmacobiology, Cinvestav, Unidad Coapa
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6
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Court L, Vandries L, Balthazart J, Cornil CA. Key role of estrogen receptor β in the organization of brain and behavior of the Japanese quail. Horm Behav 2020; 125:104827. [PMID: 32735801 PMCID: PMC7541764 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens play a key role in the sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior. While early estrogen actions exert masculinizing effects on the brain of male rodents, a diametrically opposite effect is observed in birds where estrogens demasculinize the brain of females. Yet, the two vertebrate classes express similar sex differences in the brain and behavior. Although ERα is thought to play a major role in these processes in rodents, the role of ERβ is still controversial. In birds, the identity of the estrogen receptor(s) underlying the demasculinization of the female brain remains unclear. The aim of the present study was thus to determine in Japanese quail the effects of specific agonists of ERα (propylpyrazole triol, PPT) and ERβ (diarylpropionitrile, DPN) administered at the beginning of the sensitive period (embryonic day 7, E7) on the sexual differentiation of male sexual behavior and on the density of vasotocin-immunoreactive (VT-ir) fibers, a known marker of the organizational action of estrogens on the quail brain. We demonstrate that estradiol benzoate and the ERβ agonist (DPN) demasculinize male sexual behavior and decrease the density of VT-ir fibers in the medial preoptic nucleus and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, while PPT has no effect on these measures. These results clearly indicate that ERβ, but not ERα, is involved in the estrogen-induced sexual differentiation of brain and sexual behavior in quail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Court
- Neuroendocrinology laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Laura Vandries
- Neuroendocrinology laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- Neuroendocrinology laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Charlotte A Cornil
- Neuroendocrinology laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
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7
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Shu T, Zhai G, Pradhan A, Olsson PE, Yin Z. Zebrafish cyp17a1 knockout reveals that androgen-mediated signaling is important for male brain sex differentiation. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 295:113490. [PMID: 32283058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Brain sex differentiation is a complex process, wherein genes and steroid hormones act to induce specific gender brain differentiation. Testosterone (T) derived from the gonads has been linked to neural circuit modeling in a sex-specific manner. Previously, we have shown that cyp17a1 knockout (KO) zebrafish have low plasma androgen levels, and display compromised male-typical mating behaviors. In this study, we demonstrated that treatment of cyp17a1 KO males with T or 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) is sufficient to rescue mating impairment by restoring the male-typical secondary sex characters (SSCs) and mating behaviors, confirming an essential role of androgen in maintaining SSCs and mating behaviors. Brain steroid hormone analysis revealed that cyp17a1 KO fish have reduced levels of T and 11-KT. We performed RNA sequencing on brain samples of control and cyp17a1 KO male zebrafish to get insights regarding the impact of cyp17a1 KO on gene expression pattern, and to correlate it with the observed disruption of male-typical mating behaviors. Transcriptome analysis of cyp17a1 KO males showed a differential gene expression when compared to control males. In total, 358 genes were differentially regulated between control males and KO males. Important genes including brain aromatase (cyp19a1b), progesterone receptor (pgr), deiodinase (dio2), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (igf1) that are involved in brain functions, as well as androgen response genes including igf1, frem1a, elovl1a, pax3a, mmp13b, hsc70, ogg1 were regulated. RT-qPCR analysis following rescue of cyp17a1 KO with T and 11-KT further suggested that androgen-mediated signaling is disrupted in the cyp17a1 KO fish. Our results indicated that cyp17a1 KO fish have an incomplete masculinization and altered brain gene expression, which could be due to decreased androgen levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 101408, China
| | - Gang Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ajay Pradhan
- The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden.
| | - Per-Erik Olsson
- The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, SE-701 82 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Zhan Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, China.
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8
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Taylor RM, Smith R, Collins CE, Mossman D, Wong-Brown MW, Chan EC, Evans TJ, Attia JR, Buckley N, Drysdale K, Smith T, Butler T, Hure AJ. Global DNA methylation and cognitive and behavioral outcomes at 4 years of age: A cross-sectional study. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01579. [PMID: 32109009 PMCID: PMC7177573 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that breastfeeding exclusivity and duration are positively associated with child cognition. This study investigated whether DNA methylation, an epigenetic mechanism modified by nutrient intake, may contribute to the link between breastfeeding and child cognition. The aim was to quantify the relationship between global DNA methylation and cognition and behavior at 4 years of age. METHODS Child behavior and cognition were measured at age 4 years using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence, third version (WPPSI-III), and Child Behavior Checklist (CBC). Global DNA methylation (%5-methylcytosines (%5mC)) was measured in buccal cells at age 4 years, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) commercial kit. Linear regression models were used to quantify the statistical relationships. RESULTS Data were collected from 73 children recruited from the Women and Their Children's Health (WATCH) study. No statistically significant associations were found between global DNA methylation levels and child cognition or behavior (p > .05), though the estimates of effect were consistently negative. Global DNA methylation levels in males were significantly higher than in females (median %5mC: 1.82 vs. 1.03, males and females, respectively, (p < .05)). CONCLUSION No association was found between global DNA methylation and child cognition and behavior; however given the small sample, this study should be pooled with other cohorts in future meta-analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M Taylor
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Roger Smith
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Clare E Collins
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre in Physical Activity and Nutrition, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - David Mossman
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Department of Molecular Medicine, NSW Health Pathology, John Hunter Hospital, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Michelle W Wong-Brown
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Health, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Eng-Cheng Chan
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Tiffany-Jane Evans
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Clinical Research Design IT and Statistical Support (CReDITSS) Unit, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - John R Attia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Clinical Research Design IT and Statistical Support (CReDITSS) Unit, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Nick Buckley
- School of Psychology and Exercise Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Karen Drysdale
- Faculty of Science, School Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Tenele Smith
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Trent Butler
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexis J Hure
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre for Generational, Health and Ageing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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9
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Khbouz B, de Bournonville C, Court L, Taziaux M, Corona R, Arnal JF, Lenfant F, Cornil CA. Role for the membrane estrogen receptor alpha in the sexual differentiation of the brain. Eur J Neurosci 2019; 52:2627-2645. [PMID: 31833601 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens exert pleiotropic effects on multiple physiological and behavioral responses. Male and female sexual behavior in rodents constitutes some of the best-characterized responses activated by estrogens in adulthood and largely depend on ERα. Evidence exists that nucleus- and membrane-initiated estrogen signaling cooperate to orchestrate the activation of these behaviors both in short- and long-term. However, questions remain regarding the mechanism(s) and receptor(s) involved in the early brain programming during development to organize the circuits underlying sexually differentiated responses. Taking advantage of a mouse model harboring a mutation of the ERα palmitoylation site, which prevents membrane ERα signaling (mERα; ERα-C451A), this study investigated the role of mERα on the expression of male and female sexual behavior and neuronal populations that differ between sexes. The results revealed no genotype effect on the expression of female sexual behavior, while male sexual behavior was significantly reduced, but not abolished, in males homozygous for the mutation. Similarly, the number of kisspeptin- (Kp-ir) and calbindin-immunoreactive (Cb-ir) neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPv) and the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN-POA), respectively, were not different between genotypes in females. In contrast, homozygous males showed increased numbers of Kp-ir and decreased numbers of Cb-ir neurons compared to wild-types, thus leading to an intermediate phenotype between females and wild-type males. Importantly, females neonatally treated with estrogens exhibited the same neurochemical phenotype as their corresponding genotype among males. Together, these data provide evidence that mERα is involved in the perinatal programming of the male brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badr Khbouz
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Lucas Court
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Rebeca Corona
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Arnal
- INSERM/UPS UMR 1048-I2MC, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, Toulouse, France
| | - Françoise Lenfant
- INSERM/UPS UMR 1048-I2MC, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires, Toulouse, France
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10
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Estradiol Treatment during Perinatal Development Alters Adult Partner Preference, Mating Behavior and Estrogen Receptors α and β in the Female Mandarin Vole ( Microtus mandarinus). Zool Stud 2019. [PMID: 31966342 PMCID: PMC6971534 DOI: 10.6620/zs.2019.58-41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
During development, many aspects of behavior, including partner preferences and sexual conduct, are "organized" by estradiol. This study aimed at analyze these processes in the mandarin vole (Microtus mandarinus), a novel experimental mammal with strong monogamous pair bonds. Female pups were treated daily with an oil vehicle (FC) or β-Estradiol (E2, FT) from prenatal day 14 to postnatal day 10. Male pups were treated daily with the oil vehicle only (MC). Partner preferences, sexual conduct and the expression of estrogen receptors α (ERα) and β (ERβ) were examined when animals were 3 months old. FT and MC groups showed female-directed partner preferences and masculinized behavior. ERα- immunoreactive neurons (ERα-IRs) in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) and medial amygdaloid nucleus (MeA) was greater in FT females than MC males, and there was no significant difference in the number of ERα-IRs between FT and FC females. No difference was found for ERα-IRs in the preoptic area (mPOA) or ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) of FT females or MC males, and they were significantly fewer than in FC females. ERβ-immunoreactive neurons (ERβ-IRs) in these four brain regions did not alter the ERβ/ERα ratio in different brain regions during perintal developments. However, the number of ERβ-IRs in FT females and MC males were greater than in FC females. We propose that estradiol treatment during perinatal development is responsible for adult partner preferences and mating behavior.
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11
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Inoue S, Yang R, Tantry A, Davis CH, Yang T, Knoedler JR, Wei Y, Adams EL, Thombare S, Golf SR, Neve RL, Tessier-Lavigne M, Ding JB, Shah NM. Periodic Remodeling in a Neural Circuit Governs Timing of Female Sexual Behavior. Cell 2019; 179:1393-1408.e16. [PMID: 31735496 PMCID: PMC7096331 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Behaviors are inextricably linked to internal state. We have identified a neural mechanism that links female sexual behavior with the estrus, the ovulatory phase of the estrous cycle. We find that progesterone-receptor (PR)-expressing neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) are active and required during this behavior. Activating these neurons, however, does not elicit sexual behavior in non-estrus females. We show that projections of PR+ VMH neurons to the anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) nucleus change across the 5-day mouse estrous cycle, with ∼3-fold more termini and functional connections during estrus. This cyclic increase in connectivity is found in adult females, but not males, and regulated by estrogen signaling in PR+ VMH neurons. We further show that these connections are essential for sexual behavior in receptive females. Thus, estrogen-regulated structural plasticity of behaviorally salient connections in the adult female brain links sexual behavior to the estrus phase of the estrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayaka Inoue
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Renzhi Yang
- Biology Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Adarsh Tantry
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Chung-Ha Davis
- Neurosciences Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Taehong Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Joseph R Knoedler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yichao Wei
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Eliza L Adams
- Neurosciences Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Shivani Thombare
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Samantha R Golf
- Neurosciences Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Rachael L Neve
- Gene Delivery Technology Core, Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Jun B Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Nirao M Shah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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12
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Wang Y, Wu H, Sun ZS. The biological basis of sexual orientation: How hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors influence to whom we are sexually attracted. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100798. [PMID: 31593707 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Humans develop relatively stable attractions to sexual partners during maturation and present a spectrum of sexual orientation from homosexuality to heterosexuality encompassing varying degrees of bisexuality, with some individuals also displaying asexuality. Sexual orientation represents a basic life phenomenon for humans. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these diverse traits of sexual orientation remain highly controversial. In this review, we systematically discuss recent advancements in sexual orientation research, including those related to measurements and associated brain regions. Current findings regarding sexual orientation modulation by hormonal, genetic, maternal immune system, and environmental factors are summarized in both human and model systems. We also emphasize that future studies should recognize the differences between males and females and pay more attention to minor traits and the epigenetic regulation of sexual orientation. A comprehensive view of sexual orientation may promote our understanding of the biological basis of sex, and that of human reproduction, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haoda Wu
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Sino-Danish College, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Zhong Sheng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Sino-Danish College, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
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13
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Balthazart J. New concepts in the study of the sexual differentiation and activation of reproductive behavior, a personal view. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100785. [PMID: 31430485 PMCID: PMC6858558 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Since the beginning of this century, research methods in neuroendocrinology enjoyed extensive refinements and innovation. These advances allowed collection of huge amounts of new data and the development of new ideas but have not led to this point, with a few exceptions, to the development of new conceptual advances. Conceptual advances that took place largely resulted from the ingenious insights of several investigators. I summarize here some of these new ideas as they relate to the sexual differentiation and activation by sex steroids of reproductive behaviors and I discuss how our research contributed to the general picture. This selective review clearly demonstrates the importance of conceptual changes that have taken place in this field since beginning of the 21st century. The recent technological advances suggest that our understanding of hormones, brain and behavior relationships will continue to improve in a very fundamental manner over the coming years.
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Swift-Gallant A. Individual differences in the biological basis of androphilia in mice and men. Horm Behav 2019; 111:23-30. [PMID: 30579744 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For nearly 60 years since the seminal paper from W.C Young and colleagues (Phoenix et al., 1959), the principles of sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior have maintained that female-typical sexual behaviors (e.g., lordosis) and sexual preferences (e.g., attraction to males) are the result of low androgen levels during development, whereas higher androgen levels promote male-typical sexual behaviors (e.g., mounting and thrusting) and preferences (e.g., attraction to females). However, recent reports suggest that the relationship between androgens and male-typical behaviors is not always linear - when androgen signaling is increased in male rodents, via exogenous androgen exposure or androgen receptor overexpression, males continue to exhibit male-typical sexual behaviors, but their sexual preferences are altered such that their interest in same-sex partners is increased. Analogous to this rodent literature, recent findings indicate that high level androgen exposure may contribute to the sexual orientation of a subset of gay men who prefer insertive anal sex and report more male-typical gender traits, whereas gay men who prefer receptive anal sex, and who on average report more gender nonconformity, present with biomarkers suggestive of low androgen exposure. Together, the evidence indicates that for both mice and men there is an inverted-U curvilinear relationship between androgens and sexual preferences, such that low and high androgen exposure increases androphilic sexual attraction, whereas relative mid-range androgen exposure leads to gynephilic attraction. Future directions for studying how individual differences in biological development mediate sexual behavior and sexual preferences in both mice and humans are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlyn Swift-Gallant
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 293 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada.
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15
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Liu ZW, Yu Y, Lu C, Jiang N, Wang XP, Xiao SY, Liu XM. Postweaning Isolation Rearing Alters the Adult Social, Sexual Preference and Mating Behaviors of Male CD-1 Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:21. [PMID: 30873013 PMCID: PMC6404373 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: No study has comprehensively evaluated the effect of postweaning isolation on the social and sexual behaviors of a certain strain of rodents in ethology. The present study aims to explore how and to what extent isolation rearing after postweaning affects the social and sexual behaviors of male CD-1 mice in adulthood systematically. Methods: Male CD-1 mice were randomly assigned to two groups: isolation reared (IS, one mouse per cage, n = 30) and group housed (GH, five mice per cage, n = 15). The mice underwent isolation rearing from postnatal day 23 to day 93. Then, social affiliation, recognition and memory were measured through selection task experiments. Social interaction under a home cage and novel environment were measured via resident–intruder and social interaction test, respectively. Furthermore, sexual preference, homosexual and heterosexual behaviors were measured. Results: Our study found that postweaning isolation increased the social affiliation for conspecifics (p = 0.001), reduced social recognition (p = 0.042) and impaired social memory. As for social interaction, isolated mice showed a remarkably increased aggression toward the intruder male in a home cage or novelty environment. For instance, isolated mice presented a short attack latency (p < 0.001), high attack frequency (p < 0.001) and long attack duration (p < 0.001). In addition, isolated mice exhibited further social avoidance. Contrastingly, isolated mice displayed a reduced sexual preference for female (IS: 61.47 ± 13.80%, GH: 70.33 ± 10.06%, p = 0.038). As for heterosexual behavior, isolated mice have a short mating duration (p = 0.002), long mounting latency (p = 0.002), and long intromission latency (p = 0.015). However, no association was observed between postweaning isolation and homosexual behavior in male CD-1 mouse. Conclusion: Postweaning isolation increased the social affiliation, impaired the social cognition and considerably increased the aggression in social interaction of adult male CD-1 mice. Postweaning isolation induced a decreased sexual preference for female in adulthood. Postweaning isolation extended the latency to mate, thereby reducing mating behavior. No association was observed between isolation and homosexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Wei Liu
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders and National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, China.,Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cong Lu
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders and National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, China
| | - Shui-Yuan Xiao
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders and National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, China.,Department of Social Medicine and Health Management, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin-Min Liu
- Research Center for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Foreman M, Hare L, York K, Balakrishnan K, Sánchez FJ, Harte F, Erasmus J, Vilain E, Harley VR. Genetic Link Between Gender Dysphoria and Sex Hormone Signaling. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:390-396. [PMID: 30247609 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-01105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT There is a likely genetic component to gender dysphoria, but association study data have been equivocal. OBJECTIVE We explored the specific hypothesis that gender dysphoria in transgender women is associated with variants in sex hormone-signaling genes responsible for undermasculinization and/or feminization. DESIGN Subject-control analysis included 380 transgender women and 344 control male subjects. Associations and interactions were investigated between functional variants in 12 sex hormone-signaling genes and gender dysphoria in transgender women. SETTING Patients were recruited from the Monash Gender Clinic, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia, and the University of California, Los Angeles. PATIENTS Caucasian (non-Latino) transgender women were recruited who received a diagnosis of transsexualism [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV) or gender dysphoria (DSM-V)] pre- or postoperatively. Most were receiving hormone treatment at the time of recruitment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURED Genomic DNA was genotyped for repeat length polymorphisms or single nucleotide polymorphisms. RESULTS A significant association was identified between gender dysphoria and ERα, SRD5A2, and STS alleles, as well as ERα and SULT2A1 genotypes. Several allele combinations were also overrepresented in transgender women, most involving AR (namely, AR-ERβ, AR-PGR, AR-COMT, CYP17-SRD5A2). Overrepresented alleles and genotypes are proposed to undermasculinize/feminize on the basis of their reported effects in other disease contexts. CONCLUSION Gender dysphoria may have an oligogenic component, with several genes involved in sex hormone-signaling contributing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren Hare
- Hudson Institute of Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kate York
- Hudson Institute of Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Fintan Harte
- Monash Gender Clinic, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Eric Vilain
- Children's National Health System, Washington, DC
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17
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Le Moëne O, Ågmo A. The neuroendocrinology of sexual attraction. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 51:46-67. [PMID: 29288076 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Sexual attraction has two components: Emission of sexually attractive stimuli and responsiveness to these stimuli. In rodents, olfactory stimuli are necessary but not sufficient for attraction. We argue that body odors are far superior to odors from excreta (urine, feces) as sexual attractants. Body odors are produced by sebaceous glands all over the body surface and in specialized glands. In primates, visual stimuli, for example the sexual skin, are more important than olfactory. The role of gonadal hormones for the production of and responsiveness to odorants is well established. Both the androgen and the estrogen receptor α are important in male as well as in female rodents. Also in primates, gonadal hormones are necessary for the responsiveness to sexual attractants. In males, the androgen receptor is sufficient for sustaining responsiveness. In female non-human primates, estrogens are needed, whereas androgens seem to contribute to responsiveness in women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anders Ågmo
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Norway.
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18
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Ohlendorf D, Fisch V, Doerry C, Schamberger S, Oremek G, Ackermann H, Schulze J. Standard reference values of the upper body posture in healthy young female adults in Germany: an observational study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e022236. [PMID: 30082360 PMCID: PMC6078251 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Classifications of posture deviations are only possible compared with standard values. However, standard values have been published for healthy male adults but not for female adults. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main. PARTICIPANTS 106healthy female volunteers (21-30 years old; 25.1±2.7 years) were included. Their body weight ranged from 46 to 106 kg (60.3±7.9 kg), the heights from 1.53 to 1.82 m (1.69±0.06 m) and the body mass index from 16.9 kg/m² to 37.6 kg/m² (21.1±2.6 kg/m²). OUTCOME MEASURES A three-dimensional back scan was performed to measure the upper back posture in habitual standing. The tolerance ranges and CI were calculated. Group differences were tested by the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS In normal posture, the spinal column was marginally twisted to the left, and the vertebrae were marginally rotated to the right. The kyphosis angle is larger than the lumbar angle. Consequently, a more kyphotic posture is observed in the sagittal plane. The habitual posture is slightly scoliotic with a rotational component (scapular depression right, right scapula marginally more dorsally, high state of pelvic right, iliac right further rotated anteriorly). CONCLUSIONS Healthy young women have an almost ideally balanced posture with minimal ventral body inclination and a marginal scoliotic deviation. Compared with young males, women show only marginal differences in the upper body posture. These values allow a comparison to other studies, both for control and patient data, and may serve as guideline in both clinical practice and scientific studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ohlendorf
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Vanessa Fisch
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Charlotte Doerry
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Schamberger
- School of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Gerhard Oremek
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hanns Ackermann
- Institute of Biostatistics and Mathematical Modeling, Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Johannes Schulze
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
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19
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Stetzik L, Ganshevsky D, Lende MN, Roache LE, Musatov S, Cushing BS. Inhibiting ERα expression in the medial amygdala increases prosocial behavior in male meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). Behav Brain Res 2018; 351:42-48. [PMID: 29859197 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.05.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that site-specific estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression is a critical factor in the expression of male prosocial behavior and aggression. Previous studies have shown that in the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) low levels of ERα expression, in the medial amygdala (MeA), play an essential role in the expression of high levels of male prosocial behavior and that increasing ERα expression reduced male prosocial behavior. We used an shRNA adeno-associated viral vector to knock down/inhibit ERα in the MeA of the polygynous male meadow vole (M. pennsylvanicus), which displays significantly higher levels of ERα in the MeA than its monogamous relative. Control males were transfected with a luciferase expressing AAV vector. After treatment males participated in three social behavior tests, a same-sex dyadic encounter, an opposite-sex social preference test and an alloparental test. We predicted that decreasing MeA ERα would increase male meadow vole's prosocial behavior and reduce aggression. The results generally supported the hypothesis. Specifically, MeA knockdown males displayed lower levels of defensive aggression during dyadic encounters and increased levels of overall side-x-side physical contact with females during the social preference test, eliminating the partner preference observed in controls. There was no effect on pup interactions, with both treatments expressing low levels of alloparental behavior. Behaviors affected were similar to those in male prairie voles with increased ERα in the BST rather than the MeA, suggesting that relative changes of expression within these nuclei may play a critical role in regulating prosocial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Stetzik
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100267, Gainesville, FL 32610-0267, United States
| | - Denis Ganshevsky
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States
| | - Michelle N Lende
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States
| | - Laura E Roache
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States
| | - Sergei Musatov
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell College of Medicine, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Bruce S Cushing
- Department of Biology and Integrated Bioscience Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, United States; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso 79968, United States.
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20
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Monks DA, Swift-Gallant A. Non-neural androgen receptors affect sexual differentiation of brain and behaviour. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30. [PMID: 28590577 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Although gonadal testosterone is the principal endocrine factor that promotes masculine traits in mammals, the development of a male phenotype requires local production of both androgenic and oestrogenic signals within target tissues. Much of our knowledge concerning androgenic components of testosterone signalling in sexual differentiation comes from studies of androgen receptor (Ar) loss of function mutants. Here, we review these studies of loss of Ar function and of AR overexpression either globally or selectively in the nervous system of mice. Global and neural mutations affect socio-sexual behaviour and the neuroanatomy of these mice in a sexually differentiated manner. Some masculine traits are affected by both global and neural mutation, indicative of neural mediation, whereas other masculine traits are affected only by global mutation, indicative of an obligatory non-neural androgen target. These results support a model in which multiple sites of androgen action coordinate to produce masculine phenotypes. Furthermore, AR overexpression does not always have a phenotype opposite to that of loss of Ar function mutants, indicative of a nonlinear relationship between androgen dose and masculine phenotype in some cases. Potential mechanisms of Ar gene function in non-neural targets in producing masculine phenotypes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Monks
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
- Department of Cells and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - A Swift-Gallant
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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21
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Adhya D, Annuario E, Lancaster MA, Price J, Baron‐Cohen S, Srivastava DP. Understanding the role of steroids in typical and atypical brain development: Advantages of using a "brain in a dish" approach. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12547. [PMID: 29024164 PMCID: PMC5838783 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Steroids have an important role in growth, development, sexual differentiation and reproduction. All four classes of steroids, androgens, oestrogens, progestogens and glucocorticoids, have varying effects on the brain. Androgens and oestrogens are involved in the sexual differentiation of the brain, and also influence cognition. Progestogens such as progesterone and its metabolites have been shown to be involved in neuroprotection, although their protective effects are timing-dependent. Glucocorticoids are linked with stress and memory performance, also in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Importantly, dysfunction in steroid function has been implicated in the pathogenesis of disease. Moreover, regulating steroid-signalling has been suggested as potential therapeutic avenue for the treatment of a number of neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, clarifying the role of steroids in typical and atypical brain function is essential for understanding typical brain functions, as well as determining their potential use for pharmacological intervention in the atypical brain. However, the majority of studies have thus far have been conducted using animal models, with limited work using native human tissue or cells. Here, we review the effect of steroids in the typical and atypical brain, focusing on the cellular, molecular functions of these molecules determined from animal models, and the therapeutic potential as highlighted by human studies. We further discuss the promise of human-induced pluripotent stem cells, including advantages of using three-dimensional neuronal cultures (organoids) in high-throughput screens, in accelerating our understanding of the role of steroids in the typical brain, and also with respect to their therapeutic value in the understanding and treatment of the atypical brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Adhya
- Department of PsychiatryAutism Research CentreUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular BiologyCambridgeUK
| | - E. Annuario
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - J. Price
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College LondonLondonUK
- National Institute for Biological Standards and ControlSouth MimmsUK
| | - S. Baron‐Cohen
- Department of PsychiatryAutism Research CentreUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - D. P. Srivastava
- Department of Basic and Clinical NeuroscienceMaurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience InstituteInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College LondonLondonUK
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22
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Ambeskovic M, Roseboom TJ, Metz GAS. Transgenerational effects of early environmental insults on aging and disease incidence. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 117:297-316. [PMID: 28807754 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adverse early life experiences are major influences on developmental trajectories with potentially life-long consequences. Prenatal or early postnatal exposure to stress, undernutrition or environmental toxicants may reprogram brain development and increase risk of behavioural and neurological disorders later in life. Not only experience within a single lifetime, but also ancestral experience affects health trajectories and chances of successful aging. The central mechanism in transgenerational programming of a disease may be the formation of epigenetic memory. This review explores transgenerational effects of early adverse experience on health and disease incidence in older age. First, we address mechanisms of developmental and transgenerational programming of disease and inheritance. Second, we discuss experimental and clinical findings linking early environmental determinants to adverse aging trajectories in association with possible parental contributions and sex-specific effects. Third, we outline the main mechanisms of age-related functional decline and suggest potential interventions to reverse negative effects of transgenerational programming. Thus, strategies that support healthy development and successful aging should take into account the potential influences of transgenerational inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Ambeskovic
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K3M4, Canada
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Centre, Meibergdreef 9, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Gerlinde A S Metz
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K3M4, Canada.
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23
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Hawley W, Battista C, Divack S, Morales Núñez N. The role of estrogen G-protein coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) and sexual experience in sexual incentive motivation in male rats. Physiol Behav 2017; 177:176-181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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24
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Montelli S, Suman M, Corain L, Cozzi B, Peruffo A. Sexually Diergic Trophic Effects of Estradiol Exposure on Developing Bovine Cerebellar Granule Cells. Neuroendocrinology 2017; 104:51-71. [PMID: 26882349 DOI: 10.1159/000444528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the mammalian brain, the differentiation of neural cells and the developmental organization of the underlying circuitry are influenced by steroid hormones. The estrogen 17-β estradiol (E2) is one of the most potent regulators of neural growth during prenatal life, synthetized locally from steroid precursors including prenatal testicular testosterone. Estradiol promotes brain differentiation counting sexually dimorphic neural circuits by binding to the estrogen receptors, ER-α and ER-β. The cerebellum has been described as a site of estrogen action and a potentially sexually dimorphic area. The goal of this study was to analyze the capacity of E2 to affect the growth of male and female fetal bovine cerebellar granule. We performed primary cultures of fetal cerebellar granules, and verified the mRNA expression of the ER-α and ER-β in both sexes. Moreover, the distribution of ERs in the male and female cerebellar granules of the second fetal stage was characterized by immunohistochemistry. We measured morphological parameters in presence (or absence) of estradiol administration, focusing on the variations of the dendritic branching pattern of granule neurons. By using the nonparametric combination and permutation testing approach, we proposed a sophisticated multivariate statistical analysis to demonstrate that E2 induces multifarious and dimorphic changes in the granule cells. E2 exerts trophic effects in both female and male granules and this effect is stronger in female. Male granules treated with E2 became similar to female control granule. Bos taurus species has a long gestation and a large brain that offers an interesting alternative in comparative neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Montelli
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science of the University of Padova, Legnaro, taly
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Naulé L, Marie-Luce C, Parmentier C, Martini M, Albac C, Trouillet AC, Keller M, Hardin-Pouzet H, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Revisiting the neural role of estrogen receptor beta in male sexual behavior by conditional mutagenesis. Horm Behav 2016; 80:1-9. [PMID: 26836767 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Estradiol derived from neural aromatization of gonadal testosterone plays a key role in the perinatal organization of the neural circuitry underlying male sexual behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of neural estrogen receptor (ER) β in estradiol-induced effects without interfering with its peripheral functions. For this purpose, male mice lacking ERβ in the nervous system were generated. Analyses of males in two consecutive tests with a time interval of two weeks showed an effect of experience, but not of genotype, on the latencies to the first mount, intromission, pelvic thrusting and ejaculation. Similarly, there was an effect of experience, but not of genotype, on the number of thrusts and mating length. Neural ERβ deletion had no effect on the ability of males to adopt a lordosis posture in response to male mounts, after castration and priming with estradiol and progesterone. Indeed, only low percentages of both genotypes exhibited a low lordosis quotient. It also did not affect their olfactory preference. Quantification of tyrosine hydroxylase- and kisspeptin-immunoreactive neurons in the preoptic area showed unaffected sexual dimorphism of both populations in mutants. By contrast, the number of androgen receptor- and ERα-immunoreactive cells was significantly increased in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis of mutant males. These data show that neural ERβ does not play a crucial role in the organization and activation of the neural circuitry underlying male sexual behavior. These discrepancies with the phenotype of global ERβ knockout models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydie Naulé
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Clarisse Marie-Luce
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Caroline Parmentier
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Mariangela Martini
- UMR 85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France; UMR7247, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais, Tours, France; Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Nouzilly, France
| | - Christelle Albac
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Anne-Charlotte Trouillet
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Matthieu Keller
- UMR 85, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Nouzilly, France; UMR7247, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Nouzilly, France; Université François Rabelais, Tours, France; Institut Français du Cheval et de l'Equitation, Nouzilly, France
| | - Hélène Hardin-Pouzet
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France.
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Effects of Prepubertal or Adult Site-Specific Knockdown of Estrogen Receptor β in the Medial Preoptic Area and Medial Amygdala on Social Behaviors in Male Mice. eNeuro 2016; 3:eN-NWR-0155-15. [PMID: 27066533 PMCID: PMC4819287 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0155-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone, after being converted to estradiol in the brain, acts on estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) and controls the expression of male-type social behavior. Previous studies in male mice have revealed that ERα expressed in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and medial amygdala (MeA) are differently involved in the regulation of sexual and aggressive behaviors by testosterone action at the time of testing in adult and/or on brain masculinization process during pubertal period. However, a role played by ERβ in these brain regions still remains unclear. Here we examined the effects of site-specific knockdown of ERβ (βERKD) in the MPOA and MeA on male social behaviors with the use of adeno-associated viral mediated RNA interference methods in ICR/Jcl mice. Prepubertal βERKD in the MPOA revealed that continuous suppression of ERβ gene expression throughout the pubertal period and adulthood decreased aggressive but not sexual behavior tested as adults. Because βERKD in the MPOA only in adulthood did not affect either sexual or aggressive behaviors, it was concluded that pubertal ERβ in the MPOA might have an essential role for the full expression of aggressive behavior in adulthood. On the other hand, although neither prepubertal nor adult βERKD in the MeA had any effects on sexual and aggressive behavior, βERKD in adulthood disrupted sexual preference of receptive females over nonreceptive females. Collectively, these results suggest that ERβ in the MPOA and MeA are involved in the regulation of male sexual and aggressive behavior in a manner substantially different from that of ERα.
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Xie Q, Xi G, Keep RF, Hua Y. Effects of Gender and Estrogen Receptors on Iron-Induced Brain Edema Formation. ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA. SUPPLEMENT 2016; 121:341-5. [PMID: 26463972 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-18497-5_59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies have shown that female mice have less brain edema and better recovery in neurological deficits after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and that 17β-estradiol treatment in male mice markedly reduces ICH-induced brain edema. In this study, we investigated the role of gender and the estrogen receptors (ERs) in iron-induced brain edema. There were three parts in this study: (1) either male or female mice received an injection of 10 μL FeCl2 (1 mM) into the right caudate; (2) females received an intracaudate injection of FeCl2 or saline with 1 μg of ICI 182,780 (antagonists of ERs) or vehicle; and (3) males were treated with the ER regulator tamoxifen (5 mg/kg subcutaneously) or vehicle 1 h after FeCl2 injection. Mice were euthanized 24 h later for brain edema determination. FeCl2 induced lower brain edema in females than in males. Co-injection of ICI 182,780 with FeCl2 aggravated iron-induced brain edema in female mice. ICI 182,780 itself did not induce brain edema at the dose of 1 μg. Tamoxifen treatment reduced FeCl2-induced brain edema in male mice. In conclusion, iron induced less brain edema in female mice than in males. ER modification can affect iron-induced brain edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xie
- Departments of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guohua Xi
- Departments of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Richard F Keep
- Departments of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ya Hua
- Departments of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Pradhan A, Olsson PE. Zebrafish sexual behavior: role of sex steroid hormones and prostaglandins. Behav Brain Funct 2015; 11:23. [PMID: 26385780 PMCID: PMC4575480 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-015-0068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mating behavior differ between sexes and involves gonadal hormones and possibly sexually dimorphic gene expression in the brain. Sex steroids and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) have been shown to regulate mammalian sexual behavior. The present study was aimed at determining whether exposure to sex steroids and prostaglandins could alter zebrafish sexual mating behavior. Methods Mating behavior and successful spawning was recorded following exposure to 17β-estradiol (E2), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) and PGE2 via the water. qRT-PCR was used to analyze transcript levels in the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain of male and female zebrafish and compared to animals exposed to E2 via the water. Results Exposure of zebrafish to sex hormones resulted in alterations in behavior and spawning when male fish were exposed to E2 and female fish were exposed to 11-KT. Exposure to PGD2, and PGE2 did not alter mating behavior or spawning success. Determination of gene expression patterns of selected genes from three brain regions using qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated that the three brain regions differed in gene expression pattern and that there were differences between the sexes. In addition, E2 exposure also resulted in altered gene transcription profiles of several genes. Conclusions Exposure to sex hormones, but not prostaglandins altered mating behavior in zebrafish. The expression patterns of the studied genes indicate that there are large regional and gender-based differences in gene expression and that E2 treatment alter the gene expression pattern in all regions of the brain. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12993-015-0068-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Pradhan
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Per-Erik Olsson
- Biology, The Life Science Center, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, 701 82, Örebro, Sweden.
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Brock O, De Mees C, Bakker J. Hypothalamic expression of oestrogen receptor α and androgen receptor is sex-, age- and region-dependent in mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:264-76. [PMID: 25599767 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [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: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones act on developing neural circuits regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and are involved in hormone-sensitive behaviours. These hormones act mainly via nuclear receptors, such as oestrogen receptor (ER)-α and androgen receptor (AR). By using immunohistochemistry, we analysed the expression level of ERα and AR throughout perinatal life [at embryonic (E) day 19 and postnatal (P) days 5, 15 and 25] and in adulthood in several hypothalamic nuclei controlling reproduction in both wild-type and aromatase knockout (ArKO) (i.e. which cannot convert testosterone into oestradiol) mice to determine whether there are sex differences in hypothalamic ERα and AR expression and, if so, whether these are established by the action of oestradiol. As early as E19, ERα immunoreactivity (-IR) was observed at same expression levels in both sexes in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPv), the medial preoptic area (MPOA), the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BnST), the ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus and the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Sex differences (female > male) in ERα-IR were observed not only during the prepubertal period in the BnST (P5 to P25) and the MPOA (P15), but also in adulthood in these two brain regions. Sex differences in AR-IR (male > female) were observed at P5 in the AVPv and ARC, and at P25 in the MPOA and ARC, as well as in adulthood in all hypothalamic regions analysed. In adulthood, gonadectomy and hormonal treatment (oestradiol or dihydrotestosterone) also strongly modulated ERα-IR and AR, respectively. Taken together, sex differences in ERα-IR and AR-IR were observed in all hypothalamic regions analysed, although they most likely do not reflect the action of oestradiol because ArKO mice of both sexes showed expression levels very similar to wild-type mice throughout perinatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Brock
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Wibowo E, Calich HJ, Currie RW, Wassersug RJ. Prolonged androgen deprivation may influence the autoregulation of estrogen receptors in the brain and pelvic floor muscles of male rats. Behav Brain Res 2015; 286:128-35. [PMID: 25746452 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Androgen deprivation in males has detrimental effects on various tissues and bodily functions, some of which can be restored by estradiol (E2) administration. We investigated how the duration of androgen deprivation affects the autoregulation of estrogen receptors (ERs) levels in core brain areas associated with sexual behavior and cognition, as well as in pelvic floor muscles (PFM). We also measured c-Fos levels in brain areas associated with sexual behavior shortly after the rats mated. Prolonged castration increases ERα levels in the preoptic area (POA) and E2 treatment reverses these effects. In the POA, c-Fos levels after mating are not affected by the duration of androgen deprivation and/or E2 treatment. ERβ levels in the POA as well as c-Fos levels in the POA and the core area of nucleus accumbens correlate with the mounting frequency for E2-treated Short-Term castrates. Additionally, ERβ levels in the medial amygdala are positively correlated with the mounting frequency of Long-Term castrates that received E2 treatment. In the hippocampus, ERs are downregulated only when E2 is administered early after castration, whereas downregulation of ERα in the prefrontal cortex only occurs with delayed E2 treatment. Early, but not delayed, E2 treatment after castration increases ERβ levels in the bulbocavernosus and ERα levels in the levator ani of male rats. Our data suggest that the duration of androgen deprivation may influence the autoregulation of ERs by E2 treatment in select brain areas and pelvic floor muscles of male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Wibowo
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2775 Laurel St., University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada.
| | - Hannah J Calich
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - R William Currie
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Richard J Wassersug
- Department of Medical Neuroscience, 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; Department of Urologic Sciences, Gordon & Leslie Diamond Care Centre, 2775 Laurel St., University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada; Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University 215 Franklin Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia.
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Fernández R, Esteva I, Gómez-Gil E, Rumbo T, Almaraz MC, Roda E, Haro-Mora JJ, Guillamón A, Pásaro E. Association Study of ERβ, AR, and CYP19A1 Genes and MtF Transsexualism. J Sex Med 2014; 11:2986-94. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Zuloaga DG, Zuloaga KL, Hinds LR, Carbone DL, Handa RJ. Estrogen receptor β expression in the mouse forebrain: age and sex differences. J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:358-71. [PMID: 23818057 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen receptors regulate multiple brain functions, including stress, sexual, and memory-associated behaviors as well as controlling neuroendocrine and autonomic function. During development, estrogen signaling is involved in programming adult sex differences in physiology and behavior. Expression of estrogen receptor α changes across development in a region-specific fashion. By contrast, estrogen receptor β (ERβ) is expressed in many brain regions, yet few studies have explored sex and developmental differences in its expression, largely because of the absence of selective reagents for anatomical localization of the protein. This study utilized bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mice expressing ERβ identified by enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to compare expression levels and distribution of ERβ in the male and female mouse forebrain on the day of birth (P0), on postnatal day 4 (P4), and on P21. By using qualitative analysis, we mapped the distribution of ERβ-EGFP and found developmental alterations in ERβ expression within the cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamic regions including the arcuate, ventromedial, and paraventricular nuclei. We also report a sex difference in ERβ in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, with males showing greater expression at P4 and P21. Another sex difference was found in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus of P21, but not P0 or P4, mice, in which ERβ-EGFP-immunoreactive cells were densely clustered near the third ventricle in females but not males. These developmental changes and sex differences in ERβ indicate a mechanism through which estrogens might differentially affect brain functions or program adult physiology at select times during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, 85004-2157
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Abstract
Sexually dimorphic behaviors, qualitative or quantitative differences in behaviors between the sexes, result from the activity of a sexually differentiated nervous system. Sensory cues and sex hormones control the entire repertoire of sexually dimorphic behaviors, including those commonly thought to be charged with emotion such as courtship and aggression. Such overarching control mechanisms regulate distinct genes and neurons that in turn specify the display of these behaviors in a modular manner. How such modular control is transformed into cohesive internal states that correspond to sexually dimorphic behavior is poorly understood. We summarize current understanding of the neural circuit control of sexually dimorphic behaviors from several perspectives, including how neural circuits in general, and sexually dimorphic neurons in particular, can generate sexually dimorphic behaviors, and how molecular mechanisms and evolutionary constraints shape these behaviors. We propose that emergent themes such as the modular genetic and neural control of dimorphic behavior are broadly applicable to the neural control of other behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy F Yang
- Program in Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, MC2722, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, MC2722, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Nirao M Shah
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, MC2722, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.
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Abstract
Microglia, the resident innate immune cells in the brain, have long been understood to be crucial to maintenance in the nervous system, by clearing debris, monitoring for infiltration of infectious agents, and mediating the brain's inflammatory and repair response to traumatic injury, stroke, or neurodegeneration. A wave of new research has shown that microglia are also active players in many basic processes in the healthy brain, including cell proliferation, synaptic connectivity, and physiology. Microglia, both in their capacity as phagocytic cells and via secretion of many neuroactive molecules, including cytokines and growth factors, play a central role in early brain development, including sexual differentiation of the brain. In this review, we present the vast roles microglia play in normal brain development and how perturbations in the normal neuroimmune environment during development may contribute to the etiology of brain-based disorders. There are notable differences between microglia and neuroimmune signaling in the male and female brain throughout the life span, and these differences may contribute to the vast differences in the incidence of neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders between males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Lenz
- Department of Psychology and Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Margaret M McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Program in Neuroscience, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Fernández R, Esteva I, Gómez‐Gil E, Rumbo T, Almaraz MC, Roda E, Haro‐Mora J, Guillamón A, Pásaro E. The (CA)n Polymorphism of ERβ Gene is Associated with FtM Transsexualism. J Sex Med 2014; 11:720-8. [DOI: 10.1111/jsm.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Picot M, Naulé L, Marie-Luce C, Martini M, Raskin K, Grange-Messent V, Franceschini I, Keller M, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Vulnerability of the neural circuitry underlying sexual behavior to chronic adult exposure to oral bisphenol a in male mice. Endocrinology 2014; 155:502-12. [PMID: 24265451 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
There are human reproduction concerns associated with extensive use of bisphenol A (BPA)-containing plastic and, in particular, the leaching of BPA into food and beverages. In this context, it remains unclear whether and how exposure to BPA interferes with the developmental organization and adult activation of male sexual behavior by testosterone. We evaluated the developmental and adult exposure to oral BPA at doses equivalent to the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (5 mg/kg body weight per day) and tolerable daily intake (TDI) (50 μg/kg body weight per day) on mouse sexual behavior and the potential mechanisms underlying BPA effects. Adult exposure to BPA reduced sexual motivation and performance at TDI dose only. Exposed males took longer to initiate mating and reach ejaculation despite normal olfactory chemoinvestigation. This deficiency was not restored by sexual experience and was associated with unchanged circulating levels of testosterone. By contrast, developmental exposure to BPA at TDI or no-observed-adverse-effect-level dose did not reduce sexual behavior or alter the neuroanatomical organization of the preoptic area. Disrupting the neural androgen receptor resulted in behavioral and neuroanatomical effects similar to those induced by adult exposure to TDI dose. Moreover, adult exposure of mutant males to BPA at TDI dose did not trigger additional alteration of sexual behavior, suggesting that BPA and neural androgen receptor mutation share a common mechanism of action. This shows, for the first time, that the neural circuitry underlying male sexual behavior is vulnerable to chronic adult exposure to low dose of BPA and suggests that BPA could act in vivo as an antiandrogenic compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Picot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)7224 (M.P., L.N., C.M.-L., K.R., V.G.-M., S.M.-K.), Inserm 952 (M.P., L.N., C.M.-L., K.R., V.G.-M., S.M.-K.), and Physiopathologie des Maladies du Système Nerveux Central (M.P., L.N., C.M.-L., K.R., V.G.-M., S.M.-K.), Université Pierre et Marie Curie, F-75005 Paris, France; Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique UMR85 Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (M.M., I.F., M.K.) and CNRS UMR7247 (M.M., I.F., M.K.), F-37380 Nouzilly, France; and Université François Rabelais (M.M., I.F., M.K.), F-37000 Tours, France
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Jašarević E, Geary DC, Rosenfeld CS. Sexually selected traits: a fundamental framework for studies on behavioral epigenetics. ILAR J 2014; 53:253-69. [PMID: 23744965 DOI: 10.1093/ilar.53.3-4.253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic-based mechanisms contribute to various aspects of sex differences in brain and behavior. The major obstacle in establishing and fully understanding this linkage is identifying the traits that are most susceptible to epigenetic modification. We have proposed that sexual selection provides a conceptual framework for identifying such traits. These are traits involved in intrasexual competition for mates and intersexual choice of mating partners and generally entail a combination of male-male competition and female choice. These behaviors are programmed during early embryonic and postnatal development, particularly during the transition from the juvenile to adult periods, by exposure of the brain to steroid hormones, including estradiol and testosterone. We evaluate the evidence that endocrine-disrupting compounds, including bisphenol A, can interfere with the vital epigenetic and gene expression pathways and with the elaboration of sexually selected traits with epigenetic mechanisms presumably governing the expression of these traits. Finally, we review the evidence to suggest that these steroid hormones can induce a variety of epigenetic changes in the brain, including the extent of DNA methylation, histone protein alterations, and even alterations of noncoding RNA, and that many of the changes differ between males and females. Although much previous attention has focused on primary sex differences in reproductive behaviors, such as male mounting and female lordosis, we outline why secondary sex differences related to competition and mate choice might also trace their origins back to steroid-induced epigenetic programming in disparate regions of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eldin Jašarević
- Department of Psychological Sciences, the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, and the Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, USA
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McCarthy MM. Sexual differentiation of the brain in man and animals: of relevance to Klinefelter syndrome? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2013; 163C:3-15. [PMID: 23335108 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The developing brain is highly sensitive to the organizing effects of steroids of gonadal origin in a process referred to as sexual differentiation. Early hormone effects prime the brain for adult sensitivity to the appropriate hormonal milieu, maximizing reproductive fitness via coordinated physiology and behavior. Animal models, in particular rodents, have provided insight into general principles and the cellular and molecular mechanisms of brain differentiation. Cellular endpoints influenced by steroids in the developing brain include neurogenesis, migration, apoptosis, dendritic growth, and synaptic patterning. Important roles for prostaglandins, endocanabinoids, and epigenetics are among the many cellular mediators of hormonal organization. Transference of general principles of brain sexual differentiation to humans relies on observations of individuals with genetic anomalies that either increase or decrease hormone exposure and sensitivity. The physiology and behavior of individuals with XXY (Klinefelter syndrome) has not been considered in the context of sexual differentiation of the brain, most likely due to the delay in diagnoses and highly variable presentation. The behavioral phenotype and impairments in the domains of speech and language that are characteristic of individuals with XXY is consistent with the reduced androgen production associated with the syndrome. Hormone replacement appears effective in restoring some deficits and impact may be further improved by increased understanding of the hormonally mediated sexual differentiation of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Fernandez JW, Grizzell JA, Wecker L. The role of estrogen receptor β and nicotinic cholinergic receptors in postpartum depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 40:199-206. [PMID: 23063492 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a devastating disease occurring in approximately 20% of women. Women who suffer from PPD appear to be more sensitive to postpartum hormonal changes than women who do not experience this form of depression. Furthermore, women who quit smoking prior to or during pregnancy, and who develop PPD, are at an increased risk of smoking relapse. Unfortunately, the mechanistic relationship between the pathophysiology of PPD and smoking relapse is unknown. Here we review the roles of both estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) and cholinergic nicotinic receptors (nAChRs) in the pathogenesis of depression and propose a mechanistic rationale to explain the high rate of smoking relapse exhibited by women who develop PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Winderbaum Fernandez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 3515 E. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33611, USA.
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Gagnidze K, Pfaff DW. Hormone-Dependent Chromatin Modifications Related to Sexually Differentiated Behaviors. RESEARCH AND PERSPECTIVES IN ENDOCRINE INTERACTIONS 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-33721-5_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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41
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Estrogen dependent activation function of ERβ is essential for the sexual behavior of mouse females. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 58:e41. [PMID: 23150547 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1217668109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously generated and characterized a genuine estrogen receptor (ER) β-null mouse line (named ERβ(ST)(L-/L-)) and showed that ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) mice were sterile, due to an ovulation impairment in females and to an unknown reason in males, as their reproductive organs and spermatozoid motility appeared normal. We report here an assessment of the sexual behavior of ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) null mice. We found that ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) males display mildly impaired sexual behavior and that ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) females are significantly less receptive and less attractive than wild-type (WT) females. Decreased attractivity is also exhibited by ERβAF2(0) but not by ERβAF1(0) mutant females (females devoid of either AF2 or AF1 activation function of ERβ). Interestingly, by using an odor preference test, we have determined that the low attractiveness of ERβ(ST)(L-/L-) and ERβAF2(0) females is related to a deficiency of a volatile chemosignal.
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Billack B, Serio R, Silva I, Kinsley CH. Epigenetic changes brought about by perinatal stressors: A brief review of the literature. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2012; 66:221-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2012.08.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2012] [Revised: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Abstract
We examined the role of the androgen receptor (AR) in the investigatory behaviour of conspecifics using mice carrying the testicular feminisation mutation (X(Tfm) Y). Responses to members of the same and opposite sex were evaluated in a habituation/dishabituation task. Adult mice were gonadectomised and treated with oestradiol (E(2) ) or testosterone. After E(2) treatment, regardless of the sex of the stimulus mouse, wild-type (WT) males engaged in significantly more investigation than WT females. X(Tfm) Y males treated with E(2) showed 'male-like' behaviour in response to a male but behaved 'female-like' when the stimulus was a female. Because WT and X(Tfm) Y males behaved the same in response to another male, we used two additional mouse models to ask whether sex chromosomes were responsible for this phenomenon. Regardless of sex chromosome complement, gonadal males displayed high levels of investigation. When mice were treated with testosterone, investigation by WT females was enhanced, which eliminated the sex differences. Most strikingly, X(Tfm) Y males receiving testosterone-treatment increased the investigation of females to levels equal to those shown by WT mice. Given that testosterone, but not its metabolite E(2) , caused X(Tfm) Y males to investigate female conspecifics at high levels, it is plausible that nonclassical actions of AR, and/or activation of a novel AR, may be involved in this behaviour. Taken together, our data show that AR activation during adulthood is not required for males to investigate mice of either sex. However, 'male-like' levels of investigation of a female stimulus may depend on neonatal activation of the classic nuclear AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- L D Tejada
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Nugent BM, Tobet SA, Lara HE, Lucion AB, Wilson ME, Recabarren SE, Paredes AH. Hormonal programming across the lifespan. Horm Metab Res 2012; 44:577-86. [PMID: 22700441 PMCID: PMC3756611 DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1312593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Hormones influence countless biological processes across an animal's lifespan. Many hormone-mediated events occur within developmental sensitive periods, during which hormones have the potential to cause permanent tissue-specific alterations in anatomy and physiology. There are numerous selective critical periods in development with different targets being affected during different periods. This review outlines the proceedings of the Hormonal Programming in Development session at the US-South American Workshop in Neuroendocrinology in August 2011. Here we discuss how gonadal steroid hormones impact various biological processes within the brain and gonads during early development and describe the changes that take place in the aging female ovary. At the cellular level, hormonal targets in the brain include neurons, glia, or vasculature. On a genomic/epigenomic level, transcription factor signaling and epigenetic changes alter the expression of critical hormone receptor genes across development and following ischemic brain insult. In addition, organizational hormone exposure alters epigenetic processes in specific brain nuclei and may be an important mediator of sexual differentiation of the neonatal brain. Brain targets of hormonal programming, such as the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, may be critical in influencing the development of peripheral targets, such as the ovary. Exposure to excess hormones can cause abnormalities in the ovary during development leading to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Exposure to excess androgens during fetal development also has a profound effect on the development of the male reproductive system. In addition, increased activity of the sympathetic nerve and stress during early life have been linked to PCOS symptomology in adulthood. Finally, we describe how age-related decreases in fertility are linked to high levels of nerve growth factor (NGF), which enhances sympathetic nerve activity and alters ovarian function.
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Affiliation(s)
- B M Nugent
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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Kanaya M, Yamanouchi K. Defeminization of brain functions by a single injection of estrogen receptor α or β agonist in neonatal female rats. Neuroendocrinology 2012; 95:297-304. [PMID: 22327340 DOI: 10.1159/000332128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 08/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sexual differentiation of brain function is regulated by estrogen in the perinatal period of rodents. However, the role of the estrogen receptor subtypes ERα and ERβ is still in question. Accordingly, the effects of neonatal treatment with the ERα agonist propyl pyrazole triol (PPT) or the ERβ agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN) on female reproductive functions were investigated in rats. Female rats were injected subcutaneously with 100-500 µg/10 g body weight (b.w.) PPT or DPN, 100 µg/10 g b.w. estradiol (E(2)), or saline at day 5 (birth day = day 1), and then vaginal opening and vaginal smears were examined. On day 60, their ovaries were removed and lordosis behavior was observed after subcutaneous implantation of a silicon tube containing E(2). As a result, in most PPT and all E(2) rats, vaginal opening was advanced and an irregular estrous cycle was observed. In contrast, in most rats of the DPN groups, vaginal opening was comparable to that of the control and there was a regular estrous cycle. Lordosis tests revealed that the mean lordosis quotients (LQs) in the 250- and 500-µg PPT groups was lower than in the saline group, but higher than in the E(2) group. Mean LQs in all DPN groups were comparable to those in the saline group. These results suggest that ERα plays a major role in masculinization of the system regulating the estrous cycle in the rat brain. In behavioral defeminization of the lordosis-regulation system, ERα was also found to be the main target of estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moeko Kanaya
- Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Behavior and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
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Panzica GC, Balthazart J, Frye CA, Garcia-Segura LM, Herbison AE, Mensah-Nyagan AG, McCarthy MM, Melcangi RC. Milestones on Steroids and the Nervous System: 10 years of basic and translational research. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:1-15. [PMID: 22188420 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02265.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
During the last 10 years, the conference on 'Steroids and Nervous System' held in Torino (Italy) has been an important international point of discussion for scientists involved in this exciting and expanding research field. The present review aims to recapitulate the main topics that have been presented through the various meetings. Two broad areas have been explored: the impact of gonadal hormones on brain circuits and behaviour, as well as the mechanism of action of neuroactive steroids. Relationships among steroids, brain and behaviour, the sexual differentiation of the brain and the impact of gonadal hormones, the interactions of exogenous steroidal molecules (endocrine disrupters) with neural circuits and behaviour, and how gonadal steroids modulate the behaviour of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone neurones, have been the topics of several lectures and symposia during this series of meetings. At the same time, many contributions have been dedicated to the biosynthetic pathways, the physiopathological relevance of neurosteroids, the demonstration of the cellular localisation of different enzymes involved in neurosteroidogenesis, the mechanisms by which steroids may exert some of their effects, both the classical and nonclassical actions of different steroids, the role of neuroactive steroids on neurodegeneration, neuroprotection, and the response of the neural tissue to injury. In these 10 years, this field has significantly advanced and neuroactive steroids have emerged as new potential therapeutic tools to counteract neurodegenerative events.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Panzica
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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Lecanu L. Sex, the Underestimated Potential Determining Factor in Brain Tissue Repair Strategy. Stem Cells Dev 2011; 20:2031-5. [DOI: 10.1089/scd.2011.0188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Lecanu
- The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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48
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Cao J, Patisaul HB. Sexually dimorphic expression of hypothalamic estrogen receptors α and β and Kiss1 in neonatal male and female rats. J Comp Neurol 2011; 519:2954-77. [PMID: 21484804 PMCID: PMC3874381 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Release of gonadotropins in adult rodents is sex specific and dependent upon kisspeptin (Kiss1) neurons. This crucial pathway within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is profoundly influenced by neonatal estrogens, which induce a male-like phenotype. Classically, estrogen activity is mediated via the estrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ), but the relative roles each plays in organizing the sex-specific ontogeny of kisspeptin signaling pathways remain unresolved. Thus, the present study used in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISHH) to map the temporal and sexually dimorphic neonatal mRNA expression profiles of ERα, ERβ, and Kiss1 in the anterioventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV), medial preoptic area (MPOA), ventromedial nucleus (VMN), and arcuate nucleus (ARC), all regions critical for kisspeptin regulation of gonadotropin secretion. In general, females had higher levels of ERα, in all regions examined, a sex difference that persisted until postnatal day (PND) 19 except in the ARC. Males had significantly more ERβ expression in the AVPV at birth, but this sex difference was lost and then re-emerged on PND 19, with females having more than males. VMN ERβ levels were higher in females until PND 19. Kiss1 was not detectable until PND 11 in the anterior hypothalamus, but expression levels were equivalent at birth in the ARC. By PND 2, ARC ERα and Kiss1 levels were abundant, sexually dimorphic (higher in females), and, respectively, showed a U- and a bell-shaped pattern with age. Sex differences in ARC Kiss1 expression provide evidence that Kiss1 may play a role in the sexual dimorphic organization of the neonatal brain. These detailed profiles of neonatal Kiss1 and ERs mRNA levels will help elucidate the relative roles each plays in the sex-specific, estrogen-dependent organization of gonadotropin signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Cao
- Department of Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
| | - Heather B. Patisaul
- Department of Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
- Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695
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Sullivan AW, Hamilton P, Patisaul HB. Neonatal agonism of ERβ impairs male reproductive behavior and attractiveness. Horm Behav 2011; 60:185-94. [PMID: 21554883 PMCID: PMC3126896 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2011] [Revised: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The organization of the developing male rodent brain is profoundly influenced by endogenous steroids, most notably estrogen. This process may be disrupted by estrogenic endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) resulting in altered sex behavior and the capacity to attract a mate in adulthood. To better understand the relative role each estrogen receptor (ER) subtype (ERα and ERβ) plays in mediating these effects, we exposed male Long Evans rats to estradiol benzoate (EB, 10 μg), vehicle, or agonists specific for ERβ (DPN, 1 mg/kg) or ERα (PPT, 1 mg/kg) daily for the first four days of life, and then assessed adult male reproductive behavior and attractiveness via a partner preference paradigm. DPN had a greater adverse impact than PPT on reproductive behavior, suggesting a functional role for ERβ in the organization of these male-specific behaviors. Therefore the impact of neonatal ERβ agonism was further investigated by repeating the experiment using vehicle, EB and additional DPN doses (0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 2 mg/kg bw). Exposure to DPN suppressed male reproductive behavior and attractiveness in a dose dependent manner. Finally, males were exposed to EB or an environmentally relevant dose of genistein (GEN, 10 mg/kg), a naturally occurring xenoestrogen, which has a higher relative binding affinity for ERβ than ERα. Sexual performance was impaired by GEN but not attractiveness. In addition to suppressing reproductive behavior and attractiveness, EB exposure significantly lowered the testis to body weight ratio, and circulating testosterone levels. DPN and GEN exposure only impaired behavior, suggesting that disrupted androgen secretion does not underlie the impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alana W Sullivan
- Department of Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh NC 27695, USA
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50
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Abstract
In the twentieth century, the dominant model of sexual differentiation stated that genetic sex (XX versus XY) causes differentiation of the gonads, which then secrete gonadal hormones that act directly on tissues to induce sex differences in function. This serial model of sexual differentiation was simple, unifying and seductive. Recent evidence, however, indicates that the linear model is incorrect and that sex differences arise in response to diverse sex-specific signals originating from inherent differences in the genome and involve cellular mechanisms that are specific to individual tissues or brain regions. Moreover, sex-specific effects of the environment reciprocally affect biology, sometimes profoundly, and must therefore be integrated into a realistic model of sexual differentiation. A more appropriate model is a parallel-interactive model that encompasses the roles of multiple molecular signals and pathways that differentiate males and females, including synergistic and compensatory interactions among pathways and an important role for the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M McCarthy
- Departments of Physiology and Psychiatry and Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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