Impaired adrenocorticotropic hormone response to bacterial endotoxin in mice deficient in prostaglandin E receptor EP1 and EP3 subtypes

Revisiting prostaglandin E2: A promising therapeutic target for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex disease characterized by cartilage degeneration and persistent pain. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays a significant role in OA inflammation and pain. Recent studies have revealed the significant role of PGE2-mediated skeletal interoception in the progression of OA, providing new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of OA. This aspect also deserves special attention in this review. Additionally, PGE2 is directly involved in pathologic processes including aberrant subchondral bone remodeling, cartilage degeneration, and synovial inflammation. Therefore, celecoxib, a commonly used drug to alleviate inflammatory pain through inhibiting PGE2, serves not only as an analgesic for OA but also as a potential disease-modifying drug. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the discovery history, synthesis and release pathways, and common physiological roles of PGE2. We discuss the roles of PGE2 and celecoxib in OA and pain from skeletal interoception and multiple perspectives. The purpose of this review is to highlight PGE2-mediated skeletal interoception and refresh our understanding of celecoxib in the pathogenesis and treatment of OA.

Prostaglandin E2-induced anorexia involves hypothalamic brain-derived neurotrophic factor and ghrelin in chicks

Central administration of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is associated with potent anorexia in rodents and chicks, although hypothalamic mechanisms are not fully understood. The objective of the present study was to identify hypothalamic nuclei and appetite-related factors that are involved in this anorexigenic effect, using chickens as a model. Intracerebroventricular injection of 2.5, 5, and 10 nmol of PGE2 suppressed food and water intake in broiler chicks in a dose-dependent manner. c-Fos immunoreactivity was increased in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) at 60 min post injection of 5 nmol of PGE2. Under the same treatment condition, hypothalamic expression of melanocortin receptor 3 and ghrelin mRNAs increased, whereas neuropeptide Y receptor sub-type 5 and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) mRNAs decreased in PGE2-treated chicks. In the PVN, chicks injected with PGE2 had more brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), ghrelin, and c-Fos mRNA but less corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRFR1), CRFR2, and TrkB mRNA expression. In conclusion, PGE2 injection resulted in decreased food and water intake that likely involves BDNF and ghrelin originating in the PVN. Because the anorexigenic effect is so potent and hypothalamic mechanisms are similar in chickens and rodents, a greater understanding of the role of PGE2 in acute appetite regulation may have implications for treating eating and metabolic disorders in humans.

Role of the Preoptic Area in Sleep and Thermoregulation

Sleep and body temperature are tightly interconnected in mammals: warming up our body helps to fall asleep and the body temperature in turn drops while falling asleep. The preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POA) serves as an essential brain region to coordinate sleep and body temperature. Understanding how these two behaviors are controlled within the POA requires the molecular identification of the involved circuits and mapping their local and brain-wide connectivity. Here, we review our current understanding of how sleep and body temperature are regulated with a focus on recently discovered sleep- and thermo-regulatory POA neurons. We further discuss unresolved key questions including the anatomical and functional overlap of sleep- and thermo-regulatory neurons, their pathways and the role of various signaling molecules. We suggest that analysis of genetically defined circuits will provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the coordinated regulation of sleep and body temperature in health and disease.

Mechanism of mast cell-mediated COX2-PGE2-Eps signaling pathway in visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder (FGID) whose pathophysiological mechanism is complex, involving genetic factors, psychosocial factors, low-grade mucosal inflammation, changes in the intestinal barrier, bacterial flora disorder, neuroimmune abnormalities, and high visceral sensitivity. In recent years, the mechanism of visceral hypersensitivity in IBS has become a hot research topic. Mast cells (MCs) are a group of immune cells that are distributed in the central nervous system and digestive system. The COX2-PGE2-Eps signaling pathway plays a major role in the visceral hypersensitivity in IBS, from peripheral sensitization to central sensitization, which provides a new idea for further clarifying the pathological mechanism of IBS.

Central Neural Circuits Orchestrating Thermogenesis, Sleep-Wakefulness States and General Anesthesia States

Great progress has been made in specifically identifying the central neural circuits (CNCs) of the core body temperature (Tcore), sleep-wakefulness states (SWs), and general anesthesia states (GAs), mainly utilizing optogenetic or chemogenetic manipulations. We summarize the neuronal populations and neural pathways of these three CNCs, which gives evidence for the orchestration within these three CNCs, and the integrative regulation of these three CNCs by different environmental light signals. We also outline some transient receptor potential (TRP) channels that function in the CNCs-Tcore and are modulated by some general anesthetics, which makes TRP channels possible targets for addressing the general-anesthetics-induced-hypothermia (GAIH). We suggest this review will provide new orientations for further consummating these CNCs and elucidating the central mechanisms of GAIH.

The PGE2 receptor EP3 plays a positive role in the activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and neuronal activity in the hypothalamus under immobilization stress

BACKGROUND

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) binds to four receptor subtypes (EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4) and plays an important role in response to stress. However, the identity of the receptor(s) responsible for PGE2 regulation of neuronal activity and signaling through activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis under immobilization stress is unknown.

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to investigate the role of the hypothalamic PGE2 receptors in the activation of the HPA axis and neuronal activity in a rat model of stress.

METHODS

Stress was induced by immobilization of the animals, after which the stress-induced profile of PGE2 receptor signaling in the rat hypothalamus was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The effect of a selective EP3 receptor antagonist on corticosterone concentrations and c-Fos immunoreactivity was measured.

RESULTS

Expression of EP2 and EP3 receptor genes, but not EP1 and EP4, was increased following immobilization stress. The EP3 receptor was localized to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, and the integrated density of the EP3 receptor was increased after immobilization stress. Rats given L-798,106, a selective antagonist of the EP3 receptor, showed significant attenuation of stress-increased serum corticosterone levels. EP3 antagonist also significantly suppressed the increase in the gene expression of c-Fos and the number of c-Fos-immunoreactive cells in the PVN of the hypothalamus following immobilization stress.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that immobilization stress may result in increased activation of the HPA axis and neuronal activity through regulating the function of the EP3 receptor.

Peripheral and central compensatory mechanisms for impaired vagus nerve function during peripheral immune activation

BACKGROUND

Determining the etiology and possible treatment strategies for numerous diseases requires a comprehensive understanding of compensatory mechanisms in physiological systems. The vagus nerve acts as a key interface between the brain and the peripheral internal organs. We set out to identify mechanisms compensating for a lack of neuronal communication between the immune and the central nervous system (CNS) during infection.

METHODS

We assessed biochemical and central neurotransmitter changes resulting from subdiaphragmatic vagotomy and whether they are modulated by intraperitoneal infection. We performed a series of subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or sham operations on male Wistar rats. Next, after full, 30-day recovery period, they were randomly assigned to receive an injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide or saline. Two hours later, animal were euthanized and we measured the plasma concentration of prostaglandin E2 (with HPLC-MS), interleukin-6 (ELISA), and corticosterone (RIA). We also had measured the concentration of monoaminergic neurotransmitters and their metabolites in the amygdala, brainstem, hippocampus, hypothalamus, motor cortex, periaqueductal gray, and prefrontal medial cortex using RP-HPLC-ED. A subset of the animals was evaluated in the elevated plus maze test immediately before euthanization.

RESULTS

The lack of immunosensory signaling of the vagus nerve stimulated increased activity of discrete inflammatory marker signals, which we confirmed by quantifying biochemical changes in blood plasma. Behavioral results, although preliminary, support the observed biochemical alterations. Many of the neurotransmitter changes observed after vagotomy indicated that the vagus nerve influences the activity of many brain areas involved in control of immune response and sickness behavior. Our studies show that these changes are largely eliminated during experimental infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that in vagotomized animals with blocked CNS, communication may transmit via a pathway independent of the vagus nerve to permit restoration of CNS activity for peripheral inflammation control.

Stress, inflammation, and eicosanoids: an emerging perspective

Clinical and experimental studies support the notion that adrenergic stimulation and chronic stress affect inflammation, metabolism, and tumor growth. Eicosanoids are also known to heavily influence inflammation while regulating certain stress responses. However, additional work is needed to understand the full extent of interactions between the stress-related pathways and eicosanoids. Here, we review the potential influences that stress, inflammation, and metabolic pathways have on each other, in the context of eicosanoids. Understanding the intricacies of such interactions could provide insights on how systemic metabolic effects mediated by the stress pathways can be translated into therapies for cancer and other diseases.

Glucoregulatory responses to hypothalamic preoptic area cooling

Normal glucose homeostasis depends on the capacity of pancreatic β-cells to adjust insulin secretion in response to a change of tissue insulin sensitivity. In cold environments, for example, the dramatic increase of insulin sensitivity required to ensure a sufficient supply of glucose to thermogenic tissues is offset by a proportionate reduction of insulin secretion, such that overall glucose tolerance is preserved. That these cold-induced changes of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity are dependent on sympathetic nervous system (SNS) outflow suggests a key role for thermoregulatory neurons in the hypothalamic preoptic area (POA) in this metabolic response. As these POA neurons are themselves sensitive to changes in local hypothalamic temperature, we hypothesized that direct cooling of the POA would elicit the same glucoregulatory responses that we observed during cold exposure. To test this hypothesis, we used a thermode to cool the POA area, and found that as predicted, short-term (8-h) intense POA cooling reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), yet glucose tolerance remained unchanged due to an increase of insulin sensitivity. Longer-term (24-h), more moderate POA cooling, however, failed to inhibit GSIS and improved glucose tolerance, an effect associated with hyperthermia and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, indicative of a stress response. Taken together, these findings suggest that POA cooling is sufficient to recapitulate key glucoregulatory responses to cold exposure.

Prostaglandin E2 depresses GABA release onto parvocellular neuroendocrine neurones in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus via presynaptic receptors

Inflammation-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the ensuing release of anti-inflammatory glucocorticoids are critical for the fine-tuning of the inflammatory response. This immune-induced neuroendocrine response is in large part mediated by prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂ ), the central actions of which ultimately translate into the excitation of parvocellular neuroendocrine cells (PNCs) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. However, the neuronal mechanisms by which PGE₂ excites PNCs remain incompletely understood. In the present study, we report that PGE₂ potently depresses GABAergic inhibitory synaptic transmission onto PNCs. Using whole-cell patch clamp recordings obtained from PNCs in ex vivo hypothalamic slices from rats, we found that bath application of PGE₂ (0.01-100 μmol L^-1 ) concentration-dependently decreased the amplitude of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) with maximum effects at 10 μmol L^-1 . The PGE₂ -mediated depression of eIPSCs had a rapid onset and was long-lasting, and also was accompanied by an increase in paired pulse ratio. In addition, PGE₂ decreased the frequency but not the amplitude of both spontaneous IPSCs and miniature IPSCs. These results collectively indicate that PGE₂ acts at a presynaptic locus to decrease the probability of GABA release. Using pharmacological approaches, we also demonstrated that the EP3 subtype of the PGE₂ receptor mediated the actions of PGE₂ on GABA synapses. Taken together, our results show that PGE₂ , via actions of presynaptic EP3 receptors, potently depresses GABA release onto PNCs, providing a plausible mechanism for the disinhibition of HPA axis output during inflammation.

Raging the War Against Inflammation With Natural Products

Over the last few decade Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are the drugs of choice for treating numerous inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. The NSAIDs produces anti-inflammatory activity via inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzyme, responsible for the conversation of arachidonic acid to prostaglandins. Likewise, cyclooxegenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2) selectively inhibit the COX-2 enzyme and produces significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-pyretic activity without producing COX-1 associated gastrointestinal and renal side effects. In last two decades numerous selective COX-2 inhibitors (COXIBs) have been developed and approved for various inflammatory conditions. However, data from clinical trials have suggested that the prolong use of COX-2 inhibitors are also associated with life threatening cardiovascular side effects including ischemic heart failure and myocardial infection. In these scenario secondary metabolites from natural product offers a great hope for the development of novel anti-inflammatory compounds. Although majority of the natural product based compounds exhibit more selectively toward COX-1. However, the data suggest that slight structural modification can be helpful in developing COX-2 selective secondary metabolites with comparative efficacy and limited side effects. This review is an effort to highlight the secondary metabolites from terrestrial and marine source with significant COX-2 and COX-2 mediated PGE2 inhibitory activity, since it is anticipated that isolates with ability to inhibit COX-2 mediated PGE2 production would be useful in suppressing the inflammation and its classical sign and symptoms. Moreover, this review has highlighted the potential lead compounds including berberine, kaurenoic acid, α-cyperone, curcumin, and zedoarondiol for further development with the help of structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies and their current status.

Perinatal findings in a patient with a novel large chromosome 19p deletion

We describe the prenatal and postnatal course of an infant with a large 19p deletion. Cases such as ours will improve the knowledge of specific gene functions for every medical specialist. The goal is to allow for a more rapid diagnosis, accurate prognosis and to decrease the likelihood of complications.

Neuroimmune Interactions: From the Brain to the Immune System and Vice Versa

Because of the compartmentalization of disciplines that shaped the academic landscape of biology and biomedical sciences in the past, physiological systems have long been studied in isolation from each other. This has particularly been the case for the immune system. As a consequence of its ties with pathology and microbiology, immunology as a discipline has largely grown independently of physiology. Accordingly, it has taken a long time for immunologists to accept the concept that the immune system is not self-regulated but functions in close association with the nervous system. These associations are present at different levels of organization. At the local level, there is clear evidence for the production and use of immune factors by the central nervous system and for the production and use of neuroendocrine mediators by the immune system. Short-range interactions between immune cells and peripheral nerve endings innervating immune organs allow the immune system to recruit local neuronal elements for fine tuning of the immune response. Reciprocally, immune cells and mediators play a regulatory role in the nervous system and participate in the elimination and plasticity of synapses during development as well as in synaptic plasticity at adulthood. At the whole organism level, long-range interactions between immune cells and the central nervous system allow the immune system to engage the rest of the body in the fight against infection from pathogenic microorganisms and permit the nervous system to regulate immune functioning. Alterations in communication pathways between the immune system and the nervous system can account for many pathological conditions that were initially attributed to strict organ dysfunction. This applies in particular to psychiatric disorders and several immune-mediated diseases. This review will show how our understanding of this balance between long-range and short-range interactions between the immune system and the central nervous system has evolved over time, since the first demonstrations of immune influences on brain functions. The necessary complementarity of these two modes of communication will then be discussed. Finally, a few examples will illustrate how dysfunction in these communication pathways results in what was formerly considered in psychiatry and immunology to be strict organ pathologies.

Role of prostaglandin E2 in bronchoconstriction-triggered cough response in guinea pigs

A feature of cough variant asthma is a heightened cough response to bronchoconstriction. The mediators of this response are unknown. This study was designed to elucidate the role of lipid mediators in bronchoconstriction-triggered cough response in an experimental animal model. We examined the influence of bronchoconstriction on cell components and mediators including prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). We studied the cough response to bronchoconstriction (CRB) by measuring the correlation between the increase in enhanced pause (Penh), an index of bronchoconstriction, and cough counts induced by methacholine (Mch) inhalation in conscious guinea pigs. We then examined the effects of intraperitoneal pretreatment with 16, 16-dimethyl-prostaglandin E₂ (dm-PGE₂) on CRB and cough counts. The total number of cells and cell components in the BALF were not influenced by bronchoconstriction. While levels of PGE₂, prostaglandin I₂, and cysteinyl leukotrienes were significantly increased, levels of prostaglandin D₂, thromboxane B₂, and substance P in the BALF were not. Dm-PGE₂ significantly decreased the Mch-induced increase in Penh. Following bronchoconstriction by additional Mch inhalation, dm-PGE₂ produced an increase in CRB and cough counts in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the heightened CRB following dm-PGE₂ treatment was suppressed by pretreatment with PGE₂ receptor (E-prostanoid EP) -1 and EP-3 antagonists in a dose-dependent manner, but not by EP-2 and EP-4 antagonists. The EP-1 antagonist also decreased cough counts. These results suggest that PGE₂ acts as an exacerbating factor for bronchoconstriction-triggered cough. EP1 and EP3 may provide new therapeutic targets for cough variant asthma.

The involvement of prostaglandin E2 in interleukin-1β evoked anorexia is strain dependent

From experiments in mice in which the prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) synthesizing enzyme mPGES-1 was genetically deleted, as well as from experiments in which PGE₂ was injected directly into the brain, PGE₂ has been implicated as a mediator of inflammatory induced anorexia. Here we aimed at examining which PGE₂ receptor (EP_1-4) that was critical for the anorexic response to peripherally injected interleukin-1β (IL-1β). However, deletion of neither EP receptor in mice, either globally (for EP₁, EP₂, and EP₃) or selectively in the nervous system (EP₄), had any effect on the IL-1β induced anorexia. Because these mice were all on a C57BL/6 background, whereas previous observations demonstrating a role for induced PGE₂ in IL-1β evoked anorexia had been carried out on mice on a DBA/1 background, we examined the anorexic response to IL-1β in mice with deletion of mPGES-1 on a C57BL/6 background and a DBA/1 background, respectively. We confirmed previous findings that mPGES-1 knock-out mice on a DBA/1 background displayed attenuated anorexia to IL-1β; however, mice on a C57BL/6 background showed the same profound anorexia as wild type mice when carrying deletion of mPGES-1, while displaying almost normal food intake after pretreatment with a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor. We conclude that the involvement of induced PGE₂ in IL-1β evoked anorexia is strain dependent and we suggest that different routes that probably involve distinct prostanoids exist by which inflammatory stimuli may evoke an anorexic response and that these routes may be of different importance in different strains of mice.

Unraveling the Molecular Details Involved in the Intimate Link between the Immune and Neuroendocrine Systems

During systemic infections, the immune system can signal the brain and act on different neuronal circuits via soluble molecules, such as proinflammatory cytokines, that act on the cells forming the blood-brain barrier and the circumventricular organs. These activated cells release prostaglandin of the E2 type (PGE2), which is the endogenous ligand that triggers the pathways involved in the control of autonomic functions necessary to restore homeostasis and provide inhibitory feedback to innate immunity. Among these neurophysiological functions, activation of the circuits that control the plasma release of glucocorticoids is probably the most critical to the survival of the host in the presence of pathogens. This review revisits this issue and describes in depth the molecular details (including the emerging role of Toll-like receptors during inflammation) underlying the influence of circulating inflammatory molecules on the cerebral tissue, focusing on their contribution in the synthesis and action PGE2 in the brain. We also provide an innovative view supporting the concept of “fast and delayed response” involving the same ligands but different groups of cells, signal transduction pathways, and target genes.

The TRPM2 channel is a hypothalamic heat sensor that limits fever and can drive hypothermia

Body temperature homeostasis is critical for survival and requires precise regulation by the nervous system. The hypothalamus serves as the principal thermostat that detects and regulates internal temperature. We demonstrate that the ion channel TRPM2 [of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel family] is a temperature sensor in a subpopulation of hypothalamic neurons. TRPM2 limits the fever response and may detect increased temperatures to prevent overheating. Furthermore, chemogenetic activation and inhibition of hypothalamic TRPM2-expressing neurons in vivo decreased and increased body temperature, respectively. Such manipulation may allow analysis of the beneficial effects of altered body temperature on diverse disease states. Identification of a functional role for TRP channels in monitoring internal body temperature should promote further analysis of molecular mechanisms governing thermoregulation and foster the genetic dissection of hypothalamic circuits involved with temperature homeostasis.

Prostaglandin-dependent modulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission elicits inflammation-induced aversion in mice

Systemic inflammation causes malaise and general feelings of discomfort. This fundamental aspect of the sickness response reduces the quality of life for people suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases and is a nuisance during mild infections like common colds or the flu. To investigate how inflammation is perceived as unpleasant and causes negative affect, we used a behavioral test in which mice avoid an environment that they have learned to associate with inflammation-induced discomfort. Using a combination of cell-type–specific gene deletions, pharmacology, and chemogenetics, we found that systemic inflammation triggered aversion through MyD88-dependent activation of the brain endothelium followed by COX1-mediated cerebral prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis. Further, we showed that inflammation-induced PGE2 targeted EP1 receptors on striatal dopamine D1 receptor–expressing neurons and that this signaling sequence induced aversion through GABA-mediated inhibition of dopaminergic cells. Finally, we demonstrated that inflammation-induced aversion was not an indirect consequence of fever or anorexia but that it constituted an independent inflammatory symptom triggered by a unique molecular mechanism. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that PGE2-mediated modulation of the dopaminergic motivational circuitry is a key mechanism underlying the negative affect induced by inflammation.

Sickness: From the focus on cytokines, prostaglandins, and complement factors to the perspectives of neurons

Systemic inflammation leads to a variety of physiological (e.g. fever) and behavioral (e.g. anorexia, immobility, social withdrawal, depressed mood, disturbed sleep) responses that are collectively known as sickness. While these phenomena have been studied for the past few decades, the neurobiological mechanisms by which sickness occurs remain unclear. In this review, we first revisit how the body senses and responds to infections and injuries by eliciting systemic inflammation. Next, we focus on how peripheral inflammatory molecules such as cytokines, prostaglandins, and activated complement factors communicate with the brain to trigger neuroinflammation and sickness. Since depression also involves inflammation, we further elaborate on the interrelationship between sickness and depression. Finally, we discuss how immune activation can modulate neurons in the brain, and suggest future perspectives to help unravel how changes in neuronal functions relate to sickness responses.

Neurohistological abnormalities during early porcine endotoxemia

BACKGROUND

Brain dysfunction is common in sepsis. We aimed to assess whether cerebral perfusion, oxygenation, and/or metabolism are abnormal during early endotoxemia, and how they may relate to potential neurohistological changes.

METHODS

In this prospective animal study, we included 12 pigs (weight: 42 ± 4 kg; mean ± SD) that were exposed to Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (E. coli LPS B0111 : B4, 0.4 μg/kg/h) or saline infusion (n = 6, each) for 10 h. Systemic hemodynamics, cerebral blood flow, intracranial pressure, and brain tissue oxygen tension were continuously measured. At the end of the experiment, formalin-fixed brains were cut in coronal sections and embedded in paraffin. Afterwards, the sections were cut at 5 microns and stained with hematoxylin and eosin.

RESULTS

Stable systemic hemodynamics in both groups were associated with higher carotid arterial blood flow after 10 h of endotoxemia (9.0 ± 2.2 ml/kg/min) compared to controls (6.6 ± 1.2 ml/kg/min; time-group interaction: P = 0.014). Intracranial pressure, cerebral perfusion pressure, brain oxygen consumption, and brain tissue oxygen tension were similar in both groups. In four of the six endotoxemic animals but in none of the controls, cerebral tissue lesions were found (encephalomalacia with spongy degeneration of white matter, axonal swelling, and ischemic neuronal thalamic necrosis), including significant venous vascular alterations, predominantly in the brainstem, in three of the four animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Early endotoxemia seems to be associated with histological signs of brain damage unrelated to systemic or cerebral hemodynamics or oxygenation.

Prostaglandins and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary (H-P) axis integrates complex physiological and environmental signals and responds to these cues by modulating the synthesis and secretion of multiple pituitary hormones to regulate peripheral tissues. Prostaglandins are a component of this regulatory system, affecting multiple hormone synthesis and secretion pathways in the H-P axis. The implications of these actions are that physiological processes or disease states that alter prostaglandin levels in the hypothalamus or pituitary can impinge on H-P axis function. Considering the role of prostaglandins in mediating inflammation, the potential for neuroinflammation to affect H-P axis function in this manner may be significant. In addition, the mitigating effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) on the inflammation-associated synthesis of prostaglandins and their role as substrates for pro-resolving lipid mediators may also include effects in the H-P axis. One context in which neuroinflammation may play a role is in the etiology of diet-induced obesity, which also correlates with altered pituitary hormone levels. This review will survey evidence for the actions of prostaglandins and other lipid mediators in the H-P axis, and will address the potential for obesity-associated inflammation and n-3 PUFA to impinge on these mechanisms.

Prostaglandin E2 EP1 receptor enhances TGF-β1-induced mesangial cell injury

Increasing evidence indicates that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a pivotal mediator in the pathogenesis of renal fibrosis. Mesangial cells (MCs) are important for glomerular function under both physiological and pathological conditions. Studies have found that the expression level of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in MCs increases under high glucose conditions, that PGE2 affects the proliferation and hypertrophy of MCs mainly through the EP1 pathway, and that the proliferation of MCs and the accumulation of extracellular matrix are the main events leading to glomerular fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of action of the EP1 receptor, which is induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, on the proliferation of mouse MCs, the accumulation of extracellular matrix and the expression of PGE2 synthase. Primary mouse glomerular MCs were isolated from EP1 receptor-deficient mice (EP1-/- mice, in which the EP1 receptor was knocked down) and wild-type (WT) mice (WT MCs). In our preliminary experiments, we found that cell proliferation, as well as the mRNA and protein expression of cyclin D1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), fibronectin (FN), collagen I (ColI), membrane-associated PGE2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the WT MCs were significantly increased following treatment with 10 ng/ml TGF-β1 for 24 h. Compared with the WT MCs, following the knockdown of the EP1 gene, the TGF-β1-induced MC injury was markedly suppressed. The aforementioned changes were notably enhanced following treatment with the EP1 agonist, 17-phenyl trinor PGE2 ethyl amide. Additionally, TGF-β1 induced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. We found that the TGF-β1-induced ERK phosphorylation was alleviated by EP1 knockdown and promoted by EP1 expression. These results suggest that the EP1 receptor plays a role in the proliferation of mouse MCs, in the accumulation of extracellular matrix and in the expression of mPGES-1 induced by TGF-β1. Its mechanisms of action are possibly related to the reinforcement of ERK phosphorylation.

Central CRTH2, a second prostaglandin D2 receptor, mediates emotional impairment in the lipopolysaccharide and tumor-induced sickness behavior model

Chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on T helper type 2 cells (CRTH2) is a second prostaglandin D2 receptor involved in mediating the allergic response; however, its central function is not yet known. Here, we demonstrate that central CRTH2 mediates emotional impairment. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced decreases in social interaction and novel exploratory behavior were observed in wild-type (CRTH2(+/+)) mice but not CRTH2-deficient (CRTH2(-/-)) mice, but both genotypes showed hypolocomotion and anorexia following LPS injection. Tumor (colon 26) inoculation, a more pathologically relevant model, induced decreases in social interaction and novel exploratory behavior in CRTH2(+/+), but not CRTH2(-/-) mice. In addition, the CRTH2 antagonists including clinically available ramatroban reversed impaired social interaction and novel exploratory behavior after either LPS or tumor inoculation in CRTH2(+/+) mice. Finally, LPS-induced c-Fos expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and central amygdala (CeA) was selectively abolished in CRTH2(-/-) mice. These results show that CRTH2 participates in LPS-induced emotional changes and activation in the PVN and CeA. Our study provides the first evidence that central CRTH2 regulates specific emotional behaviors, and that CRTH2 antagonism has potential as a therapeutic target for behavioral symptoms associated with tumors and infectious diseases.

Cyclooxygenase-1-dependent prostaglandins mediate susceptibility to systemic inflammation-induced acute cognitive dysfunction

Systemic inflammatory events often precipitate acute cognitive dysfunction in elderly and demented populations. Delirium is a highly prevalent neuropsychiatric syndrome that is characterized by acute inattention and cognitive dysfunction, for which prior dementia is the major predisposing factor and systemic inflammation is a frequent trigger. Inflammatory mechanisms of delirium remain unclear. We have modeled aspects of delirium during dementia by exploiting progressive neurodegeneration in the ME7 mouse model of prion disease and by superimposing systemic inflammation induced by the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Here, we have used this model to demonstrate that the progression of underlying disease increases the incidence, severity, and duration of acute cognitive dysfunction. This increasing susceptibility is associated with increased CNS expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 in microglia and perivascular macrophages. The COX-1-specific inhibitor SC-560 provided significant protection against LPS-induced cognitive deficits, and attenuated the disease-induced increase in hippocampal and thalamic prostaglandin E2, while the COX-2-specific inhibitor NS-398 was ineffective. SC-560 treatment did not alter levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, or C-X-C chemokine ligand 1 in blood or brain, but systemic IL-1RA blocked LPS-induced cognitive deficits, and systemic IL-1β was sufficient to induce similar deficits in the absence of LPS. Furthermore, the well tolerated COX inhibitor ibuprofen was protective against IL-1β-induced deficits. These data demonstrate that progressive microglial COX-1 expression and prostaglandin synthesis can underpin susceptibility to cognitive deficits, which can be triggered by systemic LPS-induced IL-1β. These data contribute to our understanding of how systemic inflammation and ongoing neurodegeneration interact to induce cognitive dysfunction and episodes of delirium.

Prostaglandin E receptor EP1 forms a complex with dopamine D1 receptor and directs D1-induced cAMP production to adenylyl cyclase 7 through mobilizing G(βγ) subunits in human embryonic kidney 293T cells

The mechanism underlying the crosstalk between multiple G protein-coupled receptors remains poorly understood. We previously reported that prostaglandin E receptor EP1 facilitates dopamine D1 receptor signaling in striatal slices and promotes behavioral responses induced by D1 receptor agonists. Here, using human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293T cells expressing D1 and EP1, we have analyzed the mechanism underlying EP1-mediated facilitation of D1 receptor signaling. Fluorescent immunostaining showed that EP1 and D1 receptors are partly colocalized in the cells, and coprecipitation experiments revealed a molecular complex of EP1 and D1 receptors. Treatment of the cells with 17S,17,20-dimethyl-2,5-ethano-6-oxo-PGE₁ (ONO-DI-004), an EP1-selective agonist, enhanced cAMP production induced by D1 agonists (±)-6-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine hydrobromide (SKF-81297) and 6-chloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1-(3-methylphenyl)-3-(2-propenyl)-1H-3-benzazepine-7,8-diol hydrobromide (SKF-83822). Although this facilitative effect of EP1 stimulation was not affected by pharmacologic blockade of EP1-induced Ca²⁺ increase, it was blocked by overexpression of G(tα) as a G(βγ) scavenger. Consistently, depletion of adenylyl cyclase (AC) 7, a G(βγ)-sensitive AC isoform, abolished the facilitative action of EP1 on D1-induced cAMP production. Notably, neither G(tα) overexpression nor AC7 depletion affected cAMP production induced by D1 stimulation alone. In contrast, depletion of AC6, another AC isoform, reduced cAMP production induced by D1 stimulation alone, but spared its facilitation by EP1 stimulation. Collectively, these data suggest that, through complex formation with D1, EP1 signaling directs the D1 receptor through G(βγ) to be coupled to AC7, an AC isoform distinct from those used by the D1 receptor alone, in HEK-293T cells.

Prospective diagnostic analysis of copy number variants using SNP microarrays in individuals with autism spectrum disorders

Copy number variants (CNVs) have repeatedly been found to cause or predispose to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). For diagnostic purposes, we screened 194 individuals with ASDs for CNVs using Illumina SNP arrays. In several probands, we also analyzed candidate genes located in inherited deletions to unmask autosomal recessive variants. Three CNVs, a de novo triplication of chromosome 15q11-q12 of paternal origin, a deletion on chromosome 9p24 and a de novo 3q29 deletion, were identified as the cause of the disorder in one individual each. An autosomal recessive cause was considered possible in two patients: a homozygous 1p31.1 deletion encompassing PTGER3 and a deletion of the entire DOCK10 gene associated with a rare hemizygous missense variant. We also identified multiple private or recurrent CNVs, the majority of which were inherited from asymptomatic parents. Although highly penetrant CNVs or variants inherited in an autosomal recessive manner were detected in rare cases, our results mainly support the hypothesis that most CNVs contribute to ASDs in association with other CNVs or point variants located elsewhere in the genome. Identification of these genetic interactions in individuals with ASDs constitutes a formidable challenge.

The multiple faces of prostaglandin E2 G-protein coupled receptor signaling during the dendritic cell life cycle

Many processes regulating immune responses are initiated by G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and report biochemical changes in the microenvironment. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen-presenting cells and crucial for the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. The lipid mediator Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) via four GPCR subtypes (EP1-4) critically regulates DC generation, maturation and migration. The role of PGE₂ signaling in DC biology was unraveled by the characterization of EP receptor subtype expression in DC progenitor cells and DCs, the identification of the signaling pathways initiated by these GPCR subtypes and the classification of DC responses to PGE₂ at different stages of differentiation. Here, we review the advances in PGE₂ signaling in DCs and describe the efforts still to be made to understand the spatio-temporal fine-tuning of PGE₂ responses by DCs.

Cyclooxygenase-2-related signaling in the hypothalamus plays differential roles in response to various acute stresses

We previously suggested that cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 plays a role as a common mediator of stresses in the brain. In the present study, we evaluated the possible involvement of COX-2-related signaling in the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis under three different stress conditions, namely infectious (lipopolysaccharide, LPS), hypoglycemic (2-deoxy-d-glucose, 2DG) and restraint (1h) stresses in rats. Both an unselective COX inhibitor (indomethacin) and a selective COX-2 inhibitor (NS-398) significantly attenuated the increase of serum corticosterone levels after LPS and restraint stresses, but not after 2DG injection. COX-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1 mRNA levels in the hypothalamus were significantly increased after LPS injection in intact rats. In adrenalectomized (ADX) rats, the expression of both genes was significantly increased after 2DG and restraint stresses, which was blocked by treatment with corticosterone. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) mRNA levels in the hypothalamus in intact rats were increased only by LPS injection, though those in ADX rats were increased by all three stress stimuli. These results suggest that the relationship between COX-2-related signaling and activation of the HPA axis is stress-specific, and that COX-2-related signaling preferably mediates infectious and restraint stresses. Furthermore, the expression of COX-2 and mPGES-1 mRNA under the infectious stress condition was not negatively regulated by endogenous glucocorticoids, likely due to an increase in IL-1β levels.

Molecular characterization of prostaglandin F receptor (FP) and E receptor subtype 3 (EP3) in chickens

Prostaglandin E and F regulate diverse physiological functions including gastrointestinal motility, fever induction and reproduction. This multitude of biological effects is mediated via their four E receptor subtypes (EP(1), EP(2), EP(3) and EP(4)) and F receptor (FP), respectively. Majority of these studies was performed in mammalian species, while investigations on their roles were impeded by inadequate information on their receptors in avian species. In present study, full-length cDNAs of chicken EP(3) (cEP(3)) and two isoforms of FP - cFPa and cFPb - were cloned from adult hen ovary. The putative cEP(3) and cFPa share high amino acid sequence identity with their respective orthologs, while the predicted cFPb is a novel middle-truncated splice variant which lacks 107 amino acids between transmembrane domains 4 and 6. RT-PCR showed that cEP(3), cFPa and cFPb are widely expressed in adult tissues examined, including ovary and oviduct. Using a pGL3-CRE luciferase reporter system, cEP(3)-expressing DF1 cells inhibited forskolin-induced luciferase activity (EC(50): <1.9 pM) upon PGE(2) treatment, suggesting that cEP(3) may functionally couple to Gi protein. Upon PGF(2α) addition, cFPa was shown to potentially couple to intracellular Ca(2+)-signaling pathway by pGL3-NFAT-RE reporter assay (EC(50): 2.9 nM), while cFPb showed no response. Using a pGL4-SRE reporter system, both cEP(3) and cFPa exhibited potential MAPK activation by PGE(2) and PGF(2α) at EC(50) 0.34 and 13 nM, respectively. Molecular characterization of these receptors paved the road to the better understanding of PGE(2) and PGF(2α) roles in avian physiology and comparative endocrinology studies.

Molecular characterization of prostaglandin F receptor (FP) and E receptor subtype 1 (EP₁) in zebrafish

Prostaglandins E (PGE) and F (PGF) mediate diverse physiological functions via their cell surface receptors - prostaglandin E receptor (EP) subtypes 1, 2, 3 and 4 (EP(1); EP(2); EP(3); EP(4)) and F receptor (FP). In teleost fishes, PGE was implicated in gill epithelium ion transport, while both PGE and PGF were involved in oocyte maturation, follicular rupture and coordination of reproductive behaviors. However, little is known about the mechanisms behind their actions. In present study, we first identified the full-length ORF cDNA clones of three zebrafish prostaglandin E receptor subtype 1 (zEP(1)) isoforms - zEP(1a), zEP(1b) and zEP(1c) - and FP (zFP) from adult ovary. RT-PCR showed that zEP(1a), zEP(1b) and zFP are widely expressed in adult tissues, while zEP(1c) mRNA expression is mainly confined in brain and kidney. Using a pGL3-NFAT-RE luciferase reporter system, both zEP(1a) and zEP(1b) expressed in DF-1 cells were shown to be activated by PGE(2) potently while zEP(1c) and zFP were activated by PGF(2a) effectively, suggesting that the four receptors are functionally coupled to intracellular Ca(2+)-signaling pathway. Furthermore, EP1a and EP1b, but not EP1c were suggested to couple to cAMP-PKA signaling pathway using a pGL3-CRE luciferase reporter assay. Although zEP(1c) might originate as a paralog to zEP(1a) and zEP(1b), its functional coupling to PGF(2α) instead of PGE(2) suggested that zEP(1) isoforms might have sub-functionalized in their ligand binding and G protein coupling specificity, in addition to differential tissue distribution. Characterization of these receptors undoubtedly furthered our understanding on the diverse yet highly target-specific responses of prostaglandins in teleosts.

Neural circuitry engaged by prostaglandins during the sickness syndrome

During illnesses caused by infectious disease or other sources of inflammation, a suite of brain-mediated responses called the sickness syndrome occurs, which includes fever, anorexia, sleepiness, hyperalgesia and elevated corticosteroid secretion. Much of the sickness syndrome is mediated by prostaglandins acting on the brain and can be prevented by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, that block prostaglandin synthesis. By examining which prostaglandins are produced at which sites and how they interact with the nervous system, researchers have identified specific neural circuits that underlie the sickness syndrome.

Microsomal Prostaglandin E2 Synthase-1

The prostanoids and leukotrienes (LTs) formed from arachidonic acid (AA) via the cyclooxygenase (COX)-1/2 and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway, respectively, mediate inflammatory responses, chronic tissue remodelling, cancer, asthma and autoimmune disorders, but also possess homeostatic functions in the gastrointestinal tract, uterus, brain, kidney, vasculature and host defence. Based on the manifold functions of these eicosanoids, the clinical use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a class of drugs that block formation of all prostanoids, is hampered by severe side-effects including gastrointestinal injury, renal irritations and cardiovascular risks. Therefore, anti-inflammatory agents interfering with eicosanoid biosynthesis require a well-balanced pharmacological profile to minimize these on-target side-effects. Current anti-inflammatory research aims at identifying compounds that can suppress the massive formation of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin (PG)E2 without affecting homeostatic PGE2 and PGI2 synthesis. The inducible microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) is one promising target enzyme. We will give an overview about the structure, regulation and function of mPGES-1 and then present novel inhibitors of mPGES-1 that may possess a promising pharmacological profile.

Lipopolysaccharide affects exploratory behaviors toward novel objects by impairing cognition and/or motivation in mice: Possible role of activation of the central amygdala

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produces a series of systemic and psychiatric changes called sickness behavior. In the present study, we characterized the LPS-induced decrease in novel object exploratory behaviors in BALB/c mice. As already reported, LPS (0.3-5 μg/mouse) induced dose- and time-dependent decreases in locomotor activity, food intake, social interaction, and exploration for novel objects, and an increase in immobility in the forced-swim test. Although the decrease in locomotor activity was ameliorated by 10h postinjection, novel object exploratory behaviors remained decreased at 24h and were observed even with the lowest dose of LPS. In an object exploration test, LPS shortened object exploration time but did not affect moving time or the frequency of object exploration. Although pre-exposure to the same object markedly decreased the duration of exploration and LPS did not change this reduction, LPS significantly impaired the exploration of a novel object that replaced the familiar one. LPS did not affect anxiety-like behaviors in open-field and elevated plus-maze tests. An LPS-induced increase in the number of c-Fos-immunoreactive cells was observed in several brain regions within 6h of LPS administration, but the number of cells quickly returned to control levels, except in the central amygdala where the increase continued for 24h. These results suggest that LPS most prominently affects object exploratory behaviors by impairing cognition and/or motivation including continuous attention and curiosity toward objects, and that this may be associated with activation of brain nuclei such as the central amygdala.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cognitive function: are prostaglandins at the heart of cognitive impairment in dementia and delirium?

Studies of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in rheumatoid arthritis imply that inflammation is important in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, these drugs have not alleviated the symptoms of AD in those who have already developed dementia. This suggests that the primary mediator targeted by these drugs, PGE2, is not actively suppressing memory function in AD. Amyloid-β oligomers appear to be important for the mild cognitive changes seen in AD transgenic mice, yet amyloid immunotherapy has also proven unsuccessful in clinical trials. Collectively, these findings indicate that NSAIDs may target a prodromal process in mice that has already passed in those diagnosed with AD, and that synaptic and neuronal loss are key determinants of cognitive dysfunction in AD. While the role of inflammation has not yet become clear, inflammatory processes definitely have a negative impact on cognitive function during episodes of delirium during dementia. Delirium is an acute and profound impairment of cognitive function frequently occurring in aged and demented patients exposed to systemic inflammatory insults, which is now recognised to contribute to long-term cognitive decline. Recent work in animal models is beginning to shed light on the interactions between systemic inflammation and CNS pathology in these acute exacerbations of dementia. This review will assess the role of prostaglandin synthesis in the memory impairments observed in dementia and delirium and will examine the relative contribution of amyloid, synaptic and neuronal loss. We will also discuss how understanding the role of inflammatory mediators in delirious episodes will have major implications for ameliorating the rate of decline in the demented population.

EP₃ receptors mediate PGE₂-induced hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus excitation and sympathetic activation

Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), an important mediator of the inflammatory response, acts centrally to elicit sympathetic excitation. PGE(2) acts on at least four E-class prostanoid (EP) receptors known as EP(1), EP(2), EP(3), and EP(4). Since PGE(2) production within the brain is ubiquitous, the different functions of PGE(2) depend on the expression of these prostanoid receptors in specific brain areas. The type(s) and location(s) of the EP receptors that mediate sympathetic responses to central PGE(2) remain unknown. We examined this question using PGE(2), the relatively selective EP receptor agonists misoprostol and sulprostone, and the available selective antagonists for EP(1), EP(3), and EP(4). In urethane-anesthetized rats, intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of PGE(2), sulprostone or misoprostol increased renal sympathetic nerve activity, blood pressure, and heart rate. These responses were significantly reduced by ICV pretreatment with the EP(3) receptor antagonist; the EP(1) and EP(4) receptor antagonists had little or no effect. ICV PGE(2) or misoprostol increased the discharge of neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). ICV misoprostol increased the c-Fos immunoreactivity of PVN neurons, an effect that was substantially reduced by the EP(3) receptor antagonist. Real-time PCR detected EP(3) receptor mRNA in PVN, and immunohistochemical studies revealed sparsely distributed EP(3) receptors localized in GABAergic terminals and on a few PVN neurons. Direct bilateral PVN microinjections of PGE(2) or sulprostone elicited sympathoexcitatory responses that were significantly reduced by the EP(3) receptor antagonist. These data suggest that EP(3) receptors mediate the central excitatory effects of PGE(2) on PVN neurons and sympathetic discharge.

International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXXIII: classification of prostanoid receptors, updating 15 years of progress

It is now more than 15 years since the molecular structures of the major prostanoid receptors were elucidated. Since then, substantial progress has been achieved with respect to distribution and function, signal transduction mechanisms, and the design of agonists and antagonists (http://www.iuphar-db.org/DATABASE/FamilyIntroductionForward?familyId=58). This review systematically details these advances. More recent developments in prostanoid receptor research are included. The DP(2) receptor, also termed CRTH2, has little structural resemblance to DP(1) and other receptors described in the original prostanoid receptor classification. DP(2) receptors are more closely related to chemoattractant receptors. Prostanoid receptors have also been found to heterodimerize with other prostanoid receptor subtypes and nonprostanoids. This may extend signal transduction pathways and create new ligand recognition sites: prostacyclin/thromboxane A(2) heterodimeric receptors for 8-epi-prostaglandin E(2), wild-type/alternative (alt4) heterodimers for the prostaglandin FP receptor for bimatoprost and the prostamides. It is anticipated that the 15 years of research progress described herein will lead to novel therapeutic entities.

Central PGE2 exhibits anxiolytic-like activity via EP1 and EP4 receptors in a manner dependent on serotonin 5-HT1A, dopamine D1 and GABAA receptors

We found that centrally administered prostaglandin (PG) E(2) exhibited anxiolytic-like activity in the elevated plus-maze and open field test in mice. Agonists selective for EP(1) and EP(4) receptors, among four receptor subtypes for PGE(2), mimicked the anxiolytic-like activity of PGE(2). The anxiolytic-like activity of PGE(2) was blocked by an EP(1) or EP(4) antagonist, as well as in EP(4) but not EP(1) knockout mice. Central activation of either EP(1) or EP(4) receptors resulted in anxiolytic-like activity. The PGE(2)-induced anxiolytic-like activity was inhibited by antagonists for serotonin 5-HT(1A), dopamine D(1) and GABA(A) receptors. Taken together, PGE(2) exhibits anxiolytic-like activity via EP(1) and EP(4) receptors, with downstream involvement of 5-HT(1A), D(1) and GABA(A) receptor systems.

Stress responses: the contribution of prostaglandin E(2) and its receptors

Stress is a state of physiological or psychological strain caused by adverse stimuli; responses to stress include activation of the sympathetic nervous system, glucocorticoid secretion and emotional behaviors. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), acting through its four receptor subtypes (EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4), is involved in these stress responses. Studies of EP-selective drugs and mice lacking specific EPs have identified the neuronal pathways regulated by PGE(2). In animals with febrile illnesses, PGE(2) acts on neurons expressing EP3 in the preoptic hypothalamus. In illness-induced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, EP1 and EP3 regulate distinct neuronal pathways that converge at the paraventricular hypothalamus. During psychological stress, EP1 suppresses impulsive behaviors via the midbrain dopaminergic systems. PGE(2) promotes illness-induced memory impairment, yet also supports hippocampus-dependent memory formation and synaptic plasticity via EP2 in physiological conditions. In response to illness, PGE(2) is synthesized by enzymes induced in various cell types inside and outside the brain, whereas constitutively expressed enzymes in neurons and/or microglia synthesize PGE(2) in response to psychological stress. Dependent on the type of stress stimuli, PGE(2) released from different cell types activates distinct EP receptors, which mobilize multiple neuronal pathways, resulting in stress responses.

Maturation and fertilization of nonhuman primate oocytes are compromised by oral administration of a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor

OBJECTIVE

To determine if oral administration of a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) inhibitor affects oocyte nuclear maturation and fertilization in nonhuman primates.

DESIGN

Laboratory research study.

SETTING

Medical school.

ANIMAL(S)

Adult female cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis).

INTERVENTION(S)

Monkeys received gonadotropins to stimulate multiple follicular development. An ovulatory dose of hCG was administered either alone or with oral celecoxib, a COX2 inhibitor. Oocytes were retrieved 36 hours later and exposed to sperm in vitro.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Oocytes were assessed for nuclear status at retrieval, resumption of meiosis in vitro, and success of in vitro fertilization.

RESULT(S)

Treatment with hCG alone yielded oocytes that were primarily (72.9%) at the meiosis II (MII) stage of nuclear maturation; few oocytes were obtained at the germinal vesicle and germinal vesicle breakdown stages. Treatment with hCG and celecoxib yielded fewer mature (MII) oocytes (35.6%) and more oocytes at less mature stages compared with oocytes from monkeys treated with hCG alone. The majority (68.3 ± 15.9%) of MII oocytes from monkeys treated with hCG alone fertilized in vitro, compared with only 11.0 ± 5.9% of MII oocytes from monkeys treated with hCG and celecoxib.

CONCLUSION(S)

Oral administration of a COX2 inhibitor reduced the rate of oocyte nuclear maturation and the success of in vitro fertilization. Drugs of this class may block multiple essential steps in female reproduction and be effective contraceptives for women.

The role of prostanoid receptors in mediating the effects of PGE(2) on human platelet function

The effects of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) on platelet function are believed to be the result of opposing mechanisms that lead to both enhancement and inhibition of platelet function. Enhancement of platelet function is known to be via EP3 receptors linked to G(i) and inhibition of adenylyl cyclase. However, the receptors involved in inhibition of platelet function have not been fully defined. Here we have used measurements of platelet aggregation, calcium signaling and P-selectin expression to assess platelet function induced by platelet activating factor (PAF), thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP-6) and the thromboxane A(2) mimetic U46619 respectively, to determine the effects of PGE(2) and of selective prostanoid receptor agonists on platelet function. Their effects on vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) phosphorylation were also determined. We also assessed the ability of selective prostanoid receptor antagonists to modify the effects of PGE(2). The agonists and antagonists used were iloprost (IP agonist), ONO-DI-004 (EP1 agonist), ONO-AE1-259 (EP2 agonist), sulprostone (EP3 agonist), ONO-AE1-329 (EP4 agonist), CAY10441 (IP antagonist), ONO-8713 (EP1 antagonist), DG-041 (EP3 antagonist) and ONO-AE3-208 (EP4 antagonist). Using the agonists available to us we demonstrated that EP3, EP4 and IP receptors elicit functional responses in platelets. The EP3 receptor agonist promoted platelet aggregation, calcium signaling and P-selectin expression and this was associated with a reduction in VASP phosphorylation. Conversely agonists acting at IP and EP4 receptors inhibited platelet function and this was associated with an increase in VASP phosphorylation. The effects on platelet function and VASP phosphorylation of the selective prostanoid receptor antagonists used in conjunction with PGE(2) were consistent with PGE(2) interacting with EP3 receptors to enhance platelet function and with EP4 receptors (but not IP receptors) to inhibit platelet function. This is the first demonstration of the involvement of EP4 receptors in platelet responses to PGE(2).

Early life activation of toll-like receptor 4 reprograms neural anti-inflammatory pathways

A single postnatal exposure to the bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), reduces the neuroimmune response to a subsequent LPS exposure in the adult rat. The attenuated fever and proinflammatory response is caused by a paradoxical, amplified, early corticosterone response to LPS. Here we identify the mechanisms underlying the heightened corticosterone response to LPS in adults after early life exposure to LPS. In postnatal LPS-treated rats, hypothalamic corticotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA, pituitary proopiomelanocortin mRNA, and circulating adrenocorticotrophic hormone were all increased after adult exposure to LPS without significant modification to hippocampal or hypothalamic glucocorticoid receptor mRNA or protein or vagally mediated afferent signaling to the brain. Postnatal LPS administration did cause a persistent upregulation of the LPS Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) mRNA in liver and spleen, but not in brain, pituitary, or adrenal gland. In addition, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which is a prostaglandin biosynthetic enzyme and is normally undetectable in most peripheral tissue, was constitutively expressed in the liver. Adult immune activation of the upregulated TLR4 and COX-2 caused a rapid, amplified rise in circulating, but not brain, prostaglandin E(2) that induced an early, enhanced activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Thus, postnatal LPS reprograms the neuroimmune axis by priming peripheral tissues to create a novel, prostaglandin-mediated activation of the HPA axis brought about by increased constitutive expression of TLR4 and COX-2.

Dual roles for perivascular macrophages in immune-to-brain signaling

Cytokines produced during infection/inflammation activate adaptive central nervous system (CNS) responses, including acute stress responses mediated by the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The mechanisms by which cytokines engage HPA control circuitry remain unclear, though stimulated release of prostanoids from neighboring vascular cells has been implicated in this regard. How specific vascular cell types, endothelial cells (ECs) versus perivascular cells (PVCs; a subset of brain-resident macrophages), participate in this response remains unsettled. We exploited the phagocytic activity of PVCs to deplete them in rats by central injection of a liposome-encapsulated proapoptotic drug. This manipulation abrogated CNS and hormonal indices of HPA activation under immune challenge conditions (interleukin-1) that activated prostanoid synthesis only in PVCs, while enhancing these responses to stimuli (lipopolysaccharide) that engaged prostanoid production by ECs as well. Thus, PVCs provide both prostanoid-mediated drive to the HPA axis and an anti-inflammatory action that constrains endothelial and overall CNS responses to inflammatory insults.

Low dose dexamethasone reverses depressive-like parameters and memory impairment in rats submitted to sepsis

Sepsis is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response of the immune system against an infection, presenting with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, behavior alterations, and high mortality. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of dexamethasone on mortality, anhedonia, circulating corticosterone and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) levels, body and adrenal gland weight, and aversive memory in sepsis survivor rats. Male Wistar rats underwent sham operation or cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) procedure. Rats subjected to CLP were treated with "basic support" and dexamethasone (at 0.2 and 2mg/kg daily for 7 days after CLP, intraperitonially) or saline. After 10 days of sepsis procedure, it was evaluated aversive memory, sweet food consumption, and body and adrenal gland weight. Serum and plasma were also obtained. It was observed that low dose dexamethasone reverted anhedonia, normalized adrenal gland and body weight, corticosterone and ACTH levels, and decreased mortality and avoidance memory impairment, demonstrating that low doses of dexamethasone for moderate periods may be beneficial for sepsis treatment and its sequelae-depressive-like parameters and memory impairment.

Early growth response-1 worsens ventilator-induced lung injury by up-regulating prostanoid synthesis

RATIONALE

Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is common and serious and may be mediated in part by prostanoids. We have demonstrated increased expression of the early growth response-1 (Egr1) gene by injurious ventilation, but whether-or how-such up-regulation contributes to injury is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to define the role of Egr1 in the pathogenesis of VILI.

METHODS

An in vivo murine model of VILI was used, and Egr1(+/+) (wild-type) and Egr1(-/-) mice were studied; the effects of prostaglandin E receptor subtype 1 (EP1) inhibition were assessed.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Injurious ventilation caused lung injury in wild-type mice, but less so in Egr1(-/-) mice. The injury was associated with expression of EGR1 protein, which was localized to type II cells and macrophages and was concentrated in nuclear extracts. There was a concomitant increase in expression of phosphorylated p44/p42 mitogen-activated protein kinases. The prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES-1) gene has multiple EGR1 binding sites on its promoter, and induction of mPGES-1 mRNA (as well as the prostanoid product, PGE2) by injurious ventilation was highly dependent on the presence of the Egr1 gene. PGE2 mediates many lung effects via EP1 receptors, and EP1 blockade (with ONO-8713) lessened lung injury.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first demonstration of a mechanism whereby expression of a novel gene (Egr1) can contribute to VILI via a prostanoid-mediated pathway.

Cyclooxygenase-1 mediates the immediate corticosterone response to peripheral immune challenge induced by lipopolysaccharide

Immune-induced activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis is mediated by cyclooxygenase derived prostaglandins. Here we examined the role of cyclooxygenase-1 in this response, by using genetically modified mice as well as pharmacological inhibition. We found that mice with a deletion of the gene encoding cyclooxygenase-1, in contrast to wild type mice, did not show increased plasma corticosterone at 1h after immune challenge by peripheral injection of bacterial wall lipopolysaccharide, whereas the corticosterone levels were similarly elevated in both genotypes at 6h post-injection. Pretreatment of mice with the selective cyclooxygenase-1 inhibitor SC-560, given orally, likewise inhibited the rapid corticosterone response. These findings, taken together with our recent demonstration that the delayed stress hormone response to immune challenge is dependent on cyclooxygenase-2, show that the two cyclooxygenase isoforms play distinct, but temporally supplementary roles for the stress hormone response to inflammation.