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Bäckström T, Das R, Bixo M. Positive GABA A receptor modulating steroids and their antagonists: Implications for clinical treatments. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13013. [PMID: 34337790 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and GABAergic transmission has been shown to be of importance for regulation of mood, memory and food intake. The progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone (Allo) is a positive GABAA receptor modulating steroid with potent effects. In humans, disorders such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), hepatic encephalopathy and polycystic ovarian syndrome are associated with elevated Allo levels and increased negative mood, disturbed memory and increased food intake in some individuals. This is surprising because Allo shares many properties with benzodiazepines and is mainly considered to be anxiolytic and anti-depressant. However, it is well established that, in certain individuals, GABAA receptor activating compounds could have paradoxical effects and thus be anxiogenic in low physiological plasma concentrations but anxiolytic at high levels. We have demonstrated that isoallopregnanolone (Isoallo), the 3β-OH sibling of Allo, functions as a GABAA receptor modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA) but without any effects of its own on GABAA receptors. The antagonistic effect is noted in most GABAA subtypes investigated in vitro to date. In vivo, Isoallo can inhibit Allo-induced anaesthesia in rats, as well as sedation or saccadic eye velocity in humans. Isoallo treatment has been studied in women with PMDD. In a first phase II study, Isoallo (Sepranolone; Asarina Pharma) injections significantly ameliorated negative mood in women with PMDD compared with placebo. Several GAMSAs for oral administration have also been developed. The GAMSA, UC1011, can inhibit Allo induced memory disturbances in rats and an oral GAMSA, GR3027, has been shown to restore learning and motor coordination in rats with hepatic encephalopathy. In humans, vigilance, cognition and pathological electroencephalogram were improved in patients with hepatic encephalopathy on treatment with GR3027. In conclusion GAMSAs are a new possible treatment for disorders and symptoms caused by hyperactivity in the GABAA system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torbjörn Bäckström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Roshni Das
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Marie Bixo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umea, Sweden
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Neurosteroids and neuropathic pain management: Basic evidence and therapeutic perspectives. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100795. [PMID: 31562849 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Complex mechanisms involved in neuropathic pain that represents a major health concern make its management complicated. Because neurosteroids are bioactive steroids endogenously synthesized in the nervous system, including in pain pathways, they appear relevant to develop effective treatments against neuropathic pain. Neurosteroids act in paracrine or autocrine manner through genomic mechanisms and/or via membrane receptors of neurotransmitters that pivotally modulate pain sensation. Basic studies which uncovered a direct link between neuropathic pain symptoms and endogenous neurosteroid production/regulation, paved the way for the investigations of neurosteroid therapeutic potential against pathological pain. Concordantly, antinociceptive properties of synthetic neurosteroids were evidenced in humans and animals. Neurosteroids promote peripheral analgesia mediated by T-type calcium and gamma-aminobutyric acid type A channels, counteract chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain and ameliorate neuropathic symptoms of injured spinal cord animals by stimulating anti-inflammatory, remyelinating and neuroprotective processes. Together, these data open interesting perspectives for neurosteroid-based strategies to manage/alleviate efficiently neuropathic pain.
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Löfgren M, Holmberg E, Bäckström T, Egecioglu E, Dickson SL. The additive effect of allopregnanolone on ghrelin's orexigenic effect in rats. Neuropeptides 2019; 76:101937. [PMID: 31253440 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.101937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The progesterone metabolite, allopregnanolone (AlloP), is a GABAA receptor modulating steroid and is known to have orexigenic and pro-obesity effects. The neurobiological mechanisms underpinning these effects are most likely due to enhanced GABAergic signaling in the lateral arcuate nucleus (ARC) and medial paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Inspired by the finding that GABAergic signaling is also important for the orexigenic effects of the circulating hormone, ghrelin, we sought to determine the extent to which AlloP (one of the most potent endogenous GABAA-receptor modulators) operates alongside ghrelin to enhance food intake. Male rats with ad libitum access to standard chow were injected intravenously with AlloP and/or ghrelin, alone or in combination. The intake of the standard chow was greater after AlloP 1 mg/kg together with ghrelin 30 μg/kg than with 30 μg/kg ghrelin alone. Food intake was also increased for the combined treatment of AlloP 0.5 mg/kg + ghrelin 10 μg/kg, AlloP 1 mg/kg + ghrelin 10 μg/kg, and AlloP 0.5 mg/kg + ghrelin 30 μg/kg. There was no significant difference in food intake between the two ghrelin doses or between the two doses of AlloP and the vehicle. In electrophysiological studies, physiologically relevant concentrations of AlloP prolonged the current decay time of spontaneous inhibitory post-synaptic current of dissociated cells of the ARC and PVN. We conclude that AlloP enhances the hyperphagic effect of ghrelin, findings of potential relevance for the hyperphagia associated with the luteal phase of the reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Löfgren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå University Hospital, SE-Building QA, 3rd floor, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Ellinor Holmberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå University Hospital, SE-Building QA, 3rd floor, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå University Hospital, SE-Building QA, 3rd floor, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Emil Egecioglu
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Appetite Regulation Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Suzanne L Dickson
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, P.O. Box 434, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Progesterone, 5a-dihydropogesterone and allopregnanolone's effects on seizures: A review of animal and clinical studies. Seizure 2018; 63:26-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2018.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Holmberg E, Sjöstedt J, Malinina E, Johansson M, Turkmen S, Ragagnin G, Lundqvist A, Löfgren M, Jaukkuri L, Bixo M, Bäckström T. Allopregnanolone involvement in feeding regulation, overeating and obesity. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 48:70-77. [PMID: 28694181 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is strongly associated with ill health, primarily caused by consumption of excessive calories, and promoted (inter alia) by gamma-amino-butyric-acid (GABA) stimulating food intake by activating GABAA receptors (primarily with α3 and α2 subunits) in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus and paraventricular nucleus. Allopregnanolone is a potent positive GABAA receptor modulating steroid (GAMS). As reviewed here, elevated allopregnanolone levels are associated with increases in food intake, preferences for energy-rich food, and obesity in humans and other mammals. In women with polycystic ovarian disease, high serum allopregnanolone concentrations are linked to uncontrolled eating, and perturbed sensitivity to allopregnanolone. Increases in weight during pregnancy also correlate with increases in allopregnanolone levels. Moreover, Prader-Willis syndrome is associated with massive overeating, absence of a GABAA receptor (with compensatory >12-, >5- and >1.5-fold increases in α4, γ2, and α1, α3 subunits), and increases in the α4, βx, δ receptor subtype, which is highly sensitive to allopregnanolone. GABA and positive GABA-A receptor modulating steroids like allopregnanolone stimulates food intake and weight gain.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Holmberg
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - J Sjöstedt
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - E Malinina
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Johansson
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - S Turkmen
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - G Ragagnin
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - A Lundqvist
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Löfgren
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - L Jaukkuri
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Bixo
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - T Bäckström
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
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Acute orexigenic effect of agmatine involves interaction between central α2-adrenergic and GABAergic receptors. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 93:939-947. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
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Lundqvist A, Sandström H, Bäckström T. The relationship between weight gain during pregnancy and allopregnanolone levels: a longitudinal study. Endocr Connect 2017; 6:253-259. [PMID: 28381564 PMCID: PMC5632720 DOI: 10.1530/ec-17-0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Large weight gain during pregnancy is a risk factor for complications for mother and fetus. Hunger and satiety are regulated in the hypothalamus, where the gamma-amino-butyric acid system (GABA) has an important role. Allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite, increases during pregnancy and is a potent GABA-A receptor modulating steroid. Allopregnanolone has been shown to induce overeating in rodents. The aim was to investigate whether there is a relationship between weight gain and allopregnanolone concentrations during pregnancy in humans. DESIGN A longitudinal, cohort study. METHODS Pregnant women (n = 56) were recruited in primary care in northern Sweden. Allopregnanolone concentrations in plasma were measured using radioimmunoassay and weight was measured in gestational weeks 12 and 35. RESULTS Weight increase correlated significantly to allopregnanolone in late pregnancy increase (rs = 0.320; P = 0.016), indicating a positive relationship between weight increase and allopregnanolone increase. A positive relationship was also noted between allopregnanolone in the 35th gestational week and weight increase. Women who gained ≥11 kg during pregnancy showed higher allopregnanolone concentrations in week 35 and higher increase compared to women who increased <11 kg (P = 0.006 and P = 0.009 resp.). There was no difference in weight or allopregnanolone concentrations at the onset of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS The results show a relationship between weight gain during pregnancy and increase in allopregnanolone concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anette Lundqvist
- Department of Public Health and Clinical MedicineFamily Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Herbert Sandström
- Department of Public Health and Clinical MedicineFamily Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Department of Clinical SciencesObstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Hedström H, Bäckström T, Bixo M, Nyberg S, Wang M, Gideonsson I, Turkmen S. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome have elevated serum concentrations of and altered GABA(A) receptor sensitivity to allopregnanolone. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2015; 83:643-50. [PMID: 25929428 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several studies have reported that γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) ergic circuits are involved in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone is a potent GABA(A) -receptor-modulating steroid, and patients may have increased concentrations of allopregnanolone or altered GABAA receptor sensitivity. We investigated both of these possibilities in this study. PATIENTS We enrolled 9 women with PCOS and 24 age-matched eumenorrhoeic controls, who were divided into two groups by body mass index (BMI) (16 normal weight and 8 overweight). MEASUREMENTS We investigated the effects of allopregnanolone injection on GABA(A) receptor sensitivity in both groups of women. All women received a single intravenous dose of allopregnanolone (0·050 mg/kg). GABA(A) receptor sensitivity was assessed with the saccadic eye velocity (SEV) over 30° (SEV30°), the SEV30°/allopregnanolone concentration ([Allo]) ratio, and sedation, which were measured together with serum allopregnanolone at intervals for 180 min after injection. The controls were tested in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS Baseline allopregnanolone concentrations were higher in the PCOS women than in the normal-weight (P = 0·034) and overweight controls (P = 0·004). The allopregnanolone concentrations after injection were higher in the PCOS women (P = 0·006) and overweight controls (P = 0·037) than in the normal-weight controls. All groups showed a decline in the SEV30°/[Allo] ratio after injection. Allopregnanolone had a smaller effect on the SEV30°/[Allo] ratio in the overweight women (PCOS, P = 0·032; controls, P = 0·007) than in the normal-weight controls. The sedation score after allopregnanolone injection was lower in the PCOS patients than in the controls, but was not different between the two control groups. CONCLUSIONS PCOS women had elevated baseline allopregnanolone concentrations compared with follicular-phase controls. All overweight women (PCOS and controls) were less sensitive to allopregnanolone than normal-weight controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Hedström
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Marie Bixo
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sigrid Nyberg
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mingde Wang
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ida Gideonsson
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sahruh Turkmen
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Bäckström T, Bixo M, Strömberg J. GABAA Receptor-Modulating Steroids in Relation to Women's Behavioral Health. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2015; 17:92. [PMID: 26396092 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-015-0627-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In certain women, increased negative mood relates to the progesterone metabolite, allopregnanolone (allo), during the luteal phase of ovulatory menstrual cycles, the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). In anovulatory cycles, no symptom or sex steroid increase occurs but symptoms return during progesterone/allo treatment. Allo is a potent GABAA receptor-modulating steroid and as such is expected to be calming and anxiolytic. A relation to negative mood is unexpected. However, this paradoxical effect can be induced by all GABAA receptor modulators in low concentrations whereas higher concentrations are calming. The severity of the mood symptoms relate to allo in an inverted U-shaped curve at endogenous luteal-phase serum concentrations. Allo's effects on the GABAA receptor can be antagonized by isoallopregnanolone (ISO), an antagonist to allo. ISO has also been used in a preliminary clinical trial on PMDD ameliorating symptoms with good effect in PMDD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torbjörn Bäckström
- Department of Clinical sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå neurosteroid research center, Umeå University, Building 6M 4th floor, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Marie Bixo
- Department of Clinical sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå neurosteroid research center, Umeå University, Building 6M 4th floor, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Jessica Strömberg
- Department of Clinical sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå neurosteroid research center, Umeå University, Building 6M 4th floor, Umeå, Sweden.
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Turkmen S, Ahangari A, Bäckstrom T. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Metabolic Syndrome. Obes Surg 2015; 26:111-8. [PMID: 25975201 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-015-1729-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Holmberg E, Johansson M, Bäckström T, Haage D. Allopregnanolone preferentially induces energy-rich food intake in male Wistar rats. Physiol Rep 2014; 2:2/12/e12190. [PMID: 25501437 PMCID: PMC4332196 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is an increasing problem and identification of the driving forces for overeating of energy‐rich food is important. Previous studies show that the stress and sex steroid allopregnanolone has a hyperphagic effect on both bland food and palatable food. If allopregnanolone induces a preference for more palatable or for more energy‐rich food is not known. The aim of this study was to elucidate the influence of allopregnanolone on food preference. Male Wistar rats were subjected to two different food preference tests: a choice between standard chow and cookies (which have a higher energy content and also are more palatable than chow), and a choice between a low caloric sucrose solution and standard chow (which has a higher energy content and is less palatable than sucrose). Food intake was measured for 1 h after acute subcutaneous injections of allopregnanolone. In the choice between cookies and chow allopregnanolone significantly increased only the intake of cookies. When the standard chow was the item present with the highest caloric load, the chow intake was increased and allopregnanolone had no effect on intake of the 10% sucrose solution. The increased energy intakes induced by the high allopregnanolone dose compared to vehicle were very similar in the two tests, 120% increase for cookies and 150% increase for chow. It appears that in allopregnanolone‐induced hyperphagia, rats choose the food with the highest energy content regardless of its palatability. We show that allopregnanolone increased the consumption of the more calorie dense food offered in different food preference situations, while palatability was of secondary importance. Thus, it seems as allopregnanolone treatment could favor ingestion of a more energy‐rich diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellinor Holmberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Maja Johansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - David Haage
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Holmberg E, Johansson M, Bäckström T, Löfgren M, Haage D. Repeated allopregnanolone exposure induces weight gain in schedule fed rats on high fat diet. Physiol Behav 2014; 140:1-7. [PMID: 25484355 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Ingestion of energy rich high fat diets is one of the determining factors associated with the obesity epidemic. Therefore, much can be learned from studies of obesity-related substances given to animals fed a high fat diet. The progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone is a potent positive modulator of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A-receptor, and both allopregnanolone and GABA have been implicated in evoking hyperphagia. In this study, food intake and body weight gain were investigated during repeated allopregnanolone exposure. Male Wistar rats were studied when fed chow ad libitum, with chow access for 4h per day or with 45% high fat pellets for 4h per day. Rats on the high fat diet were separated into obesity prone and obesity resistant individuals. Subcutaneous injections of allopregnanolone were given once daily over five consecutive days. Repeated exposure to allopregnanolone lead to increased weight gain, significantly so in schedule fed rats on a high fat diet. The increased weight gain was correlated to an increased energy intake. Both obesity resistant and obesity prone rats responded to allopregnanolone with increased weight gain. Obesity resistant rats treated with allopregnanolone increased their energy intake and ate as much as vehicle treated obesity prone rats. Their weight gain was also increased to the level of obesity prone rats injected with just the vehicle carrier oil. Thus, it appears that allopregnanolone may be one of the endogenous factors involved in weight gain, especially when the diet is rich in fat.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Holmberg
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
| | - M Johansson
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - T Bäckström
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - M Löfgren
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - D Haage
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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Ding J, Huang C, Peng Z, Xie Y, Deng S, Nie YZ, Xu TL, Ge WH, Li WG, Li F. Electrophysiological characterization of methyleugenol: a novel agonist of GABA(A) receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2014; 5:803-11. [PMID: 24980777 DOI: 10.1021/cn500022e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Methyleugenol (ME) is a natural constituent isolated from many plant essential oils having multiple biological effects including anticonvulsant and anesthetic activities, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we identify ME as a novel agonist of ionotropic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. At lower concentrations (∼30 μM), ME significantly sensitized GABA-induced, but not glutamate- or glycine-induced, currents in cultured hippocampal neurons, indicative of a preferentially modulatory role of this compound for A type GABA receptors (GABAARs). In addition, ME at higher concentrations (≥100 μM) induced a concentration-dependent, Cl(-)-permeable current in hippocampal neurons, which was inhibited by a GABAAR channel blocker, picrotoxin, and a competitive GABAAR antagonist, bicuculline, but not a specific glycine receptor inhibitor, strychnine. Moreover, ME activated a similar current mediated by recombinant α1-β2-γ2 or α5-β2-γ2 GABAARs in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Consequently, ME produced a strong inhibition of synaptically driven neuronal excitation in hippocampal neurons. Together, these results suggest that ME represents a novel agonist of GABAARs, shedding additional light on future development of new therapeutics targeting GABAARs. The present study also adds GABAAR activation to the list of molecular targets of ME that probably account for its biological activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Ding
- Department
of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Institute of
Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical
Center, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s
Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200129, China
- Department
of Chinese Materia Medica, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Neuroscience
Division, Departments of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Biochemistry,
and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment
and Inflammation, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Chen Huang
- Neuroscience
Division, Departments of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Biochemistry,
and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment
and Inflammation, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhong Peng
- Neuroscience
Division, Departments of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Biochemistry,
and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment
and Inflammation, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yuxuan Xie
- Department
of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Institute of
Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical
Center, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s
Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200129, China
| | - Shining Deng
- Department
of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Institute of
Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical
Center, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s
Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200129, China
| | - Yan-Zhen Nie
- Department
of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Institute of
Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical
Center, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s
Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200129, China
| | - Tian-Le Xu
- Neuroscience
Division, Departments of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Biochemistry,
and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment
and Inflammation, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wei-Hong Ge
- Department
of Chinese Materia Medica, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Wei-Guang Li
- Department
of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Institute of
Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical
Center, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s
Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200129, China
- Neuroscience
Division, Departments of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Biochemistry,
and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment
and Inflammation, Institute of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department
of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Institute of
Pediatric Translational Medicine, Shanghai Children’s Medical
Center, Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s
Environmental Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200129, China
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14
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Guerin GF, Schmoutz CD, Goeders NE. The extra-adrenal effects of metyrapone and oxazepam on ongoing cocaine self-administration. Brain Res 2014; 1575:45-54. [PMID: 24887642 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Investigation of the role of stress in cocaine addiction has yielded an efficacious combination of metyrapone and oxazepam, hypothesized to decrease relapse to cocaine use by reducing stress-induced craving. However, recent data suggest an extra-adrenal role for metyrapone in mediating stress- and addiction-related behaviors. The interactions between the physiological stress response and cocaine self-administration were characterized in rodents utilizing surgical adrenalectomy and pharmacological treatment. Male Wistar rats were trained to self-administer cocaine (0.25mg/kg/infusion) and food pellets under a concurrent alternating fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement. Surgical removal of the adrenal glands resulted in a significant decrease in plasma corticosterone and a consequent increase in ACTH, as expected. However, adrenalectomy did not significantly affect ongoing cocaine self-administration. Pretreatment with metyrapone, oxazepam and their combinations in intact rats resulted in a significant decrease in cocaine-reinforced responses. These same pharmacological treatments were still effective in reducing cocaine- and food-reinforced responding in adrenalectomized rats. The results of these experiments demonstrate that adrenally-derived steroids are not necessary to maintain cocaine-reinforced responding in cocaine-experienced rats. These results also demonstrate that metyrapone may produce effects outside of the adrenal gland, presumably in the central nervous system, to affect cocaine-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn F Guerin
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Box 33932, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
| | - Christopher D Schmoutz
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Box 33932, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA.
| | - Nicholas E Goeders
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, & Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Box 33932, Shreveport, LA 71130, USA
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15
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Ramaker MJ, Ford MM, Phillips TJ, Finn DA. Differences in the reinstatement of ethanol seeking with ganaxolone and gaboxadol. Neuroscience 2014; 272:180-7. [PMID: 24814021 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.04.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Revised: 04/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The endogenous neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) has previously been shown to induce reinstatement of ethanol seeking in rodents. ALLO is a positive allosteric modulator at both synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. The contribution of each class of GABAA receptors in mediating reinstatement of ethanol seeking is unknown. The first aim of the present study was to determine whether ganaxolone (GAN), a longer-acting synthetic analog of ALLO, also promotes reinstatement of ethanol seeking. The second aim was to examine whether preferentially activating extrasynaptic GABAA receptors with the selective agonist gaboxadol (THIP) was sufficient to reinstate responding for ethanol in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were trained to lever press for access to a 10% ethanol (v/v) solution (10E), using a sucrose-fading procedure. Following extinction of the lever-pressing behavior, systemic THIP (0, 4 and 6mg/kg) and GAN (0, 10, and 15mg/kg) were tested for their ability to reinstate ethanol-appropriate responding in the absence of 10E access. GAN significantly increased lever pressing on the previously active lever, while THIP did not alter lever-pressing behavior. The results of this study suggest that direct activation of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors at the GABA site is not sufficient to induce ethanol seeking in the reinstatement procedure. Future studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanisms and brain areas by which differences in the pharmacological activity of GAN and THIP at the GABAA receptor contribute to the dissimilarity in their effect on the reinstatement of ethanol seeking. Nonetheless, based on the increased use of these drugs in clinical trials across multiple disease states, the effects of GAN or THIP on alcohol seeking may be an important consideration if these drugs are to be used clinically in a population with a co-occurring alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Ramaker
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States.
| | - M M Ford
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - T J Phillips
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Research, Portland, OR 97239, United States
| | - D A Finn
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Research, Portland, OR 97239, United States
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16
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Eliasson
- Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö; Lund University Diabetes Centre; Lund University; Malmö Sweden
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17
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Patte-Mensah C, Meyer L, Taleb O, Mensah-Nyagan AG. Potential role of allopregnanolone for a safe and effective therapy of neuropathic pain. Prog Neurobiol 2013; 113:70-8. [PMID: 23948490 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2013.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Because the treatment and management of neuropathic pain are extremely complicated, the characterization of novel analgesics and neuroprotectors with safe toxicological profiles is a crucial need to develop efficient therapies. Several investigations revealed that the natural neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP) exerts analgesic, neuroprotective, antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. These effects result from AP ability to modulate GABA(A), glycine, L- and T-type calcium channels. It has been shown that AP treatment induced beneficial actions in humans and animal models with no toxic side effects. In particular, a multi-parametric analysis revealed that AP efficiently counteracted chemotherapy-evoked neuropathic pain in rats. It has also been demonstrated that the modulation of AP-producing enzyme, 3α-hydroxysteroid oxido-reductase (3α-HSOR), in the spinal cord regulates thermal and mechanical pain thresholds of peripheral nerve injured neuropathic rats. The painful symptoms were exacerbated by intrathecal injections of provera (pharmacological inhibitor of 3α-HSOR) which decreased AP production in the spinal cord. By contrast, the enhancement of AP concentration in the intrathecal space induced analgesia and suppression of neuropathic symptoms. Moreover, in vivo siRNA-knockdown of 3α-HSOR expression in healthy rat dorsal root ganglia increased thermal and mechanical pain perceptions while AP evoked a potent antinociceptive action. In humans, blood levels of AP were inversely associated with low back and chest pain. Furthermore, oral administration of AP analogs induced antinociception. Altogether, these data indicate that AP, which possesses a high therapeutic potential and a good toxicological profile, may be used to develop effective and safe strategies against chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Patte-Mensah
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
| | - L Meyer
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
| | - O Taleb
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France
| | - A G Mensah-Nyagan
- Biopathologie de la Myéline, Neuroprotection et Stratégies Thérapeutiques, INSERM U1119, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Bâtiment 3 de la Faculté de Médecine, 11 rue Humann, 67 000 Strasbourg, France.
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18
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Wendt A, Eliasson L. Progesterone metabolite influence feeding behaviour. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2013; 208:296-7. [PMID: 23710705 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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