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Kovács A, Szabó E, László K, Kertes E, Zagorácz O, Mintál K, Tóth A, Gálosi R, Berta B, Lénárd L, Hormay E, László B, Zelena D, Tóth ZE. Brain RFamide Neuropeptides in Stress-Related Psychopathologies. Cells 2024; 13:1097. [PMID: 38994950 PMCID: PMC11240450 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The RFamide peptide family is a group of proteins that share a common C-terminal arginine-phenylalanine-amide motif. To date, the family comprises five groups in mammals: neuropeptide FF, LPXRFamides/RFamide-related peptides, prolactin releasing peptide, QRFP, and kisspeptins. Different RFamide peptides have their own cognate receptors and are produced by different cell populations, although they all can also bind to neuropeptide FF receptors with different affinities. RFamide peptides function in the brain as neuropeptides regulating key aspects of homeostasis such as energy balance, reproduction, and cardiovascular function. Furthermore, they are involved in the organization of the stress response including modulation of pain. Considering the interaction between stress and various parameters of homeostasis, the role of RFamide peptides may be critical in the development of stress-related neuropathologies. This review will therefore focus on the role of RFamide peptides as possible key hubs in stress and stress-related psychopathologies. The neurotransmitter coexpression profile of RFamide-producing cells is also discussed, highlighting its potential functional significance. The development of novel pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of stress-related disorders is an ongoing need. Thus, the importance of RFamide research is underlined by the emergence of peptidergic and G-protein coupled receptor-based therapeutic targets in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Kovács
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Evelin Szabó
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Kristóf László
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Erika Kertes
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Olga Zagorácz
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Kitti Mintál
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Attila Tóth
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Rita Gálosi
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Bea Berta
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - László Lénárd
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Edina Hormay
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Bettina László
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Zsuzsanna E. Tóth
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
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Constantin S, Pizano K, Matson K, Shan Y, Reynolds D, Wray S. An Inhibitory Circuit From Brainstem to GnRH Neurons in Male Mice: A New Role for the RFRP Receptor. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6132086. [PMID: 33564881 PMCID: PMC8016070 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
RFamide-related peptides (RFRPs, mammalian orthologs of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone) convey circadian, seasonal, and social cues to the reproductive system. They regulate gonadotropin secretion by modulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons via the RFRP receptor. Mice lacking this receptor are fertile but exhibit abnormal gonadotropin responses during metabolic challenges, such as acute fasting, when the normal drop in gonadotropin levels is delayed. Although it is known that these food intake signals to the reproductive circuit originate in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in the brainstem, the phenotype of the neurons conveying the signal remains unknown. Given that neuropeptide FF (NPFF), another RFamide peptide, resides in the NTS and can bind to the RFRP receptor, we hypothesized that NPFF may regulate GnRH neurons. To address this question, we used a combination of techniques: cell-attached electrophysiology on GnRH-driven green fluorescent protein-tagged neurons in acute brain slices; calcium imaging on cultured GnRH neurons; and immunostaining on adult brain tissue. We found (1) NPFF inhibits GnRH neuron excitability via the RFRP receptor and its canonical signaling pathway (Gi/o protein and G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channels), (2) NPFF-like fibers in the vicinity of GnRH neurons coexpress neuropeptide Y, (3) the majority of NPFF-like cell bodies in the NTS also coexpress neuropeptide Y, and (4) acute fasting increased NPFF-like immunoreactivity in the NTS. Together these data indicate that NPFF neurons within the NTS inhibit GnRH neurons, and thus reproduction, during fasting but prior to the energy deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Constantin
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-3703, USA
| | - Katherine Pizano
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-3703, USA
| | - Kaya Matson
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-3703, USA
| | - Yufei Shan
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-3703, USA
| | - Daniel Reynolds
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-3703, USA
| | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-3703, USA
- Correspondence: Dr. Susan Wray, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, 35 Convent Drive MSC 3703, Building 35, Room 3A1012, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Kovács A, László K, Zagoracz O, Ollmann T, Péczely L, Gálosi R, Lénárd L. Effects of RFamide-related peptide-1 (RFRP-1) microinjections into the central nucleus of amygdala on passive avoidance learning in rats. Neuropeptides 2017; 62:81-86. [PMID: 27993374 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The amygdaloid body (AMY) plays an important role in memory, learning and reward-related processes. RFRP-1 immunoreactive fibers and NPFF receptors were identified in the AMY, and previously we verified that RFRP-1 infused into the central nucleus of AMY (CeA) induced place preference. The aim of the present study was to examine the possible effects of RFRP-1 in the CeA on passive avoidance learning. Male Wistar rats were examined in two-compartment passive avoidance paradigm. Animals were shocked with 0.5mA current and subsequently were microinjected bilaterally with 50ng or 100ng RFRP-1 in volume of 0.4μl, or 20ng NPFF receptor antagonist RF9 (ANT) alone, or antagonist 15min before 50ng RFRP-1 treatments into the CeA. Fifty nanogram dose of RFRP-1 significantly increased the step-through latency time, the 100ng RFRP-1 and the ANT alone were ineffective. The effect of 50ng RFRP-1 was eliminated by the ANT pretreatment. Our results suggest that intraamygdaloid RFRP-1 enhances learning processes and memory in aversive situations and this effect can specifically be prevented by ANT pretreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Kovács
- Institute of Physiology, Pécs University Medical School, Hungary
| | - Kristóf László
- Institute of Physiology, Pécs University Medical School, Hungary
| | - Olga Zagoracz
- Institute of Physiology, Pécs University Medical School, Hungary
| | - Tamás Ollmann
- Institute of Physiology, Pécs University Medical School, Hungary
| | - László Péczely
- Institute of Physiology, Pécs University Medical School, Hungary
| | - Rita Gálosi
- Institute of Physiology, Pécs University Medical School, Hungary
| | - László Lénárd
- Institute of Physiology, Pécs University Medical School, Hungary; Molecular Neurophysiology Research Group, Pécs University, Szentágothai Research Center, Pécs, Hungary.
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Buffel I, Meurs A, Portelli J, Raedt R, De Herdt V, Poppe L, De Meulenaere V, Wadman W, Bihel F, Schmitt M, Vonck K, Bourguignon JJ, Simonin F, Smolders I, Boon P. The effect of neuropeptide FF in the amygdala kindling model. Acta Neurol Scand 2016; 134:181-8. [PMID: 26503695 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and its receptors (NPFF1 R and NPFF2 R) are differentially distributed throughout the central nervous system. NPFF reduces cortical excitability in rats when administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.), and both NPFF and NPFF1 R antagonists attenuate pilocarpine-induced limbic seizures. In this study, our aim was to determine whether NPFF exerts anticonvulsant or anti-epileptogenic effects in the rat amygdala kindling model for temporal lobe seizures. METHODS Male Wistar rats were implanted with a recording/stimulation electrode in the right amygdala and a cannula in the left lateral ventricle. In a first group of animals, the afterdischarge threshold (ADT) was determined after a single i.c.v. infusion of saline (n = 8) or NPFF (1 nmol/h for 2 h; n = 10). Subsequently, daily infusion of saline (n = 8) or NPFF (1 nmol/h for 2 h; i.c.v.; n = 9) was performed, followed by a kindling stimulus (ADT+200 μA). Afterdischarge duration and seizure severity were evaluated after every kindling stimulus. A second group of rats (n = 7) were fully kindled, and the effect of saline or a high dose of NPFF (10 nmol/h for 2 h, i.c.v.) on ADT and the generalized seizure threshold (GST) was subsequently determined. RESULTS In naive rats, NPFF significantly increased the ADT compared to control (435 ± 72 μA vs 131 ± 23 μA [P < 0.05]). When rats underwent daily stimulations above the ADT, NPFF did not delay or prevent kindling acquisition. Furthermore, a high dose of NPFF did not alter ADT or GST in fully kindled rats. CONCLUSIONS I.c.v. administration of NPFF reduced excitability in the amygdala in naive, but not in fully kindled rats, and had no effect on kindling acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- I. Buffel
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology; Neurobiology and Neuropsychology; Department of Neurology; Ghent University; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - A. Meurs
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology; Neurobiology and Neuropsychology; Department of Neurology; Ghent University; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - J. Portelli
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology; Neurobiology and Neuropsychology; Department of Neurology; Ghent University; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
- Center for Neurosciences; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Drug Analysis & Drug information; University of Brussels; Brussels Belgium
| | - R. Raedt
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology; Neurobiology and Neuropsychology; Department of Neurology; Ghent University; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - V. De Herdt
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology; Neurobiology and Neuropsychology; Department of Neurology; Ghent University; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - L. Poppe
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology; Neurobiology and Neuropsychology; Department of Neurology; Ghent University; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - V. De Meulenaere
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology; Neurobiology and Neuropsychology; Department of Neurology; Ghent University; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - W. Wadman
- Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences; Department of Neurobiology; University of Amsterdam; Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - F. Bihel
- Therapeuthic Innovation Laboratory; Faculty of Pharmacy; UMR 7200; CNRS; University of Strasbourg; Illkirch Graffenstaden France
| | - M. Schmitt
- Therapeuthic Innovation Laboratory; Faculty of Pharmacy; UMR 7200; CNRS; University of Strasbourg; Illkirch Graffenstaden France
| | - K. Vonck
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology; Neurobiology and Neuropsychology; Department of Neurology; Ghent University; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
| | - J.-J. Bourguignon
- Therapeuthic Innovation Laboratory; Faculty of Pharmacy; UMR 7200; CNRS; University of Strasbourg; Illkirch Graffenstaden France
| | - F. Simonin
- Research Institute of ESBS; CNRS; UMR7242; University of Strasbourg; Illkirch France
| | - I. Smolders
- Center for Neurosciences; Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry; Drug Analysis & Drug information; University of Brussels; Brussels Belgium
| | - P. Boon
- Laboratory for Clinical and Experimental Neurophysiology; Neurobiology and Neuropsychology; Department of Neurology; Ghent University; Ghent University Hospital; Ghent Belgium
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