1
|
Yamagishi G, Miyagawa S. Neuroendocrinology of Reproduction and Social Behaviors in Reptiles: Advances Made in the Last Decade. Zoolog Sci 2024; 41:87-96. [PMID: 38587521 DOI: 10.2108/zs230060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Among amniotes, reptiles are ectothermic and are clearly distinguished from mammals and birds. Reptiles show great diversity not only in species numbers, but also in ecological and physiological features. Although their physiological diversity is an interesting research topic, less effort has been made compared to that for mammals and birds, in part due to lack of established experimental models and techniques. However, progress, especially in the field of neuroendocrinology, has been steadily made. With this process, basic data on selected reptilian species have been collected. This review article presents the progress made in the last decade, which includes 1) behavioral regulation by sex steroid hormones, 2) regulation of seasonal reproduction by melatonin and GnRH, and 3) regulation of social interaction by arginine vasotocin. Through these research topics, we provide insights into the physiology of reptiles and the latest findings in the field of amniote neuroendocrinology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genki Yamagishi
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan,
| | - Shinichi Miyagawa
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Faculty of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo 125-8585, Japan,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
O’Connell LA, Crews D. Evolutionary insights into sexual behavior from whiptail lizards. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 337:88-98. [PMID: 33929097 PMCID: PMC8556411 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Is the brain bipotential or is sex-typical behavior determined during development? Thirty years of research in whiptail lizards transformed the field of behavioral neuroscience to show the brain is indeed bipotential, producing behaviors along a spectrum of male-typical and female-typical behavior via a parliamentary system of neural networks and not a predetermined program of constrained behavioral output. The unusual clade of whiptail lizards gave these insights as there are several parthenogenetic all-female species that display both male-typical and female-typical sexual behavior. These descendant species exist alongside their ancestors, allowing a unique perspective into how brain-behavior relationships evolve. In this review, we celebrate the over 40-year career of David Crews, beginning with the story of how he established whiptails as a model system through serendipitous behavioral observations and ending with advice to young scientists formulating their own questions. In between these personal notes, we discuss the discoveries that integrated hormones, neural activity, and gene expression to provide transformative insights into how brains function and reshaped our understanding of sexuality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - David Crews
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ivanova GP, Gorobets LN, Litvinov AV, Bulanov VS, Vasilenko LM. [A role of progesterone and its metabolites in regulation functions of the brain]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2018; 118:129-137. [PMID: 29927417 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201811851129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The review presents literature data reflecting the nature and mechanism of the effect of progesterone and its metabolites on human and animal brain structures. Particular attention is paid to neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, anti-anxiety and sedative properties of this hormone, which determines the prospect of its use for the prevention and treatment of human neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, sleep disorders, and anxiety-depressive spectrum disorders, including premenstrual and climacteric syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G P Ivanova
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - L N Gorobets
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Litvinov
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - V S Bulanov
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - L M Vasilenko
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Voigt C, Leitner S, Bennett NC. Breeding status affects the expression of androgen and progesterone receptor
mRNA
in the brain of male Damaraland mole‐rats. J Zool (1987) 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C. Voigt
- Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| | - S. Leitner
- Department of Behavioural Neurobiology Max Planck Institute for Ornithology Seewiesen Germany
| | - N. C. Bennett
- Department of Zoology and Entomology University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wong RY, Ramsey ME, Cummings ME. Localizing brain regions associated with female mate preference behavior in a swordtail. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50355. [PMID: 23209722 PMCID: PMC3510203 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 10/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Female mate choice behavior is a critical component of sexual selection, yet identifying the neural basis of this behavior is largely unresolved. Previous studies have implicated sensory processing and hypothalamic brain regions during female mate choice and there is a conserved network of brain regions (Social Behavior Network, SBN) that underlies sexual behaviors. However, we are only beginning to understand the role this network has in pre-copulatory female mate choice. Using in situ hybridization, we identify brain regions associated with mate preference in female Xiphophorus nigrensis, a swordtail species with a female choice mating system. We measure gene expression in 10 brain regions (linked to sexual behavior, reward, sensory integration or other processes) and find significant correlations between female preference behavior and gene expression in two telencephalic areas associated with reward, learning and multi-sensory processing (medial and lateral zones of the dorsal telencephalon) as well as an SBN region traditionally associated with sexual response (preoptic area). Network analysis shows that these brain regions may also be important in mate preference and that correlated patterns of neuroserpin expression between regions co-vary with differential compositions of the mate choice environment. Our results expand the emerging network for female preference from one that focused on sensory processing and midbrain sexual response centers to a more complex coordination involving forebrain areas that integrate primary sensory processing and reward.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Y Wong
- Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, United States of America.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
O'Connell LA, Hofmann HA. The vertebrate mesolimbic reward system and social behavior network: a comparative synthesis. J Comp Neurol 2012; 519:3599-639. [PMID: 21800319 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 682] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
All animals evaluate the salience of external stimuli and integrate them with internal physiological information into adaptive behavior. Natural and sexual selection impinge on these processes, yet our understanding of behavioral decision-making mechanisms and their evolution is still very limited. Insights from mammals indicate that two neural circuits are of crucial importance in this context: the social behavior network and the mesolimbic reward system. Here we review evidence from neurochemical, tract-tracing, developmental, and functional lesion/stimulation studies that delineates homology relationships for most of the nodes of these two circuits across the five major vertebrate lineages: mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and teleost fish. We provide for the first time a comprehensive comparative analysis of the two neural circuits and conclude that they were already present in early vertebrates. We also propose that these circuits form a larger social decision-making (SDM) network that regulates adaptive behavior. Our synthesis thus provides an important foundation for understanding the evolution of the neural mechanisms underlying reward processing and behavioral regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A O'Connell
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Alibardi L, Celeghin A, Dalla Valle L. Wounding in lizards results in the release of beta-defensins at the wound site and formation of an antimicrobial barrier. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 36:557-565. [PMID: 22001772 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2011.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
After tail loss in lizards no infections occur indicating the presence of an effective anti-microbial barrier in the exposed tissues of the tail stump. Previous molecular studies on the lizard Anolis carolinensis have identified some beta-defensin-like genes and the deduced peptides that may be involved in anti-infective protection. The present study has analyzed the tissues of wounded and normal tails in lizards in order to immune-localize one of the beta-defensins previously found (AcBD15) and to detect variation in its gene expression during wounding. No immunoreactivity for this beta-defensin is present in normal tissues or in the epidermis of lizards, except for some sparse granulocytes. The latter are seen during the first 1-6 days after tail amputation and AcBD15 immunoreactivity is present in their granules. Degenerating granulocytes are incorporated, together with dead erythrocytes, platelets and keratinocytes into the scab. Real time RT-PCR and western blotting analysis indicates up-regulation of AcBD15 expression during wounding with respect to normal tissues, indicating that production, storage and release of this beta-defensin from granulocytes are active following wounding. The production of beta-defensins from granulocytes would allow protection of exposed tissues from microbial invasion avoiding a persistent inflammation, a process that leads to tissue regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Alibardi
- Comparative Histolab and Dipartimento di Biologia, University of Bologna, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
O’Connell LA, Matthews BJ, Patel SB, O’Connell JD, Crews D. Molecular characterization and brain distribution of the progesterone receptor in whiptail lizards. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 171:64-74. [PMID: 21185292 PMCID: PMC3041865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2010.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2010] [Revised: 12/06/2010] [Accepted: 12/16/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone and its nuclear receptor are critical in modulating reproductive physiology and behavior in female and male vertebrates. Whiptail lizards (genus Cnemidophorus) are an excellent model system in which to study the evolution of sexual behavior, as both the ancestral and descendent species exist. Male-typical sexual behavior is mediated by progesterone in both the ancestral species and the descendant all-female species, although the molecular characterization and distribution of the progesterone receptor protein throughout the reptilian brain is not well understood. To better understand the gene targets and ligand binding properties of the progesterone receptor in whiptails, we cloned the promoter and coding sequence of the progesterone receptor and analyzed the predicted protein structure. We next determined the distribution of the progesterone receptor protein and mRNA throughout the brain of Cnemidophorus inornatus and Cnemidophorus uniparens by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. We found the progesterone receptor to be present in many brain regions known to regulate social behavior and processing of stimulus salience across many vertebrates, including the ventral tegmental area, amygdala, nucleus accumbens and several hypothalamic nuclei. Additionally, we quantified immunoreactive cells in the preoptic area and ventromedial hypothalamus in females of both species and males of the ancestral species. We found differences between both species and across ovarian states. Our results significantly extend our understanding of progesterone modulation in the reptilian brain and support the important role of the nuclear progesterone receptor in modulating sexual behavior in reptiles and across vertebrates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A. O’Connell
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
- Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Bryan J. Matthews
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Sagar B. Patel
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Jeremy D. O’Connell
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - David Crews
- Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
- Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
- All correspondence and requests for reprints should to addressed to: David Crews, Section of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, Phone: 512-471-1113,
| |
Collapse
|