1
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Bowman R, Frankfurt M, Luine V. Sex differences in cognition following variations in endocrine status. Learn Mem 2022; 29:234-245. [PMID: 36206395 PMCID: PMC9488023 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053509.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Spatial memory, mediated primarily by the hippocampus, is responsible for orientation in space and retrieval of information regarding location of objects and places in an animal's environment. Since the hippocampus is dense with steroid hormone receptors and is capable of robust neuroplasticity, it is not surprising that changes in spatial memory performance occur following a variety of endocrine alterations. Here, we review cognitive changes in both spatial and nonspatial memory tasks following manipulations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axes and after exposure to endocrine disruptors in rodents. Chronic stress impairs male performance on numerous behavioral cognitive tasks and enhances or does not impact female cognitive function. Sex-dependent changes in cognition following stress are influenced by both organizational and activational effects of estrogen and vary depending on the developmental age of the stress exposure, but responses to gonadal hormones in adulthood are more similar than different in the sexes. Also discussed are possible underlying neural mechanisms for these steroid hormone-dependent, cognitive effects. Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, given at low levels during adolescent development, impairs spatial memory in adolescent male and female rats and object recognition memory in adulthood. BPA's negative effects on memory may be mediated through alterations in dendritic spine density in areas that mediate these cognitive tasks. In summary, this review discusses the evidence that endocrine status of an animal (presence or absence of stress hormones, gonadal hormones, or endocrine disruptors) impacts cognitive function and, at times, in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Bowman
- Department of Psychology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825, USA
| | - Maya Frankfurt
- Department of Psychology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825, USA
- Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York 11549, USA
| | - Victoria Luine
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of City University of New York, New York, New York 10065, USA
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2
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Grassi D, Marraudino M, Garcia-Segura LM, Panzica GC. The hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus as a central hub for the estrogenic modulation of neuroendocrine function and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100974. [PMID: 34995643 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) help coordinate reproduction with body physiology, growth and metabolism. PVN integrates hormonal and neural signals originating in the periphery, generating an output mediated both by its long-distance neuronal projections, and by a variety of neurohormones produced by its magnocellular and parvocellular neurosecretory cells. Here we review the cyto-and chemo-architecture, the connectivity and function of PVN and the sex-specific regulation exerted by estradiol on PVN neurons and on the expression of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, neuropeptides and neurohormones in PVN. Classical and non-classical estrogen receptors (ERs) are expressed in neuronal afferents to PVN and in specific PVN interneurons, projecting neurons, neurosecretory neurons and glial cells that are involved in the input-output integration and coordination of neurohormonal signals. Indeed, PVN ERs are known to modulate body homeostatic processes such as autonomic functions, stress response, reproduction, and metabolic control. Finally, the functional implications of the estrogenic modulation of the PVN for body homeostasis are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Grassi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Marraudino
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - L M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - G C Panzica
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy; Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi Montalcini, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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3
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Brann DW, Lu Y, Wang J, Sareddy GR, Pratap UP, Zhang Q, Tekmal RR, Vadlamudi RK. Neuron-Derived Estrogen-A Key Neuromodulator in Synaptic Function and Memory. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413242. [PMID: 34948039 PMCID: PMC8706511 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to being a steroid hormone, 17β-estradiol (E2) is also a neurosteroid produced in neurons in various regions of the brain of many species, including humans. Neuron-derived E2 (NDE2) is synthesized from androgen precursors via the action of the biosynthetic enzyme aromatase, which is located at synapses and in presynaptic terminals in neurons in both the male and female brain. In this review, we discuss evidence supporting a key role for NDE2 as a neuromodulator that regulates synaptic plasticity and memory. Evidence supporting an important neuromodulatory role of NDE2 in the brain has come from studies using aromatase inhibitors, aromatase overexpression in neurons, global aromatase knockout mice, and the recent development of conditional forebrain neuron-specific knockout mice. Collectively, these studies demonstrate a key role of NDE2 in the regulation of synapse and spine density, efficacy of excitatory synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation, and regulation of hippocampal-dependent recognition memory, spatial reference memory, and contextual fear memory. NDE2 is suggested to achieve these effects through estrogen receptor-mediated regulation of rapid kinase signaling and CREB-BDNF signaling pathways, which regulate actin remodeling, as well as transcription, translation, and transport of synaptic proteins critical for synaptic plasticity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell W. Brann
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Yujiao Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA;
| | - Gangadhara R. Sareddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (G.R.S.); (U.P.P.); (R.R.T.); (R.K.V.)
| | - Uday P. Pratap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (G.R.S.); (U.P.P.); (R.R.T.); (R.K.V.)
| | - Quanguang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA;
| | - Rajeshwar R. Tekmal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (G.R.S.); (U.P.P.); (R.R.T.); (R.K.V.)
| | - Ratna K. Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (G.R.S.); (U.P.P.); (R.R.T.); (R.K.V.)
- Audie L. Murphy Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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4
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Brann DW, Lu Y, Wang J, Zhang Q, Thakkar R, Sareddy GR, Pratap UP, Tekmal RR, Vadlamudi RK. Brain-derived estrogen and neural function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:793-817. [PMID: 34823913 PMCID: PMC8816863 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Although classically known as an endocrine signal produced by the ovary, 17β-estradiol (E2) is also a neurosteroid produced in neurons and astrocytes in the brain of many different species. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the localization, regulation, sex differences, and physiological/pathological roles of brain-derived E2 (BDE2). Much of what we know regarding the functional roles of BDE2 has come from studies using specific inhibitors of the E2 synthesis enzyme, aromatase, as well as the recent development of conditional forebrain neuron-specific and astrocyte-specific aromatase knockout mouse models. The evidence from these studies support a critical role for neuron-derived E2 (NDE2) in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, memory, socio-sexual behavior, sexual differentiation, reproduction, injury-induced reactive gliosis, and neuroprotection. Furthermore, we review evidence that astrocyte-derived E2 (ADE2) is induced following brain injury/ischemia, and plays a key role in reactive gliosis, neuroprotection, and cognitive preservation. Finally, we conclude by discussing the key controversies and challenges in this area, as well as potential future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell W Brann
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| | - Yujiao Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Quanguang Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Roshni Thakkar
- Department of Neurology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Gangadhara R Sareddy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Uday P Pratap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Rajeshwar R Tekmal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA
| | - Ratna K Vadlamudi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health, San Antoio TX, 78229, USA; Audie L. Murphy Division, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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5
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He FQ, Fan MY, Hui YN, Lai RJ, Chen X, Yang MJ, Cheng XX, Wang ZJ, Yu B, Yan BJ, Tian Z. Effects of treadmill exercise on anxiety-like behavior in association with changes in estrogen receptors ERα, ERβ and oxytocin of C57BL/6J female mice. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2021; 11:164-174. [PMID: 34746914 PMCID: PMC8551837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Exercise can reduce the incidence of stress-related mental diseases, such as depression and anxiety. Control group was neither exposed to CVMS nor TRE (noCVMS/noTRE). Females were tested and levels of serum17-beta-oestradiol (E2), estrogen receptors α immunoreactive neurons (ERα-IRs), estrogen receptors β immunoreactive neurons (ERβ-IRs) and oxytocin immunoreactive neurons (OT-IRs) were measured. The results showed there's increased anxiety-like behaviors for mice from CVMS/noTRE, CVMS/higher speed TRE (CVMS/HTRE) and noCVMS/HTRE groups when they were put in open field and elevated maze tests. They had lower serum E2 levels than mice from CVMS/low-moderate speed TRE (CVMS/LMTRE), noCVMS/LMTRE and noCVMS/noTRE groups. The three groups of CVMS/noTRE, CVMS/HTRE and noCVMS/HTRE mice had more ERα-IRs and less ERβ-IRs in the medial preoptic area (mPOA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and medial amygdala (MeA), hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON). The number of OT-IRs in PVN and SON of CVMS/noTRE, CVMS/HTRE and noCVMS/HTRE mice was also lower than that of mice from CVMS/LMTRE, noCVMS/LMTRE and noCVMS/noTRE groups. Interestingly, CVMS/LMTRE and noCVMS/LMTRE mice were similar to noCVMS/noTRE mice in that they did not show anxiety, while CVMS/HTRE and noCVMS/HTRE mice did not, which were similar to the mice in CVMS/noTRE. We propose that LMTRE instead of HTRE changes the serum concentration of E2. ERβ/ERα ratio and OT level in the brain may be responsible for the decrease in anxiety-like behavior in female mice exposed to anxiety-inducing stress conditions.
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Key Words
- BNST, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis
- CVMS, chronic variable moderate stress
- Chronic variable moderate stress (CVMS)
- E2, 17-beta-oestradiol
- ELISA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
- EPM, elevated plusmazetest
- ERα-IRs, estrogen receptors αimmunoreactive neurons
- ERβ-IRs, estrogen receptor β immunoreactive neurons
- Estrogen receptor α (ERα)
- Estrogen receptor β (ERβ)
- HPA, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal
- HRP, horseradishperoxidase
- HTRE, higher speed TRE
- LMTRE, low-moderate speed TRE
- MeA, medial amygdaloid nucleus
- OF, open field test
- OT-IRs, Oxytocin immunoreactive neurons
- Oxytocin (OT)
- PBS, phosphatebufferedsolution
- PVN, paraventricular nucleus
- SON, supraoptic nucleus
- TRE, treadmill exercise
- Treadmill exercise (TRE)
- mPOA, medial preopticarea
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Qin He
- Key Laboratory of Natural Product Development and Anticancer Innovative Drug Research in Qinling, Xi'an 710065, China.,Genetic Engineering Laboratory, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an 710065, China
| | - Mei-Yang Fan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Product Development and Anticancer Innovative Drug Research in Qinling, Xi'an 710065, China.,Genetic Engineering Laboratory, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an 710065, China
| | - Yu-Nan Hui
- Key Laboratory of Natural Product Development and Anticancer Innovative Drug Research in Qinling, Xi'an 710065, China.,Genetic Engineering Laboratory, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an 710065, China
| | - Rui-Juan Lai
- Key Laboratory of Natural Product Development and Anticancer Innovative Drug Research in Qinling, Xi'an 710065, China.,Genetic Engineering Laboratory, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an 710065, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Natural Product Development and Anticancer Innovative Drug Research in Qinling, Xi'an 710065, China.,Genetic Engineering Laboratory, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an 710065, China
| | - Ming-Juan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Product Development and Anticancer Innovative Drug Research in Qinling, Xi'an 710065, China.,Genetic Engineering Laboratory, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an 710065, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Natural Product Development and Anticancer Innovative Drug Research in Qinling, Xi'an 710065, China.,Genetic Engineering Laboratory, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an 710065, China
| | - Zi-Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Product Development and Anticancer Innovative Drug Research in Qinling, Xi'an 710065, China.,Genetic Engineering Laboratory, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an 710065, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Product Development and Anticancer Innovative Drug Research in Qinling, Xi'an 710065, China.,Genetic Engineering Laboratory, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an 710065, China
| | - Bing-Jie Yan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Product Development and Anticancer Innovative Drug Research in Qinling, Xi'an 710065, China.,Genetic Engineering Laboratory, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an 710065, China
| | - Zhen Tian
- Key Laboratory of Natural Product Development and Anticancer Innovative Drug Research in Qinling, Xi'an 710065, China.,Genetic Engineering Laboratory, College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an 710065, China
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6
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de Abreu MS, Demin KA, Giacomini ACVV, Amstislavskaya TG, Strekalova T, Maslov GO, Kositsin Y, Petersen EV, Kalueff AV. Understanding how stress responses and stress-related behaviors have evolved in zebrafish and mammals. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100405. [PMID: 34722834 PMCID: PMC8536782 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress response is essential for the organism to quickly restore physiological homeostasis disturbed by various environmental insults. In addition to well-established physiological cascades, stress also evokes various brain and behavioral responses. Aquatic animal models, including the zebrafish (Danio rerio), have been extensively used to probe pathobiological mechanisms of stress and stress-related brain disorders. Here, we critically discuss the use of zebrafish models for studying mechanisms of stress and modeling its disorders experimentally, with a particular cross-taxon focus on the potential evolution of stress responses from zebrafish to rodents and humans, as well as its translational implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology and Neurobiology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medcial Research Center, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Granov Russian Scientific Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ana C V V Giacomini
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, University of Passo Fundo (UPF), Passo Fundo, RS, Brazil
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Scientific Research Institute of Physiology and Basic Medcicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
- Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | - Gleb O Maslov
- Neuroscience Program, Sirius University, Sochi, Russia
| | - Yury Kositsin
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Neuroscience Program, Sirius University, Sochi, Russia
| | - Elena V Petersen
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology and Neurobiology, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
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7
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Kawatake-Kuno A, Murai T, Uchida S. The Molecular Basis of Depression: Implications of Sex-Related Differences in Epigenetic Regulation. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:708004. [PMID: 34276306 PMCID: PMC8282210 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.708004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Although the etiology and pathophysiology of MDD remain poorly understood, aberrant neuroplasticity mediated by the epigenetic dysregulation of gene expression within the brain, which may occur due to genetic and environmental factors, may increase the risk of this disorder. Evidence has also been reported for sex-related differences in the pathophysiology of MDD, with female patients showing a greater severity of symptoms, higher degree of functional impairment, and more atypical depressive symptoms. Males and females also differ in their responsiveness to antidepressants. These clinical findings suggest that sex-dependent molecular and neural mechanisms may underlie the development of depression and the actions of antidepressant medications. This review discusses recent advances regarding the role of epigenetics in stress and depression. The first section presents a brief introduction of the basic mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, including histone modifications, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNAs. The second section reviews their contributions to neural plasticity, the risk of depression, and resilience against depression, with a particular focus on epigenetic modulators that have causal relationships with stress and depression in both clinical and animal studies. The third section highlights studies exploring sex-dependent epigenetic alterations associated with susceptibility to stress and depression. Finally, we discuss future directions to understand the etiology and pathophysiology of MDD, which would contribute to optimized and personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Kawatake-Kuno
- SK Project, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiya Murai
- SK Project, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shusaku Uchida
- SK Project, Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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8
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Hokenson RE, Short AK, Chen Y, Pham AL, Adams ET, Bolton JL, Swarup V, Gall CM, Baram TZ. Unexpected Role of Physiological Estrogen in Acute Stress-Induced Memory Deficits. J Neurosci 2021; 41:648-662. [PMID: 33262247 PMCID: PMC7842761 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2146-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress may promote emotional and cognitive disturbances, which differ by sex. Adverse outcomes, including memory disturbances, are typically observed following chronic stress, but are now being recognized also after short events, including mass shootings, assault, or natural disasters, events that consist of concurrent multiple acute stresses (MAS). Prior work has established profound and enduring effects of MAS on memory in males. Here we examined the effects of MAS on female mice and probed the role of hormonal fluctuations during the estrous cycle on MAS-induced memory problems and the underlying brain network and cellular mechanisms. Female mice were impacted by MAS in an estrous cycle-dependent manner: MAS impaired hippocampus-dependent spatial memory in early-proestrous mice, characterized by high levels of estradiol, whereas memory of mice stressed during estrus (low estradiol) was spared. As spatial memory requires an intact dorsal hippocampal CA1, we examined synaptic integrity in mice stressed at different cycle phases and found a congruence of dendritic spine density and spatial memory deficits, with reduced spine density only in mice stressed during high estradiol cycle phases. Assessing MAS-induced activation of brain networks interconnected with hippocampus, we identified differential estrous cycle-dependent activation of memory- and stress-related regions, including the amygdala. Network analyses of the cross-correlation of fos expression among these regions uncovered functional connectivity that differentiated impaired mice from those not impaired by MAS. In conclusion, the estrous cycle modulates the impact of MAS on spatial memory, and fluctuating physiological levels of sex hormones may contribute to this effect.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Effects of stress on brain functions, including memory, are profound and sex-dependent. Acute stressors occurring simultaneously result in spatial memory impairments in males, but effects on females are unknown. Here we identified estrous cycle-dependent effects of such stresses on memory in females. Surprisingly, females with higher physiological estradiol experienced stress-induced memory impairment and a loss of underlying synapses. Memory- and stress-responsive brain regions interconnected with hippocampus were differentially activated across high and low estradiol mice, and predicted memory impairment. Thus, at functional, network, and cellular levels, physiological estradiol influences the effects of stress on memory in females, providing insight into mechanisms of prominent sex differences in stress-related memory disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christine M Gall
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology
- Neurobiology and Behavior
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology
- Pediatrics
- Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, California 92697
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9
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Abstract
This review highlights fifty years of progress in research on estradiol's role in regulating behavior(s). It was initially thought that estradiol was only involved in regulating estrus/menstrual cycles and concomitant sexual behavior, but it is now clear that estradiol also influences the higher order neural function of cognition. We provide a brief overview of estradiol's regulation of memory and some mechanisms which underlie its effects. Given systemically or directly into the hippocampus, to ovariectomized female rodents, estradiol or specific agonists, enhance learning and/or memory in a variety of rodent cognitive tasks. Acute (within minutes) or chronic (days) treatments enhance cognitive functions. Under the same treatment conditions, dendritic spine density on pyramidal neurons in the CA1 area of the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex increase which suggests that these changes are an important component of estrogen's ability to impact memory processes. Noradrenergic, dopaminergic and serotoninergic activity are also altered in these areas following estrogen treatments. Memory enhancements and increased spine density by estrogens are not limited to females but are also present in castrate males. In the next fifty years, neuroscientists need to determine how currently described neural changes mediate improved memory, how interactions among areas important for memory promote memory and the potential significance of neurally derived estrogens in normal cognitive processing. Answering these questions may provide significant advances for treatment of dementias as well as age and neuro-degenerative disease related memory loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Luine
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of CUNY, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Maya Frankfurt
- Department of Science Education, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
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10
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Jiang T, Wang R, Yin W, Zhou Y, Kong D, Xu S, Gao P, Yu W, Jiao Y, Wen D. Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons activated by estrogen GPER1 receptors promote anti-inflammation effects in the early stage of colitis. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2019; 51:1216-1222. [PMID: 31735968 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmz122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is known to mediate gut-brain interaction, and the pathological inflammatory process in the intestine can induce HPA axis involved 'fight or flight' response to suppress or facilitate intestinal inflammation. Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) neurons are responsible for controlling the HPA axis activity, but their exact role in modulating intestinal inflammation remains unclear. In this study, we used the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced mice colitis model, gene editing, and RNA interference to determine the effects of PVN neurons on intestinal inflammation. We found that at the early stage (third day) after DSS treatment, there was a mild inflammation in the colorectal area and an increased neuron activation in the PVN but not in the adjacent area. At the same time, ~80% of activated PVN neurons also expressed novel estrogen GPER1 receptor. The colitis noticeably worsened in GPER1-knockout mice and local PVN GPER1-knockdown mice. These results indicated that PVN GPER1 positive neurons potentially have a protective function during the early stages of DSS-induced colitis, and this may be a mechanism by which the central nervous system attempts to suppress intestinal inflammation to achieve self-protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Ruoxi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Wen Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yuxi Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Dexu Kong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Saihong Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Po Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Weifeng Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yingfu Jiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Daxiang Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200127, China
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11
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An alternative theory for hormone effects on sex differences in PTSD: The role of heightened sex hormones during trauma. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 109:104416. [PMID: 31472433 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Women are at least twice as susceptible to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to men. Although most research seeking to explain this discrepancy has focussed on the role of oestradiol during fear extinction learning, the role of progesterone has been overlooked, despite relatively consistent findings being reported concerning the role of progesterone during consolidation of emotional and intrusive memories. In this review article, we outline literature supporting the role of progesterone on memory formation, with particular emphasis on potential memory-enhancing properties of progesterone when subjects are placed under stress. It is possible that progesterone directly and indirectly exerts memory-enhancing effects at the time of trauma, which is an effect that may not be necessarily captured during non-stressful paradigms. We propose a model whereby progesterone's steroidogenic relationship to cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in combination with elevated oestradiol may enhance emotional memory consolidation during trauma and therefore present a specific vulnerability to PTSD formation in women, particularly during the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.
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Guo L, Chen YX, Hu YT, Wu XY, He Y, Wu JL, Huang ML, Mason M, Bao AM. Sex hormones affect acute and chronic stress responses in sexually dimorphic patterns: Consequences for depression models. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 95:34-42. [PMID: 29793095 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in peripheral sex hormones may play an important role in sex differences in terms of stress responses and mood disorders. It is not yet known whether and how stress-related brain systems and brain sex steroid levels fluctuate in relation to changes in peripheral sex hormone levels, or whether the different sexes show different patterns. We aimed to investigate systematically, in male and female rats, the effect of decreased circulating sex hormone levels following gonadectomy on acute and chronic stress responses, manifested as changes in plasma and hypothalamic sex steroids and hypothalamic stress-related molecules. METHOD Experiment (Exp)-1: Rats (14 males, 14 females) were gonadectomized or sham-operated (intact); Exp-2: gonadectomized and intact rats (28 males, 28 females) were exposed to acute foot shock or no stressor; and Exp-3: gonadectomized and intact rats (32 males, 32 females) were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) or no stressor. For all rats, plasma and hypothalamic testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), and the expression of stress-related molecules were determined, including corticotropin-releasing hormone, vasopressin, oxytocin, aromatase, and the receptors for estrogens, androgens, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids. RESULTS Surprisingly, no significant correlation was observed in terms of plasma sex hormones, brain sex steroids, and hypothalamic stress-related molecule mRNAs (p > 0.113) in intact or gonadectomized, male or female, rats. Male and female rats, either intact or gonadectomized and exposed to acute or chronic stress, showed different patterns of stress-related molecule changes. CONCLUSION Diminished peripheral sex hormone levels lead to different peripheral and central patterns of change in the stress response systems in male and female rats. This has implications for the choice of models for the study of the different types of mood disorders which also show sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health of China, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Health Disorders, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P.R.China
| | - Yi-Xi Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health of China, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Health Disorders, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P.R.China
| | - Yu-Ting Hu
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health of China, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Health Disorders, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P.R.China
| | - Xue-Yan Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health of China, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Health Disorders, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P.R.China
| | - Yang He
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health of China, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Health Disorders, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P.R.China
| | - Juan-Li Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health of China, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Health Disorders, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P.R.China
| | - Man-Li Huang
- Department of Mental Health, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Health Disorders, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management, Hangzhou, P.R.China
| | - Matthew Mason
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, KNAW, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ai-Min Bao
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health of China, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Health Disorders, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder's Management, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, P.R.China.
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Zhou JN, Fang H. Transcriptional regulation of corticotropin-releasing hormone gene in stress response. IBRO Rep 2018; 5:137-146. [PMID: 30591954 PMCID: PMC6303479 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibror.2018.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
As a central player of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the corticotropin -releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) determine the state of HPA axis and play a key role in stress response. Evidence supports that during stress response the transcription and expression of CRH was finely tuned, which involved cis-element-transcriptional factor (TF) interactions and epigenetic mechanisms. Here we reviewed recent progress in CRH transcription regulation from DNA methylation to classic TFs regulation, in which a number of paired receptors were involved. The imbalance of multiple paired receptors in regulating the activity of CRH neurons indicates a possible molecular network mechanisms underlying depression etiology and directs novel therapeutic strategies of depression in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Ning Zhou
- Corresponding author at: School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, Anhui, PR China.
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14
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Li R, Zhao X, Cai L, Gao WW. Up-regulation of GluR1 in paraventricular nucleus and greater expressions of synapse related proteins in the hypothalamus of chronic unpredictable stress-induced depressive rats. Physiol Behav 2017; 179:451-457. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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15
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Shults CL, Dingwall CB, Kim CK, Pinceti E, Rao YS, Pak TR. 17β-estradiol regulates the RNA-binding protein Nova1, which then regulates the alternative splicing of estrogen receptor β in the aging female rat brain. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 61:13-22. [PMID: 29031089 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Alternative RNA splicing results in the translation of diverse protein products arising from a common nucleotide sequence. These alternative protein products are often functional and can have widely divergent actions from the canonical protein. Studies in humans and other vertebrate animals have demonstrated that alternative splicing events increase with advanced age, sometimes resulting in pathological consequences. Menopause represents a critical transition for women, where the beneficial effects of estrogens are no longer evident; therefore, factors underlying increased pathological conditions in women are confounded by the dual factors of aging and declining estrogens. Estrogen receptors (ERs) are subject to alternative splicing, the spliced variants increase following menopause, and they fail to efficiently activate estrogen-dependent signaling pathways. However, the factors that regulate the alternative splicing of ERs remain unknown. We demonstrate novel evidence supporting a potential biological feedback loop where 17β-estradiol regulates the RNA-binding protein Nova1, which, in turn, regulates the alternative splicing of ERβ. These data increase our understanding of ER alternative splicing and could have potential implications for women taking hormone replacement therapy after menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody L Shults
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Caitlin B Dingwall
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Chun K Kim
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Elena Pinceti
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Yathindar S Rao
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Toni R Pak
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA.
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Grassi D, Lagunas N, Pinos H, Panzica G, Garcia-Segura LM, Collado P. NADPH-Diaphorase Colocalizes with GPER and Is Modulated by the GPER Agonist G1 in the Supraoptic and Paraventricular Nuclei of Ovariectomized Female Rats. Neuroendocrinology 2017; 104:94-104. [PMID: 26954778 DOI: 10.1159/000445190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide is produced in the brain by the neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and carries out a wide range of functions by acting as a neurotransmitter-like molecule. Gonadal hormones are involved in the regulation of the brain nitrergic system. We have previously demonstrated that estradiol, via classical estrogen receptors (ERs), regulates NOS activity in the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei of the hypothalamus, acting through both ERα and ERβ. Magnocellular and parvocellular neurons in the SON and PVN also express the G protein-coupled ER (GPER). In this study, we have assessed whether GPER is also involved in the regulation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-diaphorase in the SON and PVN. Adult female ovariectomized rats were treated with G1, a selective GPER agonist, or with G1 in combination with G15, a selective GPER antagonist. G1 treatment decreased NADPH-diaphorase expression in the SON and in all PVN subnuclei. The treatment with G1 + G15 effectively rescued the G1-dependent decrease in NADPH-diaphorase expression in both brain regions. In addition, the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, one of the kinases involved in the GPER-dependent intracellular signaling pathway and in NOS phosphorylation, was assessed in the same brain nuclei. Treatment with G1 significantly decreased the number of p-ERK 1/2-positive cells in the SON and PVN, while the treatment with G1 + G15 significantly recovered its number to control values. These findings suggest that the activation of GPER in the SON and PVN inhibits the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, which induces a decrease in NADPH-diaphorase expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Grassi
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional de Educacion a Distancia (UNED), Madrid, Spain
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17
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Luine V. Estradiol: Mediator of memories, spine density and cognitive resilience to stress in female rodents. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:189-95. [PMID: 26241030 PMCID: PMC4734902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Estradiol rapidly activates, within minutes, various physiological functions and behaviors including cognition in rodents. This review describes rapid effects of estradiol on hippocampal dependent learning and memory tasks in rodents. Mechanisms underlying the memory enhancements including the activation of signaling molecules and the enhancement of dendritic spinogenesis are briefly reviewed. In addition, the role of estradiol in the cognitive resilience to chronic stress exhibited only in females is discussed including contributions of ovarian as well as intra-hippocampally derived estrogens to this sex difference. Finally, speculations on possible physiologic functions for rapid mnemonic changes mediated by estrogens are made. Overall, the emergence of a novel and powerful mechanism for regulation of cognition by estradiol is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Luine
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of CUNY, 695 Park Ave., Rm 611 HN, New York, NY 10065, United States.
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18
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Effects of aging on stress-related responses of serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus of male rats. Neurobiol Stress 2016; 3:43-51. [PMID: 27981176 PMCID: PMC5146197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Responses to various stressors in the brain change with age. However, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying age-dependent changes in stress responses. It is known that serotonin, a stress-related transmitter, is closely related with the regulation of stress responses in the brain and that serotonergic function is modulated by various factors, including estrogen, in both sexes. In the present study, to elucidate the effects of aging on stress responses in serotonergic neurons, we examined the expression levels of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH; a marker of serotonergic neurons) in the dorsal, ventral and lateral parts of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) in young and old intact male rats. In young males, repeated restraint stress significantly increased the number of TPH-positive cells in all subdivisions of the DRN. In contrast, the stress-induced increase in TPH expression was only observed in the ventral part of the DRN in old males. Pretreatment with an estrogen receptor β antagonist had no effect on the number of TPH-positive cells in the dorsal and lateral DRN in young stressed males, whereas the antagonist decreased the number of TPH-positive cells in all DRN subdivisions in old stressed males. Our results suggest that the effects of repeated stress exposure on the expression of TPH in serotonergic neurons in the DRN change with age and that estrogenic effects via estrogen receptor β on TPH expression in stressed old males differ from those in young males. We examined the effect of aging on stress-induced TPH expression in male rats. The effect of stress exposure on TPH expression in the DRN changed with age. The effect of ER-β blockade on stress-induced TPH expression changed with age. Stress experience in young adulthood changed serotonergic response in old age.
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19
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Schroeder A, Buret L, Hill RA, van den Buuse M. Gene–environment interaction of reelin and stress in cognitive behaviours in mice: Implications for schizophrenia. Behav Brain Res 2015; 287:304-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.03.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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20
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Yamada C, Sadakane C, Nahata M, Saegusa Y, Nakagawa K, Okubo N, Ohnishi S, Hattori T, Takeda H. Serotonin 2C receptor contributes to gender differences in stress-induced hypophagia in aged mice. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 55:81-93. [PMID: 25732068 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The combination of depression and anorexia may influence morbidity and progressive physical disability in the elderly. Gender differences exist in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation following stress exposure. The objective of this study was to investigate gender differences in feeding behavior under novelty stress in aged mice. Food intake measurement, immunohistochemical assessment, and mRNA expression analysis were conducted to investigate the role of serotonin 2C receptor (5-HT(2C)R) and its relationship with ghrelin in stress-induced suppression of feeding behavior in aged mice. After exposure to novelty stress, a 21-fold increase in plasma corticosterone and remarkable suppression of food intake were observed in aged male mice. Furthermore, a 5-HT(2C)R agonist suppressed food intake in aged male mice. Novelty stress induced a 7-fold increase in 5-HT(2C)R and c-Fos co-expressing cells in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in aged male mice but caused no change in aged female mice. Plasma acylated ghrelin levels decreased in stressed aged male mice and administration of the 5-HT(2C)R antagonist inhibited this decrease. The 5-HT(2C)R antagonist also reversed the suppression of food intake in estrogen receptor α agonist-treated aged male mice. Therefore, conspicuously suppressed feeding behavior in novelty stress-exposed aged male mice may be mediated by 5-HT(2C)R hypersensitivity, leading to hypoghrelinemia. The hypersensitivity may partly be due to estrogen receptor activation in aged male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Yamada
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan
| | - Chiharu Sadakane
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan
| | - Miwa Nahata
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan
| | - Yayoi Saegusa
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan
| | - Koji Nakagawa
- Pathophysiology and Therapeutics, Hokkaido University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, N12 W6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
| | - Naoto Okubo
- Pathophysiology and Therapeutics, Hokkaido University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, N12 W6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Ohnishi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, N15, W7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Hattori
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Takeda
- Pathophysiology and Therapeutics, Hokkaido University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, N12 W6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0812, Japan; Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, N15, W7, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan.
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Stamatakis A, Kalpachidou T, Raftogianni A, Zografou E, Tzanou A, Pondiki S, Stylianopoulou F. Rat dams exposed repeatedly to a daily brief separation from the pups exhibit increased maternal behavior, decreased anxiety and altered levels of receptors for estrogens (ERα, ERβ), oxytocin and serotonin (5-HT1A) in their brain. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 52:212-28. [PMID: 25486578 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the present study we investigated the neurobiological mechanisms underlying expression of maternal behavior. Increased maternal behavior was experimentally induced by a brief 15-min separation between the mother and the pups during postnatal days 1 to 22. On postnatal days (PND) 12 and 22, we determined in experimental and control dams levels of anxiety in the elevated plus maze (EPM) as well as the levels of receptors for estrogens (ERα, ERβ), oxytocin (OTR) and serotonin (5-HT1AR) in areas of the limbic system (prefrontal cortex-PFC, hippocampus, lateral septum-SL, medial preoptic area-MPOA, shell of nucleus accumbens-nAc-Sh, central-CeA and basolateral-BLA amygdala), involved in the regulation of maternal behavior. Experimental dams, which showed increased maternal behavior towards their offspring, displayed reduced anxiety in the EPM on both PND12 and PND22. These behavioral differences could be attributed to neurochemical alterations in their brain: On both PND12 and PND22, experimental mothers had higher levels of ERα and OTRs in the PFC, hippocampus, CeA, SL, MPOA and nAc-Sh. The experimental manipulation-induced increase in ERβ levels was less widespread, being localized in PFC, the hippocampal CA2 area, MPOA and nAc-Sh. In addition, 5-HT1ARs were reduced in the PFC, hippocampus, CeA, MPOA and nAc-Sh of the experimental mothers. Our results show that the experience of the daily repeated brief separation from the pups results in increased brain ERs and OTRs, as well as decreased 5-HT1ARs in the dam's brain; these neurochemical changes could underlie the observed increase in maternal behavior and the reduction of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Stamatakis
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Kalpachidou
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Androniki Raftogianni
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Efstratia Zografou
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasia Tzanou
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula Pondiki
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Fotini Stylianopoulou
- Biology-Biochemistry Lab, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Papadiamantopoulou 123, GR-11527 Athens, Greece.
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22
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Cai L, Li R, Zhou JN. Chronic all-trans retinoic acid administration induces CRF over-expression accompanied by AVP up-regulation and multiple CRF-controlling receptors disturbance in the hypothalamus of rats. Brain Res 2015; 1601:1-7. [PMID: 25578258 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.12.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Clinical reports suggest a potential link between excess retinoids and development of depression. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) produced in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) is considered the central driver of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of depression. Although we had shown that chronic all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) administration induced hypothalamic CRF over-expression and hyperactivity of HPA axis in rats, further insight into how ATRA modulate CRF expression is lacking. The activity of CRF neurons is under close control of vasopressinergic system and three-paired receptors (corticosteroid receptors, sex hormone receptors and CRF receptors). Here we show that ATRA-induced CRF over-expression is accompanied by arginine-vasopressin (AVP) up-regulation and apparent gene expression disturbances of CRF-controlling receptors. ATRA was applied to rats by daily intraperitoneal injection for 6 weeks. Chronic ATRA treatment induced significantly increased expression of CRF and AVP in the PVN. Moreover, the transcript levels of CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1), estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), three genes involved in the activation of CRF neurons, were significantly increased in the hypothalamus, and the expression ratio of GRα/MR was markedly decreased. Correlation analysis indicated that the alteration of multiple CRF-controlling receptors is highly correlated with depression-related behaviors of rats in the forced swimming test. These findings support that in addition to the 'classic' retinoic acid receptor α-mediated transcriptional control of CRF expression, disruption in CRF-modulating systems constitutes a novel pathway that underlies ATRA-induced HPA axis hyperactivity in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cai
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China
| | - Rong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, Anhui, China.
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Rainville J, Pollard K, Vasudevan N. Membrane-initiated non-genomic signaling by estrogens in the hypothalamus: cross-talk with glucocorticoids with implications for behavior. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:18. [PMID: 25762980 PMCID: PMC4329805 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The estrogen receptor and glucocorticoid receptor are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily that can signal using both non-genomic and genomic transcriptional modes. Though genomic modes of signaling have been well characterized and several behaviors attributed to this signaling mechanism, the physiological significance of non-genomic modes of signaling has not been well understood. This has partly been due to the controversy regarding the identity of the membrane ER (mER) or membrane GR (mGR) that may mediate rapid, non-genomic signaling and the downstream signaling cascades that may result as a consequence of steroid ligands binding the mER or the mGR. Both estrogens and glucocorticoids exert a number of actions on the hypothalamus, including feedback. This review focuses on the various candidates for the mER or mGR in the hypothalamus and the contribution of non-genomic signaling to classical hypothalamically driven behaviors and changes in neuronal morphology. It also attempts to categorize some of the possible functions of non-genomic signaling at both the cellular level and at the organismal level that are relevant for behavior, including some behaviors that are regulated by both estrogens and glucocorticoids in a potentially synergistic manner. Lastly, it attempts to show that steroid signaling via non-genomic modes may provide the organism with rapid behavioral responses to stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Rainville
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kevin Pollard
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Nandini Vasudevan
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
- *Correspondence: Nandini Vasudevan, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, 2000 Percival Stern Hall, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA e-mail:
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Qi CC, Zhang Z, Fang H, Liu J, Zhou N, Ge JF, Chen FH, Xiang CB, Zhou JN. Antidepressant effects of abscisic acid mediated by the downregulation of corticotrophin-releasing hormone gene expression in rats. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 18:pyu006. [PMID: 25552429 PMCID: PMC4360223 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyu006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) is considered to be the central driving force of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which plays a key role in the stress response and depression. Clinical reports have suggested that excess retinoic acid (RA) is associated with depression. Abscisic acid (ABA) and RA are direct derivatives of carotenoids and share a similar molecular structure. Here, we proposed that ABA also plays a role in the regulation of CRH activity sharing with the RA signaling pathway. METHODS [3H]-ABA radioimmunoassay demonstrated that the hypothalamus of rats shows the highest concentration of ABA compared with the cortex and the hippocampus under basal conditions. RESULTS Under acute stress, ABA concentrations increased in the serum, but decreased in the hypothalamus and were accompanied by increased corticosterone in the serum and c-fos expression in the hypothalamus. Moreover, chronic ABA administration increased sucrose intake and decreased the mRNA expression of CRH and retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) in the hypothalamus of rats. Furthermore, ABA improved the symptom of chronic unpredictable mild stress in model rats, as indicated by increased sucrose intake, increased swimming in the forced swim test, and reduced mRNA expression of CRH and RARα in the rat hypothalamus. In vitro, CRH expression decreased after ABA treatment across different neural cells. In BE(2)-C cells, ABA inhibited a series of retinoid receptor expression, including RARα, a receptor that could facilitate CRH expression directly. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that ABA may play a role in the pathogenesis of depression by downregulating CRH mRNA expression shared with the RA signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, Schol of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China (Drs Qi, Zhang, Fang, Liu, Ge, Chen, and J-N Zhou); Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China (Dr N Zhou); Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Anhui, China (Dr Xiang).
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25
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Grassi D, Lagunas N, Calmarza-Font I, Diz-Chaves Y, Garcia-Segura LM, Panzica GC. Chronic unpredictable stress and long-term ovariectomy affect arginine-vasopressin expression in the paraventricular nucleus of adult female mice. Brain Res 2014; 1588:55-62. [PMID: 25218558 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Arginine-Vasopressin (AVP) may regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and its effects on depressive responses. In a recent study, we demonstrated that Chronic Unpredictable Stress (CUS) depressive effects are enhanced by long-term ovariectomy (a model of post-menopause). In the present study, we investigated the effects of long-term ovariectomy and CUS on AVP expression in different subdivision of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of female mice. Both long-term ovariectomy and CUS affect AVP immunoreactivity in some of the PVN subnuclei of adult female mice. In particular, significant changes on AVP immunoreactivity were observed in magnocellular subdivisions, the paraventricular lateral magnocellular (PaLM) and the paraventricular medial magnocellular (PaMM), the 2 subnuclei projecting to the neurohypophysis for the hormonal regulation of body homeostasis. AVP immunoreactivity was decreased in the PaLM by both the long-term deprivation of ovarian hormones and the CUS. In contrast, AVP immunoreactivity was increased in the PaMM by CUS, whereas it was decreased by ovariectomy. Therefore, present results suggest morphological and functional differences among the PVN's subnuclei and complex interactions among CUS, gonadal hormones and AVP immunoreactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Grassi
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; University of Torino, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Torino, Italy; Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Embryology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - N Lagunas
- Cajal Institute, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - G C Panzica
- University of Torino, Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", Torino, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, Torino, Italy; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Torino, Italy.
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Hu P, Liu J, Zhao J, Qi XR, Qi CC, Lucassen PJ, Zhou JN. All-trans retinoic acid-induced hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal hyperactivity involves glucocorticoid receptor dysregulation. Transl Psychiatry 2013; 3:e336. [PMID: 24346134 PMCID: PMC4030330 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2013.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical reports have highlighted a role for retinoids in the etiology of mood disorders. Although we had shown that recruitment of the nuclear receptor retinoic acid receptor-α (RAR-α) to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) promoter is implicated in activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, further insight into how retinoids modulate HPA axis activity is lacking. Here we show that all-trans retinoic acid (RA)-induced HPA activation involves impairments in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) negative feedback. RA was applied to rats chronically through intracerebroventricular injection. A 19-day RA exposure induced potent HPA axis activation and typical depression-like behavior. Dexamethasone failed to suppress basal corticosterone (CORT) secretion, which is indicative of a disturbed GR negative feedback. In the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, increased CRH⁺ and c-fos⁺ cells were found while a negative R-2⁺/ER⁺ correlation was present between the number of RAR-α⁺ and GR⁺ cells. This was paralleled by increased RAR-α and decreased GR protein expression in the hypothalamus. Additional in vitro studies confirmed that RA abolished GR-mediated glucocorticoid-induced suppression of CRH expression, indicating a negative cross-talk between RAR-α and GR signaling pathways. Finally, the above changes could be rapidly normalized by treatment with GR antagonist mifepristone. We conclude that in addition to the 'classic' RAR-α-mediated transcriptional control of CRH expression, disturbances in GR negative feedback constitute a novel pathway that underlies RA-induced HPA axis hyperactivity. The rapid normalization by mifepristone may be of potential clinical interest in this respect.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - J Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - J Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - X-R Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - C-C Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - P J Lucassen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Science, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J-N Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China,CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China. E-mail:
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27
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Krogh J, Gøtze JP, Jørgensen MB, Kristensen LØ, Kistorp C, Nordentoft M. Copeptin during rest and exercise in major depression. J Affect Disord 2013; 151:284-90. [PMID: 23856279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High vasopressin levels and a correlation between vasopressin and cortisol has been observed in patients with depression. The aim was to assess copeptin, the c-terminal of provasopressin, and the association between cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and copeptin in patients with depression. Secondly, to examine the copeptin response to acute exercise and aerobic training. METHODS Copeptin, ACTH, and cortisol were measured in 111 patients with depression and 57 controls at rest. Copeptin was also measured during exercise. The depressed patients were subsequently randomized to an aerobic training intervention or an exercise control intervention. RESULTS The plasma level of copeptin in depressed subjects was 5.14 pg/ml (IQR 3.4-8.4) and 4.82 pg/ml (IQR 2.8-7.5) in healthy controls (p=.66). The association between copeptin and cortisol was.02 (95% CI -.44 to.48; p=.93) and the association between copeptin and ACTH was -.06 (95% CI -.17 to.05; p=.27). All associations were independent of depression status (p=.15). Aerobic exercise training did not influence copeptin levels at rest (p=.09) or the response to acute exercise (p=.574). Copeptin decreased at rest in response to aerobic training in participants with high compliance to the exercise intervention (p=.04). LIMITATIONS We did not measure plasma osmolality, which is a possible confounder in this study. CONCLUSIONS Copeptin levels are not elevated or associated to ACTH or cortisol in depressed patients. Aerobic exercise training decreased copeptin levels in high attenders only. This study does not support a role of copeptin or vasopressin in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Krogh
- Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Liu J, Bisschop PH, Eggels L, Foppen E, Ackermans MT, Zhou JN, Fliers E, Kalsbeek A. Intrahypothalamic estradiol regulates glucose metabolism via the sympathetic nervous system in female rats. Diabetes 2013; 62:435-43. [PMID: 23139356 PMCID: PMC3554366 DOI: 10.2337/db12-0488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Long-term reduced hypothalamic estrogen signaling leads to increased food intake and decreased locomotor activity and energy expenditure, and ultimately results in obesity and insulin resistance. In the current study, we aimed to determine the acute obesity-independent effects of hypothalamic estrogen signaling on glucose metabolism. We studied endogenous glucose production (EGP) and insulin sensitivity during selective modulation of systemic or intrahypothalamic estradiol (E2) signaling in rats 1 week after ovariectomy (OVX). OVX caused a 17% decrease in plasma glucose, which was completely restored by systemic E2. Likewise, the administration of E2 by microdialysis, either in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) or in the ventromedial nucleus (VMH), restored plasma glucose. The infusion of an E2 antagonist via reverse microdialysis into the PVN or VMH attenuated the effect of systemic E2 on plasma glucose. Furthermore, E2 administration in the VMH, but not in the PVN, increased EGP and induced hepatic insulin resistance. E2 administration in both the PVN and the VMH resulted in peripheral insulin resistance. Finally, sympathetic, but not parasympathetic, hepatic denervation blunted the effect of E2 in the VMH on both EGP and hepatic insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, intrahypothalamic estrogen regulates peripheral and hepatic insulin sensitivity via sympathetic signaling to the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Department of Hypothalamic Integration Mechanisms, Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter H. Bisschop
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Leslie Eggels
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ewout Foppen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Hypothalamic Integration Mechanisms, Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mariette T. Ackermans
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Laboratory of Endocrinology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jiang-Ning Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Corresponding author: Jiang-Ning Zhou,
| | - Eric Fliers
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Andries Kalsbeek
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Hypothalamic Integration Mechanisms, Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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29
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Luine VN, Frankfurt M. Estrogens facilitate memory processing through membrane mediated mechanisms and alterations in spine density. Front Neuroendocrinol 2012; 33:388-402. [PMID: 22981654 PMCID: PMC3496031 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2012.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2012] [Revised: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens exert sustained, genomically mediated effects on memory throughout the female life cycle, but here we review new studies documenting rapid effects of estradiol on memory, which are exerted through membrane-mediated mechanisms. Use of recognition memory tasks in rats shows that estrogens enhance memory consolidation within 1h. 17α-Estradiol is more potent than 17β-estradiol, and the dose response relationship between estrogens and memory is an inverted U shape. Use of specific estrogen receptor (ER) agonists suggests mediation by an ERβ-like membrane receptor. Enhanced memory is associated with increased spine density and altered noradrenergic activity in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus within 30 min of administration. The environmental chemical, bisphenol-A, rapidly antagonizes enhancements in memory in both sexes possibly through actions on spines. Thus, estradiol and related compounds exert rapid alterations in cognition through non-genomic mechanisms, a finding which may provide a basis for better understanding and treating memory impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria N Luine
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of CUNY, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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30
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Region- and sex-specific changes in CART mRNA in rat hypothalamic nuclei induced by forced swim stress. Brain Res 2012; 1479:62-71. [PMID: 22960117 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) mRNA and peptides are highly expressed in the paraventricular (PVN), dorsomedial (DMH) and arcuate (ARC) nuclei of the hypothalamus. It has been suggested that these nuclei regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, autonomic nervous system activity, and feeding behavior. Our previous studies showed that forced swim stress augmented CART peptide expression significantly in whole hypothalamus of male rats. In another study, forced swim stress increased the number of CART-immunoreactive cells in female PVN, whereas no effect was observed in male PVN or in the ARC nucleus of either sex. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of forced swim stress on CART mRNA expression in PVN, DMH and ARC nuclei in both male and female rats. Twelve male (stressed and controls, n=6 each) and 12 female (stressed and controls, n=6 each) Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Control animals were only handled, whereas forced swim stress procedure was applied to the stressed groups. Brains were dissected and brain sections containing PVN, DMH and ARC nuclei were prepared. CART mRNA levels were determined by in situ hybridization. In male rats, forced swim stress upregulated CART mRNA expression in DMH and downregulated it in the ARC. In female rats, forced swim stress increased CART mRNA expression in PVN and DMH, whereas a decrease was observed in the ARC nucleus. Our results show that forced swim stress elicits region- and sex-specific changes in CART mRNA expression in rat hypothalamus that may help in explaining some of the effects of stress.
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31
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Liu J, Bisschop PH, Eggels L, Foppen E, Fliers E, Zhou JN, Kalsbeek A. Intrahypothalamic estradiol modulates hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis activity in female rats. Endocrinology 2012; 153:3337-44. [PMID: 22562172 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-2176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen plays an important role in the regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis, but the neuroendocrine pathways and the role of estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes involved in specific aspects of this interaction remain unknown. In a first set of experiments, we administered estradiol (E2) intravenously, intracerebroventricularly, and by intrahypothalamic microdialysis to ovariectomized rats to measure plasma corticosterone (CORT) concentrations from carotid artery blood. Systemic infusion of E2 did not increase plasma CORT, but intracerebroventricular E2 induced a 3-fold CORT increase (P = 0.012). Local E2 infusions in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) significantly increased plasma CORT (P < 0.001). A similar CORT increase was seen after PVN infusion of the ERα agonist propylpyrazoletriol, whereas the ERβ agonist diarylpropiolnitrile had no effect. In a second set of experiments, we investigated whether E2 modulates the HPA-axis response to acute stress by administering E2 agonists or its antagonist ICI 182,780 into the PVN during restraint stress exposure. After 30 min of stress exposure, plasma CORT had increased 5.0-fold (P < 0.001). E2 and propylpyrazoletriol administration in the PVN enhanced the stress-induced plasma CORT increase (8-fold vs. baseline), whereas ICI 182,780 and diarylpropiolnitrile reduced it, as compared with both E2 and vehicle administration in the PVN. In conclusion, central E2 modulates HPA-axis activity both in the basal state and during restraint stress. In the basal condition, the stimulation is mediated by ERα-sensitive neurons, whereas during stress, it is mediated by both ERα and ERβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Liu
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Jinzhai Road 96, Hefei 230026, Anhui, People's Republic of China
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Amorim JPA, Chuffa LGA, Teixeira GR, Mendes LO, Fioruci BA, Martins OA, Júnior WM, Anselmo-Franci JA, Pinheiro PFF, Martinez M, Martinez FE. Variations in maternal care alter corticosterone and 17beta-estradiol levels, estrous cycle and folliculogenesis and stimulate the expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in the ovaries of UCh rats. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:160. [PMID: 22192617 PMCID: PMC3265448 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Accepted: 12/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variations in maternal care are associated with neonatal stress, hormonal disturbances and reproductive injuries during adulthood. However, the effects of these variations on sex hormones and steroid receptors during ovary development remain undetermined. This study aimed to investigate whether variations in maternal care are able to influence the hormonal profile, follicular dynamics and expression of AR, ER-alpha and ER-beta in the ovaries of UCh rat offspring. METHODS Twenty-four adult UCh rats, aged 120 days, were randomly divided into two groups (UChA and UChB) and mated. Maternal care was assessed from birth (day 0) to the 10th postnatal day (PND). In adulthood, twenty adult female rats (UChA and UChB offspring; n = 10/group), aged 120 days, were euthanized by decapitation during the morning estrus. RESULTS UChA females (providing high maternal care) more frequently displayed the behaviors of carrying pups, as well as licking/grooming and arched back nursing cares. Also, mothers providing high care had elevated corticosterone levels. Additionally, offspring receiving low maternal care showed the highest estrous cycle duration, increased corticosterone and 17beta-estradiol levels, overexpression of receptors ER-alpha and ER-beta, increased numbers of primordial, antral and mature follicles and accentuated granulosa cell proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that low maternal care alters corticosterone and 17beta-estradiol levels, disrupting the estrous cycle and folliculogenesis and differentially regulating the expression of ER-alpha and ER-beta in the ovaries of adult rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- João PA Amorim
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas-SP 13083-863, Brazil
| | - Luiz GA Chuffa
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas-SP 13083-863, Brazil
| | - Giovana R Teixeira
- Department of Anatomy, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Leonardo O Mendes
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas-SP 13083-863, Brazil
| | - Beatriz A Fioruci
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas-SP 13083-863, Brazil
| | - Otávio A Martins
- Department of Anatomy, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Wílson Mello Júnior
- Department of Anatomy, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Janete A Anselmo-Franci
- Department of Morphology, Stomatology and Physiology, USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto-SP 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Patricia FF Pinheiro
- Department of Anatomy, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-970, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Martinez
- Department of Morphology and Pathology, UFSCar - Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Carlos-SP 13565-905, Brazil
| | - Francisco E Martinez
- Department of Anatomy, Bioscience Institute, UNESP - Univ. Estadual Paulista, Botucatu-SP 18618-970, Brazil
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Dickens MJ, Cornil CA, Balthazart J. Acute stress differentially affects aromatase activity in specific brain nuclei of adult male and female quail. Endocrinology 2011; 152:4242-51. [PMID: 21878510 PMCID: PMC3199009 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-1341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The rapid and temporary suppression of reproductive behavior is often assumed to be an important feature of the adaptive acute stress response. However, how this suppression operates at the mechanistic level is poorly understood. The enzyme aromatase converts testosterone to estradiol in the brain to activate reproductive behavior in male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). The discovery of rapid and reversible modification of aromatase activity (AA) provides a potential mechanism for fast, stress-induced changes in behavior. We investigated the effects of acute stress on AA in both sexes by measuring enzyme activity in all aromatase-expressing brain nuclei before, during, and after 30 min of acute restraint stress. We show here that acute stress rapidly alters AA in the male and female brain and that these changes are specific to the brain nuclei and sex of the individual. Specifically, acute stress rapidly (5 min) increased AA in the male medial preoptic nucleus, a region controlling male reproductive behavior; in females, a similar increase was also observed, but it appeared delayed (15 min) and had smaller amplitude. In the ventromedial and tuberal hypothalamus, regions associated with female reproductive behavior, stress induced a quick and sustained decrease in AA in females, but in males, only a slight increase (ventromedial) or no change (tuberal) in AA was observed. Effects of acute stress on brain estrogen production, therefore, represent one potential way through which stress affects reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly J Dickens
- University of Liège, GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, 1 Avenue de l'Hopital (B36), 4000 Liège, Belgium.
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