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Qi-Lytle X, Sayers S, Wagner EJ. Current Review of the Function and Regulation of Tuberoinfundibular Dopamine Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:110. [PMID: 38203281 PMCID: PMC10778701 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurons have cell bodies located in the arcuate nucleus of the mediobasal hypothalamus. They project to the external zone of the median eminence, and the dopamine (DA) released there is carried by the hypophysial portal vasculature to the anterior pituitary. The DA then activates D2 receptors to inhibit prolactin (PRL) secretion from lactotrophs. The TIDA neuronal population is the principal regulatory factor controlling PRL secretion. The neuroendocrine role subserved by TIDA neurons sets them apart from other dopaminergic populations like the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic DA neurons. TIDA neurons exhibit intrinsic oscillatory fluctuations in their membrane potential that give rise to phasic firing and bursting activity. TIDA neuronal activity is sexually differentiated and modulated by gonadal hormones and PRL, as well as an array of small molecule and peptide neurotransmitters. This review covers these characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojun Qi-Lytle
- Department of Medical Education, Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, 525 Pine St., Scranton, PA 18509, USA;
| | - Sarah Sayers
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second St., Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Edward J. Wagner
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 E. Second St., Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
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2
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Salfer IJ, Matamoros CI, Bartell PA, Harvatine KJ. Effects of the timing of protein infusion on the daily rhythms of milk synthesis and plasma hormones and metabolites in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2023:S0022-0302(23)00293-X. [PMID: 37268575 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-22633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Milk synthesis exhibits a daily rhythm that is modified by the timing of feed intake. However, it is unknown how specific nutrients entrain this daily rhythm. Amino acids have an important role in milk synthesis, and may have a role in entrainment of mammary circadian rhythms. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of intestinally absorbed protein on daily rhythms of milk and milk component synthesis and key plasma hormones and metabolites. Nine lactating Holstein cows were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment sequences in a 3 × 3 Latin square. Treatments included abomasal infusions of 500 g/d of sodium caseinate either continuously throughout the day (CON), for 8 h/d from 0900 to 1700 h (DAY), or for 8 h/d from 2100 to 0500 h (NGT). Cows were milked every 6 h during the final 8 d of each period. A 24-h rhythm was fit to data using cosine analysis and the amplitude and acrophase were determined. Night infusion of protein decreased the daily milk yield and milk protein yield by 8.2% and 9.2%, respectively. Milk fat yield was increased 5.5% by DAY and milk fat concentration was increased 8.8% by NGT. Milk yield exhibited a daily rhythm in all treatments, with NGT increasing the amplitude of the daily rhythm 33% compared with CON. Milk fat concentration fit a daily rhythm in CON and NGT, but not DAY, whereas milk protein concentration fit a daily rhythm in CON and DAY, but not NGT. Moreover, DAY abolished the daily rhythm of plasma glucose concentration, but induced rhythms of plasma insulin and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations. Results suggest that feeding increased protein levels during the early part of the day may increase milk fat yield and modify energy metabolism through increased daily variation in insulin-stimulated lipid release, but additional research focused on feeding multiple diets across the day is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac J Salfer
- Department of Animal Science, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Cesar I Matamoros
- Department of Animal Science, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - P A Bartell
- Department of Animal Science, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Kevin J Harvatine
- Department of Animal Science, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802.
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3
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Duhart JM, Inami S, Koh K. Many faces of sleep regulation: beyond the time of day and prior wake time. FEBS J 2023; 290:931-950. [PMID: 34908236 PMCID: PMC9198110 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The two-process model of sleep regulation posits two main processes regulating sleep: the circadian process controlled by the circadian clock and the homeostatic process that depends on the history of sleep and wakefulness. The model has provided a dominant conceptual framework for sleep research since its publication ~ 40 years ago. The time of day and prior wake time are the primary factors affecting the circadian and homeostatic processes, respectively. However, it is critical to consider other factors influencing sleep. Since sleep is incompatible with other behaviors, it is affected by the need for essential behaviors such as eating, foraging, mating, caring for offspring, and avoiding predators. Sleep is also affected by sensory inputs, sickness, increased need for memory consolidation after learning, and other factors. Here, we review multiple factors influencing sleep and discuss recent insights into the mechanisms balancing competing needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Duhart
- Department of Neuroscience, Farber Institute for Neurosciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia PA
- These authors contributed equally
- Present address: Fundación Instituto Leloir, Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sho Inami
- Department of Neuroscience, Farber Institute for Neurosciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia PA
- These authors contributed equally
| | - Kyunghee Koh
- Department of Neuroscience, Farber Institute for Neurosciences, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia PA
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4
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Casey TM, Plaut K, Boerman J. Circadian clocks and their role in lactation competence. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 78:106680. [PMID: 34607219 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are 24 h cycles of behavior, physiology and gene expression that function to synchronize processes across the body and coordinate physiology with the external environment. Circadian clocks are central to maintaining homeostasis and regulating coordinated changes in physiology in response to internal and external cues. Orchestrated changes occur in maternal physiology during the periparturient period to support the growth of the fetus and the energetic and nutritional demands of lactation. Discoveries in our lab made over a decade ago led us to hypothesize that the circadian timing system functions to regulate metabolic and mammary specific changes that occur to support a successful lactation. Findings of studies that ensued are summarized, and point to the importance of circadian clocks in the regulation of lactation competence. Disruption of the circadian timing system can negatively affect mammary gland development and differentiation, alter maternal metabolism and impair milk production.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Casey
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
| | - K Plaut
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - J Boerman
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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González-Mariscal G, Hoy S, Hoffman KL. Rabbit Maternal Behavior: A Perspective from Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Animal Production, and Psychobiology. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2022; 27:131-176. [PMID: 36169815 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-97762-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Rabbit maternal behavior (MB) impacts meat and fur production on the farm, survival of the species in the wild, and pet welfare. Specific characteristics of rabbit MB (i.e., three-step nest building process; single, brief, daily nursing bout) have been used as models for exploring particular themes in neuroscience, like obsessive-compulsive actions, circadian rhythms, and cognition. Particular hormonal combinations regulate nest building by acting on brain regions controlling MB in other mammals. Nonhormonal factors like type of lodging and the doe's social rank influence nursing and milk production. The concurrency of pregnancy and lactation, the display of nonselective nursing, and the rapid growth of altricial young - despite a minimal effort of maternal care - have prompted the study of mother-young affiliation, neurodevelopment, and weaning. Neurohormonal mechanisms, common to other mammals, plus additional strategies (perhaps unique to rabbits) allow the efficient, adaptive display of MB in multiple settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela González-Mariscal
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico.
| | - Steffen Hoy
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kurt L Hoffman
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
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Koop S, Oster H. Eat, sleep, repeat - endocrine regulation of behavioural circadian rhythms. FEBS J 2021; 289:6543-6558. [PMID: 34228879 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The adaptation of organisms to a rhythmic environment is mediated by an internal timing system termed the circadian clock. In mammals, molecular clocks are found in all tissues and organs. This circadian clock network regulates the release of many hormones, which in turn influence some of the most vital behavioural functions. Sleep-wake cycles are under strict circadian control with strong influence of rhythmic hormones such as melatonin, cortisol and others. Food intake, in contrast, receives circadian modulation through hormones such as leptin, ghrelin, insulin and orexin. A third behavioural output covered in this review is mating and bonding behaviours, regulated through circadian rhythms in steroid hormones and oxytocin. Together, these data emphasize the pervasive influence of the circadian clock system on behavioural outputs and its mediation through endocrine networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Koop
- Centre of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Henrik Oster
- Centre of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Lübeck, Germany
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Apel S, Hudson R, Coleman GJ, Rödel HG, Kennedy GA. Regulation of the rabbit's once-daily pattern of nursing: a circadian or hourglass-dependent process? Chronobiol Int 2020; 37:1151-1162. [PMID: 32869679 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2020.1805459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus has an unusual pattern of nursing behavior. After giving birth in a nursery burrow (or laboratory nest box), the mother immediately leaves the young and only returns to nurse for a few minutes once approximately every 24 h. It has been assumed this schedule, like a variety of other functions in the rabbit, is under circadian control. This assumption has been largely based on findings from mothers only permitted restricted access to their young once every 24 h. However, in nature and in the laboratory, mothers with free access to young show nursing visits with a periodicity shorter than 24 h, that does not correspond to other behavioral and physiological rhythms entrained to the prevailing 24 h light/dark (LD) cycle. To investigate how this unusual, apparently non-circadian pattern might be regulated, we conducted two experiments using female Dutch-belted rabbits housed individually in cages designed to automatically register feeding activity and nest box visits. In Experiment 1 we recorded the behavior of 17 mothers with free access to their young under five different LD cycles with long photo and short scotoperiods, spanning the limits of entrainment of the rabbit's circadian system. Whereas feeding rhythms were entrained by LD cycles within the rabbit's circadian range of entrainment, nursing visits showed a consistently shorter periodicity regardless of the LD regimen, largely independent of the circadian system. In Experiment 2 we tested further 12 mothers under more conventional LD 16:8 cycles but "trained" by having access to the nest box restricted to 1 h at the same time each day for the first 7 d of nursing. Mothers were then allowed free access either when their young were left in the box (n = 6), or when the litter had been permanently removed (n = 6). Mothers with pups still present returned to nurse them on the following days according to a similarly advancing pattern to the mothers of Experiment 1 despite the previous 7 d of "training" to an experimentally enforced 24 h nursing schedule as commonly used in previous studies of rabbit maternal behavior. Mothers whose pups had been removed entered the box repeatedly several times on the first day of unrestricted access, but on subsequent days did so only rarely, and at times of day apparently unrelated to the previously scheduled access. We conclude that the pattern of the rabbit's once-daily nursing visits has a periodicity largely independent of the circadian system, and that this is reset at each nursing. When nursing fails to occur nest box visits cease abruptly, with mothers making few or no subsequent visits. Together, these findings suggest that the rabbit's once-daily pattern of nursing is regulated by an hourglass-type process with a period less than 24 h that is reset at each nursing, rather than by a circadian oscillator. Such a mechanism might be particularly adaptive for rhythms of short duration that should end abruptly with a sudden change in context such as death or weaning of the young.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Apel
- School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Science, Monash University , Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn Hudson
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Grahame J Coleman
- Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne , Melbourne, Australia
| | - Heiko G Rödel
- Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée UR 4443, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord , Villetaneuse, France
| | - Gerard A Kennedy
- School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University , Ballarat, Australia.,School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Health, RMIT University , Bundoora, Australia.,Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health , Heidelberg, Australia
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Aguilar-Roblero R, González-Mariscal G. Behavioral, neuroendocrine and physiological indicators of the circadian biology of male and female rabbits. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 51:429-453. [PMID: 30408249 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Adult rabbits show robust circadian rhythms of: nursing, food and water intake, hard faeces excretion, locomotion, body temperature, blood and intraocular pressure, corticosteroid secretion, and sleep. Control of several circadian rhythms involves a light-entrained circadian clock and a food-entrained oscillator. Nursing periodicity, however, relies on a suckling stimulation threshold. Brain structures regulating this activity include the paraventricular nucleus and preoptic area, as determined by lesions and quantification of cFOS- and PER1 clock gene-immunoreactive proteins. Melatonin synthesis in the rabbit pineal gland shows a diurnal rhythm, with highest values at night and lowest ones during the day. In kits the main zeitgeber is milk intake, which synchronizes locomotor activity, body temperature, and corticosterone secretion. Brain regions involved in these effects include the median preoptic nucleus and several olfactory structures. As models for particular human illnesses rabbits have been valuable for studying glaucoma and cardiovascular disease. Circadian variations in intraocular pressure (main risk factor for glaucoma) have been found, with highest values at night, which depend on sympathetic innervation. Rabbits fed a high fat diet develop cholesterol plaques and high blood pressure, as do humans, and such increased fat intake directly modulates cardiovascular homeostasis and circadian patterns, independently of white adipose tissue accumulation. Rabbits have also been useful to investigate the characteristics of sleep across the day and its modulation by infections, cytokines and other endogenous humoral factors. Rabbit circadian biology warrants deeper investigation of the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in regulating most behavioral and physiological rhythms described above.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl Aguilar-Roblero
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela González-Mariscal
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
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9
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Caba M, González-Mariscal G, Meza E. Circadian Rhythms and Clock Genes in Reproduction: Insights From Behavior and the Female Rabbit's Brain. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:106. [PMID: 29599751 PMCID: PMC5862793 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Clock gene oscillations are necessary for a successful pregnancy and parturition, but little is known about their function during lactation, a period demanding from the mother multiple physiological and behavioral adaptations to fulfill the requirements of the offspring. First, we will focus on circadian rhythms and clock genes in reproductive tissues mainly in rodents. Disruption of circadian rhythms or proper rhythmic oscillations of clock genes provoke reproductive problems, as found in clock gene knockout mice. Then, we will focus mainly on the rabbit doe as this mammal nurses the young just once a day with circadian periodicity. This daily event synchronizes the behavior and the activity of specific brain regions critical for reproductive neuroendocrinology and maternal behavior, like the preoptic area. This region shows strong rhythms of the PER1 protein (product of the Per1 clock gene) associated with circadian nursing. Additionally, neuroendocrine cells related to milk production and ejections are also synchronized to daily nursing. A threshold of suckling is necessary to entrain once a day nursing; this process is independent of milk output as even virgin does (behaving maternally following anosmia) can display circadian nursing behavior. A timing motivational mechanism may regulate such behavior as mesolimbic dopaminergic cells are entrained by daily nursing. Finally, we will explore about the clinical importance of circadian rhythms. Indeed, women in chronic shift-work schedules show problems in their menstrual cycles and pregnancies and also have a high risk of preterm delivery, making this an important field of translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Caba
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Mario Caba,
| | - Gabriela González-Mariscal
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Enrique Meza
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
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Domínguez M, Aguilar‐Roblero R, González‐Mariscal G. Bilateral lesions of the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus disrupt nursing behavior in rabbits. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 46:2133-2140. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Domínguez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal CINVESTAV‐Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala Apdo. Postal 62 Tlaxcala 90000 México
- Maestría en Ciencias Biológicas Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala Tlaxcala México
| | - Raúl Aguilar‐Roblero
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México México City México
| | - Gabriela González‐Mariscal
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal CINVESTAV‐Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala Apdo. Postal 62 Tlaxcala 90000 México
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Aguirre J, Meza E, Caba M. Dopaminergic activation anticipates daily nursing in the rabbit. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 45:1396-1409. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Aguirre
- Doctorado en Ciencias Biomédicas; CIB; Universidad Veracruzana; Xalapa Veracruz México
| | - E. Meza
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Veracruzana; Av. Luis Castelazo s/n, Col. Industrial Animas C.P. 91190 Xalapa Veracruz México
| | - M. Caba
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Veracruzana; Av. Luis Castelazo s/n, Col. Industrial Animas C.P. 91190 Xalapa Veracruz México
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González-Mariscal G, Caba M, Martínez-Gómez M, Bautista A, Hudson R. Mothers and offspring: The rabbit as a model system in the study of mammalian maternal behavior and sibling interactions. Horm Behav 2016; 77:30-41. [PMID: 26062431 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED This article is part of a Special Issue "Parental Care". Jay Rosenblatt effectively promoted research on rabbit maternal behavior through his interaction with colleagues in Mexico. Here we review the activities of pregnant and lactating rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), their neuro-hormonal regulation, and the synchronization of behavior between mother and kits. Changing concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, and prolactin throughout gestation regulate nest-building (digging, straw-carrying, fur-pulling) and prime the mother's brain to respond to the newborn. Nursing is the only mother-young contact throughout lactation. It happens once/day, inside the nest, with ca. 24h periodicity, and lasts around 3min. Periodicity and duration of nursing depend on a threshold of suckling as procedures reducing the amount of nipple stimulation interfere with the temporal aspects of nursing, though not with the doe's maternal motivation. Synchronization between mother and kits, critical for nursing, relies on: a) the production of pheromonal cues which guide the young to the mother's nipples for suckling; b) an endogenous circadian rhythm of anticipatory activity in the young, present since birth. Milk intake entrains the kits' locomotor behavior, corticosterone secretion, and the activity of several brain structures. Sibling interactions within the huddle, largely determined by body mass at birth, are important for: a) maintaining body temperature; b) ensuring normal neuromotor and social development. Suckling maintains nursing behavior past the period of abundant milk production but abrupt and efficient weaning occurs in concurrently pregnant-lactating does by unknown factors. CONCLUSION female rabbits have evolved a reproductive strategy largely dissociating maternal care from maternal presence, whose multifactorial regulation warrants future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- G González-Mariscal
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Mexico.
| | - M Caba
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - M Martínez-Gómez
- Centro Tlaxcala Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Mexico; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | - A Bautista
- Centro Tlaxcala Biología de la Conducta, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - R Hudson
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
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Abstract
For an organism to be successful in an evolutionary sense, it and its offspring must survive. Such survival depends on satisfying a number of needs that are driven by motivated behaviors, such as eating, sleeping, and mating. An individual can usually only pursue one motivated behavior at a time. The circadian system provides temporal structure to the organism's 24 hour day, partitioning specific behaviors to particular times of the day. The circadian system also allows anticipation of opportunities to engage in motivated behaviors that occur at predictable times of the day. Such anticipation enhances fitness by ensuring that the organism is physiologically ready to make use of a time-limited resource as soon as it becomes available. This could include activation of the sympathetic nervous system to transition from sleep to wake, or to engage in mating, or to activate of the parasympathetic nervous system to facilitate transitions to sleep, or to prepare the body to digest a meal. In addition to enabling temporal partitioning of motivated behaviors, the circadian system may also regulate the amplitude of the drive state motivating the behavior. For example, the circadian clock modulates not only when it is time to eat, but also how hungry we are. In this chapter we explore the physiology of our circadian clock and its involvement in a number of motivated behaviors such as sleeping, eating, exercise, sexual behavior, and maternal behavior. We also examine ways in which dysfunction of circadian timing can contribute to disease states, particularly in psychiatric conditions that include adherent motivational states.
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Meza E, Aguirre J, Waliszewski S, Caba M. Suckling induces a daily rhythm in the preoptic area and lateral septum but not in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in lactating rabbit does. Eur J Neurosci 2014; 41:196-204. [PMID: 25370159 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Maternal behavior in the rabbit is restricted to a brief nursing period every day. Previously, we demonstrated that this event induces daily rhythms of Period1 (PER1) protein, the product of the clock gene Per1, in oxytocinergic and dopaminergic populations in the hypothalamus of lactating rabbit does. This is significant for the periodic production and ejection of milk, but the activation of other areas of the brain has not been explored. Here, we hypothesised that daily suckling would induce a rhythm in the preoptic area, lateral septum, and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, which are important areas for the expression of maternal behavior in mammals, including the rabbit. To this end, we analysed PER1 expression in those areas through a complete 24-h cycle at lactation day 7. Does were scheduled to nurse during either the day at 10:00 h [zeitgeber time (ZT)03] or the night at 02:00 h (ZT19). Non-pregnant, non-lactating females were used as controls. In contrast to control females, lactating does showed a clear, significant rhythm of PER1 that shifted in parallel with the timing of nursing in the preoptic area and lateral septum. We determined that the maximal expression of PER1 at 8 h after scheduled nursing decreased significantly at 24 and 48 h after the absence of suckling. This effect was more pronounced in the lateral septum than in the preoptic area. We conclude that daily suckling is a powerful stimulus inducing rhythmic activity in brain structures in the rabbit that appear to form part of a maternal entrainable circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Meza
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Luis Castelazo s/n, Col. Industrial Animas, Xalapa Ver., C.P. 91190, México
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Casey TM, Crodian J, Erickson E, Kuropatwinski KK, Gleiberman AS, Antoch MP. Tissue-specific changes in molecular clocks during the transition from pregnancy to lactation in mice. Biol Reprod 2014; 90:127. [PMID: 24759789 PMCID: PMC4094001 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.116137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Revised: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian clocks regulate homeostasis and mediate responses to stressors. Lactation is one of the most energetically demanding periods of an adult female's life. Peripartum changes occur in almost every organ so the dam can support neonatal growth through milk production while homeostasis is maintained. How circadian clocks are involved in adaptation to lactation is currently unknown. The abundance and temporal pattern of core clock genes' expression were measured in suprachiasmatic nucleus, liver, and mammary from late pregnant and early lactation mice. Tissue-specific changes in molecular clocks occurred between physiological states. Amplitude and robustness of rhythms increased in suprachiasmatic nucleus and liver. Mammary rhythms of core molecular clock genes were suppressed. Attenuated rhythms appeared to be a physiological adaptation of mammary to lactation, because manipulation of timing of suckling resulting in significant differences in plasma prolactin and corticosterone had no effect on amplitude. Analysis of core clock proteins revealed that the stoichiometric relationship between positive (CLOCK) and negative (PER2) components remained 1:1 in liver but was increased to 4:1 in mammary during physiological transition. Induction of differentiation of mammary epithelial cell line HC11 with dexamethasone, insulin, and prolactin resulted in similar stoichiometric changes among positive and negative clock regulators, and prolactin induced phase shifts in HC11 Arntl expression rhythm. Data support that distinct mechanisms drive periparturient changes in mammary clock. Stoichiometric change in clock regulators occurs with gland differentiation. Suppression of mammary clock gene expression rhythms represents a physiological adaptation to suckling cues. Adaptations in mammary clock are likely needed in part to support suckling demands of neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa M Casey
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Jennifer Crodian
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Emily Erickson
- Department of Animal Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Karen K Kuropatwinski
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York
| | | | - Marina P Antoch
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York
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16
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Moreno ML, Meza E, Ortega A, Caba M. The median preoptic nucleus exhibits circadian regulation and is involved in food anticipatory activity in rabbit pups. Chronobiol Int 2014; 31:515-22. [PMID: 24417519 DOI: 10.3109/07420528.2013.874354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Rabbit pups are a natural model to study food anticipatory activity (FAA). Recently, we reported that three areas in the forebrain - the organum vasculosum of lamina terminalis, median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) and medial preoptic area - exhibit activation during FAA. Here, we examined the PER1 protein profile of these three forebrain regions in both nursed and fasted subjects. We found robust PER1 oscillations in the MnPO in nursed subjects, with high PER1 levels during FAA that persisted in fasted subjects. In conclusion, our data indicate that periodic nursing is a strong signal for PER1 oscillations in MnPO and future experiments are warranted to explore the specific role of this area in FAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Luisa Moreno
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana , Xalapa, Veracruz , Mexico
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17
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González-Mariscal G, Lemus AC, Vega-Gonzalez A, Aguilar-Roblero R. Litter Size Determines Circadian Periodicity of Nursing in Rabbits. Chronobiol Int 2013; 30:711-8. [DOI: 10.3109/07420528.2013.784769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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18
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Juárez C, Morgado E, Meza E, Waliszewski SM, Aguilar-Roblero R, Caba M. Development of retinal projections and response to photic input in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of New Zealand White Rabbits. Brain Res 2013; 1499:21-8. [PMID: 23313583 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Revised: 12/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/06/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In rabbit pups, nursing by the mother is the prevailing entraining signal for their circadian rhythms during at least the first two weeks of life. Therefore, they are considered a natural model of food anticipatory activity. However, the photic entrainment of the circadian system in rabbit pups during this developmental stage is not well understood. The present study examined the retinal projections to the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the functional responses of the SCN to light exposure. Using the anterograde tracer cholera toxin-B, we examined the retinal projections to the SCN at postnatal days (PD) 1, 9, 19 and in adult animals. The results revealed that the retinal projections were present at PD1 with a bilateral symmetry, and with a contralateral tendency at PD19 and adults. We also explored the response of the SCN to a light pulse by assessing the induction of FOS protein, a marker of neuronal activation, at PD1, 12, 19 and in adults. Light-induced FOS was observed during day and night at PD1, but mainly during night at PD12, 19 and adults. We conclude that in the SCN there is a "gating" mechanism to FOS induction by light that develops several days after birth, as in other mammals, and in the rabbit is already present at PD12. Moreover, in contrast to other altricial mammals, the circadian visual system, although not essential for entraining the rhythm during first two weeks of life, is present and functional in rabbit pups from birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Juárez
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver., México
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19
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Morgado E, Juárez C, Melo AI, Domínguez B, Lehman MN, Escobar C, Meza E, Caba M. Artificial feeding synchronizes behavioral, hormonal, metabolic and neural parameters in mother-deprived neonatal rabbit pups. Eur J Neurosci 2011; 34:1807-16. [PMID: 22098455 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2011.07898.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Nursing in the rabbit is under circadian control, and pups have a daily anticipatory behavioral arousal synchronized to this unique event, but it is not known which signal is the main entraining cue. In the present study, we hypothesized that food is the main entraining signal. Using mother-deprived pups, we tested the effects of artificial feeding on the synchronization of locomotor behavior, plasma glucose, corticosterone, c-Fos (FOS) and PERIOD1 (PER1) rhythms in suprachiasmatic, supraoptic, paraventricular and tuberomammillary nuclei. At postnatal day 1, an intragastric tube was placed by gastrostomy. The next day and for the rest of the experiment, pups were fed with a milk formula through the cannula at either 02:00 h or 10:00 h [feeding time = zeitgeber time (ZT)0]. At postnatal days 5-7, pups exhibited behavioral arousal, with a significant increase in locomotor behavior 60 min before feeding. Glucose levels increased after feeding, peaking at ZT4-ZT12 and then declining. Corticosterone levels were highest around the time of feeding, and then decreased to trough concentrations at ZT12-ZT16, increasing again in anticipation of the next feeding bout. In the brain, the suprachiasmatic nucleus had a rhythm of FOS and PER1 that was not significantly affected by the feeding schedule. Conversely, the supraoptic, paraventricular and tuberomammillary nuclei had rhythms of both FOS and PER1 induced by the time of scheduled feeding. We conclude that the nursing rabbit pup is a natural model of food entrainment, as food, in this case milk formula, is a strong synchronizing signal for behavioral, hormonal, metabolic and neural parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Morgado
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver., México CIRA, CINVESTAV-UAT, Tlaxcala, Tlax., México
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