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Suárez-Pereira I, López-Martín C, Camarena-Delgado C, Llorca-Torralba M, González-Saiz F, Ruiz R, Santiago M, Berrocoso E. Nerve Injury Triggers Time-dependent Activation of the Locus Coeruleus, Influencing Spontaneous Pain-like Behavior in Rats. Anesthesiology 2024; 141:131-150. [PMID: 38602502 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000005006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dynamic changes in neuronal activity and in noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) projections have been proposed during the transition from acute to chronic pain. Thus, the authors explored the cellular cFos activity of the LC and its projections in conjunction with spontaneous pain-like behavior in neuropathic rats. METHODS Tyrosine hydroxylase:Cre and wild-type Long-Evans rats, males and females, were subjected to chronic constriction injury (CCI) for 2 (short-term, CCI-ST) or 30 days (long-term, CCI-LT), evaluating cFos and Fluoro-Gold expression in the LC, and its projections to the spinal cord (SC) and rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC). These tests were carried out under basal conditions (unstimulated) and after noxious mechanical stimulation. LC activity was evaluated through chemogenetic and pharmacologic approaches, as were its projections, in association with spontaneous pain-like behaviors. RESULTS CCI-ST enhanced basal cFos expression in the LC and in its projection to the SC, which increased further after noxious stimulation. Similar basal activation was found in the neurons projecting to the rACC, although this was not modified by stimulation. Strong basal cFos expression was found in CCI-LT, specifically in the projection to the rACC, which was again not modified by stimulation. No cFos expression was found in the CCI-LT LCipsilateral (ipsi)/contralateral (contra)→SC. Chemogenetics showed that CCI-ST is associated with greater spontaneous pain-like behavior when the LCipsi is blocked, or by selectively blocking the LCipsi→SC projection. Activation of the LCipsi or LCipsi/contra→SC dampened pain-like behavior. Moreover, Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs)-mediated inactivation of the CCI-ST LCipsi→rACC or CCI-LT LCipsi/contra→rACC pathway, or intra-rACC antagonism of α-adrenoreceptors, also dampens pain-like behavior. CONCLUSIONS In the short term, activation of the LC after CCI attenuates spontaneous pain-like behaviors via projections to the SC while increasing nociception via projections to the rACC. In the long term, only the projections from the LC to the rACC contribute to modulate pain-like behaviors in this model. EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Suárez-Pereira
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INIBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Carolina López-Martín
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INIBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Carmen Camarena-Delgado
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INIBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy; Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), National Research Council of Italy, Milan, Italy
| | - Meritxell Llorca-Torralba
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INIBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain; Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Francisco González-Saiz
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Community Mental Health Unit of Villamartin, University Hospital of Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Rocío Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Biomedicine of Sevilla (IBiS) - University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Martiniano Santiago
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Biomedicine of Sevilla (IBiS) - University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Esther Berrocoso
- Biomedical Research Networking Center for Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain; Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Biomedical Research and Innovation Institute of Cádiz (INIBICA), Puerta del Mar University Hospital, Cádiz, Spain
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Zin LEF, Vizuete AFK, Callai EMM, Catarina LS, Fróes F, Moreira AP, de Oliveira Marques C, Leal MB, Ponzoni D, Puricelli E, da Silva Torres IL, Gonçalves CA, Quevedo AS. Astroglial Alterations in the Hippocampus of Rats Submitted to a Single Trans-Cranial Direct Current Stimulation Trial. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:3447-3456. [PMID: 37464227 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03990-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) provides therapeutic benefits in different situations, such as epilepsy, depression, inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Despite the increasing use of tDCS, its cellular and molecular basis remains unknown. Astrocytes display a close functional and structural relationship with neurons and have been identified as mediators of neuroprotection in tDCS. Considering the importance of hippocampal glutamatergic neurotransmission in nociceptive pathways, we decided to investigate short-term changes in the hippocampal astrocytes of rats subjected to tDCS, evaluating specific cellular markers (GFAP and S100B), as well as markers of astroglial activity; glutamate uptake, glutamine synthesis by glutamine synthetase (GS) and glutathione content. Data clearly show that a single session of tDCS increases the pain threshold elicited by mechanical and thermal stimuli, as evaluated by von Frey and hot plate tests, respectively. These changes involve inflammatory and astroglial neurochemical changes in the hippocampus, based on specific changes in cell markers, such as S100B and GS. Alterations in S100B were also observed in the cerebrospinal fluid of tDCS animals and, most importantly, specific functional changes (increased glutamate uptake and increased GS activity) were detected in hippocampal astrocytes. These findings contribute to a better understanding of tDCS as a therapeutic strategy for nervous disorders and reinforce the importance of astrocytes as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisandra Eda Fusinato Zin
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil
- Atitus Educação, Campus Santa Teresinha, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Adriana Fernanda K Vizuete
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil
| | | | | | - Fernanda Fróes
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Moreira
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil
| | | | - Miriara B Leal
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Deise Ponzoni
- Dentistry Graduate Program, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carlos-Alberto Gonçalves
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre Silva Quevedo
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, 2600, 90035-003, Brazil
- Dentistry Graduate Program, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Xie Y, Li Y, Chen J, Ding H, Zhang X. Early growth response-1: Key mediators of cell death and novel targets for cardiovascular disease therapy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1162662. [PMID: 37057102 PMCID: PMC10086247 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1162662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
SignificanceCardiovascular diseases are seen to be a primary cause of death, and their prevalence has significantly increased across the globe in the past few years. Several studies have shown that cell death is closely linked to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, many molecular and cellular mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of the cardiac cell death mechanism. One of the factors that played a vital role in the pathogenesis of cardiac cell death mechanisms included the early growth response-1 (Egr-1) factor.Recent AdvancesStudies have shown that abnormal Egr-1 expression is linked to different animal and human disorders like heart failure and myocardial infarction. The biosynthesis of Egr-1 regulates its activity. Egr-1 can be triggered by many factors such as serum, cytokines, hormones, growth factors, endotoxins, mechanical injury, hypoxia, and shear stress. It also displays a pro-apoptotic effect on cardiac cells, under varying stress conditions. EGR1 mediates a broad range of biological responses to oxidative stress and cell death by combining the acute changes occurring in the cellular environment with sustained changes in gene expression.Future DirectionsThe primary regulatory role played by the Egr-1-targeting DNAzymes, microRNAs, and oligonucleotide decoy strategies in cardiovascular diseases were identified to provide a reference to identify novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Xie
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongnan Li
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianshu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hong Ding
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
- Correspondence: Xiaowei Zhang
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Suárez-Pereira I, Llorca-Torralba M, Bravo L, Camarena-Delgado C, Soriano-Mas C, Berrocoso E. The Role of the Locus Coeruleus in Pain and Associated Stress-Related Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:786-797. [PMID: 35164940 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC)-noradrenergic system is the main source of noradrenaline in the central nervous system and is involved intensively in modulating pain and stress-related disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder and anxiety) and in their comorbidity. However, the mechanisms involving the LC that underlie these effects have not been fully elucidated, in part owing to the technical difficulties inherent in exploring such a tiny nucleus. However, novel research tools are now available that have helped redefine the LC system, moving away from the traditional view of LC as a homogeneous structure that exerts a uniform influence on neural activity. Indeed, innovative techniques such as DREADDs (designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) and optogenetics have demonstrated the functional heterogeneity of LC, and novel magnetic resonance imaging applications combined with pupillometry have opened the way to evaluate LC activity in vivo. This review aims to bring together the data available on the efferent activity of the LC-noradrenergic system in relation to pain and its comorbidity with anxiodepressive disorders. Acute pain triggers a robust LC stress response, producing spinal cord-mediated endogenous analgesia while promoting aversion, vigilance, and threat detection through its ascending efferents. However, this protective biological system fails in chronic pain, and LC activity produces pain facilitation, anxiety, increased aversive memory, and behavioral despair, acting at the medulla, prefrontal cortex, and amygdala levels. Thus, the activation/deactivation of specific LC projections contributes to different behavioral outcomes in the shift from acute to chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Suárez-Pereira
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Meritxell Llorca-Torralba
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Bravo
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Camarena-Delgado
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Carles Soriano-Mas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychobiology and Methodology in Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Berrocoso
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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5
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Callai EMM, Zin LEF, Catarina LS, Ponzoni D, Gonçalves CAS, Vizuete AFK, Cougo MC, Boff J, Puricelli E, Fernandes EK, da Silva Torres IL, Quevedo AS. Evaluation of the immediate effects of a single transcranial direct current stimulation session on astrocyte activation, inflammatory response, and pain threshold in naïve rats. Behav Brain Res 2022; 428:113880. [PMID: 35390432 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has demonstrated clinical benefits such as analgesia, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. However, the mechanisms of action of a single tDCS session are poorly characterized. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of a single tDCS session on pain sensitivity, inflammatory parameters, and astrocyte activity in naive rats. In the first experiment, sixty-day-old male Wistar rats (n=95) were tested for mechanical pain threshold (von Frey test). Afterward, animals were submitted to a single bimodal tDCS (0.5mA, 20minutes) or sham-tDCS session. According to the group, animals were re-tested at different time intervals (30, 60, 120minutes, or 24hours) after the intervention, euthanized, and the cerebral cortex collected for biochemical analysis. A second experiment (n=16) was performed using a similar protocol to test the hypotheses that S100B levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are altered by tDCS. Elisa assay quantified the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL10), S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B), and Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and independent t-test (P<0.05). Results showed that tDCS decreased pain sensitivity (30 and 60min), cerebral TNF-α and S100B levels (30min). CSF S100B levels increased 30minutes after intervention. There were no differences in IL10 and GFAP levels. TCDS showed analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in naive animals. Therefore, this non-invasive and inexpensive therapy may potentially be a preemptive alternative to reduce pain, inflammation, and neurodegeneration in situations where patients will undergo medical procedures (e.g., surgery).
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Affiliation(s)
- Etiane Micheli Meyer Callai
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Luciana Santa Catarina
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Deise Ponzoni
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Milton Cristian Cougo
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jamile Boff
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Edela Puricelli
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | - Alexandre Silva Quevedo
- Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Neuroscience Graduate Program, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Pharmacology Graduate Program, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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6
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Ghasemzadeh Z, Sardari M, Javadi P, Rezayof A. Expression analysis of hippocampal and amygdala CREB-BDNF signaling pathway in nicotine-induced reward under stress in rats. Brain Res 2020; 1741:146885. [PMID: 32417176 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Extensive research has shown that individuals are more sensitive to develop addiction and drug taking under stress state. The present study includes an expression analysis to identify the possible role of hippocampal and amygdala CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) and BDNF (Brain-derived neurotrophic factor) activation in nicotine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) under exposure to acute or sub-chronic stress. Using western-blot technique, CREB phosphorylation was shown to increase in the hippocampus and the amygdala following nicotine-induced CPP. The hippocampal level of BDNF was increased following nicotine administration and in the nicotine-treated animals exposed to acute stress. In animals exposed to acute stress, the amygdala ratios of the pCREB/CREB decreased, while pre-treatment of the animals with nicotine (0.1 mg/kg) decreased this ratio only in the hippocampus. Sub-chronic stress decreased the pCREB/CREB ratios in the hippocampus and the amygdala. Interestingly, sub-chronic stress-induced increase of nicotine reward only decreased the hippocampal pCREB/CREB ratio. The levels of BDNF in the hippocampus and the amygdala decreased under acute stress. Acute stress-induced increase of nicotine reward increased BDNF levels in the hippocampus. Moreover, the animals' exposure to the CPP apparatus without any drug administration increased the ratios of pCREB/tCREB and BDNF/β-actin in the targeted sites. In summary, the present study indicate that the alterations of the ratio of pCREB/CREB and also the level of BDNF in the hippocampus may be critical for enhancing nicotine reward under stress condition. The evidence from this study suggests the distinct roles of the hippocampus and the amygdala in mediating nicotine reward under stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Ghasemzadeh
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Sardari
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Parastoo Javadi
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Rezayof
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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7
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Harada A, Kaushal N, Suzuki K, Nakatani A, Bobkov K, Vekich JA, Doyle JP, Kimura H. Balanced Activation of Striatal Output Pathways by Faster Off-Rate PDE10A Inhibitors Elicits Not Only Antipsychotic-Like Effects But Also Procognitive Effects in Rodents. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2019; 23:96-107. [PMID: 31689714 PMCID: PMC7098246 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyz056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Faster off-rate competitive enzyme inhibitors are generally more sensitive than slower off-rate ones to binding inhibition by enzyme substrates. We previously reported that the cyclic adenosine monophosphate concentration in dopamine D1 receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons (D1-MSNs) may be higher than that in D2-MSNs. Consequently, compared with slower off-rate phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitors, faster off-rate ones comparably activated D2-MSNs but partially activated D1-MSNs. We further investigated the pharmacological profiles of phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitors with different off-rates. METHODS Phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitors with slower (T-609) and faster (T-773) off-rates were used. D1- and D2-MSN activation was assessed by substance P and enkephalin mRNA induction, respectively, in rodents. Antipsychotic-like effects were evaluated by MK-801- and methamphetamine-induced hyperactivity and prepulse inhibition in rodents. Cognition was assessed by novel object recognition task and radial arm maze in rats. Prefrontal cortex activation was evaluated by c-Fos immunohistochemistry in rats. Gene translations in D1- and D2-MSNs were evaluated by translating ribosome affinity purification and RNA sequencing in mice. RESULTS Compared with T-609, T-773 comparably activated D2-MSNs but partially activated D1-MSNs. Haloperidol (a D2 antagonist) and T-773, but not T-609, produced antipsychotic-like effects in all paradigms. T-773, but not T-609 or haloperidol, activated the prefrontal cortex and improved cognition. Overall gene translation patterns in D2-MSNs by all drugs and those in D1-MSNs by T-773 and T-609 were qualitatively similar. CONCLUSIONS Differential pharmacological profiles among those drugs could be attributable to activation balance of D1- and D2-MSNs. The "balanced activation" of MSNs by faster off-rate phosphodiesterase 10A inhibitors may be favorable to treat schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akina Harada
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Nidhi Kaushal
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit Research, Takeda California Inc., San Diego, CA
| | - Kazunori Suzuki
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakatani
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Konstantin Bobkov
- Early Target Discovery, Research, Takeda California Inc., San Diego, CA
| | - John A Vekich
- Early Target Discovery, Research, Takeda California Inc., San Diego, CA
| | - Joseph P Doyle
- Early Target Discovery, Research, Takeda California Inc., San Diego, CA
| | - Haruhide Kimura
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan,Correspondence: Haruhide Kimura, PhD, 26-1, Muraoka-Higashi 2-chome Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan ()
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8
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Kaptan Z, Dar KA, Kapucu A, Bulut H, Üzüm G. Effect of enriched environment and predictable chronic stress on spatial memory in adolescent rats: Predominant expression of BDNF, nNOS, and interestingly malondialdehyde in the right hippocampus. Brain Res 2019; 1721:146326. [PMID: 31299186 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the mechanisms that promote divergence of function between left and right in the hippocampus, which is most affected by external factors and critical for spatial memory. We investigated the levels of memory-related mediators in the left and right hippocampus and spatial memory in rats exposed to predictable chronic stress (PCS) and an enriched environment (EE) during adolescence. Twenty-eight-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into control (standard cages), PCS (15 min/day immobilization stress for four weeks), and EE (one hour/day environmentally enriched cages for four weeks) groups. After the applications, spatial memory was tested with the Morris water maze, and the serum levels of corticosterone were evaluated. The levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), which are critical for synaptic plasticity; malondialdehyde (MDA; lipid-peroxidation indicator); protein carbonyl (protein-oxidation indicator); and superoxide dismutase (antioxidant enzyme) were evaluated in the left and right hippocampus. Corticosterone levels in both the PCS and EE groups did not change compared with control. In both the PCS and EE groups, spatial memory improved and BDNF was increased in both halves of the hippocampus, still there was an asymmetry. nNOS levels were increased in the dentate gyrus and CA1 regions of the right hippocampus in both PCS and EE groups. MDA levels were increased but PCO levels were decreased in the right hippocampus in both the PCS and EE groups, but SOD did not change in either half of the hippocampus. Our results suggest that both PCS and EE improved spatial memory by increasing BDNF and nNOS in the right hippocampus and that, interestingly; MDA could be the physiological signal molecule in the right hippocampus for spatial memory process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zülal Kaptan
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey
| | - Kadriye Akgün Dar
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Turkey
| | - Ayşegül Kapucu
- Istanbul University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Turkey
| | - Huri Bulut
- Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Turkey
| | - Gülay Üzüm
- Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey.
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9
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Boorman DC, Kang JWM, Keay KA. Peripheral nerve injury attenuates stress-induced Fos-family expression in the Locus Coeruleus of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Brain Res 2019; 1719:253-262. [PMID: 31194948 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The ability to cope with acute stressors is impaired in people with chronic neuropathic injuries. The regulation of stress coping responses depends critically on several parallel interconnected neural circuits, one of which originates in the Locus Coeruleus. In rats, chronic constriction injury (CCI) and acute stress each modulate noradrenergic activity of the Locus Coeruleus (LC) although with different temporal patterns. This study investigated the effects of CCI on the neuronal activity of the LC to acute restraint stress using the immunohistochemical detection of Fos-family protein expression. Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent CCI surgery and 11 days later were restrained for 15 min. The number and location of single-labelled neurons (c-Fos, FosB/ΔFosB and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive) neurons and double labelled neurons (c-Fos, or FosB/ΔFosB with TH) were quantified for the LC and surrounding regions. Comparisons were made with rats that underwent sham surgery or anaesthesia (20 min). Restraint triggered a struggling response in all rats. CCI attenuated restraint-induced Fos expression in LC neurons. A significant proportion (30-50%) of these LC Fos positive neurons did not contain TH. These data suggest that nerve injury might impair the ordinary cellular response of the LC to an acute stress. The association of stress-related disorders in people with neuropathic injuries suggests that the observations made in this study may reflect a part of the mechanism underlying these clinical comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien C Boorman
- School of Medical Sciences, Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - James W M Kang
- School of Medical Sciences, Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Kevin A Keay
- School of Medical Sciences, Discipline of Anatomy & Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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10
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Fan Y, Chen P, Raza MU, Szebeni A, Szebeni K, Ordway GA, Stockmeier CA, Zhu MY. Altered Expression of Phox2 Transcription Factors in the Locus Coeruleus in Major Depressive Disorder Mimicked by Chronic Stress and Corticosterone Treatment In Vivo and In Vitro. Neuroscience 2018; 393:123-137. [PMID: 30315878 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Phox2a and Phox2b are two homeodomain transcription factors playing a pivotal role in the development of noradrenergic neurons during the embryonic period. However, their expression and function in adulthood remain to be elucidated. Using human postmortem brain tissues, rat stress models and cultured cells, this study aimed to examine the alteration of Phox2a and Phox2b expression. The results show that Phox2a and Phox2b are normally expressed in the human locus coeruleus (LC) in adulthood. Furthermore, the levels of Phox2a protein and mRNA and protein levels of Phox2b were significantly elevated in the LC of brain donors that suffered from the major depressive disorder, as compared to age-matched and psychiatrically normal control donors. Fischer 344 rats subjected to chronic social defeat showed higher mRNA and protein levels of Phox2a and Phox2b in the LC, as compared to non-stressed control rats. In rats chronically administered oral corticosterone, mRNA and protein levels of Phox2b, but not Phox2a, in the LC were significantly increased. In addition, the corticosterone-induced increase in Phox2b protein was reversed by simultaneous treatment with either mifepristone or spironolactone. Exposing SH-SY5Y cells to corticosterone significantly increased expression of Phox2a and Phox2b, which was blocked by corticosteroid receptor antagonists. Taken together, these experiments reveal that Phox2 genes are expressed throughout the lifetime in the LC of humans and Fischer 344 rats. Alterations in their expression may play a role in major depressive disorder and possibly other stress-related disorders through their modulatory effects on the noradrenergic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Fan
- Department of Biochemistry, Nantong University College of Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Ping Chen
- School of Life Science and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Muhammad U Raza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Attila Szebeni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Katalin Szebeni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Gregory A Ordway
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Craig A Stockmeier
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Meng-Yang Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.
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11
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Persistent Stress-Induced Neuroplastic Changes in the Locus Coeruleus/Norepinephrine System. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:1892570. [PMID: 30008741 PMCID: PMC6020552 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1892570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural plasticity plays a critical role in mediating short- and long-term brain responses to environmental stimuli. A major effector of plasticity throughout many regions of the brain is stress. Activation of the locus coeruleus (LC) is a critical step in mediating the neuroendocrine and behavioral limbs of the stress response. During stressor exposure, activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis promotes release of corticotropin-releasing factor in LC, where its signaling promotes a number of physiological and cellular changes. While the acute effects of stress on LC physiology have been described, its long-term effects are less clear. This review will describe how stress changes LC neuronal physiology, function, and morphology from a genetic, cellular, and neuronal circuitry/transmission perspective. Specifically, we describe morphological changes of LC neurons in response to stressful stimuli and signal transduction pathways underlying them. Also, we will review changes in excitatory glutamatergic synaptic transmission in LC neurons and possible stress-induced modifications of AMPA receptors. This review will also address stress-related behavioral adaptations and specific noradrenergic receptors responsible for them. Finally, we summarize the results of several human studies which suggest a link between stress, altered LC function, and pathogenesis of posttraumatic stress disorder.
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12
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The Anti-Stress Effect of Mentha arvensis in Immobilized Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020355. [PMID: 29370076 PMCID: PMC5855577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress can lead to inflammation, accelerated aging, and some chronic diseases condition. Mentha arvensis (MA) is a traditional medicine having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The present study investigated the anti-stress role of MA and fermented MA (FMA) extract in immobilized rats. We studied the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells and rats were immobilized for 2 h per day for 14 days using a restraining cage. MA (100 mg/kg) and FMA (100 mg/kg) were orally administered to rats 1 h prior to immobilization. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, we determined the rosmarinic acid content of MA and FMA. The generation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) in RAW 246.7 cells were suppressed by both MA and FMA. In rats, MA and FMA notably improved the body weight, daily food intake, and duodenum histology. MDA and NO level were gradually decreased by MA and FMA treatment. MA and FMA significantly controlled the stress-related hormones by decreasing corticosterone and β-endorphin and increasing serotonin level. Moreover, protein expression levels of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were markedly downregulated by MA and FMA. Taken together, MA and FMA could ameliorate immobilized-stress by reducing oxidative stress, regulating stress-related hormones, and MAPK/COX-2 signaling pathways in rats. Particularly, FMA has shown greater anti-stress activities than MA.
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13
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Klenerova V, Kvetnansky R, Hynie S. The Effect of Acute and Repeated Stress on CRH-R1 and CRH-R2 mRNA Expression in Pituitaries of Wild Type and CRH Knock-Out Mice. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2017; 38:163-169. [PMID: 28993972 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-017-0556-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The activation of the HPA axis is the endocrine measure of stress responsiveness that is initiated by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH exerts its effects via CRHR1 and CRH-R2 receptors coupled to the cAMP signaling system and this process involves transcription factor cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB).This study investigated the role of CRH and the possible involvement of CREB in gene regulation of CRH receptor, under basal conditions and after stress application in the pituitary. We used wild type (wt +/+) controls and CRH knock-out (CRH-KO -/-) male mice. Using CRH-deficient mice, we were able to investigate the consequences of the lack of the CRH on the expression of CRH receptors and transcriptional regulation mediated by CREB. We estimated the effect of acute (IMO 1×) and repeated (IMO 7×) restraint stressors lasting 30 and 120 min on the expression of mRNA CREB, CRH-R1, and CRH-R2 by qPCR. We found very significant difference in the expression of these peptides under the effect of single and repeated stress in control and CRH-KO mice. Our results indicate that both CRH receptors and CREB might be involved in the regulation of stress response in the pituitary of mice. We propose that regulation of the stress response may be better understood if more were known about the mechanisms of CRH receptor signal transduction and involvement of CREB system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Klenerova
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics of the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Richard Kvetnansky
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Sixtus Hynie
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics of the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
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14
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Changes in Gene Expression in the Locus Coeruleus-Amygdala Circuitry in Inhibitory Avoidance PTSD Model. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2017; 38:273-280. [PMID: 28889197 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-017-0548-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC)-amygdala circuit is implicated in playing a key role in responses to emotionally arousing stimuli and in the manifestation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, we examined changes in gene expression of a number of important mediators of the LC-amygdala circuitry in the inhibition avoidance model of PTSD. After testing for basal acoustic startle response (ASR), rats were exposed to a severe footshock (1.5 mA for 10 s) in the inhibitory avoidance apparatus. They were given contextual situational reminders every 5 day for 25 days. Controls were treated identically but with the footshock inactivated. Animals were re-tested on second ASR and decapitated 1 h later. The shock group had enhanced hyperarousal and several changes in gene expression compared to controls. In the LC, mRNA levels of norepinephrine (NE) biosynthetic enzymes (TH, DBH), NE transporter (NET), NPY receptors (Y1R, Y2R), and CB1 receptor of endocannabinoid system were elevated. In the basolateral amygdala (BLA), there were marked reductions in gene expression for CB1, and especially Y1R, with rise for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) system (CRH, CRH receptor 1), and no significant changes in the central amygdala. Our results suggest a fast forward mechanism in the LC-amygdala circuitry in the shock group.
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15
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Early life peripheral lipopolysaccharide challenge reprograms catecholaminergic neurons. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40475. [PMID: 28071709 PMCID: PMC5223129 DOI: 10.1038/srep40475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonatal immune challenge with the bacterial mimetic lipopolysaccharide has the capacity to generate long-term changes in the brain. Neonatal rats were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysaccharide (0.05 mg/kg) on postnatal day (PND) 3 and again on PND 5. The activation state of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was measured in the locus coeruleus, ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra on PND 85. In the locus coeruleus there was an approximately four-fold increase in TH activity. This was accompanied by a significant increase in TH protein together with increased phosphorylation of all three serine residues in the N-terminal region of TH. In the ventral tegmental area, a significant increase in TH activity and increased phosphorylation of the serine 40 residue was seen. Neonatal lipopolysaccharide had no effect on TH activation in the substantia nigra. These results indicate the capacity of a neonatal immune challenge to generate long-term changes in the activation state of TH, in particular in the locus coeruleus. Overall, the current results demonstrate the enduring outcomes of a neonatal immune challenge on specific brain catecholaminergic regions associated with catecholamine synthesis. This highlights a novel mechanism for long-term physiological and behavioural alterations induced by this model.
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16
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Imbe H, Kimura A. Repeated forced swim stress affects the expression of pCREB and ΔFosB and the acetylation of histone H3 in the rostral ventromedial medulla and locus coeruleus. Brain Res Bull 2016; 127:11-22. [PMID: 27530066 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) and locus coeruleus (LC) play crucial roles in descending pain modulation system. In the present study we examined the expression of phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (pCREB) and ΔFosB and the acetylation of histone H3 in the RVM and LC after forced swim stress (FS) and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection to clarify changes in descending pain modulatory system in a rat model of stress-induced hyperalgesia. FS (day 1, 10min; days 2-3, 20min) induced a significant increase in the expression of pCREB and ΔFosB and the acetylation of histone H3 in the RVM, whereas the FS induced a significant increase only in the acetylation of histone H3 in the LC. CFA injection into the hindpaw did not induce a significant change in those expression and acetylation. Quantitative image analysis demonstrated that the numbers of pCREB-, acetylated histone H3- and ΔFosB-IR cells in the RVM were significantly higher in the FS group than those in the naive group. The CFA injection after the FS did not affect the FS-induced increases in the expression of pCREB and ΔFosB and the acetylation of histone H3 in the RVM even though nullified the increase in the acetylation of histone H3 in the LC. These findings suggest different neuroplasticities between the RVM and LC after the FS, which may be involved in activity change of descending pain modulatory system after the CFA injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Imbe
- Department of Physiology, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama City, 641-8509, Japan.
| | - Akihisa Kimura
- Department of Physiology, Wakayama Medical University, Kimiidera 811-1, Wakayama City, 641-8509, Japan
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17
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Sabban EL, Laukova M, Alaluf LG, Olsson E, Serova LI. Locus coeruleus response to single-prolonged stress and early intervention with intranasal neuropeptide Y. J Neurochem 2015; 135:975-86. [PMID: 26333000 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the central noradrenergic system is a core feature of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, we examined molecular changes in locus coeruleus (LC) triggered by single-prolonged stress (SPS) PTSD model at a time when behavioral symptoms are manifested, and the effect of early intervention with intranasal neuropeptide Y (NPY). Immediately following SPS stressors, male SD rats were administered intranasal NPY (SPS/NPY) or vehicle (SPS/V). Seven days later, TH protein, but not mRNA, was elevated in LC only of the SPS/V group. Although 90% of TH positive cells expressed GR, its levels were unaltered. Compared to unstressed controls, LC of SPS/V, but not SPS/NPY, expressed less Y2 receptor mRNA with more CRHR1 mRNA in subset of animals, and elevated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in central nucleus of amygdala. Following testing for anxiety on elevated plus maze (EPM), there were significantly increased TH, DBH and NPY mRNAs in LC of SPS-treated, but not previously unstressed animals. Their levels highly correlated with each other but not with behavioral features on EPM. Thus, SPS triggers long-term noradrenergic activation and higher sensitivity to mild stressors, perhaps mediated by the up-regulation influence of amygdalar CRH input and down-regulation of Y2R presynaptic inhibition in LC. Results also demonstrate the therapeutic potential of early intervention with intranasal NPY for traumatic stress-elicited noradrenergic impairments. Single-prolonged stress (SPS)-triggered long-term changes in the locus coeruleus/norepinephrine (LC/NE) system with increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein and CRH receptor 1(CRHR1) mRNA and lower neuropeptide Y receptor 2 (Y2R) mRNA levels as well as elevated corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) that were prevented by early intervention with intranasal neuropeptide Y (NPY). SPS treatment led to increased sensitivity of LC to mild stress of elevated plus maze (EPM), with elevated mRNA for NE biosynthetic enzymes in subset of animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther L Sabban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Marcela Laukova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.,On a long-term leave from Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lishay G Alaluf
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Emelie Olsson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA.,Visiting student from Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lidia I Serova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
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18
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Borges G, Berrocoso E, Mico JA, Neto F. ERK1/2: Function, signaling and implication in pain and pain-related anxio-depressive disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 60:77-92. [PMID: 25708652 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 01/31/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Despite the increasing knowledge regarding pain modulation, the understanding of the mechanisms behind a complex and pathologic chronic pain condition is still insufficient. These knowledge gaps might result in ineffective therapeutic approaches to relieve painful sensations. As a result, severe untreated chronic pain frequently triggers the onset of new disorders such as depression and/or anxiety, and therefore, both the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from chronic pain become seriously compromised, prompting a self-perpetuating cycle of symptomatology. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) are molecules strongly implicated in the somatic component of pain at the spinal cord level and have been emerging as mediators of the emotional-affective component as well. Although these molecules might represent good biomarkers, their use as pharmacological targets is still open to discussion as paradoxical information has been obtained. Here we review the current scientific literature regarding ERK1/2 signaling in the modulation of pain, depression and anxiety, including the emotional-affective spheres of the pain experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Borges
- Neuropsycopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience (Pharmacology and Psychiatry), University of Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain; Departamento de Biologia Experimental, Centro de Investigação Médica da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (CIM-FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Grupo de Morfofisiologia do Sistema Nervoso, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Porto, Portugal
| | - Esther Berrocoso
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Psychobiology Area, Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, 11510 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Mico
- Neuropsycopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience (Pharmacology and Psychiatry), University of Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fani Neto
- Departamento de Biologia Experimental, Centro de Investigação Médica da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto (CIM-FMUP), 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; Grupo de Morfofisiologia do Sistema Nervoso, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Porto, Portugal.
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19
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Mravec B, Vargovic P, Filipcik P, Novak M, Kvetnansky R. Effect of a single and repeated stress exposure on gene expression of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes in brainstem catecholaminergic cell groups in rats. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 42:1872-86. [PMID: 25994480 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Brainstem catecholaminergic neurons significantly participate in the regulation of neuroendocrine system activity, particularly during stressful conditions. However, so far the precise quantitative characterisation of basal and stress-induced changes in gene expression and protein levels of catecholaminergic biosynthetic enzymes in these neurons has been missing. Using a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction method, we investigated gene expression of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes in brainstem noradrenergic and adrenergic cell groups in rats under resting conditions as well as in acutely and repeatedly stressed animals. For the first time, we described quantitative differences in basal levels of catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme mRNA in brainstem catecholaminergic ascending and descending projecting cell groups. Moreover, we found and defined some differences among catecholaminergic cell groups in the time-course of mRNA levels of catecholaminergic enzymes following a single and especially repeated immobilisation stress. The data obtained support the assumption that brainstem catecholaminergic cell groups represent a functionally differentiated system, which is highly (but specifically) activated in rats exposed to stress. Therefore, potential interventions for the treatment of stress-related diseases need to affect the activity of brainstem catecholaminergic neurons not uniformly but with some degree of selectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Mravec
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Vlarska 3, 833 06, Bratislava, Slovakia.,Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Vargovic
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Vlarska 3, 833 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Filipcik
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Novak
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Richard Kvetnansky
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Vlarska 3, 833 06, Bratislava, Slovakia
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20
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Wang M, Banerjee K, Baker H, Cave JW. Nucleotide sequence conservation of novel and established cis-regulatory sites within the tyrosine hydroxylase gene promoter. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 10:74-90. [PMID: 25774193 DOI: 10.1007/s11515-014-1341-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis and its gene proximal promoter ( < 1 kb upstream from the transcription start site) is essential for regulating transcription in both the developing and adult nervous systems. Several putative regulatory elements within the TH proximal promoter have been reported, but evolutionary conservation of these elements has not been thoroughly investigated. Since many vertebrate species are used to model development, function and disorders of human catecholaminergic neurons, identifying evolutionarily conserved transcription regulatory mechanisms is a high priority. In this study, we align TH proximal promoter nucleotide sequences from several vertebrate species to identify evolutionarily conserved motifs. This analysis identified three elements (a TATA box, cyclic AMP response element (CRE) and a 5'-GGTGG-3' site) that constitute the core of an ancient vertebrate TH promoter. Focusing on only eutherian mammals, two regions of high conservation within the proximal promoter were identified: a ∼250 bp region adjacent to the transcription start site and a ∼85 bp region located approximately 350 bp further upstream. Within both regions, conservation of previously reported cis-regulatory motifs and human single nucleotide variants was evaluated. Transcription reporter assays in a TH -expressing cell line demonstrated the functionality of highly conserved motifs in the proximal promoter regions and electromobility shift assays showed that brain-region specific complexes assemble on these motifs. These studies also identified a non-canonical CRE binding (CREB) protein recognition element in the proximal promoter. Together, these studies provide a detailed analysis of evolutionary conservation within the TH promoter and identify potential cis-regulatory motifs that underlie a core set of regulatory mechanisms in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Wang
- Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA
| | | | - Harriet Baker
- Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA ; Weill Cornell Medical College Brain and Mind Research Institute, NY 10065, USA
| | - John W Cave
- Burke Medical Research Institute, White Plains, NY 10605, USA ; Weill Cornell Medical College Brain and Mind Research Institute, NY 10065, USA
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21
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Vargas-Martínez F, Uvnäs-Moberg K, Petersson M, Olausson HA, Jiménez-Estrada I. Neuropeptides as neuroprotective agents: Oxytocin a forefront developmental player in the mammalian brain. Prog Neurobiol 2014; 123:37-78. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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22
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Serova LI, Laukova M, Alaluf LG, Sabban EL. Blockage of melanocortin-4 receptors by intranasal HS014 attenuates single prolonged stress-triggered changes in several brain regions. J Neurochem 2014; 131:825-35. [PMID: 25087915 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin receptor four (MC4R) is implicated in regulation of stress-related functions. We previously demonstrated that intranasal infusion of MC4R antagonist HS014, shortly before single prolonged stress (SPS) animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder, lessened the development of anxiety- and depression-like behavior depending on the dose. Here, we evaluated effects of HS014 on SPS-elicited changes in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and expression of several genes of interest in mediobasal hypothalamus, hippocampus, and locus coeruleus. Rats were given intranasal infusion of HS014 (3.5 ng or 100 μg) and 30 min later subjected to SPS stressors. Short-term responses of HS014 rats in comparison with vehicle-treated, evident 30 min following SPS stressors, included smaller rise in plasma corticosterone (100 μg HS014), absence of induction of corticotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA in mediobasal hypothalamus and of mRNA for tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine-β hydroxylase in locus coeruleus. Long-term responses found 7 days after SPS stressors, included lower induction corticotrophin-releasing hormone mRNA levels in the mediobasal hypothalamus without effect on mRNAs for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and FK506-binding protein 51 (FKBP5), a component of GR co-chaperone complex; and no induction of GR protein in ventral hippocampus. Thus, antagonism of MC4R prior to SPS attenuates development of several abnormalities in gene expression in regions implicated in post-traumatic stress disorder. Blockade of brain melanocortine receptor 4 (MC4R) with intranasal infusion of the MC4R antagonist HS014 to rats prior to single prolonged stress (SPS) leads to faster termination of stress responses (30 min later) and prevents or attenuates SPS-triggered abnormal gene expression related to post-traumatic stress disorder (7 days later). Targeting of brain MC4R is a promising strategy to protect HPA axis, LC-NE (locus coeruleus-norepinephrine) systems and hippocampus from overstimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia I Serova
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
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Grafe LA, Takacs AE, Yee DK, Flanagan-Cato LM. The role of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and the organum vasculosum lateral terminalis in the control of sodium appetite in male rats. J Neurosci 2014; 34:9249-60. [PMID: 25009258 PMCID: PMC4087205 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3979-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin II (AngII) and aldosterone cooperate centrally to produce a robust sodium appetite. The intracellular signaling and circuitry that underlie this interaction remain unspecified. Male rats pretreated with both deoxycorticosterone (DOC; a synthetic precursor of aldosterone) and central AngII exhibited a marked sodium intake, as classically described. Disruption of inositol trisphosphate signaling, but not extracellular-regulated receptor kinase 1 and 2 signaling, prevented the cooperativity of DOC and AngII on sodium intake. The pattern of expression of the immediate early gene product cFos was used to identify key brain regions that may underlie this behavior. In the paraventricular nuclei (PVN) of the hypothalamus, DOC pretreatment diminished both AngII-induced cFos induction and neurosecretion of oxytocin, a peptide expressed in the PVN. Conversely, in the organum vasculosum lateral terminalis (OVLT), DOC pretreatment augmented cFos expression. Immunohistochemistry identified a substantial presence of oxytocin fibers in the OVLT. In addition, when action potentials in the PVN were inhibited with intraparenchymal lidocaine, AngII-induced sodium ingestion was exaggerated. Intriguingly, this treatment also increased the number of neurons in the OVLT expressing AngII-induced cFos. Collectively, these results suggest that the behavioral cooperativity between DOC and AngII involves the alleviation of an inhibitory oxytocin signal, possibly relayed directly from the PVN to the OVLT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Loretta M Flanagan-Cato
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, Departments of Psychology and the Mahoney Institute of Neurological Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania 19104
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Complex molecular regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2014; 121:1451-81. [PMID: 24866693 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-014-1238-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, is strictly controlled by several interrelated regulatory mechanisms. Enzyme synthesis is controlled by epigenetic factors, transcription factors, and mRNA levels. Enzyme activity is regulated by end-product feedback inhibition. Phosphorylation of the enzyme is catalyzed by several protein kinases and dephosphorylation is mediated by two protein phosphatases that establish a sensitive process for regulating enzyme activity on a minute-to-minute basis. Interactions between tyrosine hydroxylase and other proteins introduce additional layers to the already tightly controlled production of catecholamines. Tyrosine hydroxylase degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome coupled pathway represents yet another mechanism of regulation. Here, we revisit the myriad mechanisms that regulate tyrosine hydroxylase expression and activity and highlight their physiological importance in the control of catecholamine biosynthesis.
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Chung S, Kim HJ, Kim HJ, Choi SH, Kim JW, Kim JM, Shin KH. Effect of desipramine and citalopram treatment on forced swimming test-induced changes in cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) immunoreactivity in mice. Neurochem Res 2014; 39:961-72. [PMID: 24748481 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-014-1294-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent study demonstrates antidepressant-like effect of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the forced swimming test (FST), but less is known about whether antidepressant treatments alter levels of CART immunoreactivity (CART-IR) in the FST. To explore this possibility, we assessed the treatment effects of desipramine and citalopram, which inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin into the presynaptic terminals, respectively, on changes in levels of CART-IR before and after the test swim in mouse brain. Levels of CART-IR in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh), dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dBNST), and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were significantly increased before the test swim by desipramine and citalopram treatments. This increase in CART-IR in the AcbSh, dBNST, and PVN before the test swim remained elevated by desipramine treatment after the test swim, but this increase in these brain areas returned to near control levels after test swim by citalopram treatment. Citalopram, but not desipramine, treatment increased levels of CART-IR in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and the locus ceruleus (LC) before the test swim, and this increase was returned to control levels after the test swim in the CeA, but not in the LC. These results suggest common and distinct regulation of CART by desipramine and citalopram treatments in the FST and raise the possibility that CART in the AcbSh, dBNST, and CeA may be involved in antidepressant-like effect in the FST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Chung
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, 126-1, 5-ga, Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-705, Republic of Korea
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Palkovits M, Šebeková K, Klenovics KS, Kebis A, Fazeli G, Bahner U, Heidland A. Neuronal activation in the central nervous system of rats in the initial stage of chronic kidney disease-modulatory effects of losartan and moxonidine. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66543. [PMID: 23818940 PMCID: PMC3688530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of mild chronic renal failure (CRF) induced by 4/6-nephrectomy (4/6NX) on central neuronal activations was investigated by c-Fos immunohistochemistry staining and compared to sham-operated rats. In the 4/6 NX rats also the effect of the angiotensin receptor blocker, losartan, and the central sympatholyticum moxonidine was studied for two months. In serial brain sections Fos-immunoreactive neurons were localized and classified semiquantitatively. In 37 brain areas/nuclei several neurons with different functional properties were strongly affected in 4/6NX. It elicited a moderate to high Fos-activity in areas responsible for the monoaminergic innervation of the cerebral cortex, the limbic system, the thalamus and hypothalamus (e.g. noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus, serotonergic neurons in dorsal raphe, histaminergic neurons in the tuberomamillary nucleus). Other monoaminergic cell groups (A5 noradrenaline, C1 adrenaline, medullary raphe serotonin neurons) and neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (innervating the sympathetic preganglionic neurons and affecting the peripheral sympathetic outflow) did not show Fos-activity. Stress- and pain-sensitive cortical/subcortical areas, neurons in the limbic system, the hypothalamus and the circumventricular organs were also affected by 4/6NX. Administration of losartan and more strongly moxonidine modulated most effects and particularly inhibited Fos-activity in locus coeruleus neurons. In conclusion, 4/6NX elicits high activity in central sympathetic, stress- and pain-related brain areas as well as in the limbic system, which can be ameliorated by losartan and particularly by moxonidine. These changes indicate a high sensitivity of CNS in initial stages of CKD which could be causative in clinical disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miklós Palkovits
- Neuromorphological and Neuroendocrine Research Laboratory, Semmelweis University and the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katarína Šebeková
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Medical Faculty, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Anton Kebis
- Laboratory of Organ Perfusion of Slovak Center of Organ Transplantation, Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gholamreza Fazeli
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | | - August Heidland
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Wuerzburg and KfH-Kidney Centre, Wuerzburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Serova L, Tillinger A, Alaluf L, Laukova M, Keegan K, Sabban E. Single intranasal neuropeptide Y infusion attenuates development of PTSD-like symptoms to traumatic stress in rats. Neuroscience 2013; 236:298-312. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
When cellular reducing enzymes fail to shield the cell from increased amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress arises. The redox state is misbalanced, DNA and proteins are damaged and cellular transcription networks are activated. This condition can lead to the initiation and/or to the progression of atherosclerosis, tumors or pulmonary hypertension; diseases that are decisively furthered by the presence of oxidizing agents. Redox sensitive genes, like the zinc finger transcription factor early growth response 1 (Egr-1), play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of these diseases. Apart from inducing apoptosis, signaling partners like the MEK/ERK pathway or the protein kinase C (PKC) can activate salvage programs such as cell proliferation that do not ameliorate, but rather worsen their outcome. Here, we review the currently available data on Egr-1 related signal transduction cascades in response to oxidative stress in the progression of epidemiologically significant diseases. Knowing the molecular pathways behind the pathology will greatly enhance our ability to identify possible targets for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates tau phosphorylation in SK-N-SH induced by Aβ‐stimulated THP-1 supernatant and the involvement of p38 pathway activation. Life Sci 2012; 91:809-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2012.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2012] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 08/25/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Yu H, Watt H, Kesavan C, Johnson PJ, Wergedal JE, Mohan S. Lasting consequences of traumatic events on behavioral and skeletal parameters in a mouse model for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PLoS One 2012; 7:e42684. [PMID: 22927935 PMCID: PMC3425500 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 07/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that not only affects mental health, but may also affect bone health. However, there have been no studies to examine the direct relationship between PTSD and bone. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We employed electric shocks in mice to simulate traumatic events that cause PTSD. We also injected the anxiogenic drug FG-7142 prior to electric shocks. Electric shocks created lasting conditioned fear memory in all mice. In young mice, electric shocks elicited not only behavioral response but also skeletal response, and injection of FG-7142 appeared to increase both types of response. For example in behavioral response within the first week, mice shocked alone froze an average of 6.2 sec in 10 sec tests, and mice injected with FG-7142 froze 7.6 sec, both significantly different (P<0.05) from control mice, which only froze 1.3 sec. In skeletal response at week 2, shocks alone reduced 6% bone mineral content (BMC) in total body (P = 0.06), while shocks with FG-7142 injection reduced not only 11% BMC (P<0.05) but also 6% bone mineral density (BMD) (P<0.05). In addition, FG-7142 injection also caused significant reductions of BMC in specific bones such as femur, lumbar vertebra, and tibia at week 3. Strong negative correlations (R(2) = -0.56, P<0.05) and regression (y = 0.2527-0.0037 * x, P<0.01) between freezing behavior and total body BMC in young mice indicated that increased contextual PTSD-like behavior was associated with reduced bone mass acquisition. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE This is the first study to document evidence that traumatic events induce lasting consequences on both behavior and skeletal growth, and electric shocks coupled with injection of anxiogenic FG-7142 in young mice can be used as a model to study the effect of PTSD-like symptoms on bone development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongrun Yu
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Heather Watt
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Chandrasekhar Kesavan
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Patrick J. Johnson
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Jon E. Wergedal
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
| | - Subburaman Mohan
- Musculoskeletal Disease Center, Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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31
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Turdi S, Yuan M, Leedy GM, Wu Z, Ren J. Chronic social stress induces cardiomyocyte contractile dysfunction and intracellular Ca2+ derangement in rats. Physiol Behav 2011; 105:498-509. [PMID: 21952229 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2011.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2011] [Revised: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic psychosocial stress triggers cardiovascular diseases although underlying mechanisms are still elusive. This study examined the effect of social stress on cardiomyocyte contractile function and pathological changes in myocardium using the visible burrow system (VBS) model. Chronic social stress was induced using a mixed-sex VBS housing in adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Contractile and intracellular Ca(2+) properties were evaluated in isolated cardiomyocytes including peak shortening (PS), time-to-PS (TPS), time-to-90% relengthening (TR(90)), maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening (± dL/dt), Fura-2 fluorescence intensity, and intracellular Ca(2+) decay. Myocardial histology was evaluated using Masson trichrome staining. Social stress led to depressed PS, ± dL/dt, shortened TPS and prolonged TR(90) compared with the unstressed controls. Baseline and electrically-stimulated rise in Ca(2+) were reduced whereas intracellular Ca(2+) decay was delayed in stressed rats. Histological analyses exhibited overt interstitial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in stressed rats. The GSH/GSSG ratio (indicative of oxidative stress status) was reduced whereas oxidative protein carbonyl formation was elevated in stressed rats. Western blot analysis showed unchanged expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), β(1)-adrenoceptor (β(1)-AR) levels, reduced sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA2a) levels, and elevated phosphorylation of the stress signaling protein kinase JNK but not ERK in myocardium from stressed rats. Short-term in vitro treatment of cardiomyocytes with the stress inducer phenylephrine mimicked cell damage and intracellular Ca(2+) mishandling, the effects of which were mitigated by antioxidant, JNK inhibition, carvedilol and SERCA2a adenovirus. These findings indicate that chronic social stress is detrimental to cardiac structure and function possibly via mechanisms associated with oxidative injury and intracellular Ca(2+) mishandling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subat Turdi
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Cardiovascular Research and Alternative Medicine, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
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32
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Ong L, Guan L, Stutz B, Dickson P, Dunkley P, Bobrovskaya L. The effects of footshock and immobilization stress on tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation in the rat locus coeruleus and adrenal gland. Neuroscience 2011; 192:20-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.06.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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33
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Lenartowski R, Goc A. Epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of the tyrosine hydroxylase gene. Int J Dev Neurosci 2011; 29:873-83. [PMID: 21803145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2011.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, EC 1.14.16.2) gene and protein determines the catecholamine level, which, in turn, is crucial for the organism homeostasis. The TH gene expression is regulated by near all possible regulatory mechanisms on epigenetic, transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Ongoing molecular characteristic of the TH gene reveals some of the cis and trans elements necessary for its proper expression but most of them especially these responsible for tissue specific expression remain still obscure. This review will focus on some aspects of TH regulation including spatial chromatin organization of the TH locus and TH gene, regulatory elements mediating basal, induced and cell-specific activity, transcriptional elongation, alternative TH RNA processing, and the regulation of TH RNA stability in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lenartowski
- Nicolaus Copernicus University, Institute of General and Molecular Biology, Department of Genetics, Gagarina 9, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
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34
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Nabhen SL, Morales VP, Guil MJ, Höcht C, Bianciotti LG, Vatta MS. Mechanisms involved in the long-term modulation of tyrosine hydroxylase by endothelins in the olfactory bulb of normotensive rats. Neurochem Int 2010; 58:196-205. [PMID: 21129429 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2010.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 11/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The olfactory bulbs play a relevant role in the interaction between the animal and its environment. The existence of endothelin-1 and -3 in the rat olfactory bulbs suggests their role in the control of diverse functions regulated at this level. Tyrosine hydroxylase, a crucial enzyme in catecholamine biosynthesis, is tightly regulated by short- and long-term mechanisms. We have previously reported that in the olfactory bulbs endothelins participate in the short-term tyrosine hydroxylase regulation involving complex mechanisms. In the present work we studied the effect of long-term stimulation by endothelins on tyrosine hydroxylase in the rat olfactory bulbs. Our findings show that endothelin-1 and -3 modulated catecholaminergic transmission by increasing enzymatic activity. However, these peptides acted through different receptors and intracellular pathways. Endothelin-1 enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase activity through a super high affinity ET(A) receptor and cAMP/PKA and CaMK-II pathways, whereas, endothelin-3 through a super high affinity atypical receptor coupled to cAMP/PKA, PLC/PKC and CaMK-II pathways. Endothelins also increased tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA and the enzyme total level as well as the phosphorylation of Ser 19, 31 and 40 sites. Furthermore, both peptides stimulated dopamine turnover and reduced its endogenous content. These findings support that endothelins are involved in the long-term regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase, leading to an increase in the catecholaminergic activity which might be implicated in the development and/or maintenance of diverse pathologies involving the olfactory bulbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina L Nabhen
- Instituto de Química y Metabolismo del Fármaco-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (IQUIMEFA-CONICET), Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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35
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Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in descending pain modulatory system. JOURNAL OF SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION 2010; 2011:468061. [PMID: 21637376 PMCID: PMC3101953 DOI: 10.1155/2011/468061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The descending pain modulatory system is thought to undergo plastic changes following peripheral tissue injury and exerts bidirectional (facilitatory and inhibitory) influence on spinal nociceptive transmission. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) superfamily consists of four main members: the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), the p38 MAPKs, and the ERK5. MAPKs not only regulate cell proliferation and survival but also play important roles in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Recently, many studies have demonstrated that noxious stimuli activate MAPKs in several brain regions that are components of descending pain modulatory system. They are involved in pain perception and pain-related emotional responses. In addition, psychophysical stress also activates MAPKs in these brain structures. Greater appreciation of the convergence of mechanisms between noxious stimuli- and psychological stress-induced neuroplasticity is likely to lead to the identification of novel targets for a variety of pain syndromes.
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Kang S, Kim HJ, Kim HJ, Shin SK, Choi SH, Lee MS, Shin KH. Effects of reboxetine and citalopram pretreatment on changes in cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) expression in rat brain induced by the forced swimming test. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 647:110-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Revised: 07/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Briand LA, Blendy JA. Molecular and genetic substrates linking stress and addiction. Brain Res 2009; 1314:219-34. [PMID: 19900417 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2009] [Revised: 11/02/2009] [Accepted: 11/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Drug addiction is one of the top three health concerns in the United States in terms of economic and health care costs. Despite this, there are very few effective treatment options available. Therefore, understanding the causes and molecular mechanisms underlying the transition from casual drug use to compulsive drug addiction could aid in the development of treatment options. Studies in humans and animal models indicate that stress can lead to both vulnerability to develop addiction, and increased drug taking and relapse in addicted individuals. Exposure to stress or drugs of abuse results in long-term adaptations in the brain that are likely to involve persistent alterations in gene expression or activation of transcription factors, such as the cAMP Response Element Binding (CREB) protein. The signaling pathways controlled by CREB have been strongly implicated in drug addiction and stress. Many potential CREB target genes have been identified based on the presence of a CRE element in promoter DNA sequences. These include, but are not limited to CRF, BDNF, and dynorphin. These genes have been associated with initiation or reinstatement of drug reward and are altered in one direction or the other following stress. While many reviews have examined the interactions between stress and addiction, the goal of this review was to focus on specific molecules that play key roles in both stress and addiction and are therefore posed to mediate the interaction between the two. Focus on these molecules could provide us with new targets for pharmacological treatments for addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Briand
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, TRL, 125 South 31(st) Street, USA
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McDevitt RA, Szot P, Baratta MV, Bland ST, White SS, Maier SF, Neumaier JF. Stress-induced activity in the locus coeruleus is not sensitive to stressor controllability. Brain Res 2009; 1285:109-18. [PMID: 19524553 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2009] [Revised: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/04/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
An important factor in determining the adverse consequences of a stress experience is the degree to which an individual can exert control over the stressor. Stressor controllability is known to influence brain norepinephrine levels, but its impact on activity in noradrenergic cell bodies is unknown. In the present study we investigated whether noradrenergic neurons within the locus coeruleus (LC), the major source of forebrain norepinephrine, are sensitive to stressor controllability. We exposed adult male Sprague-Dawley rats to escapable or yoked inescapable tailshock and assessed LC activity by measuring changes in the immediate early gene c-fos and the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). We used in situ hybridization to measure levels of c-fos mRNA, TH mRNA, and TH primary transcript in the LC. In all three cases stress exposure increased expression relative to an unstressed homecage control group, but expression did not differ between controllable and uncontrollable stress. To further examine whether stressor controllability influences the number of stress-responsive LC neurons we performed double-label immunohistochemistry for TH and Fos. Again we detected an overall effect of stress, which did not differ between controllable and uncontrollable stress. We conclude that exposure to stress robustly increases expression of TH and c-fos in the LC, but this effect is not influenced by stressor controllability. To the extent that the expression of these genes reflects degree of neuronal activation, our results suggest that stress-induced activity of noradrenergic cell bodies in the LC is not sensitive to stressor controllability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross A McDevitt
- Graduate Program in Neurobiology and Behavior, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Choudhury BK, Shi XZ, Sarna SK. Norepinephrine mediates the transcriptional effects of heterotypic chronic stress on colonic motor function. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2009; 296:G1238-47. [PMID: 19359422 PMCID: PMC2697948 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.90712.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress precipitates or exacerbates the symptoms of functional bowel disorders, including motility dysfunction. The cellular mechanisms of these effects are not understood. We tested the hypothesis that heterotypic chronic stress (HeCS) elevates the release of norepinephrine from the adrenal medulla, which enhances transcription of the gene-regulating expression of Ca(v)1.2 (L-type) channels in colonic circular smooth muscle cells, resulting in enhanced colonic motor function. The experiments were performed in rats using a 9-day heterotypic chronic stress (HeCS) protocol. We found that HeCS, but not acute stress, time dependently enhances the contractile response to ACh in colonic circular smooth muscle strips and in single dissociated smooth muscle cells, the plasma levels of norepinephrine and the mRNA and protein expressions of the alpha(1C) subunit of Ca(v)1.2 channels. These effects result in faster colonic transit and increase in defecation rate. The effects of HeCS are blocked by adrenalectomy but not by depletion of norepinephrine in sympathetic neurons. The inhibition of receptors for glucocortocoids, corticotropin-releasing hormone or nicotine also does not block the effects of heterotypic chronic stress. Norepinephrine acts on alpha- and beta(3)-adrenergic receptors to induce the transcription of alpha(1C) subunit. We conclude that HeCS alters colonic motor function by elevating the plasma levels of norepinephrine. Colonic motor dysfunction is associated with enhanced gene transcription of Ca(v)1.2 channels in circular smooth muscle cells. These findings suggest the potential cellular mechanisms by which heterotypic chronic stress may exacerbate motility dysfunction in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylcholine/pharmacology
- Adrenal Glands/metabolism
- Adrenalectomy
- Adrenergic Antagonists/pharmacology
- Animals
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/genetics
- Calcium Channels, L-Type/metabolism
- Colon/drug effects
- Colon/metabolism
- Colon/physiopathology
- Corticosterone/antagonists & inhibitors
- Corticosterone/blood
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/antagonists & inhibitors
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/blood
- Defecation/physiology
- Gastrointestinal Motility/physiology
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- Gene Expression/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation/physiology
- Muscle Contraction/drug effects
- Muscle Contraction/physiology
- Muscle, Smooth/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth/physiopathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Norepinephrine/antagonists & inhibitors
- Norepinephrine/pharmacology
- Norepinephrine/physiology
- Potassium Chloride/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Stress, Psychological/blood
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/physiopathology
- Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Barun K Choudhury
- Div. of Gastroenterology, Dept. of Internal Medicine, The Univ. of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 8-104 Medical Research Bldg., Galveston, TX 77555-1083, USA
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40
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Kvetnansky R, Sabban EL, Palkovits M. Catecholaminergic systems in stress: structural and molecular genetic approaches. Physiol Rev 2009; 89:535-606. [PMID: 19342614 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 359] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Stressful stimuli evoke complex endocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses that are extremely variable and specific depending on the type and nature of the stressors. We first provide a short overview of physiology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics of sympatho-adrenomedullary, sympatho-neural, and brain catecholaminergic systems. Important processes of catecholamine biosynthesis, storage, release, secretion, uptake, reuptake, degradation, and transporters in acutely or chronically stressed organisms are described. We emphasize the structural variability of catecholamine systems and the molecular genetics of enzymes involved in biosynthesis and degradation of catecholamines and transporters. Characterization of enzyme gene promoters, transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms, transcription factors, gene expression and protein translation, as well as different phases of stress-activated transcription and quantitative determination of mRNA levels in stressed organisms are discussed. Data from catecholamine enzyme gene knockout mice are shown. Interaction of catecholaminergic systems with other neurotransmitter and hormonal systems are discussed. We describe the effects of homotypic and heterotypic stressors, adaptation and maladaptation of the organism, and the specificity of stressors (physical, emotional, metabolic, etc.) on activation of catecholaminergic systems at all levels from plasma catecholamines to gene expression of catecholamine enzymes. We also discuss cross-adaptation and the effect of novel heterotypic stressors on organisms adapted to long-term monotypic stressors. The extra-adrenal nonneuronal adrenergic system is described. Stress-related central neuronal regulatory circuits and central organization of responses to various stressors are presented with selected examples of regulatory molecular mechanisms. Data summarized here indicate that catecholaminergic systems are activated in different ways following exposure to distinct stressful stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Kvetnansky
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
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41
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Palkovits M, Sebekova K, Gallatz K, Boor P, Sebekova K, Klassen A, Bahner U, Heidland A. Neuronal activation in the CNS during different forms of acute renal failure in rats. Neuroscience 2009; 159:862-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.12.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2008] [Revised: 12/20/2008] [Accepted: 12/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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42
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Imbe H, Okamoto K, Donishi T, Kawai S, Enoki K, Senba E, Kimura A. Activation of ERK in the locus coeruleus following acute noxious stimulation. Brain Res 2009; 1263:50-7. [PMID: 19368817 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2008] [Revised: 12/30/2008] [Accepted: 01/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the locus coeruleus (LC) following injection of formalin or complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the rat hindpaw was examined in order to clarify the mechanisms underlying the dynamic changes in the descending pain modulatory system after acute noxious stimulation or chronic inflammation. In naive rats there were few phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase-immunoreactive (p-ERK-IR) neurons in the LC. Formalin-, CFA- and saline-injections induced an increase in p-ERK-IR in the LC. The number of p-ERK-IR neurons in the LC in the formalin group was significantly higher than those in all other groups from 5 min to 1 h after the injection (p<0.05). CFA injection induced only a transient significant increase in the number of p-ERK-IR neurons and there was no significant difference in the number of p-ERK-IR neurons between the CFA and saline groups. At 5 min after formalin injection, almost all p-ERK-IR neurons in the LC were tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) -positive. These findings suggest that activation of ERK in the LC is induced by acute noxious stimulation, such as formalin injection, but not by CFA-induced chronic inflammation. The activation of ERK in the LC may be involved in the plasticity of the descending pain modulatory systems following acute noxious stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Imbe
- Department of Physiology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama City, Japan.
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43
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Tank AW, Xu L, Chen X, Radcliffe P, Sterling CR. Post-transcriptional regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase expression in adrenal medulla and brain. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1148:238-48. [PMID: 19120116 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1410.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that long-term stress leads to induction of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA and TH protein in adrenal medulla and brain. This induction is usually associated with stimulation of the TH gene transcription rate. However, a number of studies have reported major discrepancies between the stress-induced changes in TH gene transcription, TH mRNA, and TH protein. These discrepancies suggest that post-transcriptional mechanisms also play an important role in regulating TH expression in response to stress and other stimuli. In this report, we summarize some of our findings and literature reports that demonstrate these discrepancies in adrenal medulla, locus ceruleus, and midbrain dopamine neurons. We then describe our recent work investigating the molecular mechanisms that mediate this post-transcriptional regulation in adrenal medulla and midbrain. Our results suggest that trans-acting factors binding to the polypyrimidine-rich region of the 3' untranslated region of TH mRNA play a role in these post-transcriptional mechanisms. A hypothetical cellular model describing this post-transcriptional regulation is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- A William Tank
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.
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44
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Pirnik Z, Bundzikova J, Bizik J, Hulin I, Kiss A, Mravec B. Activity of Brain Stem Groups of Catecholaminergic Cells in Tumor-Bearing Rats. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2008; 1148:141-7. [DOI: 10.1196/annals.1410.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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45
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Tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the locus coeruleus is elevated in violent suicidal depressive patients. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2008; 258:513-20. [PMID: 18574609 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-008-0825-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2008] [Accepted: 05/05/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Our postmortem study aimed to determine the impact of suicide on the number of noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC) in suicidal depressive patients. Noradrenergic neurons were shown by immunostaining tyrosine hydroxylase in the LC of 22 non-elderly patients with mood disorders compared to 21 age- and sex-matched normal controls. Eleven patients were suicide victims and the other eleven died of natural causes. Seven violent suicide victims revealed an increased number of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-ir) neurons compared with non-violent suicide victims and controls. No difference was found between the number of TH-ir neurons in all suicidal patients and controls and between non-suicidal patients and controls. The differences of TH-immunoreactivity could neither be attributed to medication nor to the polarity of depressive disorder (unipolar/bipolar). The numbers of TH-ir neurons in suicidal patients correlated negatively with the mean doses of antidepressants. The study suggested a presynaptic noradrenergic dysregulation in the LC related to the level of self-aggression. Traditional antidepressants may, therefore, regulate noradrenergic activity of the LC in suicide patients, however, without demonstrating the suicide-preventing effect.
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46
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Bernuci MP, Szawka RE, Helena CVV, Leite CM, Lara HE, Anselmo-Franci JA. Locus coeruleus mediates cold stress-induced polycystic ovary in rats. Endocrinology 2008; 149:2907-16. [PMID: 18308852 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Previous reports about the rat ovary have shown that cold stress promotes ovarian morphological alterations related to a polycystic ovary (PCO) condition through activation of the ovarian sympathetic nerves. Because the noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) is activated by cold stress and synaptically connected to the preganglionic cell bodies of the ovarian sympathetic pathway, this study aimed to evaluate the LC's role in cold stress-induced PCO in rats. Ovarian morphology and endocrine and sympathetic functions were evaluated after 8 wk of chronic intermittent cold stress (4 C, 3 h/d) in rats with or without LC lesion. The effect of acute and chronic cold stress upon the LC neuron activity was confirmed by Fos protein expression in tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons. Cold stress induced the formation of follicular cysts, type III follicles, and follicles with hyperthecosis alongside increased plasma estradiol and testosterone levels, irregular estrous cyclicity, and reduced ovulation. Considering estradiol release in vitro, cold stress potentiated the ovarian response to human chorionic gonadotropin. Ovarian norepinephrine (NE) was not altered after 8 wk of stress. However, LC lesion reduced NE activity in the ovary of cold-stressed rats, but not in controls, and prevented all the cold stress effects evaluated. Cold stress increased the number of Fos/tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the LC, but this effect was more pronounced for acute stress as compared with chronic stress. These results show that cold stress promotes PCO in rats, which apparently depends on ovarian NE activity that, under this condition, is regulated by the noradrenergic nucleus LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo P Bernuci
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, 14049-900 São Paulo, Brasil
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47
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Kwon B, Goltz M, Houpt TA. Expression of AP-1 family transcription factors in the amygdala during conditioned taste aversion learning: role for Fra-2. Brain Res 2008; 1207:128-41. [PMID: 18374904 PMCID: PMC2756721 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.01.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2007] [Revised: 01/22/2008] [Accepted: 01/28/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) learning occurs after the pairing of a novel taste with a toxin (e.g. sucrose with LiCl). The immediate early gene c-Fos is necessary for CTA learning, but c-Fos alone cannot be sufficient for consolidation. The expression of other AP-1 proteins from the Fos- and Jun-families may also be required shortly after conditioning for CTA consolidation. To screen for the expression of AP-1 transcription factors within small subregions, RT-PCR analysis was used after laser capture microdissection of the amygdala. Rats were infused intraorally with 5% sucrose (6 ml/6 min) or injected with LiCl (12 ml/kg, 0.15 M, i.p.) or given sucrose paired with LiCl (sucrose/LiCl), or not treated; 1 h later their brains were dissected. The lateral (LA), basolateral (BLA), and central (CeA) subnuclei of the amgydala of single 5 microm sections from individual rats were dissected using the Arcturus PixCell II system. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR showed the consistent presence of c-Fos, Fra-2, c-Jun, and JunD in the amygdala. In situ hybridization confirmed that c-Fos and Fra-2 mRNA expression was increased in the CeA after LiCl and sucrose/LiCl treatment. Immunohistochemistry for Fra-2 revealed high baseline levels of Fra-2 protein in the BLA and CeA, but also an increase in Fra-2 in the BLA and CeA after LiCl and sucrose/LiCl treatment. The similarity of response in LiCl and sucrose/LiCl treated groups might reflect activation by LiCl in both groups. To control for the effects of LiCl, rats were tested in a learned safety experiment. Fra-2 and c-Fos were examined in response to sucrose/LiCl in rats with prior familiarity with sucrose compared to rats without prior exposure to sucrose. The familiar (pre-exposure) group showed a significantly decreased number of Fra-2-positive cells compared with the novel group in the BLA, but not in the CeA. Because pre-exposure to sucrose attenuates CTA learning, a decreased cellular response in pre-exposed rats suggests a specific correlation with CTA learning. Changes in Fra-2 and c-Fos expression in the BLA and CeA at the time of conditioning, together with constitutive expression of c-Jun and JunD, may contribute to CTA learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bumsup Kwon
- Department of Biological Science and Program in Neuroscience, The Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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48
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Regulation of rat dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene transcription by early growth response gene 1 (Egr1). Brain Res 2007; 1193:1-11. [PMID: 18190898 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2007] [Revised: 10/30/2007] [Accepted: 11/26/2007] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Egr1, a transcription factor rapidly induced by various stimuli including stress, can elevate transcription of genes for the catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes TH and PNMT. To examine if Egr1 also regulates dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) gene expression, PC12 cells were transfected with expression vector for full length or truncated inactive Egr1 and various DBH promoter-driven luciferase constructs. While Egr1 elevated TH promoter activity, DBH promoter activity was reduced. The reduction occurred as early as 4 h and reached maximal inhibition 16-40 h after transfection. Egr1 also reduced the expression of endogenous DBH mRNA and the induction of DBH promoter activity by cAMP. These effects were not observed with truncated Egr1 lacking the DNA binding domain. The first 247, but not 200, nucleotides of DBH promoter are sufficient for this suppression. Several putative Egr1 motifs were identified, and mutagenesis showed that the motif at -227/-224 is required. Binding of Egr1 to this region of the DBH promoter was verified by chromatin immunoprecipitation and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. This study demonstrates that DBH promoter contains at least one functional Egr1 motif; and indicates, for the first time, that Egr1 can play an inhibitory role in regulation of DBH gene transcription.
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49
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Stress-induced p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation mediates kappa-opioid-dependent dysphoria. J Neurosci 2007; 27:11614-23. [PMID: 17959804 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3769-07.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms mediating stress-induced dysphoria in humans and conditioned place aversion in rodents are unknown. Here, we show that repeated swim stress caused activation of both kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) coexpressed in GABAergic neurons in the nucleus accumbens, cortex, and hippocampus. Sites of activation were visualized using phosphoselective antibodies against activated kappa receptors (KOR-P) and against phospho-p38 MAPK. Surprisingly, the increase in P-p38-IR caused by swim-stress exposure was completely KOR dependent; P-p38-IR did not increase in KOR(-/-) knock-out mice subjected to the same swim-paradigm or in wild-type mice pretreated with the KOR antagonist norbinaltorphimine. To understand the relationship between p38 activation and the behavioral effects after KOR activation, we administered the p38 inhibitor SB203580 [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-imidazole (i.c.v.)] and found that it selectively blocked the conditioned place aversion caused by the kappa agonist trans-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-[2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)cyclohexyl]-benzeneacetamide (U50488) and the KOR-dependent swim stress-induced immobility while not affecting kappa-opioid analgesia or nonselectively affecting associative learning. We found that the mechanism linking KOR and p38 activation in vivo was consistent with our previous in vitro data suggesting that beta-arrestin recruitment is required; mice lacking G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 3 also failed to increase p-p38-IR after KOR activation in vivo, failed to show swim stress-induced immobility, or develop conditioned place aversion to U50488. Our results indicate that activation of p38 MAPK signaling by the endogenous dynorphin-kappa-opioid system likely constitutes a key component of the molecular mechanisms mediating the aversive properties of stress.
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Weinberg MS, Girotti M, Spencer RL. Restraint-induced fra-2 and c-fos expression in the rat forebrain: relationship to stress duration. Neuroscience 2007; 150:478-86. [PMID: 17936518 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2007] [Revised: 08/21/2007] [Accepted: 09/12/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The protein product of the fra-2 gene (Fra-2), a fos-family member, can compete with Fos protein for participation in activating protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor complexes and each protein can contribute different transactivational consequences to an AP-1 complex. To date, there is limited characterization of fra-2 mRNA expression in the rat forebrain. We examined basal and restraint-induced mRNA expression (in situ hybridization) of fra-2 in the rat forebrain and compared its temporal-spatial pattern to c-fos. In contrast to the very low basal expression of c-fos, fra-2 basal expression was moderately high throughout cortex and some subcortical structures, including prominent basal expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Restraint-induced fra-2 expression was quantified in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), lateral septum (LS) and PVN. Maximal fra-2 gene induction in the PFC and LS was delayed (60 min) after restraint onset with respect to c-fos (15 min), whereas in the PVN, fra-2 mRNA increased within 15 min of restraint. Additionally we compared c-fos and fra-2 gene expression in rats given shorter or longer restraint durations, but equal total time from stress onset to sample collection, to determine the extent to which the kinetics of gene induction matched that of a hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormone response. Rats given 45 min recovery after 15 min restraint showed less c-fos expression in the PVN, less fra-2 expression in the prelimbic and infralimbic PFC, and no difference in the LS compared with rats restrained for 60 min. Thus, the expression of both genes was sensitive to stressor duration, but this sensitivity varied with brain region. Differential basal and stress-induced expression patterns of the fra-2 and c-fos genes are likely to have important functional consequences for AP-1 transcription factor dependent regulation of neural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Weinberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Colorado at Boulder, 345 UCB, Muenzinger D244, Boulder, CO 80303, USA.
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