1
|
Vassal M, Martins F, Monteiro B, Tambaro S, Martinez-Murillo R, Rebelo S. Emerging Pro-neurogenic Therapeutic Strategies for Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review of Pre-clinical and Clinical Research. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04246-w. [PMID: 38816676 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04246-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The neuroscience community has largely accepted the notion that functional neurons can be generated from neural stem cells in the adult brain, especially in two brain regions: the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. However, impaired neurogenesis has been observed in some neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, and also in Lewy Body dementia. Therefore, restoration of neurogenic function in neurodegenerative diseases emerges as a potential therapeutic strategy to counteract, or at least delay, disease progression. Considering this, the present study summarizes the different neuronal niches, provides a collection of the therapeutic potential of different pro-neurogenic strategies in pre-clinical and clinical research, providing details about their possible modes of action, to guide future research and clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Vassal
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Filipa Martins
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Bruno Monteiro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Simone Tambaro
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Neurogeriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Ricardo Martinez-Murillo
- Neurovascular Research Group, Department of Translational Neurobiology, Cajal Institute (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Rebelo
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang L, Verwer RWH, van Heerikhuize J, Lucassen PJ, Nathanielsz PW, Hol EM, Aronica E, Dhillo WS, Meynen G, Swaab DF. Progesterone receptor distribution in the human hypothalamus and its association with suicide. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2024; 12:16. [PMID: 38263257 PMCID: PMC10807127 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-024-01733-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The human hypothalamus modulates mental health by balancing interactions between hormonal fluctuations and stress responses. Stress-induced progesterone release activates progesterone receptors (PR) in the human brain and triggers alterations in neuropeptides/neurotransmitters. As recent epidemiological studies have associated peripheral progesterone levels with suicide risks in humans, we mapped PR distribution in the human hypothalamus in relation to age and sex and characterized its (co-) expression in specific cell types. The infundibular nucleus (INF) appeared to be the primary hypothalamic structure via which progesterone modulates stress-related neural circuitry. An elevation of the number of pro-opiomelanocortin+ (POMC, an endogenous opioid precursor) neurons in the INF, which was due to a high proportion of POMC+ neurons that co-expressed PR, was related to suicide in patients with mood disorders (MD). MD donors who died of legal euthanasia were for the first time enrolled in a postmortem study to investigate the molecular signatures related to fatal suicidal ideations. They had a higher proportion of PR co-expressing POMC+ neurons than MD patients who died naturally. This indicates that the onset of endogenous opioid activation in MD with suicide tendency may be progesterone-associated. Our findings may have implications for users of progesterone-enriched contraceptives who also have MD and suicidal tendencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhang
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Lab, Neuroimmunology Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald W H Verwer
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Lab, Neuroimmunology Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joop van Heerikhuize
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Lab, Neuroimmunology Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter W Nathanielsz
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Wyoming, Laramie, USA
| | - Elly M Hol
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, UMC Utrecht Brain Centre, University Medical Centre Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro) Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gerben Meynen
- Faculty of Humanities, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Willem Pompe Institute for Criminal Law and Criminology and Utrecht Centre for Accountability and Liability Law (UCALL), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dick F Swaab
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Lab, Neuroimmunology Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Dept. Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Amsterdam, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yagi S, Lieblich SE, Galea LAM. High estradiol reduces adult neurogenesis but strengthens functional connectivity within the hippocampus during spatial pattern separation in adult female rats. Horm Behav 2023; 155:105409. [PMID: 37567060 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus plays an important role for pattern separation, the process of separating similar inputs and forming distinct neural representations. Estradiol modulates neurogenesis and hippocampus function, but to date no examination of estradiol's effects on pattern separation have been conducted. Here, we examined estrogenic regulation of adult neurogenesis and functional connectivity in the hippocampus after the spatial pattern separation task in female rats. Ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats received daily injections of vehicle, 0.32 μg (Low) or 5 μg (High) of estradiol benzoate until the end of experiment. A single bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) was injected one day after initiation of hormone or vehicle treatment and rats were tested in the delayed nonmatching to position spatial pattern separation task in the 8-arm radial maze for 12 days beginning two weeks after BrdU injection. Rats were perfused 90 min after the final trial and brain sections were immunohistochemically stained for BrdU/neuronal nuclei (NeuN) (new neurons), Ki67 (cell proliferation), and the immediate early gene, zif268 (activation). Results showed that high, but not low, estradiol reduced the density of BrdU/NeuN-ir cells and had significant inter-regional correlations of zif268-ir cell density in the hippocampus following pattern separation. Estradiol treatment did not influence pattern separation performance or strategy use. These results show that higher doses of estradiol can reduce neurogenesis but at the same time increases correlations of activity of neurons within the hippocampus during spatial pattern separation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Yagi
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Liisa A M Galea
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Djavad Mowifaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Pletzer B, Winkler-Crepaz K, Hillerer K. Progesterone and contraceptive progestin actions on the brain: A systematic review of animal studies and comparison to human neuroimaging studies. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 69:101060. [PMID: 36758768 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
In this review we systematically summarize the effects of progesterone and synthetic progestins on neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, myelination and six neurotransmitter systems. Several parallels between progesterone and older generation progestin actions emerged, suggesting actions via progesterone receptors. However, existing results suggest a general lack of knowledge regarding the effects of currently used progestins in hormonal contraception regarding these cellular and molecular brain parameters. Human neuroimaging studies were reviewed with a focus on randomized placebo-controlled trials and cross-sectional studies controlling for progestin type. The prefrontal cortex, amygdala, salience network and hippocampus were identified as regions of interest for future preclinical studies. This review proposes a series of experiments to elucidate the cellular and molecular actions of contraceptive progestins in these areas and link these actions to behavioral markers of emotional and cognitive functioning. Emotional effects of contraceptive progestins appear to be related to 1) alterations in the serotonergic system, 2) direct/indirect modulations of inhibitory GABA-ergic signalling via effects on the allopregnanolone content of the brain, which differ between androgenic and anti-androgenic progestins. Cognitive effects of combined oral contraceptives appear to depend on the ethinylestradiol dose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology & Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Paris-Lodron-University Salzburg, Salzburg Austria.
| | | | - Katharina Hillerer
- Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Private Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ozgocer T, Ucar C, Yildiz S. Daily cortisol awakening response and menstrual symptoms in young females. Stress Health 2022; 38:57-68. [PMID: 34137165 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Menstrual symptoms include some rhythmical changes and stress perception but women differ in duration and severity of these symptoms. It is not known whether these differences are associated with cortisol awakening response (CAR). The aim of the current study was to follow young women daily for the CAR and menstrual parameters throughout the whole menstrual cycle. Healthy and regularly cycling young women (n = 16, 17 to 31-year-old) participated in the current study. The daily records of severity of problems (DRSP) was filled in daily by the participants. CAR was also assessed daily form the salivary samples collected at a 0-, 15-, 30- and 60-min post-awakening. In terms of daily awakening cortisol profiles, women had either 2-20 (n = 3), or 20-200 (n = 8) or 200-2000 (n = 5) ng/ml cortisol according to the median levels throughout their cycle. CAR was weakly and negatively correlated with DRSP scores but strongly and positively with oestradiol (R2 = 0.300; p = 0.000) and progesterone (R2 = 0.490; p = 0.000) concentrations. Individuals with higher oestradiol and progesterone concentrations did not have high DRSP scores. In conclusion, CAR had a very high between-subject difference but had a low within-subject difference throughout the days of menstrual cycle, suggesting that CAR is a relatively stable personal trait. Moreover, the interplay between cortisol, progesterone and oestradiol appears to be important for the severity of menstrual symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Ozgocer
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Harran, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - Cihat Ucar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Adıyaman, Adıyaman, Turkey
| | - Sedat Yildiz
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Inonu, Malatya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Moreira Andraschko M, de Carvalho MT, Cardoso Martins Pires H, de Deus HD, Martí Castelló C, de Menezes LB, Brolo Martins D, Pacheco Miguel M. Melatonin attenuates glucocorticoid effect induced by medroxyprogesterone acetate in rats. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 316:113959. [PMID: 34861281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) acts on glucocorticoid receptors and, when it is in excess, can cause clinical disorders comparable to hyperadrenocorticism. Melatonin (MEL) is a hormone with potent antioxidant and anti-glucocorticoid activity and it can be beneficial in the excessive activation of glucocorticoid receptors. To evaluate the protective effects of MEL on the glucocorticoid effect of MPA, 34 male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups: CON (control), MEL, MPA, and MPA + MEL. The animals were treated for 28 days, by subcutaneous injection. At the high dose that we used, the MPA caused effects compatible with an excessive activation of glucocorticoid receptors, resulting on a reduction in adrenal size, less weight gain, lower final body weight and feeding efficiency, and fewer lymphocytes compared with the control group. In addition, there was an increase in abdominal fat, cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), triglycerides, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and hepatic vacuolization. We concluded that MEL was effective reducing the mean values of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), urea, VLDL, triglycerides, hepatic microvacuolization and abdominal fat/weight in rats treated with MPA. These findings indicate that MEL attenuates the harmful effects of MPA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mara Taís de Carvalho
- Mestre e Pós-graduanda em Ciência Animal, Nível doutorado, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carla Martí Castelló
- Mestre e Pós-graduanda em Ciência Animal, Nível doutorado, Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
| | - Liliana Borges de Menezes
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciência Animal da Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia e Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
| | - Danieli Brolo Martins
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciência Animal da Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil
| | - Marina Pacheco Miguel
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ciência Animal da Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia e Instituto de Patologia Tropical e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Noorjahan N, Cattini PA. Neurogenesis in the Maternal Rodent Brain: Impacts of Gestation-Related Hormonal Regulation, Stress, and Obesity. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:702-722. [PMID: 34510034 DOI: 10.1159/000519415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In order to maintain maternal behavior, it is important that the maternal rodent brain promotes neurogenesis. Maternal neurogenesis is altered by the dynamic shifts in reproductive hormone levels during pregnancy. Thus, lifestyle events such as gestational stress and obesity that can affect hormone production will affect neuroendocrine control of maternal neurogenesis. However, there is a lack of information about the regulation of maternal neurogenesis by placental hormones, which are key components of the reproductive hormonal profile during pregnancy. There is also little known about how maternal neurogenesis can be affected by health concerns such as gestational stress and obesity, and its relationship to peripartum mental health disorders. This review summarizes the changing levels of neurogenesis in mice and rats during gestation and postpartum as well as regulation of neurogenesis by pregnancy-related hormones. The influence of neurogenesis on maternal behavior is also discussed while bringing attention to the effect of health-related concerns during gestation, such as stress and obesity on neuroendocrine control of maternal neurogenesis. In doing so, this review identifies the gaps in the literature and specifically emphasizes the importance of further research on maternal brain physiology to address them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noshin Noorjahan
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Peter A Cattini
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hodges TE, Puri TA, Blankers SA, Qiu W, Galea LAM. Steroid hormones and hippocampal neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2021; 118:129-170. [PMID: 35180925 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Hippocampal neurogenesis persists across the lifespan in many species, including rodents and humans, and is associated with cognitive performance and the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disease and psychiatric disorders. Neurogenesis is modulated by steroid hormones that change across development and differ between the sexes in rodents and humans. Here, we discuss the effects of stress and glucocorticoid exposure from gestation to adulthood as well as the effects of androgens and estrogens in adulthood on neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Throughout the review we highlight sex differences in the effects of steroid hormones on neurogenesis and how they may relate to hippocampal function and disease. These data highlight the importance of examining age and sex when evaluating the effects of steroid hormones on hippocampal neurogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Travis E Hodges
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tanvi A Puri
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Samantha A Blankers
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wansu Qiu
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wan L, Huang RJ, Luo ZH, Gong JE, Pan A, Manavis J, Yan XX, Xiao B. Reproduction-Associated Hormones and Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:3651735. [PMID: 34539776 PMCID: PMC8448607 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3651735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The levels of reproduction-associated hormones in females, such as estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, and oxytocin, change dramatically during pregnancy and postpartum. Reproduction-associated hormones can affect adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), thereby regulating mothers' behavior after delivery. In this review, we first briefly introduce the overall functional significance of AHN and the methods commonly used to explore this front. Then, we attempt to reconcile the changes of reproduction-associated hormones during pregnancy. We further update the findings on how reproduction-related hormones influence adult hippocampal neurogenesis. This review is aimed at emphasizing a potential role of AHN in reproduction-related brain plasticity and its neurobiological relevance to motherhood behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lily Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Rou-Jie Huang
- Medical Doctor Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jiao-e Gong
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Aihua Pan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Jim Manavis
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia 5000
| | - Xiao-Xin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Alshammari TK. Sexual dimorphism in pre-clinical studies of depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 105:110120. [PMID: 33002519 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although there is a sex bias in the pathological mechanisms exhibited by brain disorders, investigation of the female brain in biomedical science has long been neglected. Use of the male model has generally been the preferred option as the female animal model exhibits both biological variability and hormonal fluctuations. Existing studies that compare behavioral and/or molecular alterations in animal models of brain diseases are generally underrepresented, and most utilize the male model. Nevertheless, in recent years there has been a trend toward the increased inclusion of females in brain studies. However, current knowledge regarding sex-based differences in depression and stress-related disorders is limited. This can be improved by reviewing preclinical studies that highlight sex differences in depression. This paper therefore presents a review of sex-based preclinical studies of depression. These shed light on the discrepancies between males and females regarding the biological mechanisms that underpin mechanistic alterations in the diseased brain. This review also highlights the conclusions drawn by preclinical studies to advance our understanding of mood disorders, encouraging researchers to promote ways of investigating and managing sexually dimorphic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tahani K Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacy College, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia; Prince Naïf Bin Abdul-Aziz Health Research Center, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Trova S, Bovetti S, Pellegrino G, Bonzano S, Giacobini P, Peretto P. HPG-Dependent Peri-Pubertal Regulation of Adult Neurogenesis in Mice. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:584493. [PMID: 33328903 PMCID: PMC7732626 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.584493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis, a striking form of neural plasticity, is involved in the modulation of social stimuli driving reproduction. Previous studies on adult neurogenesis have shown that this process is significantly modulated around puberty in female mice. Puberty is a critical developmental period triggered by increased secretion of the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), which controls the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG). Secretion of HPG-axis factors at puberty participates to the refinement of neural circuits that govern reproduction. Here, by exploiting a transgenic GnRH deficient mouse model, that progressively loses GnRH expression during postnatal development (GnRH::Cre;Dicer loxP/loxP mice), we found that a postnatally-acquired dysfunction in the GnRH system affects adult neurogenesis selectively in the subventricular-zone neurogenic niche in a sexually dimorphic way. Moreover, by examining adult females ovariectomized before the onset of puberty, we provide important evidence that, among the HPG-axis secreting factors, the circulating levels of gonadal hormones during pre-/peri-pubertal life contribute to set-up the proper adult subventricular zone-olfactory bulb neurogenic system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Trova
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy.,Univ.Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Laboratory of the Development and Plasticity of Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille, France
| | - Serena Bovetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Giuliana Pellegrino
- Univ.Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Laboratory of the Development and Plasticity of Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille, France
| | - Sara Bonzano
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Univ.Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1172 - LilNCog - Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, Laboratory of the Development and Plasticity of Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille, France
| | - Paolo Peretto
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jorgensen C, Wang Z. Hormonal Regulation of Mammalian Adult Neurogenesis: A Multifaceted Mechanism. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10081151. [PMID: 32781670 PMCID: PMC7465680 DOI: 10.3390/biom10081151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis—resulting in adult-generated functioning, integrated neurons—is still one of the most captivating research areas of neuroplasticity. The addition of new neurons in adulthood follows a seemingly consistent multi-step process. These neurogenic stages include proliferation, differentiation, migration, maturation/survival, and integration of new neurons into the existing neuronal network. Most studies assessing the impact of exogenous (e.g., restraint stress) or endogenous (e.g., neurotrophins) factors on adult neurogenesis have focused on proliferation, survival, and neuronal differentiation. This review will discuss the multifaceted impact of hormones on these various stages of adult neurogenesis. Specifically, we will review the evidence for hormonal facilitation (via gonadal hormones), inhibition (via glucocorticoids), and neuroprotection (via recruitment of other neurochemicals such as neurotrophin and neuromodulators) on newly adult-generated neurons in the mammalian brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Jorgensen
- Behavioral Science Department, Utah Valley University, Orem, UT 84058, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Psychology Department and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Eid RS, Lieblich SE, Duarte-Guterman P, Chaiton JA, Mah AG, Wong SJ, Wen Y, Galea LAM. Selective activation of estrogen receptors α and β: Implications for depressive-like phenotypes in female mice exposed to chronic unpredictable stress. Horm Behav 2020; 119:104651. [PMID: 31790664 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The estrogen receptor (ER) mechanisms by which 17β-estradiol influences depressive-like behaviour have primarily been investigated acutely and not within an animal model of depression. Therefore, the current study aimed to dissect the contribution of ERα and ERβ to the effects of 17β-estradiol under non-stress and chronic stress conditions. Ovariectomized (OVX) or sham-operated mice were treated chronically (47 days) with 17β-estradiol (E2), the ERβ agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN), the ERα agonist propylpyrazole-triol (PPT), or vehicle. On day 15 of treatment, mice from each group were assigned to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS; 28 days) or non-CUS conditions. Mice were assessed for anxiety- and depressive-like behaviour and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. Cytokine and chemokine levels, and postsynaptic density protein 95 were measured in the hippocampus and frontal cortex, and adult hippocampal neurogenesis was assessed. Overall, the effects of CUS were more robust that those of estrogenic treatments, as seen by increased immobility in the tail suspension test (TST), reduced PSD-95 expression, reduced neurogenesis in the ventral hippocampus, and HPA axis negative feedback dysregulation. However, we also observe CUS-dependent and -independent effects of ovarian status and estrogenic treatments. The effects of CUS on PSD-95 expression, the cytokine milieu, and in TST were largely driven by PPT and DPN, indicating that these treatments were not protective. Independent of CUS, estradiol increased neurogenesis in the dorsal hippocampus, blunted the corticosterone response to an acute stressor, and increased anxiety-like behaviour. These findings provide insights into the complexities of estrogen signaling in modulating depressive-like phenotypes under non-stress and chronic stress conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rand S Eid
- Graduate program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stephanie E Lieblich
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paula Duarte-Guterman
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jessica A Chaiton
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Amanda G Mah
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah J Wong
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yanhua Wen
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Graduate program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Williamson TT, Zhu X, Pineros J, Ding B, Frisina RD. Understanding hormone and hormone therapies' impact on the auditory system. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:1721-1730. [PMID: 32026519 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and aldosterone all demonstrate vital roles in sustaining auditory function through either the maintenance of cochlear neurons, up/down regulation of critical molecules (i.e., IGF-1, BDNF, etc.), or generation of the endocochlear potential. With disease and/or age, hormone expression begins to decline drastically, which ultimately affects cochlear structures and the integrity of cochlear cells. The following review explores the latest findings as well as realistic outcomes for hormone therapy treatment in the auditory system. This information could serve as a potential guide for patients considering hormone therapy as a medicinal choice to alleviate the signs of onset of presbycusis-age-related hearing loss. Additional scientific investigations could also be carried out to further enhance recent findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanika T Williamson
- Department of Medical Engineering, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Department of Medical Engineering, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer Pineros
- Department of Medical Engineering, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Bo Ding
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Robert D Frisina
- Department of Medical Engineering, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Spritzer MD, Roy EA. Testosterone and Adult Neurogenesis. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020225. [PMID: 32028656 PMCID: PMC7072323 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well established that neurogenesis occurs throughout adulthood in select brain regions, but the functional significance of adult neurogenesis remains unclear. There is considerable evidence that steroid hormones modulate various stages of adult neurogenesis, and this review provides a focused summary of the effects of testosterone on adult neurogenesis. Initial evidence came from field studies with birds and wild rodent populations. Subsequent experiments with laboratory rodents have tested the effects of testosterone and its steroid metabolites upon adult neurogenesis, as well as the functional consequences of induced changes in neurogenesis. These experiments have provided clear evidence that testosterone increases adult neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus through an androgen-dependent pathway. Most evidence indicates that androgens selectively enhance the survival of newly generated neurons, while having little effect on cell proliferation. Whether this is a result of androgens acting directly on receptors of new neurons remains unclear, and indirect routes involving brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoids may be involved. In vitro experiments suggest that testosterone has broad-ranging neuroprotective effects, which will be briefly reviewed. A better understanding of the effects of testosterone upon adult neurogenesis could shed light on neurological diseases that show sex differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Spritzer
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 802-443-5676
| | - Ethan A. Roy
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lathe R, Singadia S, Jordan C, Riedel G. The interoceptive hippocampus: Mouse brain endocrine receptor expression highlights a dentate gyrus (DG)-cornu ammonis (CA) challenge-sufficiency axis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227575. [PMID: 31940330 PMCID: PMC6961916 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The primeval function of the mammalian hippocampus (HPC) remains uncertain. Implicated in learning and memory, spatial navigation, and neuropsychological disorders, evolutionary theory suggests that the HPC evolved from a primeval chemosensory epithelium. Deficits in sensing of internal body status ('interoception') in patients with HPC lesions argue that internal sensing may be conserved in higher vertebrates. We studied the expression patterns in mouse brain of 250 endocrine receptors that respond to blood-borne ligands. Key findings are (i) the proportions and levels of endocrine receptor expression in the HPC are significantly higher than in all other comparable brain regions. (ii) Surprisingly, the distribution of endocrine receptor expression within mouse HPC was found to be highly structured: receptors signaling 'challenge' are segregated in dentate gyrus (DG), whereas those signaling 'sufficiency' are principally found in cornu ammonis (CA) regions. Selective expression of endocrine receptors in the HPC argues that interoception remains a core feature of hippocampal function. Further, we report that ligands of DG receptors predominantly inhibit both synaptic potentiation and neurogenesis, whereas CA receptor ligands conversely promote both synaptic potentiation and neurogenesis. These findings suggest that the hippocampus acts as an integrator of body status, extending its role in context-dependent memory encoding from 'where' and 'when' to 'how I feel'. Implications for anxiety and depression are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Lathe
- Division of Infection Medicine, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Little France, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (RL); (GR)
| | - Sheena Singadia
- Division of Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Crispin Jordan
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh Medical School, George Square, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Gernot Riedel
- Division of Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (RL); (GR)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Prolactin, Estradiol and Testosterone Differentially Impact Human Hippocampal Neurogenesis in an In Vitro Model. Neuroscience 2020; 454:15-39. [PMID: 31930958 PMCID: PMC7839971 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Human hippocampal progenitor cells (HPCs) and tissue express classical sex hormone receptors. Prolactin does not impact human HPCs maintained in a proliferative state. Prolactin increases neuronal differentiation of human HPCs only in the short term. Estradiol and testosterone both increase the cell density of proliferating HPCs. Estradiol and testosterone have no observed effect on differentiating HPCs.
Previous studies have indicated that sex hormones such as prolactin, estradiol and testosterone may play a role in the modulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) in rodents and non-human primates, but so far there has been no investigation of their impact on human hippocampal neurogenesis. Here, we quantify the expression levels of the relevant receptors in human post-mortem hippocampal tissue and a human hippocampal progenitor cell (HPC) line. Secondly, we investigate how these hormones modulate hippocampal neurogenesis using a human in vitro cellular model. Human female HPCs were cultured with biologically relevant concentrations of either prolactin, estradiol or testosterone. Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, immunocytochemistry (ICC) and high-throughput analyses were used to quantify markers determining cell fate after HPCs were either maintained in a proliferative state or allowed to differentiate in the presence of these hormones. In proliferating cells, estrogen and testosterone increased cell density but had no clear effect on markers of proliferation or cell death to account for this. In differentiating cells, a 3-day treatment of prolactin elicited a transient effect, whereby it increased the proportion of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2)-positive and Doublecortin (DCX)-positive cells, but this effect was not apparent after 7-days. At this timepoint we instead observe a decrease in proliferation. Overall, our study demonstrates relatively minor, and possibly short-term effects of sex hormones on hippocampal neurogenesis in human cells. Further work will be needed to understand if our results differ to previous animal research due to species-specific differences, or whether it relates to limitations of our in vitro model.
Collapse
|
18
|
Hillerer KM, Slattery DA, Pletzer B. Neurobiological mechanisms underlying sex-related differences in stress-related disorders: Effects of neuroactive steroids on the hippocampus. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100796. [PMID: 31580837 PMCID: PMC7115954 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Men and women differ in their vulnerability to a variety of stress-related illnesses, but the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are not well understood. This is likely due to a comparative dearth of neurobiological studies that assess male and female rodents at the same time, while human neuroimaging studies often don't model sex as a variable of interest. These sex differences are often attributed to the actions of sex hormones, i.e. estrogens, progestogens and androgens. In this review, we summarize the results on sex hormone actions in the hippocampus and seek to bridge the gap between animal models and findings in humans. However, while effects of sex hormones on the hippocampus are largely consistent in animals and humans, methodological differences challenge the comparability of animal and human studies on stress effects. We summarise our current understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie sex-related differences in behavior and discuss implications for stress-related illnesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M Hillerer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Salzburger Landeskrankenhaus (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), Clinical Research Center Salzburg (CRCS), Salzburg, Austria.
| | - David A Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Smeeth DM, Dima D, Jones L, Jones I, Craddock N, Owen MJ, Rietschel M, Maier W, Korszun A, Rice JP, Mors O, Preisig M, Uher R, Lewis CM, Thuret S, Powell TR. Polygenic risk for circulating reproductive hormone levels and their influence on hippocampal volume and depression susceptibility. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 106:284-292. [PMID: 31039525 PMCID: PMC6597945 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Altered reproductive hormone levels have been associated with the pathophysiology of depressive disorders and this risk may be imparted by their modulatory effect upon hippocampal structure and function. Currently it is unclear whether altered levels of reproductive hormones are causally associated with hippocampal volume reductions and the risk of depressive disorders. Here, we utilize genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from a GWAS focusing on reproductive hormones, consisting of 2913 individuals. Using this data, we generated polygenic risk scores (PRS) for estradiol, progesterone, prolactin and testosterone in the European RADIANT cohort consisting of 176 postpartum depression (PPD) cases (100% female, mean age: 41.6 years old), 2772 major depressive disorder (MDD) cases (68.6% female, mean age: 46.9 years old) and 1588 control participants (62.5% female, mean age: 42.4 years old), for which there was also a neuroimaging subset of 111 individuals (60.4% female, mean age: 50.0 years old). Only the best-fit PRS for estradiol showed a significant negative association with hippocampal volume, as well as many of its individual subfields; including the molecular layer and granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, subiculum, CA1, CA2/3 and CA4 regions. Interestingly, several of these subfields are implicated in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. When we tested the same estradiol PRS for association with case-control status for PPD or MDD there was no significant relationship observed. Here, we provide evidence that genetic risk for higher plasma estradiol is negatively associated with hippocampal volume, but this does not translate into an increased risk of MDD or PPD. This work suggests that the relationship between reproductive hormones, the hippocampus, and depression is complex, and that there may not be a clear-cut pathway for etiology or risk moderation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Demelza M Smeeth
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Danai Dima
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Social Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK; Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Lisa Jones
- Institute of Health & Society, University of Worcester, Worcester, UK
| | - Ian Jones
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nick Craddock
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael J Owen
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Division of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Maier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ania Korszun
- Barts and The London Medical School, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - John P Rice
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ole Mors
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Denmark
| | - Martin Preisig
- University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rudolf Uher
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Cathryn M Lewis
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sandrine Thuret
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy R Powell
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Thuwanut P, Brown JL, Comizzoli P, Crosier AE. Responsiveness of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) ovary to exogenous gonadotropins after preemptive oral progestin treatment. Theriogenology 2019; 138:39-46. [PMID: 31284220 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Control of ovarian function in cheetahs is sub-optimal, which currently limits the integration of assisted reproductive techniques into the genetic management of that endangered species. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of preemptive progestin treatment on the quality of ovarian responses after exogenous gonadotropin stimulation in cheetahs. Adult females received either 1) 200 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) followed with 3,000 IU porcine luteinizing hormone (pLH) (intramuscular route) (n = 5; control group) or 2) similar eCG/pLH administration preceded by a 7-day treatment with oral progestin (0.1 mg/kg altrenogest; ALT group; n = 7). At 42 h post-pLH administration, a series of metrics was assessed via laparoscopy (number of follicles ≥ 2 mm, number of corpora lutea, oviduct and uterine cornua diameter and overall vascularization). Concentrations of fecal estradiol, progesterone and glucocorticoid metabolites (FEM, FPM, and FGM, respectively) were measured by enzyme immunoassay for 3 wk before ALT treatment (Period 1), 7 d during ovarian suppression period (Period 2), throughout eCG/LH treatment and laparoscopy (Period 3), and 6 wk following laparoscopy (Period 4). Overall, nine out of 12 cheetahs (4/5 in control and 5/7 ALT group) had freshly-formed corpora lutea at the time of laparoscopy. Mean follicle and corpora lutea numbers in the control versus ALT group were not different (P > 0.05). Overall measurements and vascularization scores also did not differ (P > 0.05) among groups. FEM average concentrations increased (P ≤ 0.05) in response to eCG for the ALT-treated females between Periods 2 and 3 and were sustained during Period 4. However, FEM average concentrations did not vary (P > 0.05) for control females throughout Periods 1-4. Post-ovulatory FPM average concentrations (Period 4) did not differ (P > 0.05) between the ALT-treated females and controls. FPM average concentration from both groups increased in Period 4 compared to Periods 1-3 (P ≤ 0.05). Females receiving the ALT treatment also had lower (P ≤ 0.05) FGM metabolite average concentrations than control females during ovarian suppression (suggesting adrenal suppression). Collective results suggest that ovarian response to gonadotropin treatment in the cheetah was improved following oral progestin administration due to the normative increase in estradiol following stimulation for these females compared with control. This treatment should lead to more effective timed assisted reproduction procedures for this species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paweena Thuwanut
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, Washington DC, 20008, USA; Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Janine L Brown
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, Washington DC, 20008, USA
| | - Pierre Comizzoli
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, Washington DC, 20008, USA
| | - Adrienne E Crosier
- Center for Species Survival, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoological Park, Front Royal, Virginia, Washington DC, 20008, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lovallo WR, Cohoon AJ, Acheson A, Vincent AS, Sorocco KH. Cortisol stress reactivity in women, diurnal variations, and hormonal contraceptives: studies from the Family Health Patterns Project. Stress 2019; 22:421-427. [PMID: 30896268 PMCID: PMC6525075 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2019.1581760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Women have smaller cortisol responses to psychological stress than men do, and women taking hormonal contraceptives (HC+) have smaller responses than HC- women. Cortisol secretion undergoes substantial diurnal variation, with elevated levels in the morning and lower levels in the afternoon, and these variations are accompanied by differences in response to acute stress. However, the impact of HC use on these diurnal relationships has not been examined. We tested saliva cortisol values in 744 healthy young adults, 351 men and 393 women, 254 HC- and 139 HC+, who were assigned to morning (9:00 am) or afternoon (1:00 pm) test sessions that were held both on a rest day and on a stress day that included public speaking and mental arithmetic challenges. Saliva cortisol responses to stress were largest in men and progressively smaller in HC- and in HC+ women (F = 23.26, p < .0001). In the morning test sessions, HC+ women had significantly elevated rest day cortisol levels (t = 5.99, p ≪ .0001, Cohen's d = 0.95) along with a complete absence of response on the stress day. In the afternoon sessions, both HC+ and HC- women had normal rest-day cortisol levels and normal responses to the stressors. Heart rates at rest and during stress did not vary by time of day or HC status. Cortisol stress responses in HC+ women are absent in the morning and normal in size by early afternoon. Studies of stress reactivity should account for time of day in evaluating cortisol responses in women using hormonal contraceptives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William R Lovallo
- a Behavioral Sciences Laboratories , Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
- b Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
| | - Andrew J Cohoon
- b Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
| | - Ashley Acheson
- c Department of Psychiatry , University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences , Little Rock , AK , USA
| | - Andrea S Vincent
- d Cognitive Science Research Center , University of Oklahoma , Norman , OK , USA
| | - Kristen H Sorocco
- a Behavioral Sciences Laboratories , Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
- e Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine , University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center , Oklahoma City , OK , USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Possible Existence of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Hippocampal (HPH) Axis: A Reciprocal Relationship Between Hippocampal Specific Neuroestradiol Synthesis and Neuroblastosis in Ageing Brains with Special Reference to Menopause and Neurocognitive Disorders. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:1781-1795. [PMID: 31254250 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02833-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus-derived neuroestradiol plays a major role in neuroplasticity, independent of circulating estradiol that originates from gonads. The response of hypothalamus-pituitary regions towards the synthesis of neuroestradiol in the hippocampus is an emerging scientific concept in cognitive neuroscience. Hippocampal plasticity has been proposed to be regulated via neuroblasts, a major cellular determinant of functional neurogenesis in the adult brain. Defects in differentiation, integration and survival of neuroblasts in the hippocampus appear to be an underlying cause of neurocognitive disorders. Gonadotropin receptors and steroidogenic enzymes have been found to be expressed in neuroblasts in the hippocampus of the brain. However, the reciprocal relationship between hippocampal-specific neuroestradiol synthesis along neuroblastosis and response of pituitary based feedback regulation towards regulation of estradiol level in the hippocampus have not completely been ascertained. Therefore, this conceptual article revisits (1) the cellular basis of neuroestradiol synthesis (2) a potential relationship between neuroestradiol synthesis and neuroblastosis in the hippocampus (3) the possible involvement of aberrant neuroestradiol production with mitochondrial dysfunctions and dyslipidemia in menopause and adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders and (4) provides a hypothesis for the possible existence of the hypothalamic-pituitary-hippocampal (HPH) axis in the adult brain. Eventually, understanding the regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis by abnormal levels of neuroestradiol concentration in association with the feedback regulation of HPH axis might provide additional cues to establish a neuroregenerative therapeutic management for mood swings, depression and cognitive decline in menopause and neurocognitive disorders.
Collapse
|
23
|
Williamson TT, Ding B, Zhu X, Frisina RD. Hormone replacement therapy attenuates hearing loss: Mechanisms involving estrogen and the IGF-1 pathway. Aging Cell 2019; 18:e12939. [PMID: 30845368 PMCID: PMC6516159 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol (E) is a multitasking hormone that plays a prominent role in the reproductive system, and also contributes to physiological and growth mechanisms throughout the body. Frisina and colleagues have previously demonstrated the beneficial effects of this hormone, with E‐treated subjects maintaining low auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds relative to control subjects (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2006;103:14246; Hearing Research, 2009;252:29). In the present study, we evaluated the functionality of the peripheral and central auditory systems in female CBA/CaJ middle‐aged mice during and after long‐term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) via electrophysiological and molecular techniques. Surprisingly, there are very few investigations about the side effects of HRT in the auditory system after it has been discontinued. Our results show that the long‐term effects of HRT are permanent on ABR thresholds and ABR gap‐in‐noise (GIN) amplitude levels. E‐treated animals had lower thresholds and higher amplitude values compared to other hormone treatment subject groups. Interestingly, progesterone (P)‐treated animals had ABR thresholds that increased but amplitude levels that remained relatively the same throughout treatment. These results were consistent with qPCR experiments that displayed high levels of IGF‐1R in the stria vascularis (SV) of both E and P animal groups compared to combination treatment (E + P) animals. IGF‐1R plays a vital role in mediating anti‐apoptotic responses via the PI3K/AKT pathway. Overall, our findings gain insights into the neuro‐protective properties of E hormone treatments as well as expand the scientific knowledge base to help women decide whether HRT is the right choice for them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanika T. Williamson
- Departments of Chemical & Biomedical and Medical Engineering, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research University of South Florida Tampa Florida
| | - Bo Ding
- Departments of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research University of South Florida Tampa Florida
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Departments of Chemical & Biomedical and Medical Engineering, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research University of South Florida Tampa Florida
| | - Robert D. Frisina
- Departments of Chemical & Biomedical and Medical Engineering, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research University of South Florida Tampa Florida
- Departments of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Global Center for Hearing & Speech Research University of South Florida Tampa Florida
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pregnancy Promotes Maternal Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Guinea Pigs. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:5765284. [PMID: 31097956 PMCID: PMC6487096 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5765284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) modulates cognition and behavior in mammals, while motherhood is associated with cognitive and behavioral changes essential for the care of the young. In mice and rats, hippocampal neurogenesis is reported to be reduced or unchanged during pregnancy, with few data available from other species. In guinea pigs, pregnancy lasts ~9 weeks; we set to explore if hippocampal neurogenesis is altered in these animals, relative to gestational stages. Time-pregnant primigravidas (3-5 months old) and age-matched nonpregnant females were examined, with neurogenic potential evaluated via immunolabeling of Ki67, Sp8, doublecortin (DCX), and neuron-specific nuclear antigen (NeuN) combined with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) birth-dating. Relative to control, subgranular Ki67, Sp8, and DCX-immunoreactive (+) cells tended to increase from early gestation to postpartum and peaked at the late gestational stage. In BrdU pulse-chasing experiments in nonpregnant females surviving for different time points (2-120 days), BrdU+ cells in the DG colocalized with DCX partially from 2 to 42 days (most frequently at 14-30 days) and with NeuN increasingly from 14 to 120 days. In pregnant females that received BrdU at early, middle, and late gestational stages and survived for 42 days, the density of BrdU+ cells in the DG was mostly high in the late gestational group. The rates of BrdU/DCX and BrdU/NeuN colocalization were similar among these groups and comparable to those among the corresponding control group. Together, the findings suggest that pregnancy promotes maternal hippocampal neurogenesis in guinea pigs, at least among primigravidas.
Collapse
|
25
|
Galea LA, Roes MM, Dimech CJ, Chow C, Mahmoud R, Lieblich SE, Duarte-Guterman P. Premarin has opposing effects on spatial learning, neural activation, and serum cytokine levels in middle-aged female rats depending on reproductive history. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 70:291-307. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2018.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
26
|
Chen S, Kumar N, Mao Z, Sitruk-Ware R, Brinton RD. Therapeutic progestin segesterone acetate promotes neurogenesis: implications for sustaining regeneration in female brain. Menopause 2018; 25:1138-1151. [PMID: 29846284 PMCID: PMC7731586 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000001135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurogenesis is the principal regenerative mechanism to sustain the plasticity potential in adult brains. Decreased neurogenesis parallels the cognition decline with aging, and has been suggested as a common hallmark in the progression of many neurodegeneration diseases. We previously reported that acute exposure to segesterone acetate (ST-1435; Nestorone), alone or in combination with 17β-estradiol (E2), increased human neural stem cells proliferation and survival both in vitro and in vivo. The present study expanded our previous findings to investigate the more clinical related chronic exposure in combination with E2 on the regenerative capacity of adult brain. METHODS To mimic the chronic contraception exposure in women, 3-month old female mice (n = 110) were treated with ST-1435, with or without co-administration of E2, for 4 weeks. Neural cell proliferation and survival, and oligodendrocyte generation were assessed. The involvement of insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling was studied. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that chronic ST-1435 and E2 alone or in combination increased neurogenesis by a comparable magnitude, with minimum to no antagonistic or additive effects between ST-1435 and E2. In addition, chronic exposure of ST-1435 or ST-1435 + E2 stimulated oligodendrocyte generation, indicating potential elevated myelination. Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) were also up-regulated after chronic ST-1435 and E2 exposure, suggesting the involvement of IGF-1 signaling as the potential underlined regulatory pathway transducing ST-1435 effect. CONCLUSION These findings provide preclinical evidence and mechanistic insights for the development of ST-1435 as a neuroregenerative therapy to promote intrinsic regenerative capacity in female brains against aging and neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Chen
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Narendar Kumar
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council,, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zisu Mao
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gheorghe A, Qiu W, Galea LAM. Hormonal Regulation of Hippocampal Neurogenesis: Implications for Depression and Exercise. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2018; 43:379-421. [PMID: 30414016 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2018_62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Adult hippocampal neurogenesis exists in all mammalian species, including humans, and although there has been considerable research investigating the function and regulation of neurogenesis, there remain many open questions surrounding the complexity of this phenomenon. This stems partially from the fact that neurogenesis is a multistage process that involves proliferation, differentiation, migration, survival, and eventual integration of new cells into the existing hippocampal circuitry, each of which can be independently influenced. The function of adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus is related to stress regulation, behavioral efficacy of antidepressants, long-term spatial memory, forgetting, and pattern separation. Steroid hormones influence the regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis, stress regulation, and cognition and differently in males and females. In this chapter, we will briefly tap into the complex network of steroid hormone modulation of neurogenesis in the hippocampus with specific emphasis on stress, testosterone, and estrogen. We examine the possible role of neurogenesis in the etiology of depression and influencing treatment by examining the influence of both pharmacological (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants) treatments and non-pharmacological (exercise) remedies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Gheorghe
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wansu Qiu
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Koss WA, Frick KM. Sex differences in hippocampal function. J Neurosci Res 2016; 95:539-562. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy A. Koss
- Department of Psychology; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee Wisconsin
| | - Karyn M. Frick
- Department of Psychology; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Milwaukee Wisconsin
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Stires H, Saboya M, Globerman SP, Cohick WS. Peroral Estradiol Is Sufficient to Induce Carcinogen-Induced Mammary Tumorigenesis in Ovariectomized Rats without Progesterone. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0162662. [PMID: 27611094 PMCID: PMC5017759 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A role for estrogens in breast cancer is widely accepted, however, recent evidence highlights that timing and exposure levels are important in determining whether they elicit harmful versus beneficial effects. The rat chemical carcinogen model has been widely used to study the effects of estrogens but conclusions on the levels that lead to tumor development and an absolute requirement for progesterone (P4) are lacking. A newer method of hormone administration mixes hormones with nut butter for peroral consumption allowing for a less stressful method of long-term administration with lower spikes in serum estradiol (E2) levels. The present study was designed to determine if estrogens alone at a physiological dose can drive carcinogen-induced tumors in ovariectomized (OVX) rats or if P4 is also required using this method of hormone administration. Short-term studies were conducted to determine the dose of estrogen (E) that would lead to increased uterine weight following OVX. Subsequently, rats were OVX on postnatal day (PND) 40 then treated daily with E (600 μg/kg/day), P4 (15 mg/kg/day), or the combination. On PND 50, all rats were injected with nitrosomethylurea to induce mammary tumors. Uterine weights, body weights, and serum E2 levels were measured to demonstrate the efficacy of the method for increasing E2 levels during long-term treatment. After 26 weeks, tumor incidence was similar in Sham, E, and E + P4 animals indicating that E was sufficient to induce tumorigenesis when hormone levels were normalized by this method. This study demonstrates peroral administration can be used in long-term studies to elucidate relationships between different types and levels of steroid hormones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hillary Stires
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Mariana Saboya
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Samantha P. Globerman
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | - Wendie S. Cohick
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Brus M, Trouillet AC, Hellier V, Bakker J. Estradiol-induced neurogenesis in the female accessory olfactory bulb is required for the learning of the male odor. J Neurochem 2016; 138:457-68. [PMID: 27216894 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Odors processed by the main and accessory olfactory bulbs (MOB, AOB) are important for sexual behavior. Interestingly, both structures continue to receive new neurons during adulthood. A role for olfactory neurogenesis in sexual behavior in female mice has recently been shown and gonadal hormones such as estradiol can modulate adult neurogenesis. Therefore, we wanted to determine the role of estradiol in learning the odors of sexual partners and in the adult neurogenesis of female aromatase knockout mice (ArKO), unable to produce estradiol. Female wild-type (WT) and ArKO mice were exposed to male odors during 7 days, and olfactory preferences, cell proliferation, cell survival and functional involvement of newborn neurons were analyzed, using BrdU injections, in combination with a marker of cell activation (Zif268) and neuronal fate (doublecortin, NeuN). Behavioral tasks indicated that both WT and ArKO females were able to discriminate between the odors of two different males, but ArKO mice failed to learn the familiar male odor. Proliferation of newborn cells was reduced in ArKO mice only in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Olfactory exposure decreased cell survival in the AOB in WT females, suggesting a role for estradiol in a structure involved in sexual behavior. Finally, newborn neurons do not seem to be functionally involved in the AOB of ArKO mice compared with WT, when females were exposed to the odor of a familiar male, suggesting that estradiol-induced neurogenesis in the AOB is required for the learning of the male odor in female mice. Aromatase knockout mice (ArKO) presented deficits in olfactory preferences without affecting their olfactory discrimination abilities, and showed no functional involvement of newborn neurons in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) in response to the odor of a familiar male. These results suggest that estradiol-induced neurogenesis in the female AOB is required for the learning of the male odor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maïna Brus
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA) Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anne-Charlotte Trouillet
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA) Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Vincent Hellier
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA) Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Julie Bakker
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA) Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hamson DK, Roes MM, Galea LAM. Sex Hormones and Cognition: Neuroendocrine Influences on Memory and Learning. Compr Physiol 2016; 6:1295-337. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
32
|
Chen BH, Park JH, Cho JH, Kim IH, Lee JC, Lee TK, Ahn JH, Tae HJ, Shin BN, Kim JD, Kang IJ, Won MH, Lee YL. Tanshinone I Enhances Neurogenesis in the Mouse Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus via Increasing Wnt-3, Phosphorylated Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β and β-Catenin Immunoreactivities. Neurochem Res 2016; 41:1958-68. [PMID: 27053301 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-1906-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tanshinone I (TsI), a lipophilic diterpene extracted from Danshan (Radix Salvia miltiorrhizae), exerts neuroprotection in cerebrovascular diseases including transient ischemic attack. In this study, we examined effects of TsI on cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the mouse dentate gyrus (DG) using Ki-67, BrdU and doublecortin (DCX) immunohistochemistry. Mice were treated with 1 and 2 mg/kg TsI for 28 days. In the 1 mg/kg TsI-treated-group, distribution patterns of BrdU, Ki-67 and DCX positive ((+)) cells in the SGZ were similar to those in the vehicle-treated-group. However, in the 2 mg/kg TsI-treated-group, double labeled BrdU(+)/NeuN(+) cells, which are mature neurons, as well as Ki-67(+), DCX(+) and BrdU(+) cells were significantly increased compared with those in the vehicle-treated-group. On the other hand, immunoreactivities and protein levels of Wnt-3, β-catenin and serine-9-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (p-GSK-3β), which are related with morphogenesis, were significantly increased in the granule cell layer of the DG only in the 2 mg/kg TsI-treated-group. Therefore, these findings indicate that TsI can promote neurogenesis in the mouse DG and that the neurogenesis is related with increases of Wnt-3, p-GSK-3β and β-catenin immunoreactivities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bai Hui Chen
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, South Korea
| | - Joon Ha Park
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, South Korea
| | - Jeong Hwi Cho
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, South Korea
| | - In Hye Kim
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, South Korea
| | - Jae Chul Lee
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, South Korea
| | - Tae-Kyeong Lee
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, South Korea
| | - Ji Hyeon Ahn
- Department of Biomedical Science and Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jin Tae
- Department of Biomedical Science and Research Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, South Korea
| | - Bich Na Shin
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, South Korea
| | - Jong-Dai Kim
- Division of Food Biotechnology, School of Biotechnology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, South Korea
| | - Il Jun Kang
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, South Korea
| | - Moo-Ho Won
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, South Korea.
| | - Yun Lyul Lee
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, 24252, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mahmoud R, Wainwright SR, Galea LAM. Sex hormones and adult hippocampal neurogenesis: Regulation, implications, and potential mechanisms. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 41:129-52. [PMID: 26988999 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 03/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurogenesis within the adult hippocampus is modulated by endogenous and exogenous factors. Here, we review the role of sex hormones in the regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis in males and females. The review is framed around the potential functional implications of sex hormone regulation of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, with a focus on cognitive function and mood regulation, which may be related to sex differences in incidence and severity of dementia and depression. We present findings from preclinical studies of endogenous fluctuations in sex hormones relating to reproductive function and ageing, and from studies of exogenous hormone manipulations. In addition, we discuss the modulating roles of sex, age, and reproductive history on the relationship between sex hormones and neurogenesis. Because sex hormones have diverse targets in the central nervous system, we overview potential mechanisms through which sex hormones may influence hippocampal neurogenesis. Lastly, we advocate for a more systematic consideration of sex and sex hormones in studying the functional implications of adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rand Mahmoud
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Steven R Wainwright
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Slattery DA, Hillerer KM. The maternal brain under stress: Consequences for adaptive peripartum plasticity and its potential functional implications. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 41:114-28. [PMID: 26828151 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The peripartum period represents a time during which all mammalian species undergo substantial physiological and behavioural changes, which prepare the female for the demands of motherhood. In addition to behavioural and physiological alterations, numerous brain regions, such as the medial prefrontal cortex, olfactory bulb, medial amygdala and hippocampus are subject to substantial peripartum-associated neuronal, dendritic and synaptic plasticity. These changes, which are temporally- and spatially-distinct, are strongly influenced by gonadal and adrenal hormones, such as estrogen and cortisol/corticosterone, which undergo dramatic fluctuations across this period. In this review, we describe our current knowledge regarding these plasticity changes and describe how stress affects such normal adaptations. Finally, we discuss the mechanisms potentially underlying these neuronal, dendritic and synaptic changes and their functional relevance for the mother and her offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David A Slattery
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katharina M Hillerer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Salzburger Landeskrankenhaus (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Leuner B, Sabihi S. The birth of new neurons in the maternal brain: Hormonal regulation and functional implications. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 41:99-113. [PMID: 26969795 PMCID: PMC4942360 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The maternal brain is remarkably plastic and exhibits multifaceted neural modifications. Neurogenesis has emerged as one of the mechanisms by which the maternal brain exhibits plasticity. This review highlights what is currently known about peripartum-associated changes in adult neurogenesis and the underlying hormonal mechanisms. We also consider the functional consequences of neurogenesis in the peripartum brain and extent to which this process may play a role in maternal care, cognitive function and postpartum mood. Finally, while most work investigating the effects of parenting on adult neurogenesis has focused on mothers, a few studies have examined fathers and these results are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Leuner
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH, USA; The Ohio State University, Department of Neuroscience, Columbus, OH, USA; The Ohio State University, Behavioral Neuroendocrinology Group, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Sara Sabihi
- The Ohio State University, Department of Psychology, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Zhang Z, Hong J, Zhang S, Zhang T, Sha S, Yang R, Qian Y, Chen L. Postpartum estrogen withdrawal impairs hippocampal neurogenesis and causes depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in mice. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 66:138-49. [PMID: 26803529 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum estrogen withdrawal is known to be a particularly vulnerable time for depressive symptoms. Ovariectomized adult mice (OVX-mice) treated with hormone-simulated pregnancy (HSP mice) followed by a subsequent estradiol benzoate (EB) withdrawal (EW mice) exhibited depression- and anxiety-like behaviors, as assessed by forced swim, tail suspension and elevated plus-maze, while HSP mice, OVX mice or EB-treated OVX mice (OVX/EB mice) did not. The survival and neurite growth of newborn neurons in hippocampal dentate gyrus were examined on day 5 after EW. Compared with controls, the numbers of 28-day-old BrdU(+) and BrdU(+)/NeuN(+) cells were increased in HSP mice but significantly decreased in EW mice; the numbers of 10-day-old BrdU(+) cells were increased in HSP mice and OVX/EB mice; and the density of DCX(+) fibers was reduced in EW mice and OVX mice. The phosphorylation of hippocampal NMDA receptor (NMDAr) NR2B subunit or Src was increased in HSP mice but decreased in EW mice. NMDAr agonist NMDA prevented the loss of 28-day-old BrdU(+) cells and the depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in EW mice. NR2B inhibitor Ro25-6981 or Src inhibitor dasatinib caused depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in HSP mice with the reduction of 28-day-old BrdU(+) cells. The hippocampal BDNF levels were reduced in EW mice and OVX mice. TrkB receptor inhibitor K252a reduced the density of DCX(+) fibers in HSP mice without the reduction of 28-day-old BrdU(+) cells, or the production of affective disorder. Collectively, these results indicate that postpartum estrogen withdrawal impairs hippocampal neurogenesis in mice that show depression- and anxiety-like behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 86025, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 86025, China
| | - Juan Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 86025, China; Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 86025, China
| | - Suyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 86025, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 86025, China; Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 86025, China
| | - Sha Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 86025, China; Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 86025, China
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 860571, China
| | - Yanning Qian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 86025, China
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 86025, China; Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 86025, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ortiz-Pérez A, Espinosa-Raya J, Picazo O. An enriched environment and 17-beta estradiol produce similar pro-cognitive effects on ovariectomized rats. Cogn Process 2016; 17:15-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s10339-015-0746-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
|
38
|
Gender Differences in the Neurobiology of Anxiety: Focus on Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:5026713. [PMID: 26885403 PMCID: PMC4738969 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5026713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the literature reports a higher incidence of anxiety disorders in women, the majority of basic research has focused on male rodents, thus resulting in a lack of knowledge on the neurobiology of anxiety in females. Bridging this gap is crucial for the design of effective translational interventions in women. One of the key brain mechanisms likely to regulate anxious behavior is adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). This review paper aims to discuss the evidence on the differences between male and female rodents with regard to anxiety-related behavior and physiology, with a special focus on AHN. The differences between male and female physiologies are greatly influenced by hormonal differences. Gonadal hormones and their fluctuations during the estrous cycle have often been identified as agents responsible for sexual dimorphism in behavior and AHN. During sexual maturity, hormone levels fluctuate cyclically in females more than in males, increasing the stress response and the susceptibility to anxiety. It is therefore of great importance that future research investigates anxiety and other neurophysiological aspects in the female model, so that results can be more accurately applicable to the female population.
Collapse
|
39
|
Prior JC. Progesterone or progestin as menopausal ovarian hormone therapy: recent physiology-based clinical evidence. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2015; 22:495-501. [PMID: 26512775 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Provide evidence-based recent data on oral micronized progesterone (OMP) and progestins in menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT). RECENT FINDINGS Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) increases breast cancer acting through the glucocorticoid receptor; progestins in MHT increase thrombosis more than oral estrogens; MPA, but not OMP or other progestins, increase monocyte cell endothelium adhesion; MPA and estradiol (E2)/MPA have negative brain effects, whereas E2/progesterone (P4) has neuroregenerative brain effects. The 'window of opportunity' cardiovascular disease hypothesis is not supported by a randomized controlled trial showing that transdermal estradiol with sequential OMP in early menopause does not prevent increased carotid intimal media thickness; P4 in the cardiac electrical system opposes E2 effects and prevents sudden death/long QT syndrome; transdermal estradiol/OMP does not increase venous thromboembolism in observational data. P4 decreases breast cell proliferation and improves prognosis through P4 receptor alteration of estrogen receptor α genetic effects; OMP with conjugated equine estrogen (CEE)/estrogen (E)/E2 does not increase breast cancer in two prospective cohorts, one population-based. Endometrial cancer is increased in MHT of CEE/E/E2+cyclic OMP at 200 mg/day. SUMMARY New data show CEE/E/E2+MPA/P mechanisms for negative breast cancer, venous thromboembolism, cardiovascular system, and brain effects. OMP/P4 counterbalances CEE/E/E2-related negative effects on breast cancer and long QT syndrome. OMP effectively treats vasomotor symptoms and sleep disturbances, and could safely be used alone for symptomatic menopause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jerilynn C Prior
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research (CeMCOR), Department of Medicine, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Kempermann G. Activity Dependency and Aging in the Regulation of Adult Neurogenesis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2015; 7:a018929. [PMID: 26525149 PMCID: PMC4632662 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a018929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Age and activity might be considered the two antagonistic key regulators of adult neurogenesis. Adult neurogenesis decreases with age but remains present, albeit at a very low level, even in the oldest individuals. Activity, be it physical or cognitive, increases adult neurogenesis and thereby seems to counteract age effects. It is, thus, proposed that activity-dependent regulation of adult neurogenesis might contribute to some sort of "neural reserve," the brain's ability to compensate functional loss associated with aging or neurodegeneration. Activity can have nonspecific and specific effects on adult neurogenesis. Mechanistically, nonspecific stimuli that largely affect precursor cell stages might be related by the local microenvironment, whereas more specific, survival-promoting effects take place at later stages of neuronal development and require the synaptic integration of the new cell and its particular synaptic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerd Kempermann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Dresden and Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Berent-Spillson A, Briceno E, Pinsky A, Simmen A, Persad CC, Zubieta JK, Smith YR. Distinct cognitive effects of estrogen and progesterone in menopausal women. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 59:25-36. [PMID: 26010861 PMCID: PMC4490102 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The effects of postmenopausal hormone treatment on cognitive outcomes are inconsistent in the literature. Emerging evidence suggests that cognitive effects are influenced by specific hormone formulations, and that progesterone is more likely to be associated with positive outcomes than synthetic progestin. There are very few studies of unopposed progesterone in postmenopausal women, and none that use functional neuroimaging, a sensitive measure of neurobiological function. In this study of 29 recently postmenopausal women, we used functional MRI and neuropsychological measures to separately assess the effects of estrogen or progesterone treatment on visual and verbal cognitive function. Women were randomized to receive 90 days of either estradiol or progesterone counterbalanced with placebo. After each treatment arm, women were given a battery of verbal and visual cognitive function and working memory tests, and underwent functional MRI including verbal processing and visual working memory tasks. We found that both estradiol and progesterone were associated with changes in activation patterns during verbal processing. Compared to placebo, women receiving estradiol treatment had greater activation in the left prefrontal cortex, a region associated with verbal processing and encoding. Progesterone was associated with changes in regional brain activation patterns during a visual memory task, with greater activation in the left prefrontal cortex and right hippocampus compared to placebo. Both treatments were associated with a statistically non-significant increase in number of words remembered following the verbal task performed during the fMRI scanning session, while only progesterone was associated with improved neuropsychological measures of verbal working memory compared to placebo. These results point to potential cognitive benefits of both estrogen and progesterone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison Berent-Spillson
- University of Michigan, Psychiatry Department, MBNI, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Emily Briceno
- University of Michigan, Psychiatry Department, Neuropsychology Division, 2101 Commonwealth Blvd, Suite C, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
| | - Alana Pinsky
- University of Michigan Medical School, 1301 Catherine, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Angela Simmen
- University of Michigan, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, L4000 Womens SPC, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Carol C. Persad
- University of Michigan, Psychiatry Department, Neuropsychology Division, 2101 Commonwealth Blvd, Suite C, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Jon-Kar Zubieta
- University of Michigan, Psychiatry Department, MBNI, 205 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Yolanda R. Smith
- University of Michigan, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, L4000 Womens SPC, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA,Corresponding author: Alison Berent-Spillson, 1-734-615-4252
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
Background: Despite positive preclinical studies and two positive Phase II clinical trials, two large Phase III clinical trials of progesterone treatment of acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) recently ended with negative results, so a 100% failure rate continues to plague the field of TBI trials. Methods: This paper reviews and analyses the trial structures and outcomes and discusses the implications of these failures for future drug and clinical trial development. Persistently negative trial outcomes have led to disinvestment in new drug research by companies and policy-makers and disappointment for patients and their families, failures which represent a major public health concern. The problem is not limited to TBI. Failure rates are high for trials in stroke, sepsis, cardiology, cancer and orthopaedics, among others. Results: This paper discusses some of the reasons why the Phase III trials have failed. These reasons may include faulty extrapolation from pre-clinical data in designing clinical trials and the use of subjective outcome measures that accurately reflect neither the nature of the deficits nor long-term quantitative recovery. Conclusions: Better definitions of injury and healing and better outcome measures are essential to change the embrace of failure that has dominated the field for over 30 years. This review offers suggestions to improve the situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald G Stein
- a Department of Emergency Medicine , Emory University , Atlanta , GA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Duarte-Guterman P, Yagi S, Chow C, Galea LAM. Hippocampal learning, memory, and neurogenesis: Effects of sex and estrogens across the lifespan in adults. Horm Behav 2015; 74:37-52. [PMID: 26122299 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Estradiol and Cognition". There are sex differences in hippocampus-dependent cognition and neurogenesis suggesting that sex hormones are involved. Estrogens modulate certain forms of spatial and contextual memory and neurogenesis in the adult female rodent, and to a lesser extent male, hippocampus. This review focuses on the effects of sex and estrogens on hippocampal learning, memory, and neurogenesis in the young and aged adult rodent. We discuss how factors such as the type of estrogen, duration and dose of treatment, timing of treatment, and type of memory influence the effects of estrogens on cognition and neurogenesis. We also address how reproductive experience (pregnancy and mothering) and aging interact with estrogens to modulate hippocampal cognition and neurogenesis in females. Given the evidence that adult hippocampal neurogenesis plays a role in long-term spatial memory and pattern separation, we also discuss the functional implications of regulating neurogenesis in the hippocampus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Duarte-Guterman
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Brain Health, Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Shunya Yagi
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Brain Health, Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Carmen Chow
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Brain Health, Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Brain Health, Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Frick KM. Molecular mechanisms underlying the memory-enhancing effects of estradiol. Horm Behav 2015; 74:4-18. [PMID: 25960081 PMCID: PMC4573242 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Revised: 04/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Estradiol and cognition". Since the publication of the 1998 special issue of Hormones and Behavior on estrogens and cognition, substantial progress has been made towards understanding the molecular mechanisms through which 17β-estradiol (E2) regulates hippocampal plasticity and memory. Recent research has demonstrated that rapid effects of E2 on hippocampal cell signaling, epigenetic processes, and local protein synthesis are necessary for E2 to facilitate the consolidation of object recognition and spatial memories in ovariectomized female rodents. These effects appear to be mediated by non-classical actions of the intracellular estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ, and possibly by membrane-bound ERs such as the G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER). New findings also suggest a key role of hippocampally-synthesized E2 in regulating hippocampal memory formation. The present review discusses these findings in detail and suggests avenues for future study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 E. Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Barha CK, Lieblich SE, Chow C, Galea LAM. Multiparity-induced enhancement of hippocampal neurogenesis and spatial memory depends on ovarian hormone status in middle age. Neurobiol Aging 2015; 36:2391-405. [PMID: 25998101 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2015.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Menopause is associated with cognitive decline, and previous parity can increase or delay the trajectory of cognitive aging. Furthermore, parity enables the hippocampus to respond to estrogens in middle age. The present study investigated how previous parity and estrogens influence cognition, neurogenesis, and neuronal activation in response to memory retrieval in the hippocampus of middle-aged females. Multiparous and nulliparous rats were ovariectomized (OVX) or received sham surgery and were treated with vehicle, 17β-estradiol, 17α-estradiol, or estrone. Rats were trained on the spatial working and reference memory versions of the Morris water maze. Multiparous rats had a significantly greater density of immature neurons in the hippocampus, enhanced acquisition of working memory, but poorer reference memory compared with nulliparous rats. Furthermore, OVX increased, while treatment with estrogens reduced, the density of immature neurons, regardless of parity. OVX improved reference memory only in nulliparous rats. Thus, motherhood has long-lasting effects on the neuroplasticity and function of the hippocampus. These findings have wide-ranging implications for the treatment of age-associated decline in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy K Barha
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephanie E Lieblich
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Carmen Chow
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Hansberg-Pastor V, González-Arenas A, Piña-Medina AG, Camacho-Arroyo I. Sex Hormones Regulate Cytoskeletal Proteins Involved in Brain Plasticity. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:165. [PMID: 26635640 PMCID: PMC4653291 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In the brain of female mammals, including humans, a number of physiological and behavioral changes occur as a result of sex hormone exposure. Estradiol and progesterone regulate several brain functions, including learning and memory. Sex hormones contribute to shape the central nervous system by modulating the formation and turnover of the interconnections between neurons as well as controlling the function of glial cells. The dynamics of neuron and glial cells morphology depends on the cytoskeleton and its associated proteins. Cytoskeletal proteins are necessary to form neuronal dendrites and dendritic spines, as well as to regulate the diverse functions in astrocytes. The expression pattern of proteins, such as actin, microtubule-associated protein 2, Tau, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, changes in a tissue-specific manner in the brain, particularly when variations in sex hormone levels occur during the estrous or menstrual cycles or pregnancy. Here, we review the changes in structure and organization of neurons and glial cells that require the participation of cytoskeletal proteins whose expression and activity are regulated by estradiol and progesterone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Hansberg-Pastor
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Aliesha González-Arenas
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Ana Gabriela Piña-Medina
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , Mexico
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México , Mexico City , Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zeng C, Yang F, He H, Hu K, Wang X, Hu Q, Li J. Raloxifene hydrochloride treatment leads to better outcomes than medroxyprogesterone acetate when paired with estrogen in ovariectomized cholesterol-fed rabbits. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2014; 46:1080-3. [PMID: 25348734 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmu098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caiyu Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Falin Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Hong He
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Keqing Hu
- Department of Cardiology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Qin Hu
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jifu Li
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
An Ultrasensitive ELISA for Medroxyprogesterone Residues in Fish Tissues Based on a Structure-Specific Hapten. FOOD ANAL METHOD 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s12161-014-0023-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|