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Li Y, Lu L, Androulakis IP. The Physiological and Pharmacological Significance of the Circadian Timing of the HPA Axis: A Mathematical Modeling Approach. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:33-46. [PMID: 37597751 PMCID: PMC10840710 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
As a potent endogenous regulator of homeostasis, the circadian time-keeping system synchronizes internal physiology to periodic changes in the external environment to enhance survival. Adapting endogenous rhythms to the external time is accomplished hierarchically with the central pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) signaling the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis to release hormones, notably cortisol, which help maintain the body's circadian rhythm. Given the essential role of HPA-releasing hormones in regulating physiological functions, including immune response, cell cycle, and energy metabolism, their daily variation is critical for the proper function of the circadian timing system. In this review, we focus on cortisol and key fundamental properties of the HPA axis and highlight their importance in controlling circadian dynamics. We demonstrate how systems-driven, mathematical modeling of the HPA axis complements experimental findings, enhances our understanding of complex physiological systems, helps predict potential mechanisms of action, and elucidates the consequences of circadian disruption. Finally, we outline the implications of circadian regulation in the context of personalized chronotherapy. Focusing on the chrono-pharmacology of synthetic glucocorticoids, we review the challenges and opportunities associated with moving toward personalized therapies that capitalize on circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannuo Li
- Chemical & Biochemical Engineering Department, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Lingjun Lu
- Chemical & Biochemical Engineering Department, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ioannis P Androulakis
- Chemical & Biochemical Engineering Department, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Biomedical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08540, USA.
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Knight CP, Hauser SR, Waeiss RA, Molosh AI, Johnson PL, Truitt WA, McBride WJ, Bell RL, Shekhar A, Rodd ZA. The Rewarding and Anxiolytic Properties of Ethanol within the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala: Mediated by Genetic Background and Nociceptin. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2020; 374:366-375. [PMID: 32527792 PMCID: PMC7430446 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.262097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, alcohol is consumed for its rewarding and anxiolytic effects. The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is considered a neuronal nexus that regulates fear, anxiety, and drug self-administration. Manipulations of the CeA alter ethanol (EtOH) consumption under numerous EtOH self-administration models. The experiments determined whether EtOH is reinforcing/anxiolytic within the CeA, whether selective breeding for high alcohol consumption alters the rewarding properties of EtOH in the CeA, and whether the reinforcing/anxiolytic effects of EtOH in the CeA are mediated by the neuropeptides corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and nociceptin. The reinforcing properties of EtOH were determined by having male Wistar and Taconic alcohol-preferring (tP) rats self-administer EtOH directly into the CeA. The expression of anxiety-like behaviors was assessed through multiple behavioral models (social interaction, acoustic startle, and open field). Coadministration of EtOH and a CRF1 antagonist (NBI35965) or nociceptin on self-administration into the CeA and anxiety-like behaviors was determined. EtOH was self-administered directly into the lateral CeA, and tP rats self-administered a lower concentration of EtOH than Wistar rats. EtOH microinjected into the lateral CeA reduced the expression of anxiety-like behaviors, indicating an anxiolytic effect. Coadministration of NBI35965 failed to alter the rewarding/anxiolytic properties of EtOH in the CeA. In contrast, coadministration of the nociceptin enhanced both EtOH reward and anxiolysis in the CeA. Overall, the data indicate that the lateral CeA is a key anatomic location that mediates the rewarding and anxiolytic effects of EtOH, and local nociceptin receptors, but not local CRF1 receptors, are involved in these behaviors. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Alcohol is consumed for the stimulatory, rewarding, and anxiolytic properties of the drug of abuse. The current data are the first to establish that alcohol is reinforcing and anxiolytic within the lateral central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) and that the nociceptin system regulates these effects of alcohol within the CeA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher P Knight
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sheketha R Hauser
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - R Aaron Waeiss
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Andrei I Molosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Philip L Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - William A Truitt
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - William J McBride
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Richard L Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Anantha Shekhar
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Zachary A Rodd
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Rao R, Androulakis IP. The physiological significance of the circadian dynamics of the HPA axis: Interplay between circadian rhythms, allostasis and stress resilience. Horm Behav 2019; 110:77-89. [PMID: 30862458 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Circadian time-keeping mechanisms preserve homeostasis by synchronizing internal physiology with predictable variations in the environment and temporally organize the activation of physiological signaling mechanisms to promote survival and optimize the allocation of energetic resources. In this paper, we highlight the importance of the robust circadian dynamics of allostatic mediators, with a focus on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, for the optimal regulation of host physiology and in enabling organisms to adequately respond and adapt to physiological stressors. We review studies showing how the chronic disruption of circadian rhythms can result in the accumulation of allostatic load, which impacts the appropriate functioning of physiological systems and diminishes the resilience of internal systems to adequately respond to subsequent stressors. A careful consideration of circadian rhythm dynamics leads to a more comprehensive characterization of individual variability in allostatic load and stress resilience. Finally, we suggest that the restoration of circadian rhythms after pathological disruption can enable the re-engagement of allostatic mechanisms and re-establish stress resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Rao
- Chemical & Biochemical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America
| | - Ioannis P Androulakis
- Chemical & Biochemical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America; Biomedical Engineering Department, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States of America; Department of Surgery, Rutgers - Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America.
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