1
|
Moralia MA, Quignon C, Simonneaux M, Simonneaux V. Environmental disruption of reproductive rhythms. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:100990. [PMID: 35227765 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Reproduction is a key biological function requiring a precise synchronization with annual and daily cues to cope with environmental fluctuations. Therefore, humans and animals have developed well-conserved photoneuroendocrine pathways to integrate and process daily and seasonal light signals within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. However, in the past century, industrialization and the modern 24/7 human lifestyle have imposed detrimental changes in natural habitats and rhythms of life. Indeed, exposure to an excessive amount of artificial light at inappropriate timing because of shift work and nocturnal urban lighting, as well as the ubiquitous environmental contamination by endocrine-disrupting chemicals, threaten the integrity of the daily and seasonal timing of biological functions. Here, we review recent epidemiological, field and experimental studies to discuss how light and chemical pollution of the environment can disrupt reproductive rhythms by interfering with the photoneuroendocrine timing system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Azélie Moralia
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Clarisse Quignon
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marine Simonneaux
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valérie Simonneaux
- Université de Strasbourg, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
van Rosmalen L, Riedstra B, Beemster N, Dijkstra C, Hut RA. Differential temperature effects on photoperiodism in female voles: A possible explanation for declines in vole populations. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:3360-3373. [PMID: 35398940 PMCID: PMC9325516 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Many mammalian species use photoperiod as a predictive cue to time seasonal reproduction. In addition, metabolic effects on the reproductive axis may also influence seasonal timing, especially in female small, short-lived mammals. To get a better understanding of how annual cycling environmental cues impact reproductive function and plasticity in small, short-lived herbivores with different geographic origins, we investigated the mechanisms underlying integration of temperature in the photoperiodic-axis regulating female reproduction in a Northern vole species (tundra vole, Microtus oeconomus) and in a Southern vole species (common vole, Microtus arvalis). We show that photoperiod and temperature interact to determine appropriate physiological responses; there is species-dependent annual variation in the sensitivity to temperature for reproductive organ development. In common voles, temperature can overrule photoperiodical spring-programmed responses, with reproductive organ mass being higher at 10°C than at 21°C, whereas in autumn they are less sensitive to temperature. These findings are in line with our census data, showing an earlier onset of spring reproduction in cold springs, while reproductive offset in autumn is synchronized to photoperiod. The reproductive organs of tundra voles were relatively insensitive to temperature, whereas hypothalamic gene expression was generally upregulated at 10°C. Thus, both vole species use photoperiod, whereas only common voles use temperature as a cue to control spring reproduction, which indicates species-specific reproductive strategies. Due to global warming, spring reproduction in common voles will be delayed, perhaps resulting in shorter breeding seasons and thus declining populations, as observed throughout Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura van Rosmalen
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Present address:
Salk Institute for Biological StudiesLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Bernd Riedstra
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Nico Beemster
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
- Present address:
Altenburg & Wymenga Ecological ConsultantsFeanwâldenThe Netherlands
| | - Cor Dijkstra
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Roelof A. Hut
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life SciencesUniversity of GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dardente H, Simonneaux V. GnRH and the photoperiodic control of seasonal reproduction: Delegating the task to kisspeptin and RFRP-3. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13124. [PMID: 35384117 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Synchronization of mammalian breeding activity to the annual change of photoperiod and environmental conditions is of the utmost importance for individual survival and species perpetuation. Subsequent to the early 1960s, when the central role of melatonin in this adaptive process was demonstrated, our comprehension of the mechanisms through which light regulates gonadal activity has increased considerably. The current model for the photoperiodic neuroendocrine system points to pivotal roles for the melatonin-sensitive pars tuberalis (PT) and its seasonally-regulated production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), as well as for TSH-sensitive hypothalamic tanycytes, radial glia-like cells located in the basal part of the third ventricle. Tanycytes respond to TSH through increased expression of thyroid hormone (TH) deiodinase 2 (Dio2), which leads to heightened production of intrahypothalamic triiodothyronine (T3) during longer days of spring and summer. There is strong evidence that this local, long-day driven, increase in T3 links melatonin input at the PT to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) output, to align breeding with the seasons. The mechanism(s) through which T3 impinges upon GnRH remain(s) unclear. However, two distinct neuronal populations of the medio-basal hypothalamus, which express the (Arg)(Phe)-amide peptides kisspeptin and RFamide-related peptide-3, appear to be well-positioned to relay this seasonal T3 message towards GnRH neurons. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the cellular, molecular and neuroendocrine players, which keep track of photoperiod and ultimately govern GnRH output and seasonal breeding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Dardente
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, Nouzilly, France
| | - Valérie Simonneaux
- Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van Rosmalen L, Hut RA. Food and temperature change photoperiodic responses in two vole species. J Exp Biol 2021; 224:273462. [PMID: 34787302 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.243030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal timing of reproduction in voles is driven by photoperiod. We hypothesized that a negative energy balance can modify spring-programmed photoperiodic responses in the hypothalamus, controlling reproductive organ development. We manipulated energy balance by the 'work-for-food' protocol, in which voles were exposed to increasing levels of food scarcity at different ambient temperatures under long photoperiod. We found that in common voles (Microtus arvalis) and tundra voles (Microtus oeconomus), photoperiod-induced pars tuberalis thyroid-stimulating hormone β-subunit (Tshβ) expression is reduced to potentially inhibit gonadal development when food is scarce. Reduction in gonadal size is more pronounced in tundra voles, in which anterior hypothalamic Kiss1 is additionally downregulated, especially in males. Low temperature additionally leads to decreased hypothalamic Rfrp expression, which potentially may facilitate further suppression of gonadal growth. Shutting off the photoperiodic axis when food is scarce in spring may be an adaptive response to save energy, leading to delayed reproductive organ development until food resources are sufficient for reproduction, lactation and offspring survival. Defining the mechanisms through which metabolic cues modify photoperiodic responses will be important for a better understanding of how environmental cues impact reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura van Rosmalen
- Chronobiology Unit, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roelof A Hut
- Chronobiology Unit, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Poissenot K, Chorfa A, Moussu C, Trouillet AC, Brachet M, Chesneau D, Chemineau P, Ramadier E, Pinot A, Benoit E, Lattard V, Dardente H, Drevet J, Saez F, Keller M. Photoperiod is involved in the regulation of seasonal breeding in male water voles (Arvicola terrestris). J Exp Biol 2021; 224:272112. [PMID: 34494651 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.242792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Mammals living at temperate latitudes typically display annual cyclicity in their reproductive activity: births are synchronized when environmental conditions are most favorable. In a majority of these species, day length is the main proximate factor used to anticipate seasonal changes and to adapt physiology. The brain integrates this photoperiodic signal through key hypothalamic structures, which regulate the reproductive axis. In this context, our study aimed to characterize regulations that occur along the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in male fossorial water voles (Arvicola terrestris, also known as Arvicola amphibius) throughout the year and to further probe the implication of photoperiod in these seasonal regulations. Our monthly field monitoring showed dramatic seasonal changes in the morphology and activity of reproductive organs, as well as in the androgen-dependent lateral scent glands. Moreover, our data uncovered seasonal variations at the hypothalamic level. During the breeding season, kisspeptin expression in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) decreases, while RFRP3 expression in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH) increases. Our follow-up laboratory study revealed activation of the reproductive axis and confirmed a decrease in kisspeptin expression in males exposed to a long photoperiod (summer condition) compared with those maintained under a short photoperiod (winter condition) that retain all features reminiscent of sexual inhibition. Altogether, our study characterizes neuroendocrine and anatomical markers of seasonal reproductive rhythmicity in male water voles and further suggests that these seasonal changes are strongly impacted by photoperiod.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Poissenot
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Areski Chorfa
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex, France
| | - Chantal Moussu
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Anne-Charlotte Trouillet
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Morgane Brachet
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Didier Chesneau
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Philippe Chemineau
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Etienne Ramadier
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Adrien Pinot
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Etienne Benoit
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Virginie Lattard
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Hugues Dardente
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Joël Drevet
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex, France
| | - Fabrice Saez
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand Cedex, France
| | - Matthieu Keller
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR INRAE, CNRS, Université de Tours, IFCE, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Poissenot K, Moussu C, Chesneau D, Ramadier E, Abi Khalil R, Chorfa A, Chemineau P, Michelin Y, Saez F, Drevet J, Benoit E, Lattard V, Pinot A, Dardente H, Keller M. Field study reveals morphological and neuroendocrine correlates of seasonal breeding in female water voles, Arvicola terrestris. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 311:113853. [PMID: 34265346 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Seasonally breeding mammals display timely physiological switches between reproductive activity and sexual rest, which ensure synchronisation of births at the most favourable time of the year. These switches correlate with seasonal changes along the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis, but they are primarily orchestrated at the hypothalamic level through environmental control of KISS1-dependent GnRH release. Our field study shows that births of fossorial water voles, Arvicola terrestris, are concentrated between March and October, which indicates the existence of an annual reproductive cycle in this species. Monthly field monitoring for over a year further reveals dramatic seasonal changes in the morphology of the ovary, uterus and lateral scent glands, which correlate with the reproductive status. Finally, we demonstrate seasonal variation in kisspeptin expression within the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus. Altogether, this study demonstrates a marked rhythm of seasonal breeding in the water vole and we speculate that this is governed by seasonal changes in photoperiod.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kévin Poissenot
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Chantal Moussu
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Didier Chesneau
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Etienne Ramadier
- UMR 0874 UREP, VetAgro Sup, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Rami Abi Khalil
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Areski Chorfa
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex, France
| | | | - Yves Michelin
- UMR Territoires, VetagroSup, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Fabrice Saez
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex, France
| | - Joël Drevet
- GReD Laboratory, CNRS UMR 6293 - INSERM U1103 - Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 place Henri Dunant, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand Cedex, France
| | - Etienne Benoit
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Virginie Lattard
- USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Adrien Pinot
- UMR 0874 UREP, VetAgro Sup, INRAE, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France; USC 1233 RS2GP, INRAE, VetAgro Sup, Université de Lyon, F-69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
| | - Hugues Dardente
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - Matthieu Keller
- CNRS, IFCE, INRAE, Université de Tours, PRC, F-37380 Nouzilly, France.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ciani E, Haug TM, Maugars G, Weltzien FA, Falcón J, Fontaine R. Effects of Melatonin on Anterior Pituitary Plasticity: A Comparison Between Mammals and Teleosts. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:605111. [PMID: 33505357 PMCID: PMC7831660 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.605111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a key hormone involved in the photoperiodic signaling pathway. In both teleosts and mammals, melatonin produced in the pineal gland at night is released into the blood and cerebrospinal fluid, providing rhythmic information to the whole organism. Melatonin acts via specific receptors, allowing the synchronization of daily and annual physiological rhythms to environmental conditions. The pituitary gland, which produces several hormones involved in a variety of physiological processes such as growth, metabolism, stress and reproduction, is an important target of melatonin. Melatonin modulates pituitary cellular activities, adjusting the synthesis and release of the different pituitary hormones to the functional demands, which changes during the day, seasons and life stages. It is, however, not always clear whether melatonin acts directly or indirectly on the pituitary. Indeed, melatonin also acts both upstream, on brain centers that control the pituitary hormone production and release, as well as downstream, on the tissues targeted by the pituitary hormones, which provide positive and negative feedback to the pituitary gland. In this review, we describe the known pathways through which melatonin modulates anterior pituitary hormonal production, distinguishing indirect effects mediated by brain centers from direct effects on the anterior pituitary. We also highlight similarities and differences between teleosts and mammals, drawing attention to knowledge gaps, and suggesting aims for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elia Ciani
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trude M. Haug
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gersende Maugars
- Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Finn-Arne Weltzien
- Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jack Falcón
- Laboratoire Biologie des Organismes et Ecosystèmes Aquatiques (BOREA), MNHN, CNRS FRE 2030, SU, IRD 207, UCN, UA, Paris, France
| | - Romain Fontaine
- Physiology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Romain Fontaine,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
de Miera CS, Beymer M, Routledge K, Krol E, Hazlerigg DG, Simonneaux V. Photoperiodic regulation in a wild-derived mouse strain. J Exp Biol 2020:jeb.217687. [PMID: 34005441 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.217687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Mus musculus molossinus (MSM) is a wild-derived mouse strain which maintains the ability to synthesize melatonin in patterns reflecting the ambient photoperiod. The objective of this study was to characterize the effects of photoperiodic variation on metabolic and reproductive traits, and the related changes in pituitary-hypothalamic gene expression in MSM mice. MSM mice were kept in long (LP) or short photoperiod (SP) for 6 weeks. Our results demonstrate that MSM mice kept in LP, as compared to mice kept in SP, display higher expression of genes encoding thyrotropin (TSH) in the pars tuberalis, thyroid hormone deiodinase 2 (dio2) in the tanycytes, RFamide-related peptide (RFRP3) in the hypothalamus and lower expression of dio3 in the tanycytes, along with larger body and reproductive organ mass. Additionally, to assess the effects of the gestational photoperiodic environment on the expression of these genes, we kept MSM mice in LP or SP from gestation and studied offspring. We show that the gestational photoperiod affects the TSH/dio pathway in newborn MSM mice in a similar way to adults. This result indicates a transgenerational effect of photoperiod from the mother to the fetus in utero. Overall, these results indicate that photoperiod can influence neuroendocrine regulation in a melatonin-proficient mouse strain, in a manner similar that documented in other seasonal rodent species. MSM mice may therefore become a useful model for research into the molecular basis of photoperiodic regulation of seasonal biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Sáenz de Miera
- Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Matthew Beymer
- Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Kevin Routledge
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Elżbieta Krol
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, UK
| | - David G Hazlerigg
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, UK
- Department of Arctic and Marine Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Fisheries and Economy, University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Valerie Simonneaux
- Institute for Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, University of Strasbourg, 67000, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang D, Li N, Tian L, Ren F, Li Z, Chen Y, Liu L, Hu X, Zhang X, Song Y, Hut RA, Liu XH. Dynamic expressions of hypothalamic genes regulate seasonal breeding in a natural rodent population. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:3508-3522. [PMID: 31233652 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal breeding is a universal reproductive strategy in many animals. Hypothalamic genes, especially type 2 and 3 iodothyronine deiodinases (Dio2/3), RFamide-related peptide 3 (Rfrp-3), kisspeptin (Kiss-1) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), are involved in a photoperiodic pathway that encodes seasonal signals from day length in many vertebrate species. However, the seasonal expression patterns of these genes in wild mammals are less studied. Here, we present a four-year field investigation to reveal seasonal rhythm and age-dependent reproductive activity in male Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) and to detect relationships among seasonal expression profiles of hypothalamic genes, testicular activity, age and annual day length. From breeding season (April) to nonbreeding season (October), adult male voles displayed a synchronous peak in gonadal activity with annual day length around summer solstice, which was jointly caused by age structure shifts and age-dependent gonadal development patterns. Overwintered males maintained reproductive activity until late in the breeding season, whereas most newborn males terminated gonadal development completely, except for a minority of males born early in spring. Consistently, the synchronous and opposite expression profiles of Dio2/3 suggest their central function to decode photoperiodic signals and to predict the onset of the nonbreeding season. Moreover, changes in Dio2/3 signals may guide the actions of Kiss-1 and Rfrp-3 to regulate the age-dependent divergence of reproductive strategy in wild Brandt's vole. Our results provide evidence on how hypothalamic photoperiod genes regulate seasonal breeding in a natural rodent population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Tian
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Ren
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengguang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lan Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangfa Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xuechang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Song
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Roelof A Hut
- Chronobiology Unit, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Xiao-Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ainani H, El Bousmaki N, Poirel VJ, Achaâban MR, Ouassat M, Piro M, Klosen P, Simonneaux V, El Allali K. The dromedary camel displays annual variation in hypothalamic kisspeptin and Arg-Phe-amide-related peptide-3 according to sex, season, and breeding activity. J Comp Neurol 2019; 528:32-47. [PMID: 31251823 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) is a desert mammal whose cycles in reproductive activity ensure that the offspring's birth and weaning coincide with periods of abundant food resources and favorable climate conditions. In this study, we assessed whether kisspeptin (Kp) and arginine-phenylalanine (RF)-amide related peptide-3 (RFRP-3), two hypothalamic peptides known to regulate the mammalian hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal axis, may be involved in the seasonal control of camel's reproduction. Using specific antibodies and riboprobes, we found that Kp neurons are present in the preoptic area (POA), suprachiasmatic (SCN), and arcuate (ARC) nuclei, and that RFRP-3 neurons are present in the paraventricular (PVN), dorsomedial (DMH), and ventromedial (VMH) hypothalamic nuclei. Kp fibers are found in various hypothalamic areas, notably the POA, SCN, PVN, DMH, VMH, supraoptic nucleus, and the ventral and dorsal premammillary nucleus. RFRP-3 fibers are found in the POA, SCN, PVN, DMH, VMH, and ARC. POA and ARC Kp neurons and DMH RFRP-3 neurons display sexual dimorphism with more neurons in female than in male. Both neuronal populations display opposed seasonal variations with more Kp neurons and less RFRP-3 neurons during the breeding (December-January) than the nonbreeding (July-August) season. This study is the first describing Kp and RFRP-3 in the camel's brain with, during the winter period lower RFRP-3 expression and higher Kp expression possibly responsible for the HPG axis activation. Altogether, our data indicate the involvement of both Kp and RFRP-3 in the seasonal control of the dromedary camel's breeding activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Ainani
- Comparative Anatomy Unit, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute, Rabat Instituts, Rabat, Morocco.,Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, CNRS UPR 3212, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Najlae El Bousmaki
- Comparative Anatomy Unit, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute, Rabat Instituts, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Vincent-Joseph Poirel
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, CNRS UPR 3212, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mohamed Rachid Achaâban
- Comparative Anatomy Unit, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute, Rabat Instituts, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Ouassat
- Comparative Anatomy Unit, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute, Rabat Instituts, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Mohammed Piro
- Medicine and Surgical Unit of Domestic animals, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute, Rabat Instituts, Rabat, Morocco
| | - Paul Klosen
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, CNRS UPR 3212, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valérie Simonneaux
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, CNRS UPR 3212, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Khalid El Allali
- Comparative Anatomy Unit, Hassan II Agronomy and Veterinary Institute, Rabat Instituts, Rabat, Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ubuka T, Tsutsui K. Reproductive neuroendocrinology of mammalian gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:225-233. [PMID: 31312100 PMCID: PMC6613023 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) was discovered in the Japanese quail brain in 2000 as a hypothalamic neuropeptide that suppresses luteinizing hormone release from cultured quail anterior pituitary. METHODS The authors investigated the existence of mammalian orthologous peptides to GnIH and their physiological functions in the following 19 years of research. MAIN FINDINGS Mammals have orthologous peptide to GnIH, often described RFamide-related peptide, expressed in the hypothalamus and gonads. Mammalian GnIH may also suppress gonadotropin synthesis and release by suppressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) synthesis and release in addition to directly suppressing gonadotropin synthesis and release from the pituitary. Mammalian GnIH may also suppress kisspeptin, a stimulator of GnRH, release. Mammalian GnIH is also expressed in the testis and ovary and suppresses gametogenesis and sex steroid production acting in an autocrine/paracrine manner. Thus, mammalian GnIH may act at all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis to suppress reproduction. GnIH may be involved in the regulation of puberty, estrous or menstrual cycle, seasonal reproduction, and stress responses. CONCLUSION Studies suggest that mammalian GnIH is an important neuroendocrine suppressor of reproduction in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takayoshi Ubuka
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life ScienceWaseda UniversityShinjukuJapan
| | - Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
- Laboratory of Integrative Brain Sciences, Department of Biology and Center for Medical Life ScienceWaseda UniversityShinjukuJapan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Angelopoulou E, Quignon C, Kriegsfeld LJ, Simonneaux V. Functional Implications of RFRP-3 in the Central Control of Daily and Seasonal Rhythms in Reproduction. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:183. [PMID: 31024442 PMCID: PMC6467943 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptation of reproductive activity to environmental changes is essential for breeding success and offspring survival. In mammals, the reproductive system displays regular cycles of activation and inactivation which are synchronized with seasonal and/or daily rhythms in environmental factors, notably light intensity and duration. Thus, most species adapt their breeding activity along the year to ensure that birth and weaning of the offspring occur at a time when resources are optimal. Additionally, female reproductive activity is highest at the beginning of the active phase during the period of full oocyte maturation, in order to improve breeding success. In reproductive physiology, it is therefore fundamental to delineate how geophysical signals are integrated in the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis, notably by the neurons expressing gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Several neurochemicals have been reported to regulate GnRH neuronal activity, but recently two hypothalamic neuropeptides belonging to the superfamily of (Arg)(Phe)-amide peptides, RFRP-3 and kisspeptin, have emerged as critical for the integration of environmental cues within the reproductive axis. The goal of this review is to survey the current understanding of the role played by RFRP-3 in the temporal regulation of reproduction, and consider how its effect might combine with that of kisspeptin to improve the synchronization of reproduction to environmental challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Angelopoulou
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives (CNRS UPR 3212), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Clarisse Quignon
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives (CNRS UPR 3212), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lance J. Kriegsfeld
- Department of Psychology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Valérie Simonneaux
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives (CNRS UPR 3212), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- *Correspondence: Valérie Simonneaux
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Simonneaux V. A Kiss to drive rhythms in reproduction. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 51:509-530. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Simonneaux
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et IntégrativesCNRSUniversité de Strasbourg Strasbourg France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Milesi S, Simonneaux V, Klosen P. Downregulation of Deiodinase 3 is the earliest event in photoperiodic and photorefractory activation of the gonadotropic axis in seasonal hamsters. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17739. [PMID: 29255151 PMCID: PMC5735130 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17920-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In seasonal rodents, reproduction is activated by a long photoperiod. Furthermore, maintaining an inhibitory short photoperiod for over 20 weeks triggers a spontaneous reactivation of the gonadotropic axis called photorefractoriness. Photoactivation is proposed to involve melatonin, hypothalamic thyroid hormones (TH) and (Arg) (Phe)-amide peptides. The mechanisms involved in photorefractoriness are so far unknown. We analyzed the dynamic changes in long photoperiod- and photorefractory-induced activation of reproduction in both Syrian and Djungarian hamsters to validate the current model of photoactivation and to uncover the mechanisms involved in photorefractoriness. We detected a conserved early inhibition of expression of the TH catabolizing enzyme deiodinase 3 (Dio3) in tanycytes, associated with a late decrease of the TH transporter MCT8. This suggests that an early peak of hypothalamic TH may be involved in both photoinduced and photorefractory reactivation. In photoactivation, Dio3 downregulation is followed by an upregulation of Dio2, which is not observed in photorefraction. The upregulation of (Arg) (Phe)-amides occurs several weeks after the initial Dio3 inhibition. In conclusion, we uncovered a so far unreported early inhibition of Dio3. This early downregulation of Dio3 is reinforced by an upregulation of Dio2 in photoactivated hamsters. In photorefractoriness, the Dio3 downregulation might be sufficient to reactivate the gonadotropic axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Milesi
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, CNRS, University of Strasbourg, 67084, Strasbourg, Cedex, France
| | - Valérie Simonneaux
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, CNRS, University of Strasbourg, 67084, Strasbourg, Cedex, France.
| | - Paul Klosen
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, CNRS, University of Strasbourg, 67084, Strasbourg, Cedex, France.
| |
Collapse
|