Diurnal variations and sleep deprivation-induced changes in rat hypothalamic GHRH and somatostatin contents

Central somatostatin signaling and regulation of food intake

The discovery of somatostatin (SST) in the hypothalamus implicated the peptide in the inhibition of growth hormone release. However, as observed for numerous neuropeptides, SST was neither restricted to this one brain site nor to this one function. Subsequent studies established a widespread but specific expression of SST in the central nervous system of rodents and humans along with the expression patterns of five receptors (sst_1-5 ). Among biological actions, the activation of central SST signaling induced a robust stimulation of food and water intake, which is mediated by the sst₂ as assessed using selective sst agonists. The past years have witnessed the identification of brain SST circuitries involved using chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches and further established a physiological orexigenic role of brain SST signaling. The present review will discuss these recent findings.

Abnormal Growth and Feeding Behavior in Upper Airway Obstruction in Rats

Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a syndrome manifesting with snoring and increased respiratory effort due to increased upper airway resistance. In addition to cause the abnormal sleep, this syndrome has been shown to elicit either growth retardation or metabolic syndrome and obesity. Treating OSA by adenotonsillectomy is usually associated with increased risk for obesity, despite near complete restoration of breathing and sleep. However, the underlying mechanism linking upper airways obstruction (AO) to persistent change in food intake, metabolism, and growth remains unclear. Rodent models have examined the impact of intermittent hypoxia on metabolism. However, an additional defining feature of OSA that is not related to intermittent hypoxia is enhanced respiratory loading leading to increased respiratory effort and abnormal sleep. The focus of this mini review is on recent evidence indicating the persistent abnormalities in endocrine regulation of feeding and growth that are not fully restored by the chronic upper AO removal in rats. Here, we highlight important aspects related to abnormal regulation of metabolism that are not related to intermittent hypoxia per se, in an animal model that mimics many of the clinical features of pediatric OSA. Our evidence from the AO model indicates that obstruction removal may not be sufficient to prevent the post-removal tendency for abnormal growth.

Circadian regulation of metabolic homeostasis: causes and consequences

Robust circadian rhythms in metabolic processes have been described in both humans and animal models, at the whole body, individual organ, and even cellular level. Classically, these time-of-day-dependent rhythms have been considered secondary to fluctuations in energy/nutrient supply/demand associated with feeding/fasting and wake/sleep cycles. Renewed interest in this field has been fueled by studies revealing that these rhythms are driven, at least in part, by intrinsic mechanisms and that disruption of metabolic synchrony invariably increases the risk of cardiometabolic disease. The objectives of this paper are to provide a comprehensive review regarding rhythms in glucose, lipid, and protein/amino acid metabolism, the relative influence of extrinsic (eg, neurohumoral factors) versus intrinsic (eg, cell autonomous circadian clocks) mediators, the physiologic roles of these rhythms in terms of daily fluctuations in nutrient availability and activity status, as well as the pathologic consequences of dyssynchrony.

The role of brain somatostatin receptor 2 in the regulation of feeding and drinking behavior

Somatostatin was discovered four decades ago as hypothalamic factor inhibiting growth hormone release. Subsequently, somatostatin was found to be widely distributed throughout the brain and to exert pleiotropic actions via interaction with five somatostatin receptors (sst1-5) that are also widely expressed throughout the brain. Interestingly, in contrast to the predominantly inhibitory actions of peripheral somatostatin, the activation of brain sst2 signaling by intracerebroventricular injection of stable somatostatin agonists potently stimulates food intake and independently, drinking behavior in rodents. The orexigenic response involves downstream orexin-1, neuropeptide Y1 and μ receptor signaling while the dipsogenic effect is mediated through the activation of the brain angiotensin 1 receptor. Brain sst2 activation is part of mechanisms underlying the stimulation of feeding and more prominently water intake in the dark phase and is able to counteract the anorexic response to visceral stressors.

Circadian clock control of endocrine factors

Organisms experience dramatic fluctuations in demands and stresses over the course of the day. In order to maintain biological processes within physiological boundaries, mechanisms have evolved for anticipation of, and adaptation to, these daily fluctuations. Endocrine factors have an integral role in homeostasis. Not only do circulating levels of various endocrine factors oscillate over the 24 h period, but so too does responsiveness of target tissues to these signals or stimuli. Emerging evidence suggests that these daily endocrine oscillations do not occur solely in response to behavioural fluctuations associated with sleep-wake and feeding-fasting cycles, but are orchestrated by an intrinsic timekeeping mechanism known as the circadian clock. Disruption of circadian clocks by genetic and/or environmental factors seems to precipitate numerous common disorders, including the metabolic syndrome and cancer. Collectively, these observations suggest that strategies designed to realign normal circadian rhythmicities hold potential for the treatment of various endocrine-related disorders.

Brain somatostatin receptor 2 mediates the dipsogenic effect of central somatostatin and cortistatin in rats: role in drinking behavior

Intracerebroventricular injection of stable somatostatin (SST) agonists stimulates food and water intake in rats. We investigated the receptor subtype(s) involved in the dipsogenic effect of intracerebroventricular injection of SST agonists, mechanisms of action, and role. In nonfasted and non-water-deprived male rats with chronic intracerebroventricular cannula, intake of water without food or food without water was monitored separately to avoid any interactions compared with intracerebroventricular vehicle. SST-14 and cortistatin (CST-14) (1 μg/rat icv) increased water intake by 3.1- and 2.7-fold, respectively, while both peptides did not alter food intake at 1 h postinjection in the light phase. By contrast, the stable pan-somatostatin agonist ODT8-SST (1 μg/rat icv) increased both water and food intake by 4.9- and 3.7-fold, respectively. S-346-011, a selective receptor 2 (sst2) agonist (1 μg/rat icv) induced water ingestion, while sst1 or sst4 agonist, injected under the same conditions, did not. The sst2 antagonist S-406-028 (1 μg/rat icv) prevented the 1-h water intake induced by intracerebroventricular ODT8-SST and CST-14. Losartan (100 μg/rat icv), an angiotensin receptor 1 (AT1) antagonist, completely blocked the water consumption induced by intracerebroventricular ODT8-SST, whereas intracerebroventricular injection of S-406-028 did not modify the intracerebroventricular ANG II-induced dipsogenic response. The sst2 antagonist reduced by 40% the increase of the 3-h water intake in the early dark phase. These data indicate that SST-14 and CST-14 interact with sst2 to exert a potent dipsogenic effect, which is mediated downstream by angiotensin-AT1 signaling. These data also indicate that sst2 activation by brain SST-14 and/or CST-14 may play an important role in the regulation of drinking behavior.

Brain peptides and the modulation of postoperative gastric ileus

Postoperative ileus (POI) develops after abdominal surgery irrespective of the site of surgery. When prolonged, POI can lead to longer hospitalization times and higher healthcare costs. Moreover, it is associated with complaints for the patient. In order to develop new strategies to treat this condition, a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of the POI is necessary. This review will focus on brain peptides (ghrelin, nesfatin-1, somatostatin, corticotropin-releasing factor, thyrotropin-releasing hormone and calcitonin gene-related peptide) involved in the mediation of POI and the possible modulation of these pathways to shorten the time of POI. Lastly, the role of vagal signaling or chewing gum as potential treatment strategies of alleviating symptoms of POI is discussed.

Central actions of somatostatin-28 and oligosomatostatin agonists to prevent components of the endocrine, autonomic and visceral responses to stress through interaction with different somatostatin receptor subtypes

Somatostatin was discovered four decades ago and since then its physiological role has been extensively investigated, first in relation with its inhibitory effect on growth hormone secretion but soon it expanded to extrapituitary actions influencing various stressresponsive systems. Somatostatin is expressed in distinct brain nuclei and binds to five somatostatin receptor subtypes which are also widely expressed in the brain with a distinct distribution pattern. The last few years witnessed the discovery of highly selective peptide somatostatin receptor agonists and antagonists representing valuable tools to delineate the respective pathways of somatostatin signaling. Here we review the centrally mediated actions of somatostatin and related selective somatostatin receptor subtype agonists to influence the endocrine, autonomic, and visceral components of the stress response and basal behavior as well as thermogenesis.

Occurrence of epilepsy at different zeitgeber times alters sleep homeostasis differently in rats

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Controversial sleep disruptions (e.g., poor nighttime sleep and daytime somnolence) are common in epilepsy patients. Sleep is known to be regulated by homeostatic factors, which mediate sleep propensity, and the circadian oscillator, a clocklike mechanism. However, it is unknown how epileptic episodes that occur at different zeitgeber times (ZTs) alter sleep regulation. This study was designed to elucidate the sleep disruptions associated with epilepsy and their underlying mechanisms by delivering kindled epilepsy at different ZTs: ZT0, ZT6, and ZT13.

DESIGN

Kindled epilepsy was induced at 3 different ZTs, and sleep-wake activities were analyzed before and after full-blown seizure. Ribonuclease protection assay, radioimmunoassay, and immunohistochemistry were respectively employed to determine the levels of interleukin-1 mRNA, corticosterone, and PER1 protein.

SETTING

The experiments were performed at Neurophysiology Laboratory at National Taiwan University. PARTICIPANT AND INTERVENTIONS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with electroencephalograph (EEG) electrodes, a bipolar stimulating electrode, and a guide cannula. Kindling stimuli were delivered via a bipolar electrode placed in the right central nucleus of the amygdala.

MEASUREMENT AND RESULTS

Kindled epilepsy occurring at ZT0 and ZT13 predominantly affected homeostatic factors, whereas ZT6-kindling stimuli altered the circadian oscillator. ZT0-kindling decreased rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM (NREM) sleep, which was mediated by corticotrophin-releasing hormone, but did not alter the rhythm of sleep-wake fluctuation. On the other hand, ZT13-kindling enhanced interleukin-1 and consequently increased NREM sleep without altering the sleep-wake fluctuation. Nevertheless, the expression of PER1 protein in suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus and the circadian rhythm of sleep fluctuation were respectively advanced 6 h and 2 h when kindling stimulation was delivered at ZT6. Shifts of sleep circadian rhythm and PER1 oscillation induced by ZT6-kindling were blocked by administration of hypocretin receptor antagonist SB334867 into the SCN, indicating the involvement of hypocretin.

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that the occurrence of epilepsy at different ZTs alters sleep processes differently.

CITATION

Yi PL; Chen YJ; Lin CT; Chang FC. Occurrence of epilepsy at different zeitgeber times alters sleep homeostasis differently in rats. SLEEP 2012;35(12):1651-1665.

Activation of somatostatin 2 receptors in the brain and the periphery induces opposite changes in circulating ghrelin levels: functional implications

Somatostatin is an important modulator of neurotransmission in the central nervous system and acts as a potent inhibitor of hormone and exocrine secretion and regulator of cell proliferation in the periphery. These pleiotropic actions occur through interaction with five G protein-coupled somatostatin receptor subtypes (sst(1) (-) (5)) that are widely expressed in the brain and peripheral organs. The characterization of somatostatin's effects can be investigated by pharmacological or genetic approaches using newly developed selective sst agonists and antagonists and mice lacking specific sst subtypes. Recent evidence points toward a divergent action of somatostatin in the brain and in the periphery to regulate circulating levels of ghrelin, an orexigenic hormone produced by the endocrine X/A-like cells in the rat gastric mucosa. Somatostatin interacts with the sst(2) in the brain to induce an increase in basal ghrelin plasma levels and counteracts the visceral stress-related decrease in circulating ghrelin. By contrast, stimulation of peripheral somatostatin-sst(2) signaling results in the inhibition of basal ghrelin release and mediates the postoperative decrease in circulating ghrelin. The peripheral sst(2)-mediated reduction of plasma ghrelin is likely to involve a paracrine action of D cell-derived somatostatin acting on sst(2) bearing X/A-like ghrelin cells in the gastric mucosa. The other member of the somatostatin family, named cortistatin, in addition to binding to sst(1) (-) (5) also directly interacts with the ghrelin receptor and therefore may simultaneously modulate ghrelin release and actions at target sites bearing ghrelin receptors representing a link between the ghrelin and somatostatin systems.

Central injection of the stable somatostatin analog ODT8-SST induces a somatostatin2 receptor-mediated orexigenic effect: role of neuropeptide Y and opioid signaling pathways in rats

Somatostatin and octreotide injected into the brain have been reported to modulate food intake. However, little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms. The stable oligosomatostatin analog, des-AA(1,2,4,5,12,13)-[DTrp(8)]-somatostatin (ODT8-SST), like somatostatin, binds to all five somatostatin receptors (sst(1-5)). We characterized the effects of ODT8-SST injected intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) on food consumption and related mechanisms of action in freely fed rats. ODT8-SST (0.3 and 1 microg per rat, i.c.v.) injected during the light or dark phase induced an early onset (within 1 h) and long-lasting (4 h) increase in food intake in nonfasted rats. By contrast, i.p. injection (0.3-3 mg/kg) or i.c.v. injection of selective sst(1) or sst(4) agonists (1 microg per rat) had no effect. The 2 h food intake response during the light phase was blocked by i.c.v. injection of a sst(2) antagonist, the neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y(1) receptor antagonist, BIBP-3226, and ip injection of the mu-opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone, and not associated with changes in plasma ghrelin levels. ODT8-SST (1 microg per rat, i.c.v.) stimulated gastric emptying of a solid meal which was also blocked by naloxone. The increased food intake was accompanied by a sustained increase in respiratory quotient, energy expenditure, and drinking as well as mu-opioid receptor-independent grooming behavior and hyperthermia, while ambulatory movements were not altered after ODT8-SST (1 microg per rat, i.c.v.). These data show that ODT8-SST acts primarily through brain sst(2) receptors to induce a long-lasting orexigenic effect that involves the activation of Y(1) and opiate-receptors, accompanied by enhanced gastric transit and energy expenditure suggesting a modulation of NPYergic and opioidergic orexigenic systems by brain sst(2) receptors.

Cellular and chemical neuroscience of mammalian sleep

Extraordinary strides have been made toward understanding the complexities and regulatory mechanisms of sleep over the past two decades thanks to the help of rapidly evolving technologies. At its most basic level, mammalian sleep is a restorative process of the brain and body. Beyond its primary restorative purpose, sleep is essential for a number of vital functions. Our primary research interest is to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of sleep and its cognitive functions. Here I will reflect on our own research contributions to 50 years of extraordinary advances in the neurobiology of slow-wave sleep (SWS) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep regulation. I conclude this review by suggesting some potential future directions to further our understanding of the neurobiology of sleep.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone activates sleep regulatory neurons of the rat preoptic hypothalamus

We examined whether growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) may promote non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep via activation of GABAergic neurons in the preoptic area. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were implanted with EEG, EMG electrodes and a unilateral intracerebroventricular cannula. Groups of rats received injections (3 microl icv) with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GHRH) (0.1 nmol/100 g body wt) or equal volume of physiological saline at the onset of the dark period and were permitted spontaneous sleep for 90 min. Separate groups of rats were sleep deprived by gentle handling for 90 min, beginning at the time of GHRH or saline injection, at the onset of the dark period. Other groups of rats received intracerebroventricular octreotide (somatostatin analog OCT) injections, intracerebroventricular injection of one of two doses of competitive GHRH antagonist, or intracerebroventricular saline injection at light onset and were then permitted 90 min spontaneous sleep-waking. Rats were killed immediately after the 90-min sleep/wake monitoring period. Brain tissue was processed for immunohistochemistry for c-Fos protein and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Single c-Fos and dual Fos-GAD cell counts were determined in the median preoptic nucleus (MnPN), and in the core and the extended parts of the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (cVLPO and exVLPO). Intracerebroventricular GHRH elicited a significant increase in NREM sleep amount. Double-labeled Fos+GAD cell counts were significantly elevated after GHRH injection in the MnPN and VLPO in both undisturbed and sleep-deprived groups. OCT and GHRH antagonist significantly decreased NREM sleep amount compared with control rats. OCT injection increased single c-Fos-labeled cell counts in the MnPN, but not in the VLPO. Double-labeled cell counts were significantly reduced after OCT and the high dose of GHRH antagonist injection in all areas examined. These findings identify GABAergic neurons in the MnPN and VLPO as potential targets of the sleep-regulatory actions of GHRH.

Growth hormone-releasing hormone and corticotropin-releasing hormone enhance non-rapid-eye-movement sleep after sleep deprivation

The neuropeptides growth hormone (GH)-releasing hormone (GHRH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) regulate sleep and nocturnal hormone secretion in a reciprocal fashion, at least in males. GHRH promotes sleep and GH and inhibits hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) hormones. CRH exerts opposite effects. In women, a sexual dimorphism was found because GHRH impairs sleep and stimulates HPA hormones. Sleep deprivation (SD) is the most powerful stimulus for inducing sleep. Studies in rodents show a key role of GHRH in sleep promotion after SD. The effects of GHRH and CRH on sleep-endocrine activity during the recovery night after SD are unknown. We compared sleep EEG, GH, and cortisol secretion between nights before and after 40 h of SD in 48 normal women and men aged 19-67 yr. During the recovery night, GHRH, CRH, or placebo were injected repetitively. After placebo during the recovery night, non-rapid-eye-movement sleep (NREMS) and rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMS) increased and wakefulness decreased compared with the baseline night. After GHRH, the increase of NREMS and the decrease of wakefulness were more distinct than after placebo. Also, after CRH, NREMS increased higher than after placebo, and a positive correlation was found between age and the baseline-related increase of slow-wave sleep. REMS increased after placebo and after GHRH, but not after CRH. EEG spectral analysis showed increases in the lower frequencies and decreases in the higher frequencies during NREMS after each of the treatments. Cortisol and GH did not differ between baseline and recovery nights after placebo. After GHRH, GH increased and cortisol decreased. Cortisol increased after CRH. No sex differences were found in these changes. Our data suggest that GHRH and CRH augment NREMS promotion after SD. Marked differences appear to exist in peptidergic sleep regulation between spontaneous and recovery sleep.

Rhythms of ghrelin, leptin, and sleep in rats: effects of the normal diurnal cycle, restricted feeding, and sleep deprivation

To determine the relationships among plasma ghrelin and leptin concentrations and hypothalamic ghrelin contents, and sleep, cortical brain temperature (Tcrt), and feeding, we determined these parameters in rats in three experimental conditions: in free-feeding rats with normal diurnal rhythms, in rats with feeding restricted to the 12-h light period (RF), and in rats subjected to 5-h of sleep deprivation (SD) at the beginning of the light cycle. Plasma ghrelin and leptin displayed diurnal rhythms with the ghrelin peak preceding and the leptin peak following the major daily feeding peak in hour 1 after dark onset. RF reversed the diurnal rhythm of these hormones and the rhythm of rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMS) and significantly altered the rhythm of Tcrt. In contrast, the duration and intensity of non-REMS (NREMS) were hardly responsive to RF. SD failed to change leptin concentrations, but it promptly stimulated plasma ghrelin and induced eating. SD elicited biphasic variations in the hypothalamic ghrelin contents. SD increased plasma corticosterone, but corticosterone did not seem to influence either leptin or ghrelin. The results suggest a strong relationship between feeding and the diurnal rhythm of leptin and that feeding also fundamentally modulates the diurnal rhythm of ghrelin. The variations in hypothalamic ghrelin contents might be associated with sleep-wake activity in rats, but, unlike the previous observations in humans, obvious links could not be detected between sleep and the diurnal rhythms of plasma concentrations of either ghrelin or leptin in the rat.

Reductions in circulating anabolic hormones induced by sustained sleep deprivation in rats

The main systemic disorders resulting from prolonged sleep deprivation in laboratory animals are a negative energy balance, low circulating thyroid hormones, and host defense impairments. Low thyroid hormones previously have been found caused by altered regulation at the level of the hypothalamus with possible pituitary involvement. The present studies investigated the effects of sleep deprivation on other major anabolic hormonal systems. Plasma growth hormone (GH) concentrations and major secretory bursts were characterized. Insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was evaluated as an integrative marker of peripheral GH effector activity. Prolactin (PRL) was assessed by basal concentrations and by stimulating the pituitary with exogenous thyrotropin-releasing hormone. Leptin was studied for its linkage to metabolic signs of sleep loss and its correspondence to altered neuroendocrine regulation in other disease states. Last, plasma corticosterone was measured to investigate the degree of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activation. Sleep deprivation was produced by the disk-over-water method, a well-established means of selective deprivation of sleep and noninterference with normal waking behaviors. Hormone concentrations were determined in sham comparisons and at intervals during baseline and experimental periods lasting at least 15 days in partially and totally sleep-deprived rats. The results indicate that high-amplitude pulses of GH were nearly abolished and that concentrations of GH, IGF-I, PRL, and leptin all were suppressed by sleep deprivation. Corticosterone concentration was relatively unaffected. Features of these results, such as low GH and low IGF-I, indicate failed negative feedback and point to hypothalamic mechanisms as containing the foci responsible for peripheral signs.

Deficiency of growth hormone-releasing hormone signaling is associated with sleep alterations in the dwarf rat

The somatotropic axis, and particularly growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), is implicated in the regulation of sleep-wake activity. To evaluate sleep in chronic somatotropic deficiency, sleep-wake activity was studied in dwarf (dw/dw) rats that are known to have a defective GHRH signaling mechanism in the pituitary and in normal Lewis rats, the parental strain of the dw/dw rats. In addition, expression of GHRH receptor (GHRH-R) mRNA in the hypothalamus/preoptic region and in the pituitary was also determined by means of reverse transcription-PCR, and GHRH content of the hypothalamus was measured. Hypothalamic/preoptic and pituitary GHRH-R mRNA levels were decreased in the dw/dw rats, indicating deficits in the central GHRHergic transmission. Hypothalamic GHRH content in dw/dw rats was also less than that found in Lewis rats. The dw/dw rats had less spontaneous nonrapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) (light and dark period) and rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) (light period) than did the control Lewis rats. After 4 hr of sleep deprivation, rebound increases in NREMS and REMS were normal in the dw/dw rat. As determined by fast Fourier analysis of the electroencephalogram (EEG), the sleep deprivation-induced enhancements in EEG slow-wave activity in the dw/dw rats were only one-half of the response in the Lewis rats. The results are compared with sleep findings previously obtained in GHRH-deficient transgenic mice. The alterations in NREMS are attributed to the defect in GHRH signaling, whereas the decreases in REMS might result from the growth hormone deficiency in the dw/dw rat.