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Haass-Koffler CL, Bartlett SE. Stress and addiction: contribution of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system in neuroplasticity. Front Mol Neurosci 2012; 5:91. [PMID: 22973190 PMCID: PMC3434418 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2012.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) has been shown to induce various behavioral changes related to adaptation to stress. Dysregulation of the CRF system at any point can lead to a variety of psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders (SUDs). CRF has been associated with stress-induced drug reinforcement. Extensive literature has identified CRF to play an important role in the molecular mechanisms that lead to an increase in susceptibility that precipitates relapse to SUDs. The CRF system has a heterogeneous role in SUDs. It enhances the acute effects of drugs of abuse and is also responsible for the potentiation of drug-induced neuroplasticity evoked during the withdrawal period. We present in this review the brain regions and circuitries where CRF is expressed and may participate in stress-induced drug abuse. Finally, we attempt to evaluate the role of modulating the CRF system as a possible therapeutic strategy for treating the dysregulation of emotional behaviors that result from the acute positive reinforcement of substances of abuse as well as the negative reinforcement produced by withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina L Haass-Koffler
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center at the University of California San Francisco Emeryville, CA, USA
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Gruson D, Ginion A, Lause P, Ketelslegers JM, Thissen JP, Bertrand L. Urotensin II and urocortin trigger the expression of myostatin, a negative regulator of cardiac growth, in cardiomyocytes. Peptides 2012; 33:351-3. [PMID: 22244812 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2011.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Revised: 12/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) and urocortin (UCN) are potent contributors to the physiopathology of heart failure. Our study investigated the effects of UII and UCN on the expression of myostatin (Mstn) in primary culture of adult cardiomyocytes. Adult rat cardiomyocytes were stimulated for 48 h with UII and UCN. Cell size and protein content were determined. Mstn gene expression was determined by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Treatment with UII and UCN stimulates hypertrophy of adult cardiomyocytes. This effect was associated with a twofold increase of Mstn gene expression. We have established for the first time that the two hypertrophic peptides UII and UCN stimulate the expression of Mstn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Gruson
- Pôle de recherche en Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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Gruson D, Thys F, Verschuren F. Diagnosing destabilized heart failure in the emergency setting: current and future biomarker tests. Mol Diagn Ther 2011; 15:327-40. [PMID: 22188636 DOI: 10.1007/bf03256468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Acute or destabilized heart failure (DHF) is characterized by new or worsening signs and symptoms of heart failure leading to admission to an emergency department. Biomarkers may support the diagnosis, the prognosis and the management of DHF patients. The aim of this review article is to discuss and evaluate the clinical usefulness of both recognized and potential new biomarker tests for use in heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Gruson
- Pôle de Recherche en Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc and Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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Smani T, Calderon E, Rodriguez-Moyano M, Dominguez-Rodriguez A, Diaz I, Ordóñez A. Urocortin-2 induces vasorelaxation of coronary arteries isolated from patients with heart failure. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2011; 38:71-6. [PMID: 21105894 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2010.05466.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
1. Urocortin-2 (Ucn2) is a vasoactive peptide belonging to the corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) family that has potent cardiovascular actions. It has been suggested that Ucn2 participates in the pathophysiology of heart failure. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the action of Ucn2 in human coronary arteries. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of Ucn2 on the vascular tone of human coronary arteries dissected from heart failure patients. 2. Human coronary arteries were dissected from the hearts of patients subjected to orthotopic heart transplantation. Coronary arteries were obtained from 17 patients with heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy of ischaemic origin in Stage III-IV of the New York Heart Association classification. Changes in tone were measured in arterial rings using force transducers. 3. Application of increasing concentrations of Ucn2 (5-20 nmol/L) to arterial rings precontracted with agonists induced dose-dependent relaxation of the coronary artery, which was independent of endothelial cell activation. Furthermore, the inhibition of the adenylyl cyclase by MDL-12 (100 nmol/L) and protein kinase A (PKA) by H89 (1 μmol/L) prevented Ucn2-mediated relaxation of coronary artery rings. 4. The results of the present study suggest that, in heart failure patients, Ucn2 could be useful in modulating coronary artery circulation independent of endothelial integrity through mechanisms that involve adenylyl cyclase activation and PKA stimulation. The findings warrant further investigation of the role of Ucn2 in circulatory regulation and its potential therapeutic application in heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarik Smani
- Institute of Biomedicine from Seville, Universitary Hospital of Virgen del Rocío, University of Seville, Spain.
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Avellino A, Collins SP, Fermann GJ. Risk stratification and short-term prognosis in acute heart failure syndromes: A review of novel biomarkers. Biomarkers 2011; 16:379-92. [PMID: 21534728 DOI: 10.3109/1354750x.2011.574234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ariadne Avellino
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Urocortin-induced cardiomyocytes hypertrophy is associated with regulation of the GSK-3β pathway. Heart Vessels 2011; 27:202-7. [PMID: 21505854 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-011-0141-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Urocortin-1 (UCN), a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor, is a cardioprotective peptide, and is also involved in cardiac hypertrophy. The involvement of GSK-3β, a pivotal kinase in cardiac hypertrophy, in response to UCN is not yet documented. Cardiomyocytes from adult rats were stimulated for 48 h with UCN. Cell size, protein, and DNA contents were determined. Phosphorylated and total forms GSK-3β and the total amount of β-catenin were quantified by Western immunoblots. The effects of astressin, a UCN competitive receptor antagonist, were also evaluated. UCN increased cell size and the protein-to-DNA ratio, in accordance with a hypertrophic response. This effect was associated with increased phosphorylation of GSK-3β and marked accumulation of β-catenin, a downstream element to GSK-3β. All these effects were prevented by astressin and LY294002, an inhibitor of the phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase. UCN-induced cardiomyocytes hypertrophy is associated with regulation of GSK-3β, a pivotal kinase involved in cardiac hypertrophy, in a PI3K-dependent manner. Furthermore, the pharmacological blockade of UCN receptors was able to prevent UCN-induced hypertrophy, which leads to inhibition of the Akt/GSK-3β pathway.
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Yang LZ, Kockskämper J, Khan S, Suarez J, Walther S, Doleschal B, Unterer G, Khafaga M, Mächler H, Heinzel FR, Dillmann WH, Pieske B, Spiess J. cAMP- and Ca²(+) /calmodulin-dependent protein kinases mediate inotropic, lusitropic and arrhythmogenic effects of urocortin 2 in mouse ventricular myocytes. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 162:544-56. [PMID: 20942811 PMCID: PMC3031072 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01067.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2010] [Revised: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Urocortin 2 is beneficial in heart failure, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are not completely understood. Here we have characterized the functional effects of urocortin 2 on mouse cardiomyocytes and elucidated the underlying signalling pathways and mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mouse ventricular myocytes were field-stimulated at 0.5 Hz at room temperature. Fractional shortening and [Ca²(+)](i) transients were measured by an edge detection and epifluorescence system respectively. Western blots were carried out on myocyte extracts with antibodies against total phospholamban (PLN) and PLN phosphorylated at serine-16. KEY RESULTS Urocortin 2 elicited time- and concentration-dependent positive inotropic and lusitropic effects (EC₅₀ : 19 nM) that were abolished by antisauvagine-30 (10 nM, n= 6), a specific antagonist of corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) CRF₂ receptors. Urocortin 2 (100 nM) increased the amplitude and decreased the time constant of decay of the underlying [Ca²(+)](i) transients. Urocortin 2 also increased PLN phosphorylation at serine-16. H89 (2 µM) or KT5720 (1 µM), two inhibitors of protein kinase A (PKA), as well as KN93 (1 µM), an inhibitor of Ca²(+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), suppressed the urocortin 2 effects on shortening and [Ca²(+)](i) transients. In addition, urocortin 2 also elicited arrhythmogenic events consisting of extra cell shortenings and extra [Ca²(+)](i) increases in diastole. Urocortin 2-induced arrhythmogenic events were significantly reduced in cells pretreated with KT5720 or KN93. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Urocortin 2 enhanced contractility in mouse ventricular myocytes via activation of CRF₂ receptors in a cAMP/PKA- and Ca²(+)/CaMKII-dependent manner. This enhancement was accompanied by Ca²(+)-dependent arrhythmogenic effects mediated by PKA and CaMKII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zhen Yang
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental MedicineGoettingen, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaSan Diego, CA, USA
- Specialized Neuroscience Research Program 2 of the John A. Burns School of Medicine of the University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Jens Kockskämper
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Philipps-University of MarburgMarburg, Germany
| | - Shelina Khan
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Jorge Suarez
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaSan Diego, CA, USA
| | - Stefanie Walther
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Bernhard Doleschal
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gregor Unterer
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Mounir Khafaga
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Heinrich Mächler
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Frank R Heinzel
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Wolfgang H Dillmann
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaSan Diego, CA, USA
| | - Burkert Pieske
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of GrazAuenbruggerplatz, Graz, Austria
| | - Joachim Spiess
- Molecular Neuroendocrinology Group, Max Planck Institute for Experimental MedicineGoettingen, Germany
- Specialized Neuroscience Research Program 2 of the John A. Burns School of Medicine of the University of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HI, USA
- Sanford Burnham Medical Research InstituteLa Jolla, CA, USA
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Tang WW, Shrestha K, Martin MG, Borowski AG, Jasper S, Yandle TG, Richards AM, Klein AL, Troughton RW. Clinical Significance of Endogenous Vasoactive Neurohormones in Chronic Systolic Heart Failure. J Card Fail 2010; 16:635-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2010.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2009] [Revised: 03/19/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Gruson D, Ginion A, Decroly N, Lause P, Vanoverschelde JL, Ketelslegers JM, Bertrand L, Thissen JP. Urotensin II induction of adult cardiomyocytes hypertrophy involves the Akt/GSK-3beta signaling pathway. Peptides 2010; 31:1326-33. [PMID: 20416349 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Revised: 04/14/2010] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Urotensin II (UII) a potent vasoactive peptide is upregulated in the failing heart and promotes cardiomyocytes hypertrophy, in particular through mitogen-activated protein kinases. However, the regulation by UII of GSK-3beta, a recognized pivotal signaling element of cardiac hypertrophy has not yet been documented. We therefore investigated in adult cardiomyocytes, if UII phosphorylates GSK-3beta and Akt, one of its upstream regulators and stabilizes beta-catenin, a GSK-3beta dependent nuclear transcriptional co-activator. Primary cultures of adult rat cardiomyocytes were stimulated for 48h with UII. Cell size and protein/DNA contents were determined. Phosphorylated and total forms of Akt, GSK-3beta and the total amount of beta-catenin were quantified by western blot. The responses of cardiomyocytes to UII were also evaluated after pretreatment with the chemical phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase inhibitor, LY294002, and urantide, a competitive UII receptor antagonist. UII increased cell size and the protein/DNA ratio, consistent with a hypertrophic response. UII also increased phosphorylation of Akt and its downstream target GSK-3beta. beta-Catenin protein levels were increased. All of these effects of UII were prevented by LY294002, and urantide. The UII-induced adult cardiomyocytes hypertrophy involves the Akt/GSK-3beta signaling pathways and is accompanied by the stabilization of the beta-catenin. All these effects are abolished by competitive inhibition of the UII receptor, consistent with new therapeutic perspectives for heart failure treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gruson
- Université catholique de Louvain, Unit of Diabetes and Nutrition, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.
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Dalzell JR, Jackson CE, McDonagh TA, Gardner RS. Novel biomarkers in heart failure: an overview. Biomark Med 2010; 3:453-63. [PMID: 20477516 DOI: 10.2217/bmm.09.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure is a complex systemic syndrome resulting from significant impairment of cardiac function. A vast array of biological pathways is now known to be involved in heart failure, including deleterious pathways promoting its development and progression, as well as compensatory cardioprotective pathways. Some of the components of these pathways are now recognized as biomarkers of this condition, and can aid diagnosis, prognostication and guide management. As the understanding of the pathophysiology of heart failure progresses, further candidate biomarkers are being identified. This article reviews the literature regarding the more recently identified biomarkers and outlines areas requiring further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Dalzell
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8TA, UK.
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12
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Smani T, Calderón-Sanchez E, Gómez-Hurtado N, Fernández-Velasco M, Cachofeiro V, Lahera V, Ordoñez A, Delgado C. Mechanisms underlying the activation of L-type calcium channels by urocortin in rat ventricular myocytes. Cardiovasc Res 2010; 87:459-66. [DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvq063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Gruson D, Ahn SA, Ketelslegers JM, Rousseau MF. Circulating levels of stress associated peptide Urocortin in heart failure patients. Peptides 2010; 31:354-6. [PMID: 19961889 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2009] [Revised: 11/23/2009] [Accepted: 11/23/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The available data suggest that Urocortin (UCN), a cardioprotective and vasoactive peptide known from fish neuroendocrinology, is involved in cardiac regulation. The aim of this study was to determine UCN plasma concentrations in patients with heart failure (HF). Plasma concentrations of UCN, measured in 42 fully treated HF patients. UCN, were determined using a specific ELISA assay after acidic extraction with Sep-Pak C18 columns. Circulating levels of other neurohormones Nt-proBNP, Nt-proANP and Big ET-1 were also determined. Reference values were obtained from 20 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects. In comparison with controls, UCN plasma concentrations (geometric mean [95% CI]) were significantly increased in HF patients (88 pmol/L [75-105] vs 46 [39-54], p<0.001). As expected, the other neurohormones were also significantly increased in HF patients (Nt-proBNP: 3501 pg/ml [2356-5202] vs 35 [24-51], Nt-proANP: 5498 pg/ml [4336-6971] vs 324 [255-411] and Big ET-1: 15.8 pg/ml [13.6-18.4] vs 5.9 [5.2-6.8]; p<0.01 for all vs controls). No significant correlation was observed between UCN and the other HF biomarkers. Our results demonstrate that plasma concentrations of UCN are significantly increased in patients with HF and that UCN may participate in the neurohumoral response of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gruson
- Unit of Diabetes and Nutrition, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
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Grossini E, Molinari C, Mary DASG, Marino P, Vacca G. The effect of urocortin II administration on the coronary circulation and cardiac function in the anaesthetized pig is nitric-oxide-dependent. Eur J Pharmacol 2007; 578:242-8. [PMID: 17936748 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2007.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2007] [Revised: 09/19/2007] [Accepted: 09/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
We planned to determine the primary effects and mechanisms of urocortin II, a member of the corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) family highly expressed in the cardiovascular system, on coronary blood flow and myocardial function in vivo. Urocortin II was infused into the left anterior descending coronary artery in 25 anaesthetized pigs whilst measuring haemodynamic variables, coronary blood flow, ventricular dP/dt(max) cardiac output and percentage of segmental shortening. This infusion was repeated after blockade of the autonomic nervous system, nitric-oxide synthase (NOS) or subtype 2 of the CRF receptors. In all experiments changes in heart rate and aortic blood pressure were prevented. Intra-coronary urocortin II increased, within 60 s, coronary blood flow (15+/-3.2%, P<0.05), dP/dt(max) (12.7+/-2.6%, P<0.05), cardiac output (16+/-2.3%, P<0.05) and percentage of segmental shortening (19.8+/-3.8%, P<0.05). Blockade of NOS abolished only the coronary effects whereas blockade of subtype 2 of the CRF receptors abolished all cardiac and coronary effects. It was shown for the first time that urocortin II administration primarily increases coronary blood flow and myocardial function through the release of nitric oxide and activation of subtype 2 of the CRF receptors in the anaesthetized pig. This provides a mechanism through which a local increase of urocortin II levels can help improve a compromised cardiovascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Grossini
- Laboratorio di Fisiologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Sperimentale, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, via Solaroli 17, I-28100 Novara, Italy.
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Fekete ÉM, Zorrilla EP. Physiology, pharmacology, and therapeutic relevance of urocortins in mammals: ancient CRF paralogs. Front Neuroendocrinol 2007; 28:1-27. [PMID: 17083971 PMCID: PMC2730896 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2006.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2006] [Revised: 09/05/2006] [Accepted: 09/06/2006] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Urocortins, three paralogs of the stress-related peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) found in bony fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals, have unique phylogenies, pharmacologies, and tissue distributions. As a result and despite a structural family resemblance, the natural functions of urocortins and CRF in mammalian homeostatic responses differ substantially. Endogenous urocortins are neither simply counterpoints nor mimics of endogenous CRF action. In their own right, urocortins may be clinically relevant molecules in the pathogenesis or management of many conditions, including congestive heart failure, hypertension, gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, active gastritis, gastroparesis, and rheumatoid arthritis), atopic/allergic disorders (dermatitis, urticaria, and asthma), pregnancy and parturition (preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, onset, and maintenance of effective labor), major depression and obesity. Safety trials for intravenous urocortin treatment have already begun for the treatment of congestive heart failure. Further understanding the unique functions of urocortin 1, urocortin 2, and urocortin 3 action may uncover other therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva M. Fekete
- Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences Department, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
- Pécs University Medical School, 7602 Pécs,
Hungary
| | - Eric P. Zorrilla
- Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences Department, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
- Harold L. Dorris Neurological Research Institute, The Scripps
Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
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Helwig BG, Musch TI, Craig RA, Kenney MJ. Increased interleukin-6 receptor expression in the paraventricular nucleus of rats with heart failure. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 292:R1165-73. [PMID: 17095650 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00507.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and augmented plasma and tissue levels of IL-6 are hallmarks of heart failure (HF). Within the forebrain, cardiovascular homeostasis is mediated in part by the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. IL-6, via binding to the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R)/glycoprotein 130 (gp130) complex influences cellular and physiological responses. Thus, in the current study, we hypothesized that PVN IL-6R protein and gene expression are upregulated in HF vs. sham-operated rats, whereas gp130 levels in the same tissues remain stable. Six weeks after coronary ligation surgery, hemodynamic measurements were obtained, and HF rats were divided into moderate noncongestive and severe chronic congestive groups based on cardiac indices. Plasma IL-6 levels were determined and changes in gene and protein expression of IL-6R and gp130 between sham-operated and HF rats were determined via real-time PCR and Western blot analyses, respectively. Plasma levels of IL-6 were elevated in rats with severe, but not moderate, HF compared with sham-operated controls. In both moderate and severe HF rats, protein but not gene expression of IL-6R was significantly increased in PVN tissue but not in non-PVN tissue, compared with sham-operated controls. Gene and protein levels of the gp130 subunit were not altered by HF in either tissue analyzed. Collectively, these data suggest that within the brain of HF rats, IL-6R expression is not a global change. Rather the increased IL-6 levels characteristic of HF may alter PVN-mediated physiological responses via enhanced expression of the IL-6R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan G Helwig
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Coles Hall 228, Kansas State University, 1600 Denison Ave., Manhattan, KS 66506, USA.
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