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Baudon A, Clauss Creusot E, Charlet A. [Emergent role of astrocytes in oxytocin-mediated modulatory control of neuronal circuits and brain functions]. Biol Aujourdhui 2023; 216:155-165. [PMID: 36744981 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/2022022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin has been in the focus of scientists for decades due to its profound and pleiotropic effects on physiology, activity of neuronal circuits and behaviors. Until recently, it was believed that oxytocinergic action exclusively occurs through direct activation of neuronal oxytocin receptors. However, several studies demonstrated the existence and functional relevance of astroglial oxytocin receptors in various brain regions in the mouse and rat brain. Astrocytic signaling and activity are critical for many important physiological processes including metabolism, neurotransmitter clearance from the synaptic cleft and integrated brain functions. While it can be speculated that oxytocinergic action on astrocytes predominantly facilitates neuromodulation via the release of gliotransmitters, the precise role of astrocytic oxytocin receptors remains elusive. In this review, we discuss the latest studies on the interaction between the oxytocinergic system and astrocytes, and give details of underlying intracellular cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Baudon
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, 8 allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Etienne Clauss Creusot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, 8 allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexandre Charlet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique et Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, 8 allée du Général Rouvillois, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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2
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Johnston MP, Wanat MJ. Mitigating the impact of adolescence isolation on the development of social anxiety: A potential role for oxytocin. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1038236. [PMID: 36311867 PMCID: PMC9608628 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1038236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to isolation can lead to the development of social anxiety disorder (SAD), which affects 13% of Americans. There are sex differences in the prevalence of anxiety disorders, as women experience higher rates of SAD relative to men. Importantly, isolation experienced during adolescence increases the likelihood of developing SAD in adulthood. Unfortunately, the current treatments for SAD are only effective in 50–65% of patients. As such, it is critical to identify therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of SAD, particularly in women. Here, we discuss the links between childhood isolation and adulthood SAD. Next, we examine the preclinical models used to study the impact of isolation on social anxiety-like behaviors in rodents. Increasing evidence from both clinical and pre-clinical studies suggests oxytocin signaling is a potential target to modify social anxiety-like behaviors. We present the evidence that sex hormones influence the oxytocin system. Finally, we highlight future directions for both clinical and pre-clinical studies to further evaluate the efficacy of oxytocin as a treatment for isolation-induced SAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan P Johnston
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Neurosciences Institute, Brain Health Consortium, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Matthew J Wanat
- Department of Neuroscience, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Neurosciences Institute, Brain Health Consortium, University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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3
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Baudon A, Clauss Creusot E, Althammer F, Schaaf CP, Charlet A. Emerging role of astrocytes in oxytocin-mediated control of neural circuits and brain functions. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 217:102328. [PMID: 35870680 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin has been in the focus of scientists for decades due to its profound and pleiotropic effects on physiology, activity of neuronal circuits and behaviors, among which sociality. Until recently, it was believed that oxytocinergic action exclusively occurs through direct activation of neuronal oxytocin receptors. However, several studies demonstrated the existence and functional relevance of astroglial oxytocin receptors in various brain regions in the mouse and rat brain. Astrocytic signaling and activity is critical for many important physiological processes including metabolism, neurotransmitter clearance from the synaptic cleft and integrated brain functions. While it can be speculated that oxytocinergic action on astrocytes predominantly facilitates neuromodulation via the release of specific gliotransmitters, the precise role of astrocytic oxytocin receptors remains elusive. In this review, we discuss the latest studies on the interaction between the oxytocinergic system and astrocytes, including detailed information about intracellular cascades, and speculate about future research directions on astrocytic oxytocin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Baudon
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Strasbourg 67000 France
| | - Etienne Clauss Creusot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Strasbourg 67000 France
| | | | | | - Alexandre Charlet
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Strasbourg 67000 France.
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4
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Conley AJ, Berger T, Del Razo RA, Cotterman RF, Sahagún E, Goetze LR, Jacob S, Weinstein TAR, Dufek ME, Mendoza SP, Bales KL. The onset of puberty in colony-housed male and female titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus): Possible effects of oxytocin treatment during peri-adolescent development. Horm Behav 2022; 142:105157. [PMID: 35338890 PMCID: PMC9250660 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has been used to treat neurodevelopmental conditions in adolescent patients but possible effects on reproductive development have not been well investigated. The effects of daily intra-nasal oxytocin treatment (12-18 months of age) on puberty and fertility were studied in colony-housed, male and female titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus). Body weight, urinary conjugated pregnanes and estrogens (defining cyclicity) in females, and androgens and sperm in urine of in males, were measured from 1 to 3 years of age to detect puberty. Serum testosterone was also measured in males at 13, 23 and 33 months of age and hemi-castration at 3 years of age enabled assessment of testicular morphometry and oxytocin receptor expression. An oxytocin treatment*time interaction suggested a minor, transient suppression in weight gain after treatment ended. Note that females weighed 10% less across all ages. Oxytocin-treated females exhibited early, spurious ovulations but neither regular cyclicity (≈30 months) nor pregnancies were affected by treatment. Oxytocin did not affect the pubertal increase in urinary androgen or the first appearance of sperm, which occurred as early as 15 months of age. Treatment did delay the puberty-associated rise in serum testosterone in males. All males were pubertal by 22 months and all females by 32 months of age. Although no major male or female fertility outcome was observed, oxytocin demonstrated some physiological effects through a delay of testosterone secretion in males, induction of precocious ovulation in females, and a suppression of general weight gain for the months following treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Conley
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America.
| | - T Berger
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - R Arias Del Razo
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - R F Cotterman
- Department of Population Health & Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - E Sahagún
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - L R Goetze
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - S Jacob
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - T A R Weinstein
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - M E Dufek
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - S P Mendoza
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America
| | - K L Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America; Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, United States of America.
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5
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Prevot V, Sharif A. The polygamous GnRH neuron: Astrocytic and tanycytic communication with a neuroendocrine neuronal population. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13104. [PMID: 35233849 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
To ensure the survival of the species, hypothalamic neuroendocrine circuits controlling fertility, which converge onto neurons producing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), must respond to fluctuating physiological conditions by undergoing rapid and reversible structural and functional changes. However, GnRH neurons do not act alone, but through reciprocal interactions with multiple hypothalamic cell populations, including several glial and endothelial cell types. For instance, it has long been known that in the hypothalamic median eminence, where GnRH axons terminate and release their neurohormone into the pituitary portal blood circulation, morphological plasticity displayed by distal processes of tanycytes modifies their relationship with adjacent neurons as well as the spatial properties of the neurohemal junction. These alterations not only regulate the capacity of GnRH neurons to release their neurohormone, but also the activation of discrete non-neuronal pathways that mediate feedback by peripheral hormones onto the hypothalamus. Additionally, a recent breakthrough has demonstrated that GnRH neurons themselves orchestrate the establishment of their neuroendocrine circuitry during postnatal development by recruiting an entourage of newborn astrocytes that escort them into adulthood and, via signalling through gliotransmitters such as prostaglandin E2, modulate their activity and GnRH release. Intriguingly, several environmental and behavioural toxins perturb these neuron-glia interactions and consequently, reproductive maturation and fertility. Deciphering the communication between GnRH neurons and other neural cell types constituting hypothalamic neuroendocrine circuits is thus critical both to understanding physiological processes such as puberty, oestrous cyclicity and aging, and to developing novel therapeutic strategies for dysfunctions of these processes, including the effects of endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Prevot
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, FHU 1000 Days for Health, Lille, France
| | - Ariane Sharif
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S1172, FHU 1000 Days for Health, Lille, France
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6
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Domínguez-Ordoñez R, Garcia-Juárez M, Tapia-Hernández S, Luna-Hernández A, Galindo-Madrid ME, Tecamachaltzi-Silvarán MB, Hoffman KL, Pfaus JG, González-Flores O. Oxytocin induces lordosis behavior in female rats through the prostaglandin E2/GnRH signaling system. Horm Behav 2021; 136:105081. [PMID: 34710777 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of oxytocin (OT) induces robust lordosis behavior (lordosis quotient and lordosis intensity) in estrogen-primed rats. The present study explored the hypothesis that the OT-Prostaglandin E2-GnRH pathway (a pathway produced in astrocytes) is involved in the facilitation of lordosis behavior by icv infusion of OT (2 μg). In Experiment 1, we tested the involvement of the OT receptor (OTR) by infusion of the OTR antagonist, atosiban (ATO). OT-induced lordosis was significantly reduced at both 30 and 120 min by prior infusion of ATO. In Experiment 2, we studied the effects of aspirin (COX2 inhibitor) and ONO-AE3-208 (ONO; EP4 prostaglandin receptor antagonist) on OT-induced lordosis. Infusions of both compounds diminished OT-induced lordosis at both 120 and 240 min. In Experiment 3, the involvement of the GnRH-1 receptor inhibitor antide on OT-induced lordosis was evaluated. Antide significantly inhibited OT-induced lordosis at all times tested. These data indicate that the OT/PGE2/GnRH pathway is involved in the expression of OT-induced lordosis behavior, an effect that may be occurring directly in hypothalamic astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymundo Domínguez-Ordoñez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Marcos Garcia-Juárez
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Sandra Tapia-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Ailyn Luna-Hernández
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - Miriam Eli Galindo-Madrid
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | | | - Kurt L Hoffman
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico
| | - James G Pfaus
- Department of Psychology and Life Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic; Czech National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Oscar González-Flores
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala-CINVESTAV, Tlaxcala, Mexico.
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López-Rodríguez D, Aylwin CF, Delli V, Sevrin E, Campanile M, Martin M, Franssen D, Gérard A, Blacher S, Tirelli E, Noël A, Lomniczi A, Parent AS. Multi- and Transgenerational Outcomes of an Exposure to a Mixture of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) on Puberty and Maternal Behavior in the Female Rat. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:87003. [PMID: 34383603 PMCID: PMC8360047 DOI: 10.1289/ehp8795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on fertility and reproductive development represent a rising concern in modern societies. Although the neuroendocrine control of sexual maturation is a major target of EDCs, little is known about the potential role of the hypothalamus in puberty and ovulation disruption transmitted across generations. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that developmental exposure to an environmentally relevant dose of EDC mixture could induce multi- and/or transgenerational alterations of sexual maturation and maternal care in female rats through epigenetic reprograming of the hypothalamus. We investigated the transmission of a disrupted reproductive phenotype via the maternal germline or via nongenomic mechanisms involving maternal care. METHODS Adult female Wistar rats were exposed prior to and during gestation and until the end of lactation to a mixture of the following 13 EDCs: di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), bisphenol A (BPA), vinclozolin, prochloraz, procymidone, linuron, epoxynaxole, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, octyl methoxynimmate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC), butylparaben, and acetaminophen. Perinatally exposed offspring (F1) were mated with unexposed males to generate germ cell (F2) and transgenerationally exposed (F3 and F4) females. Sexual maturation, maternal behavior, and hypothalamic targets of exposure were studied across generations. RESULTS Germ cell (F2) and transgenerationally (F3) EDC-exposed females, but not F1, displayed delayed pubertal onset and altered folliculogenesis. We reported a transgenerational alteration of key hypothalamic genes controlling puberty and ovulation (Kiss1, Esr1, and Oxt), and we identified the hypothalamic polycomb group of epigenetic repressors as actors of this mechanism. Furthermore, we found a multigenerational reduction of maternal behavior (F1-F3) induced by a loss in hypothalamic dopaminergic signaling. Using a cross-fostering paradigm, we identified that the reduction in maternal phenotype was normalized in EDC-exposed pups raised by unexposed dams, but no reversal of the pubertal phenotype was achieved. DISCUSSION Rats developmentally exposed to an EDC mixture exhibited multi- and transgenerational disruption of sexual maturation and maternal care via hypothalamic epigenetic reprogramming. These results raise concerns about the impact of EDC mixtures on future generations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8795.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Francisco Aylwin
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Elena Sevrin
- GIGA Neurosciences, Neuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marzia Campanile
- GIGA Neurosciences, Neuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marion Martin
- Lille Neuroscience & Cognition (LilNCog), Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (Inserm), CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Delphine Franssen
- GIGA Neurosciences, Neuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Arlette Gérard
- GIGA Neurosciences, Neuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Silvia Blacher
- Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Ezio Tirelli
- Department of Psychology: Cognition and Behavior, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Agnès Noël
- Tumor and Development Biology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Alejandro Lomniczi
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- GIGA Neurosciences, Neuroendocrinology Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Liège, Liège, Belgium
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8
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Pan X, Li Q, Chen D, Gong W, Li N, Jiang Y, Zhang H, Chen Y, Yuan X. Alternative Splicing Dynamics of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovary Axis During Pubertal Transition in Gilts. Front Genet 2021; 12:592669. [PMID: 33995469 PMCID: PMC8120244 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.592669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The timing of puberty in mammals marks the point at which reproduction becomes possible. Abnormalities in the timing of puberty may exert a series of negative effects on subsequent health outcomes. Alternative splicing (AS) has not only emerged as a significant factor in the transcription of genes but it is also reported to play a role in the timing of puberty. However, to date, the changes and dynamics of AS during the onset of puberty is extremely seldom explored. In the present study, we used gilts as a research model to investigated the dynamics of AS and differentially expressed AS (DEAS) events within the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary (HPO) axis across pre-, in-, and post-puberty. We detected 3,390, 6,098, and 9,085 DEAS events in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary when compared across pre-, in-, and post-pubertal stages, respectively. Within the entire HPO axis, we also identified 22,889, 22,857, and 21,055 DEAS events in the pre-, in-, and post-pubertal stages, respectively. Further analysis revealed that the differentially spliced genes (DSGs) associated with staged DEAS events were likely to be enriched in the oxytocin signaling pathway, thyroid hormone signaling pathway, GnRH signaling pathway, and oocyte meiosis signaling pathway. The DSGs associated with DEAS events across the entire HPO axis were enriched in endocytosis signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway, and the Rap1 signaling pathway. Moreover. the ASs of TAC1, TACR3, CYP19A1, ESR1, ESRRA, and FSHR were likely to regulate the functions of the certain HPO tissues during the onset of puberty. Collectively, the AS dynamics and DEAS events were comprehensively profiled in hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovary across the pre-, in-, and post-pubertal stages in pigs. These findings may enhance our knowledge of how puberty is regulated by AS and shed new light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the timing of puberty in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangchun Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qingnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Danxia Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wentao Gong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nian Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaosheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laboratory Animals, Guangdong Laboratory Animals Monitoring Institute, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Wei J, Ma L, Ju P, Yang B, Wang YX, Chen J. Involvement of Oxytocin Receptor/Erk/MAPK Signaling in the mPFC in Early Life Stress-Induced Autistic-Like Behaviors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:564485. [PMID: 33134294 PMCID: PMC7561716 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.564485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neonatal or infant period is a critical stage for the development of brain neuroplasticity. Early life stresses in the neonatal period, including neonatal maternal separation (NMS), have adverse effects on an increased risk of psychiatric disorders in juveniles and adults. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not largely understood. Here, we found that juvenile rats subjected to 4 h daily NMS during postnatal days 1 to 20 exhibited autistic-like behavioral deficits without impairments in learning and memory functions. Molecular mechanism studies showed that oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in the medial prefrontal cortex of NMS rats was evidently downregulated when compared with control pups, especially in neurons. Erk/MAPK signaling, the downstream coupling signaling of OTXR, was also inhibited in NMS juvenile rats. Treatment with oxytocin could relieve NMS-induced social deficit behaviors and activated phosphorylation of Erk/MAPK signaling. Furthermore, medication with the inhibitor of H3K4 demethylase alleviated the abnormal behaviors in NMS rats and increased the expression of OXTR in the medial prefrontal cortex, which showed an epigenetic mechanism underlying social deficits induced by NMS. Taken together, these findings identified a molecular mechanism by which disruptions of mother-infant interactions influenced later displays of typical social behaviors and suggested the potential for NMS-driven epigenetic tuning of OXTR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbao Wei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,King's Lab, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Institute of Wudang Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Le Ma
- King's Lab, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peijun Ju
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Beibei Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Wang
- King's Lab, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinghong Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Li D, Liu X, Liu T, Liu H, Tong L, Jia S, Wang YF. Neurochemical regulation of the expression and function of glial fibrillary acidic protein in astrocytes. Glia 2019; 68:878-897. [PMID: 31626364 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a type III intermediate filament, is a marker of mature astrocytes. The expression of GFAP gene is regulated by many transcription factors (TFs), mainly Janus kinase-2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 cascade and nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell signaling. GFAP expression is also modulated by protein kinase and other signaling molecules that are elicited by neuronal activity and hormones. Abnormal expression of GFAP proteins occurs in neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, brain edema-eliciting diseases, traumatic brain injury, psychiatric disorders and others. GFAP, mainly in α-isoform, is the major component of cytoskeleton and the scaffold of astrocytes, which is essential for the maintenance of astrocytic structure and shape. GFAP also has highly morphological plasticity because of its quick changes in assembling and polymerizing states in response to environmental challenges. This plasticity and its corresponding cellular morphological changes endow astrocytes the functions of physical barrier between adjacent neurons and stabilizer of extracellular environment. Moreover, GFAP colocalizes and even molecularly associates with many functional molecules. This feature allows GFAP to function as a platform for direct interactions between different molecules. Last, GFAP involves transportation and localization of other functional proteins and thus serves as a protein transport guide in astrocytes. This guiding role of GFAP involves an elastic retraction and extension cytoskeletal network that couples with GFAP reassembling, transporting, and membrane protein recycling machinery. This paper reviews our current understanding of the expression and functions of GFAP as well as their regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyang Li
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tianming Liu
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Li Tong
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuwei Jia
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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11
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MacDonald AJ, Robb JL, Morrissey NA, Beall C, Ellacott KLJ. Astrocytes in neuroendocrine systems: An overview. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12726. [PMID: 31050045 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A class of glial cell, astrocytes, is highly abundant in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition to maintaining tissue homeostasis, astrocytes regulate neuronal communication and synaptic plasticity. There is an ever-increasing appreciation that astrocytes are involved in the regulation of physiology and behaviour in normal and pathological states, including within neuroendocrine systems. Indeed, astrocytes are direct targets of hormone action in the CNS, via receptors expressed on their surface, and are also a source of regulatory neuropeptides, neurotransmitters and gliotransmitters. Furthermore, as part of the neurovascular unit, astrocytes can regulate hormone entry into the CNS. This review is intended to provide an overview of how astrocytes are impacted by and contribute to the regulation of a diverse range of neuroendocrine systems: energy homeostasis and metabolism, reproduction, fluid homeostasis, the stress response and circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair J MacDonald
- Neuroendocrine Research Group, Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Josephine L Robb
- Neuroendocrine Research Group, Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Nicole A Morrissey
- Neuroendocrine Research Group, Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Craig Beall
- Neuroendocrine Research Group, Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Kate L J Ellacott
- Neuroendocrine Research Group, Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
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12
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Oxytocin Receptors Are Expressed by Glutamatergic Prefrontal Cortical Neurons That Selectively Modulate Social Recognition. J Neurosci 2019; 39:3249-3263. [PMID: 30804095 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2944-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Social recognition, the ability to recognize individuals that were previously encountered, requires complex integration of sensory inputs with previous experience. Here, we use a variety of approaches to discern how oxytocin-sensitive neurons in the PFC exert descending control over a circuit mediating social recognition in mice. Using male mice with Cre-recombinase directed to the oxytocin receptor gene (Oxtr), we revealed that oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) are expressed on glutamatergic neurons in the PFC, optogenetic stimulation of which elicited activation of neurons residing in several mesolimbic brain structures. Optogenetic stimulation of axons in the BLA arising from OXTR-expressing neurons in the PFC eliminated the ability to distinguish novel from familiar conspecifics, but remarkably, distinguishing between novel and familiar objects was unaffected. These results suggest that an oxytocin-sensitive PFC to BLA circuit is required for social recognition. The implication is that impaired social memory may manifest from dysregulation of this circuit.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Using mice, we demonstrate that optogenetic activation of the neurons in the PFC that express the oxytocin receptor gene (Oxtr) impairs the ability to distinguish between novel and familiar conspecifics, but the ability to distinguish between novel and familiar objects remains intact. Subjects with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have difficulty identifying a person based on remembering facial features; however, ASDs and typical subjects perform similarly when remembering objects. In subjects with ASD, viewing the same face increases neural activity in the PFC, which may be analogous to the optogenetic excitation of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) expressing neurons in the PFC that impairs social recognition in mice. The implication is that overactivation of OXTR-expressing neurons in the PFC may contribute to ASD symptomology.
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13
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Gao X, Ye J, Yang C, Luo L, Liu Y, Ding J, Zhang Y, Ling Y, Huang W, Zhang X, Zhang K, Li X, Zhou J, Fang F, Cao Z. RNA-seq analysis of lncRNA-controlled developmental gene expression during puberty in goat & rat. BMC Genet 2018; 19:19. [PMID: 29609543 PMCID: PMC5879571 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-018-0608-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Puberty is a pivotal stage in female animal development, and marks the onset of reproductive capability. However, little is known about the function of lncRNAs (long noncoding RNAs) in puberty. Therefore, RNA-seq analysis were performed between goats and rats to clarify the roles of lncRNAs and mRNAs in the onset of puberty. Results In the present study, the length of lncRNAs, the length of the open reading frame and the exon count were compared between the two species. Furthermore, functional annotation analysis based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of lncRNAs target genes and differentially expressed mRNA demonstrated the significantly enriched terms, such as AMPK signaling pathway, oxytocin signaling pathway, insulin secretion as well as pheromone receptor activity, and some other signaling pathways which were involved in the regulation of female puberty. Moreover, our results of siRNA interference in vitro showed the candidate lncRNA XLOC_446331 may play a crucial role in regulating female puberty. Conclusion In conclusion, the RNA-seq analysis between goat and rat provide novel candidate regulators for genetic and molecular studies on female puberty. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12863-018-0608-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Gao
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Luo
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Jianping Ding
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Weiping Huang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaorong Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Kaifa Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Xiumei Li
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China
| | - Fugui Fang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China. .,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China. .,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.
| | - Zubing Cao
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China. .,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China. .,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, 230036, Anhui, China.
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Abstract
Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
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15
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Clasadonte J, Prevot V. The special relationship: glia-neuron interactions in the neuroendocrine hypothalamus. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2018; 14:25-44. [PMID: 29076504 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2017.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural fluctuations in physiological conditions require adaptive responses involving rapid and reversible structural and functional changes in the hypothalamic neuroendocrine circuits that control homeostasis. Here, we discuss the data that implicate hypothalamic glia in the control of hypothalamic neuroendocrine circuits, specifically neuron-glia interactions in the regulation of neurosecretion as well as neuronal excitability. Mechanistically, the morphological plasticity displayed by distal processes of astrocytes, pituicytes and tanycytes modifies the geometry and diffusion properties of the extracellular space. These changes alter the relationship between glial cells of the hypothalamus and adjacent neuronal elements, especially at specialized intersections such as synapses and neurohaemal junctions. The structural alterations in turn lead to functional plasticity that alters the release and spread of neurotransmitters, neuromodulators and gliotransmitters, as well as the activity of discrete glial signalling pathways that mediate feedback by peripheral signals to the hypothalamus. An understanding of the contributions of these and other non-neuronal cell types to hypothalamic neuroendocrine function is thus critical both to understand physiological processes such as puberty, the maintenance of bodily homeostasis and ageing and to develop novel therapeutic strategies for dysfunctions of these processes, such as infertility and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerome Clasadonte
- Inserm, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, U1172, Bâtiment Biserte, 1 Place de Verdun, 59045, Lille, Cedex, France
- University of Lille, FHU 1000 days for Health, School of Medicine, Lille 59000, France
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Inserm, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Centre, U1172, Bâtiment Biserte, 1 Place de Verdun, 59045, Lille, Cedex, France
- University of Lille, FHU 1000 days for Health, School of Medicine, Lille 59000, France
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16
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Verkhratsky A, Nedergaard M. Physiology of Astroglia. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:239-389. [PMID: 29351512 PMCID: PMC6050349 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 928] [Impact Index Per Article: 154.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
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17
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Nguyen LT, Reverter A, Cánovas A, Venus B, Islas-Trejo A, Porto-Neto LR, Lehnert SA, Medrano JF, Moore SS, Fortes MRS. Global differential gene expression in the pituitary gland and the ovaries of pre- and postpubertal Brahman heifers. J Anim Sci 2017; 95:599-615. [PMID: 28380590 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2016.0921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand genes, pathways, and networks related to puberty, we characterized the transcriptome of two tissues: the pituitary gland and ovaries. Samples were harvested from pre- and postpubertal Brahman heifers (same age group). Brahman heifers () are older at puberty compared with , a productivity issue. With RNA sequencing, we identified differentially expressed (DEx) genes and important transcription factors (TF) and predicted coexpression networks. The number of DEx genes detected in the pituitary gland was 284 ( < 0.05), and was the most DEx gene (fold change = 4.12, = 0.01). The gene promotes bone mineralization through transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signaling. Further studies of the link between bone mineralization and puberty could target . In ovaries, 3,871 genes were DEx ( < 0.05). Four highly DEx genes were noteworthy for their function: (a γ-aminobutyric acid [GABA] transporter), (), and () and its receptor . These genes had higher ovarian expression in postpubertal heifers. The GABA and its receptors and transporters were expressed in the ovaries of many mammals, suggesting a role for this pathway beyond the brain. The pathway has been known to influence the timing of puberty in rats, via modulation of GnRH. The effects of at the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries have been documented. and its receptors are known factors in the release of GnRH, similar to and GABA, although their roles in ovarian tissue are less clear. Pathways previously related to puberty such as TGFβ signaling ( = 6.71 × 10), Wnt signaling ( = 4.1 × 10), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling ( = 4.84 × 10) were enriched in our data set. Seven genes were identified as key TF in both tissues: , , , , , , and a novel gene. An ovarian subnetwork created with TF and significant ovarian DEx genes revealed five zinc fingers as regulators: , , , , and . Recent work of hypothalamic gene expression also pointed to zinc fingers as TF for bovine puberty. Although some zinc fingers may be ubiquitously expressed, the identification of DEx genes in common across tissues points to key regulators of puberty. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland had eight DEx genes in common. The hypothalamus and ovaries had 89 DEx genes in common. The pituitary gland and ovaries had 48 DEx genes in common. Our study confirmed the complexity of puberty and suggested further investigation on genes that code zinc fingers.
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18
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Florez Acevedo S, Cardenas Parra LF. Rol Modulador de la Oxitocina en la Interacción Social y el Estrés Social. UNIVERSITAS PSYCHOLOGICA 2017. [DOI: 10.11144/javeriana.upsy15-5.rmoi] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
La Oxitocina es un neuropéptido conocido por facilitar funciones del sistema nervioso periférico, relacionadas específicamente con el sistema reproductivo. Sin embargo, en las últimas décadas se ha reconocido la función moduladora de la Oxitocina en el comportamiento social, a través de su liberación en el sistema nervioso central. Así mismo, estudios han mencionado que la Oxitocina es un potencial ansiolítico cuando un individuo ha sido sometido a estrés social. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de esta revisión es presentar una caracterización de la Oxitocina y su relación con distintas formas de interacción social y el estrés social; a través de los resultados presentados en distintos estudios, tanto en modelos animales como en humanos. Además, se intenta mostrar la importancia de continuar con el estudio de la Oxitocina, dados los posibles vacíos teóricos y experimentales existentes, teniendo en cuenta las potenciales cualidades ansiolíticas de esta hormona.
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19
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Gao X, Ye J, Yang C, Zhang K, Li X, Luo L, Ding J, Li Y, Cao H, Ling Y, Zhang X, Liu Y, Fang F, Zhang Y. Screening and evaluating of long noncoding RNAs in the puberty of goats. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:164. [PMID: 28196477 PMCID: PMC5310007 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3578-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in regulating animal development, however, their function in the onset of puberty in goats remain largely unexplored. To identify the genes controlling the regulation of puberty in goats, we measured lncRNA and mRNA expression levels from the hypothalamus. Results We applied RNA sequencing analysis to examine the hypothalamus of pubertal (case; n = 3) and prepubertal (control; n = 3) goats. Our results showed 2943 predicted lncRNAs, including 2012 differentially expressed lncRNAs, which corresponded to 5412 target genes. We also investigated the role of lncRNAs that act cis and trans to the target genes and found a number of lncRNAs involved in the regulation of puberty and reproduction, as well as several pathways related to these processes. For example, oxytocin signaling pathway, sterol biosynthetic process, and pheromone receptor activity signaling pathway were enriched as Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) or gene ontology (GO) analyses showed. Conclusion Our results clearly demonstrate that lncRNAs play an important role in regulating puberty in goats. However, further research is needed to explore the functions of lncRNAs and their predicted targets to provide a detailed expression profile of lncRNAs on goat puberty. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3578-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Gao
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Kaifa Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Xiumei Li
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Lei Luo
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Jianping Ding
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Yunsheng Li
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Hongguo Cao
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Yinghui Ling
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Xiaorong Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Fugui Fang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China. .,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China. .,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal Genetic Resources Protection and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China. .,Anhui Provincial Laboratory for Local Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resource Conservation and Bio-Breeding, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China. .,Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.
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20
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Dore R, Levata L, Lehnert H, Schulz C. Nesfatin-1: functions and physiology of a novel regulatory peptide. J Endocrinol 2017; 232:R45-R65. [PMID: 27754932 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nesfatin-1 was identified in 2006 as a potent anorexigenic peptide involved in the regulation of homeostatic feeding. It is processed from the precursor-peptide NEFA/nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2), which is expressed both in the central nervous system as well as in the periphery, from where it can access the brain via non-saturable transmembrane diffusion. In hypothalamus and brainstem, nesfatin-1 recruits the oxytocin, the melancortin and other systems to relay its anorexigenic properties. NUCB2/nesfatin-1 peptide expression in reward-related areas suggests that nesfatin-1 might also be involved in hedonic feeding. Besides its initially discovered anorexigenic properties, over the last years, other important functions of nesfatin-1 have been discovered, many of them related to energy homeostasis, e.g. energy expenditure and glucose homeostasis. Nesfatin-1 is not only affecting these physiological processes but also the alterations of the metabolic state (e.g. fat mass, glycemic state) have an impact on the synthesis and release of NUCB2 and/or nesfatin-1. Furthermore, nesfatin-1 exerts pleiotropic actions at the level of cardiovascular and digestive systems, as well as plays a role in stress response, behavior, sleep and reproduction. Despite the recent advances in nesfatin-1 research, a putative receptor has not been identified and furthermore potentially distinct functions of nesfatin-1 and its precursor NUCB2 have not been dissected yet. To tackle these open questions will be the major objectives of future research to broaden our knowledge on NUCB2/nesfatin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Dore
- Department of Internal Medicine ICenter of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Luka Levata
- Department of Internal Medicine ICenter of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hendrik Lehnert
- Department of Internal Medicine ICenter of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Carla Schulz
- Department of Internal Medicine ICenter of Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM), University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
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Franssen D, Gérard A, Hennuy B, Donneau AF, Bourguignon JP, Parent AS. Delayed Neuroendocrine Sexual Maturation in Female Rats After a Very Low Dose of Bisphenol A Through Altered GABAergic Neurotransmission and Opposing Effects of a High Dose. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1740-50. [PMID: 26950200 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Rat sexual maturation is preceded by a reduction of the interpulse interval (IPI) of GnRH neurosecretion. This work aims at studying disruption of that neuroendocrine event in females after early exposure to a very low dose of bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous endocrine disrupting chemical. Female rats were exposed to vehicle or BPA 25 ng/kg·d, 25 μg/kg·d, or 5 mg/kg·d from postnatal day (PND)1 to PND5 or PND15. Exposure to 25 ng/kg·d of BPA for 5 or 15 days was followed by a delay in developmental reduction of GnRH IPI studied ex vivo on PND20. After 15 days of exposure to that low dose of BPA, vaginal opening tended to be delayed. In contrast, exposure to BPA 5 mg/kg·d for 15 days resulted in a premature reduction in GnRH IPI and a trend toward early vaginal opening. RNA sequencing analysis on PND20 indicated that exposure to BPA resulted in opposing dose effects on the mRNA expression of hypothalamic genes involved in gamma aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) neurotransmission. The study of GnRH secretion in vitro in the presence of GABAA receptor agonist/antagonist confirmed an increased or a reduced GABAergic tone after in vivo exposure to the very low or the high dose of BPA, respectively. Overall, we show for the first time that neonatal exposure to BPA leads to opposing dose-dependent effects on the neuroendocrine control of puberty in the female rat. A very low and environmentally relevant dose of BPA delays neuroendocrine maturation related to puberty through increased inhibitory GABAergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Franssen
- Neuroendocrinology Unit (D.F., A.G., J.-P.B., A.-S.P.), Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics Neurosciences; Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics Transcriptomic Platform (B.H.); and Department of Public Health (A.-F.D.), Biostatistics Unit, University of Liège, Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; and Department of Pediatrics (A.G., J.-P.B., A.-S.P.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, B-4032 Chênée, Belgium
| | - Arlette Gérard
- Neuroendocrinology Unit (D.F., A.G., J.-P.B., A.-S.P.), Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics Neurosciences; Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics Transcriptomic Platform (B.H.); and Department of Public Health (A.-F.D.), Biostatistics Unit, University of Liège, Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; and Department of Pediatrics (A.G., J.-P.B., A.-S.P.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, B-4032 Chênée, Belgium
| | - Benoit Hennuy
- Neuroendocrinology Unit (D.F., A.G., J.-P.B., A.-S.P.), Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics Neurosciences; Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics Transcriptomic Platform (B.H.); and Department of Public Health (A.-F.D.), Biostatistics Unit, University of Liège, Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; and Department of Pediatrics (A.G., J.-P.B., A.-S.P.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, B-4032 Chênée, Belgium
| | - Anne-Françoise Donneau
- Neuroendocrinology Unit (D.F., A.G., J.-P.B., A.-S.P.), Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics Neurosciences; Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics Transcriptomic Platform (B.H.); and Department of Public Health (A.-F.D.), Biostatistics Unit, University of Liège, Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; and Department of Pediatrics (A.G., J.-P.B., A.-S.P.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, B-4032 Chênée, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pierre Bourguignon
- Neuroendocrinology Unit (D.F., A.G., J.-P.B., A.-S.P.), Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics Neurosciences; Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics Transcriptomic Platform (B.H.); and Department of Public Health (A.-F.D.), Biostatistics Unit, University of Liège, Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; and Department of Pediatrics (A.G., J.-P.B., A.-S.P.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, B-4032 Chênée, Belgium
| | - Anne-Simone Parent
- Neuroendocrinology Unit (D.F., A.G., J.-P.B., A.-S.P.), Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics Neurosciences; Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics Transcriptomic Platform (B.H.); and Department of Public Health (A.-F.D.), Biostatistics Unit, University of Liège, Sart-Tilman, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; and Department of Pediatrics (A.G., J.-P.B., A.-S.P.), Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, B-4032 Chênée, Belgium
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Mitre M, Marlin BJ, Schiavo JK, Morina E, Norden SE, Hackett TA, Aoki CJ, Chao MV, Froemke RC. A Distributed Network for Social Cognition Enriched for Oxytocin Receptors. J Neurosci 2016; 36:2517-35. [PMID: 26911697 PMCID: PMC4764667 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2409-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide important for social behaviors such as maternal care and parent-infant bonding. It is believed that oxytocin receptor signaling in the brain is critical for these behaviors, but it is unknown precisely when and where oxytocin receptors are expressed or which neural circuits are directly sensitive to oxytocin. To overcome this challenge, we generated specific antibodies to the mouse oxytocin receptor and examined receptor expression throughout the brain. We identified a distributed network of female mouse brain regions for maternal behaviors that are especially enriched for oxytocin receptors, including the piriform cortex, the left auditory cortex, and CA2 of the hippocampus. Electron microscopic analysis of the cerebral cortex revealed that oxytocin receptors were mainly expressed at synapses, as well as on axons and glial processes. Functionally, oxytocin transiently reduced synaptic inhibition in multiple brain regions and enabled long-term synaptic plasticity in the auditory cortex. Thus modulation of inhibition may be a general mechanism by which oxytocin can act throughout the brain to regulate parental behaviors and social cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela Mitre
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology
| | - Bianca J Marlin
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology
| | - Jennifer K Schiavo
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology
| | - Egzona Morina
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology
| | - Samantha E Norden
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016
| | - Troy A Hackett
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, and
| | - Chiye J Aoki
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Moses V Chao
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Cell Biology, and Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
| | - Robert C Froemke
- Skirball Institute for Biomolecular Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Department of Otolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
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Blevins JE, Baskin DG. Translational and therapeutic potential of oxytocin as an anti-obesity strategy: Insights from rodents, nonhuman primates and humans. Physiol Behav 2015; 152:438-49. [PMID: 26013577 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The fact that more than 78 million adults in the US are considered overweight or obese highlights the need to develop new, effective strategies to treat obesity and its associated complications, including type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. While the neurohypophyseal peptide oxytocin (OT) is well recognized for its peripheral effects to stimulate uterine contraction during parturition and milk ejection during lactation, release of OT within the brain is implicated in prosocial behaviors and in the regulation of energy balance. Previous findings indicate that chronic administration of OT decreases food intake and weight gain or elicits weight loss in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice and rats. Furthermore, chronic systemic treatment with OT largely reproduces the effects of central administration to reduce weight gain in DIO and genetically obese rodents at doses that do not appear to result in tolerance. These findings have now been recently extended to more translational models of obesity showing that chronic subcutaneous or intranasal OT treatment is sufficient to elicit body weight loss in DIO nonhuman primates and pre-diabetic obese humans. This review assesses the potential use of OT as a therapeutic strategy for treatment of obesity in rodents, nonhuman primates, and humans, and identifies potential mechanisms that mediate this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Blevins
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development, Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Denis G Baskin
- VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Office of Research and Development, Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA; Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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24
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Kulkarni AK, Ojha RP. Conformations of a model cyclic hexapeptide, CYIQNC: (1)H-NMR and molecular dynamics studies. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2014; 33:1850-65. [PMID: 25375824 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2014.975283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Solution conformation of the cyclic hexapeptide sequence, [cyclo-S-Cys-Tyr-Ile-Gln-Asn-Cys-S] (CYIQNC) - a disulfide-linked fragment of a neurohypophyseal peptide hormone oxytocin (OT) - has been investigated by high-field one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR spectroscopic methods and compared with the results obtained from computer simulation studies. (1)H-NMR results based on temperature dependence of amide proton chemical shifts and nuclear Overhauser effect indicate that peptide in solution populates different conformations, characterized by two fused β-turns. The segment Ile(3)-Gln(4)-Asn(5)-Cys(6) yields a preferred type-III β-turn at residues 4, 5 (HB, 3HN → 6CO), while the segment Cys(6), Cys(1)-Tyr(2)-Ile(3) exhibits inherently weaker, flexible β-turn either of type I/II'/III/half-turn at residues 1, 2 (HB, 6HN → 3CO). The computer simulation studies using a mixed protocol of distance geometry-simulated annealing followed by constrained minimization, restrained molecular dynamics, and energy minimization showed the possibility of existence of additional conformations with the hydrogen bonds, (a) 5HN → 3CO and (b) 2HN → 6CO. These results, therefore, indicate that the additional conformations obtained from both NMR and simulation studies can also be possible to the peptide. These additional conformations might have very small population in the solution and did not show their signatures in these conditions. These findings will be helpful in designing more analogs with modifications in the cyclic moiety of OT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Kumar Kulkarni
- a Department of Physiology , MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences , Ghanpur, Medchal Mandal, R. R. Dist., Hyderabad 501401 , India
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Lubecka EA, Sikorska E, Marcinkowska A, Ciarkowski J. Conformational studies of neurohypophyseal hormones analogues with glycoconjugates by NMR spectroscopy. J Pept Sci 2014; 20:406-14. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Revised: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Emilia A. Lubecka
- Faculty of Chemistry; University of Gdańsk; Wita Stwosza 63 80-952 Gdańsk Poland
| | - Emilia Sikorska
- Faculty of Chemistry; University of Gdańsk; Wita Stwosza 63 80-952 Gdańsk Poland
| | - Alina Marcinkowska
- Faculty of Chemistry; University of Gdańsk; Wita Stwosza 63 80-952 Gdańsk Poland
| | - Jerzy Ciarkowski
- Faculty of Chemistry; University of Gdańsk; Wita Stwosza 63 80-952 Gdańsk Poland
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Mishra M, Mishra V, Chaudhuri BP, Khanna VK, Mehrotra S, Ali S, Das M. Anomalies in ovary following oral exposure to oxytocin: Mechanistic studies. Reprod Toxicol 2013; 40:24-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2013.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2012] [Revised: 04/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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Sharif A, Baroncini M, Prevot V. Role of glia in the regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal activity and secretion. Neuroendocrinology 2013; 98:1-15. [PMID: 23735672 DOI: 10.1159/000351867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are the final common pathway for the central control of reproduction. The coordinated and timely activation of these hypothalamic neurons, which determines sexual development and adult reproductive function, lies under the tight control of a complex array of excitatory and inhibitory transsynaptic inputs. In addition, research conducted over the past 20 years has unveiled the major contribution of glial cells to the control of GnRH neurons. Glia use a variety of molecular and cellular strategies to modulate GnRH neuronal function both at the level of their cell bodies and at their nerve terminals. These mechanisms include the secretion of bioactive molecules that exert paracrine effects on GnRH neurons, juxtacrine interactions between glial cells and GnRH neurons via adhesive molecules and the morphological plasticity of the glial coverage of GnRH neurons. It now appears that glial cells are integral components, along with upstream neuronal networks, of the central control of GnRH neuronal function. This review attempts to summarize our current knowledge of the mechanisms used by glial cells to control GnRH neuronal activity and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Sharif
- INSERM, Jean-Pierre Aubert Research Center, Development and Plasticity of the Postnatal Brain, Unit 837, and UDSL, School of Medicine, Lille, France.
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Singh U, Kumar S, Singru PS. Interaction between dopamine- and isotocin-containing neurones in the preoptic area of the catfish, Clarias batrachus: role in the regulation of luteinising hormone cells. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:1398-411. [PMID: 22672503 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2012.02350.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Apart from gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and dopamine (DA), oxytocin has emerged as an important endogenous agent that regulates reproduction. Although the interaction between these factors has been extensively studied in mammals, parallel information in teleosts is much limited. We studied the organisation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH; a marker for dopamine) and isotocin neurones in the preoptic area (POA) and hypothalamus of the catfish, Clarias batrachus and its implication in the regulation of luteinising hormone (LH) cells in the pituitary. Nucleus preopticus periventricularis (NPP), a major dopaminergic centre in the brain, consists of anterior (NPPa) and posterior (NPPp) subdivisions. Using retrograde neuronal tracing, we found that majority of the DA neurones in NPPa, but none from NPPp, project to the pituitary. The nucleus preopticus (NPO) of C. batrachus contains a conspicuous assemblage of large isotocin-positive neurones. It consists of a paraventricular subdivision (NPOpv) located on either side of the third ventricle and lies roughly sandwiched between the dopaminergic neurones of NPPa and NPPp. An additional subset of isotocin neurones was located above the optic chiasm in the supraoptic subdivision of the NPO (NPOso). Isotocin-containing neurones in both the subdivisions of NPO were densely innervated by DA fibres. Superfusion of the POA-containing brain slices with DA D(1) -like receptor agonist (SKF-38393) resulted in significant increase in isotocin immunoreactivity in the NPOpv neurones; NPOso neurones did not respond. However, treatment with DA D(2) -like receptor agonist (quinpirole) reduced isotocin immunoreactivity in the NPOso, but not in the NPOpv. Thus, DA appears to differentially regulate the components of isotocinergic system. Isotocin fibres extend to the pituitary and terminate on LH cells and the superfused pituitary slices treated with isotocin caused significant reduction in LHβ-immunoreactivity. An elaborate interplay between the DA and isotocin systems appears to be an important component of the LH regulatory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Singh
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER), Institute of Physics Campus, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India
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Gaisler-Salomon I, Wang Y, Chuhma N, Zhang H, Golumbic YN, Mihali A, Arancio O, Sibille E, Rayport S. Synaptic underpinnings of altered hippocampal function in glutaminase-deficient mice during maturation. Hippocampus 2012; 22:1027-39. [PMID: 22431402 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Glutaminase-deficient mice (GLS1 hets), with reduced glutamate recycling, have a focal reduction in hippocampal activity, mainly in CA1, and manifest behavioral and neurochemical phenotypes suggestive of schizophrenia resilience. To address the basis for the hippocampal hypoactivity, we examined synaptic plastic mechanisms and glutamate receptor expression. Although baseline synaptic strength was unaffected in Schaffer collateral inputs to CA1, we found that long-term potentiation was attenuated. In wild-type (WT) mice, GLS1 gene expression was highest in the hippocampus and cortex, where it was reduced by about 50% in GLS1 hets. In other brain regions with lower WT GLS1 gene expression, there were no genotypic reductions. In adult GLS1 hets, NMDA receptor NR1 subunit gene expression was reduced, but not AMPA receptor GluR1 subunit gene expression. In contrast, juvenile GLS1 hets showed no reductions in NR1 gene expression. In concert with this, adult GLS1 hets showed a deficit in hippocampal-dependent contextual fear conditioning, whereas juvenile GLS1 hets did not. These alterations in glutamatergic synaptic function may partly explain the hippocampal hypoactivity seen in the GLS1 hets. The maturity-onset reduction in NR1 gene expression and in contextual learning supports the premise that glutaminase inhibition in adulthood should prove therapeutic in schizophrenia.
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The anorexigenic neuropeptide, nesfatin-1, is indispensable for normal puberty onset in the female rat. J Neurosci 2010; 30:7783-92. [PMID: 20534827 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5828-09.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic peptide, nesfatin-1, derived from the precursor NEFA/nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2), was recently identified as anorexigenic signal, acting in a leptin-independent manner. Yet its participation in the regulation of other biological functions gated by body energy status remains unexplored. We show herein that NUCB2/nesfatin-1 is involved in the control of female puberty. NUCB2/nesfatin mRNA and protein were detected at the hypothalamus of pubertal female rats, with prominent signals at lateral hypothalamus (LHA), paraventricular (PVN), and supraoptic (SON) nuclei. Hypothalamic NUCB2 expression raised along pubertal transition, with detectable elevations of its mRNA levels at LHA, PVN, and SON, and threefold increase of its total protein content between late-infantile and peripubertal periods. Conditions of negative energy balance, such as 48 h fasting or sustained subnutrition, decreased hypothalamic NUCB2 mRNA and/or protein levels in pubertal females. At this age, central administration of nesfatin-1 induced modest but significant elevations of circulating gonadotropins, whose magnitude was notably augmented in conditions of food deprivation. Continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (as-MONs) against NUCB2 along pubertal maturation, which markedly reduced hypothalamic NUCB2 protein content, delayed vaginal opening and decreased ovarian weights and serum luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. In contrast, in adult female rats, intracerebroventricular injection of nesfatin did not stimulate LH or follicle-stimulating hormone secretion; neither did central as-MON infusion alter preovulatory gonadotropin surges, despite suppression of hypothalamic NUCB2. In sum, our data are the first to disclose the indispensable role of NUCB2/nesfatin-1 in the central networks driving puberty onset, a function that may contribute to its functional coupling to energy homeostasis.
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Sinclair MS, Perea-Martinez I, Dvoryanchikov G, Yoshida M, Nishimori K, Roper SD, Chaudhari N. Oxytocin signaling in mouse taste buds. PLoS One 2010; 5:e11980. [PMID: 20700536 PMCID: PMC2916830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0011980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 07/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide, oxytocin (OXT), acts on brain circuits to inhibit food intake. Mutant mice lacking OXT (OXT knockout) overconsume salty and sweet (i.e. sucrose, saccharin) solutions. We asked if OXT might also act on taste buds via its receptor, OXTR. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Using RT-PCR, we detected the expression of OXTR in taste buds throughout the oral cavity, but not in adjacent non-taste lingual epithelium. By immunostaining tissues from OXTR-YFP knock-in mice, we found that OXTR is expressed in a subset of Glial-like (Type I) taste cells, and also in cells on the periphery of taste buds. Single-cell RT-PCR confirmed this cell-type assignment. Using Ca2+ imaging, we observed that physiologically appropriate concentrations of OXT evoked [Ca2+]i mobilization in a subset of taste cells (EC50 approximately 33 nM). OXT-evoked responses were significantly inhibited by the OXTR antagonist, L-371,257. Isolated OXT-responsive taste cells were neither Receptor (Type II) nor Presynaptic (Type III) cells, consistent with our immunofluorescence observations. We also investigated the source of OXT peptide that may act on taste cells. Both RT-PCR and immunostaining suggest that the OXT peptide is not produced in taste buds or in their associated nerves. Finally, we also examined the morphology of taste buds from mice that lack OXTR. Taste buds and their constituent cell types appeared very similar in mice with two, one or no copies of the OXTR gene. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We conclude that OXT elicits Ca2+ signals via OXTR in murine taste buds. OXT-responsive cells are most likely a subset of Glial-like (Type I) taste cells. OXT itself is not produced locally in taste tissue and is likely delivered through the circulation. Loss of OXTR does not grossly alter the morphology of any of the cell types contained in taste buds. Instead, we speculate that OXT-responsive Glial-like (Type I) taste bud cells modulate taste signaling and afferent sensory output. Such modulation would complement central pathways of appetite regulation that employ circulating homeostatic and satiety signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Sinclair
- Program in Neurosciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Isabel Perea-Martinez
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Gennady Dvoryanchikov
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Masahide Yoshida
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Stephen D. Roper
- Program in Neurosciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Nirupa Chaudhari
- Program in Neurosciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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Kuo J, Hariri OR, Micevych P. An interaction of oxytocin receptors with metabotropic glutamate receptors in hypothalamic astrocytes. J Neuroendocrinol 2009; 21:1001-6. [PMID: 19807846 PMCID: PMC2804744 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2009.01922.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Hypothalamic astrocytes play a critical role in the regulation and support of many different neuroendocrine events, and are affected by oestradiol. Both nuclear and membrane oestrogen receptors (ERs) are expressed in astrocytes. Upon oestradiol activation, membrane-associated ER signals through the type 1a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1a) to induce an increase of free cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)). Because the expression of oxytocin receptors (OTRs) is modulated by oestradiol, we tested whether oestradiol also influences oxytocin signalling. Oxytocin at 1, 10, and 100 nm induced a [Ca(2+)](i) flux measured as a change in relative fluorescence [DeltaF Ca(2+) = 330 +/- 17 relative fluorescent units (RFU), DeltaF Ca(2+) = 331 +/- 22 RFU, and DeltaF Ca(2+) = 347 +/- 13 RFU, respectively] in primary cultures of female post-pubertal hypothalamic astrocytes. Interestingly, OTRs interacted with mGluRs. The mGluR1a antagonist, LY 367385 (20 nm), blocked the oxytocin (1 nm)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) flux (DeltaF Ca(2+) = 344 +/- 19 versus 127 +/- 11 RFU, P < 0.001). Conversely, the mGluR1a receptor agonist, (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenyl-glycine (100 nm), increased the oxytocin (1 nm)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) response (DeltaF Ca(2+) = 670 +/- 31 RFU) compared to either compound alone (P < 0.001). Because both oxytocin and oestradiol rapidly signal through the mGluR1a, we treated hypothalamic astrocytes sequentially with oxytocin and oestradiol to determine whether stimulation with one hormone affected the subsequent [Ca(2+)](i) response to the second hormone. Oestradiol treatment did not change the subsequent [Ca(2+)](i) flux to oxytocin (P > 0.05) and previous oxytocin exposure did not affect the [Ca(2+)](i) response to oestradiol (P > 0.05). Furthermore, simultaneous oestradiol and oxytocin stimulation failed to yield a synergistic [Ca(2+)](i) response. These results suggest that the OTR signals through the mGluR1a to release Ca(2+) from intracellular stores and rapid, nongenomic oestradiol stimulation does not influence OTR signalling in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kuo
- Department of Neurobiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Omid R. Hariri
- Department of Neurobiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Paul Micevych
- Department of Neurobiology, Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology and Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Corresponding author and reprint requests: Dr. Paul Micevych, Dept. of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 LeConte Avenue, 73-078 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1763, United States of America, Office: (310) 206-8265, Fax: (310) 825-2224,
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Lee HJ, Macbeth AH, Pagani JH, Young WS. Oxytocin: the great facilitator of life. Prog Neurobiol 2009; 88:127-51. [PMID: 19482229 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2008] [Revised: 02/24/2009] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (Oxt) is a nonapeptide hormone best known for its role in lactation and parturition. Since 1906 when its uterine-contracting properties were described until 50 years later when its sequence was elucidated, research has focused on its peripheral roles in reproduction. Only over the past several decades have researchers focused on what functions Oxt might have in the brain, the subject of this review. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei are the neurons of origin for the Oxt released from the posterior pituitary. Smaller cells in various parts of the brain, as well as release from magnocellular dendrites, provide the Oxt responsible for modulating various behaviors at its only identified receptor. Although Oxt is implicated in a variety of "non-social" behaviors, such as learning, anxiety, feeding and pain perception, it is Oxt's roles in various social behaviors that have come to the fore recently. Oxt is important for social memory and attachment, sexual and maternal behavior, and aggression. Recent work implicates Oxt in human bonding and trust as well. Human disorders characterized by aberrant social interactions, such as autism and schizophrenia, may also involve Oxt expression. Many, if not most, of Oxt's functions, from social interactions (affiliation, aggression) and sexual behavior to eventual parturition, lactation and maternal behavior, may be viewed as specifically facilitating species propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heon-Jin Lee
- Section on Neural Gene Expression, NIMH, NIH, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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González A, Salido GM. Ethanol alters the physiology of neuron-glia communication. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2009; 88:167-98. [PMID: 19897078 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(09)88007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS), both neurones and astrocytes play crucial roles. On a cellular level, brain activity involves continuous interactions within complex cellular circuits established between neural cells and glia. Although it was initially considered that neurones were the major cell type in cerebral function, nowadays astrocytes are considered to contribute to cerebral function too. Astrocytes support normal neuronal activity, including synaptic function, by regulating the extracellular environment with respect to ions and neurotransmitters. There is a plethora of noxious agents which can lead to the development of alterations in organs and functional systems, and that will end in a chronic prognosis. Among the potentially harmful external agents we can find ethanol consumption, whose consequences have been recognized as a major public health concern. Deregulation of cell cycle has devastating effects on the integrity of cells, and has been closely associated with the development of pathologies which can lead to dysfunction and cell death. An alteration of normal neuronal-glial physiology could represent the basis of neurodegenerative processes. In this review we will pay attention on to the recent findings in astrocyte function and their role toward neurons under ethanol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio González
- Department of Physiology (Cell Physiology Research Group), University of Extremadura, 10071, Cáceres, Spain
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Mennigen JA, Martyniuk CJ, Crump K, Xiong H, Zhao E, Popesku J, Anisman H, Cossins AR, Xia X, Trudeau VL. Effects of fluoxetine on the reproductive axis of female goldfish (Carassius auratus). Physiol Genomics 2008; 35:273-82. [DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.90263.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, on neuroendocrine function and the reproductive axis in female goldfish. Fish were given intraperitoneal injections of fluoxetine twice a week for 14 days, resulting in five injections of 5 μg fluoxetine/g body wt. We measured the monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in addition to their metabolites with HPLC. Homovanillic acid, a metabolite in the dopaminergic pathway, increased significantly in the hypothalamus. Plasma estradiol levels were measured by radioimmunoassay and were significantly reduced approximately threefold after fluoxetine treatment. We found that fluoxetine also significantly reduced the expression of estrogen receptor (ER)β1 mRNA by 4-fold in both the hypothalamus and the telencephalon and ERα mRNA by 1.7-fold in the telencephalon. Fluoxetine had no effect on the expression of ERβ2 mRNA in the hypothalamus or telencephalon. Microarray analysis identified isotocin, a neuropeptide that stimulates reproductive behavior in fish, as a candidate gene affected by fluoxetine treatment. Real-time RT-PCR verified that isotocin mRNA was downregulated approximately sixfold in the hypothalamus and fivefold in the telencephalon. Intraperitoneal injection of isotocin (1 μg/g) increased plasma estradiol, providing a potential link between changes in isotocin gene expression and decreased circulating estrogen in fluoxetine-injected fish. Our results reveal targets of serotonergic modulation in the neuroendocrine brain and indicate that fluoxetine has the potential to affect sex hormones and modulate genes involved in reproductive function and behavior in the brain of female goldfish. We discuss these findings in the context of endocrine disruption because fluoxetine has been detected in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan A. Mennigen
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J. Martyniuk
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Kate Crump
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Huiling Xiong
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - E. Zhao
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason Popesku
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hymie Anisman
- Institute of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew R. Cossins
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Xuhua Xia
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vance L. Trudeau
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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