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Kritzer MF, Adler A, Locklear M. Androgen effects on mesoprefrontal dopamine systems in the adult male brain. Neuroscience 2024:S0306-4522(24)00306-3. [PMID: 38977069 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.07.001] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Epidemiological data show that males are more often and/or more severely affected by symptoms of prefrontal cortical dysfunction in schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease and other disorders in which dopamine circuits associated with the prefrontal cortex are dysregulated. This review focuses on research showing that these dopamine circuits are powerfully regulated by androgens. It begins with a brief overview of the sex differences that distinguish prefrontal function in health and prefrontal dysfunction or decline in aging and/or neuropsychiatric disease. This review article then spotlights data from human subjects and animal models that specifically identify androgens as potent modulators of prefrontal cortical operations and of closely related, functionally critical measures of prefrontal dopamine level or tone. Candidate mechanisms by which androgens dynamically control mesoprefrontal dopamine systems and impact prefrontal states of hypo- and hyper-dopaminergia in aging and disease are then considered. This is followed by discussion of a working model that identifies a key locus for androgen modulation of mesoprefrontal dopamine systems as residing within the prefrontal cortex itself. The last sections of this review critically consider the ways in which the organization and regulation of mesoprefrontal dopamine circuits differ in the adult male and female brain, and highlights gaps where more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary F Kritzer
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, United States.
| | - Alexander Adler
- Department of Oncology and Immuno-Oncology, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, United States
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Lymer J, Bergman H, Yang S, Mallick R, Galea LAM, Choleris E, Fergusson D. The effects of estrogens on spatial learning and memory in female rodents - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Horm Behav 2024; 164:105598. [PMID: 38968677 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Estrogens have inconsistent effects on learning and memory in both the clinical and preclinical literature. Preclinical literature has the advantage of investigating an array of potentially important factors contributing to the varied effects of estrogens on learning and memory, with stringently controlled studies. This study set out to identify specific factors in the animal literature that influence the effects of estrogens on cognition, for possible translation back to clinical practice. The literature was screened and studies meeting strict inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. Eligible studies included female ovariectomized rodents with an adequate vehicle for the estrogen treatment, with an outcome of spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze. Training days of the Morris water maze were used to assess acquisition of spatial learning, and the probe trial was used to evaluate spatial memory recall. Continuous outcomes were pooled using a random effects inverse variance method and reported as standardized mean differences with 95 % confidence intervals. Subgroup analyses were developed a priori to assess important factors. The overall analysis favoured treatment for the later stages of training and for the probe trial. Factors including the type of estrogen, route, schedule of administration, age of animals, timing relative to ovariectomy, and duration of treatment were all found to be important. The subgroup analyses showed that chronic treatment with 17β-estradiol, either cyclically or continuously, to young animals improved spatial recall. These results, observed in animals, can inform and guide further clinical research on hormone replacement therapy for cognitive benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Lymer
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Hailey Bergman
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Sabrina Yang
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Liisa A M Galea
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, ON, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
| | - Dean Fergusson
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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3
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Vorhees CV, Williams MT. Tests for learning and memory in rodent regulatory studies. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 6:100151. [PMID: 38304257 PMCID: PMC10832385 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
For decades, regulatory guidelines for safety assessment in rodents for drugs, chemicals, pesticides, and food additives with developmental neurotoxic potential have recommended a single test of learning and memory (L&M). In recent years some agencies have requested two such tests. Given the importance of higher cognitive function to health, and the fact that different types of L&M are mediated by different brain regions assessing higher functions represents a step forward in providing better evidence-based protection against adverse brain effects. Given the myriad of tests available for assessing L&M in rodents this leads to the question of which tests best fit regulatory guidelines. To address this question, we begin by describing the central role of two types of L&M essential to all mammalian species and the regions/networks that mediate them. We suggest that the tests recommended possess characteristics that make them well suited to the needs in regulatory safety studies. By brain region, these are (1) the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex for spatial navigation, which assesses explicit L&M for reference and episodic memory and (2) the striatum and related structures for egocentric navigation, which assesses implicit or procedural memory and path integration. Of the tests available, we suggest that in this context, the evidence supports the use of water mazes, specifically, the Morris water maze (MWM) for spatial L&M and the Cincinnati water maze (CWM) for egocentric/procedural L&M. We review the evidentiary basis for these tests, describe their use, and explain procedures that optimize their sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles V. Vorhees
- Corresponding author at: Div. of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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Zamir A, Ben Zeev T, Levi C, Einstein O, Ratamess NA, van Praag H, Hoffman JR. The effect of supraphysiological dose of nandrolone decanoate administration on the inflammatory, neurotrophin and behavioral response in adult and old male mice. Horm Behav 2023; 156:105444. [PMID: 38344953 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the effect of 6 weeks of supraphysiological nandrolone decanoate (ND) administration in adult mice (7 months) on cognitive function and neuroinflammation during aging. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into ND (10 mg·kg-1·wk-1) or control (CTL) groups. Half of the mice were tested at a young (Y) age (ND-Y and CTL-Y), 1 week following final ND administration, while the remaining mice were tested at 16 months (O) (ND-O and CTL-O). Learning and memory were better in young mice compared to older mice, regardless of treatment. ND-O displayed decreased anxiety as compared to all other groups. TNFα and IL1β expression were higher in older mice, regardless of treatment. ND administration in young mice appeared to attenuate the neuroinflammatory response in aging mice as evidenced by decreased COX2, IL-4 and increased IL-10 expression in ND-O compared to CTL-O. BDNF AR and ER expression increased in ND-O compared to CTL-O. Results of the study indicated that supraphysiological ND administration had no negative effect on learning and memory but may attenuate anxiety in older mice. In addition, ND administration in young adult mice may attenuate the inflammatory response during aging, which may be related to elevations in both AR and ER expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Zamir
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - T Ben Zeev
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - C Levi
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - O Einstein
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel
| | - N A Ratamess
- Department of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, The College of New Jersey, USA
| | - H van Praag
- Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, USA
| | - J R Hoffman
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Israel.
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Koebele SV, Bernaud VE, Northup-Smith SN, Willeman MN, Strouse IM, Bulen HL, Schrier AR, Newbern JM, DeNardo DF, Mayer LP, Dyer CA, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Gynecological surgery in adulthood imparts cognitive and brain changes in rats: A focus on hysterectomy at short-, moderate-, and long-term intervals after surgery. Horm Behav 2023; 155:105411. [PMID: 37659358 PMCID: PMC11060888 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Premenopausal hysterectomy is associated with a greater relative risk of dementia. We previously demonstrated cognitive impairments in adult rats six weeks after hysterectomy with ovarian conservation compared with intact sham-controls and other gynecological surgery variations. Here, we investigated whether hysterectomy-induced cognitive impairments are transient or persistent. Adult rats received sham-control, ovariectomy (Ovx), hysterectomy, or Ovx-hysterectomy surgery. Spatial working memory, reference memory, and anxiety-like behavior were tested either six-weeks post-surgery, in adulthood; seven-months post-surgery, in early middle-age; or twelve-months post-surgery, in late middle-age. Hysterectomy in adulthood yielded spatial working memory deficits at short-, moderate-, and long-term post-surgery intervals. Serum hormone levels did not differ between ovary-intact, but differed from Ovx, groups. Hysterectomy had no significant impact on healthy ovarian follicle or corpora lutea counts for any post-surgery timepoint compared with intact sham-controls. Frontal cortex, dorsal hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex were assessed for activity-dependent markers. In entorhinal cortex, there were alterations in FOSB and ΔFOSB expression during the early middle-age timepoint, and phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels at the adult timepoint. Collectively, results suggest a primary role for the uterus in regulating cognition, and that memory-related neural pathways may be modified following gynecological surgery. This is the first preclinical report of long-term effects of hysterectomy with and without ovarian conservation on cognition, endocrine, ovarian, and brain assessments, initiating a comprehensive framework of gynecological surgery effects. Translationally, findings underscore critical needs to decipher how gynecological surgeries, especially those involving the uterus, impact the brain and its functions, the ovaries, and overall aging from a systems perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Victoria E Bernaud
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Steven N Northup-Smith
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Mari N Willeman
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Isabel M Strouse
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Haidyn L Bulen
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Ally R Schrier
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA
| | - Jason M Newbern
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Dale F DeNardo
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | | | | | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, 4745 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA.
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Bowman R, Frankfurt M, Luine V. Sex differences in cognition following variations in endocrine status. Learn Mem 2022; 29:234-245. [PMID: 36206395 PMCID: PMC9488023 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053509.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Spatial memory, mediated primarily by the hippocampus, is responsible for orientation in space and retrieval of information regarding location of objects and places in an animal's environment. Since the hippocampus is dense with steroid hormone receptors and is capable of robust neuroplasticity, it is not surprising that changes in spatial memory performance occur following a variety of endocrine alterations. Here, we review cognitive changes in both spatial and nonspatial memory tasks following manipulations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and gonadal axes and after exposure to endocrine disruptors in rodents. Chronic stress impairs male performance on numerous behavioral cognitive tasks and enhances or does not impact female cognitive function. Sex-dependent changes in cognition following stress are influenced by both organizational and activational effects of estrogen and vary depending on the developmental age of the stress exposure, but responses to gonadal hormones in adulthood are more similar than different in the sexes. Also discussed are possible underlying neural mechanisms for these steroid hormone-dependent, cognitive effects. Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, given at low levels during adolescent development, impairs spatial memory in adolescent male and female rats and object recognition memory in adulthood. BPA's negative effects on memory may be mediated through alterations in dendritic spine density in areas that mediate these cognitive tasks. In summary, this review discusses the evidence that endocrine status of an animal (presence or absence of stress hormones, gonadal hormones, or endocrine disruptors) impacts cognitive function and, at times, in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Bowman
- Department of Psychology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825, USA
| | - Maya Frankfurt
- Department of Psychology, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825, USA
- Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York 11549, USA
| | - Victoria Luine
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College of City University of New York, New York, New York 10065, USA
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Luine V, Mohan G, Attalla S, Jacome L, Frankfurt M. Androgens Enhance Recognition Memory and Dendritic Spine Density in the Hippocampus and Prefrontal Cortex of Ovariectomized Female Rats. Neuroscience 2022:S0306-4522(22)00287-1. [PMID: 35671881 PMCID: PMC9719572 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen replacement has been repeatedly shown to enhance memory and increase dendritic spine density in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Given the potential deleterious effects of chronic estrogen administration, the present study assessed cognitive function using recognition memory tasks and measured dendritic spine density in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex after subchronic androgen replacement to adult OVX female rats. All androgens enhanced recognition memory in OVX rats, but object placement (OP) and object recognition (OR) results differed. Only testosterone enhanced OR. Testosterone had no effect on OP while dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androstenedione (AD) enhanced OP. Dendritic spine density was increased by both TP and DHEA in both brain areas (DHT and AD were not tested). Lastly, we used the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, to discriminate between potential androgenic and estrogenic effects of androgens on behavior. Letrozole alone did not alter recognition memory in OVX rats and did not block the effects of either TP or DHEA on recognition memory suggesting that effects were mediated via androgenic mechanisms. The present results expand previous information on gonadal hormone actions and show that, in addition to estrogens, androgens also improve memory and increase spine density in brains of OVX female rats. While requiring further investigation, these observations provide a basis for therapeutic interventions in the treatment of menopausal, age or disease related memory loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Luine
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States.
| | - Govini Mohan
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Sara Attalla
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Luis Jacome
- Department of Psychology, Hunter College, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Maya Frankfurt
- Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, 160 Hofstra University, 400A Shapiro Family Hall, Hempstead, NY 11549, United States
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Koebele SV, Hiroi R, Plumley ZMT, Melikian R, Prakapenka AV, Patel S, Carson C, Kirby D, Mennenga SE, Mayer LP, Dyer CA, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Clinically Used Hormone Formulations Differentially Impact Memory, Anxiety-Like, and Depressive-Like Behaviors in a Rat Model of Transitional Menopause. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 15:696838. [PMID: 34366807 PMCID: PMC8335488 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.696838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved hormone therapy options are currently used to successfully alleviate unwanted symptoms associated with the changing endogenous hormonal milieu that occurs in midlife with menopause. Depending on the primary indication for treatment, different hormone therapy formulations are utilized, including estrogen-only, progestogen-only, or combined estrogen plus progestogen options. There is little known about how these formulations, or their unique pharmacodynamics, impact neurobiological processes. Seemingly disparate pre-clinical and clinical findings regarding the cognitive effects of hormone therapies, such as the negative effects associated with conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate vs. naturally circulating 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone, signal a critical need to further investigate the neuro-cognitive impact of hormone therapy formulations. Here, utilizing a rat model of transitional menopause, we administered either E2, progesterone, levonorgestrel, or combinations of E2 with progesterone or with levonorgestrel daily to follicle-depleted, middle-aged rats. A battery of assessments, including spatial memory, anxiety-like behaviors, and depressive-like behaviors, as well as endocrine status and ovarian follicle complement, were evaluated. Results indicate divergent outcomes for memory, anxiety, and depression, as well as unique physiological profiles, that were dependent upon the hormone regimen administered. Overall, the combination hormone treatments had the most consistently favorable profile for the domains evaluated in rats that had undergone experimentally induced transitional menopause and remained ovary-intact. The collective results underscore the importance of investigating variations in hormone therapy formulation as well as the menopause background upon which these formulations are delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V. Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Ryoko Hiroi
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Zachary M. T. Plumley
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Ryan Melikian
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Alesia V. Prakapenka
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Shruti Patel
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Catherine Carson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Destiney Kirby
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Sarah E. Mennenga
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | | | | | - Heather A. Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Nicola C, Dubois M, Campart C, Al Sagheer T, Desrues L, Schapman D, Galas L, Lange M, Joly F, Castel H. The Prostate Cancer Therapy Enzalutamide Compared with Abiraterone Acetate/Prednisone Impacts Motivation for Exploration, Spatial Learning and Alters Dopaminergic Transmission in Aged Castrated Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143518. [PMID: 34298734 PMCID: PMC8304001 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143518] [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: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cognitive side effects and fatigue after cancer treatment now constitute a major challenge in oncology. Abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) and enzalutamide (ENZ) are next-generation therapies improving metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patient survival, but also associated with neurological disturbances. We developed a behavioral 17 months-aged and castrated mouse model receiving AAP or ENZ for 5 days per week for six weeks. We establish that ENZ impacts locomotor and explorative behaviors, and strength capacity likely by preventing binding of central synthetized androgens to androgen receptors expressed by dopamine neurons of the Substantia Nigra and the Ventral Tegmentum. ENZ also reduces the cognitive score, associated with less neuronal activity in dorsal hippocampal areas. This demonstrates ENZ-specific consequences on motivation to exploration and cognition, being of particular importance for future management of elderly prostate cancer patients and their quality of life. Abstract Cognitive side effects after cancer treatment threatening quality of life (QoL) constitute a major challenge in oncology. Abiraterone acetate plus prednisone (AAP) and enzalutamide (ENZ) are examples of next-generation therapy (NGT) administered to metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) patients. NGT significantly improved mCRPC overall survival but neurological side effects such as fatigue and cognitive impairment were reported. We developed a behavioral 17 months-aged and castrated mouse model receiving per os AAP or ENZ for 5 days per week for six consecutive weeks. ENZ exposure reduced spontaneous activity and exploratory behavior associated with a decreased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-dopaminergic activity in the substantia nigra pars compacta and the ventral tegmental area. A decrease in TH+-DA afferent fibers and Phospho-DARPP32-related dopaminergic neuronal activities in the striatum and the ventral hippocampus highlighted ENZ-induced dopaminergic regulation within the nigrostriatal and mesolimbocortical pathways. ENZ and AAP treatments did not substantially modify spatial learning and memory performances, but ENZ led to a thygmotaxis behavior impacting the cognitive score, and reduced c-fos-related activity of NeuN+-neurons in the dorsal hippocampus. The consequences of the mCRPC treatment ENZ on aged castrated mouse motivation to exploration and cognition should make reconsider management strategy of elderly prostate cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste Nicola
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239 DC2N, 76000 Rouen, France; (C.N.); (M.D.); (C.C.); (T.A.S.); (L.D.)
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France; (D.S.); (L.G.)
- Cancer and Cognition Platform, Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, 14000 Caen, France; (M.L.); (F.J.)
| | - Martine Dubois
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239 DC2N, 76000 Rouen, France; (C.N.); (M.D.); (C.C.); (T.A.S.); (L.D.)
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France; (D.S.); (L.G.)
- Cancer and Cognition Platform, Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, 14000 Caen, France; (M.L.); (F.J.)
| | - Cynthia Campart
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239 DC2N, 76000 Rouen, France; (C.N.); (M.D.); (C.C.); (T.A.S.); (L.D.)
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France; (D.S.); (L.G.)
- Cancer and Cognition Platform, Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, 14000 Caen, France; (M.L.); (F.J.)
| | - Tareq Al Sagheer
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239 DC2N, 76000 Rouen, France; (C.N.); (M.D.); (C.C.); (T.A.S.); (L.D.)
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France; (D.S.); (L.G.)
| | - Laurence Desrues
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239 DC2N, 76000 Rouen, France; (C.N.); (M.D.); (C.C.); (T.A.S.); (L.D.)
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France; (D.S.); (L.G.)
- Cancer and Cognition Platform, Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, 14000 Caen, France; (M.L.); (F.J.)
| | - Damien Schapman
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France; (D.S.); (L.G.)
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, PRIMACEN, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Ludovic Galas
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France; (D.S.); (L.G.)
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, PRIMACEN, 76000 Rouen, France
| | - Marie Lange
- Cancer and Cognition Platform, Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, 14000 Caen, France; (M.L.); (F.J.)
- Centre François Baclesse, Clinical Research Department, 14000 Caen, France
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM, U1086 ANTICIPE, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Florence Joly
- Cancer and Cognition Platform, Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, 14000 Caen, France; (M.L.); (F.J.)
- Centre François Baclesse, Clinical Research Department, 14000 Caen, France
- Normandie University, UNICAEN, INSERM, U1086 ANTICIPE, 14000 Caen, France
- University Hospital of Caen, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Hélène Castel
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239 DC2N, 76000 Rouen, France; (C.N.); (M.D.); (C.C.); (T.A.S.); (L.D.)
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine (IRIB), 76000 Rouen, France; (D.S.); (L.G.)
- Cancer and Cognition Platform, Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, 14000 Caen, France; (M.L.); (F.J.)
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, DC2N, Team Astrocyte and Vascular Niche, Place Emile Blondel, CEDEX, 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-2-35-14-66-23
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Chronic adolescent stress causes sustained impairment of cognitive flexibility and hippocampal synaptic strength in female rats. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100303. [PMID: 33614865 PMCID: PMC7876631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Females that experience chronic stress during development, particularly adolescence, are the most vulnerable group to stress-induced disease. While considerable attention has been devoted to stress-induced manifestation of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, evidence indicates that a history of chronic stress is also a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia - with females again in a higher risk group. This interplay between sex and stress history indicates specific mechanisms drive neural dysfunction across the lifespan. The presence of sex and stress steroid receptors in the hippocampus provides a point of influence for these variables to drive changes in cognitive function. Here, we used a rodent model of chronic adolescent stress (CAS) to determine the extent to which CAS modifies glutamatergic signaling resulting in cognitive dysfunction. Male and female Wistar rats born in-house remained non-stressed (NS), unmanipulated aside from standard cage cleaning, or were exposed to either physical restraint (60 min) or social defeat (CAS) each day (6 trials each), along with social isolation, throughout the adolescent period (PND 35-47). Cognition was assessed in adult (PND 80-130) male and female rats (n = 10-12) using the Barnes Maze task and the Attention Set-Shift task. Whole hippocampi were extracted from a second cohort of male and female rats (NS and CAS; n = 9-10) and processed for RNA sequencing. Brain tissue from the first cohort (n = 6) was processed for density of glutamatergic synaptic markers (GluA1, NMDA1a, and synaptophysin) or whole-cell patch clamping (n = 4) to determine glutamatergic activity in the hippocampus. Females with a history of chronic stress had shorter latencies to locate the goal box than NS controls during acquisition learning but showed an increased latency to locate the new goal box during reversal learning. This reversal deficit persisted across domains as females with a history of stress required more trials to reach criterion during the reversal phases of the Attention Set-Shift task compared to controls. Ovariectomy resulted in greater performance variability overall during reversal learning with CAS females showing worse performance. Males showed no effects of CAS history on learning or memory performance. Bioinformatic prediction using gene ontology categorization indicated that in females, postsynaptic membrane gene clusters, specifically genes related to glutamatergic synapse remodeling, were enriched with a history of stress. Structural analysis indicated that CAS did not alter glutamate receptor density in females. However, functionally, CAS females had a decreased AMPA/NMDA-dependent current ratio compared to controls indicating a weakening in synaptic strength in the hippocampus. Males showed only a slight change in density of NMDA1a labeling in the CA3 region with a history of stress. The data observed here suggest that females are at risk for impaired cognitive flexibility following a history of adolescent stress, possibly driven by changes in glutamatergic signaling.
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11
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Prakapenka AV, Quihuis AM, Carson CG, Patel S, Bimonte-Nelson HA, Sirianni RW. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic Acid) Nanoparticle Encapsulated 17β-Estradiol Improves Spatial Memory and Increases Uterine Stimulation in Middle-Aged Ovariectomized Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 14:597690. [PMID: 33424559 PMCID: PMC7793758 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.597690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormone therapy that contains 17β-estradiol (E2) is used commonly for treatment of symptoms associated with menopause. E2 treatment has been shown to improve cognitive function following the decrease in ovarian hormones that is characteristic of menopause. However, once in circulation, the majority of E2 is bound to serum hormone binding globulin or albumin, becoming biologically inactive. Thus, therapeutic efficacy of E2 stands to benefit from increased bioavailability via sustained release of the hormone. Here, we focus on the encapsulation of E2 within polymeric nanoparticles composed of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA). PLGA agent encapsulation offers several delivery advantages, including improved bioavailability and sustained biological activity of encapsulated agents. We hypothesized that delivery of E2 from PLGA nanoparticles would enhance the beneficial cognitive effects of E2 relative to free E2 or non-hormone loaded nanoparticle controls in a rat model of menopause. To test this hypothesis, spatial learning and memory were assessed in middle-aged ovariectomized rats receiving weekly subcutaneous treatment of either oil-control, free (oil-solubilized) E2, blank (non-hormone loaded) PLGA, or E2-loaded PLGA. Unexpectedly, learning and memory differed significantly between the two vehicle control groups. E2-loaded PLGA nanoparticles improved learning and memory relative to its control, while learning and memory were not different between free E2 and its vehicle control. These results suggest that delivery of E2 from PLGA nanoparticles offered cognitive benefit. However, when evaluating peripheral burden, E2-loaded PLGA was found to increase uterine stimulation compared to free E2, which is an undesired outcome, as estrogen exposure increases uterine cancer risk. In sum, a weekly E2 treatment regimen of E2 from PLGA nanoparticles increased cognitive efficacy and was accompanied with an adverse impact on the periphery, effects that may be due to the improved agent bioavailability and sustained biological activity offered by PLGA nanoparticle encapsulation. These findings underscore the risk of non-specific enhancement of E2 delivery and provide a basic framework for the study and development of E2's efficacy as a cognitive therapeutic with the aid of customizable polymeric nano-carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesia V Prakapenka
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Alicia M Quihuis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Catherine G Carson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Shruti Patel
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States.,Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Rachael W Sirianni
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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12
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Zhang KJ, Ramdev RA, Tuta NJ, Spritzer MD. Dose-dependent effects of testosterone on spatial learning strategies and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in male rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 121:104850. [PMID: 32892065 PMCID: PMC7572628 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Studies suggest that males outperform females on some spatial tasks. This may be due to the effects of sex steroids on spatial strategy preferences. Past experiments with male rats have demonstrated that low doses of testosterone bias them toward a response strategy, whereas high doses of testosterone bias them toward a place strategy. We investigated the effect of different testosterone doses on the ability of male rats to effectively employ these two spatial learning strategies. Furthermore, we quantified concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (pro-, mature-, and total BDNF) in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum. All rats were bilaterally castrated and assigned to one of three daily injection doses of testosterone propionate (0.125, 0.250, or 0.500 mg/rat) or a control injection of the drug vehicle. Using a plus-maze protocol, we found that a lower testosterone dose (0.125 mg) significantly improved rats' performance on a response task, whereas a higher testosterone dose (0.500 mg) significantly improved rats' performance on a place task. In addition, we found that a low dose of testosterone (0.125 mg) increased total BDNF in the striatum, while a high dose (0.500 mg) increased total BDNF in the hippocampus. Taken altogether, these results suggest that high and low levels of testosterone enhance performance on place and response spatial tasks, respectively, and this effect is associated with changes in BDNF levels within relevant brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. Zhang
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A
| | - Rajan A. Ramdev
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A
| | - Nicholas J. Tuta
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A
| | - Mark D. Spritzer
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A.,Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A.,Corresponding author: Mark Spritzer, Department of Biology, McCardell Bicentennial Hall, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA, phone: 802-443-5676, FAX: 802-443-2072,
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13
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Taxier LR, Gross KS, Frick KM. Oestradiol as a neuromodulator of learning and memory. Nat Rev Neurosci 2020; 21:535-550. [PMID: 32879508 PMCID: PMC8302223 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-020-0362-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Although hormones such as glucocorticoids have been broadly accepted in recent decades as general neuromodulators of memory processes, sex steroid hormones such as the potent oestrogen 17β-oestradiol have been less well recognized by the scientific community in this capacity. The predominance of females in studies of oestradiol and memory and the general (but erroneous) perception that oestrogens are 'female' hormones have probably prevented oestradiol from being more widely considered as a key memory modulator in both sexes. Indeed, although considerable evidence supports a crucial role for oestradiol in regulating learning and memory in females, a growing body of literature indicates a similar role in males. This Review discusses the mechanisms of oestradiol signalling and provides an overview of the effects of oestradiol on spatial, object recognition, social and fear memories. Although the primary focus is on data collected in females, effects of oestradiol on memory in males will be discussed, as will sex differences in the molecular mechanisms that regulate oestrogenic modulation of memory, which may have important implications for the development of future cognitive therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Taxier
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Kellie S Gross
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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14
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Novick AM, Scott AT, Neill Epperson C, Schneck CD. Neuropsychiatric effects of tamoxifen: Challenges and opportunities. Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 59:100869. [PMID: 32822707 PMCID: PMC7669724 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological, clinical, and basic research over the past thirty years have described the benefits of estrogen on cognition, mood, and brain health. Less is known about tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modifier (SERM) commonly used in breast cancer which is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. In this article, we review the basic pharmacology of tamoxifenas well as its effects on cognition and mood. The literature reveals an overall impairing effect of tamoxifen on cognition in breast cancer patients, hinting at central antiestrogen activity. On the other hand, tamoxifen demonstrates promising effects in psychiatric disorders, like bipolar disorder, where its therapeutic action may be independent of interaction with estrogen receptors. Understanding the neuropsychiatric properties of SERMs like tamoxifen can guide future research to ameliorate unwanted side-effects and provide novel options for difficult to treat disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Novick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Campus Box F546, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
| | - Anthony T Scott
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Campus Box F546, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Campus Box F546, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Christopher D Schneck
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Place, Campus Box F546, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
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15
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Supplementation of fenugreek with choline-docosahexaenoic acid attenuates menopause induced memory loss, BDNF and dendritic arborization in ovariectomized rats. Anat Sci Int 2020; 96:197-211. [PMID: 32944877 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-020-00574-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment due to natural or surgical menopause is always associated with estrogen deficiency leading to reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Reduced BDNF levels in menopause affect neuronal maturation, survival, axonal and dendritic arborization and the maintenance of dendritic spine density. Conventional long-term estrogen replacement therapy reported causing the risk of venous thromboembolism and breast cancer. To overcome these undesirable effects, phytoestrogens have been used in menopause-induced condition without the risk of side effects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of fenugreek seed extract (FG) either alone or in combination with choline-DHA on BDNF and dendritic arborization of pyramidal neurons in CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in ovariectomized rats. Female Wistar rats of 9-10 months old were divided into six groups as normal control (NC); ovariectomy (OVX); OVX + FG; OVX + choline-DHA; OVX + FG + choline-DHA; and OVX + estradiol. All the groups, except NC, were ovariectomized. After 2 weeks of ovariectomy, dietary supplementation was initiated for a period of 30 days. After supplementation, behavioral studies, BDNF levels and dendritic arborization were estimated. Ovariectomized (OVX) rats showed reduced BDNF levels, dendritic branching points and dendritic intersections of pyramidal neurons in CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. OVX rats supplemented with FG with choline-DHA showed significantly improved BDNF levels, dendritic branching points and dendritic intersections. These results are demonstrating that FG with choline-DHA supplementation can be an alternative for estrogen replacement therapy to modulate menopause-induced learning and memory deficits.
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16
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Jiménez-Rubio G, Herrera-Pérez JJ, Martínez-Becerril HA, Márquez-Baltazar MS, Martínez-Mota L. Age-dependent effects of testosterone on spatial memory in male rats. Horm Behav 2020; 122:104748. [PMID: 32222529 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Decreased spatial memory is common in aging populations and reduces their quality of life. Although its role is still controversial, low testosterone (T) may contribute to impaired cognition in aged men. This study aimed to identify the role of T in age-related deficiencies in spatial memory among male rats. Young adult (3 months old) and aged (21 months old) Wistar rats were assigned to independent groups: intact, orchidectomized, or orchidectomized + subcutaneous pellets of T propionate. The phases of spatial memory acquisition (4 daily trials/4 days) and spatial memory retention (1 trial/day, 3 and 12 days after acquisition) were evaluated using the Barnes maze. Compared with young adults, aged intact rats took longer to find the goal, made more mistakes, and showed only slight improvements in goal sector exploration across the acquisition period. The young orchidectomized rats showed no improvement in performance over the days during the acquisition phase. T treatment in hormonally deprived old rats produced a small improvement in goal sector exploration and number of errors during the acquisition phase. Meanwhile, in young adults, this treatment improved the goal sector searching in the retention phase (12 days after acquisition training). Our results suggested that age-related spatial memory deficits cannot be entirely explained by the decline in T levels; however, this androgen produced subtle and mild beneficial effects on spatial memory in young and old males. Taken together, our findings suggest age differences in the role of T on spatial memory in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela Jiménez-Rubio
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José Jaime Herrera-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Hilda Angélica Martínez-Becerril
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Martín Sergio Márquez-Baltazar
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Lucía Martínez-Mota
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Calzada México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegación Tlalpan, 14370 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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17
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Jaeger ECB, Miller LE, Goins EC, Super CE, Chyr CU, Lower JW, Honican LS, Morrison DE, Ramdev RA, Spritzer MD. Testosterone replacement causes dose-dependent improvements in spatial memory among aged male rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 113:104550. [PMID: 31901624 PMCID: PMC7080566 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone has been shown to have dose-dependent effects on spatial memory in males, but the effects of aging upon this relationship remain unclear. Additionally, the mechanism by which testosterone regulates memory is unknown, but may involve changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) within specific brain regions. We tested the effects of age and testosterone on spatial memory among male rats using two spatial memory tasks: an object-location memory task (OLMT) and the radial-arm maze (RAM). Castration had minimal effect on performance on the RAM, but young rats (2 months) performed significantly fewer working memory errors than aged rats (20 months), and aged rats performed significantly fewer reference memory errors. Both age and castration impaired performance on the OLMT, with only the young rats with intact gonads successfully performing the task. Subsequent experiments involved daily injections of either drug vehicle or one of four doses of testosterone propionate (0.125, 0.250, 0.500, and 1.00 mg/rat) given to castrated aged males. On the RAM, a low physiological dose (0.125 mg) and high doses (0.500-1.000 mg) of testosterone improved working memory, while an intermediate dose (0.250 mg) did not. On the OLMT, only the 0.250 mg T group showed a significant increase in exploration ratios from the exposure trials to the testing trials, indicating that this group remembered the position of the objects. Brain tissue (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum) was collected from all subjects to assay BDNF. We found no evidence that testosterone influenced BDNF, indicating that it is unlikely that testosterone regulates spatial memory through changes in BDNF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza C B Jaeger
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - L Erin Miller
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Emily C Goins
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Chloe E Super
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Christina U Chyr
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - John W Lower
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Lauren S Honican
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Daryl E Morrison
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Rajan A Ramdev
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Mark D Spritzer
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA; Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
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18
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Lucon-Xiccato T, Bisazza A, Bertolucci C. Guppies show sex and individual differences in the ability to inhibit behaviour. Anim Cogn 2020; 23:535-543. [PMID: 32034539 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-020-01357-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In humans, individual and sex differences have been long reported for several cognitive tasks and are at least in part due to variability in the function that inhibits behaviour (i.e. inhibitory control). Similar evidence of individual and sex differences in inhibitory abilities is also present in other vertebrates, but is scarce outside primates. Experiments on reversal learning, which requires inhibiting behaviours, suggest that this variability may exist in a teleost fish, the guppy, Poecilia reticulata. We tested this hypothesis by observing guppies in an inhibitory task. Guppies were exposed to unreachable prey inside a transparent tube for six trials. Guppies showed a marked reduction in the number of attempts to catch the prey within the first trial and also over repeated trials. We found a striking sex difference in the capacity to inhibit foraging behaviour. Males attempted to attack the prey twice as often as females and showed negligible improvement over trials. Irrespective of sex, individuals remarkably differed in their performance, with some guppies being systematically more skilled than others across the repeated trials. These results confirm that individual and sex differences in the ability to inhibit behaviour are not restricted to humans and other primates, suggesting that they might be widespread among vertebrates. Variability in inhibitory ability provides an explanation for emerging records of variability in other cognitive tasks in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Angelo Bisazza
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Cristiano Bertolucci
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
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19
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Spritzer MD, Roy EA. Testosterone and Adult Neurogenesis. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020225. [PMID: 32028656 PMCID: PMC7072323 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now well established that neurogenesis occurs throughout adulthood in select brain regions, but the functional significance of adult neurogenesis remains unclear. There is considerable evidence that steroid hormones modulate various stages of adult neurogenesis, and this review provides a focused summary of the effects of testosterone on adult neurogenesis. Initial evidence came from field studies with birds and wild rodent populations. Subsequent experiments with laboratory rodents have tested the effects of testosterone and its steroid metabolites upon adult neurogenesis, as well as the functional consequences of induced changes in neurogenesis. These experiments have provided clear evidence that testosterone increases adult neurogenesis within the dentate gyrus region of the hippocampus through an androgen-dependent pathway. Most evidence indicates that androgens selectively enhance the survival of newly generated neurons, while having little effect on cell proliferation. Whether this is a result of androgens acting directly on receptors of new neurons remains unclear, and indirect routes involving brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoids may be involved. In vitro experiments suggest that testosterone has broad-ranging neuroprotective effects, which will be briefly reviewed. A better understanding of the effects of testosterone upon adult neurogenesis could shed light on neurological diseases that show sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Spritzer
- Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: 802-443-5676
| | - Ethan A. Roy
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
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20
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Clements L, Harvey J. Activation of oestrogen receptor α induces a novel form of LTP at hippocampal temporoammonic-CA1 synapses. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:642-655. [PMID: 31637699 PMCID: PMC7012968 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 17β estradiol (E2) rapidly regulates excitatory synaptic transmission at the classical Schaffer collateral (SC) input to hippocampal CA1 neurons. However, the impact of E2 on excitatory synaptic transmission at the distinct temporoammonic (TA) input to CA1 neurons and the oestrogen receptors involved is less clear. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Extracellular recordings were used to monitor excitatory synaptic transmission in hippocampal slices from juvenile male (P11-24) Sprague Dawley rats. Immunocytochemistry combined with confocal microscopy was used to monitor the surface expression of the AMPA receptor (AMPAR) subunit, GluA1 in hippocampal neurons cultured from neonatal (P0-3) rats. KEY RESULTS Here, we show that E2 induces a novel form of LTP at TA-CA1 synapses, an effect mirrored by the ERα agonist, PPT, and blocked by an ERα antagonist. ERα-induced LTP is NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent and involves a postsynaptic expression mechanism that requires PI 3-kinase signalling and synaptic insertion of GluA2-lacking AMPARs. ERα-induced LTP has overlapping expression mechanisms with classical Hebbian LTP, as HFS-induced LTP occluded PPT-induced LTP and vice versa. In addition, activity-dependent LTP was blocked by the ERα antagonist, suggesting that ERα activation is involved in NMDA-LTP at TA-CA1 synapses. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS ERα induces a novel form of LTP at juvenile male hippocampal TA-CA1 synapses. As TA-CA1 synapses are implicated in episodic memory processes and are an early target for neurodegeneration, these findings have important implications for the role of oestrogens in CNS health and neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Clements
- Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical SchoolUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
| | - Jenni Harvey
- Division of Systems Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical SchoolUniversity of DundeeDundeeUK
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21
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Koebele SV, Nishimura KJ, Bimonte-Nelson HA, Kemmou S, Ortiz JB, Judd JM, Conrad CD. A long-term cyclic plus tonic regimen of 17β-estradiol improves the ability to handle a high spatial working memory load in ovariectomized middle-aged female rats. Horm Behav 2020; 118:104656. [PMID: 31862208 PMCID: PMC7286486 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The influence of estrogens on modifying cognition has been extensively studied, revealing that a wide array of factors can significantly impact cognition, including, but not limited to, subject age, estrogen exposure duration, administration mode, estrogen formulation, stress history, and progestogen presence. Less known is whether long-term, extended exposure to estrogens would benefit or otherwise impact cognition. The present study examined the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) exposure for seven months, beginning in late adulthood and continuing into middle age, using a regimen of cyclic exposure (bi-monthly subcutaneous injection of 10 μg E2), or Cyclic+Tonic exposure (bi-monthly subcutaneous injection of 10 μg E2 + Silastic capsules of E2) in ovariectomized female Fischer-344-CDF rats. Subjects were tested on a battery of learning and memory tasks. All groups learned the water radial-arm maze (WRAM) and Morris water maze tasks in a similar fashion, regardless of hormone treatment regimen. In the asymptotic phase of the WRAM, rats administered a Cyclic+Tonic E2 regimen showed enhanced performance when working memory was taxed compared to Vehicle and Cyclic E2 groups. Assessment of spatial memory on object placement and object recognition was not possible due to insufficient exploration of objects; however, the Cyclic+Tonic group showed increased total time spent exploring all objects compared to Vehicle-treated animals. Overall, these data demonstrate that long-term Cyclic+Tonic E2 exposure can result in some long-term cognitive benefits, at least in the spatial working memory domain, in a surgically menopausal rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Kenji J Nishimura
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America
| | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, United States of America
| | - Salma Kemmou
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America
| | - J Bryce Ortiz
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America
| | - Jessica M Judd
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America
| | - Cheryl D Conrad
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, United States of America.
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22
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Neutering in dogs and cats: current scientific evidence and importance of adequate nutritional management. Nutr Res Rev 2020; 33:134-144. [PMID: 31931899 DOI: 10.1017/s0954422419000271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Neutering or spaying is a commonly recommended veterinary procedure. However, veterinarians are often confronted with conflicting findings and differences in concepts regarding practice and proper nutritional management after the procedure. The objective of the present review was to bring to light the most recent literature, summarise it and discuss the findings focusing on the risks and benefits of neutering in dogs and cats, and to determine the appropriate nutritional management for these animals.
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Campos GV, de Souza AMA, Ji H, West CA, Wu X, Lee DL, Aguilar BL, Forcelli PA, de Menezes RC, Sandberg K. The Angiotensin Type 1 Receptor Antagonist Losartan Prevents Ovariectomy-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction and Anxiety-Like Behavior in Long Evans Rats. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 40:407-420. [PMID: 31637567 PMCID: PMC7056686 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00744-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Women who have bilateral oophorectomies prior to the age of natural menopause are at increased risk of developing mild cognitive decline, dementia, anxiety, and depressive type disorders. Clinical and animal studies indicate angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockers (ARBs) have blood pressure (BP)-independent neuroprotective effects. To investigate the potential use of ARBs in normotensive women at increased risk of developing neurocognitive problems, we studied a rat model of bilateral oophorectomy. Long Evans rats were sham-operated (Sham) or ovariectomized (Ovx) at 3 months of age and immediately treated continuously with vehicle (Veh) or the ARB losartan (Los) for the duration of the experiment. In contrast to many hypertensive rat models, ovariectomy did not increase mean arterial pressure (MAP) in these normotensive rats. Ovariectomized rats spent less time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze (EPM) [(% total time): Veh, 34.1 ± 5.1 vs. Ovx, 18.7 ± 4.4; p < 0.05] and in the center of the open field (OF) [(s): Veh, 11.1 ± 1.7 vs. Ovx, 6.64 ± 1.1; p < 0.05]. They also had worse performance in the novel object recognition (NOR) test as evidenced by a reduction in the recognition index [Veh, 0.62 ± 0.04 vs. Ovx, 0.45 ± 0.03; p < 0.05]. These adverse effects of ovariectomy were prevented by Los. Losartan also reduced plasma corticosterone in Ovx rats compared to Veh treatment [(ng/mL): Ovx–Veh, 238 ± 20 vs. Ovx–Los, 119 ± 42; p < 0.05]. Ovariectomy increased AT1R mRNA expression in the CA3 region of the hippocampus (Hc) [(copies x 106/µg RNA): Sham–Veh, 7.15 ± 0.87 vs. Ovx–Veh, 9.86 ± 1.7; p < 0.05]. These findings suggest the neuroprotective effects of this ARB in normotensive Ovx rats involve reduction of plasma corticosterone and blockade of increased AT1R activity in the hippocampus. These data suggest ARBs have therapeutic potential for normotensive women at increased risk of developing cognitive and behavioral dysfunction due to bilateral oophorectomy prior to the natural age of menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenda V Campos
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Suite 232 Building D, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Aline M A de Souza
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Suite 232 Building D, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Hong Ji
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Suite 232 Building D, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Crystal A West
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Suite 232 Building D, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Xie Wu
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Suite 232 Building D, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Dexter L Lee
- Department of Physiology, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brittany L Aguilar
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Rodrigo C de Menezes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Kathryn Sandberg
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Suite 232 Building D, 4000 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
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Hillerer KM, Slattery DA, Pletzer B. Neurobiological mechanisms underlying sex-related differences in stress-related disorders: Effects of neuroactive steroids on the hippocampus. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100796. [PMID: 31580837 PMCID: PMC7115954 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Men and women differ in their vulnerability to a variety of stress-related illnesses, but the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are not well understood. This is likely due to a comparative dearth of neurobiological studies that assess male and female rodents at the same time, while human neuroimaging studies often don't model sex as a variable of interest. These sex differences are often attributed to the actions of sex hormones, i.e. estrogens, progestogens and androgens. In this review, we summarize the results on sex hormone actions in the hippocampus and seek to bridge the gap between animal models and findings in humans. However, while effects of sex hormones on the hippocampus are largely consistent in animals and humans, methodological differences challenge the comparability of animal and human studies on stress effects. We summarise our current understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie sex-related differences in behavior and discuss implications for stress-related illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M Hillerer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Salzburger Landeskrankenhaus (SALK), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), Clinical Research Center Salzburg (CRCS), Salzburg, Austria.
| | - David A Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria; Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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25
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Kaufman MJ, Kanayama G, Hudson JI, Pope HG. Supraphysiologic-dose anabolic-androgenic steroid use: A risk factor for dementia? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 100:180-207. [PMID: 30817935 PMCID: PMC6451684 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Supraphysiologic-dose anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) use is associated with physiologic, cognitive, and brain abnormalities similar to those found in people at risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease and its related dementias (AD/ADRD), which are associated with high brain β-amyloid (Aβ) and hyperphosphorylated tau (tau-P) protein levels. Supraphysiologic-dose AAS induces androgen abnormalities and excess oxidative stress, which have been linked to increased and decreased expression or activity of proteins that synthesize and eliminate, respectively, Aβ and tau-P. Aβ and tau-P accumulation may begin soon after initiating supraphysiologic-dose AAS use, which typically occurs in the early 20s, and their accumulation may be accelerated by other psychoactive substance use, which is common among non-medical AAS users. Accordingly, the widespread use of supraphysiologic-dose AAS may increase the numbers of people who develop dementia. Early diagnosis and correction of sex-steroid level abnormalities and excess oxidative stress could attenuate risk for developing AD/ADRD in supraphysiologic-dose AAS users, in people with other substance use disorders, and in people with low sex-steroid levels or excess oxidative stress associated with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc J Kaufman
- McLean Imaging Center, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Gen Kanayama
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - James I Hudson
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Harrison G Pope
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill St., Belmont, MA 02478, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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26
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Koebele SV, Palmer JM, Hadder B, Melikian R, Fox C, Strouse IM, DeNardo DF, George C, Daunis E, Nimer A, Mayer LP, Dyer CA, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Hysterectomy Uniquely Impacts Spatial Memory in a Rat Model: A Role for the Nonpregnant Uterus in Cognitive Processes. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1-19. [PMID: 30535329 PMCID: PMC6293088 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Approximately one-third of women experience hysterectomy, or the surgical removal of the uterus, by 60 years of age, with most surgeries occurring prior to the onset of natural menopause. The ovaries are retained in about half of these surgeries, whereas for the other half hysterectomy occurs concurrently with oophorectomy. The dogma is that the nonpregnant uterus is dormant. There have been no preclinical assessments of surgical variations in menopause, including hysterectomy, with and without ovarian conservation, on potential endocrine and cognitive changes. We present a novel rat model of hysterectomy alongside sham, ovariectomy (Ovx), and Ovx-hysterectomy groups to assess effects of surgical menopause variations. Rats without ovaries learned the working memory domain of a complex cognitive task faster than did those with ovaries. Moreover, uterus removal alone had a unique detrimental impact on the ability to handle a high-demand working memory load. The addition of Ovx, that is, Ovx-hysterectomy, prevented this hysterectomy-induced memory deficit. Performance did not differ amongst groups in reference memory-only tasks, suggesting that the working memory domain is particularly sensitive to variations in surgical menopause. Following uterus removal, ovarian histology and estrous cycle monitoring demonstrated that ovaries continued to function, and serum assays indicated altered ovarian hormone and gonadotropin profiles by 2 months after surgery. These results underscore the critical need to further study the contribution of the uterus to the female phenotype, including effects of hysterectomy with and without ovarian conservation, on the trajectory of brain and endocrine aging to decipher the impact of common variations in gynecological surgery in women. Moreover, findings demonstrate that the nonpregnant uterus is not dormant, and indicate that there is an ovarian-uterus-brain system that becomes interrupted when the reproductive tract has been disrupted, leading to alterations in brain functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie V Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Justin M Palmer
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Bryanna Hadder
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Ryan Melikian
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Carly Fox
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Isabel M Strouse
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, Arizona
| | - Dale F DeNardo
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, Arizona
- Correspondence: Heather A. Bimonte-Nelson, PhD, Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Division, Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, P.O. Box 871104, Tempe, Arizona 85287. E-mail:
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Let's call the whole thing off: evaluating gender and sex differences in executive function. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:86-96. [PMID: 30143781 PMCID: PMC6235899 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0179-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The executive functions allow for purposeful, deliberate, and intentional interactions with the world-attention and focus, impulse control, decision making, and working memory. These measures have been correlated with academic outcomes and quality of life, and are impacted by deleterious environmental events throughout the life span, including gestational and early life insults. This review will address the topic of sex differences in executive function including a discussion of differences arising in response to developmental programming. Work on gender differences in human studies and sex differences in animal research will be reviewed. Overall, we find little support for significant gender or sex differences in executive function. An important variable that factors into the interpretation of potential sex differences include differing developmental trajectories. We conclude by discussing future directions for the field and a brief discussion of biological mechanisms.
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28
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Sircar R. Estrogen Modulates Ethanol‐Induced Memory Deficit in Postpubertal Adolescent Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 43:61-68. [DOI: 10.1111/acer.13921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ratna Sircar
- Department of Psychology (RS) The City College of New York City University of New York New York New York
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (RS) Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York
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29
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Enhancing effects of acute exposure to cannabis smoke on working memory performance. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2018; 157:151-162. [PMID: 30521850 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Numerous preclinical studies show that acute cannabinoid administration impairs cognitive performance. Almost all of this research has employed cannabinoid injections, however, whereas smoking is the preferred route of cannabis administration in humans. The goal of these experiments was to systematically determine how acute exposure to cannabis smoke affects working memory performance in a rat model. Adult male (n = 15) and female (n = 16) Long-Evans rats were trained in a food-motivated delayed response working memory task. Prior to test sessions, rats were exposed to smoke generated by burning different numbers of cannabis or placebo cigarettes, using a within-subjects design. Exposure to cannabis smoke had no effect on male rats' performance, but surprisingly, enhanced working memory accuracy in females, which tended to perform less accurately than males under baseline conditions. In addition, cannabis smoke enhanced working memory accuracy in a subgroup of male rats that performed comparably to the worst-performing females. Exposure to placebo smoke had no effect on performance, suggesting that the cannabinoid content of cannabis smoke was critical for its effects on working memory. Follow-up experiments showed that acute administration of either Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (0.0, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0 mg/kg) or the cannabinoid receptor type 1 antagonist rimonabant (0.0, 0.2, 0.6, 2.0 mg/kg) impaired working memory performance. These results indicate that differences in the route, timing, or dose of cannabinoid administration can yield distinct cognitive outcomes, and highlight the need for further investigation of this topic.
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30
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Mhaouty-Kodja S, Belzunces LP, Canivenc MC, Schroeder H, Chevrier C, Pasquier E. Impairment of learning and memory performances induced by BPA: Evidences from the literature of a MoA mediated through an ED. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 475:54-73. [PMID: 29605460 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2018.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Many rodent studies and a few non-human primate data report impairments of spatial and non-spatial memory induced by exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), which are associated with neural modifications, particularly in processes involved in synaptic plasticity. BPA-induced alterations involve disruption of the estrogenic pathway as established by reversal of BPA-induced effects with estrogenic receptor antagonist or by interference of BPA with administered estradiol in ovariectomized animals. Sex differences in hormonal impregnation during critical periods of development and their influence on maturation of learning and memory processes may explain the sexual dimorphism observed in BPA-induced effects in some studies. Altogether, these data highly support the plausibility that alteration of learning and memory and synaptic plasticity by BPA is essentially mediated by disturbance of the estrogenic pathways. As memory function in humans involves similar signaling pathways, this mode of action of BPA has the potential to alter human cognitive abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Luc P Belzunces
- INRA, Laboratoire de Toxicologie Environnementale, UR 406 A&E, CS 40509, 84914 Avignon Cedex 9, France
| | - Marie-Chantal Canivenc
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, INRA, CNRS, agrosup, Université de Bourgogne, Franche-Comté, Dijon, 21000, France
| | - Henri Schroeder
- Calbinotox, EA7488, Faculté des Sciences et Technologies, Université de Lorraine, 54500, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Cécile Chevrier
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
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Sex Differences in the Rapid Cell Signaling Mechanisms Underlying the Memory-Enhancing Effects of 17β-Estradiol. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-NWR-0267-18. [PMID: 30406188 PMCID: PMC6220582 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0267-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about how 17β-estradiol (E2) mediates memory formation in males. In ovariectomized (OVX) mice, bilateral dorsal hippocampal (DH) infusion of E2 enhances memory consolidation in object recognition (OR) and object placement (OP) tasks in a manner dependent on activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt signaling. Here, bilateral DH E2 infusion enhanced memory consolidation in both tasks among OVX female, gonadally-intact male, and castrated male mice, suggesting comparable facilitation of memory consolidation in both sexes, independent of testicular hormones in males. Contrary to previous reports in OVX mice, E2 did not increase DH ERK or Akt phosphorylation in males, nor did the ERK inhibitor U0126 [1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis (o-aminophenylmercapto) butadiene] prevent E2 from enhancing memory consolidation among intact and castrated males. These data suggest that ERK activation is not necessary for E2 to enhance memory consolidation in males, and compared with previous reports in females, reveal novel sex differences in the cell-signaling pathways through which E2 facilitates memory consolidation. To explore the mechanisms underlying E2-induced memory enhancements in males, phosphorylation of the transcription factor cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) in the DH was assessed. E2 increased phospho-CREB levels in both sexes, yet U0126 did not block these increases in castrated or intact males, indicating that E2 regulates CREB phosphorylation in males via an ERK-independent mechanism. Collectively, these findings suggest that the beneficial effects of hippocampal E2 on memory consolidation in males and females are mediated by different molecular mechanisms, which has important implications for the development of treatments to reduce memory dysfunction in men and women.
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32
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Scandurra A, Marinelli L, Lõoke M, D’Aniello B, Mongillo P. The effect of age, sex and gonadectomy on dogs’ use of spatial navigation strategies. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Li J, Rao D, Gibbs RB. Effects of Cholinergic Lesions and Cholinesterase Inhibitors on Aromatase and Estrogen Receptor Expression in Different Regions of the Rat Brain. Neuroscience 2018; 384:203-213. [PMID: 29852246 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cholinergic projections have been shown to interact with estrogens in ways that influence synaptic plasticity and cognitive performance. The mechanisms are not well understood. The goal of this study was to investigate whether cholinergic projections influence brain estrogen production by affecting aromatase (ARO), or influence estrogen signaling by affecting estrogen receptor expression. In the first experiment, ovariectomized rats received intraseptal injection of the selective immunotoxin 192IgG-saporin to destroy cholinergic inputs to the hippocampus. In the second experiment ovariectomized rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of the cholinesterase inhibitors donepezil or galantamine for 1 week. ARO activity and relative levels of ARO, ERα, ERß, and GPR30 mRNAs were quantified in the hippocampus, frontal cortex, amygdala and preoptic area. Results show that the cholinergic lesions effectively removed cholinergic inputs to the hippocampus, but had no significant effect on ARO or on relative levels of ER mRNAs. Likewise, injections of the cholinesterase inhibitors had no effect on ARO or ER expression in most regions of the brain. This suggests that effects of cholinergic inputs on synaptic plasticity and neuronal function are not mediated by effects on local estrogen production or ER expression. One exception was the amygdala where treating with galantamine was associated with a significant increase in ARO activity. The amygdala is a key structure involved in registering fear and anxiety. Hence this finding may be clinically relevant to elderly patients who are treated for memory impairment and who also struggle with fear and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Di Rao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Robert B Gibbs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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Wibowo E. Cognitive Impacts of Estrogen Treatment in Androgen-Deprived Males: What Needs to be Resolved. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 15:1043-1055. [PMID: 28294068 PMCID: PMC5652012 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170313122555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Many prostate cancer (PCa) patients are on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) as part of their cancer treatments but ADT may lead to cognitive impairments. ADT depletes men of both androgen and estrogen. Whether estradiol supplementation can improve cognitive impairments in patients on ADT is understudied. Objective: To summarize data on the effects of estradiol treatment on cognitive function of androgen-deprived genetic male populations (PCa patients and male-to-female transsexuals) and castrated male animals. Method: Publications were identified by a literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar. Results: While some studies showed that estradiol improves cognitive function (most notably, spatial ability) for castrated rats, what remains uninvestigated are: 1) whether estradiol can improve cognition after long-term androgen deprivation, 2) how estradiol affects memory retention, and 3) how early vs. delayed estradiol treatment after castration influences cognition. For androgen-deprived genetic males, estradiol treatment may improve some cognitive functions (e.g., verbal and visual memory), but the findings are not consistent due to large variability in the study design between studies. Conclusion: Future studies are required to determine the best estradiol treatment protocol to maximize cognitive benefits for androgen-deprived genetic males. Tests that assess comparable cognitive domains in human and rodents are needed. What particularly under-investigated is how the effects of estradiol on cognitive ability intersect with other parameters; sleep, depression and physical fatigue. Such studies have clinical implications to improve the quality of life for both PCa patients on ADT as well as for male-to-female transsexuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Wibowo
- Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Gordon & Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 1M9. Canada
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Abstract
Estrogens influence nearly every aspect of hippocampal function, including memory formation. Although this research has traditionally focused on ovariectomized females, more recent work is providing insights into the ways in which estrogens regulate hippocampal function in both sexes. This review provides an overview of estrogenic regulation of hippocampal function in female and male rodents, with a particular emphasis on memory formation. Where applicable, we discuss the involvement of specific estrogen receptors and molecular mechanisms that mediate these effects. The review concludes by suggesting gaps in the literature that need to be filled to provide greater insights into potential sex differences in the effects of estrogens on hippocampal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211
| | - Jaekyoon Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211
| | - Wendy A Koss
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211
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Prakapenka AV, Hiroi R, Quihuis AM, Carson C, Patel S, Berns-Leone C, Fox C, Sirianni RW, Bimonte-Nelson HA. Contrasting effects of individual versus combined estrogen and progestogen regimens as working memory load increases in middle-aged ovariectomized rats: one plus one does not equal two. Neurobiol Aging 2018; 64:1-14. [PMID: 29316527 PMCID: PMC5820186 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Most estrogen-based hormone therapies are administered in combination with a progestogen, such as Levonorgestrel (Levo). Individually, the estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2) and Levo can improve cognition in preclinical models. However, although these hormones are often given together clinically, the impact of the E2 + Levo combination on cognitive function has yet to be methodically examined. Thus, we investigated E2 + Levo treatment on a cognitive battery in middle-aged, ovariectomized rats. When administered alone, E2 and Levo treatments each enhanced spatial working memory relative to vehicle treatment, whereas the E2 + Levo combination impaired high working memory load performance relative to E2 only and Levo only treatments. There were no effects on spatial reference memory. Mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinases pathway activation, which is involved in memory formation and estrogen-induced memory effects, was evaluated in 5 brain regions implicated in learning and memory. A distinct relationship was seen in the E2-only treatment group between mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinases pathway activation in the frontal cortex and working memory performance. Collectively, the results indicate that the differential neurocognitive effects of combination versus sole treatments are vital considerations as we move forward as a field to develop novel, and to understand currently used, exogenous hormone regimens across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesia V Prakapenka
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Ryoko Hiroi
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Alicia M Quihuis
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Catie Carson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Shruti Patel
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Claire Berns-Leone
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Carly Fox
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Rachael W Sirianni
- Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Heather A Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Alzheimer's Consortium, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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Frick KM, Tuscher JJ, Koss WA, Kim J, Taxier LR. Estrogenic regulation of memory consolidation: A look beyond the hippocampus, ovaries, and females. Physiol Behav 2018; 187:57-66. [PMID: 28755863 PMCID: PMC5787049 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The potent estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2) has long been known to regulate the hippocampus and hippocampal-dependent memories in females, and research from the past decade has begun to shed light on the molecular mechanisms through which E2 mediates memory formation in females. Although E2 can also regulate hippocampal function in males, relatively little is known about how E2 influences memory formation in males, or whether sex differences in underlying mechanisms exist. This review, based on a talk given in April 2017 at the American University symposium entitled, "Sex Differences: From Neuroscience to the Clinic and Beyond", first provides an overview of the molecular mechanisms in the dorsal hippocampus through which E2 enhances memory consolidation in ovariectomized female mice. Next, newer research is described demonstrating key roles for the prefrontal cortex and de novo hippocampal E2 synthesis to the memory-enhancing effects of E2 in females. The review then discusses the effects of de novo and exogenous E2 on hippocampal memory consolidation in both sexes, and putative sex differences in the underlying molecular mechanisms through which E2 enhances memory formation. The review concludes by discussing the importance and implications of sex differences in the molecular mechanisms underlying E2-induced memory consolidation for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, United States.
| | - Jennifer J Tuscher
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, United States
| | - Wendy A Koss
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, United States
| | - Jaekyoon Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, United States
| | - Lisa R Taxier
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI 53211, United States
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Zhao J, Bian C, Liu M, Zhao Y, Sun T, Xing F, Zhang J. Orchiectomy and letrozole differentially regulate synaptic plasticity and spatial memory in a manner that is mediated by SRC-1 in the hippocampus of male mice. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 178:354-368. [PMID: 29452160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hippocampal synaptic plasticity is the basis of spatial memory and cognition and is strongly regulated by both testicular androgens (testosterone, T) and hippocampal estrogens (17β-estradiol, E2) converted from T by aromatase, which is inhibited by letrozole (LET), but the contribution of each pathway to spatial memory and the associated mechanisms are unclear. In this study, we first used orchiectomy (ORX) and LET injection to investigate the effects of T and hippocampal E2 on spatial memory and hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Next, we examined the changes in steroid receptors and steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) under these treatments. Finally, we constructed an SRC-1 RNA interference lentivirus and an AROM overexpression lentivirus to explore the roles of SRC-1 under T replacement and AROM overexpression. The results revealed spatial memory impairment only after LET. LET induced more actin depolymerization and greater losses of spines, synapses, and postsynaptic proteins compared with ORX. Moreover, although ERα and ERβ were affected by LET and ORX at similar levels, AR, GPR30, and SRC-1 were dramatically decreased by LET compared with ORX. Finally, the T and AROM overexpression-induced changes in synaptic proteins and actin polymerization were blocked by SRC-1 inhibition. These results demonstrate that testicular androgens play a limited role, whereas local E2 is more important for cognition, which may explain why castrated men such as eunuchs usually do not have cognitive disorders. These results also suggest a pivotal role of SRC-1 in the action of steroids; thus, SRC-1 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jikai Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chen Bian
- Department of Military Psychology, College of Psychology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Mengying Liu
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Yangang Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Fangzhou Xing
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China; School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Jiqiang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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39
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Sbisa A, van den Buuse M, Gogos A. The effect of estrogenic compounds on psychosis-like behaviour in female rats. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193853. [PMID: 29579065 PMCID: PMC5868772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
17β-estradiol treatment has shown benefit against schizophrenia symptoms, however long-term use may be associated with negative side-effects. Selective estrogen receptor modulators, such as raloxifene and tamoxifen, have been proposed as suitable alternatives to 17β-estradiol. An isomer of 17β-estradiol, 17α-estradiol, is considered less carcinogenic, and non-feminising in males, however little is known about its potential as a treatment for schizophrenia. Moreover, the mechanism underlying the therapeutic action of estrogens remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the ability of these estrogenic compounds to attenuate psychosis-like behaviour in rats. We used two acute pharmacologically-induced assays of psychosis-like behaviour: psychotomimetic drug-induced hyperlocomotion and disruption of prepulse inhibition (PPI). Female Long Evans rats were either intact, ovariectomised (OVX), or OVX and chronically treated with 17β-estradiol, 17α-estradiol, raloxifene or tamoxifen. Only 17β-estradiol treatment attenuated locomotor hyperactivity induced by the indirect dopamine receptor agonist, methamphetamine. 17β-estradiol- and tamoxifen-treated rats showed attenuated methamphetamine- and apomorphine (dopamine D1/D2 receptor agonist)-induced disruption of PPI. Raloxifene-treated rats showed attenuated apomorphine-induced PPI disruption only. Baseline PPI was significantly reduced following OVX, and this deficit was reversed by all estrogenic compounds. Further, PPI in OVX rats was increased following administration of apomorphine. This study confirms a protective effect of 17β-estradiol in two established animal models of psychosis, while tamoxifen showed beneficial effects against PPI disruption. In contrast, 17α-estradiol and raloxifene showed little effect on dopamine receptor-mediated psychosis-like behaviours. This study highlights the utility of some estrogenic compounds to attenuate psychosis-like behaviour in rats, supporting the notion that estrogens have therapeutic potential for psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Sbisa
- Hormones in Psychiatry Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,The College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrea Gogos
- Hormones in Psychiatry Laboratory, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Wagner BA, Braddick VC, Batson CG, Cullen BH, Miller LE, Spritzer MD. Effects of testosterone dose on spatial memory among castrated adult male rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 89:120-130. [PMID: 29414025 PMCID: PMC5878712 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous research on the activational effects of testosterone on spatial memory has produced mixed results, possibly because such effects are dose-dependent. We tested a wide range of testosterone doses using two spatial memory tasks: a working-reference memory version of the radial-arm maze (RAM) and an object location memory task (OLMT). Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were castrated or sham-castrated and given daily injections of drug vehicle (Oil Sham and Oil GDX) or one of four doses of testosterone propionate (0.125, 0.250, 0.500, and 1.000 mg T) beginning seven days before the first day of behavioral tests and continuing throughout testing. For the RAM, four arms of the maze were consistently baited on each day of testing. Testosterone had a significant effect on working memory on the RAM, with the Oil Sham, 0.125 mg T, and 0.500 mg T groups performing better than the Oil GDX group. In contrast, there was no significant effect of testosterone on spatial reference memory on the RAM. For the OLMT, we tested long-term memory using a 2 h inter-trial interval between first exposure to two identical objects and re-exposure after one object had been moved. Only the 0.125 and 0.500 mg T groups showed a significant increase in exploration of the moved object during the testing trials, indicating better memory than all other groups. Testosterone replacement restored spatial memory among castrated male rats on both behavioral tasks, but there was a complex dose-response relationship; therefore, the therapeutic value of testosterone is likely sensitive to dose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A. Wagner
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A
| | | | | | - Brendan H. Cullen
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A
| | - L. Erin Miller
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A
| | - Mark D. Spritzer
- Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A,Department of Biology, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, U.S.A,Corresponding author: Mark Spritzer, Department of Biology, McCardell Bicentennial Hall, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA, phone: 802-443-5676, FAX: 802-443-2072
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41
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Valvassori SS, Borges CP, Varela RB, Bavaresco DV, Bianchini G, Mariot E, Arent CO, Resende WR, Budni J, Quevedo J. The different effects of lithium and tamoxifen on memory formation and the levels of neurotrophic factors in the brain of male and female rats. Brain Res Bull 2017; 134:228-235. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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42
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Mongillo P, Scandurra A, D’Aniello B, Marinelli L. Effect of sex and gonadectomy on dogs’ spatial performance. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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43
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Alexander A, Irving AJ, Harvey J. Emerging roles for the novel estrogen-sensing receptor GPER1 in the CNS. Neuropharmacology 2017; 113:652-660. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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44
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Crider A, Pillai A. Estrogen Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2016; 360:48-58. [PMID: 27789681 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.237412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens, the primary female sex hormones, were originally characterized through their important role in sexual maturation and reproduction. However, recent studies have shown that estrogens play critical roles in a number of brain functions, including cognition, learning and memory, neurodevelopment, and adult neuroplasticity. A number of studies from both clinical as well as preclinical research suggest a protective role of estrogen in neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. Alterations in the levels of estrogen receptors have been found in subjects with ASD or schizophrenia, and adjunctive estrogen therapy has been shown to be effective in enhancing the treatment of schizophrenia. This review summarizes the findings on the role of estrogen in the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders with a focus on ASD and schizophrenia. We also discuss the potential of estrogen as a therapeutic target in the above disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Crider
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Anilkumar Pillai
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
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45
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Locklear MN, Michaelos M, Collins WF, Kritzer MF. Gonadectomy but not biological sex affects burst-firing in dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area and in prefrontal cortical neurons projecting to the ventral tegmentum in adult rats. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 45:106-120. [PMID: 27564091 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The mesocortical and mesolimbic dopamine systems regulate cognitive and motivational processes and are strongly implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders in which these processes are disturbed. Sex differences and sex hormone modulation are also known for these dopamine-sensitive behaviours in health and disease. One relevant mechanism of hormone impact appears to be regulation of cortical and subcortical dopamine levels. This study asked whether this regulation of dopamine tone is a consequence of sex or sex hormone impact on the firing modes of ventral midbrain dopamine neurons. To address this, single unit extracellular recordings made in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra were compared among urethane-anaesthetized adult male, female, gonadectomized male rats. These comparisons showed that gonadectomy had no effect on nigral cells and no effects on pacemaker, bursty, single-spiking or random modes of dopamine activity in the ventral tegmental area. However, it did significantly and selectively increase burst firing in these cells in a testosterone-sensitive, estradiol-insensitive manner. Given the roles of prefrontal cortex (PFC) in modulating midbrain dopamine cell firing, we next asked whether gonadectomy's effects on dopamine cell bursting had correlated effects on the activity of ventral tegmentally projecting prefrontal cortical neurons. We found that gonadectomy indeed significantly and selectively increased burst firing in ventral tegmentally projecting but not neighbouring prefrontal cells. These effects were also androgen-sensitive. Together, these findings suggest a working model wherein androgen influence over the activity of PFC neurons regulates its top-down modulation of mesocortical and mesolimbic dopamine systems and related dopamine-sensitive behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory N Locklear
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Michalis Michaelos
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - William F Collins
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
| | - Mary F Kritzer
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, USA
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46
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The impact of biological sex and sex hormones on cognition in a rat model of early, pre-motor Parkinson's disease. Neuroscience 2016; 345:297-314. [PMID: 27235739 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is well known for motor deficits such as bradykinesia. However, patients often experience additional deficits in working memory, behavioral selection, decision-making and other executive functions. Like other features of PD, the incidence and severity of these cognitive symptoms differ in males and females. However, preclinical models have not been used to systematically investigate the roles that sex or sex hormones may play in these complex signs. To address this, we used a Barnes maze spatial memory paradigm to compare the effects of a bilateral nigrostriatal dopamine lesion model of early PD on cognitive behaviors in adult male and female rats and in adult male rats that were gonadectomized or gonadectomized and supplemented with testosterone or estradiol. We found that dopamine lesions produced deficits in working memory and other executive operations, albeit only in male rats where circulating androgen levels were physiological. In males where androgen levels were depleted, lesions produced no additional Barnes maze deficits and attenuated those previously linked to androgen deprivation. We also found that while most measures of Barnes maze performance were unaffected by dopamine lesions in the females, lesions did induce dramatic shifts from their preferred use of thigmotactic navigation to the use of spatially guided place strategies similar to those normally preferred by males. These and other sex- and sex hormone-specific differences in the effects of nigrostriatal dopamine lesions on executive function highlight the potential of gonadal steroids as protective and/or therapeutic for the cognitive symptoms of PD. However, their complexity also indicates the need for a more thorough understanding of androgen and estrogen effects in guiding the development of hormone therapies that might effectively address these non-motor signs.
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47
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Onaolapo OJ, Onaolapo AY, Omololu TA, Oludimu AT, Segun-Busari T, Omoleke T. Exogenous Testosterone, Aging, and Changes in Behavioral Response of Gonadally Intact Male Mice. J Exp Neurosci 2016; 10:59-70. [PMID: 27158222 PMCID: PMC4854217 DOI: 10.4137/jen.s39042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that aging significantly affects the influence of exogenous testosterone on neurobehavior in gonadally intact male mice. Groups of prepubertal and aged male mice received daily vehicle or testosterone propionate (TP; 2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg intraperitoneal [i.p.]) for 21 days. Behaviors were assessed on days 1 and 21. Weight gain was significant in prepubertal mice. Locomotion and rearing increased in prepubertal mice after first dose and decreased after last dose of TP. Rearing was suppressed in aged mice throughout. Suppression of grooming occurred in both age groups at day 21. Significant increase in working memory in both age groups was seen in the radial-arm maze (at specific doses) and in prepubertal mice in the Y-maze. Elevated plus maze test showed mixed anxiolytic/anxiogenic effects. Aged mice had higher serum testosterone. In conclusion, age is an important determinant for the influence of exogenous testosterone on behavior in gonadally intact male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olakunle J Onaolapo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oshogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Adejoke Y Onaolapo
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Tope A Omololu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Adedunke T Oludimu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Toluwalase Segun-Busari
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Taofeeq Omoleke
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria
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48
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Picot M, Billard JM, Dombret C, Albac C, Karameh N, Daumas S, Hardin-Pouzet H, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Neural Androgen Receptor Deletion Impairs the Temporal Processing of Objects and Hippocampal CA1-Dependent Mechanisms. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148328. [PMID: 26849367 PMCID: PMC4743963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the role of testosterone, mediated by the androgen receptor (AR), in modulating temporal order memory for visual objects. For this purpose, we used male mice lacking AR specifically in the nervous system. Control and mutant males were gonadectomized at adulthood and supplemented with equivalent amounts of testosterone in order to normalize their hormonal levels. We found that neural AR deletion selectively impaired the processing of temporal information for visual objects, without affecting classical object recognition or anxiety-like behavior and circulating corticosterone levels, which remained similar to those in control males. Thus, mutant males were unable to discriminate between the most recently seen object and previously seen objects, whereas their control littermates showed more interest in exploring previously seen objects. Because the hippocampal CA1 area has been associated with temporal memory for visual objects, we investigated whether neural AR deletion altered the functionality of this region. Electrophysiological analysis showed that neural AR deletion affected basal glutamate synaptic transmission and decreased the magnitude of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation and high-frequency stimulation-induced long-term potentiation. The impairment of NMDAR function was not due to changes in protein levels of receptor. These results provide the first evidence for the modulation of temporal processing of information for visual objects by androgens, via AR activation, possibly through regulation of NMDAR signaling in the CA1 area in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Picot
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Jean-Marie Billard
- Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 894, Paris, 75014 France
| | - Carlos Dombret
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Christelle Albac
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Nida Karameh
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Stéphanie Daumas
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Hélène Hardin-Pouzet
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Neuroscience Paris Seine, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1130, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 8246, Université P. et M. Curie, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Universités, Université P. et M. Curie UM CR18, Université Paris 06, France
- * E-mail:
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Burnham VL, Thornton JE. Luteinizing hormone as a key player in the cognitive decline of Alzheimer's disease. Horm Behav 2015; 76:48-56. [PMID: 26031357 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "SBN 2014". Alzheimer's disease is one of the most prevalent and costly neurological diseases in the world. Although decades of research have focused on understanding Alzheimer's disease pathology and progression, there is still a great lack of clinical treatments for those who suffer from it. One of the factors most commonly associated with the onset of Alzheimer's disease is a decrease in levels of gonadal hormones, such as estrogens and androgens. Despite the correlational and experimental data which support the role of these hormones in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease, clinical trials involving their reintroduction through hormone therapy have had varied results and these gonadal hormones often have accompanying health risks. More recently, investigation has turned toward other hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis that are disrupted by age-related decreases in gonadal hormones. Specifically, luteinizing hormone, which is increased with age in both men and women (in response to removal of negative feedback), has surfaced as a potentially powerful player in the risk and onset of Alzheimer's disease. Mounting evidence in basic research and epidemiological studies supports the role of elevated luteinizing hormone in exacerbating age-related cognitive decline in both males and females. This review summarizes the recent developments involving luteinizing hormone in increasing the cognitive deficits and molecular pathology characteristic of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica L Burnham
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA
| | - Janice E Thornton
- Department of Neuroscience, Oberlin College, 119 Woodland St, Oberlin, OH 44074, USA.
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Frick KM, Kim J, Tuscher JJ, Fortress AM. Sex steroid hormones matter for learning and memory: estrogenic regulation of hippocampal function in male and female rodents. Learn Mem 2015; 22:472-93. [PMID: 26286657 PMCID: PMC4561402 DOI: 10.1101/lm.037267.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Ample evidence has demonstrated that sex steroid hormones, such as the potent estrogen 17β-estradiol (E2), affect hippocampal morphology, plasticity, and memory in male and female rodents. Yet relatively few investigators who work with male subjects consider the effects of these hormones on learning and memory. This review describes the effects of E2 on hippocampal spinogenesis, neurogenesis, physiology, and memory, with particular attention paid to the effects of E2 in male rodents. The estrogen receptors, cell-signaling pathways, and epigenetic processes necessary for E2 to enhance memory in female rodents are also discussed in detail. Finally, practical considerations for working with female rodents are described for those investigators thinking of adding females to their experimental designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, USA
| | - Jaekyoon Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, USA
| | - Jennifer J Tuscher
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, USA
| | - Ashley M Fortress
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53211, USA
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