1
|
Stevenson TJ. Defining the brain control of physiological stability. Horm Behav 2024; 164:105607. [PMID: 39059231 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105607] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The last few decades have seen major advances in neurobiology and uncovered novel genetic and cellular substrates involved in the control of physiological set points. In this Review, I discuss the limitations in the definition of homeostatic set points established by Walter B Canon and highlight evidence that two other physiological systems, namely rheostasis and allostasis provide distinct inputs to independently modify set-point levels. Using data collected over the past decade, the hypothalamic and genetic basis of regulated changes in set-point values by rheostatic mechanisms are described. Then, the role of higher-order brain regions, such as hippocampal circuits, for experience-dependent, allostatic induced changes in set-points are outlined. I propose that these systems provide a hierarchical organization of physiological stability that exists to maintain set-point values. The hierarchical organization of physiology has direct implications for basic and medical research, and clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler J Stevenson
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Viho EMG, Kroon J, Feelders RA, Houtman R, van den Dungen ESR, Pereira AM, Hunt HJ, Hofland LJ, Meijer OC. Peripheral glucocorticoid receptor antagonism by relacorilant with modest HPA axis disinhibition. J Endocrinol 2023; 256:JOE-22-0263. [PMID: 36445262 PMCID: PMC9874980 DOI: 10.1530/joe-22-0263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid stress hormones are produced in response to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation. Glucocorticoids are essential for physiology and exert numerous actions via binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Relacorilant is a highly selective GR antagonist currently undergoing a phase 3 clinical evaluation for the treatment of endogenous Cushing's syndrome. It was found that increases in serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol concentrations after relacorilant treatment were substantially less than the increases typically observed with mifepristone, but it is unclear what underlies these differences. In this study, we set out to further preclinically characterize relacorilant in comparison to the classical but non-selective GR antagonist mifepristone. In human HEK-293 cells, relacorilant potently antagonized dexamethasone- and cortisol-induced GR signaling, and in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, relacorilant largely prevented the anti-inflammatory effects of dexamethasone. In mice, relacorilant treatment prevented hyperinsulinemia and immunosuppression caused by increased corticosterone exposure. Relacorilant treatment reduced the expression of classical GR target genes in peripheral tissues but not in the brain. In mice, relacorilant induced a modest disinhibition of the HPA axis as compared to mifepristone. In line with this, in mouse pituitary cells, relacorilant was generally less potent than mifepristone in regulating Pomc mRNA and ACTH release. This contrast between relacorilant and mifepristone is possibly due to the distinct transcriptional coregulator recruitment by the GR. In conclusion, relacorilant is thus an efficacious peripheral GR antagonist in mice with only modest disinhibition of the HPA axis, and the distinct properties of relacorilant endorse the potential of selective GR antagonist treatment for endogenous Cushing's syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva M G Viho
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Kroon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Corcept Therapeutics, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Richard A Feelders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Alberto M Pereira
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Leo J Hofland
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Corcept Therapeutics, Menlo Park, CA, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to O C Meijer:
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Usuda H, Fee EL, Carter S, Furfaro L, Takahashi T, Takahashi Y, Newnham JP, Milad MA, Saito M, Jobe AH, Kemp MW. Low-dose antenatal betamethasone treatment achieves preterm lung maturation equivalent to that of the World Health Organization dexamethasone regimen but with reduced endocrine disruption in a sheep model of pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:903.e1-903.e16. [PMID: 35792176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.06.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intramuscular administration of antenatal steroids to women at risk of preterm delivery achieves high maternal and fetal plasma steroid concentrations, which are associated with adverse effects and may reduce treatment efficacy. We have demonstrated that antenatal steroid efficacy is independent of peak maternofetal steroid levels once exposure is maintained above a low threshold. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to test, using a sheep model of pregnancy, whether the low-dose antenatal steroid regimen proposed as part of the Antenatal Corticosteroids for Improving Outcomes in Preterm Newborns trial would achieve preterm lung maturation equivalent to that of the existing World Health Organization dexamethasone treatment regimen, but with reduced risk of adverse outcomes. STUDY DESIGN Following ethical review and approval, date-mated ewes with single fetuses received intramuscular injections of either (1) four 6-mg maternal intramuscular injections of dexamethasone phosphate every 12 hours (n=22), (2) 4 2-mg maternal intramuscular injections of betamethasone phosphate every 12 hours (n=21), or (3) 4 2-mL maternal intramuscular injections of saline every 12 hours (n=16). Of note, 48 hours after first injection, (124±1 day), lambs were delivered, ventilated for 30 minutes, and euthanized for sampling. Arterial blood gas, respiratory, hematological, and biochemical data were analyzed for between-group differences with analysis of variance according to distribution and variance, with P<.05 taken as significant. RESULTS After 30 minutes of ventilation, lambs from both steroid-treated groups had significant and equivalent improvements in lung function relative to saline control (P<.05). There was no significant difference in arterial blood pH, pO2, pCO2, lung compliance, ventilator efficiency index, or lung volume at necropsy with a static pressure of 40 cmH2O. The messenger RNA expression of surfactant protein (Sp)a, Spb, Spc, Spd, aquaporin (Aqp)1, Aqp5, and sodium channel epithelial 1 subunit beta (Scnn1b) was equivalent between both steroid groups. Maternal and fetal plasma neutrophil, glucose, and fetal plasma C-peptide levels were significantly elevated in the dexamethasone group, relative to the betamethasone group. Fetal plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 was significantly reduced in the dexamethasone group compared with the betamethasone group (P<0.05). Fetal adrenocorticotropic hormone (r=0.53), maternal glucose value (r=-0.52), and fetal glucose values (r=-0.42) were correlated with maternal weight in the betamethasone group (P<.05), whereas fetal pCO2 and pO2 were not correlated. There was no significant difference between male and female lamb outcomes in any groups for any of the items evaluated. CONCLUSION This study reported that in preterm lambs, a low-dose treatment regimen of 8 mg betamethasone achieves lung maturation equivalent to that of a 24-mg dexamethasone-based regimen, but with smaller perturbations to the maternofetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. These data suggested that given steroid pharmacokinetic differences between sheep and humans, a betamethasone dose of 2 mg may remain above the minimum dose necessary for robust maturation of the preterm lung. Maternal weight-adjusted betamethasone doses might also be a key to reducing perturbations to the maternofetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haruo Usuda
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Erin L Fee
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Sean Carter
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Lucy Furfaro
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tsukasa Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - John P Newnham
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mark A Milad
- School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Alan H Jobe
- Milad Pharmaceutical Consulting LLC, Plymouth, MI
| | - Matthew W Kemp
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia; Center for Perinatal and Neonatal Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati Medical School, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Queenstown, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bolus Injection of Liraglutide Raises Plasma Glucose in Normal Rats by Activating Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor in the Brain. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15070904. [PMID: 35890201 PMCID: PMC9320491 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes is commonly treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists including liraglutide and others. However, liraglutide was found to raise plasma glucose levels in normal rats. The current study aims to determine how liraglutide causes this contentious condition in rats, both normal and diabetic. An adrenalectomy was performed to investigate the relationship between steroid hormone and liraglutide. To investigate the effect of central liraglutide infusion on blood glucose in rats, rats were intracerebroventricularly administrated with liraglutide with or without HPA axis inhibitors such as berberine and dexamethasone. The results showed that a single injection of liraglutide caused a temporary increase in blood glucose in healthy rats. Another GLP-1R agonist, Exendin-4 (Ex-4), increased blood sugar in a manner similar to that of liraglutide. The effects of liraglutide were also blocked by guanethidine pretreatment and vanished in normal rats with adrenalectomy. Additionally, central infusion of liraglutide via intracerebroventricular (icv) injection into normal rats also causes a temporary increase in blood glucose that was blocked by GLP-1R antagonists or the inhibitors such as berberine and dexamethasone. Similarly, central liraglutide treatment causes temporary increases in plasma glucose, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and cortisol levels, which were reversed by inhibitors for the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In normal rats, the temporary glucose-increasing effect of liraglutide was gradually eliminated during consecutive daily treatments, indicating tolerance formation. Additionally, liraglutide and Ex-4 cross-tolerance was also discovered in normal rats. Liraglutide was more effective in diabetic rats than in normal rats in activating GLP-1R gene expression in the isolated adrenal gland. Interestingly, the effect of liraglutide on glycemic control varied depending on whether the rats were diabetic or not. In normal rats, bolus injection of liraglutide, such as Ex-4, may stimulate the HPA axis, resulting in hyperglycemia. The cross-tolerance of liraglutide and Ex-4 provided a novel perspective on GLP-1R activation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Tornabene BJ, Hossack BR, Crespi EJ, Breuner CW. Evaluating corticosterone as a biomarker for amphibians exposed to increased salinity and ambient corticosterone. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab049. [PMID: 34249364 PMCID: PMC8254138 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Physiological biomarkers are commonly used to assess the health of taxa exposed to natural and anthropogenic stressors. Glucocorticoid (GC) hormones are often used as indicators of physiological stress in wildlife because they affect growth, reproduction and survival. Increased salinity from human activities negatively influences amphibians and their corticosterone (CORT; the main amphibian GC) physiology; therefore, CORT could be a useful biomarker. We evaluated whether waterborne CORT could serve as a biomarker of salt stress for three free-living amphibian species that vary in their sensitivity to salinity: boreal chorus frogs (Pseudacris maculata), northern leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) and barred tiger salamanders (Ambystoma mavortium). Across a gradient of contamination from energy-related saline wastewaters, we tested the effects of salinity on baseline and stress-induced waterborne CORT of larvae. Stress-induced, but not baseline, CORT of leopard frogs increased with increasing salinity. Salinity was not associated with baseline or stress-induced CORT of chorus frogs or tiger salamanders. Associations between CORT and salinity were also not related to species-specific sensitivities to salinity. However, we detected background environmental CORT (ambient CORT) in all wetlands and spatial variation was high within and among wetlands. Higher ambient CORT was associated with lower waterborne CORT of larvae in wetlands. Therefore, ambient CORT likely confounded associations between waterborne CORT and salinity in our analysis and possibly influenced physiology of larvae. We hypothesize that larvae may passively take up CORT from their environment and downregulate endogenous CORT. Although effects of some hormones (e.g. oestrogen) and endocrine disruptors on aquatic organisms are well described, studies investigating the occurrence and effects of ambient CORT are limited. We provide suggestions to improve collection methods, reduce variability and avoid confounding effects of ambient CORT. By making changes to methodology, waterborne CORT could still be a promising, non-invasive conservation tool to evaluate effects of salinity on amphibians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Tornabene
- Wildlife Biology Program, W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Blake R Hossack
- Wildlife Biology Program, W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- US Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Erica J Crespi
- School of Biological Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99163, USA
| | - Creagh W Breuner
- Wildlife Biology Program, W.A. Franke College of Forestry & Conservation, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Danan D, Todder D, Zohar J, Cohen H. Is PTSD-Phenotype Associated with HPA-Axis Sensitivity? Feedback Inhibition and Other Modulating Factors of Glucocorticoid Signaling Dynamics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116050. [PMID: 34205191 PMCID: PMC8200046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we found that basal corticosterone pulsatility significantly impacts the vulnerability for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rats that exhibited PTSD-phenotype were characterized by blunted basal corticosterone pulsatility amplitude and a blunted corticosterone response to a stressor. This study sought to identify the mechanisms underlining both the loss of pulsatility and differences in downstream responses. Serial blood samples were collected manually via jugular vein cannula at 10-min intervals to evaluate suppression of corticosterone following methylprednisolone administration. The rats were exposed to predator scent stress (PSS) after 24 h, and behavioral responses were assessed 7 days post-exposure for retrospective classification into behavioral response groups. Brains were harvested for measurements of the glucocorticoid receptor, mineralocorticoid receptor, FK506-binding protein-51 and arginine vasopressin in specific brain regions to assess changes in hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) regulating factors. Methylprednisolone produced greater suppression of corticosterone in the PTSD-phenotype group. During the suppression, the PTSD-phenotype rats showed a significantly more pronounced pulsatile activity. In addition, the PTSD-phenotype group showed distinct changes in the ventral and dorsal CA1, dentate gyrus as well as in the paraventricular nucleus and supra-optic nucleus. These results demonstrate a pre-trauma vulnerability state that is characterized by an over-reactivity of the HPA and changes in its regulating factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dor Danan
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Ministry of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84170, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Doron Todder
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Ministry of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84170, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Joseph Zohar
- Post-Trauma Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv 52621, Israel;
| | - Hagit Cohen
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Ministry of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84170, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-544-369106
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Miao M, Gao M, Li T, Jiang C, Lu Y, Chen S, Chen Y, Wang P, Zhang J. Tandem mass tag-based proteomic analysis reveals the treatment mechanism of Bushen Huoxue Formula on psychological stress-induced premature ovarian insufficiency. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 258:112870. [PMID: 32311483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.112870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bushen Huoxue formula (BSHXF) is a Chinese herbal prescription composed of eleven herbs widely used to treat psychological stress-induced premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in clinical. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to clarify the underlying molecular mechanisms of BSHXF in the treatment of psychological stress-induced POI. MATERIALS AND METHODS The rat model was induced by corticosterone (CORT, 40mg/kg). Drugs were administered to rats once daily for 21 days. The serum E2, FSH and AMH levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Tandem mass tag-based proteomic analysis was used to identify differentially expressed proteins. Western blot was used to verify the results of proteomic. RESULTS Our results indicate that BSHXF can improve ovarian disfunction. The levels of serum FSH were signally enhanced in model group compared to control group. As respected, BSHXF treatment for 3 weeks led to the decreased FSH levels than the model group. The concentrations of AMH showed an obvious decrease in the model group and were increased by BSHXF treatment. Moreover, the size and number of follicles in the BSHXF groups were similar to those in the control group. The proteomic screened out that Np4 and Angptl4 were simultaneously enriched by GO and KEGG, thus these two proteins were chosen for further study. CONCLUSIONS These findings revealed that BSHXF might regulate the expression of Np4 and Angptl4 to improve psychological stress-induced POI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Miao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China
| | - Meng Gao
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of TCMs Pharmaceuticals & State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Cuihua Jiang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China
| | - Yan Lu
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China
| | - Si Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China
| | - Yue Chen
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China
| | - Peijuan Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China; Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Focke CMB, Iremonger KJ. Rhythmicity matters: Circadian and ultradian patterns of HPA axis activity. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 501:110652. [PMID: 31738971 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Oscillations are a fundamental feature of neural and endocrine systems. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dynamically controls corticosteroid secretion in basal conditions and in response to stress. Across the 24-h day, HPA axis activity oscillates with both an ultradian and circadian rhythm. These rhythms have been shown to be important for regulating metabolism, inflammation, mood, cognition and stress responsiveness. Here we will discuss the neural and endocrine mechanisms driving these rhythms, the physiological importance of these rhythms and health consequences when they are disrupted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M B Focke
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Karl J Iremonger
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Stress experience and hormone feedback tune distinct components of hypothalamic CRH neuron activity. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5696. [PMID: 31836701 PMCID: PMC6911111 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13639-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress leaves a lasting impression on an organism and reshapes future responses. However, the influence of past experience and stress hormones on the activity of neural stress circuits remains unclear. Hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons orchestrate behavioral and endocrine responses to stress and are themselves highly sensitive to corticosteroid (CORT) stress hormones. Here, using in vivo optical recordings, we find that CRH neurons are rapidly activated in response to stress. CRH neuron activity robustly habituates to repeated presentations of the same, but not novel stressors. CORT feedback has little effect on CRH neuron responses to acute stress, or on habituation to repeated stressors. Rather, CORT preferentially inhibits tonic CRH neuron activity in the absence of stress stimuli. These findings reveal how stress experience and stress hormones modulate distinct components of CRH neuronal activity to mediate stress-induced adaptations. Stress activates corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the hypothalamus, but how their activity is regulated during and after stress is unclear. Here, the authors show that stress habituation and corticosteroid feedback tune different components of CRH neuron activity.
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim JS, Iremonger KJ. Temporally Tuned Corticosteroid Feedback Regulation of the Stress Axis. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2019; 30:783-792. [PMID: 31699237 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2019.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is tuned by corticosteroid feedback. Corticosteroids regulate cellular function via genomic and nongenomic mechanisms, which operate over diverse time scales. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of how corticosteroid feedback regulates hypothalamic stress neuron function and output through synaptic plasticity, changes in intrinsic excitability, and modulation of neuropeptide production. The temporal kinetics of corticosteroid actions in the brain versus the pituitary have important implications for how organisms respond to stress. Furthermore, we will discuss, some of the technical limitations and missing links in the field, and the potential implications these may have on our interpretations of corticosteroid negative feedback experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joon S Kim
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Karl J Iremonger
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Song LC, Chen XX, Meng JG, Hu M, Huan JB, Wu J, Xiao K, Han ZH, Xie LX. Effects of different corticosteroid doses and durations on smoke inhalation-induced acute lung injury and pulmonary fibrosis in the rat. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 71:392-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
|
12
|
Sánchez-Vidaña DI, Po KKT, Fung TKH, Chow JKW, Lau WKW, So PK, Lau BWM, Tsang HWH. Lavender essential oil ameliorates depression-like behavior and increases neurogenesis and dendritic complexity in rats. Neurosci Lett 2019; 701:180-192. [PMID: 30825591 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a major health issue that causes severe societal economic and health burden. Aromatherapy, a practice that uses essential oils for preventive and therapeutic purposes, represents a promising therapeutic alternative for the alleviation of depressive symptoms. Lavender essential oil (LEO) has been the focus of clinical studies due to its positive effect on mood. An animal model of chronic administration of high dose corticosterone to induce depression- and anxiety-like behavior and reduced neurogenesis was used to explore the biological changes brought by aromatherapy. Twenty-four adult male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Control, corticosterone (Cort) group with high dose of corticosterone, LEO group with daily exposure to LEO by inhalation, and LEO + Cort. At the end of the 14-day treatment period, behavioral tests were carried out. Serum samples were collected 2-3 days after the 14-day period treatment and before perfusion to carry out biochemical analyses to measure BDNF, corticosterone and oxytocin. After perfusion, brains were collected for immunohistochemical analysis to detect BrdU and DCX positive cells in the hippocampus and subventricular zone. Results showed that treatment with LEO ameliorated the depression-like behavior induced by the chronic administration of corticosterone as observed in the LEO + Cort group. Cort treatment reduced the number of BrdU positive cells in the hippocampus and the subventricular zone. Treatment with LEO prevented the corticosterone-induced reduction in the number of BrdU positive cells (LEO + Cort group) demonstrating the neurogenic effect of LEO under high corticosterone conditions. Chronic administration of high dose of corticosterone significantly reduced the dendritic complexity of immature neurons. On the contrary, treatment with LEO increased dendritic complexity of immature neurons under high corticosterone conditions (LEO + Cort group). The improved neurogenesis and dendritic complexity observed in the LEO + Cort group demonstrated a clear restorative effect of LEO under high corticosterone conditions. However, 2-3 days after the treatment, the levels of BDNF were upregulated in the LEO and LEO + Cort groups. Furthermore, the concentration of oxytocin in serum, 2-3 days after the treatment, showed to be upregulated in the LEO group alone. The present study has provided evidence of the biological effect of LEO on neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. Also, this study contributes to the understanding of the mechanism of action of LEO in an animal model where depression- and anxiety-like behavior and reduced neurogenesis were induced by high corticosterone administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Kai-Ting Po
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Timothy Kai-Hang Fung
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jason Ka-Wing Chow
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Way Kwok-Wai Lau
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pui-Kin So
- University Research Facility in Life Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Benson Wui-Man Lau
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Hector Wing-Hong Tsang
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Inflammatory mediators have been postulated as elementary inducing factors to the disruption of the intestinal tight junctions (TJ) and consequently, gut permeability and bacterial translocation. Corticosteroids are considered the mainstay in the treatment of septic shock; however, the impact of this therapy on the intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction during septic shock remains unknown. Our aims were to demonstrate the role of low dexamethasone (DEX) doses in modulation of the inflammatory response, as well as the expression and the arrangement of TJ proteins in endotoxemic rats. One hour before the endotoxemia induction by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration, rats were pretreated with DEX at two low-doses (0.1 and 1.0 mg/kg). The parameters assessed included intestinal permeability, bacterial translocation, cytokines production, histology injury, localization, and expression of TJ proteins. Endotoxemic rats displayed intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction, characterized by increased permeability and bacterial translocation, TJ disruption (opening and changes to its constituent proteins expression) and hyperactivation of the inflammatory response. On the other hand, the pretreatment with DEX attenuated the systemic and mucosal production of inflammatory mediators and also reverted the LPS-induced ileal injuries, increasing the expression of occludin and claudin-1, but also reducing claudin-2. Moreover, the histological damages and the morphology of the TJ were preserved by the DEX administration, therefore reducing their LPS-induced opening. The present study sheds light on the fact that early DEX treatment breaks the vicious cycle of local gut inflammation and barrier dysfunction in endotoxemia, especially preserving an essential structure of this monolayer epithelium, the TJ.
Collapse
|
14
|
An Analysis of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Functions in Cirrhotic Rats in Response to Surgical Stress. Surg Res Pract 2018; 2018:7606304. [PMID: 30050969 PMCID: PMC6046119 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7606304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The activation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis through severe diseases and stress courses leads to a rise in circulatory cortisol for an adequate response to stress. This axis is one of the important systems that involve in neuroendocrine response to the surgical stress. Hepatoadrenal syndrome that is a manifestation of adrenal insufficiency (AI) in the course of liver disease is described as insufficient production of steroid hormones mainly cortisol due to primary dysfunction of the adrenal gland or secondary malfunction of the HPA axis to provoke the adrenal gland leading to severe illness and increased mortality. Through this evidence, we presented this question as to whether cirrhotic patients have a greater mortality rate than other patients after surgery and if the HPA axis is partly responsible for this phenomenon. Also how the adrenal gland functions during surgery in cirrhotic rats. We conducted this study to assess the effect of cirrhosis on the HPA axis through surgery in cirrhotic rats by evaluating the changes in serum corticosterone level and blood sugar before, immediately, and 30 minutes after surgery. Method This study was performed in the animal lab approved by the Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2014, on 25 male Wistar rats. Thioacetamide was used for induction of cirrhosis in rats with new method of monitoring weekly changes of rats' weight which had 100% success in procedure and reduction in mortality rate. Laparotomy was performed on all of the rats during 9–12 in the morning within 10–15 minutes. Laparotomy was chosen as surgical stress because of its simplicity and feasibility. Three blood samples were obtained from each rat immediately after inducing anesthesia, immediately after the conclusion of surgery, and 30 minutes after surgery. The plasma concentration of corticosterone was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. P value of 0.05 or less was considered as statistical significance. Result Cirrhotic rat group consisted of 15 rats and control group consisted of 10 rats. There was a significant difference in the mean level of corticosterone and blood sugar between the cirrhotic rat group and control group in the 3 time levels (P=0.044/P < 0.001). Pairwise comparison of mean corticosterone and blood sugar levels between case (mean: 249.359 ± 3.90) and control (mean: 262.40 ± 4.69) showed a significant difference (P=0.04, 95% CI = 0.30–25.79/P < 0.001, 95% CI = 129.62–233.96). Unlike the control group, the level of serum corticosterone was compared in the cirrhotic rat group (group 1) before, immediately, and 30 minutes after surgery, which showed a significant difference in our study (P value = 0.005). However, this result was also significant in comparing the blood sugar in 3 time levels of surgery in the control group (P value < 0.001) but not in the cirrhotic rat group (P value = 0.233). Conclusion There was a significant rise in corticosterone levels during 3 time levels of surgery in cirrhotic rats; nevertheless, this elevation was significantly lower than the control group. Also the mean level of blood sugar was higher in the control group than in cirrhotic rats. However, this difference was significant in comparison with the same times of surgery between the two groups. These results approximately can substantiate our hypothesis that AI in the field of cirrhosis would also affect the response of HPA axis to stress during and after surgery that can be concomitant with higher rate of cardiovascular unsteadiness incidences, deteriorating the severity of illness and rise in mortality rate.
Collapse
|
15
|
Spencer RL, Deak T. A users guide to HPA axis research. Physiol Behav 2016; 178:43-65. [PMID: 27871862 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid hormones (cortisol and corticosterone - CORT) are the effector hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis neuroendocrine system. CORT is a systemic intercellular signal whose level predictably varies with time of day and dynamically increases with environmental and psychological stressors. This hormonal signal is utilized by virtually every cell and physiological system of the body to optimize performance according to circadian, environmental and physiological demands. Disturbances in normal HPA axis activity profiles are associated with a wide variety of physiological and mental health disorders. Despite numerous studies to date that have identified molecular, cellular and systems-level glucocorticoid actions, new glucocorticoid actions and clinical status associations continue to be revealed at a brisk pace in the scientific literature. However, the breadth of investigators working in this area poses distinct challenges in ensuring common practices across investigators, and a full appreciation for the complexity of a system that is often reduced to a single dependent measure. This Users Guide is intended to provide a fundamental overview of conceptual, technical and practical knowledge that will assist individuals who engage in and evaluate HPA axis research. We begin with examination of the anatomical and hormonal components of the HPA axis and their physiological range of operation. We then examine strategies and best practices for systematic manipulation and accurate measurement of HPA axis activity. We feature use of experimental methods that will assist with better understanding of CORT's physiological actions, especially as those actions impact subsequent brain function. This research approach is instrumental for determining the mechanisms by which alterations of HPA axis function may contribute to pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Spencer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Terrence Deak
- Department of Psychology, Binghamton University - SUNY, Binghamton, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sánchez-Vidaña DI, Chan NMJ, Chan AH, Hui KK, Lee S, Chan HY, Law YS, Sze MY, Tsui WCS, Fung TK, Lau BWM, Lai CY. Repeated treatment with oxytocin promotes hippocampal cell proliferation, dendritic maturation and affects socio-emotional behavior. Neuroscience 2016; 333:65-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
17
|
Osterlund CD, Rodriguez-Santiago M, Woodruff ER, Newsom RJ, Chadayammuri AP, Spencer RL. Glucocorticoid Fast Feedback Inhibition of Stress-Induced ACTH Secretion in the Male Rat: Rate Independence and Stress-State Resistance. Endocrinology 2016; 157:2785-98. [PMID: 27145013 PMCID: PMC4929554 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Normal glucocorticoid secretion is critical for physiological and mental health. Glucocorticoid secretion is dynamically regulated by glucocorticoid-negative feedback; however, the mechanisms of that feedback process are poorly understood. We assessed the temporal characteristics of glucocorticoid-negative feedback in vivo using a procedure for drug infusions and serial blood collection in unanesthetized rats that produced a minimal disruption of basal ACTH plasma levels. We compared the negative feedback effectiveness present when stress onset coincides with corticosterone's (CORT) rapidly rising phase (30 sec pretreatment), high plateau phase (15 min pretreatment), or restored basal phase (60 min pretreatment) as well as effectiveness when CORT infusion occurs after the onset of stress (5 min poststress onset). CORT treatment prior to stress onset acted remarkably fast (within 30 sec) to suppress stress-induced ACTH secretion. Furthermore, fast feedback induction did not require rapid increases in CORT at the time of stress onset (hormone rate independent), and those feedback actions were relatively long lasting (≥15 min). In contrast, CORT elevation after stress onset produced limited and delayed ACTH suppression (stress state resistance). There was a parallel stress-state resistance for CORT inhibition of stress-induced Crh heteronuclear RNA in the paraventricular nucleus but not Pomc heteronuclear RNA in the anterior pituitary. CORT treatment did not suppress stress-induced prolactin secretion, suggesting that CORT feedback is restricted to the control of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis elements of a stress response. These temporal, stress-state, and system-level features of in vivo CORT feedback provide an important physiological context for ex vivo studies of molecular and cellular mechanisms of CORT-negative feedback.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chad D Osterlund
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | | | - Elizabeth R Woodruff
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Ryan J Newsom
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Anjali P Chadayammuri
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| | - Robert L Spencer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yeh CM. The Basal NPO crh Fluctuation is Sustained Under Compromised Glucocorticoid Signaling in Diurnal Zebrafish. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:436. [PMID: 26696807 PMCID: PMC4667085 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The circadian activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal/interrenal (HPA/I) axis is crucial for maintaining vertebrate homeostasis. In mammals, both the principle regulator, corticotropin-releasing hormone (crh) in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the final effector, the glucocorticoids show daily rhythmic patterns. While glucocorticoids are the main negative regulator of PVN crh under stress, whether they modulate the PVN crh rhythm under basal condition is unclear in diurnal animals. Using zebrafish larvae, a recently-established diurnal model organism suited for the HPA/I axis and homeostasis research, we ask if glucocorticoid changes are required to maintain the daily variation of PVN crh. We first characterized the development of the HPI axis overtime and showed that the basal activity of the HPI axis is robust and tightly regulated by circadian cue in 6-day old larvae. We demonstrated a negative correlation between the basal cortisol and neurosecretory preoptic area (NPO) crh variations. To test if cortisol drives NPO crh variation, we analyzed the NPO crh levels in glucorcorticoid antagonist-treated larvae and mutants lacking circadian cortisol variations. We showed that NPO crh basal fluctuation is sustained although the level was decreased without proper cortisol signaling in zebrafish. Our data indicates that glucocorticoids do not modulate the basal NPO crh variations but may be required for maintaining overall NPO crh levels. This further suggests that under basal and stress conditions the HPA/I axis activity is modulated differently by glucocorticoids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Min Yeh
- Developmental Genetics of the Nervous System, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Glucocorticoid (dexamethasone)-induced metabolome changes in healthy males suggest prediction of response and side effects. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15954. [PMID: 26526738 PMCID: PMC4630650 DOI: 10.1038/srep15954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are indispensable anti-inflammatory and decongestant drugs with high prevalence of use at (~)0.9% of the adult population. Better holistic insights into glucocorticoid-induced changes are crucial for effective use as concurrent medication and management of adverse effects. The profiles of 214 metabolites from plasma of 20 male healthy volunteers were recorded prior to and after ingestion of a single dose of 4 mg dexamethasone (+20 mg pantoprazole). Samples were drawn at three predefined time points per day: seven untreated (day 1 midday - day 3 midday) and four treated (day 3 evening - day 4 evening) per volunteer. Statistical analysis revealed tremendous impact of dexamethasone on the metabolome with 150 of 214 metabolites being significantly deregulated on at least one time point after treatment (ANOVA, Benjamini-Hochberg corrected, q < 0.05). Inter-person variability was high and remained uninfluenced by treatment. The clearly visible circadian rhythm prior to treatment was almost completely suppressed and deregulated by dexamethasone. The results draw a holistic picture of the severe metabolic deregulation induced by single-dose, short-term glucocorticoid application. The observed metabolic changes suggest a potential for early detection of severe side effects, raising hope for personalized early countermeasures increasing quality of life and reducing health care costs.
Collapse
|
20
|
Lee SR, Ko TH, Kim HK, Marquez J, Ko KS, Rhee BD, Han J. Influence of starvation on heart contractility and corticosterone level in rats. Pflugers Arch 2015; 467:2351-60. [PMID: 25784619 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-015-1701-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2015] [Revised: 03/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The physiological changes, including cardiac modification, that occur during starvation are not yet completely understood. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a 2-week starvation period on heart contractility, muscle mass, and irisin and corticosterone levels in rats. Rats in the starved group showed a significant reduction in the body, heart, kidney, and muscle weight (n = 23, p < 0.05). Blood glucose, total protein, and albumin showed a 44, 17.5, and 10.3 % reduction, respectively (p < 0.05). Lipid reserves, such as total lipid, triglyceride, and free fatty acid, were also comparably reduced (p < 0.05). However, the bilirubin, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and creatine kinase levels were higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). The blood irisin level was unchanged, but the stress-related corticosterone level was significantly higher in the starved group. The differences observed in M-mode echocardiography were further compared with the body-weight-matched control group. Starvation reduced the left ventricle mass; however, this difference was not significant compared with the body-weight-matched group (p > 0.05). In the starvation group, the impairment of cardiac output was dependent on the reduction in stroke volume and heart rate. Starvation induced a severe reduction in ejection fraction and fractional shortening when compared with the body-weight-matched control group (p < 0.05). In summary, prolonged starvation, which leads to a deficiency of available nutrition, increases the stress-related corticosterone level, impairs the cardiac output, and is associated with changes in cardiac morphogeometry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Ryul Lee
- National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Bokji-Ro 57, Busanjin-gu, Busan, 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hee Ko
- National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Bokji-Ro 57, Busanjin-gu, Busan, 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung Kyu Kim
- National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Bokji-Ro 57, Busanjin-gu, Busan, 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Jubert Marquez
- National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Bokji-Ro 57, Busanjin-gu, Busan, 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Soo Ko
- National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Bokji-Ro 57, Busanjin-gu, Busan, 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung Doo Rhee
- National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Bokji-Ro 57, Busanjin-gu, Busan, 614-735, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Han
- National Research Laboratory for Mitochondrial Signaling, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Bokji-Ro 57, Busanjin-gu, Busan, 614-735, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Johnston PC, Lansang MC, Chatterjee S, Kennedy L. Intra-articular glucocorticoid injections and their effect on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis function. Endocrine 2015; 48:410-6. [PMID: 25182149 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-014-0409-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The use of intra-articular (IA) glucocorticoids for reducing pain and inflammation in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory arthropathies is widespread among primary care physicians, specialists, and non-specialists in the United States. Injectable glucocorticoids have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which can be effective in improving clinical parameters such as pain, range of motion, and quality of life. After injection into the IA space, glucocorticoids may be systemically absorbed; the degree of absorption can depend on the size of the joint injected, the injectable glucocorticoid preparation used, the dosage, and the frequency of the injection. The adverse effects of intra-articular glucocorticoid injections (IAGC) can often be overlooked by both the patient and physicians who administer them, in particular the potential deleterious effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis which can result in adrenal suppression and/or iatrogenic Cushing syndrome. In this paper we provide an overview on the often under-recognized effects of IAGC on HPA-axis function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip C Johnston
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue Desk F20, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA,
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Thennati R, Khanna A, Khanna M, Sonaiya T, Mehta T, Mehta K, Shahi P, Patel J. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of compound SFDAC by intranasal administration of multiple escalating dose in healthy male subjects. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2014; 3:428-38. [DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aman Khanna
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Vadodara India
| | - Mallika Khanna
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Vadodara India
| | - Tushar Sonaiya
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Vadodara India
| | - Tejas Mehta
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Vadodara India
| | - Kalpana Mehta
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Vadodara India
| | - Pradeep Shahi
- Pharmacokinetic Department; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Vadodara India
| | - Jigneshkumar Patel
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit; Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.; Vadodara India
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
Corticosteroids secreted as end product of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis act like a double-edged sword in the brain. The hormones coordinate appraisal processes and decision making during the initial phase of a stressful experience and promote subsequently cognitive performance underlying the management of stress adaptation. This action exerted by the steroids on the initiation and termination of the stress response is mediated by 2 related receptor systems: mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). The receptor types are unevenly distributed but colocalized in abundance in neurons of the limbic brain to enable these complementary hormone actions. This contribution starts from a historical perspective with the observation that phasic occupancy of GR during ultradian rhythmicity is needed to maintain responsiveness to corticosteroids. Then, during stress, initially MR activation enhances excitability of limbic networks that are engaged in appraisal and emotion regulation. Next, the rising hormone concentration occupies GR, resulting in reallocation of energy to limbic-cortical circuits with a role in behavioral adaptation and memory storage. Upon MR:GR imbalance, dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis occurs, which can enhance an individual's vulnerability. Imbalance is characteristic for chronic stress experience and depression but also occurs during exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids. Hence, glucocorticoid psychopathology may develop in susceptible individuals because of suppression of ultradian/circadian rhythmicity and depletion of endogenous corticosterone from brain MR. This knowledge generated from testing the balance hypothesis can be translated to a rational glucocorticoid therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Ron de Kloet
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hu P, Liu J, Zhao J, Qi XR, Qi CC, Lucassen PJ, Zhou JN. All-trans retinoic acid-induced hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal hyperactivity involves glucocorticoid receptor dysregulation. Transl Psychiatry 2013; 3:e336. [PMID: 24346134 PMCID: PMC4030330 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2013.98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical reports have highlighted a role for retinoids in the etiology of mood disorders. Although we had shown that recruitment of the nuclear receptor retinoic acid receptor-α (RAR-α) to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) promoter is implicated in activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, further insight into how retinoids modulate HPA axis activity is lacking. Here we show that all-trans retinoic acid (RA)-induced HPA activation involves impairments in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) negative feedback. RA was applied to rats chronically through intracerebroventricular injection. A 19-day RA exposure induced potent HPA axis activation and typical depression-like behavior. Dexamethasone failed to suppress basal corticosterone (CORT) secretion, which is indicative of a disturbed GR negative feedback. In the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, increased CRH⁺ and c-fos⁺ cells were found while a negative R-2⁺/ER⁺ correlation was present between the number of RAR-α⁺ and GR⁺ cells. This was paralleled by increased RAR-α and decreased GR protein expression in the hypothalamus. Additional in vitro studies confirmed that RA abolished GR-mediated glucocorticoid-induced suppression of CRH expression, indicating a negative cross-talk between RAR-α and GR signaling pathways. Finally, the above changes could be rapidly normalized by treatment with GR antagonist mifepristone. We conclude that in addition to the 'classic' RAR-α-mediated transcriptional control of CRH expression, disturbances in GR negative feedback constitute a novel pathway that underlies RA-induced HPA axis hyperactivity. The rapid normalization by mifepristone may be of potential clinical interest in this respect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - J Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - J Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - X-R Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - C-C Qi
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - P J Lucassen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Science, Center for Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J-N Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China,CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Diseases, School of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, China. E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Fokidis HB, Prior NH, Soma KK. Fasting increases aggression and differentially modulates local and systemic steroid levels in male zebra finches. Endocrinology 2013; 154:4328-39. [PMID: 23939990 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Aggression enables individuals to obtain and retain limited resources. Studies of the neuroendocrine regulation of aggression have focused on territorial and reproductive contexts. By contrast, little is understood concerning the neuroendocrine regulation of aggression over other resources, such as food. Here, we developed a paradigm to examine the role of steroids in food-related aggression. In groups of male zebra finches, a 6-hour fast decreased body mass and increased aggressive interactions among subjects that competed for a point source feeder. Fasting also dramatically altered circulating steroid levels by decreasing plasma testosterone but not estradiol (E2). By contrast, both plasma corticosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentrations were elevated with fasting. Interestingly, short-term access to food (15 minutes) after fasting normalized circulating steroid levels. Fasting increased corticosterone levels in a wide range of peripheral tissues but increased DHEA levels specifically in adrenal glands and liver; these effects were quickly normalized with refeeding. DHEA can be metabolized within specific brain regions to testosterone and E2, which promote the expression of aggression. We measured E2 in microdissected brain regions and found that fasting specifically increased local E2 levels in 3 regions: the periaqueductal gray, ventral tegmental area, and ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. These regions are part of the vertebrate social behavior network and regulate the expression of aggression. Together, these data suggest that fasting stimulates secretion of DHEA from the adrenals and liver and subsequent conversion of DHEA to E2 within specific brain regions, to enable individuals to compete for limited food resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Bobby Fokidis
- Rollins College, 1000 Holt Avenue, Winter Park, Florida 32789-4499, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Evans AN, Liu Y, Macgregor R, Huang V, Aguilera G. Regulation of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone transcription by elevated glucocorticoids. Mol Endocrinol 2013; 27:1796-807. [PMID: 24065704 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Negative glucocorticoid feedback is essential for preventing the deleterious effects of excessive hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis axis activation, with an important target being CRH transcription in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus. The aim of these studies was to determine whether glucocorticoids repress CRH transcription directly in CRH neurons, by examining glucocorticoid effects on glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-CRH promoter interaction and the activation of proteins required for CRH transcription. Immunoprecipitation of hypothalamic chromatin from intact or adrenalectomized rats subjected to either stress or corticosterone injections showed minor association of the proximal CRH promoter with the GR compared with that with phospho-CREB (pCREB). In contrast, the Period-1 (Per1, a glucocorticoid-responsive gene) promoter markedly recruited GR. Stress increased pCREB recruitment by the CRH but not the Per1 promoter, irrespective of circulating glucocorticoids. In vitro, corticosterone pretreatment (30 minutes or 18 hours) only slightly inhibited basal and forskolin-stimulated CRH heteronuclear RNA in primary hypothalamic neuronal cultures and CRH promoter activity in hypothalamic 4B cells. In 4B cells, 30 minutes or 18 hours of corticosterone exposure had no effect on forskolin-induced nuclear accumulation of the recognized CRH transcriptional regulators, pCREB and transducer of regulated CREB activity 2. The data show that inhibition of CRH transcription by physiological glucocorticoids in vitro is minor and that direct interaction of GR with DNA in the proximal CRH promoter may not be a major mechanism of CRH gene repression. Although GR interaction with distal promoter elements may have a role, the data suggest that transcriptional repression of CRH by glucocorticoids involves protein-protein interactions and/or modulation of afferent inputs to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Evans
- Section on Endocrine Physiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Building 10/CRC, Room 1E-3330, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Windle RJ, Wood SA, Kershaw YM, Lightman SL, Ingram CD. Adaptive changes in basal and stress-induced HPA activity in lactating and post-lactating female rats. Endocrinology 2013; 154:749-61. [PMID: 23295739 PMCID: PMC3724961 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Lactation represents a period of marked adaptation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal HPA axis. We characterized basal and stress-induced HPA activity during lactation and experimental weaning using dynamic blood sampling in rats. Pulsatile and diurnal corticosterone release occurred at all reproductive stages studied (virgin; day 10 of lactation; 3 and 14 days after experimental weaning on day 10 of lactation). However, in lactating rats the diurnal peak was significantly reduced, resulting in a flattened rhythm, and three days after weaning, basal HPA activity was markedly suppressed: the number of pulses and underlying basal levels of corticosterone were reduced and the diurnal rise phase delayed. Marked changes in the HPA response to 10 min noise stress also occurred at these times: being completely absent in lactating animals, but restored and highly prolonged in early weaned animals. Injection of methylprednisolone (2 mg, iv) was used to determine whether changes in fast glucocorticoid suppression correlated with these adaptive changes. Methylprednisolone induced a rapid suppression of corticosterone in virgin animals, but this effect was markedly attenuated in lactating and early weaned animals and was accompanied by significant changes in relative expression of hippocampal glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptor mRNA. All effects were reversed or partially reversed 14 days after experimental weaning. Thus, the presence of the pups has an important influence on regulation of the HPA axis, and while postpartum adaptations are reversible, acute weaning evokes marked reorganisation of basal and stress-induced HPA activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Windle
- University of Nottingham, School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Physiotherapy, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Epidural methadone results in dose-dependent analgesia in cancer pain, further enhanced by epidural dexamethasone. Br J Cancer 2013; 108:259-64. [PMID: 23322191 PMCID: PMC3566815 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2012.593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study was designed to evaluate the role of epidural methadone-lidocaine in cancer pain combined or not to epidural dexamethasone. Methods: In all, 72 cancer patients, 32- to 67-year-old were randomized to six groups (n=12) and prospectively studied to examine analgesia and adverse effects for 3 weeks. Patients received single-dose protocol epidural test drugs: Control group (CG) received epidural 40-mg lidocaine diluted to 10-ml volume with saline. Dexamethasone group (DG) 40-mg lidocaine plus 10-mg dexamethasone. The 2.5MetG 2.5-mg epidural methadone with 40-mg lidocaine; the 5MetG, 5-mg epidural methadone plus 40-mg lidocaine, the 7.5MetG, 7.5-mg epidural methadone plus 40-mg lidocaine and finally the 7.5Met-DexG, 7.5-mg methadone with 40-mg lidocaine and 10-mg dexamethasone. Results: Groups CG, DG and 2.5MetG were similar regarding analgesia and side effects. Patients from 5MetG and 7.5MetG took 3±1 and 5±1 days, respectively, to restart oral morphine. Patients from 7.5MetDG took 14±2 to restart oral morphine (P<0.001). Daily somnolence and appetite improved in the 7.5MetDG during 2-week evaluation (P<0.005). Fatigue improved for both DG and 7.5MetDG during 2-week evaluation (P<0.005). By the third week of evaluation, all patients were similar. Conclusions: Epidural methadone plus lidocaine resulted in dose-dependent analgesia, further improved by epidural dexamethasone, which also improved fatigue.
Collapse
|
29
|
Jacobsen KR, Kalliokoski O, Teilmann AC, Hau J, Abelson KSP. The effect of isoflurane anaesthesia and vasectomy on circulating corticosterone and ACTH in BALB/c mice. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 179:406-13. [PMID: 23022994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Revised: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/14/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The use of blood corticosterone and faecal corticosterone metabolites as biomarkers of post-surgical stress and pain in laboratory animals has increased during the last decade. However, many aspects of their reliability in laboratory mice remain uninvestigated. This study investigated serum corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in mice subjected to isoflurane anaesthesia and vasectomy, and mice subjected to isoflurane anaesthesia without surgery. Serum levels of corticosterone and ACTH after pre-treatment with dexamethasone were analysed to provide further information about the stress hormone profiles. Vasectomy resulted in an increase in corticosterone for at least four hours after surgery with a peak 30min after the mice regained righting reflex. Mice subjected to isoflurane anaesthesia without surgery had the highest level of serum corticosterone 5min after regained righting reflex and the level returned to baseline levels four hours after the procedure. In vasectomised mice, treated with dexamethasone, high levels of corticosterone remained 30min after the procedure, whereas the anaesthetised mice, treated with dexamethasone, had significantly lower levels of corticosterone compared to anaesthetised mice not treated with dexamethasone. Thus, dexamethasone effectively inhibited the corticosterone response in the anaesthetised-only mice, but not in the mice subjected to surgery. In conclusion, both isoflurane anaesthesia and vasectomy during isoflurane anaesthesia resulted in an increase in serum glucocorticoids, but the negative feedback mechanism of newly operated mice, was altered. This may have consequences for the interpretation of glucocorticoids measurements as a biomarker of post-surgical stress in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Rosenmaj Jacobsen
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Copenhagen and University Hospitals, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Silvennoinen R, Escola-Gil JC, Julve J, Rotllan N, Llaverias G, Metso J, Valledor AF, He J, Yu L, Jauhiainen M, Blanco-Vaca F, Kovanen PT, Lee-Rueckert M. Acute Psychological Stress Accelerates Reverse Cholesterol Transport via Corticosterone-Dependent Inhibition of Intestinal Cholesterol Absorption. Circ Res 2012; 111:1459-69. [DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.112.277962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Rationale:
Psychological stress is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, the connecting mechanisms of the stress-inducing activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis with atherosclerosis are not well-understood.
Objective:
To study the effect of acute psychological stress on reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), which transfers peripheral cholesterol to the liver for its ultimate fecal excretion.
Methods and Results:
C57Bl/6J mice were exposed to restraint stress for 3 hours to induce acute psychological stress. RCT in vivo was quantified by measuring the transfer of [
3
H]cholesterol from intraperitoneally injected mouse macrophages to the lumen of the small intestine within the stress period. Surprisingly, stress markedly increased the contents of macrophage-derived [
3
H]cholesterol in the intestinal lumen. In the stressed mice, intestinal absorption of [
14
C]cholesterol was significantly impaired, the intestinal mRNA expression level of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α increased, and that of the sterol influx transporter Niemann-Pick C1–like 1 decreased. The stress-dependent effects on RCT rate and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-α gene expression were fully mimicked by administration of the stress hormone corticosterone (CORT) to nonstressed mice, and they were blocked by the inhibition of CORT synthesis in stressed mice. Moreover, the intestinal expression of Niemann-Pick C1–like 1 protein decreased when circulating levels of CORT increased. Of note, when either peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α or liver X receptor α knockout mice were exposed to stress, the RCT rate remained unchanged, although plasma CORT increased. This indicates that activities of both transcription factors were required for the RCT-accelerating effect of stress.
Conclusions:
Acute psychological stress accelerated RCT by compromising intestinal cholesterol absorption. The present results uncover a novel functional connection between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and RCT that can be triggered by a stress-induced increase in circulating CORT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reija Silvennoinen
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| | - Joan Carles Escola-Gil
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| | - Josep Julve
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| | - Noemi Rotllan
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| | - Gemma Llaverias
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| | - Jari Metso
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| | - Annabel F. Valledor
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| | - Jianming He
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| | - Liqing Yu
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| | - Matti Jauhiainen
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| | - Francisco Blanco-Vaca
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| | - Petri T. Kovanen
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| | - Miriam Lee-Rueckert
- From the Wihuri Research Institute, Helsinki, Finland (R.S., P.T.K., M.L.-R.); Departament de Bioquimica, IIB Sant Pau-CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabolicas Asociadas-Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain (J.C.E.-G., J.J., N.R., G.L., F.B.-V.); Department of Chronic Disease Prevention, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Public Health Genomics Research Unit Biomedicum, Helsinki, Finland (J.M., M.J.); Department of Physiology and Immunology, School of Biology, University
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Participation of endocannabinoids in rapid suppression of stress responses by glucocorticoids in neonates. Neuroscience 2012; 249:154-61. [PMID: 23131711 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.10.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Revised: 10/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
In adult rodents, endocannabinoids (eCBs) regulate fast glucocorticoid (GC) feedback in the hypothalamus-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, acting as retrograde messengers that bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1R) and inhibit glutamate release from presynaptic CRH neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). During the first two weeks of life, rat pups exhibit significant CRH and ACTH responses to stress although the adrenal GC output remains reduced. At the same time, pups also display increased sensitivity to GC feedback, but it is unclear whether eCBs play a role in mediating fast GC feedback in neonatal life. In our studies, we examined the role of eCBs in the rapid suppression of anoxia-induced ACTH release and determined whether eCB action could be modulated by the levels of circulating GCs present at the time of stress. PND8 pups were subjected to 3-min anoxia with AM251, a CB1R blocker, injected 30 min prior to stress onset. The effects of either metyrapone (MET) (a steroidogenic 11 beta-hydroxylase blocker) or methylprednisolone (PRED) (a synthetic GC) pretreatment on AM251 effect and the stress response were evaluated. Treatment with AM251 before stress onset tended to increase overall ACTH and CORT secretion, and also delayed the return to baseline ACTH. The AM251 effect on ACTH in PND8 pups was lost in MET-treated pups, who exhibited high basal and stimulated ACTH release and no CORT response to stress. Methylprednisolone suppressed ACTH stress responses although AM251 still delayed restoration of ACTH levels to the baseline. This suggests that the eCB effect on ACTH secretion in neonates is most evident when there is a dynamic fluctuation of corticosterone levels. Interestingly, AM251 increased basal and stimulated corticosterone secretion in all treatments including MET, suggestive of a direct action of CB1R blockade on adrenal steroidogenesis.
Collapse
|
32
|
Du X, Leang L, Mustafa T, Renoir T, Pang TY, Hannan AJ. Environmental enrichment rescues female-specific hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in a model of Huntington's disease. Transl Psychiatry 2012; 2:e133. [PMID: 22760557 PMCID: PMC3410631 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2012.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) has long been regarded as a disease of the central nervous system, partly due to typical disease symptoms that include loss of motor control, cognitive deficits and neuropsychiatric disturbances. However, the huntingtin gene is ubiquitously expressed throughout the body. We had previously reported a female-specific depression-related behavioural phenotype in the R6/1 transgenic mouse model of HD. One hypothesis suggests that pathology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the key physiological stress-response system that links central and peripheral organs, is a cause of depression. There is evidence of HPA axis pathology in HD, but whether it contributes to the female R6/1 behavioural phenotype is unclear. We have examined HPA axis response of R6/1 mice following acute stress and found evidence of a female-specific dysregulation of the HPA axis in R6/1 mice, which we further isolated to a hyper-response of adrenal cortical cells to stimulation by adrenocorticotrophin hormone. Interestingly, the adrenal pathophysiology was not detected in mice that had been housed in environmentally enriching conditions, an effect of enrichment that was also reproduced in vitro. This constitutes the first evidence that environmental enrichment can in fact exert a lasting influence on peripheral organ function. Cognitive stimulation may therefore not only have benefits for mental function, but also for overall physiological wellbeing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Du
- Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Behavioural Neuroscience Division, Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - L Leang
- Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Behavioural Neuroscience Division, Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - T Mustafa
- National Institute of Mental Health, Section on Molecular Neuroscience, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - T Renoir
- Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Behavioural Neuroscience Division, Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - T Y Pang
- Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Behavioural Neuroscience Division, Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia,Melbourne Brain Centre, At Genetics Lane, Royal Parade, The University of Melbourne, VIC 2010, Australia. E-mail:
| | - A J Hannan
- Neural Plasticity Laboratory, Behavioural Neuroscience Division, Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|