1
|
Campbell RE, Coolen LM, Hoffman GE, Hrabovszky E. Highlights of neuroanatomical discoveries of the mammalian gonadotropin-releasing hormone system. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13115. [PMID: 35502534 PMCID: PMC9232911 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The anatomy and morphology of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons makes them both a joy and a challenge to investigate. They are a highly unique population of neurons given their developmental migration into the brain from the olfactory placode, their relatively small number, their largely scattered distribution within the rostral forebrain, and, in some species, their highly varied individual anatomical characteristics. These unique features have posed technological hurdles to overcome and promoted fertile ground for the establishment and use of creative approaches. Historical and more contemporary discoveries defining GnRH neuron anatomy remain critical in shaping and challenging our views of GnRH neuron function in the regulation of reproductive function. We begin this review with a historical overview of anatomical discoveries and developing methodologies that have shaped our understanding of the reproductive axis. We then highlight significant discoveries across specific groups of mammalian species to address some of the important comparative aspects of GnRH neuroanatomy. Lastly, we touch on unresolved questions and opportunities for future neuroanatomical research on this fascinating and important population of neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E. Campbell
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of OtagoDunedinNew Zealand
| | - Lique M. Coolen
- Department of Biological SciencesKent State UniversityKentOhioUSA
| | | | - Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive NeurobiologyInstitute of Experimental MedicineBudapestHungary
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Silva MSB, Campbell RE. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the Neuroendocrine Consequences of Androgen Excess. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3347-3369. [PMID: 35578968 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a major endocrine disorder strongly associated with androgen excess and frequently leading to female infertility. Although classically considered an ovarian disease, altered neuroendocrine control of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in the brain and abnormal gonadotropin secretion may underpin PCOS presentation. Defective regulation of GnRH pulse generation in PCOS promotes high luteinizing hormone (LH) pulsatile secretion, which in turn overstimulates ovarian androgen production. Early and emerging evidence from preclinical models suggests that maternal androgen excess programs abnormalities in developing neuroendocrine circuits that are associated with PCOS pathology, and that these abnormalities are sustained by postpubertal elevation of endogenous androgen levels. This article will discuss experimental evidence, from the clinic and in preclinical animal models, that has significantly contributed to our understanding of how androgen excess influences the assembly and maintenance of neuroendocrine impairments in the female brain. Abnormal central gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) signaling has been identified in both patients and preclinical models as a possible link between androgen excess and elevated GnRH/LH secretion. Enhanced GABAergic innervation and drive to GnRH neurons is suspected to contribute to the pathogenesis and early manifestation of neuroendocrine derangement in PCOS. Accordingly, this article also provides an overview of GABA regulation of GnRH neuron function from prenatal development to adulthood to discuss possible avenues for future discovery research and therapeutic interventions. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3347-3369, 2022.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mauro S B Silva
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Rijal S, Cho DH, Park SA, Jang SH, Ábrahám IM, Han SK. Melatonin Suppresses the Kainate Receptor-Mediated Excitation on Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons in Female and Male Prepubertal Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21175991. [PMID: 32825350 PMCID: PMC7504472 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21175991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin, a pineal gland secretion, is an amphiphilic neurohormone involved in the biological and physiologic regulation of bodily functions. Numerous studies have shown the effects of melatonin on the release of gonadotropins and their actions at one or several levels of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. However, direct melatonin action on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and its mechanism of action remain unclear. Here, plasma melatonin levels were measured and the effect of melatonin on GnRH neurons was assessed using brain slice patch clamp techniques. The plasma melatonin levels in prepubertal mice were higher than those in the adults. Melatonin itself did not change the firing activity of GnRH neurons. Interestingly, the kainate receptor-mediated responses but not the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)- and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA)-induced responses were suppressed by melatonin in both the voltage clamp and current clamp modes. The inhibitory effects of the kainate-induced response by melatonin tended to increase with higher melatonin concentrations and persisted in the presence of tetrodotoxin, a voltage-sensitive Na+ channel blocker, or luzindole, a non-selective melatonin receptor antagonist. However, the response was completely abolished by pretreatment with pertussis toxin. These results suggest that melatonin can regulate GnRH neuronal activities in prepubertal mice by partially suppressing the excitatory signaling mediated by kainate receptors through pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein-coupled receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Santosh Rijal
- Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry & Institute of Oral Bioscience, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea; (S.R.); (S.H.J.)
| | - Dong Hyu Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute and Institute for Medical Sciences, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju 54907, Korea;
| | - Seon-Ah Park
- Non-Clinical Evaluation Center, Biomedical Research Institute, 20 Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do 54907, Korea;
| | - Seon Hui Jang
- Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry & Institute of Oral Bioscience, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea; (S.R.); (S.H.J.)
| | - István M. Ábrahám
- PTE-NAP Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
| | - Seong Kyu Han
- Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry & Institute of Oral Bioscience, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea; (S.R.); (S.H.J.)
- PTE-NAP Molecular Neuroendocrinology Research Group, Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-63-270-4030; Fax: +82-63-270-4004
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Estradiol Increases Glutamate and GABA Neurotransmission into GnRH Neurons via Retrograde NO-Signaling in Proestrous Mice during the Positive Estradiol Feedback Period. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-NWR-0057-18. [PMID: 30079374 PMCID: PMC6073979 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0057-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Surge release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is essential in the activation of pituitary gonadal unit at proestrus afternoon preceded by the rise of serum 17β-estradiol (E2) level during positive feedback period. Here, we describe a mechanism of positive estradiol feedback regulation acting directly on GnRH-green fluorescent protein (GFP) neurons of mice. Whole-cell clamp and loose patch recordings revealed that a high physiological dose of estradiol (200 pM), significantly increased firing rate at proestrus afternoon. The mPSC frequency at proestrus afternoon also increased, whereas it decreased at metestrus afternoon and had no effect at proestrus morning. Inhibition of the estrogen receptor β (ERβ), intracellular blockade of the Src kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and scavenge of nitric oxide (NO) inside GnRH neurons prevented the facilitatory estradiol effect indicating involvement of the ERβ/Src/PI3K/Akt/nNOS pathway in this fast, direct stimulatory effect. Immunohistochemistry localized soluble guanylate cyclase, the main NO receptor, in both glutamatergic and GABAergic terminals innervating GnRH neurons. Accordingly, estradiol facilitated neurotransmissions to GnRH neurons via both GABAA-R and glutamate/AMPA/kainate-R. These results indicate that estradiol acts directly on GnRH neurons via the ERβ/Akt/nNOS pathway at proestrus afternoon generating NO that retrogradely accelerates GABA and glutamate release from the presynaptic terminals contacting GnRH neurons. The newly explored mechanism might contribute to the regulation of the GnRH surge, a fundamental prerequisite of the ovulation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Carbone S, Ponzo OJ, Gobetto N, Samaniego YA, Reynoso R, Moguilevsky JA, Cutrera RA. Effect of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on the neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction in adult male rats and its relationship to anxiogenic behavior: Participation of GABAergic system. Hum Exp Toxicol 2018; 38:25-35. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327118774868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The endocrine disruptor di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used in a variety of consumer products made with polyvinyl chloride and also in the manufacture of medical devices. DEHP disrupts reproductive tract development in an antiandrogenic manner and also may induce neurobehavioral changes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic postnatal exposure to DEHP (30 mg/kg body weight/day, orally from birth to day 60) on the neuroendocrine regulation of the gonadal axis and its impact on the anxiety-like behavior in adult male rats, as well as the probable participation of the GABAergic system in these effects. DEHP produced a significant increase in plasmatic luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, as well as significant testosterone decrease, accompanied with a decrease in hypothalamic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration. On the other hand, DEHP increased the anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test, evidenced by a significant decrease in the percentages of time spent in the open arms and the frequency in the open arm entries and a significant increase in the percentage of time spent in closed arms. Neuroendocrine and behavioral effects were reversed by GABA agonists, muscimol (2 mg/kg i.p. ) and baclofen (10 mg/kg i.p.). In conclusion, chronic DEHP postnatal exposure induced a disruption in the neuroendocrine regulation of the testicular axis in young adult male rats, and this effect was correlated with an anxiety-like behavior. Since GABA agonists reversed these effects, the results suggest that GABA could participate in the modulation of reproductive and behavioral DEHP effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Carbone
- Laboratorio de Endocrinologí, Departamento de Fisiologí, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Neurobiologí y Ritmos, Instituto de Fisiologí y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO), Universidad de Buenos Aires and CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - OJ Ponzo
- Laboratorio de Endocrinologí, Departamento de Fisiologí, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N Gobetto
- Laboratorio de Endocrinologí, Departamento de Fisiologí, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - YA Samaniego
- Laboratorio de Endocrinologí, Departamento de Fisiologí, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - R Reynoso
- Laboratorio de Endocrinologí, Departamento de Fisiologí, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - JA Moguilevsky
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Favaloro. Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - RA Cutrera
- Laboratorio de Neurobiologí y Ritmos, Instituto de Fisiologí y Biofísica Bernardo Houssay (IFIBIO), Universidad de Buenos Aires and CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zemková H, Stojilkovic SS. Neurotransmitter receptors as signaling platforms in anterior pituitary cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 463:49-64. [PMID: 28684290 PMCID: PMC5752632 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The functions of anterior pituitary cells are controlled by two major groups of hypothalamic and intrapituitary ligands: one exclusively acts on G protein-coupled receptors and the other activates both G protein-coupled receptors and ligand-gated receptor channels. The second group of ligands operates as neurotransmitters in neuronal cells and their receptors are termed as neurotransmitter receptors. Most information about pituitary neurotransmitter receptors was obtained from secretory studies, RT-PCR analyses of mRNA expression and immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses, all of which were performed using a mixed population of pituitary cells. However, recent electrophysiological and imaging experiments have characterized γ-aminobutyric acid-, acetylcholine-, and ATP-activated receptors and channels in single pituitary cell types, expanding this picture and revealing surprising differences in their expression between subtypes of secretory cells and between native and immortalized pituitary cells. The main focus of this review is on the electrophysiological and pharmacological properties of these receptors and their roles in calcium signaling and calcium-controlled hormone secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hana Zemková
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Physiology, ASCR, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Stanko S Stojilkovic
- Sections on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Takács S, Bardóczi Z, Skrapits K, Göcz B, Váczi V, Maglóczky Z, Szűcs I, Rácz G, Matolcsy A, Dhillo WS, Watanabe M, Kádár A, Fekete C, Kalló I, Hrabovszky E. Post mortem single-cell labeling with DiI and immunoelectron microscopy unveil the fine structure of kisspeptin neurons in humans. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 223:2143-2156. [PMID: 29380121 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-018-1610-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP) synthesizing neurons of the hypothalamic infundibular region are critically involved in the central regulation of fertility; these cells regulate pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and mediate sex steroid feedback signals to GnRH neurons. Fine structural analysis of the human KP system is complicated by the use of post mortem tissues. To gain better insight into the neuroanatomy of the somato-dendritic cellular compartment, we introduced the diolistic labeling of immunohistochemically identified KP neurons using a gene gun loaded with the lipophilic dye, DiI. Confocal microscopic studies of primary dendrites in 100-µm-thick tissue sections established that 79.3% of KP cells were bipolar, 14.1% were tripolar, and 6.6% were unipolar. Primary dendrites branched sparsely, contained numerous appendages (9.1 ± 1.1 spines/100 µm dendrite), and received rich innervation from GABAergic, glutamatergic, and KP-containing terminals. KP neuron synaptology was analyzed with immunoelectron microscopy on perfusion-fixed specimens. KP axons established frequent contacts and classical synapses on unlabeled, and on KP-immunoreactive somata, dendrites, and spines. Synapses were asymmetric and the presynaptic structures contained round and regular synaptic vesicles, in addition to dense-core granules. Although immunofluorescent studies failed to detect vesicular glutamate transporter isoforms in KP axons, ultrastructural characteristics of synaptic terminals suggested use of glutamatergic, in addition to peptidergic, neurotransmission. In summary, immunofluorescent and DiI labeling of KP neurons in thick hypothalamic sections and immunoelectron microscopic studies of KP-immunoreactive neurons in brains perfusion-fixed shortly post mortem allowed us to identify previously unexplored fine structural features of KP neurons in the mediobasal hypothalamus of humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Szabolcs Takács
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 43 Szigony St., Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Bardóczi
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- School of PH.D. Studies, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Skrapits
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 43 Szigony St., Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Balázs Göcz
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 43 Szigony St., Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Viktória Váczi
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 43 Szigony St., Budapest, 1083, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Maglóczky
- Human Brain Research Laboratory, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Iván Szűcs
- Department of Pathology, St. Borbála Hospital, Tatabanya, Hungary
| | - Gergely Rácz
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Matolcsy
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Department of Investigative Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Andrea Kádár
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Fekete
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Tupper Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Imre Kalló
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 43 Szigony St., Budapest, 1083, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Somatostatin triggers rhythmic electrical firing in hypothalamic GHRH neurons. Sci Rep 2016; 6:24394. [PMID: 27072430 PMCID: PMC4829871 DOI: 10.1038/srep24394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) neurons orchestrate body growth/maturation and have been implicated in feeding responses and ageing. However, the electrical patterns that dictate GHRH neuron functions have remained elusive. Since the inhibitory neuropeptide somatostatin (SST) is considered to be a primary oscillator of the GH axis, we examined its acute effects on GHRH neurons in brain slices from male and female GHRH-GFP mice. At the cellular level, SST irregularly suppressed GHRH neuron electrical activity, leading to slow oscillations at the population level. This resulted from an initial inhibitory action at the GHRH neuron level via K+ channel activation, followed by a delayed, sst1/sst2 receptor-dependent unbalancing of glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic inputs. The oscillation patterns induced by SST were sexually dimorphic, and could be explained by differential actions of SST on both GABAergic and glutamatergic currents. Thus, a tripartite neuronal circuit involving a fast hyperpolarization and a dual regulation of synaptic inputs appeared sufficient in pacing the activity of the GHRH neuronal population. These “feed-forward loops” may represent basic building blocks involved in the regulation of GHRH release and its downstream sexual specific functions.
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen Z, Meng Z, Wang S, Zhu L, Tian Z. Effects of Nourishing “Yin”-Removing “Fire” Chinese Herb Mixture on the Expression of GABAB Receptors in Hypothalamus of Precocious Puberty Female Rats. Chin Med 2016. [DOI: 10.4236/cm.2016.72008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
10
|
Skrapits K, Kanti V, Savanyú Z, Maurnyi C, Szenci O, Horváth A, Borsay BÁ, Herczeg L, Liposits Z, Hrabovszky E. Lateral hypothalamic orexin and melanin-concentrating hormone neurons provide direct input to gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the human. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:348. [PMID: 26388735 PMCID: PMC4559643 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypophysiotropic projections of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-synthesizing neurons form the final common output way of the hypothalamus in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction. Several peptidergic neuronal systems of the medial hypothalamus innervate human GnRH cells and mediate crucially important hormonal and metabolic signals to the reproductive axis, whereas much less is known about the contribution of the lateral hypothalamic area to the afferent control of human GnRH neurons. Orexin (ORX)- and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH)-synthesizing neurons of this region have been implicated in diverse behavioral and autonomic processes, including sleep and wakefulness, feeding and other functions. In the present immunohistochemical study, we addressed the anatomical connectivity of these neurons to human GnRH cells in post-mortem hypothalamic samples obtained from autopsies. We found that 38.9 ± 10.3% and 17.7 ± 3.3% of GnRH-immunoreactive (IR) perikarya in the infundibular nucleus of human male subjects received ORX-IR and MCH-IR contacts, respectively. On average, each 1 mm segment of GnRH dendrites received 7.3 ± 1.1 ORX-IR and 3.7 ± 0.5 MCH-IR axo-dendritic appositions. Overall, the axo-dendritic contacts dominated over the axo-somatic contacts and represented 80.5 ± 6.4% of ORX-IR and 76.7 ± 4.6% of MCH-IR inputs to GnRH cells. Based on functional evidence from studies of laboratory animals, the direct axo-somatic and axo-dendritic input from ORX and MCH neurons to the human GnRH neuronal system may convey critical metabolic and other homeostatic signals to the reproducive axis. In this study, we also report the generation and characterization of new antibodies for immunohistochemical detection of GnRH neurons in histological sections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Skrapits
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vivien Kanti
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Savanyú
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Maurnyi
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ottó Szenci
- Department and Clinic for Production Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University Üllő, Hungary ; MTA-SZIE Large Animal Clinical Research Group, Dóra major Üllő, Hungary
| | - András Horváth
- Department and Clinic for Production Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University Üllő, Hungary
| | - Beáta Á Borsay
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Debrecen Debrecen, Hungary
| | - László Herczeg
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Debrecen Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Liposits
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Budapest, Hungary ; Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University Budapest, Hungary
| | - Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Boehm U, Bouloux PM, Dattani MT, de Roux N, Dodé C, Dunkel L, Dwyer AA, Giacobini P, Hardelin JP, Juul A, Maghnie M, Pitteloud N, Prevot V, Raivio T, Tena-Sempere M, Quinton R, Young J. Expert consensus document: European Consensus Statement on congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism--pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2015; 11:547-64. [PMID: 26194704 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 498] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare disorder caused by the deficient production, secretion or action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is the master hormone regulating the reproductive axis. CHH is clinically and genetically heterogeneous, with >25 different causal genes identified to date. Clinically, the disorder is characterized by an absence of puberty and infertility. The association of CHH with a defective sense of smell (anosmia or hyposmia), which is found in ∼50% of patients with CHH is termed Kallmann syndrome and results from incomplete embryonic migration of GnRH-synthesizing neurons. CHH can be challenging to diagnose, particularly when attempting to differentiate it from constitutional delay of puberty. A timely diagnosis and treatment to induce puberty can be beneficial for sexual, bone and metabolic health, and might help minimize some of the psychological effects of CHH. In most cases, fertility can be induced using specialized treatment regimens and several predictors of outcome have been identified. Patients typically require lifelong treatment, yet ∼10-20% of patients exhibit a spontaneous recovery of reproductive function. This Consensus Statement summarizes approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of CHH and discusses important unanswered questions in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Boehm
- University of Saarland School of Medicine, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrew A Dwyer
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Sevice of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), du Bugnon 46, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Sevice of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), du Bugnon 46, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Watanabe M, Fukuda A, Nabekura J. The role of GABA in the regulation of GnRH neurons. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:387. [PMID: 25506316 PMCID: PMC4246667 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons form the final common pathway for the central regulation of reproduction. Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) has long been implicated as one of the major players in the regulation of GnRH neurons. Although GABA is typically an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mature adult central nervous system, most mature GnRH neurons show the unusual characteristic of being excited by GABA. While many reports have provided much insight into the contribution of GABA to the activity of GnRH neurons, the precise physiological role of the excitatory action of GABA on GnRH neurons remains elusive. This brief review presents the current knowledge of the role of GABA signaling in GnRH neuronal activity. We also discuss the modulation of GABA signaling by neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and the functional consequence of GABAergic inputs to GnRH neurons in both the physiology and pathology of reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miho Watanabe
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Atsuo Fukuda
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Junichi Nabekura
- Department of Developmental Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences Okazaki, Japan ; Core Research for Evolutionary Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Corporation Saitama, Japan ; Department of Physiological Sciences, The Graduate School for Advanced Study Hayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hrabovszky E, Liposits Z. Afferent neuronal control of type-I gonadotropin releasing hormone neurons in the human. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2013; 4:130. [PMID: 24062728 PMCID: PMC3778916 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2013.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the regulation of the human menstrual cycle represents an important ultimate challenge of reproductive neuroendocrine research. However, direct translation of information from laboratory animal experiments to the human is often complicated by strikingly different and unique reproductive strategies and central regulatory mechanisms that can be present in even closely related animal species. In all mammals studied so far, type-I gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) synthesizing neurons form the final common output way from the hypothalamus in the neuroendocrine control of the adenohypophysis. Under various physiological and pathological conditions, hormonal and metabolic signals either regulate GnRH neurons directly or act on upstream neuronal circuitries to influence the pattern of pulsatile GnRH secretion into the hypophysial portal circulation. Neuronal afferents to GnRH cells convey important metabolic-, stress-, sex steroid-, lactational-, and circadian signals to the reproductive axis, among other effects. This article gives an overview of the available neuroanatomical literature that described the afferent regulation of human GnRH neurons by peptidergic, monoaminergic, and amino acidergic neuronal systems. Recent studies of human genetics provided evidence that central peptidergic signaling by kisspeptins and neurokinin B (NKB) play particularly important roles in puberty onset and later, in the sex steroid-dependent feedback regulation of GnRH neurons. This review article places special emphasis on the topographic distribution, sexual dimorphism, aging-dependent neuroanatomical changes, and plastic connectivity to GnRH neurons of the critically important human hypothalamic kisspeptin and NKB systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- *Correspondence: Erik Hrabovszky, Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 43 Szigony Street, Budapest 1083, Hungary e-mail:
| | - Zsolt Liposits
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Molnár CS, Vida B, Sipos MT, Ciofi P, Borsay BÁ, Rácz K, Herczeg L, Bloom SR, Ghatei MA, Dhillo WS, Liposits Z, Hrabovszky E. Morphological evidence for enhanced kisspeptin and neurokinin B signaling in the infundibular nucleus of the aging man. Endocrinology 2012; 153:5428-39. [PMID: 23011920 PMCID: PMC3473202 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Peptidergic neurons synthesizing kisspeptin (KP) and neurokinin B (NKB) in the hypothalamic infundibular nucleus have been implicated in negative sex steroid feedback to GnRH neurons. In laboratory rodents, testosterone decreases KP and NKB expression in this region. In the present study, we addressed the hypothesis that the weakening of this inhibitory testosterone feedback in elderly men coincides with enhanced KP and NKB signaling in the infundibular nucleus. This central hypothesis was tested in a series of immunohistochemical studies on hypothalamic sections of male human individuals that were divided into arbitrary "young" (21-49 yr, n = 11) and "aged" (50-67 yr, n = 9) groups. Quantitative immunohistochemical experiments established that the regional densities of NKB-immunoreactive (IR) perikarya and fibers, and the incidence of afferent contacts they formed onto GnRH neurons, exceeded several times those of the KP-IR elements. Robust aging-dependent enhancements were identified in the regional densities of KP-IR perikarya and fibers and the incidence of afferent contacts they established onto GnRH neurons. The abundance of NKB-IR perikarya, fibers, and axonal appositions to GnRH neurons also increased with age, albeit to lower extents. In dual-immunofluorescent studies, the incidence of KP-IR NKB perikarya increased from 36% in young to 68% in aged men. Collectively, these immunohistochemical data suggest an aging-related robust enhancement in central KP signaling and a moderate enhancement in central NKB signaling. These changes are compatible with a reduced testosterone negative feedback to KP and NKB neurons. The heavier KP and NKB inputs to GnRH neurons in aged, compared with young, men may play a role in the enhanced central stimulation of the reproductive axis. It requires clarification to what extent the enhanced KP and NKB signaling upstream from GnRH neurons is an adaptive response to hypogonadism or, alternatively, a consequence of a decline in the androgen sensitivity of KP and NKB neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Csilla S Molnár
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Faculty of Information Technology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hrabovszky E, Sipos MT, Molnár CS, Ciofi P, Borsay BÁ, Gergely P, Herczeg L, Bloom SR, Ghatei MA, Dhillo WS, Liposits Z. Low degree of overlap between kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin immunoreactivities in the infundibular nucleus of young male human subjects challenges the KNDy neuron concept. Endocrinology 2012; 153:4978-89. [PMID: 22903610 PMCID: PMC3512020 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Previous immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization studies of sheep, goats, and rodents indicated that kisspeptin (KP), neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin A (DYN) are extensively colocalized in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, thus providing a basis for the KP/NKB/DYN (KNDy) neuron concept; in both sexes, KNDy neuropeptides have been implicated in the generation of GnRH neurosecretory pulses and in the negative feedback effects of sexual steroids to the reproductive axis. To test the validity and limitations of the KNDy neuron concept in the human, we carried out the comparative immunohistochemical analysis of the three neuropeptides in the infundibular nucleus (Inf; also known as arcuate nucleus) and stalk of young male human individuals (<37 yr). Results of quantitative immunohistochemical experiments established that the regional densities of NKB immunoreactive (IR) perikarya and fibers, and the incidence of afferent contacts they formed onto GnRH neurons, were about 5 times as high as those of the KP-IR elements. Dual-immunofluorescent studies confirmed that considerable subsets of the NKB-IR and KP-IR cell bodies and fibers are separate, and only about 33% of NKB-IR perikarya and 75% of KP-IR perikarya were dual labeled. Furthermore, very few DYN-IR cell bodies could be visualized in the Inf. DYN-IR fibers were also rare and, with few exceptions, distinct from the KP-IR fibers. The abundance and colocalization patterns of the three immunoreactivities showed similar trends in the infundibular stalk around portal blood vessels. Together these results indicate that most NKB neurons in the Inf do not synthesize detectable amounts of KP and DYN in young male human individuals. These data call for a critical use of the KNDy neuron terminology when referring to the putative pulse generator system of the mediobasal hypothalamus. We conclude that the functional importance of these three neuropeptides in reproductive regulation considerably varies among species, between sexes, and at different ages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest 1083 Hungary.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|