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Bobotis BC, Braniff O, Gargus M, Akinluyi ET, Awogbindin IO, Tremblay MÈ. Sex differences of microglia in the healthy brain from embryonic development to adulthood and across lifestyle influences. Brain Res Bull 2023; 202:110752. [PMID: 37652267 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Microglia, the central nervous system innate immune cells, play a critical role in maintaining a homeostatic environment in the brain throughout life. These cells exhibit an impressive range of functions and characteristics that help to ensure proper functioning of the brain. Notably, microglia can present differences in their genetic and physical traits, which can be influenced by a range of factors, including age, environmental exposures, disease, and sex. Remarkably, microglia have been found to express receptors for sex hormones, suggesting that these hormones may play a role in modulating microglial behavior and potentially contribute to sex differences. Additionally, sex-chromosomal factors were shown to impact microglial genetics and functioning. In this review, we will examine how microglial responses in homeostasis are impacted by their interaction with sex hormones and sex chromosomes. Specifically, our investigation will focus on examining this interaction from embryonic development to adulthood, and the influence of lifestyle elements on various microglial features, including density and distribution, morphology, transcriptome, and proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olivia Braniff
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Makenna Gargus
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Toyin Akinluyi
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Ifeoluwa Oluleke Awogbindin
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Neuroimmunology Group, Molecular Drug Metabolism and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada; Neurosciences Axis, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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2
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Lawrence BM, O’Donnell L, Smith LB, Rebourcet D. New Insights into Testosterone Biosynthesis: Novel Observations from HSD17B3 Deficient Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415555. [PMID: 36555196 PMCID: PMC9779265 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are essential for male sexual development, masculinisation, and fertility. Testosterone is produced via the canonical androgen production pathway and is essential for normal masculinisation and testis function. Disruption to androgen production can result in disorders of sexual development (DSD). In the canonical pathway, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (HSD17B3) is viewed as a critical enzyme in the production of testosterone, performing the final conversion required. HSD17B3 deficiency in humans is associated with DSD due to low testosterone concentration during development. Individuals with HSD17B3 mutations have poorly masculinised external genitalia that can appear as ambiguous or female, whilst having internal Wolffian structures and testes. Recent studies in mice deficient in HSD17B3 have made the surprising finding that testosterone production is maintained, male mice are masculinised and remain fertile, suggesting differences between mice and human testosterone production exist. We discuss the phenotypic differences observed and the possible other pathways and enzymes that could be contributing to testosterone production and male development. The identification of alternative testosterone synthesising enzymes could inform the development of novel therapies to endogenously regulate testosterone production in individuals with testosterone deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben M. Lawrence
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Correspondence: (B.M.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Liza O’Donnell
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
| | - Lee B. Smith
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Office for Research, Griffith University, Southport, QLD 4222, Australia
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- College of Engineering, Science and Environment, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Correspondence: (B.M.L.); (D.R.)
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3
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Devillers MM, Mhaouty-Kodja S, Guigon CJ. Deciphering the Roles & Regulation of Estradiol Signaling during Female Mini-Puberty: Insights from Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213695. [PMID: 36430167 PMCID: PMC9693133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mini-puberty of infancy is a short developmental phase occurring in humans and other mammals after birth. In females, it corresponds to transient and robust activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis revealed by high levels of gonadotropin hormones, follicular growth, and increased estradiol production by the ovary. The roles of estradiol signaling during this intriguing developmental phase are not yet well known, but accumulating data support the idea that it aids in the implementation of reproductive function. This review aims to provide in-depth information on HPO activity during this particular developmental phase in several mammal species, including humans, and to propose emerging hypotheses on the putative effect of estradiol signaling on the development and function of organs involved in female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie M. Devillers
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative UMR 8251, Physiologie de l’Axe Gonadotrope U1133, CEDEX 13, 75205 Paris, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Neuroscience Paris Seine—Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Céline J. Guigon
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative UMR 8251, Physiologie de l’Axe Gonadotrope U1133, CEDEX 13, 75205 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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4
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Islam M, Strawn M, Behura SK. Fetal origin of sex‐bias brain aging. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22463. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200255rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maliha Islam
- Division of Animal Sciences University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Monica Strawn
- Division of Animal Sciences University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Susanta K. Behura
- Division of Animal Sciences University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
- MU Institute for Data Science and Informatics University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
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5
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Sheep as a model for neuroendocrinology research. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2022; 189:1-34. [PMID: 35595346 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Animal models remain essential to understand the fundamental mechanisms of physiology and pathology. Particularly, the complex and dynamic nature of neuroendocrine cells of the hypothalamus make them difficult to study. The neuroendocrine systems of the hypothalamus are critical for survival and reproduction, and are highly conserved throughout vertebrate evolution. Their roles in controlling body metabolism, growth and body composition, stress, electrolyte balance, and reproduction, have been intensively studied, and have yielded groundbreaking discoveries. Many of these discoveries would not have been feasible without the use of the domestic sheep (Ovis aries). The sheep has been used for decades to study the neuroendocrine systems of the hypothalamus and has become a model for human neuroendocrinology. The aim of this chapter is to review some of the profound biomedical discoveries made possible by the use of sheep. The advantages and limitations of sheep as a neuroendocrine model will be discussed. While no animal model can perfectly recapitulate a human disease or condition, sheep are invaluable for enabling manipulations not possible in human subjects and isolating physiologic variables to garner insight into neuroendocrinology and associated pathologies.
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6
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Prenatal exposure to the phthalate DEHP impacts reproduction-related gene expression in the pituitary. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 108:18-27. [PMID: 34954075 PMCID: PMC8882145 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.12.008] [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: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates are chemicals used in products including plastics, personal care products, and building materials, leading to widespread contact. Previous studies on prenatal exposure to Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in mice and humans demonstrated pubertal timing and reproductive performance could be affected in exposed offspring. However, the impacts at the pituitary, specifically regarding signaling pathways engaged and direct effects on the gonadotropins LH and FSH, are unknown. We hypothesized prenatal exposure to DEHP during a critical period of embryonic development (e15.5 to e18.5) will cause sex-specific disruptions in reproduction-related mRNA expression in offspring's pituitary due to interference with androgen and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling. We found that prenatal DEHP exposure in vivo caused a significant increase in Fshb specifically in males, while the anti-androgen flutamide caused significant increases in both Lhb and Fshb in males. AhR target gene Cyp1b1 was increased in both sexes in DEHP-exposed offspring. In embryonic pituitary cultures, the DEHP metabolite MEHP increased Cyp1a1 and Cyp1b1 mRNA in both sexes and Cyp1b1 induction was reduced by co-treatment with AhR antagonist. AhR reporter assay in GHFT1 cells confirmed MEHP can activate AhR signaling. Lhb, Fshb and Gnrhr mRNA were significantly decreased in both sexes by MEHP, but co-treatment with AhR antagonist did not restore mRNA levels in pituitary culture. In summary, our data suggest phthalates can directly affect the function of the pituitary by activating AhR signaling and altering gonadotropin expression. This indicates DEHP's impacts on the pituitary could contribute to reproductive dysfunctions observed in exposed mice and humans.
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7
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Rebourcet D, Mackay R, Darbey A, Curley MK, Jørgensen A, Frederiksen H, Mitchell RT, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Nef S, Smith LB. Ablation of the canonical testosterone production pathway via knockout of the steroidogenic enzyme HSD17B3, reveals a novel mechanism of testicular testosterone production. FASEB J 2020; 34:10373-10386. [PMID: 32557858 PMCID: PMC7496839 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000361r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Male development, fertility, and lifelong health are all androgen-dependent. Approximately 95% of circulating testosterone is synthesized by the testis and the final step in this canonical pathway is controlled by the activity of the hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase-17-beta-3 (HSD17B3). To determine the role of HSD17B3 in testosterone production and androgenization during male development and function we have characterized a mouse model lacking HSD17B3. The data reveal that developmental masculinization and fertility are normal in mutant males. Ablation of HSD17B3 inhibits hyperstimulation of testosterone production by hCG, although basal testosterone levels are maintained despite the absence of HSD17B3. Reintroduction of HSD17B3 via gene-delivery to Sertoli cells in adulthood partially rescues the adult phenotype, showing that, as in development, different cell-types in the testis are able to work together to produce testosterone. Together, these data show that HS17B3 acts as a rate-limiting-step for the maximum level of testosterone production by the testis but does not control basal testosterone production. Measurement of other enzymes able to convert androstenedione to testosterone identifies HSD17B12 as a candidate enzyme capable of driving basal testosterone production in the testis. Together, these findings expand our understanding of testosterone production in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Rebourcet
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Rosa Mackay
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Annalucia Darbey
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Michael K Curley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health, and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Serge Nef
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lee B Smith
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
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8
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Roselli CE. Programmed for Preference: The Biology of Same-Sex Attraction in Rams. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 114:12-15. [PMID: 32311371 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The sheep is a valuable model to test whether hormone mechanisms that sexually differentiate the brain underlie the expression of sexual partner preferences because as many as 8% of rams prefer same-sex partners. This review presents an overview and update of the experimental evidence that supports this hypothesis. New evidence is presented that demonstrates a critical role for kisspeptin-GnRH signaling for regulating stable fetal testosterone levels necessary for masculinization of brain and behavior. Although these studies provide substantial support for the idea that prenatal hormones program sexual preferences, further experimentation is needed to establish causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Roselli
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA.
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9
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Amodei R, Gribbin K, He W, Lindgren I, Corder KR, Jonker SS, Estill CT, Coolen LM, Lehman MN, Whitler W, Stormshak F, Roselli CE. Role for Kisspeptin and Neurokinin B in Regulation of Luteinizing Hormone and Testosterone Secretion in the Fetal Sheep. Endocrinology 2020; 161:bqaa013. [PMID: 32005991 PMCID: PMC7079722 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Evidence suggests that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is active during the critical period for sexual differentiation of the ovine sexually dimorphic nucleus, which occurs between gestational day (GD) 60 and 90. Two possible neuropeptides that could activate the fetal HPG axis are kisspeptin and neurokinin B (NKB). We used GD85 fetal lambs to determine whether intravenous administration of kisspeptin-10 (KP-10) or senktide (NKB agonist) could elicit luteinizing hormone (LH) release. Immunohistochemistry and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) were employed to localize these peptides in brains of GD60 and GD85 lamb fetuses. In anesthetized fetuses, KP-10 elicited robust release of LH that was accompanied by a delayed rise in serum testosterone in males. Pretreatment with the GnRH receptor antagonist (acyline) abolished the LH response to KP-10, confirming a hypothalamic site of action. In unanesthetized fetuses, senktide, as well as KP-10, elicited LH release. The senktide response of females was greater than that of males, indicating a difference in NKB sensitivity between sexes. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone also induced a greater LH discharge in females than in males, indicating that testosterone negative feedback is mediated through pituitary gonadotrophs. Kisspeptin and NKB immunoreactive cells in the arcuate nucleus were more abundant in females than in males. Greater than 85% of arcuate kisspeptin cells costained for NKB. FISH revealed that the majority of these were kisspeptin/NKB/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons. These results support the hypothesis that kisspeptin-GnRH signaling regulates the reproductive axis of the ovine fetus during the prenatal critical period acting to maintain a stable androgen milieu necessary for brain masculinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka Amodei
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kyle Gribbin
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Wen He
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Isa Lindgren
- Center for Developmental Health, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Keely R Corder
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Sonnet S Jonker
- Center for Developmental Health, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Charles T Estill
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Lique M Coolen
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - Michael N Lehman
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
| | - William Whitler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Fred Stormshak
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
| | - Charles E Roselli
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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10
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Sipilä P, Junnila A, Hakkarainen J, Huhtaniemi R, Mairinoja L, Zhang FP, Strauss L, Ohlsson C, Kotaja N, Huhtaniemi I, Poutanen M. The lack of HSD17B3 in male mice results in disturbed Leydig cell maturation and endocrine imbalance akin to humans with HSD17B3 deficiency. FASEB J 2020; 34:6111-6128. [PMID: 32190925 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902384r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hydroxysteroid (17β) dehydrogenase type 3 (HSD17B3) deficiency causes a disorder of sex development in humans, where affected males are born with female-appearing external genitalia, but are virilized during puberty. The hormonal disturbances observed in the Hsd17b3 knockout mice (HSD17B3KO), generated in the present study, mimic those found in patients with HSD17B3 mutations. Identical to affected humans, serum T in the adult HSD17B3KO mice was within the normal range, while a striking increase was detected in serum A-dione concentration. This resulted in a marked reduction of the serum T/A-dione ratio, a diagnostic hallmark for the patients with HSD17B3 deficiency. However, unlike humans, male HSD17B3KO mice were born with normally virilized phenotype, but presenting with delayed puberty. In contrast to the current belief, data from HSD17B3KO mice show that the circulating T largely originates from the testes, indicating a strong compensatory mechanism in the absence of HSD17B3. The lack of testicular malignancies in HSD17B3KO mice supports the view that testis tumors in human patients are due to associated cryptorchidism. The HSD17B3KO mice presented also with impaired Leydig cell maturation and signs of undermasculinization in adulthood. The identical hormonal disturbances between HSD17B3 deficient knockout mice and human patients make the current mouse model valuable for understanding the mechanism of the patient phenotypes, as well as endocrinopathies and compensatory steroidogenic mechanisms in HSD17B3 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Sipilä
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling (TCDM), Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - A Junnila
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - J Hakkarainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - R Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - L Mairinoja
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - F P Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - L Strauss
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling (TCDM), Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - C Ohlsson
- Institute of Medicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - N Kotaja
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - I Huhtaniemi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - M Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Turku Center for Disease Modeling (TCDM), Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.,Institute of Medicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
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11
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Holland S, Prescott M, Pankhurst M, Campbell RE. The influence of maternal androgen excess on the male reproductive axis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18908. [PMID: 31827225 PMCID: PMC6906411 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55436-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal androgen excess is suspected to contribute to the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women. Evidence from preclinical female animal models links maternal androgen excess with the development of PCOS-like features and associated alterations in the neuronal network regulating the reproductive axis. There is some evidence suggesting that maternal androgen excess leads to similar reproductive axis disruptions in men, despite the critical role that androgens play in normal sexual differentiation. Here, the specific impact of maternal androgen excess on the male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was investigated using a prenatal androgenization protocol in mice shown to model PCOS-like features in females. Reproductive phenotyping of prenatally androgenised male (PNAM) mice revealed no discernible impact of maternal androgen excess at any level of the reproductive axis. Luteinising hormone pulse characteristics, daily sperm production, plasma testosterone and anti-Müllerian hormone levels were not different in the male offspring of dams administered dihydrotestosterone (DHT) during late gestation compared to controls. Androgen receptor expression was quantified through the hypothalamus and identified as unchanged. Confocal imaging of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons revealed that in contrast with prenatally androgenised female mice, PNAM mice exhibited no differences in the density of putative GABAergic innervation compared to controls. These data indicate that a maternal androgen environment capable of inducing reproductive dysfunction in female offspring has no evident impact on the reproductive axis of male littermates in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Holland
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Melanie Prescott
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Michael Pankhurst
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca E Campbell
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand.
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12
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Yeh DM, Coss D. PACAP induces FSHβ gene expression via EPAC. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 492:110438. [PMID: 31034837 PMCID: PMC7141571 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), are heterodimers of a common α subunit and unique β subunits. Regulation of their levels, primarily by GnRH, is critical for reproductive function. Several other hormones modulate gonadotropin expression, either independently or by modifying the responsiveness to GnRH. Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) is one such hormone. Four-hour treatment of female mouse primary pituitary cells by either GnRH or PACAP induced FSHβ expression, while 24-h treatment repressed FSHβ. Both PACAP and GnRH caused FSH secretion into the medium. In the gonadotropes, PACAP activates primarily Gαs and increases concentration of cAMP, while GnRH primarily functions via Gαq and increases calcium concentration. Herein, we compared PACAP and GnRH signaling pathways that lead to the induction of FSHβ expression. Interestingly, constitutively active Gαs represses LHβ and induces FSHβ expression, while Gαq induces both β-subunits. We determined that FSHβ induction by PACAP requires functional EPAC, a cAMP sensor protein that serves as a guanine exchange factors for small G proteins that then bridges cAMP signaling to MAPK pathway. We further demonstrate that in addition to the prototypical small G protein Ras, two members of the Rho subfamily, Rac and CDC42 are also necessary for PACAP induction of FSHβ, likely via activation of p38 MAPK that leads to induction of cFOS, a critical transcription factor that is necessary and sufficient for FSHβ induction. Therefore, PACAP-induced cAMP pathway leads to MAPK activation that stimulates cFOS induction, to induce the expression of FSHβ subunit and increase FSH concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Djurdjica Coss
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA.
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