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Raman-Nair J, Cron G, MacLeod K, Lacoste B. Sex-Specific Acute Cerebrovascular Responses to Photothrombotic Stroke in Mice. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0400-22.2023. [PMID: 38164600 PMCID: PMC10849032 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0400-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying cerebrovascular stroke outcomes are poorly understood, and the effects of biological sex on cerebrovascular regulation post-stroke have yet to be fully comprehended. Here, we explore the overlapping roles of gonadal sex hormones and rho-kinase (ROCK), two important modulators of cerebrovascular tone, on the acute cerebrovascular response to photothrombotic (PT) focal ischemia in mice. Male mice were gonadectomized and female mice were ovariectomized to remove gonadal hormones, whereas control ("intact") animals received a sham surgery prior to stroke induction. Intact wild-type (WT) males showed a delayed drop in cerebral blood flow (CBF) compared with intact WT females, whereby maximal CBF drop was observed 48 h following stroke. Gonadectomy in males did not alter this response. However, ovariectomy in WT females produced a "male-like" phenotype. Intact Rock2+/- males also showed the same phenotypic response, which was not altered by gonadectomy. Alternatively, intact Rock2+/- females showed a significant difference in CBF values compared with intact WT females, displaying higher CBF values immediately post-stroke and showing a maximal CBF drop 48 h post-stroke. This pattern was not altered by ovariectomy. Altogether, these data illustrate sex differences in acute CBF responses to PT stroke, which seem to involve gonadal female sex hormones and ROCK2. Overall, this study provides a framework for exploring sex differences in acute CBF responses to focal ischemic stroke in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Raman-Nair
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Gregory Cron
- Neurology Department, Stanford University, Stanford 94305, California
| | - Kathleen MacLeod
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Colombia, Vancouver V6T 1Z3, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Baptiste Lacoste
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
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Bömers JP, Grell AS, Edvinsson L, Johansson SE, Haanes KA. The MEK Inhibitor Trametinib Improves Outcomes following Subarachnoid Haemorrhage in Female Rats. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121446. [PMID: 36558896 PMCID: PMC9785726 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a haemorrhagic stroke that causes approximately 5% of all stroke incidents. We have been working on a treatment strategy that targets changes in cerebrovascular contractile receptors, by blocking the MEK/ERK1/2 signalling pathway. Recently, a positive effect of trametinib was found in male rats, but investigations of both sexes in pre-clinical studies are an important necessity. In the current study, a SAH was induced in female rats, by autologous blood-injection into the pre-chiasmatic cistern. This produces a dramatic, transient increase in intracranial pressure (ICP) and an acute and prolonged decrease in cerebral blood flow. Rats were then treated with either vehicle or three doses of 0.5 mg/kg trametinib (specific MEK/ERK1/2 inhibitor) intraperitoneally at 3, 9, and 24 h after the SAH. The outcome was assessed by a panel of tests, including intracranial pressure (ICP), sensorimotor tests, a neurological outcome score, and myography. We observed a significant difference in arterial contractility and a reduction in subacute increases in ICP when the rats were treated with trametinib. The sensory motor and neurological outcomes in trametinib-treated rats were significantly improved, suggesting that the improved outcome in females is similar to that of males treated with trametinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Peter Bömers
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Neurosurgery, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne-Sofie Grell
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Lars Edvinsson
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Ellinor Johansson
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Kristian Agmund Haanes
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Copenhagen University Hospital—Rigshospitalet, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
- Correspondence:
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3
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Impact of diabetes and ischemic stroke on the cerebrovasculature: A female perspective. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 167:105667. [PMID: 35227927 PMCID: PMC9615543 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a very complex interaction between the brain and the cerebral vasculature to meet the metabolic demands of the brain for proper function. Preservation of vascular networks and cerebrovascular function ultimately plays a key role in this intricate communication within the brain in health and disease. Experimental evidence showed that diabetes not only affects the architecture of cerebral blood arteries causing adverse remodeling, pathological neovascularization, and vasoregression, but also alters cerebrovascular function resulting in compromised myogenic reactivity and endothelial dysfunction. Coupled with the disruption of blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity, changes in blood flow and microbleeds into the brain can rapidly occur. When an ischemic insult is superimposed on this pathology, not only is the neurovascular injury greater, but repair mechanisms fail, resulting in greater physical and cognitive deficits. While clinically it is known that women suffer disproportionately from diabetes as well as ischemic stroke and post-stroke cognitive impairment, the cerebrovascular architecture, patho/physiology, as well as cerebrovascular contributions to stroke recovery in female and diabetic animal models are inadequately studied and highlighted in this review.
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Rehnström M, Ahnstedt H, Krause DN, Edvinsson ML, Haanes KA, Edvinsson L. Ovariectomy Reduces Vasocontractile Responses of Rat Middle Cerebral Arteries After Focal Cerebral Ischemia. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2022; 79:e122-e128. [PMID: 34654785 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Effects of sex hormones on stroke outcome are not fully understood. A deleterious consequence of cerebral ischemia is upregulation of vasoconstrictor receptors in cerebral arteries that exacerbate stroke injury. Here, we tested the hypothesis that female sex hormones alter vasocontractile responses after experimental stroke in vivo or after organ culture in vitro, a model of vasocontractile receptor upregulation. Female rats with intact ovaries and ovariectomized (OVX) females treated with 17β-estradiol, progesterone, or placebo were subjected to transient, unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion (I/R). The maximum contractile response, measured my wire myography, in response to the endothelin B receptor agonist sarafotoxin 6c was increased in female arteries after I/R, but the maximum response was significantly lower in arteries from OVX females. Maximum contraction mediated by the serotonin agonist 5-carboxamidotryptamine was diminished after I/R, with arteries from OVX females showing a greater decrease in maximum contractile response. Contraction elicited by angiotensin II was similar in all arteries. Neither estrogen nor progesterone treatment of OVX females affected I/R-induced changes in endothelin B- and 5-carboxamidotryptamine-induced vasocontraction. These findings suggest that sex hormones do not directly influence vasocontractile alterations that occur after ischemic stroke; however, loss of ovarian function does impact this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmi Rehnström
- Department of Experimental Vasc Res, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Hilda Ahnstedt
- Department of Experimental Vasc Res, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden
| | - Diana N Krause
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | | | | | - Lars Edvinsson
- Department of Experimental Vasc Res, Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Sweden
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Research, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Denmark
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Barbeau-Meunier CA, Bernier M, Côté S, Gilbert G, Bocti C, Whittingstall K. Sexual dimorphism in the cerebrovascular network: Brain MRI shows lower arterial density in women. J Neuroimaging 2021; 32:337-344. [PMID: 34861082 DOI: 10.1111/jon.12951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Accumulating evidence suggests that there is a sexual dimorphism in brain health, with women exhibiting greater disability following strokes of comparable size and having a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment later in life. Despite the critical implication of the cerebrovascular architecture in brain perfusion and brain health, it remains unclear whether structural differences in vessel density exist across the sexes. METHODS In this study, we used high-density MRI imaging to characterize the intracerebral arterial and venous density of 28 (14 women) sex-matched healthy young volunteers in vivo. Using an in-house vessel segmentation algorithm, we quantified and compared these vascular features across the cortical and subcortical deep gray matter, white matter, and periventricular white matter. RESULTS We found that, on average, women have reduced intracerebral arterial density in comparison to men (F 2.34 ± 0.48%, M 2.67 ± 0.39%; p<.05). This difference was most pronounced in the subcortical deep gray matter (F 1.78 ± 0.53%, M 2.38 ± 0.82%; p<.05) and periventricular white matter (F 0.68 ± 0.15%, M 1.14 ± 0.33%; p<.0005), indicating a potential sex-specific vulnerability to hypoperfusion in areas critical to core cerebral functions. In contrast, venous density did not exhibit a significant difference between sexes. CONCLUSIONS While this research remains exploratory, it raises important pathophysiological considerations for brain health, adverse cerebrovascular events, and dementia across the sexes. Our findings also highlight the need to take into account sex differences when investigating cerebral characteristics in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michaël Bernier
- Martinos Center - MGH - Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Samantha Côté
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Gilbert
- MR Clinical Science, Philips Healthcare Canada, Markham, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christian Bocti
- Research Center on Aging, Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kevin Whittingstall
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Radiobiology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Florijn BW, Bijkerk R, Kruyt ND, van Zonneveld AJ, Wermer MJH. Sex-Specific MicroRNAs in Neurovascular Units in Ischemic Stroke. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11888. [PMID: 34769320 PMCID: PMC8585074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence pinpoints sex differences in stroke incidence, etiology and outcome. Therefore, more understanding of the sex-specific mechanisms that lead to ischemic stroke and aggravation of secondary damage after stroke is needed. Our current mechanistic understanding of cerebral ischemia states that endothelial quiescence in neurovascular units (NVUs) is a major physiological parameter affecting the cellular response to neuron, astrocyte and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) injury. Although a hallmark of the response to injury in these cells is transcriptional activation, noncoding RNAs such as microRNAs exhibit cell-type and context dependent regulation of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. This review assesses whether sex-specific microRNA expression (either derived from X-chromosome loci following incomplete X-chromosome inactivation or regulated by estrogen in their biogenesis) in these cells controls NVU quiescence, and as such, could differentiate stroke pathophysiology in women compared to men. Their adverse expression was found to decrease tight junction affinity in endothelial cells and activate VSMC proliferation, while their regulation of paracrine astrocyte signaling was shown to neutralize sex-specific apoptotic pathways in neurons. As such, these microRNAs have cell type-specific functions in astrocytes and vascular cells which act on one another, thereby affecting the cell viability of neurons. Furthermore, these microRNAs display actual and potential clinical implications as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in ischemic stroke and in predicting therapeutic response to antiplatelet therapy. In conclusion, this review improves the current mechanistic understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to ischemic stroke in women and highlights the clinical promise of sex-specific microRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers for (silent) ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barend W. Florijn
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZR Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.D.K.); (M.J.H.W.)
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (R.B.); (A.J.v.Z.)
| | - Roel Bijkerk
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (R.B.); (A.J.v.Z.)
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nyika D. Kruyt
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZR Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.D.K.); (M.J.H.W.)
| | - Anton Jan van Zonneveld
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (R.B.); (A.J.v.Z.)
- Department of Internal Medicine (Nephrology), Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke J. H. Wermer
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZR Leiden, The Netherlands; (N.D.K.); (M.J.H.W.)
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Torres Crigna A, Link B, Samec M, Giordano FA, Kubatka P, Golubnitschaja O. Endothelin-1 axes in the framework of predictive, preventive and personalised (3P) medicine. EPMA J 2021; 12:265-305. [PMID: 34367381 PMCID: PMC8334338 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-021-00248-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is involved in the regulation of a myriad of processes highly relevant for physical and mental well-being; female and male health; in the modulation of senses, pain, stress reactions and drug sensitivity as well as healing processes, amongst others. Shifted ET-1 homeostasis may influence and predict the development and progression of suboptimal health conditions, metabolic impairments with cascading complications, ageing and related pathologies, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative pathologies, aggressive malignancies, modulating, therefore, individual outcomes of both non-communicable and infectious diseases such as COVID-19. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the involvement of ET-1 and related regulatory pathways in physiological and pathophysiological processes and estimates its capacity as a predictor of ageing and related pathologies,a sensor of lifestyle quality and progression of suboptimal health conditions to diseases for their targeted preventionand as a potent target for cost-effective treatments tailored to the person.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Torres Crigna
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Barbara Link
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marek Samec
- Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Frank A. Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Olga Golubnitschaja
- Predictive, Preventive and Personalised (3P) Medicine, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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De Silva TM, Modrick ML, Grobe JL, Faraci FM. Activation of the Central Renin-Angiotensin System Causes Local Cerebrovascular Dysfunction. Stroke 2021; 52:2404-2413. [PMID: 34107734 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.121.034984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- T Michael De Silva
- Department of Internal Medicine (T.M.D.S., M.L.M., F.M.F.), Francois M. Abboud Cardiovascular Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology (T.M.D.S.), School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mary L Modrick
- Department of Internal Medicine (T.M.D.S., M.L.M., F.M.F.), Francois M. Abboud Cardiovascular Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
| | - Justin L Grobe
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology (J.L.G., F.M.F.), Francois M. Abboud Cardiovascular Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.,Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering (J.L.G.), Cardiovascular Center, Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
| | - Frank M Faraci
- Department of Internal Medicine (T.M.D.S., M.L.M., F.M.F.), Francois M. Abboud Cardiovascular Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine.,Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology (J.L.G., F.M.F.), Francois M. Abboud Cardiovascular Center, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
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9
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Spray S, Haanes KA, Edvinsson L, Johansson SE. Subacute phase of subarachnoid haemorrhage in female rats: Increased intracranial pressure, vascular changes and impaired sensorimotor function. Microvasc Res 2021; 135:104127. [PMID: 33359306 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2020.104127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early brain injury (EBI) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) after subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) has devastating consequences but therapeutic options and the underlying pathogenesis remain poorly understood despite extensive preclinical and clinical research. One of the drawbacks of most preclinical studies to date is that the mechanisms behind DCI after SAH are studied only in male animals. In this study we therefore established a female rat model of SAH in order to determine subacute pathophysiological changes that may contribute to DCI in females. METHODS Experimental SAH was induced in female rats by intracisternal injection of 300 μL of autologous blood. Sham operation served as a control. Neurological deficits and intracranial pressure measurements were evaluated at both 1 and 2 days after surgery. Additionally, changes in cerebral vascular contractility were evaluated 2 days after surgery using wire myography. RESULTS SAH in female rats resulted in sensorimotor deficits and decreased general wellbeing on both day 1 and day 2 after SAH. Intracranial pressure uniformly increased in all rats subjected to SAH on day 1. On day 2 the intracranial pressure had increased further, decreased slightly or remained at the level seen on day 1. Furthermore, female rats subjected to SAH developed cortical brain edema. Cerebral arteries, isolated 2 days after SAH, exhibited increased vascular contractions to endothelin-1 and 5-carboxamidotryptamine. CONCLUSION In the subacute phase after SAH in female rats, we observed increased intracranial pressure, decreased wellbeing, sensorimotor deficits, increased vascular contractility and cortical brain edema. Collectively, these pathophysiological changes may contribute to DCI after SAH in females. Previous studies reported similar pathophysiological changes for male rats in the subacute phase after SAH. Thus, prevention of these gender-independent mechanisms may provide the basis for a universal treatment strategy for DCI after SAH. Nevertheless, preclinical studies of potential therapies should employ both male and female SAH models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine Spray
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Glostrup-Rigshospitalet, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Kristian Agmund Haanes
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Glostrup-Rigshospitalet, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark.
| | - Lars Edvinsson
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Glostrup-Rigshospitalet, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sara Ellinor Johansson
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Glostrup-Rigshospitalet, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
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10
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Rehnström M, Frederiksen SD, Ansar S, Edvinsson L. Transcriptome profiling revealed early vascular smooth muscle cell gene activation following focal ischemic stroke in female rats - comparisons with males. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:883. [PMID: 33297959 PMCID: PMC7726885 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-07295-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women account for 60% of all stroke deaths and are more often permanently disabled than men, despite their higher observed stroke incidence. Considering the clinical population affected by stroke, an obvious drawback is that many pre-clinical and clinical studies only investigate young males. To improve therapeutic translation from bench to bedside, we believe that it is advantageous to include both sexes in experimental models of stroke. The aims of this study were to identify early cerebral vascular responses to ischemic stroke in females, compare the differential gene expression patterns with those seen in males, and identify potential new therapeutic targets. Results Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) was used to induce stroke in both female and male rats, the middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) were isolated 3 h post reperfusion and RNA was extracted. Affymetrix whole transcriptome expression profiling was performed on female (n = 12) MCAs to reveal differentially expressed genes. In total, 1076 genes had an increased expression and 879 genes a decreased expression in the occluded MCAs as compared with the control MCAs from female rats. An enrichment of genes related to apoptosis, regulation of transcription, protein autophosphorylation, inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue repair and recovery were seen in the occluded MCA. The high expression genes chosen for qPCR verification (Adamts4, Olr1, JunB, Fosl1, Serpine1, S1pr3, Ccl2 and Socs3) were all shown to be upregulated in the same manner in both females and males after tMCAO (p < 0.05; n = 23). When comparing the differentially expressed genes in female MCAs (occluded and non-occluded) with our previous findings in males after tMCAO, a total of 297 genes overlapped (all groups had 32 genes in common). Conclusions The cascades of processes initiated in the vasculature following reperfusion are complex. Dynamic gene expression alterations were observed in the occluded MCAs, and to a less pronounced degree in the non-occluded MCAs. Dysregulation of inflammation and blood-brain barrier breakdown are possible pharmacological targets. The sample of genes (< 1% of the differentially expressed genes) validated for this microarray did not reveal any sex differences. However, sex differences might be observed for other gene targets. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-020-07295-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimmi Rehnström
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lund University Hospital, S22185, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Saema Ansar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Neurosurgery, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Edvinsson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Lund University Hospital, S22185, Lund, Sweden.
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11
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Abdul Y, Li W, Vargas JD, Clark E, He L, Jamil S, Ergul A. Diabetes-related sex differences in the brain endothelin system following ischemia in vivo and in human brain endothelial cells in vitro. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2020; 98:587-595. [PMID: 32496159 PMCID: PMC7508777 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2019-0630] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The endothelin (ET) system has been implicated to contribute to the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment and stroke in experimental diabetes. Our goals were to test the hypotheses that (1) circulating and (or) periinfarct ET-1 levels are elevated after stroke in both sexes and this increase is greater in diabetes, (2) ET receptors are differentially regulated in the diabetic brain, (3) brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVEC) of female and male origin express the ETA receptor subtype, and (4) diabetes- and stroke-mimicking conditions increase ET-1 levels in BMVECs of both sexes. Control and diabetic rats were randomized to sham or stroke surgery. BMVECs of male (hBEC5i) and female (hCMEC/D3) origin, cultured under normal and diabetes-mimicking conditions, were exposed to normoxia or hypoxia. Circulating ET-1 levels were higher in diabetic animals and this was more pronounced in the male cohort. Stroke did not further increase plasma ET-1. Tissue ET-1 levels were increased after stroke only in males, whereas periinfarct ET-1 increased in both control and diabetic females. Male BMVECs secreted more ET-1 than female cells and hypoxia increased ET-1 levels in both cell types. There was sexually dimorphic regulation of ET receptors in both tissue and cell culture samples. There are sex differences in the stroke- and diabetes-mediated changes in the brain ET system at the endothelial and tissue levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir Abdul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC
| | - Weiguo Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC
| | - Juan D Vargas
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC
| | - Emily Clark
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC
| | - Lianying He
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC
| | - Sarah Jamil
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC
| | - Adviye Ergul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC
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Abi-Ghanem C, Robison LS, Zuloaga KL. Androgens' effects on cerebrovascular function in health and disease. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:35. [PMID: 32605602 PMCID: PMC7328272 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00309-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens affect the cerebral vasculature and may contribute to sex differences in cerebrovascular diseases. Men are at a greater risk for stroke and vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) compared to women throughout much of the lifespan. The cerebral vasculature is a target for direct androgen actions, as it expresses several sex steroid receptors and metabolizing enzymes. Androgens’ actions on the cerebral vasculature are complex, as they have been shown to have both protective and detrimental effects, depending on factors such as age, dose, and disease state. When administered chronically, androgens are shown to be pro-angiogenic, promote vasoconstriction, and influence blood-brain barrier permeability. In addition to these direct effects of androgens on the cerebral vasculature, androgens also influence other vascular risk factors that may contribute to sex differences in cerebrovascular diseases. In men, low androgen levels have been linked to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and obesity, which greatly increase the risk of stroke and VCID. Thus, a better understanding of androgens’ interactions with the cerebral vasculature under physiological and pathological conditions is of key importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charly Abi-Ghanem
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Lisa S Robison
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA
| | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience & Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Avenue, MC-136, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
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Wang S, Zhang H, Liu Y, Li L, Guo Y, Jiao F, Fang X, Jefferson JR, Li M, Gao W, Gonzalez-Fernandez E, Maranon RO, Pabbidi MR, Liu R, Alexander BT, Roman RJ, Fan F. Sex differences in the structure and function of rat middle cerebral arteries. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 318:H1219-H1232. [PMID: 32216612 PMCID: PMC7346534 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00722.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies demonstrate that there are sex differences in the incidence, prevalence, and outcomes of cerebrovascular disease (CVD). The present study compared the structure and composition of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), neurovascular coupling, and cerebrovascular function and cognition in young Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Wall thickness and the inner diameter of the MCA were smaller in females than males. Female MCA exhibited less vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), diminished contractile capability, and more collagen in the media, and a thicker internal elastic lamina with fewer fenestrae compared with males. Female MCA had elevated myogenic tone, lower distensibility, and higher wall stress. The stress/strain curves shifted to the left in female vessels compared with males. The MCA of females failed to constrict compared with a decrease of 15.5 ± 1.9% in males when perfusion pressure was increased from 40 to 180 mmHg. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) rose by 57.4 ± 4.4 and 30.1 ± 3.1% in females and males, respectively, when perfusion pressure increased from 100 to 180 mmHg. The removal of endothelia did not alter the myogenic response in both sexes. Functional hyperemia responses to whisker-barrel stimulation and cognition examined with an eight-arm water maze were similar in both sexes. These results demonstrate that there are intrinsic structural differences in the MCA between sexes, which are associated with diminished myogenic response and CBF autoregulation in females. The structural differences do not alter neurovascular coupling and cognition at a young age; however, they might play a role in the development of CVD after menopause. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Using perfusion fixation of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in calcium-free solution at physiological pressure and systematically randomly sampling the sections prepared from the same M2 segments of MCA, we found that there are structural differences that are associated with altered cerebral blood flow (CBF) autoregulation but not neurovascular coupling and cognition in young, healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Understanding the intrinsic differences in cerebrovascular structure and function in males and females is essential to develop new pharmaceutical treatments for cerebrovascular disease (CVD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoxun Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Huawei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Yedan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Longyang Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Ya Guo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Feng Jiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.,Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Fang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Joshua R Jefferson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Man Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Wenjun Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Ezekiel Gonzalez-Fernandez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Rodrigo O Maranon
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Mallikarjuna R Pabbidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Ruen Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Barbara T Alexander
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Richard J Roman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Fan Fan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Enhanced Endothelin A and B Receptor Expression and Receptor-Mediated Vasoconstriction in Rat Mesenteric arteries after Lipopolysaccharide Challenge. Mediators Inflamm 2019; 2019:6248197. [PMID: 31827377 PMCID: PMC6881566 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6248197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During organ culture of intact vessels, endothelin receptors (ETRs) were upregulated in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) by various stimuli, but whether inflammation alters ETR expression in vivo remains unclear. We aimed to explore the effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge on ETR expression in the VSMC in vivo. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of LPS (5 mg/kg body weight) or normal saline (NS) for 6 hrs. The function and expression of ETR type A (ETA) and type B (ETB) were evaluated in the mesenteric arteries without endothelium, by using myograph system, real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) level was assessed by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results showed that, compared to control (NS) group, LPS treatment potently enhanced the vasoconstriction mediated by ETA or ETB in rat mesenteric artery, with elevated maximum effects. ETA and ETB expressions in the VSMC were increased at both mRNA and protein levels after LPS treatment, paralleled with activation of the NF-κB pathway and augmented serum TNF-α level. Conclusively, in the rat model of immediate systemic inflammation induced by LPS, ETA and ETB expressions were increased in the mesenteric arterial VSMC, paralleled with enhanced receptor-mediated vasoconstriction and activation of the NF-κB pathway. Our data has for the first time demonstrated the upregulation of ETRs in VSMCs by LPS-induced immediate inflammation in vivo.
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Nilsson B, Back V, Wei R, Plane F, Jurasz P, Bungard TJ. Potential Antimigraine Effects of Warfarin: An Exploration of Biological Mechanism with Survey of Patients. TH OPEN 2019; 3:e180-e189. [PMID: 31259301 PMCID: PMC6598089 DOI: 10.1055/s-0039-1692989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Case reports suggest a link between anticoagulant use and improved migraine symptoms, and a role for platelet-induced cerebral vasoconstriction in migraine pathobiology. Hence, we investigated the mechanism by which warfarin may affect migraine symptoms and whether there is a change in migraine symptomology in patients initiating oral anticoagulants, most commonly warfarin. The effects of warfarin on human platelet aggregation and secretion as well as platelet-induced rat cerebral artery vasoconstriction were studied. A survey of migraine and symptom change after starting or stopping oral anticoagulants was also conducted. Warfarin inhibited platelet aggregation and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) secretion in a concentration-dependent manner. Warfarin-inhibited platelet secretion products constricted middle cerebral arteries from male but not from female rats. For the survey, patient demographic information, migraine and medical history, and Migraine Disability Assessment Score (MIDAS) changes were collected. Out of 175 consenting, 40 respondents met the criteria for migraine and completed the survey. A total of 11 patients reported migraine symptom change, all coinciding with starting warfarin. Of those having symptom and MIDAS improvement, most were female with migraines with aura, whereas those worsening were male with fewer having migraine with aura. Of those reporting migraine symptom change with warfarin, female sex may be associated with improved MIDAS, and those experiencing an aura component are more likely to report a symptom change. Warfarin-mediated symptom improvement in females may occur due to inhibition of platelet 5-HT secretion and a lower sensitivity of female cerebral blood vessels to platelet-derived 5-HT-induced vasoconstriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Nilsson
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Valentina Back
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ran Wei
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Frances Plane
- Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Paul Jurasz
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Cardiovascular Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Mazankowski Heart Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Tammy J Bungard
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Akanji O, Weinzierl N, Schubert R, Schilling L. Acid sensing ion channels in rat cerebral arteries: Probing the expression pattern and vasomotor activity. Life Sci 2019; 227:193-200. [PMID: 31026454 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The recent identification of acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) in vascular beds suggests their possible involvement in modulating vasomotor tone. Therefore, we investigated the gene expression profiles of ASIC subtypes in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) of Wistar rats and the functional implication of ASICs in acidosis-induced relaxation as well as maintenance of resting tension. MAIN METHODS Real time PCR was employed to study the pattern of ASIC mRNA expression in the MCA wall in comparison with (i) matching brain tissue samples and (ii) arteries cultured for 24 h and 48 h. The functional implication regarding vasomotor response to acidosis and maintenance of resting tension was assessed using in vitro myography. KEY FINDINGS A robust mRNA expression of ASIC-1, -2 and -4 was found in brain tissue samples and to a lower extent in freshly isolated MCA. In the MCA wall, short term culture induced a down-regulation of ASIC-1 and -2 expression without any remarkable change in ASIC-4 expression. Acidosis induced a pH-related relaxation of freshly isolated MCA ring segments, being more pronounced after short term culture. Incubation with the ASIC blocker amiloride moderately enhanced acidosis-induced relaxation, in cultured MCAs somewhat stronger than in freshly isolated vessels. In addition, amiloride resulted in a decrease of resting tension, albeit only in freshly isolated MCA. SIGNIFICANCE Our results comprehensively describe ASIC subtype composition in the rat MCA in physiological and pathological conditions and strongly suggest the involvement of ASICs in the modulation of vasomotor responses under conditions of normal or decreased pH values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwadamilola Akanji
- Division of Neurosurgical Research, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nina Weinzierl
- Division of Neurosurgical Research, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rudolf Schubert
- Cardiovascular Physiology, Center for Biomedicine and Medical Technology (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; European Centre for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Lothar Schilling
- Division of Neurosurgical Research, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; European Centre for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany.
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Fouda AY, Fagan SC, Ergul A. Brain Vasculature and Cognition. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2019; 39:593-602. [PMID: 30816798 PMCID: PMC6540805 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.118.311906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
There is a complex interaction between the brain and the cerebral vasculature to meet the metabolic demands of the brain for proper function. Preservation of cerebrovascular function and integrity has a central role in this sophisticated communication within the brain, and any derangements can have deleterious acute and chronic consequences. In almost all forms of cognitive impairment, from mild to Alzheimer disease, there are changes in cerebrovascular function and structure leading to decreased cerebral blood flow, which may initiate or worsen cognitive impairment. In this focused review, we discuss the contribution of 2 major vasoactive pathways to cerebrovascular dysfunction and cognitive impairment in an effort to identify early intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman Y. Fouda
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, GA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Augusta, GA
| | - Susan C. Fagan
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, GA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center Augusta, GA
| | - Adviye Ergul
- Ralph Johnson Veterans Administration Medical Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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18
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Frederiksen SD, Haanes KA, Warfvinge K, Edvinsson L. Perivascular neurotransmitters: Regulation of cerebral blood flow and role in primary headaches. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2019; 39:610-632. [PMID: 29251523 PMCID: PMC6446417 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17747188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 11/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In order to understand the nature of the relationship between cerebral blood flow (CBF) and primary headaches, we have conducted a literature review with particular emphasis on the role of perivascular neurotransmitters. Primary headaches are in general considered complex polygenic disorders (genetic and environmental influence) with pathophysiological neurovascular alterations. Identified candidate headache genes are associated with neuro- and gliogenesis, vascular development and diseases, and regulation of vascular tone. These findings support a role for the vasculature in primary headache disorders. Moreover, neuronal hyperexcitability and other abnormalities have been observed in primary headaches and related to changes in hemodynamic factors. In particular, this relates to migraine aura and spreading depression. During headache attacks, ganglia such as trigeminal and sphenopalatine (located outside the blood-brain barrier) are variably activated and sensitized which gives rise to vasoactive neurotransmitter release. Sympathetic, parasympathetic and sensory nerves to the cerebral vasculature are activated. During migraine attacks, altered CBF has been observed in brain regions such as the somatosensory cortex, brainstem and thalamus. In regulation of CBF, the individual roles of neurotransmitters are partly known, but much needs to be unraveled with respect to headache disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona D Frederiksen
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Kristian A Haanes
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Karin Warfvinge
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
- Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lars Edvinsson
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
- Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Johansson SE, Abdolalizadeh B, Sheykhzade M, Edvinsson L, Sams A. Vascular pathology of large cerebral arteries in experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage: Vasoconstriction, functional CGRP depletion and maintained CGRP sensitivity. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 846:109-118. [PMID: 30653947 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is associated with increased cerebral artery sensitivity to vasoconstrictors and release of the perivascular sensory vasodilator CGRP. In the current study the constrictive phenotype and the vasodilatory effects of exogenous and endogenous perivascular CGRP were characterized in detail applying myograph technology to cerebral artery segments isolated from experimental SAH and sham-operated rats. Following experimental SAH, cerebral arteries exhibited increased vasoconstriction to endothelin-1, 5-hydroxytryptamine and U46419. In addition, depolarization-induced vasoconstriction (60 mM potassium) was significantly increased, supporting a general SAH-associated vasoconstrictive phenotype. Using exogenous CGRP, we demonstrated that sensitivity of the arteries to CGRP-induced vasodilation was unchanged after SAH. However, vasodilation in response to capsaicin (100 nM), a sensory nerve activator used to release perivascular CGRP, was significantly reduced by SAH (P = 0.0079). Because CGRP-mediated dilation is an important counterbalance to increased arterial contractility, a reduction in CGRP release after SAH would exacerbate the vasospasms that occur after SAH. A similar finding was obtained with artery culture (24 h), an in vitro model of SAH-induced vascular dysfunction. The arterial segments maintained sensitivity to exogenous CGRP but showed reduced capsaicin-induced vasodilation. To test whether a metabolically stable CGRP analogue could be used to supplement the loss of perivascular CGRP release in SAH, SAX was systemically administered in our in vivo SAH model. SAX treatment, however, induced CGRP-desensitization and did not prevent the development of vasoconstriction in cerebral arteries after SAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ellinor Johansson
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Bahareh Abdolalizadeh
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Majid Sheykhzade
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen Oe, Denmark
| | - Lars Edvinsson
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark; Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anette Sams
- Department of Clinical Experimental Research, Glostrup Research Institute, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Nordstjernevej 42, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark.
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20
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Afferent arteriole responsiveness to endothelin receptor activation: does sex matter? Biol Sex Differ 2019; 10:1. [PMID: 30606254 PMCID: PMC6318859 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-018-0218-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of hypertension is distinct between men and women. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potential contributor to sex differences in the pathophysiology of hypertension. ET-1 participates in blood pressure regulation through activation of endothelin A (ETA) and endothelin B (ETB) receptors including those in the vasculature. Previous studies demonstrated that sex and sex hormones evoke discrepancies in ET-1-mediated control of vascular tone in different vascular beds. However, little is known about sex- and sex hormone-related differences in ET-1-dependent renal microvascular reactivity. Accordingly, we hypothesized that loss of sex hormones impairs afferent arteriole reactivity to ET-1. METHODS Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to gonadectomy or sham surgery (n = 6/group). After 3 weeks, kidneys from those rats were prepared for assessment of renal microvascular responses to ET-1 (ETA and ETB agonist, 10-12 to 10-8 M) and sarafotoxin 6c (S6c, ETB agonist, 10-12 to 10-8 M) using the blood-perfused juxtamedullary nephron preparation. RESULTS Control afferent arteriole diameters at 100 mmHg were similar between sham male and female rats averaging 14.6 ± 0.3 and 15.3 ± 0.3 μm, respectively. Gonadectomy had no significant effect on control arteriole diameter. In sham males, ET-1 produced significant concentration-dependent decreases in afferent arteriole diameter, with 10-8 M ET-1 decreasing diameter by 84 ± 1%. ET-1 induced similar concentration-dependent vasoconstrictor responses in sham female rats, with 10-8 M ET-1 decreasing the diameter by 82 ± 1%. The afferent arteriolar vasoconstrictor responses to ET-1 were unchanged by ovariectomy or orchiectomy. Selective ETB receptor activation by S6c induced a concentration-dependent decline in afferent arteriole diameter, with 10-8 M S6c decreasing diameter by 77 ± 3 and 76 ± 3% in sham male and female rats, respectively. Notably, ovariectomy augmented the vasoconstrictor response to S6c (10-12 to 10-9 M), whereas orchiectomy had no significant impact on the responsiveness to ETB receptor activation. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that sex does not significantly influence afferent arteriole reactivity to ET receptor activation. Gonadectomy potentiated the responsiveness of the afferent arteriole to ETB-induced vasoconstriction in females, but not males, suggesting that female sex hormones influence ETB-mediated vasoconstriction in the renal microcirculation.
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Robison LS, Gannon OJ, Salinero AE, Zuloaga KL. Contributions of sex to cerebrovascular function and pathology. Brain Res 2018; 1710:43-60. [PMID: 30580011 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences exist in how cerebral blood vessels function under both physiological and pathological conditions, contributing to observed sex differences in risk and outcomes of cerebrovascular diseases (CBVDs), such as vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and stroke. Throughout most of the lifespan, women are protected from CBVDs; however, risk increases following menopause, suggesting sex hormones may play a significant role in this protection. The cerebrovasculature is a target for sex hormones, including estrogens, progestins, and androgens, where they can influence numerous vascular functions and pathologies. While there is a plethora of information on estrogen, the effects of progestins and androgens on the cerebrovasculature are less well-defined. Estrogen decreases cerebral tone and increases cerebral blood flow, while androgens increase tone. Both estrogens and androgens enhance angiogenesis/cerebrovascular remodeling. While both estrogens and androgens attenuate cerebrovascular inflammation, pro-inflammatory effects of androgens under physiological conditions have also been demonstrated. Sex hormones exert additional neuroprotective effects by attenuating oxidative stress and maintaining integrity and function of the blood brain barrier. Most animal studies utilize young, healthy, gonadectomized animals, which do not mimic the clinical conditions of aging individuals likely to get CBVDs. This is also concerning, as sex hormones appear to mediate cerebrovascular function differently based on age and disease state (e.g. metabolic syndrome). Through this review, we hope to inspire others to consider sex as a key biological variable in cerebrovascular research, as greater understanding of sex differences in cerebrovascular function will assist in developing personalized approaches to prevent and treat CBVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Robison
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Olivia J Gannon
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Abigail E Salinero
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
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22
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Pabbidi MR, Kuppusamy M, Didion SP, Sanapureddy P, Reed JT, Sontakke SP. Sex differences in the vascular function and related mechanisms: role of 17β-estradiol. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H1499-H1518. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00194.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is lower in premenopausal women but increases with age and menopause compared with similarly aged men. Based on the prevalence of CVD in postmenopausal women, sex hormone-dependent mechanisms have been postulated to be the primary factors responsible for the protection from CVD in premenopausal women. Recent Women’s Health Initiative studies, Cochrane Review studies, the Early Versus Late Intervention Trial with Estradiol Study, and the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study have suggested that beneficial effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are seen in women of <60 yr of age and if initiated within <10 yr of menopause. In contrast, the beneficial effects of HRT are not seen in women of >60 yr of age and if commenced after 10 yr of menopause. The higher incidence of CVD and the failure of HRT in postmenopausal aged women could be partly associated with fundamental differences in the vascular structure and function between men and women and in between pre- and postmenopausal women, respectively. In this regard, previous studies from human and animal studies have identified several sex differences in vascular function and associated mechanisms. The female sex hormone 17β-estradiol regulates the majority of these mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the sex differences in vascular structure, myogenic properties, endothelium-dependent and -independent mechanisms, and the role of 17β-estradiol in the regulation of vascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallikarjuna R. Pabbidi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Maniselvan Kuppusamy
- Division of Endocrinology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Sean P. Didion
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Padmaja Sanapureddy
- Department of Primary Care and Medicine, G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Joey T. Reed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Sumit P. Sontakke
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Stanhewicz AE, Wenner MM, Stachenfeld NS. Sex differences in endothelial function important to vascular health and overall cardiovascular disease risk across the lifespan. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 315:H1569-H1588. [PMID: 30216121 PMCID: PMC6734083 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00396.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Diseases of the cardiovascular system are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in men and women in developed countries, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is becoming more prevalent in developing countries. The prevalence of atherosclerotic CVD in men is greater than in women until menopause, when the prevalence of CVD increases in women until it exceeds that of men. Endothelial function is a barometer of vascular health and a predictor of atherosclerosis that may provide insights into sex differences in CVD as well as how and why the CVD risk drastically changes with menopause. Studies of sex differences in endothelial function are conflicting, with some studies showing earlier decrements in endothelial function in men compared with women, whereas others show similar age-related declines between the sexes. Because the increase in CVD risk coincides with menopause, it is generally thought that female hormones, estrogens in particular, are cardioprotective. Moreover, it is often proposed that androgens are detrimental. In truth, the relationships are more complex. This review first addresses female and male sex hormones and their receptors and how these interact with the cardiovascular system, particularly the endothelium, in healthy young women and men. Second, we address sex differences in sex steroid receptor-independent mechanisms controlling endothelial function, focusing on vascular endothelin and the renin-angiotensin systems, in healthy young women and men. Finally, we discuss sex differences in age-associated endothelial dysfunction, focusing on the role of attenuated circulating sex hormones in these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Stanhewicz
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University , University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Megan M Wenner
- Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware
| | - Nina S Stachenfeld
- The John B. Pierce Laboratory, New Haven, Connecticut
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences and Yale School of Public Health, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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24
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Gannon OJ, Robison LS, Custozzo AJ, Zuloaga KL. Sex differences in risk factors for vascular contributions to cognitive impairment & dementia. Neurochem Int 2018; 127:38-55. [PMID: 30471324 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is the second most common cause of dementia. While males overall appear to be at a slightly higher risk for VCID throughout most of the lifespan (up to age 85), some risk factors for VCID more adversely affect women. These include female-specific risk factors associated with pregnancy related disorders (e.g. preeclampsia), menopause, and poorly timed hormone replacement. Further, presence of certain co-morbid risk factors, such as diabetes, obesity and hypertension, also may more adversely affect women than men. In contrast, some risk factors more greatly affect men, such as hyperlipidemia, myocardial infarction, and heart disease. Further, stroke, one of the leading risk factors for VCID, has a higher incidence in men than in women throughout much of the lifespan, though this trend is reversed at advanced ages. This review will highlight the need to take biological sex and common co-morbidities for VCID into account in both preclinical and clinical research. Given that there are currently no treatments available for VCID, it is critical that we understand how to mitigate risk factors for this devastating disease in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- O J Gannon
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
| | - L S Robison
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
| | - A J Custozzo
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
| | - K L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY, 12208, USA.
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25
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Jullienne A, Salehi A, Affeldt B, Baghchechi M, Haddad E, Avitua A, Walsworth M, Enjalric I, Hamer M, Bhakta S, Tang J, Zhang JH, Pearce WJ, Obenaus A. Male and Female Mice Exhibit Divergent Responses of the Cortical Vasculature to Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2018; 35:1646-1658. [PMID: 29648973 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2017.5547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that traumatic brain injuries (TBI) alter the cerebrovasculature near the injury site in rats, followed by revascularization over a 2-week period. Here, we tested our hypothesis that male and female adult mice have differential cerebrovascular responses following a moderate controlled cortical impact (CCI). Using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a new technique called vessel painting, and immunohistochemistry, we found no differences between males and females in lesion volume, neurodegeneration, blood-brain barrier (BBB) alteration, and microglia activation. However, females exhibited more astrocytic hypertrophy and heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction at 1 day post-injury (dpi), whereas males presented with increased endothelial activation and expression of β-catenin, shown to be involved in angiogenesis. At 7 dpi, we observed an increase in the number of vessels and an enhancement in vessel complexity in the injured cortex of males compared with females. Cerebrovasculature recovers differently after CCI, suggesting biological sex should be considered when designing new therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Jullienne
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - Arjang Salehi
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - Bethann Affeldt
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - Mohsen Baghchechi
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - Elizabeth Haddad
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - Angela Avitua
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - Mark Walsworth
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - Isabelle Enjalric
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - Mary Hamer
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - Sonali Bhakta
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - Jiping Tang
- 2 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - John H Zhang
- 2 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California.,3 Department of Anesthesiology, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California.,4 Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
| | - William J Pearce
- 2 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California.,5 Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University , Loma Linda, California
| | - André Obenaus
- 1 Department of Basic Sciences, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California.,6 Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine , Irvine, California
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26
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Multi-scale radiomic analysis of sub-cortical regions in MRI related to autism, gender and age. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45639. [PMID: 28361913 PMCID: PMC5374503 DOI: 10.1038/srep45639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
We propose using multi-scale image textures to investigate links between neuroanatomical regions and clinical variables in MRI. Texture features are derived at multiple scales of resolution based on the Laplacian-of-Gaussian (LoG) filter. Three quantifier functions (Average, Standard Deviation and Entropy) are used to summarize texture statistics within standard, automatically segmented neuroanatomical regions. Significance tests are performed to identify regional texture differences between ASD vs. TDC and male vs. female groups, as well as correlations with age (corrected p < 0.05). The open-access brain imaging data exchange (ABIDE) brain MRI dataset is used to evaluate texture features derived from 31 brain regions from 1112 subjects including 573 typically developing control (TDC, 99 females, 474 males) and 539 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD, 65 female and 474 male) subjects. Statistically significant texture differences between ASD vs. TDC groups are identified asymmetrically in the right hippocampus, left choroid-plexus and corpus callosum (CC), and symmetrically in the cerebellar white matter. Sex-related texture differences in TDC subjects are found in primarily in the left amygdala, left cerebellar white matter, and brain stem. Correlations between age and texture in TDC subjects are found in the thalamus-proper, caudate and pallidum, most exhibiting bilateral symmetry.
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27
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Role of the endothelin system in sexual dimorphism in cardiovascular and renal diseases. Life Sci 2016; 159:20-29. [PMID: 26939577 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.02.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies of blood pressure in men and women and in experimental animal models point to substantial sex differences in the occurrence of arterial hypertension as well as in the various manifestations of arterial hypertension, including myocardial infarction, stroke, retinopathy, chronic kidney failure, as well as hypertension-associated diseases (e.g. diabetes mellitus). Increasing evidence demonstrates that the endothelin (ET) system is a major player in the genesis of sex differences in cardiovascular and renal physiology and diseases. Sex differences in the ET system have been described in the vasculature, heart and kidney of humans and experimental animals. In the current review, we briefly describe the role of the ET system in the cardiovascular and renal systems. We also update information on sex differences at different levels of the ET system including synthesis, circulating and tissue levels, receptors, signaling pathways, ET actions, and responses to antagonists in different organs that contribute to blood pressure regulation. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying sex differences in arterial hypertension can impact therapeutic strategies. Sex-targeted and/or sex-tailored approaches may improve treatment of cardiovascular and renal diseases.
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28
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Ahnstedt H, Mostajeran M, Blixt FW, Warfvinge K, Ansar S, Krause DN, Edvinsson L. U0126 attenuates cerebral vasoconstriction and improves long-term neurologic outcome after stroke in female rats. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2015; 35:454-60. [PMID: 25492115 PMCID: PMC4348385 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2014.217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences are well known in cerebral ischemia and may impact the effect of stroke treatments. In male rats, the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 reduces ischemia-induced endothelin type B (ETB) receptor upregulation, infarct size and improves acute neurologic function after experimental stroke. However, responses to this treatment in females and long-term effects on outcome are not known. Initial experiments used in vitro organ culture of cerebral arteries, confirming ERK1/2 activation and increased ETB receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in female cerebral arteries. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO, 120 minutes) was induced in female Wistar rats, with U0126 (30 mg/kg intraperitoneally) or vehicle administered at 0 and 24 hours of reperfusion, or with no treatment. Infarct volumes were determined and neurologic function was assessed by 6-point and 28-point neuroscores. ETB receptor-mediated contraction was studied with myograph and protein expression with immunohistochemistry. In vitro organ culture and tMCAO resulted in vascular ETB receptor upregulation and activation of ERK1/2 that was prevented by U0126. Although no effect on infarct size, U0126 improved the long-term neurologic function after experimental stroke in female rats. In conclusion, early prevention of the ERK1/2 activation and ETB receptor-mediated vasoconstriction in the cerebral vasculature after ischemic stroke in female rats improves the long-term neurologic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Ahnstedt
- Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Maryam Mostajeran
- Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Frank W Blixt
- Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Warfvinge
- Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Saema Ansar
- Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Diana N Krause
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Lars Edvinsson
- Division of Experimental Vascular Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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29
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Kypreos KE, Zafirovic S, Petropoulou PI, Bjelogrlic P, Resanovic I, Traish A, Isenovic ER. Regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and high-density lipoprotein quality by estradiol in cardiovascular pathology. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2014; 19:256-68. [PMID: 24414281 DOI: 10.1177/1074248413513499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens have been recognized, in the last 3 decades, as important hormones in direct and indirect modulation of vascular health. In addition to their direct benefit on cardiovascular health, the presence of esterified estrogen in the lipid core of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles indirectly contributes to atheroprotection by significantly improving HDL quality and functionality. Estrogens modulate their physiological activity via genomic and nongenomic mechanisms. Genomic mechanisms are thought to be mediated directly by interaction of the hormone receptor complex with the hormone response elements that regulate gene expression. Nongenomic mechanisms are thought to occur via interaction of the estrogen with membrane-bound receptors, which rapidly activate intracellular signaling without binding of the hormone receptor complex to its hormone response elements. Estradiol in particular mediates early and late endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation via interaction with estrogen receptors through both nongenomic and genomic mechanisms. In the vascular system, the primary endogenous source of nitric oxide (NO) generation is eNOS. Nitric oxide primarily influences blood vessel relaxation, the heart rate, and myocyte contractility. The abnormalities in expression and/or functions of eNOS lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases, both in animals and in humans. Although considerable research efforts have been dedicated to understanding the mechanisms of action of estradiol in regulating cardiac eNOS, more research is needed to fully understand the details of such mechanisms. This review focuses on recent findings from animal and human studies on the regulation of eNOS and HDL quality by estradiol in cardiovascular pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos E Kypreos
- 1Department of Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, Pharmacology Laboratory, Panepistimioupolis, Rio, Greece
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