1
|
Singh A, Lal B, Kumar P, Parhar IS, Millar RP. Nitric oxide mediated kisspeptin regulation of steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in the catfish, Clarias batrachus. Cell Tissue Res 2024:10.1007/s00441-024-03899-2. [PMID: 38829397 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03899-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous molecule that regulates various reproductive functions. It is a well-recognized regulator of GnRH-FSH/LH-sex steroid secretion in vertebrates including fish. Kisspeptin is a recently discovered neuropeptide which also regulates GnRH secretion. Nitrergic and kisspeptin neurons are reported in close physical contact in the mammalian brain suggesting their interactive role in the release of GnRH. The existence of kisspeptin and NOS is also demonstrated in vertebrate gonads, but information on their reciprocal relation in gonads, if any, is obscure. Therefore, attempts were made to evaluate the functional reciprocal relation between nitric oxide and kisspeptin in the catfish gonads, if any, by administering the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor, L-NAME {N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester}, which reduces NO production, and kisspeptin agonist (KP-10) and assessing their impacts on the expressions of kisspeptin1, different NOS isoforms, NO and steroid production in the gonadal tissue. The results revealed that L-NAME suppressed the expression of kiss1 in gonads of the catfish establishing the role of NO in kisspeptin expression. However, KP-10 increased the expression of all the isoforms of NOSs (iNOS, eNOS, nNOS) and concurrently NO and steroids in the ovary and testis. In vitro studies also indicate that kisspeptin stimulates the production of NO and estradiol and testosterone levels in the gonadal explants and medium. Thus, in vivo results clearly suggest a reciprocal interaction between kisspeptin and NO to regulate the gonadal activity of the catfish. The in vitro findings further substantiate our contention regarding the interactive role of kisspeptin and NO in gonadal steroidogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankur Singh
- Fish Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India
| | - Bechan Lal
- Fish Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
| | - Pankaj Kumar
- Department of Zoology, University of Jammu, Jammu, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Ishwar S Parhar
- Center Initiative for Training International Researches, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Robert P Millar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Newell AJ, Patisaul HB. Developmental organophosphate flame retardant exposure disrupts adult hippocampal neurogenesis in Wistar rats. Neurotoxicology 2023; 99:104-114. [PMID: 37783313 PMCID: PMC10842265 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.09.009] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Organophosphate flame retardant (OPFR) contamination is ubiquitous and bio-monitoring studies have shown that human exposure is widespread and may be unavoidable. OPFRs bear structural similarities to known neurotoxicants such as organophosphate insecticides and have been shown to have both endocrine disrupting and developmental neurotoxic effects. The perinatal period in rodents represents a critical period in the organization of the developing nervous system and insults during this time can impart profound changes on the trajectory of neural development and function, lasting into adulthood. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) facilitates dentate gyrus function and broader hippocampal circuit activity in adults; however, the neurogenic potential of this process in adulthood is vulnerable to disruption by exogenous factors during early life. We sought to assess the impact of OPFRs on AHN in offspring of dams exposed during gestation and lactation. Results indicate that developmental OPFR exposure has significant, sex specific impacts on multiple markers of AHN in the dentate gyrus of rats. In males, OPFR exposure significantly reduced the number of neural progenitors the number of new/immature neurons and reduced dentate gyrus volume. In females, exposure increased the number of neural progenitors, decreased the number of new/immature neurons, but had no significant effect on dentate gyrus volume. These results further elucidate the developmental neurotoxic properties of OPFRs, emphasize the long-term impact of early life OPFR exposure on neural processes, and highlight the importance of including sex as a biological variable in neurotoxicology research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Newell
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Constantin S, Sokanovic SJ, Mochimaru Y, Smiljanic K, Sivcev S, Prévide RM, Wray S, Balla T, Stojilkovic SS. Postnatal Development and Maintenance of Functional Pituitary Gonadotrophs Is Dependent on PI4-Kinase A. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad168. [PMID: 37935042 PMCID: PMC10652335 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Postnatal development of functional pituitary gonadotrophs is necessary for maturation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, puberty, and reproduction. Here we examined the role of PI4-kinase A, which catalyzes the biosynthesis of PI4P in mouse reproduction by knocking out this enzyme in cells expressing the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor. Knockout (KO) mice were infertile, reflecting underdeveloped gonads and reproductive tracts and lack of puberty. The number and distribution of hypothalamic GnRH neurons and Gnrh1 expression in postnatal KOs were not affected, whereas Kiss1/kisspeptin expression was increased. KO of PI4-kinase A also did not alter embryonic establishment and neonatal development and function of the gonadotroph population. However, during the postnatal period, there was a progressive loss of expression of gonadotroph-specific genes, including Fshb, Lhb, and Gnrhr, accompanied by low gonadotropin synthesis. The postnatal gonadotroph population also progressively declined, reaching approximately one-third of that observed in controls at 3 months of age. In these residual gonadotrophs, GnRH-dependent calcium signaling and calcium-dependent membrane potential changes were lost, but intracellular administration of inositol-14,5-trisphosphate rescued this signaling. These results indicate a key role for PI4-kinase A in the postnatal development and maintenance of a functional gonadotroph population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Constantin
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Srdjan J Sokanovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yuta Mochimaru
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kosara Smiljanic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sonja Sivcev
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rafael M Prévide
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Susan Wray
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tamas Balla
- Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stanko S Stojilkovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yamada K, Nagae M, Mano T, Tsuchida H, Hazim S, Goto T, Sanbo M, Hirabayashi M, Inoue N, Uenoyama Y, Tsukamura H. Sex difference in developmental changes in visualized Kiss1 neurons in newly generated Kiss1-Cre rats. J Reprod Dev 2023; 69:227-238. [PMID: 37518187 PMCID: PMC10602768 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons are master regulators of mammalian reproduction via direct stimulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and consequent gonadotropin release. Here, we generated novel Kiss1 (kisspeptin gene)-Cre rats and investigated the developmental changes and sex differences in visualized Kiss1 neurons of Kiss1-Cre-activated tdTomato reporter rats. First, we validated Kiss1-Cre rats by generating Kiss1-expressing cell-specific Kiss1 knockout (Kiss1-KpKO) rats, which were obtained by crossing the current Kiss1-Cre rats with Kiss1-floxed rats. The resulting male Kiss1-KpKO rats lacked Kiss1 expression in the brain and exhibited hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, similar to the hypogonadal phenotype of global Kiss1 KO rats. Histological analysis of Kiss1 neurons in Kiss1-Cre-activated tdTomato reporter rats revealed that tdTomato signals in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) and arcuate nucleus (ARC) were not affected by estrogen, and that tdTomato signals in the ARC, AVPV, and medial amygdala (MeA) were sexually dimorphic. Notably, neonatal AVPV tdTomato signals were detected only in males, but a larger number of tdTomato-expressing cells were detected in the AVPV and ARC, and a smaller number of cells in the MeA was detected in females than in males at postpuberty. These findings suggest that Kiss1-visualized rats can be used to examine the effect of estrogen feedback mechanisms on Kiss1 expression in the AVPV and ARC. Moreover, the Kiss1-Cre and Kiss1-visualized rats could be valuable tools for further detailed analyses of sexual differentiation in the brain and the physiological role of kisspeptin neurons across the brain in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koki Yamada
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Mayuko Nagae
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mano
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hitomi Tsuchida
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Safiullah Hazim
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Teppei Goto
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Makoto Sanbo
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Section of Mammalian Transgenesis, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Naoko Inoue
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi 464-8601, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Di Giorgio NP, Bizzozzero-Hiriart M, Surkin PN, Repetto E, Bonaventura MM, Tabares FN, Bourguignon NS, Converti A, Gomez JMR, Bettler B, Lux-Lantos V. Deletion of GABAB receptors from Kiss1 cells affects glucose homeostasis without altering reproduction in male mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2023; 324:E314-E329. [PMID: 36652400 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00129.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin and γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), synthesized in the central nervous system, are critical for reproduction. Both are also expressed in peripheral organs/tissues critical to metabolic control (liver/pancreas/adipose). Many kisspeptin neurons coexpress GABAB receptors (GABABR) and GABA controls kisspeptin expression and secretion. We developed a unique mouse lacking GABABR exclusively from kisspeptin cells/neurons (Kiss1-GABAB1KO) to evaluate the impact on metabolism/reproduction. We confirmed selective deletion of GABABR from Kiss1 cells in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus/periventricular nucleus continuum (AVPV/PeN; immunofluorescence and PCR) and arcuate nucleus (ARC), medial amygdala (MeA), pituitary, liver, and testes (PCR). Young Kiss1-GABAB1KO males were fertile, with normal LH and testosterone. Kiss1 expression was similar between genotypes in AVPV/PeN, ARC, MeA, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), and peripheral organs (testis, liver, pituitary). Kiss1-GABAB1KO males presented higher fasted glycemia and insulin levels, an impaired response to a glucose overload, reduced insulin sensitivity, and marked insulin resistance. Interestingly, when Kiss1-GABAB1KO males got older (9 mo old) their body weight (BW) increased, in part due to an increase in white adipose tissue (WAT). Old Kiss1-GABAB1KO males showed higher fasted insulin, increased pancreatic insulin content, insulin resistance, and significantly decreased pancreatic kisspeptin levels. In sum, lack of GABABR specifically in Kiss1 cells severely impacts glucose homeostasis in male mice, reinforcing kisspeptin involvement in metabolic regulation. These alterations in glucose homeostasis worsened with aging. We highlight the impact of GABA through GABABR in the regulation of the pancreas kisspeptin system in contrast to liver kisspeptin that was not affected.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We developed a unique mouse lacking GABAB receptors specifically in Kiss1 cells to evaluate the impact on reproduction and metabolism. Knockout males showed a severe impact on glucose homeostasis, which worsened with aging. These results reinforce the proposed kisspeptin involvement in metabolic regulation and highlight the impact of GABA through GABABR in the regulation of the peripheral pancreas kisspeptin system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noelia P Di Giorgio
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marianne Bizzozzero-Hiriart
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Pablo N Surkin
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Repetto
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María M Bonaventura
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia N Tabares
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nadia S Bourguignon
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ayelén Converti
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan M Riaño Gomez
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Bernhard Bettler
- Department of Biomedicine, Pharmazentrum, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Victoria Lux-Lantos
- Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Medeiros LDS, Rodrigues PDS, Santos DNL, Silva-Sampaio AC, Kirsten TB, Suffredini IB, Coque ADC, da Silva RA, Bernardi MM. Prenatal restraint stress downregulates the hypothalamic kisspeptidergic system transcripts genes, reduces the estrogen plasma levels, delayed the onset of puberty, and reduced the sexual behavior intensity in female rats. Physiol Behav 2023; 260:114055. [PMID: 36563733 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.114055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study investigated the possible relationships between the expression of the Kiss1 and Gpr54 gene expressions and the pituitary-gonadal hormones with the female onset of puberty and sexual behavior. The Kiss1 and Gpr54 gene expressions were examined because they are critical to controlling the hypothalamic activation of GnRH neurons and, in turn, the pituitary-gonadal hormones related to the early onset of puberty and sexual behavior. Further, it was evaluated that the pituitary and gonadal hormones involved in the vaginal opening and the expression of sexual behavior. METHODS Pregnant rats exposed to PRS from gestation days 17 to 20 were evaluated for maternal and open-field behaviors. The maternal behavior was analyzed because it may alter brain sexual organization affecting the pups development. It was observed in female pups the physical and development and, in adult age, the open-field behavior, the anxiety-like behavior, the estrous cycle, the sexual behavior, the serum FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels, and the gene expression of kisspeptin protein (Kiss1) and Gpr54 in the hypothalamus. RESULTS the maternal and open-field behaviors were unaffected. In the F1 generation, PRS reduced weight at weaning, delayed the day of the vaginal opening and reduced the intensity of lordosis, the estrogen levels, and the Kiss1 and Gpr54 gene expression. These effects were attributed to hypothalamic kisspeptidergic system downregulation of transcripts genes and the reduced estrogen levels affected by the PRS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loren da Silva Medeiros
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Paula da Silva Rodrigues
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Daniel Nascimento Lago Santos
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Ana Claudia Silva-Sampaio
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Thiago Berti Kirsten
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Ivana Barbosa Suffredini
- Núcleo de Pesquisas em Biodiversidade, Laboratório de Extração, Universidade Paulista - UNIP, Av. Paulista, 900, São Paulo, SP 01310-100, Brazil
| | - Alex de Camargo Coque
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Augusto da Silva
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil; School of Dentistry, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Taubaté, Rua dos Operários, 9, Taubaté, SP 12020-340, Brazil
| | - Maria Martha Bernardi
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Graduate Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, Rua Dr. Bacelar, 1212, São Paulo, SP 04026-002, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Newell AJ, Kapps VA, Cai Y, Rai MR, St. Armour G, Horman BM, Rock KD, Witchey SK, Greenbaum A, Patisaul HB. Maternal organophosphate flame retardant exposure alters the developing mesencephalic dopamine system in fetal rat. Toxicol Sci 2023; 191:357-373. [PMID: 36562574 PMCID: PMC9936211 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfac137] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) have become the predominant substitution for legacy brominated flame retardants but there is concern about their potential developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). OPFRs readily dissociate from the fireproofed substrate to the environment, and they (or their metabolites) have been detected in diverse matrices including air, water, soil, and biota, including human urine and breastmilk. Given this ubiquitous contamination, it becomes increasingly important to understand the potential effects of OPFRs on the developing nervous system. We have previously shown that maternal exposure to OPFRs results in neuroendocrine disruption, alterations to developmental metabolism of serotonin (5-HT) and axonal extension in male fetal rats, and potentiates adult anxiety-like behaviors. The development of the serotonin and dopamine systems occur in parallel and interact, therefore, we first sought to enhance our prior 5-HT work by first examining the ascending 5-HT system on embryonic day 14 using whole mount clearing of fetal heads and 3-dimensional (3D) brain imaging. We also investigated the effects of maternal OPFR exposure on the development of the mesocortical dopamine system in the same animals through 2-dimensional and 3D analysis following immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Maternal OPFR exposure induced morphological changes to the putative ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra in both sexes and reduced the overall volume of this structure in males, whereas 5-HT nuclei were unchanged. Additionally, dopaminergic axogenesis was disrupted in OPFR exposed animals, as the dorsoventral spread of ventral telencephalic TH afferents were greater at embryonic day 14, while sparing 5-HT fibers. These results indicate maternal exposure to OPFRs alters the development trajectory of the embryonic dopaminergic system and adds to growing evidence of OPFR DNT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Newell
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Victoria A Kapps
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Yuheng Cai
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
| | - Mani Ratnam Rai
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
| | - Genevieve St. Armour
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Brian M Horman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Kylie D Rock
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Shannah K Witchey
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| | - Alon Greenbaum
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27606, USA
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Donaldson NM, Prescott M, Ruddenklau A, Campbell RE, Desroziers E. Maternal androgen excess significantly impairs sexual behavior in male and female mouse offspring: Perspective for a biological origin of sexual dysfunction in PCOS. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1116482. [PMID: 36875467 PMCID: PMC9975579 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1116482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common infertility disorder worldwide, typically characterised by high circulating androgen levels, oligo- or anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Sexual dysfunction, including decreased sexual desire and increased sexual dissatisfaction, is also reported by women with PCOS. The origins of these sexual difficulties remain largely unidentified. To investigate potential biological origins of sexual dysfunction in PCOS patients, we asked whether the well-characterized, prenatally androgenized (PNA) mouse model of PCOS exhibits modified sex behaviours and whether central brain circuits associated with female sex behaviour are differentially regulated. As a male equivalent of PCOS is reported in the brothers of women with PCOS, we also investigated the impact of maternal androgen excess on the sex behaviour of male siblings. METHODS Adult male and female offspring of dams exposed to dihydrotestosterone (PNAM/PNAF) or an oil vehicle (VEH) from gestational days 16 to 18 were tested for a suite of sex-specific behaviours. RESULTS PNAM showed a reduction in their mounting capabilities, however, most of PNAM where able to reach ejaculation by the end of the test similar to the VEH control males. In contrast, PNAF exhibited a significant impairment in the female-typical sexual behaviour, lordosis. Interestingly, while neuronal activation was largely similar between PNAF and VEH females, impaired lordosis behaviour in PNAF was unexpectedly associated with decreased neuronal activation in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMH). CONCLUSION Taken together, these data link prenatal androgen exposure that drives a PCOS-like phenotype with altered sexual behaviours in both sexes.
Collapse
|
9
|
Chen J, Minabe S, Munetomo A, Magata F, Sato M, Nakamura S, Hirabayashi M, Ishihara Y, Yamazaki T, Uenoyama Y, Tsukamura H, Matsuda F. Kiss1-dependent and independent release of luteinizing hormone and testosterone in perinatal male rats. Endocr J 2022; 69:797-807. [PMID: 35125377 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej21-0620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal and postnatal biphasic increases in plasma testosterone levels derived from perinatal testes are considered critical for defeminizing/masculinizing the brain mechanism that regulates sexual behavior in male rats. Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons are indispensable for stimulating GnRH and downstream gonadotropin, as well as the consequent testicular testosterone production/release in adult male rats. However, it is unclear whether kisspeptin is responsible for the increase in plasma testosterone levels in perinatal male rats. The present study aimed to investigate the role of Kiss1/kisspeptin in generating perinatal plasma LH and the consequent testosterone increase in male rats by comparing the plasma testosterone and LH profiles of wild-type (Kiss1+/+) and Kiss1 knockout (Kiss1-/-) male rats. A biphasic pattern of plasma testosterone levels, with peaks in the prenatal and postnatal periods, was found in both Kiss1+/+ and Kiss1-/- male rats. Postnatal plasma testosterone and LH levels were significantly lower in Kiss1-/- male rats than in Kiss1+/+ male rats, whereas the levels in the prenatal embryonic period were comparable between the genotypes. Exogenous kisspeptin challenge significantly increased plasma testosterone and LH levels and the number of c-Fos-immunoreactive GnRH neurons in neonatal Kiss1-/- and Kiss1+/+ male rats. Kiss1 and Gpr54 (kisspeptin receptor gene) were found in the testes of neonatal rats, but kisspeptin treatment failed to stimulate testosterone release in the cultured testes of both genotypes. These findings suggest that postnatal, but not prenatal, testosterone increase in male rats is mainly induced by central kisspeptin-dependent stimulation of GnRH and consequent LH release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiori Minabe
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Arisa Munetomo
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumie Magata
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Marimo Sato
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Nakamura
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masumi Hirabayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behaviour, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Ishihara
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Fuko Matsuda
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Constantin S, Moenter SM, Piet R. The electrophysiologic properties of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13073. [PMID: 34939256 PMCID: PMC9163209 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
For about two decades, recordings of identified gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons have provided a wealth of information on their properties. We describe areas of consensus and debate the intrinsic electrophysiologic properties of these cells, their response to fast synaptic and neuromodulatory input, Ca2+ imaging correlates of action potential firing, and signaling pathways regulating these aspects. How steroid feedback and development change these properties, functions of GnRH neuron subcompartments and local networks, as revealed by chemo- and optogenetic approaches, are also considered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Constantin
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Bethesda, MD 20892-3703, USA
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Suzanne M Moenter
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and the Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Richard Piet
- Brain Health Research Institute & Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sexual Dimorphism in Kisspeptin Signaling. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071146. [PMID: 35406710 PMCID: PMC8997554 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin (KP) and kisspeptin receptor (KPR) are essential for the onset of puberty, development of gonads, and maintenance of gonadal function in both males and females. Hypothalamic KPs and KPR display a high degree of sexual dimorphism in expression and function. KPs act on KPR in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and induce distinct patterns of GnRH secretion in males and females. GnRH acts on the anterior pituitary to secrete gonadotropins, which are required for steroidogenesis and gametogenesis in testes and ovaries. Gonadal steroid hormones in turn regulate the KP neurons. Gonadal hormones inhibit the KP neurons within the arcuate nucleus and generate pulsatile GnRH mediated gonadotropin (GPN) secretion in both sexes. However, the numbers of KP neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and preoptic area are greater in females, which release a large amount of KPs in response to a high estrogen level and induce the preovulatory GPN surge. In addition to the hypothalamus, KPs and KPR are also expressed in various extrahypothalamic tissues including the liver, pancreas, fat, and gonads. There is a remarkable difference in circulating KP levels between males and females. An increased level of KPs in females can be linked to increased numbers of KP neurons in female hypothalamus and more KP production in the ovaries and adipose tissues. Although the sexually dimorphic features are well characterized for hypothalamic KPs, very little is known about the extrahypothalamic KPs. This review article summarizes current knowledge regarding the sexual dimorphism in hypothalamic as well as extrahypothalamic KP and KPR system in primates and rodents.
Collapse
|
12
|
Amodei R, Jonker SS, Whitler W, Estill CT, Roselli CE. The GnRH Antagonist Degarelix Suppresses Gonadotropin Secretion and Pituitary Sensitivity in Midgestation Sheep Fetuses. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6484550. [PMID: 34958103 PMCID: PMC8760895 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The specific role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) on brain sexual differentiation remains unclear. To investigate whether gonadotropin and, in turn, testosterone (T) secretion is regulated by GnRH during the critical period for brain differentiation in sheep fetuses, we attempted to selectively suppress pituitary-testicular activation during midgestation with the long-acting GnRH antagonist degarelix. Fetuses received subcutaneous injections of the antagonist or vehicle on day 62 of gestation. After 2 to 3 weeks we examined consequences of the intervention on baseline and GnRH-stimulated plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and T levels. In addition, we measured the effect of degarelix-treatment on messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for the pituitary gonadotropins and key gonadal steroidogenic enzymes. Baseline and GnRH-stimulated plasma LH levels were significantly suppressed in degarelix-treated male and female fetuses compared to control values. Similarly, T concentrations were suppressed in degarelix-treated males. The percentage of LHβ-immunoreactive cells colocalizing c-fos was significantly reduced by degarelix treatment indicating that pituitary sensitivity was inhibited. Degarelix treatment also led to the significant suppression of mRNA expression coding for the pituitary gonadotropin subunits and for the gonadal enzymes involved in androgen synthesis. These findings demonstrate that pharmacologic inhibition of GnRH early in gestation results in suppression of LH secretion and deficits in the plasma T levels of male lamb fetuses. We conclude that GnRH signaling plays a pivotal role for regulating T exposure during the critical period of sheep gestation when the brain is masculinized. Thus, disturbance to gonadotropin secretion during this phase of gestation could have long-term consequence on adult sexual behaviors and fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecka Amodei
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sonnet S Jonker
- Center for Developmental Health, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - William Whitler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Charles T Estill
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Charles E Roselli
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Correspondence: Charles E. Roselli, PhD, Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry Oregon Health and Science University 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland, OR 97239-3098 USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hypothalamic kisspeptin and kisspeptin receptors: Species variation in reproduction and reproductive behaviours. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 64:100951. [PMID: 34757093 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Kisspeptin, encoded by the KISS1 gene, was first discovered as a potential metastasis suppressor gene. The prepro-kisspeptin precursor is cleaved into shorter mature bioactive peptides of varying sizes that bind to the G protein-coupled receptor GPR54 (=KISS1R). Over the last two decades, multiple types of Kiss and KissR genes have been discovered in mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrate species, but they are remarkably absent in birds. Kiss neuronal populations are distributed mainly in the hypothalamus. The KissRs are widely distributed in the brain, including the hypothalamic and non-hypothalamic regions, such as the hippocampus, amygdala, and habenula. The role of KISS1-KISS1R in humans and Kiss1-Kiss1R in rodents is associated with puberty, gonadal maturation, and the reproductive axis. However, recent gene deletion studies in zebrafish and medaka have provided controversial results, suggesting that the reproductive role of kiss is dispensable. This review highlights the evolutionary history, localisation, and significance of Kiss-KissR in reproduction and reproductive behaviours in mammalian and non-mammalian vertebrates.
Collapse
|
14
|
Nakamura S, Watanabe Y, Goto T, Ikegami K, Inoue N, Uenoyama Y, Tsukamura H. Kisspeptin neurons as a key player bridging the endocrine system and sexual behavior in mammals. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 64:100952. [PMID: 34755641 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive behaviors are sexually differentiated: for example, male rodents show mounting behavior, while females in estrus show lordosis behavior as sex-specific sexual behaviors. Kisspeptin neurons govern reproductive function via direct stimulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and subsequent gonadotropin release for gonadal steroidogenesis in mammals. First, we discuss the role of hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons as an indispensable regulator of sexual behavior by stimulating the synthesis of gonadal steroids, which exert "activational effects" on the behavior in adulthood. Second, we discuss the central role of kisspeptin neurons that are directly involved in neural circuits controlling sexual behavior in adulthood. We then focused on the role of perinatal hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons in the induction of perinatal testosterone secretion for its "organizational effects" on masculinization/defeminization of the male brain in rodents during a critical period. We subsequently concluded that kisspeptin neurons are key players in bridging the endocrine system and sexual behavior in mammals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sho Nakamura
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari, Ehime 794-8555, Japan
| | - Youki Watanabe
- Graduate School of Applied Life Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan
| | - Teppei Goto
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kana Ikegami
- Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Naoko Inoue
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Uenoyama
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan
| | - Hiroko Tsukamura
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Science, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Patisaul HB. REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY: Endocrine disruption and reproductive disorders: impacts on sexually dimorphic neuroendocrine pathways. Reproduction 2021; 162:F111-F130. [PMID: 33929341 PMCID: PMC8484365 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We are all living with hundreds of anthropogenic chemicals in our bodies every day, a situation that threatens the reproductive health of present and future generations. This review focuses on endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), both naturally occurring and man-made, and summarizes how they interfere with the neuroendocrine system to adversely impact pregnancy outcomes, semen quality, age at puberty, and other aspects of human reproductive health. While obvious malformations of the genitals and other reproductive organs are a clear sign of adverse reproductive health outcomes and injury to brain sexual differentiation, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis can be much more difficult to discern, particularly in humans. It is well-established that, over the course of development, gonadal hormones shape the vertebrate brain such that sex-specific reproductive physiology and behaviors emerge. Decades of work in neuroendocrinology have elucidated many of the discrete and often very short developmental windows across pre- and postnatal development in which this occurs. This has allowed toxicologists to probe how EDC exposures in these critical windows can permanently alter the structure and function of the HPG axis. This review includes a discussion of key EDC principles including how latency between exposure and the emergence of consequential health effects can be long, along with a summary of the most common and less well-understood EDC modes of action. Extensive examples of how EDCs are impacting human reproductive health, and evidence that they have the potential for multi-generational physiological and behavioral effects are also provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Trova S, Bovetti S, Bonzano S, De Marchis S, Peretto P. Sex Steroids and the Shaping of the Peripubertal Brain: The Sexual-Dimorphic Set-Up of Adult Neurogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157984. [PMID: 34360747 PMCID: PMC8347822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones represent an amazing class of molecules that play pleiotropic roles in vertebrates. In mammals, during postnatal development, sex steroids significantly influence the organization of sexually dimorphic neural circuits underlying behaviors critical for survival, such as the reproductive one. During the last decades, multiple studies have shown that many cortical and subcortical brain regions undergo sex steroid-dependent structural organization around puberty, a critical stage of life characterized by high sensitivity to external stimuli and a profound structural and functional remodeling of the organism. Here, we first give an overview of current data on how sex steroids shape the peripubertal brain by regulating neuroplasticity mechanisms. Then, we focus on adult neurogenesis, a striking form of persistent structural plasticity involved in the control of social behaviors and regulated by a fine-tuned integration of external and internal cues. We discuss recent data supporting that the sex steroid-dependent peripubertal organization of neural circuits involves a sexually dimorphic set-up of adult neurogenesis that in turn could be relevant for sex-specific reproductive behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Trova
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS), University of Torino, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.T.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (S.D.M.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Serena Bovetti
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS), University of Torino, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.T.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (S.D.M.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Bonzano
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS), University of Torino, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.T.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (S.D.M.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia De Marchis
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS), University of Torino, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.T.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (S.D.M.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Peretto
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology (DBIOS), University of Torino, 10123 Turin, Italy; (S.T.); (S.B.); (S.B.); (S.D.M.)
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Orbassano, 10043 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Patisaul HB. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the neuroendocrine system: Beyond estrogen, androgen, and thyroid. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 92:101-150. [PMID: 34452685 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hundreds of anthropogenic chemicals occupy our bodies, a situation that threatens the health of present and future generations. This chapter focuses on endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), both naturally occurring and man-made, that affect the neuroendocrine system to adversely impact health, with an emphasis on reproductive and metabolic pathways. The neuroendocrine system is highly sexually dimorphic and essential for maintaining homeostasis and appropriately responding to the environment. Comprising both neural and endocrine components, the neuroendocrine system is hormone sensitive throughout life and touches every organ system in the body. The integrative nature of the neuroendocrine system means that EDCs can have multi-system effects. Additionally, because gonadal hormones are essential for the sex-specific organization of numerous neuroendocrine pathways, endocrine disruption of this programming can lead to permanent deficits. Included in this review is a brief history of the neuroendocrine disruption field and a thorough discussion of the most common and less well understood neuroendocrine disruption modes of action. Also provided are extensive examples of how EDCs are likely contributing to neuroendocrine disorders such as obesity, and evidence that they have the potential for multi-generational effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Qiu W, Liu S, Chen H, Luo S, Xiong Y, Wang X, Xu B, Zheng C, Wang KJ. The comparative toxicities of BPA, BPB, BPS, BPF, and BPAF on the reproductive neuroendocrine system of zebrafish embryos and its mechanisms. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 406:124303. [PMID: 33121856 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine disruptor that has elicited great concern because of its potential toxic effects in organisms. In this study, the effects of BPA and several BPA structural analogs, including BPB, BPS, BPF, and BPAF, on the reproductive neuroendocrine system were evaluated during zebrafish embryonic and larval development. Our results showed that the numbers of gonadotropin-releasing hormone 3 neurons in zebrafish embryos increased after 100 μg/L BPA analog treatment, and exposure to BPA or its analogs at 1 or 100 μg/L increased the expression of reproductive neuroendocrine-related genes and the levels of typical hormones such as LH, FSH, E2, and GH. Moreover, the effects were associated with increases in the activities of erα, erβ, and cyp19a genes. The respective estrogen receptors (ER) and aromatase (AROM) antagonists significantly attenuated the stimulation of lhβ, fshβ, LH, and FSH expression, thereby proving that BPA analogs affect the reproductive neuroendocrine system via ERs and AROM pathway. Furthermore, we observed that the reproductive neuroendocrine toxicity of BPAF was more similar to that of BPA. This was the first study to comparatively explore the reproductive neuroendocrine toxicities of bisphenols in aquatic organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China; Shenzhen Municipal Engineering Lab of Environmental IoT Technologies, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Province, Shenzhen 518055, China; State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Shuai Liu
- Research Institute of Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Academy of Sciences, Nanchang 330012, China.
| | - Honghong Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Shusheng Luo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Ying Xiong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Xuejing Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Bentuo Xu
- School of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China.
| | - Chunmiao Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Soil and Groundwater Pollution Control, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Integrated Surface Water-Groundwater Pollution Control, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Ke-Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tzoupis H, Nteli A, Androutsou ME, Tselios T. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and GnRH Receptor: Structure, Function and Drug Development. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:6136-6158. [PMID: 31309882 DOI: 10.2174/0929867326666190712165444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) is a key element in sexual maturation and regulation of the reproductive cycle in the human organism. GnRH interacts with the pituitary cells through the activation of the Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Receptors (GnRHR). Any impairments/dysfunctions of the GnRH-GnRHR complex lead to the development of various cancer types and disorders. Furthermore, the identification of GnRHR as a potential drug target has led to the development of agonist and antagonist molecules implemented in various treatment protocols. The development of these drugs was based on the information derived from the functional studies of GnRH and GnRHR. OBJECTIVE This review aims at shedding light on the versatile function of GnRH and GnRH receptor and offers an apprehensive summary regarding the development of different agonists, antagonists and non-peptide GnRH analogues. CONCLUSION The information derived from these studies can enhance our understanding of the GnRH-GnRHR versatile nature and offer valuable insight into the design of new more potent molecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Agathi Nteli
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Rion GR-26504, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Androutsou
- Vianex S.A., Tatoiou Str., 18th km Athens-Lamia National Road, Nea Erythrea 14671, Greece
| | - Theodore Tselios
- Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Rion GR-26504, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Corona R, Jayakumar P, Carbajo Mata MA, Del Valle-Díaz MF, Luna-García LA, Morales T. Sexually dimorphic effects of prolactin treatment on the onset of puberty and olfactory function in mice. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 301:113652. [PMID: 33122037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The onset of puberty is associated with the psychophysiological maturation of the adolescent to an adult capable of reproduction when olfactory signals play an important role. This period begins with the secretion of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from GnRH neurons within the hypothalamus. This is regulated by kisspeptin neurons that express high levels of transmembrane prolactin receptors (PRLR) that bind to and are activated by prolactin (PRL). The elevated levels of serum PRL found during lactation, or caused by chronic PRL infusion, decreases the secretion of gonadotropins and kisspeptin and compromised the estrous cyclicity and the ovulation. In the present work, we aimed to evaluate the effects of either increased or decreased PRL circulating levels within the peripubertal murine brain by administration of PRL or treatment with cabergoline (Cab) respectively. We showed that either treatment delayed the onset of puberty in females, but not in males. This was associated with the augmentation of the PRL receptor (Prlr) mRNA expression in the arcuate nucleus and decreased Kiss1 expression in the anteroventral periventricular zone. Then, during adulthood, we assessed the activation of the mitral and granular cells of the main (MOB) and accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) by cFos immunoreactivity (ir) after the exposure to soiled bedding of the opposite sex. In the MOB, the PRL treatment promoted an increased cFos-ir of the mitral cells of males and females. In the granular cells of male of either treatment an augmented activation was observed. In the AOB, an impaired cFos-ir was observed in PRL and Cab treated females after exposure to male soiled bedding. However, in males, only Cab impaired its activation. No effects were observed in the AOB-mitral cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that PRL contributes to pubertal development and maturation of the MOB-AOB during the murine juvenile period in a sex-dependent way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Corona
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico.
| | - Preethi Jayakumar
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Teresa Morales
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yano K, Matsuzaki T, Iwasa T, Mayila Y, Yanagihara R, Tungalagsuvd A, Munkhzaya M, Tokui T, Kamada S, Hayashi A, Masaki R, Aoki H, Tamura K, Irahara M. The influence of psychological stress in early life on sexual maturation and sexual behavior in male and female rats. Reprod Med Biol 2020; 19:135-141. [PMID: 32273818 PMCID: PMC7138938 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We studied the influence of psychological stress during the early neonatal period on sexual maturation and sexual behavior in rats. METHODS Neonatal male and female rats were divided into control (C) and maternal separation (MS) groups (n = 20-24 per group). The pups in the MS groups were placed in isolation cages for 240 minutes/d from postnatal days 2-11. Vaginal opening (VO) in females and preputial separation (PS) in males (indicators of sexual maturation) were monitored, as was the estrous cycle in females. Thereafter, sexual behavior was monitored twice at 13 and 15 weeks of age. RESULTS As for sexual maturation, the onset of PS occurred significantly earlier in the MS group than in the C group, whereas the onset of VO did not differ between the groups. The length of the estrous cycle did not differ between the groups. The frequencies of sexual behaviors did not differ between the groups in either sex. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, early-life psychological stress induced by MS advanced sexual maturation in male rats, whereas it did not affect sexual maturation in female rats. On the other hand, early-life psychological stress might not affect sexual behavior in adulthood in either sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiyohito Yano
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Toshiya Matsuzaki
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
- Division of Obstetrics and GynecologyYoshinogawa Medical CenterTokushimaJapan
| | - Takeshi Iwasa
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Yiliyasi Mayila
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Rie Yanagihara
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Altankhuu Tungalagsuvd
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
- Division of Obstetrics and GynecologyNational Center for Maternal and Child HealthUlaanbaatarMongolia
| | - Munkhsaihan Munkhzaya
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
- Department of GynecologyThe First Maternity Hospital of MongoliaUlaanbaatarMongolia
| | - Takako Tokui
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Shuhei Kamada
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Aki Hayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Rie Masaki
- Division of Obstetrics and GynecologyYoshinogawa Medical CenterTokushimaJapan
| | - Hidenori Aoki
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Kou Tamura
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Minoru Irahara
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyGraduate School of Biomedical SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fujiyama T, Miyashita S, Tsuneoka Y, Kanemaru K, Kakizaki M, Kanno S, Ishikawa Y, Yamashita M, Owa T, Nagaoka M, Kawaguchi Y, Yanagawa Y, Magnuson MA, Muratani M, Shibuya A, Nabeshima YI, Yanagisawa M, Funato H, Hoshino M. Forebrain Ptf1a Is Required for Sexual Differentiation of the Brain. Cell Rep 2019; 24:79-94. [PMID: 29972793 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian brain undergoes sexual differentiation by gonadal hormones during the perinatal critical period. However, the machinery at earlier stages has not been well studied. We found that Ptf1a is expressed in certain neuroepithelial cells and immature neurons around the third ventricle that give rise to various neurons in several hypothalamic nuclei. We show that conditional Ptf1a-deficient mice (Ptf1a cKO) exhibit abnormalities in sex-biased behaviors and reproductive organs in both sexes. Gonadal hormone administration to gonadectomized animals revealed that the abnormal behavior is caused by disorganized sexual development of the knockout brain. Accordingly, expression of sex-biased genes was severely altered in the cKO hypothalamus. In particular, Kiss1, important for sexual differentiation of the brain, was drastically reduced in the cKO hypothalamus, which may contribute to the observed phenotypes in the Ptf1a cKO. These findings suggest that forebrain Ptf1a is one of the earliest regulators for sexual differentiation of the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Fujiyama
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan; International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Satoshi Miyashita
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | | | - Kazumasa Kanemaru
- Department of Immunology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Miyo Kakizaki
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Satomi Kanno
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yukiko Ishikawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Mariko Yamashita
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan; Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Tomoo Owa
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Mai Nagaoka
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Kawaguchi
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yuchio Yanagawa
- Department of Genetic and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University, Maebashi 371-8511, Japan
| | - Mark A Magnuson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Masafumi Muratani
- Department of Genome Biology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Akira Shibuya
- Department of Immunology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yo-Ichi Nabeshima
- Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Masashi Yanagisawa
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Funato
- International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine (WPI-IIIS), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan; Department of Anatomy, Toho University, Tokyo 143-8540, Japan.
| | - Mikio Hoshino
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ponti G, Farinetti A, Marraudino M, Panzica G, Gotti S. Postnatal genistein administration selectively abolishes sexual dimorphism in specific hypothalamic dopaminergic system in mice. Brain Res 2019; 1724:146434. [PMID: 31491419 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As demonstrated in previous studies, early postnatal genistein (GEN) administration to mice pups of both sexes, at doses similar to that of infant soy-based formulas, may affect the development of some steroid-sensitive neuronal circuits (i.e. nitrergic and vasopressinergic systems), causing irreversible alterations in adults. Here, we investigated the hypothalamic and mesencephalic dopaminergic system (identified with tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry). GEN administration (50 mg/kg) to mice of both sexes during the first week of postnatal life specifically affected tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry in the hypothalamic subpopulation of neurons, abolishing their sexual dimorphism. On the contrary, we did not observe any effects in the mesencephalic groups. Due to the large involvement of dopamine in circuits controlling rodent sexual behavior and food intake, these results clearly indicate that the early postnatal administration of GEN may irreversibly alter the control of reproduction, of energetic metabolism, and other behaviors. These results suggest the need for a careful evaluation of the use of soy products in both human and animal newborns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Ponti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (T0), Italy.
| | - Alice Farinetti
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Marilena Marraudino
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - GianCarlo Panzica
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy
| | - Stefano Gotti
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi-Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126 Turin, Italy; Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Regione Gonzole, 10-10043 Orbassano (TO), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang Y, Wu H, Sun ZS. The biological basis of sexual orientation: How hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors influence to whom we are sexually attracted. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100798. [PMID: 31593707 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Humans develop relatively stable attractions to sexual partners during maturation and present a spectrum of sexual orientation from homosexuality to heterosexuality encompassing varying degrees of bisexuality, with some individuals also displaying asexuality. Sexual orientation represents a basic life phenomenon for humans. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these diverse traits of sexual orientation remain highly controversial. In this review, we systematically discuss recent advancements in sexual orientation research, including those related to measurements and associated brain regions. Current findings regarding sexual orientation modulation by hormonal, genetic, maternal immune system, and environmental factors are summarized in both human and model systems. We also emphasize that future studies should recognize the differences between males and females and pay more attention to minor traits and the epigenetic regulation of sexual orientation. A comprehensive view of sexual orientation may promote our understanding of the biological basis of sex, and that of human reproduction, and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Haoda Wu
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Sino-Danish College, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Zhong Sheng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; Sino-Danish College, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Neurobiological characteristics underlying metabolic differences between males and females. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 176:18-32. [PMID: 30194984 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus is the main integrating center for metabolic control. Our understanding of how hypothalamic circuits function to control appetite and energy expenditure has increased dramatically in recent years, due to the rapid rise in the incidence of obesity and the search for effective treatments. Increasing evidence indicates that these treatments will most likely differ between males and females. Indeed, sex differences in metabolism have been demonstrated at various levels, including in two of the most studied neuronal populations involved in metabolic control: the anorexigenic proopiomelanocortin neurons and the orexigenic neuropeptide Y/Agouti-related protein neurons. Here we review what is known to date regarding the sex differences in these two neuronal populations, as well as other neuronal populations involved in metabolic control and glial cells.
Collapse
|
27
|
Elevated prenatal anti-Müllerian hormone reprograms the fetus and induces polycystic ovary syndrome in adulthood. Nat Med 2018; 24:834-846. [PMID: 29760445 PMCID: PMC6098696 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-018-0035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the main cause of female infertility worldwide and corresponds with a high degree of comorbidities and economic burden. How PCOS is passed on from one generation to the next is not clear, but it may be a developmental condition. Most women with PCOS exhibit higher levels of circulating luteinizing hormone, suggestive of heightened gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release, and Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) as compared to healthy women. Excess AMH in utero may affect the development of the female fetus. However, as AMH levels drop during pregnancy in women with normal fertility it was unclear if their levels were also elevated in pregnant women with PCOS. Here, we measured AMH in a cohort of pregnant women with PCOS and control women and found that AMH is significantly more elevated in the former group versus the latter. To determine if the elevation of AMH during pregnancy in women with PCOS is a bystander effect or a driver of the condition in the offspring, we modelled our clinical findings by treating pregnant mice with AMH and followed the neuroendocrine phenotype of their female progeny postnatally. This treatment resulted in maternal neuroendocrine-driven testosterone excess and diminished placental metabolism of testosterone to estradiol, resulting in a masculinization of the exposed female fetus and a PCOS-like reproductive and neuroendocrine phenotype in adulthood. We found that the affected females had persistently hyperactivated GnRH neurons and that GnRH antagonist treatment in the adult female offspring restored their neuroendocrine phenotype to a normal state. These findings highlight a critical role for excess prenatal AMH exposure and subsequent aberrant GnRH receptor signaling in the neuroendocrine dysfunctions of PCOS, while offering a new potential therapeutic avenue to treat the condition during adulthood.
Collapse
|
28
|
Pałasz A, Janas-Kozik M, Borrow A, Arias-Carrión O, Worthington JJ. The potential role of the novel hypothalamic neuropeptides nesfatin-1, phoenixin, spexin and kisspeptin in the pathogenesis of anxiety and anorexia nervosa. Neurochem Int 2018; 113:120-136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
29
|
Mechaly AS, Tovar Bohórquez MO, Mechaly AE, Suku E, Pérez MR, Giorgetti A, Ortí G, Viñas J, Somoza GM. Evidence of Alternative Splicing as a Regulatory Mechanism for Kissr2 in Pejerrey Fish. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:604. [PMID: 30386295 PMCID: PMC6200147 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Kisspeptin receptors are G-Protein-Coupled Receptors that regulate GnRH synthesis and release in vertebrates. Here, we report the gene structure of two kisspeptin receptors (kissr2 and kissr3) in pejerrey fish. Genomic analysis exposed a gene structure with 5 exons and 4 introns for kissr2 and 6 exons and 5 introns for kissr3. Two alternative variants for both genes, named kissr2_v1 and _v2, and kissr3_v1 and v2, were revealed by gene expression analyses of several tissues. For both receptors, these variants were originated by alternative splicing retaining intron 3 and intron 4 for kissr2_v2 and kissr3_v2, respectively. In the case of kissr2, the intron retention introduced two stop codons leading to a putatively truncated protein whereas for kissr3, the intron retention produced a reading shift leading to a stop codon in exon 5. Modeling and structural analysis of Kissr2 and Kissr3 spliced variants revealed that truncation of the proteins may lead to non-functional proteins, as the structural elements missing are critical for receptor function. To understand the functional significance of splicing variants, the expression pattern for kissr2 was characterized on fish subjected to different diets. Fasting induced an up-regulation of kissr2_v1 in the hypothalamus, a brain region implicated in control of reproduction and food intake, with no expression of kissr2_v2. On the other hand, fasting did not elicit differential expression in testes and habenula. These results suggest that alternative splicing may play a role in regulating Kissr2 function in pejerrey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro S. Mechaly
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Alejandro S. Mechaly
| | - M. Oswaldo Tovar Bohórquez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ariel E. Mechaly
- Institut Pasteur, Platforme de Cristallographie and CNRS UMR 3528, Paris, France
| | - Eda Suku
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - María Rita Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Guillermo Ortí
- Department of Biological Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jordi Viñas
- Laboratori d'Ictiologia Genètica, Departament de Biologia, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
| | - Gustavo M. Somoza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biotecnológicas-Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (CONICET-UNSAM), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Gustavo M. Somoza
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abi Ghanem C, Degerny C, Hussain R, Liere P, Pianos A, Tourpin S, Habert R, Macklin WB, Schumacher M, Ghoumari AM. Long-lasting masculinizing effects of postnatal androgens on myelin governed by the brain androgen receptor. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1007049. [PMID: 29107990 PMCID: PMC5690690 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The oligodendrocyte density is greater and myelin sheaths are thicker in the adult male mouse brain when compared with females. Here, we show that these sex differences emerge during the first 10 postnatal days, precisely at a stage when a late wave of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells arises and starts differentiating. Androgen levels, analyzed by gas chromatography/tandem-mass spectrometry, were higher in males than in females during this period. Treating male pups with flutamide, an androgen receptor (AR) antagonist, or female pups with 5α-dihydrotestosterone (5α-DHT), revealed the importance of postnatal androgens in masculinizing myelin and their persistent effect into adulthood. A key role of the brain AR in establishing the sexual phenotype of myelin was demonstrated by its conditional deletion. Our results uncover a new persistent effect of postnatal AR signaling, with implications for neurodevelopmental disorders and sex differences in multiple sclerosis. Sex differences in brain structure are of great scientific and medical interest because the incidence and progress of many neurological and psychiatric disorders differ between males and females. They affect neural networks and also the myelin sheaths that insulate and protect axons and thus allow the rapid conduction of electrical impulses. In the central nervous system, myelin is formed by a particular type of cells named oligodendrocytes. In the male mouse brain, the density of oligodendrocytes is greater and myelin sheaths are thicker when compared with females. We show that these sex differences in myelin result from the long-lasting actions of androgens in males during their first 10 postnatal days. Importantly, the postnatal masculinizing effects of androgens involve brain androgen receptors as shown by the use of pharmacological and genetic tools. These findings are important for understanding sex-related differences in the susceptibility and progression of demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. They also reveal a so far unknown role of androgen receptor signaling in sexual differentiation of the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charly Abi Ghanem
- U1195 Inserm and Universities Paris-Sud and Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Cindy Degerny
- U1195 Inserm and Universities Paris-Sud and Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Rashad Hussain
- U1195 Inserm and Universities Paris-Sud and Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Philippe Liere
- U1195 Inserm and Universities Paris-Sud and Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Antoine Pianos
- U1195 Inserm and Universities Paris-Sud and Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Sophie Tourpin
- U566 Inserm, CEA, Universities Paris-Diderot and Paris-Sud, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - René Habert
- U566 Inserm, CEA, Universities Paris-Diderot and Paris-Sud, Fontenay aux Roses, France
| | - Wendy B. Macklin
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Michael Schumacher
- U1195 Inserm and Universities Paris-Sud and Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- * E-mail: (AMG); (MS)
| | - Abdel M. Ghoumari
- U1195 Inserm and Universities Paris-Sud and Paris-Saclay, 80 rue du Général Leclerc, Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
- * E-mail: (AMG); (MS)
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Contrôle de l’axe gonadotrope : nouveaux aspects physiologiques et thérapeutiques. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2017; 78 Suppl 1:S31-S40. [DOI: 10.1016/s0003-4266(17)30923-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
|
32
|
Busby ER, Sherwood NM. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (Gnrhr) gene knock out: Normal growth and development of sensory, motor and spatial orientation behavior but altered metabolism in neonatal and prepubertal mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174452. [PMID: 28346489 PMCID: PMC5367835 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is important in the control of reproduction, but its actions in non-reproductive processes are less well known. In this study we examined the effect of disrupting the GnRH receptor in mice to determine if growth, metabolism or behaviors that are not associated with reproduction were affected. To minimize the effects of other hormones such as FSH, LH and sex steroids, the neonatal-prepubertal period of 2 to 28 days of age was selected. The study shows that regardless of sex or phenotype in the Gnrhr gene knockout line, there was no significant difference in the daily development of motor control, sensory detection or spatial orientation among the wildtype, heterozygous or null mice. This included a series of behavioral tests for touch, vision, hearing, spatial orientation, locomotory behavior and muscle strength. Neither the daily body weight nor the final weight on day 28 of the kidney, liver and thymus relative to body weight varied significantly in any group. However by day 28, metabolic changes in the GnRH null females compared with wildtype females showed a significant reduction in inguinal fat pad weight normalized to body weight; this was accompanied by an increase in glucose compared with wildtype females shown by Student-Newman-Keuls Multiple Comparison test and Student's unpaired t tests. Our studies show that the GnRH-GnRHR system is not essential for growth or motor/sensory/orientation behavior during the first month of life prior to puberty onset. The lack of the GnRH-GnRHR axis, however, did affect females resulting in reduced subcutaneous inguinal fat pad weight and increased glucose with possible insulin resistance; the loss of the normal rise of estradiol at postnatal days 15-28 may account for the altered metabolism in the prepubertal female pups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen R. Busby
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pallotta MM, Turano M, Ronca R, Mezzasalma M, Petraccioli A, Odierna G, Capriglione T. Brain Gene Expression is Influenced by Incubation Temperature During Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) Development. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2017; 328:360-370. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mimmo Turano
- Dipartimento di Biologia; Università di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| | - Raffaele Ronca
- Dipartimento di Biologia; Università di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| | | | - Agnese Petraccioli
- Dipartimento di Biologia; Università di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| | - Gaetano Odierna
- Dipartimento di Biologia; Università di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| | - Teresa Capriglione
- Dipartimento di Biologia; Università di Napoli Federico II; Napoli Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Rabconnectin-3α is required for the morphological maturation of GnRH neurons and kisspeptin responsiveness. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42463. [PMID: 28209974 PMCID: PMC5314327 DOI: 10.1038/srep42463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A few hundred hypothalamic neurons form a complex network that controls reproduction in mammals by secreting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Timely postnatal changes in GnRH secretion are essential for pubertal onset. During the juvenile period, GnRH neurons undergo morphological remodeling, concomitantly achieving an increased responsiveness to kisspeptin, the main secretagogue of GnRH. However, the link between GnRH neuron activity and their morphology remains unknown. Here, we show that brain expression levels of Dmxl2, which encodes the vesicular protein rabconnectin-3α, determine the capacity of GnRH neurons to be activated by kisspeptin and estradiol. We also demonstrate that Dmxl2 expression levels control the pruning of GnRH dendrites, highlighting an unexpected role for a vesicular protein in the maturation of GnRH neuronal network. This effect is mediated by rabconnectin-3α in neurons or glial cells afferent to GnRH neurons. The widespread expression of Dmxl2 in several brain areas raises the intriguing hypothesis that rabconnectin-3α could be involved in the maturation of other neuronal populations.
Collapse
|
35
|
Tovar Bohórquez MO, Mechaly AS, Hughes LC, Campanella D, Ortí G, Canosa LF, Somoza GM. Kisspeptin system in pejerrey fish (Odontesthes bonariensis). Characterization and gene expression pattern during early developmental stages. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2017; 204:146-156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2016.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
36
|
Constantin S. Progress and Challenges in the Search for the Mechanisms of Pulsatile Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Secretion. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:180. [PMID: 28790978 PMCID: PMC5523686 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Fertility relies on the proper functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The hormonal cascade begins with hypothalamic neurons secreting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) into the hypophyseal portal system. In turn, the GnRH-activated gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary release gonadotropins, which then act on the gonads to regulate gametogenesis and sex steroidogenesis. Finally, sex steroids close this axis by feeding back to the hypothalamus. Despite this seeming straightforwardness, the axis is orchestrated by a complex neuronal network in the central nervous system. For reproductive success, GnRH neurons, the final output of this network, must integrate and translate a wide range of cues, both environmental and physiological, to the gonadotrophs via pulsatile GnRH secretion. This secretory profile is critical for gonadotropic function, yet the mechanisms underlying these pulses remain unknown. Literature supports both intrinsically and extrinsically driven GnRH neuronal activity. However, the caveat of the techniques supporting either one of the two hypotheses is the gap between events recorded at a single-cell level and GnRH secretion measured at the population level. This review aims to compile data about GnRH neuronal activity focusing on the physiological output, GnRH secretion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Constantin
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Stephanie Constantin,
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Nakamura S, Uenoyama Y, Ikegami K, Dai M, Watanabe Y, Takahashi C, Hirabayashi M, Tsukamura H, Maeda KI. Neonatal Kisspeptin is Steroid-Independently Required for Defeminisation and Peripubertal Kisspeptin-Induced Testosterone is Required for Masculinisation of the Brain: A Behavioural Study Using Kiss1 Knockout Rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 27344056 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Rodents show apparent sex differences in their sexual behaviours. The present study used Kiss1 knockout (KO) rats to evaluate the role of kisspeptin in the defeminisation/masculinisation of the brain mechanism that controls sexual behaviours. Castrated adult Kiss1 KO males treated with testosterone showed no male sexual behaviours but demonstrated the oestrogen-induced lordosis behaviours found in wild-type females. The sizes of some of the sexual dimorphic nuclei of Kiss1 KO male rats are similar to those of females. Plasma testosterone levels at embryonic day 18 and postnatal day 0 (PND0) in Kiss1 KO males were high, similar to wild-type males, indicating that perinatal testosterone is secreted in a kisspeptin-independent manner. Long-term exposure to testosterone from peripubertal to adult periods restored mounts and intromissions in KO males, suggesting that kisspeptin-dependent peripubertal testosterone secretion is required to masculinise the brain mechanism. This long-term testosterone treatment failed to abolish lordosis behaviours in KO males, whereas kisspeptin replacement at PND0 reduced lordosis quotients in Kiss1 KO males but not in KO females. These results suggest that kisspeptin itself is required to defeminise behaviour in the perinatal period, in cooperation with testosterone. Oestradiol benzoate treatment at PND0 suppressed lordosis quotients in Kiss1 KO rats, indicating that the mechanisms downstream of oestradiol work properly in the absence of kisspeptin. There was no significant difference in aromatase gene expression in the whole hypothalamus between Kiss1 KO and wild-type male rats at PND0. Taken together, the present study demonstrates that both perinatal kisspeptin and kisspeptin-independent testosterone are required for defeminisation of the brain, whereas kisspeptin-dependent testosterone during peripuberty to adulthood is needed for masculinisation of the brain in male rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Nakamura
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y Uenoyama
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - K Ikegami
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - M Dai
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Y Watanabe
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - C Takahashi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Hirabayashi
- Center for Genetic Analysis of Behaviour, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - H Tsukamura
- Graduate School of Bioagricultural Sciences, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - K-I Maeda
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal network generates pulse and surge modes of gonadotropin secretion critical for puberty and fertility. The arcuate nucleus kisspeptin neurons that innervate the projections of GnRH neurons in and around their neurosecretory zone are key components of the pulse generator in all mammals. By contrast, kisspeptin neurons located in the preoptic area project to GnRH neuron cell bodies and proximal dendrites and are involved in surge generation in female rodents (and possibly other species). The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis develops embryonically but, apart from short periods of activation immediately after birth, remains suppressed through a combination of gonadal and non-gonadal mechanisms. At puberty onset, the pulse generator reactivates, probably owing to progressive stimulatory influences on GnRH neurons from glial and neurotransmitter signalling, and the re-emergence of stimulatory arcuate kisspeptin input. In females, the development of pulsatile gonadotropin secretion enables final maturation of the surge generator that ultimately triggers the first ovulation. Representation of the GnRH neuronal network as a series of interlocking functional modules could help conceptualization of its functioning in different species. Insights into pulse and surge generation are expected to aid development of therapeutic strategies ameliorating pubertal disorders and infertility in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allan E Herbison
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Medical Sciences, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Govindaraj V, Rao AJ. Proteomic identification of non-erythrocytic alpha-spectrin-1 down-regulation in the pre-optic area of neonatally estradiol-17β treated female adult rats. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2016; 26:165-72. [PMID: 27166725 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2016-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that sexually dimorphic brain regions, which are critical for reproductive physiology and behavior, are organized by steroid hormones during the first 2 weeks after birth in the rodents. In our recent observation, neonatal exposure to estradiol-17β (E2) in the female rat revealed increase in cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) level, sexually dimorphic nucleus (SDN)-pre-optic area (POA) size and down-regulation of synaptogenesis related genes in POA in the adult stage. In the present study, using the same animal model, the protein profile of control and neonatally E2-treated POA was compared by 1D-SDS-PAGE, and the protein that shows a change in abundance was identified by LC-MS/MS analysis. Results indicated that there was a single protein band, which was down-regulation in E2-treated POA and it was identified as spectrin alpha chain, non-erythrocytic 1 (SPTAN1). Consistently, the down-regulation of SPTAN1 expression was also confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The SPTAN1 was identified as a cytoskeletal protein that is involved in stabilization of the plasma membrane and organizes intracellular organelles, and it has been implicated in cellular functions including DNA repair and cell cycle regulation. The evidence shows that any mutation in spectrins causes impairment of synaptogenesis and other neurological disorders. Also, protein-protein interaction analysis of SPTAN1 revealed a strong association with proteins such as kirrel, actinin, alpha 4 (ACTN4) and vinculin (VCL) which are implicated in sexual behavior, masculinization and defeminization. Our results indicate that SPTAN1 expression in the developing rat brain is sexually dimorphic, and we suggest that this gene may mediate E2-17β-induced masculinization and defeminization, and disrupted reproductive function in the adult stage.
Collapse
|
40
|
Clarke SA, Dhillo WS. Kisspeptin across the human lifespan:evidence from animal studies and beyond. J Endocrinol 2016; 229:R83-98. [PMID: 27340201 DOI: 10.1530/joe-15-0538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Since its first description in 1996, the KISS1 gene and its peptide products, kisspeptins, have increasingly become recognised as key regulators of reproductive health. With kisspeptins acting as ligands for the kisspeptin receptor KISS1R (previously known as GPR54 or KPR54), recent work has consistently shown that administration of kisspeptin across a variety of species stimulates gonadotrophin release through influencing gonadotrophin-releasing hormone secretion. Evidence from both animal and human studies supports the finding that kisspeptins are crucial for ensuring healthy development, with knockout animal models, as well as proband genetic testing in human patients affected by abnormal pubertal development, corroborating the notion that a functional kisspeptin receptor is required for appropriate gonadotrophin secretion. Given the large body of evidence that exists surrounding the influence of kisspeptin in a variety of settings, this review summarises our physiological understanding of the role of these important peptides and their receptors, before proceeding to describe the varying role they play across the reproductive lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie A Clarke
- Department of Investigative MedicineImperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Waljit S Dhillo
- Department of Investigative MedicineImperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Clarkson J, Herbison AE. Hypothalamic control of the male neonatal testosterone surge. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 371:20150115. [PMID: 26833836 PMCID: PMC4785901 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in brain neuroanatomy and neurophysiology underpin considerable physiological and behavioural differences between females and males. Sexual differentiation of the brain is regulated by testosterone secreted by the testes predominantly during embryogenesis in humans and the neonatal period in rodents. Despite huge advances in understanding how testosterone, and its metabolite oestradiol, sexually differentiate the brain, little is known about the mechanism that actually generates the male-specific neonatal testosterone surge. This review examines the evidence for the role of the hypothalamus, and particularly the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, in generating the neonatal testosterone surge in rodents and primates. Kisspeptin-GPR54 signalling is well established as a potent and critical regulator of GnRH neuron activity during puberty and adulthood, and we argue here for an equally important role at birth in driving the male-specific neonatal testosterone surge in rodents. The presence of a male-specific population of preoptic area kisspeptin neurons that appear transiently in the perinatal period provide one possible source of kisspeptin drive to neonatal GnRH neurons in the mouse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Clarkson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Allan E Herbison
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Derouiche L, Keller M, Martini M, Duittoz AH, Pillon D. Developmental Exposure to Ethinylestradiol Affects Reproductive Physiology, the GnRH Neuroendocrine Network and Behaviors in Female Mouse. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:463. [PMID: 26696819 PMCID: PMC4673314 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
During development, environmental estrogens are able to induce an estrogen mimetic action that may interfere with endocrine and neuroendocrine systems. The present study investigated the effects on the reproductive function in female mice following developmental exposure to pharmaceutical ethinylestradiol (EE2), the most widespread and potent synthetic steroid present in aquatic environments. EE2 was administrated in drinking water at environmentally relevant (ENVIR) or pharmacological (PHARMACO) doses [0.1 and 1 μg/kg (body weight)/day respectively], from embryonic day 10 until postnatal day 40. Our results show that both groups of EE2-exposed females had advanced vaginal opening and shorter estrus cycles, but a normal fertility rate compared to CONTROL females. The hypothalamic population of GnRH neurons was affected by EE2 exposure with a significant increase in the number of perikarya in the preoptic area of the PHARMACO group and a modification in their distribution in the ENVIR group, both associated with a marked decrease in GnRH fibers immunoreactivity in the median eminence. In EE2-exposed females, behavioral tests highlighted a disturbed maternal behavior, a higher lordosis response, a lack of discrimination between gonad-intact and castrated males in sexually experienced females, and an increased anxiety-related behavior. Altogether, these results put emphasis on the high sensitivity of sexually dimorphic behaviors and neuroendocrine circuits to disruptive effects of EDCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyes Derouiche
- PRC, UMR 7247 INRA/CNRS/Université François-Rabelais de Tours/IFCE Nouzilly, France
| | - Matthieu Keller
- PRC, UMR 7247 INRA/CNRS/Université François-Rabelais de Tours/IFCE Nouzilly, France
| | - Mariangela Martini
- PRC, UMR 7247 INRA/CNRS/Université François-Rabelais de Tours/IFCE Nouzilly, France
| | - Anne H Duittoz
- PRC, UMR 7247 INRA/CNRS/Université François-Rabelais de Tours/IFCE Nouzilly, France
| | - Delphine Pillon
- PRC, UMR 7247 INRA/CNRS/Université François-Rabelais de Tours/IFCE Nouzilly, France
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Geoffrey Harris is chiefly known for his demonstration of the control of the pituitary gland by the portal vessels coming from the hypothalamus. This does not do justice to his extraordinary contribution to biology. Harris' life's work was central in demonstrating the brain/body interactions by which animals and humans adapt to their environment, and above all the control of that most crucial and proximate of all evolutionary events - reproduction. In this brief review, I have tried to put Geoffrey Harris' work in the context of the scientific thinking at the time when he began his work, and above all, the contribution of his mentor, FHA Marshall, on whose towering shoulders Harris rose. But this is mainly my personal story, in which I have tried to show the debt that my work owed to Harris and especially to my dear friend, the late Keith Brown-Grant in Harris' team. I myself was never an endocrinologist, but over a short period in the early 1970s, under the influence of such inspirational mentors, and using purely anatomical methods, I was able to demonstrate sexual dimorphism and hormone-dependent sexual differentiation in the connections of the preoptic area, regeneration of the median eminence, the ultrastructure of apoptosis, the requirement for the suprachiasmatic nuclei in reproductive rhythms, the existence of non-rod or cone photoreceptors in the albino rat retina and, later, the expression of vasopressin by solitary (one in 600) magnocellular neurons in the polydipsic di/di Brattleboro mutant rat; this phenomenon was subsequently shown to be due to a+1 reading frameshift. I end this brief overview by mentioning some of the abiding and fascinating mysteries of the endocrine memory of the brain that arise from Harris' work on the control of the endocrines, and by pointing out how the current interest in chronobiology emphasises what a Cinderella the endocrine mechanisms have become in current brain imaging studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Raisman
- Spinal Repair UnitDepartment of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Plant TM. Neuroendocrine control of the onset of puberty. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 38:73-88. [PMID: 25913220 PMCID: PMC4457677 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2015.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This chapter is based on the Geoffrey Harris Memorial Lecture presented at the 8th International Congress of Neuroendocrinology, which was held in Sydney, August 2014. It provides the development of our understanding of the neuroendocrine control of puberty since Harris proposed in his 1955 monograph (Harris, 1955) that "a major factor responsible for puberty is an increased rate of release of pituitary gonadotrophin" and posited "that a neural (hypothalamic) stimulus, via the hypophysial portal vessels, may be involved." Emphasis is placed on the neurobiological mechanisms governing puberty in highly evolved primates, although an attempt is made to reverse translate a model for the timing of puberty in man and monkey to non-primate species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tony M Plant
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Magee-Womens Research Institute, USA.
| |
Collapse
|