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Chen J, Zhou Y, Lai M, Zhang Y, Hu Y, Zhuang D, Zhou W, Zhang Y. Antidepressant effects of activation of infralimbic cortex via upregulation of BDNF and β-catenin in an estradiol withdrawal model. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00213-024-06610-z. [PMID: 38743109 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06610-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that estradiol withdrawal after delivery is one of important factors involved in the pathogenesis of postpartum depression (PPD). The infralimbic cortex (IL) is related to anxiety and mood disorders. Whether IL neurons mediate PPD is still unclear. OBJECTIVES This study was to observe the antidepressant effect and expression of BDNF and β-catenin in IL by allopregnanolone (ALLO) treatment or the selective activation or inhibition of IL neurons using a chemogenetic approach in a pseudopregnancy model of PPD. METHODS Administration of estradiol combined with progesterone and the abrupt withdrawal of estradiol simulated the pregnancy and early postpartum periods to induce depression in ovariectomized rats. The relative expression levels of β-catenin and BDNF were observed by western blotting. RESULTS Immobility time was significantly increased in the forced swim test and open-arm movement was reduced in the elevated plus maze test in the estradiol-withdrawn rats. After ALLO treatment, the immobility time were lower and open-arm traveling times higher than those of the estradiol-withdrawn rats. Meanwhile, the expression level of BDNF or β-catenin in the IL was reduced significantly in estradiol-withdrawn rats, which was prevented by treatment with ALLO. The hM3Dq chemogenetic activation of pyramidal neurons in the IL reversed the immobility and open-arm travel time trends in the estradiol-withdrawal rat model, but chemogenetic inhibition of IL neurons failed to affect this. Upregulated BDNF and β-catenin expression and increased c-Fos in the basolateral amygdala were found following IL neuron excitation in model rats. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that pseudopregnancy and estradiol withdrawal produced depressive-like behavior and anxiety. ALLO treatment or specific excitement of IL pyramidal neurons relieved abnormal behaviors and upregulated BDNF and β-catenin expression in the IL in the PPD model, suggesting that hypofunction of IL neurons may be involved in the pathogenesis of PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, P. R. China
| | - Yiying Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China
| | - Miaojun Lai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, P. R. China
| | - Yifang Hu
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, P. R. China
| | - Dingding Zhuang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Lab of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China.
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo, 315201, P. R. China.
| | - Yisheng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, The Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, P. R. China.
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Bendis PC, Zimmerman S, Onisiforou A, Zanos P, Georgiou P. The impact of estradiol on serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine systems. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1348551. [PMID: 38586193 PMCID: PMC10998471 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1348551] [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: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Estradiol, the most potent and prevalent member of the estrogen class of steroid hormones and is expressed in both sexes. Functioning as a neuroactive steroid, it plays a crucial role in modulating neurotransmitter systems affecting neuronal circuits and brain functions including learning and memory, reward and sexual behaviors. These neurotransmitter systems encompass the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic signaling pathways. Consequently, this review examines the pivotal role of estradiol and its receptors in the regulation of these neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Through a comprehensive analysis of current literature, we investigate the multifaceted effects of estradiol on key neurotransmitter signaling systems, namely serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. Findings from rodent models illuminate the impact of hormone manipulations, such as gonadectomy, on the regulation of neuronal brain circuits, providing valuable insights into the connection between hormonal fluctuations and neurotransmitter regulation. Estradiol exerts its effects by binding to three estrogen receptors: estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled receptor (GPER). Thus, this review explores the promising outcomes observed with estradiol and estrogen receptor agonists administration in both gonadectomized and/or genetically knockout rodents, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues. Despite limited human studies on this topic, the findings underscore the significance of translational research in bridging the gap between preclinical findings and clinical applications. This approach offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between estradiol and neurotransmitter systems. The integration of evidence from neurotransmitter systems and receptor-specific effects not only enhances our understanding of the neurobiological basis of physiological brain functioning but also provides a comprehensive framework for the understanding of possible pathophysiological mechanisms resulting to disease states. By unraveling the complexities of estradiol's impact on neurotransmitter regulation, this review contributes to advancing the field and lays the groundwork for future research aimed at refining understanding of the relationship between estradiol and neuronal circuits as well as their involvement in brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton Christine Bendis
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Sydney Zimmerman
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Anna Onisiforou
- Translational Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panos Zanos
- Translational Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Polymnia Georgiou
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Lu W, Sun Y, Gao H, Qiu J. A review of multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging studies on perimenopausal brain: a hint towards neural heterogeneity. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:5282-5297. [PMID: 36977851 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-09549-5] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The population ageing process worldwide is leading to an increasing number of women in the perimenopausal phase. Many of the perimenopausal symptoms, such as headache, depression, insomnia, and cognitive decline, are neurological in nature. Therefore, the study of the perimenopausal brain is of great importance. In addition, relevant studies can also provide an imaging basis for multiple therapies to treat perimenopausal symptoms. Because of its non-invasive nature, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has now been widely applied to the study of perimenopausal brains, revealing alterations in the brain associated with symptoms during the menopause transition. In this review, we collected papers and works of literature on the perimenopausal brain using MRI techniques in the Web of Science database. We firstly described the general principles and analysis methods of different MRI modalities briefly and then reviewed the structural, functional, perfusion, and metabolic compounds changes in the brain of perimenopausal women respectively, and described the latest advances in probing the perimenopausal brain using MRI, resulting in summary diagrams and figures. Based on the summary of existing works of the literature, this review further provided a perspective on multi-modal MRI studies in the perimenopausal brain, suggesting that population-based, multi-center, and longitudinal studies will be beneficial to the comprehensive understanding of changes in the perimenopausal brain. In addition, we found a hint towards neural heterogeneity in the perimenopausal brain, which should be addressed by future MRI studies to provide more help for the precise diagnosis and personalized treatment of perimenopausal symptoms. KEY POINTS: • Perimenopause is not only a physiological transition but also a period of neurological transition. • Multi-modal MRI studies have revealed that perimenopause is accompanied by alterations in the brain, which is implicated in many perimenopausal symptoms. • The diversity in the multi-modal MRI findings may give a hint to neural heterogeneity in the perimenopausal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weizhao Lu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, No. 366 Taishan Street, Taian, 271000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- Department of Radiology, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No. 619 Changcheng Road, Taian, 271016, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Gynaecology, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianfeng Qiu
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, No. 366 Taishan Street, Taian, 271000, China.
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Tran KH, Luki J, Hanstock S, Hanstock CC, Seres P, Aitchison K, Shandro T, Le Melledo JM. Decreased GABA+ Levels in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex of Perimenopausal Women: A 3T 1H-MRS Study. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 26:32-41. [PMID: 36146906 PMCID: PMC9850658 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Perimenopause is associated with an increased risk of developing a major depressive (MD) episode. A significant number of women develop their first MD episode during perimenopause, suggesting a unique pathophysiology of perimenopausal (PM) depression. Previous research has shown that depression is associated with decreased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) of MD patients. The objective of this study was to compare MPFC GABA+ levels in healthy reproductive-aged (RD) and PM women. METHODS A total of 18 healthy PM and 20 RD women were included in the study. MPFC GABA+ levels, which include homocarnosine and macromolecules, were measured via magnetic resonance spectroscopy using a 3 Tesla magnet. MPFC GABA+ levels were referenced to creatine + phosphocreatine (Cr+PCr). Absence of current or past psychiatric diagnosis was confirmed via a structured interview. RD participants were scanned during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. PM women were scanned outside of ovulatory cycles. RESULTS Mean MPFC GABA+ concentrations (relative to Cr+PCr) were decreased in the PM group compared with the RD group (PM mean = 0.08 ± 0.02, RD mean = 0.09 ± 0.02, t = -2.03, df = 36, P = .05) even after correcting for in percentage in gray matter (GM). Because PM women were inherently older than RD women (aged 48.8 ± 3.55 and 31.5 ± 9.66 years, respectively), the age difference between the 2 groups was statistically significant (P < .001). When age was treated as an independent covariate and included in the model, the difference in GABA+ between PM and RD women was no longer significant (P = .092). CONCLUSION Perimenopause is associated with decreased MPFC GABA+/Cr+PCr levels, which may contribute to the increased risk of experiencing a MD episode during PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim H Tran
- University of Alberta, Department of Psychiatry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica Luki
- University of Alberta, Department of Psychiatry, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah Hanstock
- University of Alberta, Department of Psychiatry, Edmonton, AB, Canada,University of Alberta, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Christopher C Hanstock
- University of Alberta, Department of Psychiatry, Edmonton, AB, Canada,University of Alberta, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Peter Seres
- University of Alberta, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Katherine Aitchison
- University of Alberta, Department of Psychiatry, Edmonton, AB, Canada,University of Alberta, Department of Medical Genetics, Edmonton, AB, Canada,University of Alberta, Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, Edmonton, AB, Canada,Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Division of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry Section, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Tami Shandro
- Lois Hole Hospital for Women, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jean-Michel Le Melledo
- Correspondence: Jean-Michel Le Melledo, MD, Department of Psychiatry, Room 1E7.14, 8440 112 Street, Walter Mackenzie Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7 ()
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Ghuman A, McEwen A, Tran KH, Mitchell N, Hanstock C, Seres P, Jhangri G, Burgess D, Baker G, Le Melledo JM. Prospective Investigation of Glutamate Levels and Percentage Gray Matter in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex in Females at Risk for Postpartum Depression. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1988-2000. [PMID: 35236264 PMCID: PMC9886796 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220302101115] [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: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The substantial female hormone fluctuations associated with pregnancy and postpartum have been linked to a greater risk of developing depressive symptoms, particularly in high-risk women (HRW), i.e. those with histories of mood sensitivity to female hormone fluctuations. We have shown that glutamate (Glu) levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) decrease during perimenopause, a period of increased risk of developing a major depressive episode. Our team has also demonstrated that percentage gray matter (%GM), another neural correlate of maternal brain health, decreases in the MPFC during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE To investigate MPFC Glu levels and %GM from late pregnancy up to 7 weeks postpartum in HRW and healthy pregnant women (HPW). METHODS Single-voxel spectra were acquired from the MPFC of 41 HPW and 22 HRW using 3- Tesla in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at five different time points. RESULTS We observed a statistically significant interaction between time and group for the metabolite Glu, with Glu levels being lower for HRW during pregnancy and early postpartum (p<0.05). MPFC %GM was initially lower during pregnancy and then significantly increased over time in both groups (p<0.01). CONCLUSION This investigation suggests that the vulnerability towards PPD is associated with unique fluctuations of MPFC Glu levels during pregnancy and early postpartum period. Our results also suggest that the decline in MPFC %GM associated with pregnancy seems to progressively recover over time. Further investigations are needed to determine the specific role that female hormones play on the physiological changes in %GM during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Ghuman
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Psychiatry, Room 1E7.14, 8440 112 street Walter Mackenzie Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7; Tel: 780-407-6578; Fax: 780-407-6672; E-mail:
| | - Alyssa McEwen
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Psychiatry, Room 1E7.14, 8440 112 street Walter Mackenzie Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7; Tel: 780-407-6578; Fax: 780-407-6672; E-mail:
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Tran KH, Luki J, Hanstock S, Hanstock CC, Seres P, Aitchison K, Shandro T, Le Melledo JM. A comparative magnetic resonance spectroscopy study of GABA+ and glutamate referenced to creatine and phosphocreatine in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex of perimenopausal women and women of reproductive age. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:989050. [PMID: 36386999 PMCID: PMC9644378 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.989050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The perimenopause is associated with an increased risk of developing a major depressive (MD) episode. The biological changes occurring during perimenopause responsible for this increased risk of depression remain to be elucidated. Postmortem and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) studies have revealed decreased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) levels in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of MD patients. The objective of this study was to compare LDLPFC GABA+ and Glu ratios (referenced to creatine and phosphocreatine) in healthy reproductive-aged (RD) and perimenopausal (PM) women. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighteen healthy PM and 20 RD women were included in the study. Our dependent variables, LDLPFC Glu and GABA+ ratios which include homocarnosine and macromolecules, were measured via MRS, using a 3 Tesla magnet. Absence of current or past psychiatric diagnosis was confirmed via a structured interview. RD participants were scanned during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (MC). PM women were scanned outside of ovulatory cycles. RESULTS Mean LDLPFC GABA+ and Glu ratios were not statistically different between the PM group and RD group (PM mean = 0.10 ± 0.06, RD mean = 0.11 ± 0.04, t = -0.383, df = 36, d = -0.13, p = 0.70) (PM mean = 0.56 ± 0.06, RD mean = 0.57 ± 0.05, t = -0.794, df = 36, d = -0.26, p = 0.43), respectively. The perimenopause demarcates the end of the reproductive life. Unsurprisingly PM women were older than RD women (PM women: 48.8 ± 3.55 years, range 41-53 years old; RD women: 31.5 ± 9.66 years, range 18-47 years old) (p < 0.001). This inherent entanglement of group and age is a limitation of our study. CONCLUSION Contrary to our previous findings of decreased GABA+ and Glu in the medial prefrontal cortex in perimenopausal women, the perimenopause is not associated with decreased GABA+ or Glu ratios in the LDLPFC. This suggests that brain areas playing a role in MD display different sensitivity to the female hormones fluctuations associated with perimenopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim H Tran
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica Luki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah Hanstock
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Peter Seres
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Katherine Aitchison
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Women and Children's Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Division of Clinical Sciences, Psychiatry Section, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Tami Shandro
- Lois Hole Hospital for Women, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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