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Richter CF, Skibicka KP, Meyer U, Rohrmann S, Krieger JP. A vagal influence on schizophrenia? A nationwide retrospective cohort of vagotomized individuals. medRxiv 2024:2024.01.30.24301418. [PMID: 38352405 PMCID: PMC10862985 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.30.24301418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Emerging preclinical evidence suggests that vagal signals contribute to the development of schizophrenia-related abnormalities in brain and behavior. Whether vagal communication in general, and its impairment in particular, is a risk factor for schizophrenia in humans remains, however, unclear. Vagotomy, the surgical lesion of the vagus nerve, was routinely performed as a treatment for peptic ulcer before modern treatment options were available. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to investigate whether vagotomy modulates the subsequent risk of developing schizophrenia. Moreover, given the existence of diverse vagotomy techniques (i.e., "truncal" or "selective"), our secondary goal was to test whether the extent of denervation modulates the risk of schizophrenia. Methods Using a nationwide retrospective matched cohort design, we identified 8,315 vagotomized individuals from the Swedish National Patient Register during the period 1970-2020 and 40,855 non-vagotomized individuals matching for age, sex and type of peptic ulcer. The risk of being diagnosed with schizophrenia and associated psychoses (ICD10 codes F20-29) was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression models, including death as competing risk. Results When considering all types of vagotomy together, vagotomy was not significantly associated with schizophrenia (HR: 0.91 [0.72; 1.16]). However, truncal vagotomy (which denervates all subdiaphragmatic organs) significantly increased the risk of developing schizophrenia by 69% (HR: 1.69 [1.08; 2.64]), whereas selective vagotomy (which only denervates the stomach) showed no significant association (HR: 0.80 [0.61; 1.04]). Discussion Our results provide epidemiological support for the hypothesis that impairments in vagal functions could increase the risk of schizophrenia. Notably, the finding that truncal but not selective vagotomy is associated with an increased risk of schizophrenia raises the possibility that the activity of subdiaphragmatic non-gastric vagal branches may be of particular relevance for the development of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia F Richter
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Switzerland
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Urs Meyer
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sabine Rohrmann
- Division of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Philippe Krieger
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-Vetsuisse, Switzerland
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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Samad M, Ek J, Börchers S, Krieger JP, Stener-Victorin E, Skibicka KP, Asterholm IW, Benrick A. Elevated circulating adiponectin levels do not prevent anxiety-like behavior in a PCOS-like mouse model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:563. [PMID: 38177175 PMCID: PMC10766608 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50503-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety and depression. Hyperandrogenism is a key feature together with lower levels of the adipocyte hormone adiponectin. Androgen exposure leads to anxiety-like behavior in female offspring while adiponectin is reported to be anxiolytic. Here we test the hypothesis that elevated adiponectin levels protect against the development of androgen-induced anxiety-like behavior. Pregnant mice overexpressing adiponectin (APNtg) and wildtypes were injected with vehicle or dihydrotestosterone to induce prenatal androgenization (PNA) in the offspring. Metabolic profiling and behavioral tests were performed in 4-month-old female offspring. PNA offspring spent more time in the closed arms of the elevated plus maze, indicating anxiety-like behavior. Intriguingly, neither maternal nor offspring adiponectin overexpression prevented an anxiety-like behavior in PNA-exposed offspring. However, adiponectin overexpression in dams had metabolic imprinting effects, shown as lower fat mass and glucose levels in their offspring. While serum adiponectin levels were elevated in APNtg mice, cerebrospinal fluid levels were similar between genotypes. Adiponectin overexpression improved metabolic functions but did not elicit anxiolytic effects in PNA-exposed offspring. These observations might be attributed to increased circulating but unchanged cerebrospinal fluid adiponectin levels in APNtg mice. Thus, increased adiponectin levels in the brain are likely needed to stimulate anxiolytic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisha Samad
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 423, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joakim Ek
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 423, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stina Börchers
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 423, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jean-Philippe Krieger
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 423, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich-VetSuisse, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 423, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Ingrid Wernstedt Asterholm
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 423, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Benrick
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 423, 40530, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, 54128, Skövde, Sweden.
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Maric I, López-Ferreras L, Bhat Y, Asker M, Börchers S, Bellfy L, Byun S, Kwapis JL, Skibicka KP. From the stomach to locus coeruleus: new neural substrate for ghrelin's effects on ingestive, motivated and anxiety-like behaviors. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1286805. [PMID: 38026980 PMCID: PMC10679437 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1286805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, a stomach-derived orexigenic hormone, has a well-established role in energy homeostasis, food reward, and emotionality. Noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC) are known to play an important role in arousal, emotion, cognition, but recently have also been implicated in control of feeding behavior. Ghrelin receptors (the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, GHSR) may be found in the LC, but the behavioral effects of ghrelin signaling in this area are still unexplored. Here, we first determined whether GHSR are present in the rat LC, and demonstrate that GHSR are expressed on noradrenergic neurons in both sexes. We next investigated whether ghrelin controls ingestive and motivated behaviors as well as anxiety-like behavior by acting in the LC. To pursue this idea, we examined the effects of LC GHSR stimulation and blockade on food intake, operant responding for a palatable food reward and, anxiety-like behavior in the open field (OF) and acoustic startle response (ASR) tests in male and female rats. Our results demonstrate that intra-LC ghrelin administration increases chow intake and motivated behavior for sucrose in both sexes. Additionally, females, but not males, exhibited a potent anxiolytic response in the ASR. In order to determine whether activation of GHSR in the LC was necessary for feeding and anxiety behavior control, we utilized liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2), a newly identified endogenous GHSR antagonist. LEAP2 delivered specifically into the LC was sufficient to reduce fasting-induced chow hyperphagia in both sexes, but food reward only in females. Moreover, blockade of GHSR in the LC increased anxiety-like behavior measured in the ASR test in both sexes. Taken together, these results indicate that ghrelin acts in the LC to alter ingestive, motivated and anxiety-like behaviors, with a degree of sex divergence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Maric
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Lorena López-Ferreras
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yashaswini Bhat
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Mohammed Asker
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stina Börchers
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Lauren Bellfy
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Suyeun Byun
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Janine L. Kwapis
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
| | - Karolina P. Skibicka
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA, United States
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Börchers S, Carl J, Schormair K, Krieger JP, Asker M, Edvardsson CE, Jerlhag E, Skibicka KP. An appetite for aggressive behavior? Female rats, too, derive reward from winning aggressive interactions. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:331. [PMID: 37891191 PMCID: PMC10611704 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02608-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
While aggression is an adaptive behavior mostly triggered by competition for resources, it can also in and of itself be rewarding. Based on the common notion that female rats are not aggressive, much of aggression research has been centered around males, leading to a gap in the understanding of the female aggression neurobiology. Therefore, we asked whether intact virgin female rats experience reward from an aggressive interaction and assessed aggression seeking behavior in rats of both sexes. To validate the involvement of reward signaling, we measured mesolimbic dopamine turnover and determined the necessity of dopamine signaling for expression of aggression-seeking. Together our data indicate that female rats exhibit aggressive behavior outside of maternal context, experience winning aggressive behaviors as rewarding, and do so to a similar extent as male rats and in a dopamine-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina Börchers
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jil Carl
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Katharina Schormair
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jean-Philippe Krieger
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mohammed Asker
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christian E Edvardsson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Jerlhag
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Huck Institutes, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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5
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Asker M, Krieger JP, Liles A, Tinsley IC, Borner T, Maric I, Doebley S, Furst CD, Börchers S, Longo F, Bhat YR, De Jonghe BC, Hayes MR, Doyle RP, Skibicka KP. Peripherally restricted oxytocin is sufficient to reduce food intake and motivation, while CNS entry is required for locomotor and taste avoidance effects. Diabetes Obes Metab 2023; 25:856-877. [PMID: 36495318 PMCID: PMC9987651 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Oxytocin (OT) has a well-established role in reproductive behaviours; however, it recently emerged as an important regulator of energy homeostasis. In addition to central nervous system (CNS), OT is found in the plasma and OT receptors (OT-R) are found in peripheral tissues relevant to energy balance regulation. Here, we aim to determine whether peripheral OT-R activation is sufficient to alter energy intake and expenditure. METHODS AND RESULTS We first show that systemic OT potently reduced food intake and food-motivated behaviour for a high-fat reward in male and female rats. As it is plausible that peripherally, intraperitoneally (IP) injected OT crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to produce some of the metabolic effects within the CNS, we screened, with a novel fluorescently labelled-OT (fAF546-OT, Roxy), for the presence of IP-injected Roxy in CNS tissue relevant to feeding control and compared such with BBB-impermeable fluorescent OT-B12 (fCy5-OT-B12; BRoxy). While Roxy did penetrate the CNS, BRoxy did not. To evaluate the behavioural and thermoregulatory impact of exclusive activation of peripheral OT-R, we generated a novel BBB-impermeable OT (OT-B12 ), with equipotent binding at OT-R in vitro. In vivo, IP-injected OT and OT-B12 were equipotent at food intake suppression in rats of both sexes, suggesting that peripheral OT acts on peripheral OT-R to reduce feeding behaviour. Importantly, OT induced a potent conditioned taste avoidance, indistinguishable from that induced by LiCl, when applied peripherally. Remarkably, and in contrast to OT, OT-B12 did not induce any conditioned taste avoidance. Limiting the CNS entry of OT also resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of emesis in male shrews. While both OT and OT-B12 proved to have similar effects on body temperature, only OT resulted in home-cage locomotor depression. CONCLUSIONS Together our data indicate that limiting systemic OT CNS penetrance preserves the anorexic effects of the peptide and reduces the clinically undesired side effects of OT: emesis, taste avoidance and locomotor depression. Thus, therapeutic targeting of peripheral OT-R may be a viable strategy to achieve appetite suppression with better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Asker
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for molecular and translational medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jean-Philippe Krieger
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Amber Liles
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Ian C Tinsley
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Tito Borner
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ivana Maric
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah Doebley
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - C Daniel Furst
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Stina Börchers
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for molecular and translational medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Francesco Longo
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yashaswini R Bhat
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bart C De Jonghe
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew R Hayes
- Department of Biobehavioral Health Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert P Doyle
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, State University of New York, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for molecular and translational medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
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Zheng H, López-Ferreras L, Krieger JP, Fasul S, Cea Salazar V, Valderrama Pena N, Skibicka KP, Rinaman L. A Cre-driver rat model for anatomical and functional analysis of glucagon (Gcg)-expressing cells in the brain and periphery. Mol Metab 2022; 66:101631. [PMID: 36368622 PMCID: PMC9677222 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The glucagon gene (Gcg) encodes preproglucagon, which is cleaved to form glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) and other mature signaling molecules implicated in metabolic functions. To date there are no transgenic rat models available for precise manipulation of GLP1-expressing cells in the brain and periphery. METHODS To visualize and manipulate Gcg-expressing cells in rats, CRISPR/Cas9 was used to express iCre under control of the Gcg promoter. Gcg-Cre rats were bred with tdTomato reporter rats to tag Gcg-expressing cells. Cre-dependent AAVs and RNAscope in situ hybridization were used to evaluate the specificity of iCre expression by GLP1 neurons in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract (cNTS) and intermediate reticular nucleus (IRt), and by intestinal and pancreatic secretory cells. Food intake was assessed in heterozygous (Het) Gcg-Cre rats after chemogenetic stimulation of cNTS GLP1 neurons expressing an excitatory DREADD. RESULTS While genotype has minimal effect on body weight or composition in chow-fed Gcg-Cre rats, homozygous (Homo) rats have lower plasma glucose levels. In neonatal and adult Gcg-Cre/tdTom rats, reporter-labeled cells are present in the cNTS and IRt, and in additional brain regions (e.g., basolateral amygdala, piriform cortex) that lack detectable Gcg mRNA in adults but display transient developmental or persistently low Gcg expression. Compared to wildtype (WT) rats, hindbrain Gcg mRNA and GLP1 protein in brain and plasma are markedly reduced in Homo Gcg-Cre rats. Chemogenetic stimulation of cNTS GLP1 neurons reduced overnight chow intake in males but not females, the effect in males was blocked by antagonism of central GLP1 receptors, and hypophagia was enhanced when combined with a subthreshold dose of cholecystokinin-8 to stimulate gastrointestinal vagal afferents. CONCLUSIONS Gcg-Cre rats are a novel and valuable experimental tool for analyzing the development, anatomy, and function of Gcg-expressing cells in the brain and periphery. In addition, Homo Gcg-Cre rats are a unique model for assessing the role of Gcg-encoded proteins in glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyuan Zheng
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Lorena López-Ferreras
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jean-Phillipe Krieger
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stephen Fasul
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Valentina Cea Salazar
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Natalia Valderrama Pena
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Karolina P. Skibicka
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, Huck Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA,Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Sweden,Corresponding author. Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, 204 Chandlee Lab, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Linda Rinaman
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA,Corresponding author. Department of Psychology, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call Street, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
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7
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Krieger JP, Asker M, van der Velden P, Börchers S, Richard JE, Maric I, Longo F, Singh A, de Lartigue G, Skibicka KP. Neural Pathway for Gut Feelings: Vagal Interoceptive Feedback From the Gastrointestinal Tract Is a Critical Modulator of Anxiety-like Behavior. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:709-721. [PMID: 35965105 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety disorders are associated with an altered perception of the body's internal state. Therefore, understanding the neuronal basis of interoception can foster novel anxiety therapies. In rodents, the feeding status bidirectionally modulates anxiety-like behavior but how the sensing of gastrointestinal state affects anxiety remains unclear. METHODS We combined chemogenetics, neuropharmacology, and behavioral approaches in male and female rats to test whether vagal afferents terminating in the gastrointestinal tract mediate feeding-induced tuning of anxiety. Using saporin-based lesions and transcriptomics, we investigated the chronic impact of this gut-brain circuit on anxiety-like behavior. RESULTS Both feeding and selective chemogenetic activation of gut-innervating vagal afferents increased anxiety-like behavior. Conversely, chemogenetic inhibition blocked the increase in anxiety-like behavior induced by feeding. Using a selective saporin-based lesion, we demonstrate that the loss of gut-innervating vagal afferent signaling chronically reduces anxiety-like behavior in male rats but not in female rats. We next identify a vagal circuit that connects the gut to the central nucleus of the amygdala, using anterograde transsynaptic tracing from the nodose ganglia. Lesion of this gut-brain vagal circuit modulated the central amygdala transcriptome in both sexes but selectively affected a network of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)-related genes only in males, suggesting a potentiation of inhibitory control. Blocking GABAergic signaling in the central amygdala re-established normal anxiety levels in male rats. CONCLUSIONS Vagal sensory signals from the gastrointestinal tract are critical for baseline and feeding-induced tuning of anxiety via the central amygdala in rats. Our results suggest vagal gut-brain signaling as a target to normalize interoception in anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Krieger
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mohammed Asker
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Stina Börchers
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennifer E Richard
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ivana Maric
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Francesco Longo
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Arashdeep Singh
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Guillaume de Lartigue
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden; Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania.
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8
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Eerola K, Longo F, Reinbothe TM, Richard JE, Shevchouk OT, López-Ferreras L, Mishra D, Asker M, Tolö J, Miranda C, Musovic S, Olofsson CS, Rorsman P, Skibicka KP. Hindbrain insulin controls feeding behavior. Mol Metab 2022; 66:101614. [PMID: 36244663 PMCID: PMC9637798 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pancreatic insulin was discovered a century ago, and this discovery led to the first lifesaving treatment for diabetes. While still controversial, nearly one hundred published reports suggest that insulin is also produced in the brain, with most focusing on hypothalamic or cortical insulin-producing cells. However, specific function for insulin produced within the brain remains poorly understood. Here we identify insulin expression in the hindbrain's dorsal vagal complex (DVC), and determine the role of this source of insulin in feeding and metabolism, as well as its response to diet-induced obesity in mice. METHODS To determine the contribution of Ins2-producing neurons to feeding behavior in mice, we used the cross of transgenic RipHER-cre mouse and channelrhodopsin-2 expressing animals, which allowed us to optogenetically stimulate neurons expressing Ins2 in vivo. To confirm the presence of insulin expression in Rip-labeled DVC cells, in situ hybridization was used. To ascertain the specific role of insulin in effects discovered via optogenetic stimulation a selective, CNS applied, insulin receptor antagonist was used. To understand the physiological contribution of insulin made in the hindbrain a virogenetic knockdown strategy was used. RESULTS Insulin gene expression and presence of insulin-promoter driven fluorescence in rat insulin promoter (Rip)-transgenic mice were detected in the hypothalamus, but also in the DVC. Insulin mRNA was present in nearly all fluorescently labeled cells in DVC. Diet-induced obesity in mice altered brain insulin gene expression, in a neuroanatomically divergent manner; while in the hypothalamus the expected obesity-induced reduction was found, in the DVC diet-induced obesity resulted in increased expression of the insulin gene. This led us to hypothesize a potentially divergent energy balance role of insulin in these two brain areas. To determine the acute impact of activating insulin-producing neurons in the DVC, optic stimulation of light-sensitive channelrhodopsin 2 in Rip-transgenic mice was utilized. Optogenetic photoactivation induced hyperphagia after acute activation of the DVC insulin neurons. This hyperphagia was blocked by central application of the insulin receptor antagonist S961, suggesting the feeding response was driven by insulin. To determine whether DVC insulin has a necessary contribution to feeding and metabolism, virogenetic insulin gene knockdown (KD) strategy, which allows for site-specific reduction of insulin gene expression in adult mice, was used. While chow-fed mice failed to reveal any changes of feeding or thermogenesis in response to the KD, mice challenged with a high-fat diet consumed less food. No changes in body weight were identified, possibly resulting from compensatory reduction in thermogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Together, our data suggest an important role for hindbrain insulin and insulin-producing cells in energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Eerola
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden,Unit of Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Francesco Longo
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | - Devesh Mishra
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mohammed Asker
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Tolö
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caroline Miranda
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Saliha Musovic
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Patrik Rorsman
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden,Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Karolina P. Skibicka
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Nutritional Sciences and The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA,Corresponding author. Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, PO Box 434, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden. Fax: +46 31 786 3512.
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9
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Börchers S, Krieger JP, Asker M, Maric I, Skibicka KP. Commonly-used rodent tests of anxiety-like behavior lack predictive validity for human sex differences. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 141:105733. [PMID: 35367714 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Women are more likely to develop an anxiety disorder than men. Yet, preclinical models of anxiety were largely developed in male rodents, with poorly understood predictive validity for sex differences. Here, we investigate whether commonly-used anxiety-like behavior tests, elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field (OF), represent the human sex difference in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. When interpreted by EPM or OF, female rats displayed less anxiety-like behavior compared to males, as they spent twice as much time in the open arms of the EPM or the center of the OF compared to males. However, they also displayed vastly different levels of locomotor activity, possibly confounding interpretation of these locomotion-dependent tests. To exclude locomotion from the assessment, the acoustic startle response (ASR) test was used. When interpreted by the ASR test, females displayed more anxiety-like behavior compared to males, as indicated by a nearly two-fold higher startle amplitude. The observed sex differences were not driven by gonadal steroids. Overall, all but one of the tests fail to mirror the sex difference in anxiety reported in humans. Our findings suggest that the ASR might be a better fit in modelling female anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina Börchers
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jean-Philippe Krieger
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mohammed Asker
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ivana Maric
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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10
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Maric I, Krieger JP, van der Velden P, Börchers S, Asker M, Vujicic M, Wernstedt Asterholm I, Skibicka KP. Sex and Species Differences in the Development of Diet-Induced Obesity and Metabolic Disturbances in Rodents. Front Nutr 2022; 9:828522. [PMID: 35284452 PMCID: PMC8908889 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.828522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence and health consequences of obesity differ between men and women. Yet, most preclinical studies investigating the etiology of obesity have, to date, been conducted in male rodents. Notably, diet is a major determinant of obesity, but sex differences in rodent models of diet-induced obesity, and the mechanisms that underlie such differences, are still understudied. Here, we aim to determine whether time course and characteristics of diet-induced obesity differ between sexes in rats and mice, and to investigate the potential causes of the observed divergence. To achieve this, we offered the most commonly tested rodents of both sexes, SD rats and C57BL/6 mice, a free choice of 60 % high-fat diet (HFD) and regular chow; body weight, food intake, fat mass, brown adipose responses, locomotor activity and glucose tolerance were assessed in a similar manner in both species. Our results indicate that overall diet-induced hyperphagia is greater in males but that females display a higher preference for the HFD, irrespective of species. Female rats, compared to males, showed a delay in diet-induced weight gain and less metabolic complications. Although male rats increased brown adipose tissue thermogenesis in response to the HFD challenge, this was not sufficient to counteract increased adiposity. In contrast to rats, female and male mice presented with a dramatic adiposity and impaired glucose tolerance, and a decreased energy expenditure. Female mice showed a 5-fold increase in visceral fat, compared to 2-fold increase seen in male mice. Overall, we found that male and female rodents responded very differently to HFD challenge, and engaged different compensatory energy expenditure mechanisms. In addition, these sex differences are divergent in rats and mice. We conclude that SD rats have a better face validity for the lower prevalence of overweight in women, while C57BL/6 mice may better model the increased prevalence of morbid obesity in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Maric
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jean-Philippe Krieger
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pauline van der Velden
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stina Börchers
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mohammed Asker
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Milica Vujicic
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
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11
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Börchers S, Krieger JP, Maric I, Carl J, Abraham M, Longo F, Asker M, Richard JE, Skibicka KP. From an Empty Stomach to Anxiolysis: Molecular and Behavioral Assessment of Sex Differences in the Ghrelin Axis of Rats. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:901669. [PMID: 35784535 PMCID: PMC9243305 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.901669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, a stomach-produced hormone, is well-recognized for its role in promoting feeding, controlling energy homeostasis, and glucoregulation. Ghrelin's function to ensure survival extends beyond that: its release parallels that of corticosterone, and ghrelin administration and fasting have an anxiolytic and antidepressant effect. This clearly suggests a role in stress and anxiety. However, most studies of ghrelin's effects on anxiety have been conducted exclusively on male rodents. Here, we hypothesize that female rats are wired for higher ghrelin sensitivity compared to males. To test this, we systematically compared components of the ghrelin axis between male and female Sprague Dawley rats. Next, we evaluated whether anxiety-like behavior and feeding response to endogenous or exogenous ghrelin are sex divergent. In line with our hypothesis, we show that female rats have higher serum levels of ghrelin and lower levels of the endogenous antagonist LEAP-2, compared to males. Furthermore, circulating ghrelin levels were partly dependent on estradiol; ovariectomy drastically reduced circulating ghrelin levels, which were partly restored by estradiol replacement. In contrast, orchiectomy did not affect circulating plasma ghrelin. Additionally, females expressed higher levels of the endogenous ghrelin receptor GHSR1A in brain areas involved in feeding and anxiety: the lateral hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. Moreover, overnight fasting increased GHSR1A expression in the amygdala of females, but not males. To evaluate the behavioral consequences of these molecular differences, male and female rats were tested in the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field (OF), and acoustic startle response (ASR) after three complementary ghrelin manipulations: increased endogenous ghrelin levels through overnight fasting, systemic administration of ghrelin, or blockade of fasting-induced ghrelin signaling with a GHSR1A antagonist. Here, females exhibited a stronger anxiolytic response to fasting and ghrelin in the ASR, in line with our findings of sex differences in the ghrelin axis. Most importantly, after GHSR1A antagonist treatment, females but not males displayed an anxiogenic response in the ASR, and a more pronounced anxiogenesis in the EPM and OF compared to males. Collectively, female rats are wired for higher sensitivity to fasting-induced anxiolytic ghrelin signaling. Further, the sex differences in the ghrelin axis are modulated, at least partly, by gonadal steroids, specifically estradiol. Overall, ghrelin plays a more prominent role in the regulation of anxiety-like behavior of female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stina Börchers
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jean-Philippe Krieger
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ivana Maric
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
| | - Jil Carl
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maral Abraham
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Francesco Longo
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mohammed Asker
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennifer E. Richard
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P. Skibicka
- Department of Physiology, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Karolina P. Skibicka,
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12
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López-Ferreras L, Longo F, Richard JE, Eerola K, Shevchouk OT, Tuzinovic M, Skibicka KP. Key role for hypothalamic interleukin-6 in food-motivated behavior and body weight regulation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 131:105284. [PMID: 34090139 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The pro-inflammatory role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) is well-characterized. Blockade of IL-6, by Tocilizumab, is used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and those diagnosed with cytokine storm. However, brain-produced IL-6 has recently emerged as a critical mediator of gut/adipose communication with the brain. Central nervous system (CNS) IL-6 is engaged by peripheral and central signals regulating energy homeostasis. IL-6 is critical for mediating hypophagia and weight loss effects of a GLP-1 analog, exendin-4, a clinically utilized drug. However, neuroanatomical substrates and behavioral mechanisms of brain IL-6 energy balance control remain poorly understood. We propose that the lateral hypothalamus (LH) is an IL-6-harboring brain region, key to food intake and food reward control. Microinjections of IL-6 into the LH reduced chow and palatable food intake in male rats. In contrast, female rats responded with reduced motivated behavior for sucrose, measured by the progressive ratio operant conditioning test, a behavioral mechanism previously not linked to IL-6. To test whether IL-6, produced in the LH, is necessary for ingestive and motivated behaviors, and body weight homeostasis, virogenetic knockdown by infusion of AAV-siRNA-IL6 into the LH was utilized. Attenuation of LH IL-6 resulted in a potent increase in sucrose-motivated behavior, without any effect on ingestive behavior or body weight in female rats. In contrast, the treatment did not affect any parameters measured (chow intake, sucrose-motivated behavior, locomotion, and body weight) in chow-fed males. However, when challenged with a high-fat/high-sugar diet, the male LH IL-6 knockdown rats displayed rapid weight gain and hyperphagia. Together, our data suggest that LH-produced IL-6 is necessary and sufficient for ingestive behavior and weight homeostasis in male rats. In females, IL-6 in the LH plays a critical role in food-motivated, but not ingestive behavior control or weight regulation. Thus, collectively these data support the idea that brain-produced IL-6 engages the hypothalamus to control feeding behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco Longo
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennifer E Richard
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kim Eerola
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Research Centre of Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Olesya T Shevchouk
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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13
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López-Ferreras L, Eerola K, Shevchouk OT, Richard JE, Nilsson FH, Jansson LE, Hayes MR, Skibicka KP. The supramammillary nucleus controls anxiety-like behavior; key role of GLP-1R. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 119:104720. [PMID: 32563174 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent categories of mental illnesses. The gut-brain axis, along with gastrointestinally-derived neuropeptides, like glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), are emerging as potential key regulators of emotionality, including anxiety behavior. However, the neuroanatomical substrates from which GLP-1 exerts its anxiogenic effect remain poorly characterized. Here we focus on a relatively new candidate nucleus, the supramammillary nucleus (SuM), located just caudal to the lateral hypothalamus and ventral to the ventral tegmental area. Our focus on the SuM is supported by previous data showing expression of GLP-1R mRNA throughout the SuM and activation of the SuM during anxiety-inducing behaviors in rodents. Data show that chemogenetic activation of neurons in the SuM results in an anxiolytic response in male and female rats. In contrast, selective activation of SuM GLP-1R, by microinjection of a GLP-1R agonist exendin-4 into the SuM resulted in potent anxiety-like behavior, measured in both open field and elevated plus maze tests in male and female rats. This anxiogenic effect of GLP-1R activation persisted after high-fat diet exposure. Importantly, reduction of GLP-1R expression in the SuM, by AAV-shRNA GLP-1R knockdown, resulted in a clear anxiolytic response; an effect only observed in female rats. Our data identify a new neural substrate for GLP-1 control of anxiety-like behavior and indicate that the SuM GLP-1R are sufficient for anxiogenesis in both sexes, but necessary only in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- L López-Ferreras
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - K Eerola
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Research Centre of Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland
| | - O T Shevchouk
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - J E Richard
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - F H Nilsson
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - L E Jansson
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M R Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K P Skibicka
- Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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14
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Bake T, Le May MV, Edvardsson CE, Vogel H, Bergström U, Albers MN, Skibicka KP, Farkas I, Liposits Z, Dickson SL. Ghrelin Receptor Stimulation of the Lateral Parabrachial Nucleus in Rats Increases Food Intake but not Food Motivation. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2020; 28:1503-1511. [PMID: 32627950 DOI: 10.1002/oby.22875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN) in the brainstem has emerged as a key area involved in feeding control that is targeted by several circulating anorexigenic hormones. Here, the objective was to determine whether the lPBN is also a relevant site for the orexigenic hormone ghrelin, inspired by studies in mice and rats showing that there is an abundance of ghrelin receptors in this area. METHODS This study first explored whether iPBN cells respond to ghrelin involving Fos mapping and electrophysiological studies in rats. Next, rats were injected acutely with ghrelin, a ghrelin receptor antagonist, or vehicle into the lPBN to investigate feeding-linked behaviors. RESULTS Curiously, ghrelin injection (intracerebroventricular or intravenous) increased Fos protein expression in the lPBN yet the predominant electrophysiological response was inhibitory. Intra-lPBN ghrelin injection increased chow or high-fat diet intake, whereas the antagonist decreased chow intake only. In a choice paradigm, intra-lPBN ghrelin increased intake of chow but not lard or sucrose. Intra-lPBN ghrelin did not alter progressive ratio lever pressing for sucrose or conditioned place preference for chocolate. CONCLUSIONS The lPBN is a novel locus from which ghrelin can alter consummatory behaviors (food intake and choice) but not appetitive behaviors (food reward and motivation).
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Bake
- Department of Physiology/Endocrine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie V Le May
- Department of Physiology/Endocrine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christian E Edvardsson
- Department of Physiology/Endocrine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Heike Vogel
- Department of Physiology/Endocrine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Bergström
- Department of Physiology/Endocrine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marjorie Nicholson Albers
- Department of Physiology/Endocrine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Imre Farkas
- Department of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Liposits
- Department of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Suzanne L Dickson
- Department of Physiology/Endocrine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Wang Y, Fathali H, Mishra D, Olsson T, Keighron JD, Skibicka KP, Cans AS. Counting the Number of Glutamate Molecules in Single Synaptic Vesicles. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:17507-17511. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b09414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanmo Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemigården 4, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hoda Fathali
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemigården 4, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Devesh Mishra
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, SE-413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Olsson
- Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemigården 4, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jacqueline D. Keighron
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York 11568, United States
| | - Karolina P. Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, SE-413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Cans
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemigården 4, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
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16
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Anesten F, Dalmau Gasull A, Richard JE, Farkas I, Mishra D, Taing L, Zhang F, Poutanen M, Palsdottir V, Liposits Z, Skibicka KP, Jansson J. Interleukin-6 in the central amygdala is bioactive and co-localised with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12722. [PMID: 31033078 PMCID: PMC6618171 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal circuits involving the central amygdala (CeA) are gaining prominence as important centres for regulation of metabolic functions. As a part of the subcortical food motivation circuitry, CeA is associated with food motivation and hunger. We have previously shown that interleukin (IL)-6 can act as a downstream mediator of the metabolic effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor (R) stimulation in the brain, although the sites of these effects are largely unknown. In the present study, we used the newly generated and validated RedIL6 reporter mouse strain to investigate the presence of IL-6 in the CeA, as well as possible interactions between IL-6 and GLP-1 in this nucleus. IL-6 was present in the CeA, mostly in cells in the medial and lateral parts of this structure, and a majority of IL-6-containing cells also co-expressed GLP-1R. Triple staining showed GLP-1 containing fibres co-staining with synaptophysin close to or overlapping with IL-6 containing cells. GLP-1R stimulation enhanced IL-6 mRNA levels. IL-6 receptor-alpha (IL-6Rα) was found to a large part in neuronal CeA cells. Using electrophysiology, we determined that cells with neuronal properties in the CeA could be rapidly stimulated by IL-6 administration in vitro. Moreover, microinjections of IL-6 into the CeA could slightly reduce food intake in vivo in overnight fasted rats. In conclusion, IL-6 containing cells in the CeA express GLP-1R, are close to GLP-1-containing synapses, and demonstrate increased IL-6 mRNA in response to GLP-1R agonist treatment. IL-6, in turn, exerts biological effects in the CeA, possibly via IL-6Rα present in this nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Anesten
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Adrià Dalmau Gasull
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Jennifer E. Richard
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineGothenburgSweden
| | - Imre Farkas
- Department of NeuroscienceFaculty of Information Technology and BionicsPázmány Péter Catholic UniversityBudapestHungary
- Laboratory of Reproductive NeurobiologyInstitute of Experimental MedicineHungarian Academy of SciencesBudapestHungary
| | - Devesh Mishra
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineGothenburgSweden
| | - Lilly Taing
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineGothenburgSweden
| | - Fuping Zhang
- Institute of BiomedicineResearch Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of BiomedicineResearch Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease ModelingUniversity of TurkuTurkuFinland
| | - Vilborg Palsdottir
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Zsolt Liposits
- Department of NeuroscienceFaculty of Information Technology and BionicsPázmány Péter Catholic UniversityBudapestHungary
- Laboratory of Reproductive NeurobiologyInstitute of Experimental MedicineHungarian Academy of SciencesBudapestHungary
| | - Karolina P. Skibicka
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational MedicineGothenburgSweden
| | - John‐Olov Jansson
- Department of PhysiologyInstitute of Neuroscience and PhysiologyThe Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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Wang Y, Mishra D, Bergman J, Keighron JD, Skibicka KP, Cans AS. Ultrafast Glutamate Biosensor Recordings in Brain Slices Reveal Complex Single Exocytosis Transients. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:1744-1752. [PMID: 30605606 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal communication relies on vesicular neurotransmitter release from signaling neurons and detection of these molecules by neighboring neurons. Glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, is involved in nearly all brain functions. However, glutamate has suffered from detection schemes that lack temporal and spatial resolution allowed by electrochemistry. Here we show an amperometric, novel, ultrafast enzyme-based nanoparticle modified sensor, measuring random bursts of hundreds to thousands of rapid spontaneous glutamate exocytotic release events at approximately 30 Hz frequency in the nucleus accumbens of rodent brain slices. Characterizing these single submillisecond exocytosis events revealed a great diversity in spike shape characteristics and size of quantal release, suggesting variability in fusion pore dynamics controlling the glutamate release by cells in this brain region. Hence, this novel biosensor allows recording of rapid single glutamate exocytosis events in the brain tissue and offers insight on regulatory aspects of exocytotic glutamate release, which is critical to understanding of brain glutamate function and dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanmo Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemigården 4, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Devesh Mishra
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, SE-413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jenny Bergman
- Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Kemigården 4, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jacqueline D. Keighron
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemigården 4, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P. Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, SE-413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ann-Sofie Cans
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemigården 4, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
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18
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Mishra D, Richard JE, Maric I, Porteiro B, Häring M, Kooijman S, Musovic S, Eerola K, López-Ferreras L, Peris E, Grycel K, Shevchouk OT, Micallef P, Olofsson CS, Wernstedt Asterholm I, Grill HJ, Nogueiras R, Skibicka KP. Parabrachial Interleukin-6 Reduces Body Weight and Food Intake and Increases Thermogenesis to Regulate Energy Metabolism. Cell Rep 2019; 26:3011-3026.e5. [PMID: 30865890 PMCID: PMC6418345 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 12/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic low-grade inflammation and increased serum levels of the cytokine IL-6 accompany obesity. For brain-produced IL-6, the mechanisms by which it controls energy balance and its role in obesity remain unclear. Here, we show that brain-produced IL-6 is decreased in obese mice and rats in a neuroanatomically and sex-specific manner. Reduced IL-6 mRNA localized to lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN) astrocytes, microglia, and neurons, including paraventricular hypothalamus-innervating lPBN neurons. IL-6 microinjection into lPBN reduced food intake and increased brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis in male lean and obese rats by increasing thyroid and sympathetic outflow to BAT. Parabrachial IL-6 interacted with leptin to reduce feeding. siRNA-mediated reduction of lPBN IL-6 leads to increased weight gain and adiposity, reduced BAT thermogenesis, and increased food intake. Ambient cold exposure partly normalizes the obesity-induced suppression of lPBN IL-6. These results indicate that lPBN-produced IL-6 regulates feeding and metabolism and pinpoints (patho)physiological contexts interacting with lPBN IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devesh Mishra
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennifer E Richard
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ivana Maric
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Begona Porteiro
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15706, Spain
| | - Martin Häring
- Division of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sander Kooijman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands; Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Saliha Musovic
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kim Eerola
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lorena López-Ferreras
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eduard Peris
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Katarzyna Grycel
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olesya T Shevchouk
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Micallef
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Charlotta S Olofsson
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Wernstedt Asterholm
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Harvey J Grill
- Lynch Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ruben Nogueiras
- Department of Physiology, CIMUS, University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Spain; CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), 15706, Spain
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology and Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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19
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López-Ferreras L, Eerola K, Mishra D, Shevchouk OT, Richard JE, Nilsson FH, Hayes MR, Skibicka KP. GLP-1 modulates the supramammillary nucleus-lateral hypothalamic neurocircuit to control ingestive and motivated behavior in a sex divergent manner. Mol Metab 2019; 20:178-193. [PMID: 30528281 PMCID: PMC6358540 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The supramammillary nucleus (SuM) is nestled between the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This neuroanatomical position is consistent with a potential role of this nucleus to regulate ingestive and motivated behavior. Here neuroanatomical, molecular, and behavior approaches are utilized to determine whether SuM contributes to ingestive and food-motivated behavior control. METHODS Through the application of anterograde and retrograde neural tract tracing with novel designer viral vectors, the current findings show that SuM neurons densely innervate the LH in a sex dimorphic fashion. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a clinically targeted neuro-intestinal hormone with a well-established role in regulating energy balance and reward behaviors. Here we determine that GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) are expressed throughout the SuM of both sexes, and also directly on SuM LH-projecting neurons and investigate the role of SuM GLP-1R in the regulation of ingestive and motivated behavior in male and female rats. RESULTS SuM microinjections of the GLP-1 analogue, exendin-4, reduced ad libitum intake of chow, fat, or sugar solution in both male and female rats, while food-motivated behaviors, measured using the sucrose motivated operant conditioning test, was only reduced in male rats. These data contrasted with the results obtained from a neighboring structure well known for its role in motivation and reward, the VTA, where females displayed a more potent response to GLP-1R activation by exendin-4. In order to determine the physiological role of SuM GLP-1R signaling regulation of energy balance, we utilized an adeno-associated viral vector to site-specifically deliver shRNA for the GLP-1R to the SuM. Surprisingly, and in contrast to previous results for the two SuM neighboring sites, LH and VTA, SuM GLP-1R knockdown increased food seeking and adiposity in obese male rats without altering food intake, body weight or food motivation in lean or obese, female or male rats. CONCLUSION Taken together, these results indicate that SuM potently contributes to ingestive and motivated behavior control; an effect contingent on sex, diet/homeostatic energy balance state and behavior of interest. These data also extend the map of brain sites directly responsive to GLP-1 agonists, and highlight key differences in the role that GLP-1R play in interconnected and neighboring nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena López-Ferreras
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kim Eerola
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Devesh Mishra
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olesya T Shevchouk
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennifer E Richard
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fredrik H Nilsson
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matthew R Hayes
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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20
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Anesten F, Mishra D, Dalmau Gasull A, Engström-Ruud L, Bellman J, Palsdottir V, Zhang F, Trapp S, Skibicka KP, Poutanen M, Jansson JO. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1-, but not Growth and Differentiation Factor 15-, Receptor Activation Increases the Number of Interleukin-6-Expressing Cells in the External Lateral Parabrachial Nucleus. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 109:310-321. [PMID: 30889580 DOI: 10.1159/000499693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-6 in the hypothalamus and hindbrain is an important downstream mediator of suppression of body weight and food intake by glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor stimulation. CNS GLP-1 is produced almost exclusively in prepro-glucagon neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract. These neurons innervate energy balance-regulating areas, such as the external lateral parabrachial nucleus (PBNel); essential for induction of anorexia. Using a validated novel IL-6-reporter mouse strain, we investigated the interactions in PBNel between GLP-1, IL-6, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP, a well-known mediator of anorexia). We show that PBNel GLP-1R-containing cells highly (to about 80%) overlap with IL-6-containing cells on both protein and mRNA level. Intraperitoneal administration of a GLP-1 analogue exendin-4 to mice increased the proportion of IL-6-containing cells in PBNel 3-fold, while there was no effect in the rest of the lateral parabrachial nucleus. In contrast, injections of an anorexigenic peptide growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) markedly increased the proportion of CGRP-containing cells, while IL-6-containing cells were not affected. In summary, GLP-1R are found on IL-6-producing cells in PBNel, and GLP-1R stimulation leads to an increase in the proportion of cells with IL-6-reporter fluorescence, supporting IL-6 mediation of GLP-1 effects on energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Anesten
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Devesh Mishra
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Adrià Dalmau Gasull
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Engström-Ruud
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jakob Bellman
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vilborg Palsdottir
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fuping Zhang
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Stefan Trapp
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Matti Poutanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, and Turku Center for Disease Modeling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - John-Olov Jansson
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,
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Langhans W, Adan R, Arnold M, Banks WA, Card JP, Dailey MJ, Daniels D, de Kloet AD, de Lartigue G, Dickson S, Fedele S, Grill HJ, Jansson JO, Kaufman S, Kolar G, Krause E, Lee SJ, Le Foll C, Levin BE, Lutz TA, Mansouri A, Moran TH, Pacheco-López G, Ramachandran D, Raybould H, Rinaman L, Samson WK, Sanchez-Watts G, Seeley RJ, Skibicka KP, Small D, Spector AC, Tamashiro KL, Templeton B, Trapp S, Tso P, Watts AG, Weissfeld N, Williams D, Wolfrum C, Yosten G, Woods SC. New horizons for future research - Critical issues to consider for maximizing research excellence and impact. Mol Metab 2018; 14:53-59. [PMID: 29886182 PMCID: PMC6034110 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Langhans
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Schorenstr. 16, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland.
| | - Roger Adan
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Dept. of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584, CG, The Netherlands; Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Myrtha Arnold
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Schorenstr. 16, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - William A Banks
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA; Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J Patrick Card
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA
| | - Megan J Dailey
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Derek Daniels
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Annette D de Kloet
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Guillaume de Lartigue
- The John B. Pierce Laboratory, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Suzanne Dickson
- Dept Physiology/Endocrine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Shahana Fedele
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Schorenstr. 16, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Harvey J Grill
- Lynch Laboratories University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - John-Olov Jansson
- Dept Physiology/Endocrine, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sharon Kaufman
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Schorenstr. 16, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Grant Kolar
- Pathology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Eric Krause
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, 32611, USA
| | - Shin J Lee
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Schorenstr. 16, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Christelle Le Foll
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barry E Levin
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Thomas A Lutz
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Abdelhak Mansouri
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Schorenstr. 16, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Timothy H Moran
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Gustavo Pacheco-López
- Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM), Campus Lerma, Health Sciences Department, Lerma, Edo Mex, 52005, Mexico
| | - Deepti Ramachandran
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Schorenstr. 16, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Helen Raybould
- Dept. of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Linda Rinaman
- Florida State University, Dept. of Psychology, Tallahassee, FL, 32303, USA
| | - Willis K Samson
- Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Graciela Sanchez-Watts
- The Department of Biological Sciences, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Randy J Seeley
- Departments of Surgery, Internal Medicine and Nutritional Science, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dana Small
- Yale University School of Medicine, The Modern Diet and Physiology Research Center, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Alan C Spector
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Kellie L Tamashiro
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Brian Templeton
- Midwest Community Fundraising, Inc., Cincinnati, OH, 45223, USA
| | - Stefan Trapp
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience; Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, UCL, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Patrick Tso
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45237, USA
| | - Alan G Watts
- The Department of Biological Sciences, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Nadja Weissfeld
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Schorenstr. 16, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Diana Williams
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Christian Wolfrum
- Translational Nutrition Biology Laboratory, ETH Zurich, 8603, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Gina Yosten
- Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63104, USA
| | - Stephen C Woods
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45237, USA
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López-Ferreras L, Richard JE, Noble EE, Eerola K, Anderberg RH, Olandersson K, Taing L, Kanoski SE, Hayes MR, Skibicka KP. Lateral hypothalamic GLP-1 receptors are critical for the control of food reinforcement, ingestive behavior and body weight. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:1157-1168. [PMID: 28894301 PMCID: PMC5984105 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Increased motivation for highly rewarding food is a major contributing factor to obesity. Most of the literature focuses on the mesolimbic nuclei as the core of reward behavior regulation. However, the lateral hypothalamus (LH) is also a key reward-control locus in the brain. Here we hypothesize that manipulating glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activity selectively in the LH can profoundly affect food reward behavior, ultimately leading to obesity. Progressive ratio operant responding for sucrose was examined in male and female rats, following GLP-1R activation and pharmacological or genetic GLP-1R blockade in the LH. Ingestive behavior and metabolic parameters, as well as molecular and efferent targets, of the LH GLP-1R activation were also evaluated. Food motivation was reduced by activation of LH GLP-1R. Conversely, acute pharmacological blockade of LH GLP-1R increased food motivation but only in male rats. GLP-1R activation also induced a robust reduction in food intake and body weight. Chronic knockdown of LH GLP-1R induced by intraparenchymal delivery of an adeno-associated virus-short hairpin RNA construct was sufficient to markedly and persistently elevate ingestive behavior and body weight and ultimately resulted in a doubling of fat mass in males and females. Interestingly, increased food reinforcement was again found only in males. Our data identify the LH GLP-1R as an indispensable element of normal food reinforcement, food intake and body weight regulation. These findings also show, for we believe the first time, that brain GLP-1R manipulation can result in a robust and chronic body weight gain. The broader implications of these findings are that the LH differs between females and males in its ability to control motivated and ingestive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- L López-Ferreras
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - J E Richard
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - E E Noble
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - K Eerola
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - R H Anderberg
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - K Olandersson
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - L Taing
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - S E Kanoski
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - M R Hayes
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, PO Box 434, Gothenburg SE-405 30, Sweden. E-mail:
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Richard JE, López-Ferreras L, Chanclón B, Eerola K, Micallef P, Skibicka KP, Wernstedt Asterholm I. CNS β 3-adrenergic receptor activation regulates feeding behavior, white fat browning, and body weight. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2017; 313:E344-E358. [PMID: 28588096 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00418.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological β3-adrenergic receptor (β3AR) activation leads to increased mitochondrial biogenesis and activity in white adipose tissue (WAT), a process commonly referred to as "browning", and transiently increased insulin release. These effects are associated with improved metabolic function and weight loss. It is assumed that this impact of β3AR agonists is mediated solely through activation of β3ARs in adipose tissue. However, β3ARs are also found in the brain, in areas such as the brain stem and the hypothalamus, which provide multisynaptic innervation to brown and white adipose depots. Thus, contrary to the current adipocentric view, the central nervous system (CNS) may also have the ability to regulate energy balance and metabolism through actions on central β3ARs. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate whether CNS β3ARs can regulate browning of WAT and other aspects of metabolic regulation, such as food intake control and insulin release. We found that acute central injection of β3AR agonist potently reduced food intake, body weight, and increased hypothalamic neuronal activity in rats. Acute central β3AR stimulation was also accompanied by a transient increase in circulating insulin levels. Moreover, subchronic central β3AR agonist treatment led to a browning response in both inguinal (IWAT) and gonadal WAT (GWAT), along with reduced GWAT and increased BAT mass. In high-fat, high-sugar-fed rats, subchronic central β3AR stimulation reduced body weight, chow, lard, and sucrose water intake, in addition to increasing browning of IWAT and GWAT. Collectively, our results identify the brain as a new site of action for the anorexic and browning impact of β3AR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Richard
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; and
| | - Lorena López-Ferreras
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; and
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine in Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Belén Chanclón
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; and
| | - Kim Eerola
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; and
| | - Peter Micallef
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; and
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; and
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine in Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Wernstedt Asterholm
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden; and
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Richard JE, López-Ferreras L, Anderberg RH, Olandersson K, Skibicka KP. Estradiol is a critical regulator of food-reward behavior. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 78:193-202. [PMID: 28214679 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Food intake is reduced by estrogenic hormones, levels of which vary throughout life and fluctuate throughout the ovarian cycle in females. However, estrogens have also been shown to increase reward derived from drugs of abuse, where motivational properties of drugs and progression to addiction are potentiated by estrogens. Whether reward derived from food, and specifically motivational properties of food, are altered by estrogens remains unknown. Here we investigated the effect of the estrous cycle on food reward behavior and show estrous cycle dictated variability in food motivation, measured by progressive ratio operant conditioning, in female rats. Reward behavior was lowest on days associated with high estrogen signaling. We therefore also examined the actions of subcutaneously administered β-estradiol on food reward and found that β-estradiol reduced food reward behavior. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a crucial node of the neurocircuitry underlying motivated behavior and estrogen receptors are expressed in this nucleus. Thus, we examined whether the effects of estrogens on reward were exerted directly at the level of the VTA. Intra-VTA microinjection of β-estradiol led to a significant reduction in food-motivated behavior. Interestingly, this effect was not accompanied by a reduction in chow intake or body weight, nor did it alter locomotor activity. Importantly, removal of the ovaries produced a potent and lasting elevation in food reward and food-seeking behavior, suggesting that ovarian sex steroids are critical for maintenance of normal food reward behavior. These data reveal a novel role for estrogens in the control of food reward behavior..
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Richard
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lorena López-Ferreras
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rozita H Anderberg
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kajsa Olandersson
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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25
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Anderberg RH, Richard JE, Eerola K, López-Ferreras L, Banke E, Hansson C, Nissbrandt H, Berqquist F, Gribble FM, Reimann F, Wernstedt Asterholm I, Lamy CM, Skibicka KP. Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 and Its Analogs Act in the Dorsal Raphe and Modulate Central Serotonin to Reduce Appetite and Body Weight. Diabetes 2017; 66:1062-1073. [PMID: 28057699 PMCID: PMC6237271 DOI: 10.2337/db16-0755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and serotonin play critical roles in energy balance regulation. Both systems are exploited clinically as antiobesity strategies. Surprisingly, whether they interact in order to regulate energy balance is poorly understood. Here we investigated mechanisms by which GLP-1 and serotonin interact at the level of the central nervous system. Serotonin depletion impaired the ability of exendin-4, a clinically used GLP-1 analog, to reduce body weight in rats, suggesting that serotonin is a critical mediator of the energy balance impact of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activation. Serotonin turnover and expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) 2A (5-HT2A) and 5-HT2C serotonin receptors in the hypothalamus were altered by GLP-1R activation. We demonstrate that the 5-HT2A, but surprisingly not the 5-HT2C, receptor is critical for weight loss, anorexia, and fat mass reduction induced by central GLP-1R activation. Importantly, central 5-HT2A receptors are also required for peripherally injected liraglutide to reduce feeding and weight. Dorsal raphe (DR) harbors cell bodies of serotonin-producing neurons that supply serotonin to the hypothalamic nuclei. We show that GLP-1R stimulation in DR is sufficient to induce hypophagia and increase the electrical activity of the DR serotonin neurons. Finally, our results disassociate brain metabolic and emotionality pathways impacted by GLP-1R activation. This study identifies serotonin as a new critical neural substrate for GLP-1 impact on energy homeostasis and expands the current map of brain areas impacted by GLP-1R activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozita H Anderberg
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennifer E Richard
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kim Eerola
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lorena López-Ferreras
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elin Banke
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caroline Hansson
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans Nissbrandt
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Filip Berqquist
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fiona M Gribble
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit and Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K
| | - Frank Reimann
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit and Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, U.K
| | - Ingrid Wernstedt Asterholm
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christophe M Lamy
- Laboratory of Neurometabolic Physiology, Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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26
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Vogel H, Wolf S, Rabasa C, Rodriguez-Pacheco F, Babaei CS, Stöber F, Goldschmidt J, DiMarchi RD, Finan B, Tschöp MH, Dickson SL, Schürmann A, Skibicka KP. GLP-1 and estrogen conjugate acts in the supramammillary nucleus to reduce food-reward and body weight. Neuropharmacology 2016; 110:396-406. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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27
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Johannessen H, Revesz D, Kodama Y, Cassie N, Skibicka KP, Barrett P, Dickson S, Holst J, Rehfeld J, van der Plasse G, Adan R, Kulseng B, Ben-Menachem E, Zhao CM, Chen D. Erratum to: Vagal Blocking for Obesity Control: a Possible Mechanism-Of-Action. Obes Surg 2016; 27:186. [PMID: 27628056 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-016-2370-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helene Johannessen
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - David Revesz
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Yosuke Kodama
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Nikki Cassie
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Perry Barrett
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland
| | - Suzanne Dickson
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jens Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, the Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Rehfeld
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Geoffrey van der Plasse
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roger Adan
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Bård Kulseng
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Center for Obesity Research, Department of Surgery, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Elinor Ben-Menachem
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Chun-Mei Zhao
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Duan Chen
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
- Center for Obesity Research, Department of Surgery, St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
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28
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Anesten F, Holt MK, Schéle E, Pálsdóttir V, Reimann F, Gribble FM, Safari C, Skibicka KP, Trapp S, Jansson JO. Preproglucagon neurons in the hindbrain have IL-6 receptor-α and show Ca2+ influx in response to IL-6. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 311:R115-23. [PMID: 27097661 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00383.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal circuits in the hypothalamus and hindbrain are of importance for control of food intake, energy expenditure, and fat mass. We have recently shown that treatment with exendin-4 (Ex-4), an analog of the proglucagon-derived molecule glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), markedly increases mRNA expression of the cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the hypothalamus and hindbrain and that this increase partly mediates the suppression of food intake and body weight by Ex-4. Endogenous GLP-1 in the central nervous system (CNS) is produced by preproglucagon (PPG) neurons of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in the hindbrain. These neurons project to various parts of the brain, including the hypothalamus. Outside the brain, IL-6 stimulates GLP-1 secretion from the gut and pancreas. In this study, we aim to investigate whether IL-6 can affect GLP-1-producing PPG neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) in mouse hindbrain via the ligand binding part of the IL-6 receptor, IL-6 receptor-α (IL-6Rα). Using immunohistochemistry, we found that IL-6Rα was localized on PPG neurons of the NTS. Recordings of these neurons in GCaMP3/GLP-1 reporter mice showed that IL-6 enhances cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration in neurons capable of expressing PPG. We also show that the Ca(2+) increase originates from the extracellular space. Furthermore, we found that IL-6Rα was localized on cells in the caudal hindbrain expressing immunoreactive NeuN (a neuronal marker) or CNP:ase (an oligodendrocyte marker). In summary, IL-6Rα is present on PPG neurons in the NTS, and IL-6 can stimulate these cells by increasing influx of Ca(2+) to the cytosol from the extracellular space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Anesten
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie K Holt
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - Erik Schéle
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vilborg Pálsdóttir
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Frank Reimann
- Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona M Gribble
- Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Cecilia Safari
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefan Trapp
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom; and
| | - John-Olov Jansson
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden;
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Hayes MR, Skibicka KP, Leichner TM, Guarnieri DJ, DiLeone RJ, Bence KK, Grill HJ. Endogenous Leptin Signaling in the Caudal Nucleus Tractus Solitarius and Area Postrema Is Required for Energy Balance Regulation. Cell Metab 2016; 23:744. [PMID: 27076082 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2016.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Anderberg RH, Hansson C, Fenander M, Richard JE, Dickson SL, Nissbrandt H, Bergquist F, Skibicka KP. The Stomach-Derived Hormone Ghrelin Increases Impulsive Behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:1199-209. [PMID: 26424164 PMCID: PMC4793128 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Impulsivity, defined as impaired decision making, is associated with many psychiatric and behavioral disorders, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as well as eating disorders. Recent data indicate that there is a strong positive correlation between food reward behavior and impulsivity, but the mechanisms behind this relationship remain unknown. Here we hypothesize that ghrelin, an orexigenic hormone produced by the stomach and known to increase food reward behavior, also increases impulsivity. In order to assess the impact of ghrelin on impulsivity, rats were trained in three complementary tests of impulsive behavior and choice: differential reinforcement of low rate (DRL), go/no-go, and delay discounting. Ghrelin injection into the lateral ventricle increased impulsive behavior, as indicated by reduced efficiency of performance in the DRL test, and increased lever pressing during the no-go periods of the go/no-go test. Central ghrelin stimulation also increased impulsive choice, as evidenced by the reduced choice for large rewards when delivered with a delay in the delay discounting test. In order to determine whether signaling at the central ghrelin receptors is necessary for maintenance of normal levels of impulsive behavior, DRL performance was assessed following ghrelin receptor blockade with central infusion of a ghrelin receptor antagonist. Central ghrelin receptor blockade reduced impulsive behavior, as reflected by increased efficiency of performance in the DRL task. To further investigate the neurobiological substrate underlying the impulsivity effect of ghrelin, we microinjected ghrelin into the ventral tegmental area, an area harboring dopaminergic cell bodies. Ghrelin receptor stimulation within the VTA was sufficient to increase impulsive behavior. We further evaluated the impact of ghrelin on dopamine-related gene expression and dopamine turnover in brain areas key in impulsive behavior control. This study provides the first demonstration that the stomach-produced hormone ghrelin increases impulsivity and also indicates that ghrelin can change two major components of impulsivity-motor and choice impulsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozita H Anderberg
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caroline Hansson
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maya Fenander
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennifer E Richard
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Suzanne L Dickson
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans Nissbrandt
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Filip Bergquist
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, PO Box 434, Gothenburg SE-405 30, Sweden, Tel: +46 31 786 3436, Fax: +46 31 786 3512, E-mail:
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31
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Kanoski SE, Hayes MR, Skibicka KP. GLP-1 and weight loss: unraveling the diverse neural circuitry. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 310:R885-95. [PMID: 27030669 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00520.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is currently one of the most promising biological systems for the development of effective obesity pharmacotherapies. Long-acting GLP-1 analogs potently reduce food intake and body weight, and recent discoveries reveal that peripheral administration of these drugs reduces food intake largely through humoral pathways involving direct action on brain GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R). Thus, it is of critical importance to understand the neural systems through which GLP-1 and long-acting GLP-1 analogs reduce food intake and body weight. In this review, we discuss several neural, physiological, cellular and molecular, as well as behavioral mechanisms through which peripheral and central GLP-1R signaling reduces feeding. Particular attention is devoted to discussion regarding the numerous neural substrates through which GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogs act to reduce food intake and body weight, including various hypothalamic nuclei (arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, periventricular hypothalamus, lateral hypothalamic area), hindbrain nuclei (parabrachial nucleus, medial nucleus tractus solitarius), hippocampus (ventral subregion; vHP), and nuclei embedded within the mesolimbic reward circuitry [ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAc)]. In some of these nuclei [VTA, NAc, and vHP], GLP-1R activation reduces food intake and body weight without concomitant nausea responses, suggesting that targeting these specific pathways may be of particular interest for future obesity pharmacotherapy. The widely distributed neural systems through which GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogs act to reduce body weight highlight the complexity of the neural systems regulating energy balance, as well as the challenges for developing effective obesity pharmacotherapies that reduce feeding without producing parallel negative side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott E Kanoski
- Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California;
| | - Matthew R Hayes
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Pennsylvania; and
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Anderberg RH, Richard JE, Hansson C, Nissbrandt H, Bergquist F, Skibicka KP. GLP-1 is both anxiogenic and antidepressant; divergent effects of acute and chronic GLP-1 on emotionality. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 65:54-66. [PMID: 26724568 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), produced in the intestine and hindbrain, is known for its glucoregulatory and appetite suppressing effects. GLP-1 agonists are in clinical use for treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-1, however, may also affect brain areas associated with emotionality regulation. Here we aimed to characterize acute and chronic impact of GLP-1 on anxiety and depression-like behavior. Rats were subjected to anxiety and depression behavior tests following acute or chronic intracerebroventricular or intra-dorsal raphe (DR) application of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Serotonin or serotonin-related genes were also measured in the amygdala, DR and the hippocampus. We demonstrate that both GLP-1 and its long lasting analog, Exendin-4, induce anxiety-like behavior in three rodent tests of this behavior: black and white box, elevated plus maze and open field test when acutely administered intraperitoneally, into the lateral ventricle, or directly into the DR. Acute central GLP-1 receptor stimulation also altered serotonin signaling in the amygdala. In contrast, chronic central administration of Exendin-4 did not alter anxiety-like behavior but significantly reduced depression-like behavior in the forced swim test. Importantly, this positive effect of Exendin-4 was not due to significant body weight loss and reduced food intake, since rats pair-fed to Exendin-4 rats did not show altered mood. Collectively we show a striking impact of central GLP-1 on emotionality and the amygdala serotonin signaling that is divergent under acute versus chronic GLP-1 activation conditions. We also find a novel role for the DR GLP-1 receptors in regulation of behavior. These results may have direct relevance to the clinic, and indicate that Exendin-4 may be especially useful for obese patients manifesting with comorbid depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozita H Anderberg
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennifer E Richard
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caroline Hansson
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans Nissbrandt
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Filip Bergquist
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Richard JE, Anderberg RH, López-Ferreras L, Olandersson K, Skibicka KP. Sex and estrogens alter the action of glucagon-like peptide-1 on reward. Biol Sex Differ 2016; 7:6. [PMID: 26779332 PMCID: PMC4715328 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-016-0059-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Feeding behavior is regulated through an intricate array of anorexic and orexigenic hormones acting on the central nervous system (CNS). Some of these hormones may have differential effects in males and females, effects potentially attributed to actions of gonadal steroids, especially estrogens. Central stimulation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors reduces feeding and food-reward behavior by acting on CNS regions important for the anorexic actions of estrogens. Thus, we propose that the action of GLP-1 on food intake and reward may differ between sexes. Methods Male and female rats were centrally injected with the GLP-1 analog exendin-4 (Ex4) in a non-deprived or food-restricted state; reward behavior was measured in a progressive ratio operant conditioning task. Intake of chow and palatable food were also measured. To determine if sex differences in the actions of Ex4 are due to interactions with estrogens, Ex4 treatment was preceded by treatment with a nonselective estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and ERβ or ERα-selective antagonist. Results Central injection of Ex4 revealed increased reward behavior suppression in females, compared to males, in the operant conditioning task. This increase was present in both non-deprived and food-restricted animals with larger differences in the fed state. Intake of chow and palatable food, after Ex4, were similar in males and females. Food reward, but not food intake, effect of Ex4 was attenuated by pretreatment with ER antagonist in both sexes, suggesting that estrogens may modulate effects of Ex4 in both sexes. Furthermore, central pretreatment with ERα-selective antagonist was sufficient to attenuate effects of Ex4 on reward. Conclusions Collectively, these data reveal that females display much higher sensitivity to the food reward impact of central GLP-1 receptor activation. Surprisingly, they also demonstrate that central ERα signaling is necessary for the actions of GLP-1 on food-reward behavior in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Richard
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, PO Box 434, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rozita H Anderberg
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, PO Box 434, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lorena López-Ferreras
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, PO Box 434, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kajsa Olandersson
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, PO Box 434, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, PO Box 434, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Richard JE, Anderberg RH, Göteson A, Gribble FM, Reimann F, Skibicka KP. Activation of the GLP-1 receptors in the nucleus of the solitary tract reduces food reward behavior and targets the mesolimbic system. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119034. [PMID: 25793511 PMCID: PMC4368564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut/brain peptide, glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1), suppresses food intake by acting on receptors located in key energy balance regulating CNS areas, the hypothalamus or the hindbrain. Moreover, GLP-1 can reduce reward derived from food and motivation to obtain food by acting on its mesolimbic receptors. Together these data suggest a neuroanatomical segregation between homeostatic and reward effects of GLP-1. Here we aim to challenge this view and hypothesize that GLP-1 can regulate food reward behavior by acting directly on the hindbrain, the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R). Using two models of food reward, sucrose progressive ratio operant conditioning and conditioned place preference for food in rats, we show that intra-NTS microinjections of GLP-1 or Exendin-4, a stable analogue of GLP-1, inhibit food reward behavior. When the rats were given a choice between palatable food and chow, intra-NTS Exendin-4 treatment preferentially reduced intake of palatable food but not chow. However, chow intake and body weight were reduced by the NTS GLP-1R activation if chow was offered alone. The NTS GLP-1 activation did not alter general locomotor activity and did not induce nausea, measured by PICA. We further show that GLP-1 fibers are in close apposition to the NTS noradrenergic neurons, which were previously shown to provide a monosynaptic connection between the NTS and the mesolimbic system. Central GLP-1R activation also increased NTS expression of dopamine-β-hydroxylase, a key enzyme in noradrenaline synthesis, indicating a biological link between these two systems. Moreover, NTS GLP-1R activation altered the expression of dopamine-related genes in the ventral tegmental area. These data reveal a food reward-suppressing role of the NTS GLP-1R and indicate that the neurobiological targets underlying food reward control are not limited to the mesolimbic system, instead they are distributed throughout the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Richard
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rozita H. Anderberg
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Andreas Göteson
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fiona M. Gribble
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit and Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Reimann
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit and Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Karolina P. Skibicka
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Richard JE, Farkas I, Anesten F, Anderberg RH, Dickson SL, Gribble FM, Reimann F, Jansson JO, Liposits Z, Skibicka KP. GLP-1 receptor stimulation of the lateral parabrachial nucleus reduces food intake: neuroanatomical, electrophysiological, and behavioral evidence. Endocrinology 2014; 155:4356-67. [PMID: 25116706 PMCID: PMC4256827 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The parabrachial nucleus (PBN) is a key nucleus for the regulation of feeding behavior. Inhibitory inputs from the hypothalamus to the PBN play a crucial role in the normal maintenance of feeding behavior, because their loss leads to starvation. Viscerosensory stimuli result in neuronal activation of the PBN. However, the origin and neurochemical identity of the excitatory neuronal input to the PBN remain largely unexplored. Here, we hypothesize that hindbrain glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) neurons provide excitatory inputs to the PBN, activation of which may lead to a reduction in feeding behavior. Our data, obtained from mice expressing the yellow fluorescent protein in GLP-1-producing neurons, revealed that hindbrain GLP-1-producing neurons project to the lateral PBN (lPBN). Stimulation of lPBN GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1Rs) reduced the intake of chow and palatable food and decreased body weight in rats. It also activated lPBN neurons, reflected by an increase in the number of c-Fos-positive cells in this region. Further support for an excitatory role of GLP-1 in the PBN is provided by electrophysiological studies showing a remarkable increase in firing of lPBN neurons after Exendin-4 application. We show that within the PBN, GLP-1R activation increased gene expression of 2 energy balance regulating peptides, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and IL-6. Moreover, nearly 70% of the lPBN GLP-1 fibers innervated lPBN CGRP neurons. Direct intra-lPBN CGRP application resulted in anorexia. Collectively, our molecular, anatomical, electrophysiological, pharmacological, and behavioral data provide evidence for a functional role of the GLP-1R for feeding control in the PBN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Richard
- Department of Physiology/Metabolic Physiology (J.E.R., R.H.A., K.P.S.), Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg SE-40530, Sweden; Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology (I.F., Z.L.), Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest 1083, Hungary; Department of Physiology/Endocrinology (F.A., S.L.D., J.-O.J.), Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg SE-40530, Sweden; and Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Institute of Metabolic Science (F.M.G., F.R.), University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 2XY, United Kingdom
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Hansson C, Alvarez-Crespo M, Taube M, Skibicka KP, Schmidt L, Karlsson-Lindahl L, Egecioglu E, Nissbrandt H, Dickson SL. Influence of ghrelin on the central serotonergic signaling system in mice. Neuropharmacology 2014; 79:498-505. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Revised: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Wolf S, Vogel H, Rabasa C, Dickson SL, Finan B, Tschöp MH, Schürmann A, Skibicka KP. CNS impact of the GLP-1-Estrogen conjugate on food-motivated behavior. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2014. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0034-1372156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Anderberg RH, Anefors C, Bergquist F, Nissbrandt H, Skibicka KP. Dopamine signaling in the amygdala, increased by food ingestion and GLP-1, regulates feeding behavior. Physiol Behav 2014; 136:135-44. [PMID: 24560840 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2014.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mesolimbic dopamine plays a critical role in food-related reward processing and learning. The literature focuses primarily on the nucleus accumbens as the key dopaminergic target in which enhanced dopamine signaling is associated with reward. Here, we demonstrate a novel neurobiological mechanism by which dopamine transmission in the amygdala regulates food intake and reward. We show that food intake was associated with increased dopamine turnover in the amygdala. Next, we assess the impact of direct intra-amygdala D1 and D2 receptor activation on food intake and sucrose-driven progressive ratio operant conditioning in rats. Amygdala D2 receptor activation reduced food intake and operant behavior for sucrose, whereas D2 receptor blockade increased food intake but surprisingly reduced operant behavior. In contrast, D1 receptor stimulation or blockade did not alter feeding or operant conditioning for food. The glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) system, a target for type 2 diabetes treatment, in addition to regulating glucose homeostasis, also reduces food intake. We found that central GLP-1R receptor activation is associated with elevated dopamine turnover in the amygdala, and that part of the anorexic effect of GLP-1 is mediated by D2 receptor signaling in the amygdala. Our findings indicate that amygdala dopamine signaling is activated by both food intake and the anorexic brain-gut peptide GLP-1 and that amygdala D2 receptor activation is necessary and sufficient to change feeding behavior. Collectively these studies indicate a novel mechanism by which the dopamine system affects feeding-oriented behavior at the level of the amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozita H Anderberg
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christine Anefors
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Filip Bergquist
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hans Nissbrandt
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Abstract
Glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) and its long acting analogs comprise a novel class of type 2 diabetes (T2D) treatment. What makes them unique among other T2D drugs is their concurrent ability to reduce food intake, a great benefit considering the frequent comorbidity of T2D and obesity. The precise neural site of action underlying this beneficial effect is vigorously researched. In accordance with the classical model of food intake control GLP-1 action on feeding has been primarily ascribed to receptor populations in the hypothalamus and the hindbrain. In contrast to this common view, relevant GLP-1 receptor populations are distributed more widely, with a prominent mesolimbic complement emerging. The physiological relevance of the mesolimbic GLP-1 is suggested by the demonstration that similar anorexic effects can be obtained by independent stimulation of the mesolimbic and hypothalamic GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R). Results reviewed here support the idea that mesolimbic GLP-1R are sufficient to reduce hunger-driven feeding, the hedonic value of food and food-motivation. In parallel, emerging evidence suggests that the range of action of GLP-1 on reward behavior is not limited to food-derived reward but extends to cocaine, amphetamine, and alcohol reward. The new discoveries concerning GLP-1 action on the mesolimbic reward system significantly extend the potential therapeutic range of this drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden
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Skibicka KP, Dickson SL. Enteroendocrine hormones - central effects on behavior. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2013; 13:977-82. [PMID: 24091195 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2013.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
A number of appetite-regulating gut hormones alter behaviors linked to reward, anxiety/mood, memory and cognitive function, although for some of these (notably GLP-1 and CCK) the endogenous signal may be CNS-derived. From a physiological perspective it seems likely that these hormones, whose secretion is altered by nutritional status and by bariatric weight loss surgery, orchestrate neurobiological effects that are integrated and linked to feeding/metabolic control. Consistent with a role in hunger and meal initiation, ghrelin increases motivated behavior for food and, when food is not readily available, decreases behaviors in anxiety tests that would otherwise hinder the animal from finding food. Of the many anorexigenic signals, GLP-1 and PYY have been linked to a suppressed reward function and CCK (and possibly GLP-1) to increased anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina P Skibicka
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Abstract
Glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a gut- and neuro-peptide with an important role in the regulation of food intake and glucose metabolism. Interestingly, GLP-1 receptors (GLP-1R) are expressed in key mesolimbic reward areas (including the ventral tegmental area, VTA), innervated by hindbrain GLP-1 neurons. Recently GLP-1 has emerged as a potential regulator of food reward behavior, an effect driven by the mesolimbic GLP-1Rs. Its role in other reward behaviors remains largely unexplored. Since a considerable overlap has been suggested for circuitry controlling reward behavior derived from food and alcohol we hypothesized that GLP-1 and GLP-1Rs could regulate alcohol intake and alcohol reward. We sought to determine whether GLP-1 or its clinically safe stable analogue, Exendin-4, reduce alcohol intake and reward. To determine the potential role of the endogenous GLP-1 in alcohol intake we evaluated whether GLP-1R antagonist, Exendin 9-39, can increase alcohol intake. Furthermore, we set out to evaluate whether VTA GLP-1R activation is sufficient to reduce alcohol intake. Male Wistar rats injected peripherally with GLP-1 or Exendin-4 reduced their alcohol intake in an intermittent access two bottle free choice drinking model. Importantly, a contribution of endogenously released GLP-1 is highlighted by our observation that blockade of GLP-1 receptors alone resulted in an increased alcohol intake. Furthermore, GLP-1 injection reduced alcohol reward in the alcohol conditioned place preference test in mice. To evaluate the neuroanatomical substrate linking GLP-1 with alcohol intake/reward, we selectively microinjected GLP-1 or Exendin 4 into the VTA. This direct stimulation of the VTA GLP-1 receptors potently reduced alcohol intake. Our findings implicate GLP-1R signaling as a novel modulator of alcohol intake and reward. We show for the first time that VTA GLP-1R stimulation leads to reduced alcohol intake. Considering that GLP-1 analogues are already approved for clinical use, this places the GLP system as an exciting new potential therapeutic target for alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozita H. Shirazi
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Suzanne L. Dickson
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P. Skibicka
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Almost all circulating gut peptides contribute to the control of food intake by signalling satiety. One important exception is ghrelin, the only orexigenic peptide hormone thus far described. Ghrelin secretion increases before meals and behavioural and electrophysiological evidence shows that ghrelin acts in the hypothalamus via homeostatic pathways to signal hunger and increase food intake and adiposity. These findings strongly suggest that ghrelin is a dynamically regulated peripheral hunger signal. However, ghrelin also interacts with the brain reward pathways to increase food intake, alter food preference and enhance food reward. Here we discuss ghrelin's role as an endocrine gut-brain reward signal in relation to homeostatic and hedonic feeding control.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R W Menzies
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.
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Hansson C, Shirazi RH, Näslund J, Vogel H, Neuber C, Holm G, Anckarsäter H, Dickson SL, Eriksson E, Skibicka KP. Ghrelin influences novelty seeking behavior in rodents and men. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50409. [PMID: 23227170 PMCID: PMC3515575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent discoveries indicate an important role for ghrelin in drug and alcohol reward and an ability of ghrelin to regulate mesolimbic dopamine activity. The role of dopamine in novelty seeking, and the association between this trait and drug and alcohol abuse, led us to hypothesize that ghrelin may influence novelty seeking behavior. To test this possibility we applied several complementary rodent models of novelty seeking behavior, i.e. inescapable novelty-induced locomotor activity (NILA), novelty-induced place preference and novel object exploration, in rats subjected to acute ghrelin receptor (growth hormone secretagogue receptor; GHSR) stimulation or blockade. Furthermore we assessed the possible association between polymorphisms in the genes encoding ghrelin and GHSR and novelty seeking behavior in humans. The rodent studies indicate an important role for ghrelin in a wide range of novelty seeking behaviors. Ghrelin-injected rats exhibited a higher preference for a novel environment and increased novel object exploration. Conversely, those with GHSR blockade drastically reduced their preference for a novel environment and displayed decreased NILA. Importantly, the mesolimbic ventral tegmental area selective GHSR blockade was sufficient to reduce the NILA response indicating that the mesolimbic GHSRs might play an important role in the observed novelty responses. Moreover, in untreated animals, a striking positive correlation between NILA and sucrose reward behavior was detected. Two GHSR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2948694 and rs495225, were significantly associated with the personality trait novelty seeking, as assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), in human subjects. This study provides the first evidence for a role of ghrelin in novelty seeking behavior in animals and humans, and also points to an association between food reward and novelty seeking in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Hansson
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rozita H. Shirazi
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jakob Näslund
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Heike Vogel
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Corinna Neuber
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Holm
- Department of Metabolism and Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Anckarsäter
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Suzanne L. Dickson
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elias Eriksson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P. Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Alvarez-Crespo M, Skibicka KP, Farkas I, Molnár CS, Egecioglu E, Hrabovszky E, Liposits Z, Dickson SL. The amygdala as a neurobiological target for ghrelin in rats: neuroanatomical, electrophysiological and behavioral evidence. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46321. [PMID: 23071554 PMCID: PMC3468604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we sought to demonstrate that the orexigenic circulating hormone, ghrelin, is able to exert neurobiological effects (including those linked to feeding control) at the level of the amygdala, involving neuroanatomical, electrophysiological and behavioural studies. We found that ghrelin receptors (GHS-R) are densely expressed in several subnuclei of the amygdala, notably in ventrolateral (LaVL) and ventromedial (LaVM) parts of the lateral amygdaloid nucleus. Using whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology to record from cells in the lateral amygdaloid nucleus, we found that ghrelin reduced the frequency of mEPSCs recorded from large pyramidal-like neurons, an effect that could be blocked by co-application of a ghrelin receptor antagonist. In ad libitum fed rats, intra-amygdala administration of ghrelin produced a large orexigenic response that lasted throughout the 4 hr of testing. Conversely, in hungry, fasted rats ghrelin receptor blockade in the amygdala significantly reduced food intake. Finally, we investigated a possible interaction between ghrelin's effects on feeding control and emotional reactivity exerted at the level of the amygdala. In rats allowed to feed during a 1-hour period between ghrelin injection and anxiety testing (elevated plus maze and open field), intra-amygdala ghrelin had no effect on anxiety-like behavior. By contrast, if the rats were not given access to food during this 1-hour period, a decrease in anxiety-like behavior was observed in both tests. Collectively, these data indicate that the amygdala is a valid target brain area for ghrelin where its neurobiological effects are important for food intake and for the suppression of emotional (anxiety-like) behaviors if food is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayte Alvarez-Crespo
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina P. Skibicka
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Imre Farkas
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla S. Molnár
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Emil Egecioglu
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Liposits
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Information Technology, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Suzanne L. Dickson
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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45
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Abstract
Ghrelin is the only known circulating orexigenic hormone. It increases food intake by interacting with hypothalamic and brainstem circuits involved in energy balance, as well as reward-related brain areas. A heightened gut-brain ghrelin axis is an emerging feature of certain eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and Prader-Willi syndrome. In common obesity, ghrelin levels are lowered, whereas post-meal ghrelin levels remain higher than in lean individuals. Agents that interfere with ghrelin signalling have therapeutic potential for eating disorders, including obesity. However, most of these drugs are only in the preclinical phase of development. Data obtained so far suggest that ghrelin agonists may have potential in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, while ghrelin antagonists seem promising for other eating disorders such as obesity and Prader-Willi syndrome. However, large clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of these drugs.
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46
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Abstract
Ghrelin, a stomach-derived hormone, is an orexigenic peptide that was recently shown to potently increase food reward behavior. The neurochemical circuitry that links ghrelin to the mesolimbic system and food reward behavior remains unclear. Here we examined the contribution of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and opioids to ghrelin's effects on food motivation and intake. Both systems have well-established links to the mesolimbic ventral tegmental area (VTA) and reward/motivation control. NPY mediates the effect of ghrelin on food intake via activation of NPY-Y1 receptor (NPY-Y1R); their connection with respect to motivated behavior is unexplored. The role of opioids in any aspect of ghrelin's action on food-oriented behaviors is unknown. Rats were trained in a progressive ratio sucrose-induced operant schedule to measure food reward/motivation behavior. Chow intake was measured immediately after the operant test. In separate experiments, we explored the suppressive effects of a selective NPY-Y1R antagonist or opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone, injected either intracerebroventricularly or intra-VTA, on ghrelin-induced food reward behavior. The ventricular ghrelin-induced increase in sucrose-motivated behavior and chow intake were completely blocked by intracerebroventricular pretreatment with either an NPY-Y1R antagonist or naltrexone. The intra-VTA ghrelin-induced sucrose-motivated behavior was blocked only by intra-VTA naltrexone. In contrast, the intra-VTA ghrelin-stimulated chow intake was attenuated only by intra-VTA NPY-Y1 blockade. Finally, ghrelin infusion was associated with an elevated VTA μ-opioid receptor expression. Thus, we identify central NPY and opioid signaling as the necessary mediators of food intake and reward effects of ghrelin and localize these interactions to the mesolimbic VTA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, P.O. Box 434, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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47
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Abstract
The pleasure derived from eating may feel like a simple emotion, but the decision to eat, and perhaps more importantly what to eat, involves central pathways linking energy homeostasis and reward and their regulation by metabolic and endocrine factors. Evidence is mounting that modulation of the hedonic aspects of energy balance is under the control of peripheral neuropeptides conventionally associated with homeostatic appetite control. Here, we describe the significance of reward in feeding, the neural substrates underlying the reward pathway and their modification by peptides released into the circulation from peripheral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R W Menzies
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.
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48
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Menzies JRW, Skibicka KP, Dickson SL, Leng G. Neural substrates underlying interactions between appetite stress and reward. Obes Facts 2012; 5:208-20. [PMID: 22647303 DOI: 10.1159/000338237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurobiological mechanisms that normally control food intake and energy expenditure can be overcome by environmental cues and by stress. Of particular importance is the influence of the mesolimbic reward pathway. In genetically susceptible individuals, problematic over-eating likely reflects a changing balance in the control exerted by homeostatic versus reward circuits that are strongly influenced by environmental factors such as stress. Both stress and activation of the reward pathway have been shown to increase food intake and promote a preference for palatable, high-energy foods. Recent research has focused on the important role of circulating and central neuropeptides that powerfully regulate the brain response to food cues. For example, ghrelin has a potent positive effect on the motivational aspects of food intake, and central oxytocin may be involved in satiety. Thus, the decision to eat, or indeed to over-eat, involves a complex integrated neurobiology that includes brain centres involved in energy balance, reward and stress and their regulation by metabolic and endocrine factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R W Menzies
- Centre for Integrative Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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49
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Skibicka KP, Hansson C, Egecioglu E, Dickson SL. Role of ghrelin in food reward: impact of ghrelin on sucrose self-administration and mesolimbic dopamine and acetylcholine receptor gene expression. Addict Biol 2012; 17:95-107. [PMID: 21309956 PMCID: PMC3298643 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2010.00294.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The decision to eat is strongly influenced by non-homeostatic factors such as food palatability. Indeed, the rewarding and motivational value of food can override homeostatic signals, leading to increased consumption and hence, obesity. Ghrelin, a gut-derived orexigenic hormone, has a prominent role in homeostatic feeding. Recently, however, it has emerged as a potent modulator of the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward pathway, suggesting a role for ghrelin in food reward. Here, we sought to determine whether ghrelin and its receptors are important for reinforcing motivation for natural sugar reward by examining the role of ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1A) stimulation and blockade for sucrose progressive ratio operant conditioning, a procedure used to measure motivational drive to obtain a reward. Peripherally and centrally administered ghrelin significantly increased operant responding and therefore, incentive motivation for sucrose. Utilizing the GHS-R1A antagonist JMV2959, we demonstrated that blockade of GHS-R1A signaling significantly decreased operant responding for sucrose. We further investigated ghrelin's effects on key mesolimbic reward nodes, the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NAcc), by evaluating the effects of chronic central ghrelin treatment on the expression of genes encoding major reward neurotransmitter receptors, namely dopamine and acetylcholine. Ghrelin treatment was associated with an increased dopamine receptor D5 and acetylcholine receptor nAChRβ2 gene expression in the VTA and decreased expression of D1, D3, D5 and nAChRα3 in the NAcc. Our data indicate that ghrelin plays an important role in motivation and reinforcement for sucrose and impacts on the expression of dopamine and acetylcholine encoding genes in the mesolimbic reward circuitry. These findings suggest that ghrelin antagonists have therapeutic potential for the treatment of obesity and to suppress the overconsumption of sweet food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
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50
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Abstract
The incidence of obesity is increasing at an alarming rate and this worldwide epidemic represents a significant decrease in life span and quality of life of a large part of the affected population. Therefore an understanding of mechanisms underlying food overconsumption and obesity development is urgent and essential to find potential treatments. Research investigating mechanisms underlying obesity and the control of food intake has recently experienced a major shift in focus, from the brain's hypothalamus to additional important neural circuits controlling emotion, cognition and motivated behavior. Among them, the mesolimbic system, and the changes in reward and motivated behavior for food, emerge as new promising treatment targets. Furthermore, there is also growing appreciation of the impact of peripheral hormones that signal nutrition status to the mesolimbic areas, and especially the only known circulating orexigenic hormone, ghrelin. This review article provides a synthesis of recent evidence concerning the impact of manipulation of ghrelin and its receptor on models of food reward/food motivation behavior and the mesolimbic circuitry. Particular attention is given to the potential neurocircuitry and neurotransmitter systems downstream of ghrelin's effects on food reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina P Skibicka
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 11, SE-405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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