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Yuan J, Hasdemir B, Tan T, Chheda C, Rivier J, Pandol SJ, Bhargava A. Protective effects of urocortin 2 against caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217065. [PMID: 31100090 PMCID: PMC6524941 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Because little is known about the role of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) agonists in regulating responses in pancreatitis, we evaluated the effects of urocortin 2 (UCN2) and stressin1 in caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) model in rats. Male rats were pretreated with UCN2 or stressin1 for 30 min followed by induction of AP with supraphysiologic doses of caerulein. Serum amylase and lipase activity, pancreatic tissue necrosis, immune cell infiltrate, nuclear factor (NF)-κB activity, trypsin levels, and intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) were ascertained. UCN2, but not stressin1 attenuated the severity of AP in rats. UCN2, but not stressin1, reduced serum amylase and lipase activity, cell necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in AP. NF-κB activity in pancreatic nuclear extracts increased in AP and UCN2 treatment reduced caerulein-induced increases in NF-κB activity by 42%. UCN2 treatment prevented caerulein-induced degradation of IκB-α in the cytosolic fraction as well as increased levels of p65 subunit of NF-κB in the cytosolic fraction. Pancreatic UCN2 levels decreased in AP compared with saline. UCN2 evoked [Ca2+]i responses in primary acinar cells and abolished caerulein-evoked [Ca2+]i responses at 0.1nM, and decreased by ~50% at 1.0nM caerulein. UCN2 stimulation resulted in redistribution of a portion of F-actin from the apical to the basolateral pole. UCN2 prevented the massive redistribution of F-actin observed with supraphysiologic doses of caerulein. UCN2, but not stressin1 attenuated severity of an experimental pancreatitis model. The protective effects of UCN2, including anti-inflammatory and anti-necrotic effects involve activation of the CRF2 receptor, [Ca2+]i signaling, and inhibition of NF-κB activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhen Yuan
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Burcu Hasdemir
- The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Department of OB/GYN, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Tanya Tan
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Chintan Chheda
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Jean Rivier
- The Salk Institute, The Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Stephen J. Pandol
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Aditi Bhargava
- The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Department of OB/GYN, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Burns DP, Canavan L, Rowland J, O'Flaherty R, Brannock M, Drummond SE, O'Malley D, Edge D, O'Halloran KD. Recovery of respiratory function in mdx mice co-treated with neutralizing interleukin-6 receptor antibodies and urocortin-2. J Physiol 2018; 596:5175-5197. [PMID: 30160301 PMCID: PMC6209753 DOI: 10.1113/jp276954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Impaired ventilatory capacity and diaphragm muscle weakness are prominent features of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with strong evidence of attendant systemic and muscle inflammation. We performed a 2-week intervention in young wild-type and mdx mice, consisting of either injection of saline or co-administration of a neutralizing interleukin-6 receptor antibody (xIL-6R) and urocortin-2 (Ucn2), a corticotrophin releasing factor receptor 2 agonist. We examined breathing and diaphragm muscle form and function. Breathing and diaphragm muscle functional deficits are improved following xIL-6R and Ucn2 co-treatment in mdx mice. The functional improvements were associated with a preservation of mdx diaphragm muscle myosin heavy chain IIx fibre complement. The concentration of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β was reduced and the concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 was increased in mdx diaphragm following drug co-treatment. Our novel findings may have implications for the development of pharmacotherapies for the dystrophinopathies with relevance for respiratory muscle performance and breathing. ABSTRACT The mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy shows evidence of hypoventilation and pronounced diaphragm dysfunction. Six-week-old male mdx (n = 32) and wild-type (WT; n = 32) mice received either saline (0.9% w/v) or a co-administration of neutralizing interleukin-6 receptor antibodies (xIL-6R; 0.2 mg kg-1 ) and corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor 2 agonist (urocortin-2; 30 μg kg-1 ) subcutaneously over 2 weeks. Breathing and diaphragm muscle contractile function (ex vivo) were examined. Diaphragm structure was assessed using histology and immunofluorescence. Muscle cytokine concentration was determined using a multiplex assay. Minute ventilation and diaphragm muscle peak force at 100 Hz were significantly depressed in mdx compared with WT. Drug treatment completely restored ventilation in mdx mice during normoxia and significantly increased mdx diaphragm force- and power-generating capacity. The number of centrally nucleated muscle fibres and the areal density of infiltrates and collagen content were significantly increased in mdx diaphragm; all indices were unaffected by drug co-treatment. The abundance of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) type IIx fibres was significantly decreased in mdx diaphragm; drug co-treatment preserved MyHC type IIx complement in mdx muscle. Drug co-treatment increased the cross-sectional area of MyHC type I and IIx fibres in mdx diaphragm. The cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, KC/GRO and TNF-α were significantly increased in mdx diaphragm compared with WT. Drug co-treatment significantly decreased IL-1β and increased IL-10 in mdx diaphragm. Drug co-treatment had no significant effect on WT diaphragm muscle structure, cytokine concentrations or function. Recovery of breathing and diaphragm force in mdx mice was impressive in our studies, with implication for human dystrophinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P. Burns
- Department of PhysiologySchool of MedicineCollege of Medicine and HealthUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Leonie Canavan
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, the University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Jane Rowland
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, the University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Robin O'Flaherty
- Department of PhysiologySchool of MedicineCollege of Medicine and HealthUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Molly Brannock
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, the University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Sarah E. Drummond
- Department of PhysiologySchool of MedicineCollege of Medicine and HealthUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Dervla O'Malley
- Department of PhysiologySchool of MedicineCollege of Medicine and HealthUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
| | - Deirdre Edge
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, the University of DublinDublinIreland
| | - Ken D. O'Halloran
- Department of PhysiologySchool of MedicineCollege of Medicine and HealthUniversity College CorkCorkIreland
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Zhang X, Wu Y, Hao J, Zhu J, Tang N, Qi J, Wang S, Wang H, Peng S, Liu J, Gao Y, Chen D, Li Z. Intraperitoneal injection urocortin-3 reduces the food intake of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). Peptides 2016; 85:80-88. [PMID: 27667703 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 07/19/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Urocortin-3 (UCN3), one of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) family peptides, which was discovered in 2001, has a variety of biological functions. However, the researches of UCN3 in fish were scarce. In order to understand whether UCN3 play a role in regulating food intake in fish, we first cloned the ucn3 cDNAs sequence of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt), and investigated the ucn3 mRNA levels in 11 tissues. The Siberian sturgeon ucn3 cDNA sequence was 1044bp, including an open reading frame (ORF) of 447bp that encoded 148 amino acids with a mature peptide of 40 amino acids, a 5'-terminal untranslated region (5'-UTR) of 162bp and a 3'-terminal untranslated region (3'-UTR) of 435bp. The result of tissue distribution showed that ucn3 widely distributed in 11 tissues with highest expression in brain. We also assessed the effects of periprandial (pre- and post-feeding), fasting and re-feeding on ucn3 mRNAs abundance in brain. The results showed the expression of ucn3 mRNA in brain was significantly elevated after feeding, decreased after fasting 17 days and increased after re-feeding. To further investigate the food intake role of UCN3 in Siberian sturgeon, we performed intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of Siberian sturgeon UCN3 (SsUCN3) with three doses (60, 120 or 240ng/g) and recorded the food intake. Acute and chronic i.p. injection SsUCN3 reduced the food intake in a dose-dependent pattern. In conclusion, this study indicates that SsUCN3 acts as a satiety factor to inhibit the food intake of Siberian sturgeon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanbing Wu
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Hao
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China
| | - Jieyao Zhu
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China
| | - Ni Tang
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinwen Qi
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuyao Wang
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuang Peng
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China
| | - Ju Liu
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China
| | - Yundi Gao
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China
| | - Defang Chen
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiqiong Li
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, 211# Huimin Road, Chengdu, China.
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Bagosi Z, Palotai M, Simon B, Bokor P, Buzás A, Balangó B, Pintér D, Jászberényi M, Csabafi K, Szabó G. Selective CRF2 receptor agonists ameliorate the anxiety- and depression-like state developed during chronic nicotine treatment and consequent acute withdrawal in mice. Brain Res 2016; 1652:21-29. [PMID: 27693397 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.09.044] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of the selective agonists of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) 2 receptor, urocortin 2 (UCN 2) and urocortin 3 (UCN 3), on the anxiety- and depression-like signs induced by acute nicotine withdrawal in mice. In order to do so, male CFLP mice were exposed for 7 days to repeated intraperitoneal (IP) injection with nicotine or saline solution and 1day of acute withdrawal and then a single intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection with UCN 2, UCN 3 or saline solution. After 30min the mice were observed in an elevated plus-maze test or a forced swim test, for anxiety- and depression-like behavior. After 5min of testing, the plasma corticosterone concentration reflecting the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis was also determined by a chemo-fluorescent method. Half of the animals were treated ICV and evaluated on the 8th day, the other half on the 9th day. On the 8th day, nicotine-treated mice presented signs of anxiolysis and depression, but no significant elevation of the plasma corticosterone concentration. On the 9th day, nicotine-treated mice exhibited signs of anxiety and depression and a significant increase of the plasma corticosterone levels. Central administration of UCN 2 or UCN 3 ameliorated the anxiety- and depression-like state including the hyperactivity of the HPA axis, developed during acute withdrawal following chronic nicotine treatment. The present study suggests that selective CRF2 receptor agonists could be used as a therapy in nicotine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Bagosi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Miklós Palotai
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Balázs Simon
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Bokor
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Buzás
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Beáta Balangó
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dávid Pintér
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Miklós Jászberényi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Csabafi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyula Szabó
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
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Gao MH, Giamouridis D, Lai NC, Walenta E, Paschoal VA, Kim YC, Miyanohara A, Guo T, Liao M, Liu L, Tan Z, Ciaraldi TP, Schenk S, Bhargava A, Oh DY, Hammond HK. One-time injection of AAV8 encoding urocortin 2 provides long-term resolution of insulin resistance. JCI Insight 2016; 1:e88322. [PMID: 27699250 PMCID: PMC5033760 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.88322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Using mice rendered insulin resistant with high fat diets (HFD), we examined blood glucose levels and insulin resistance after i.v. delivery of an adeno-associated virus type 8 encoding murine urocortin 2 (AAV8.UCn2). A single i.v. injection of AAV8.UCn2-normalized blood glucose and glucose disposal within weeks, an effect that lasted for months. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps showed reduced plasma insulin, increased glucose disposal rates, and increased insulin sensitivity following UCn2 gene transfer. Mice with corticotropin-releasing hormone type 2-receptor deletion that were rendered insulin resistant by HFD showed no improvement in glucose disposal after UCn2 gene transfer, indicating that the effect requires UCn2's cognate receptor. We also demonstrated increased glucose disposal after UCn2 gene transfer in db/db mice, a second model of insulin resistance. UCn2 gene transfer reduced fatty infiltration of the liver in both models of insulin resistance. UCn2 increases Glut4 translocation to the plasma membrane in skeletal myotubes in a manner quantitatively similar to insulin, indicating a mechanism through which UCn2 operates to increase insulin sensitivity. UCn2 gene transfer, in a dose-dependent manner, is insulin sensitizing and effective for months after a single injection. These findings suggest a potential long-term therapy for clinical type-2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Hua Gao
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Dimosthenis Giamouridis
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - N. Chin Lai
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Evelyn Walenta
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Young Chul Kim
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | | | - Tracy Guo
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Min Liao
- Department of Ob-Gyn and The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Ob-Gyn and The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhen Tan
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Theodore P. Ciaraldi
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Simon Schenk
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Aditi Bhargava
- Department of Ob-Gyn and The Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Da Young Oh
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
| | - H. Kirk Hammond
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCSD, San Diego, California, USA
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Urocortin, a novel identified corticotropin-releasing factor-related endocrinal peptide, has been shown to play an essential role in cardioprotection. Until recently, whether urocortin can protect the heart against diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) remained unclear. Herein, we evaluated the cardioprotective effect of urocortin on cardiac dysfunction, inflammation, and fibrosis and demonstrated the potential mechanism in a diabetic rat model. METHODS Diabetic rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: diabetic control group, urocortin, urocortin + astressin (a selective CRF receptor 2 antagonist) and urocortin + triciribine (an Akt pathway blocker). Cardiac catheterization was performed to evaluate cardiac function. The levels of creatine phosphokinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), myocardial collagen volume fraction (CVF) and left ventricular mass index (LVWI) were measured. Inflammatory factors (transforming growth factor beta 1, TGF-β1; connective tissue growth factor, CTGF) and activation of signaling proteins (Akt, GSK-3β) were also detected using western blot. RESULTS DCM was successfully induced by the injection of streptozotocin (STZ) as evidenced by abnormal heart mass and cardiac function as well as the imbalance of extracellular matrix homeostasis. Rats in the DCM group showed increased mRNA and protein levels of LVWI, BNP, CK-MB, CVF, TGF-β1 and CTGF compared to the control group, which were accompanied with diminished phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β. Interestingly, myocardial dysfunction, cardiac fibrosis, and inflammation were suppressed by urocortin in the heart of diabetic rats. Moreover, inhibition of phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β was also reversed by urocortin. These effects of urocortin were suppressed by astressin. In addition, triciribine partially reduced the effects of urocortin on myocardial dysfunction, inflammation, and cardiac fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that urocortin exhibits a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of DCM by attenuating fibrosis and inflammation. Furthermore, inhibition of the Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway may be partially responsible for these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Liu
- a The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University , Jinzhou , China
- b Department of Endocrinology , Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Chunna Liu
- c Department of Pharmacology , Liaoning Medical University , Jinzhou , China
| | - Jian Li
- a The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University , Jinzhou , China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- a The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University , Jinzhou , China
| | - Feiran Song
- a The First Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning Medical University , Jinzhou , China
| | - Jin Xu
- b Department of Endocrinology , Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University , Jinan , China
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Liew HK, Huang LC, Yang HI, Peng HF, Li KW, Tsai APY, Chen SY, Kuo JS, Pang CY. Therapeutic effects of human urocortin-1, -2 and -3 in intracerebral hemorrhage of rats. Neuropeptides 2015; 52:89-96. [PMID: 26055808 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin exerts neuroprotective effects in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) of rats. For pre-clinical trial, we intended to study the neuroprotective efficacy of human UCN (hUCN)-1, -2 and -3 in treating ICH rats. ICH was induced by infusing bacterial collagenase VII (0.23 U in sterile saline) to the striatum. The hUCN-1, -2, and -3 were administrated (2.5μg/kg, i.p.) at 1h after ICH insult, respectively. Neurological deficits were evaluated by modified Neurological Severity Scores. Brain edema and hematoma expansion was evaluated by coronal T2-WI and DWI magnetic resonance imaging on 1, 3, 6, 24, and 56h after ICH insult. Blood-brain barrier permeability was evaluated by Evans blue assay on day 3 after ICH. Brain lesion volume was evaluated by morphormetric measurement on day 7 after ICH. Our results demonstrated that the hUCN-1 significantly reduced hematoma, blood-brain barrier disruption and neurological deficits on day 3, and brain lesion volume on day 7 after ICH insult. The prediction of secondary structure of the hUCNs clarifies that the percentage of alpha-helix, random coil and extended strand between rat-UCN (rUCN)-1 and hUCN-1 are the same. The structure similarity between human- and rat-UCN-1 may be one of the reasons that both can exert similar therapeutic potential in ICH rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hock-Kean Liew
- Department of Medical Research, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Li-Chuan Huang
- Department of Radiology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC; Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hui-I Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsiao-Fen Peng
- Department of Medical Research, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kuo-Wei Li
- Department of Medical Research, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Life Science and Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Andy Po-Yi Tsai
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shin-Yuan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC; Neuro-Medical Scientific Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jon-Son Kuo
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC; Neuro-Medical Scientific Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Cheng-Yoong Pang
- Department of Medical Research, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC; Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan, ROC.
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Rákosi K, Masaru T, Zarándia M, Telegdy G, Tóth GK. Short analogs and mimetics of human urocortin 3 display antidepressant effects in vivo. Peptides 2014; 62:59-66. [PMID: 25304878 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Peptide analogs of urocortin 3[36–38] (Ucn 3[36–38]), obtained with deletion or replacement of amino acids of the original human urocortin 3 sequence, were designed, synthesized, and tested in vivo for treatment of depression. Based on the results of the biological tests of the peptide analogs, several new peptidomimetics of the above short analogs of urocortin 3, including urea- and azapeptides, were also designed and synthesized and found to preserve the antidepressant-like effect of the 38 amino acid long original neuropeptide. The molecular modifications of urocortin 3[36–38] led to an improved understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and biological activity of this peptide, and the novel peptidomimetics could be further tested for possible clinical treatment of depression.
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Khan MSI, Kaiya H, Tachibana T. Central injection of urocortin-3 but not corticotrophin-releasing hormone influences the ghrelin/GHS-R1a system of the proventriculus and brain in chicks. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2014; 47:27-34. [PMID: 24484650 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [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: 10/03/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand for growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a), stimulates food intake in mammals centrally and peripherally. In contrast, central injection of ghrelin inhibits feeding in neonatal chicks (Gallus gallus), which is thought to be mediated by the corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) system, indicating that the mechanisms underlying ghrelin's action are different in chicks and mammals. However, the interaction between the ghrelin system and the CRH system has not been fully clarified in chicks. In the present study, we examined the effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of CRH and urocortin-3 (UCN-3), a CRH family peptide and an endogenous ligand for the CRH type-2 receptor (CRH-R2), on synthesis and secretion of ghrelin in chicks. Intracerebroventricular injection of UCN-3 but not CRH increased plasma ghrelin concentration (P < 0.05), diencephalic mRNA expression of ghrelin, and GHS-R1a (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease ghrelin (P = 0.08) and GHS-R1a (P = 0.10) mRNA expression in the proventriculus. Moreover, ICV injection of UCN-3 tended to increase diencephalic mRNA expression of CRH-R2 (P = 0.08) and CRH had no effect on it. In addition, ICV injection of CRH but not UCN-3 increased plasma corticosterone concentration (P < 0.05) and decreased the diencephalic mRNA expression of CRH-R1 (P < 0.05). These results clearly indicate that the roles of the CRH system for the ghrelin system are divided. The present study suggests that UCN-3 is mainly involved in the ghrelin system in chicks perhaps through the CRH-R2.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S I Khan
- Department of Agrobiological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan.
| | - H Kaiya
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | - T Tachibana
- Department of Agrobiological Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ehime University, Matsuyama 790-8566, Japan
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Wang L, Stengel A, Goebel-Stengel M, Shaikh A, Yuan PQ, Taché Y. Intravenous injection of urocortin 1 induces a CRF2 mediated increase in circulating ghrelin and glucose levels through distinct mechanisms in rats. Peptides 2013; 39. [PMID: 23183626 PMCID: PMC3599411 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2012.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Urocortins (Ucns) injected peripherally decrease food intake and gastric emptying through peripheral CRF(2) receptors in rodents. However, whether Ucns influence circulating levels of the orexigenic and prokinetic hormone, ghrelin has been little investigated. We examined plasma levels of ghrelin and blood glucose after intravenous (iv) injection of Ucn 1, the CRF receptor subtype involved and underlying mechanisms in ad libitum fed rats equipped with a chronic iv cannula. Ucn 1 (10 μg/kg, iv) induced a rapid onset and long lasting increase in ghrelin levels reaching 68% and 219% at 0.5 and 3h post injection respectively and a 5-h hyperglycemic response. The selective CRF(2) agonist, Ucn 2 (3 μg/kg, iv) increased fasting acyl (3h: 49%) and des-acyl ghrelin levels (3h: 30%) compared to vehicle while the preferential CRF(1) agonist, CRF (3 μg/kg, iv) had no effect. Ucn 1's stimulatory actions were blocked by the selective CRF(2) antagonist, astressin(2)-B (100 μg/kg, iv). Hexamethonium (10 mg/kg, sc) prevented Ucn 1-induced rise in total ghrelin levels while not altering the hyperglycemic response. These data indicate that systemic injection of Ucns induces a CRF(2)-mediated increase in circulating ghrelin levels likely via indirect actions on gastric ghrelin cells that involves a nicotinic pathway independently from the hyperglycemic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Wang
- CURE/Digestive Diseases Research Center and Center for Neurobiology of Stress, Department of Medicine, Digestive Diseases Division at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA.
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11
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Yakabi K, Noguchi M, Ohno S, Ro S, Onouchi T, Ochiai M, Takabayashi H, Takayama K, Harada Y, Sadakane C, Hattori T. Urocortin 1 reduces food intake and ghrelin secretion via CRF(2) receptors. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2011; 301:E72-82. [PMID: 21540451 PMCID: PMC3129836 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00695.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Although it is known that urocortin 1 (UCN) acts on both corticotropin-releasing factor receptors (CRF(1) and CRF(2)), the mechanisms underlying UCN-induced anorexia remain unclear. In contrast, ghrelin, the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, stimulates food intake. In the present study, we examined the effects of CRF(1) and CRF(2) receptor antagonists (CRF(1)a and CRF(2)a) on ghrelin secretion and synthesis, c-fos mRNA expression in the caudal brain stem, and food intake following intracerebroventricular administration of UCN. Eight-week-old, male Sprague-Dawley rats were used after 24-h food deprivation. Acylated and des-acylated ghrelin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA expressions of preproghrelin and c-fos were measured by real-time RT-PCR. The present study provided the following important insights into the mechanisms underlying the anorectic effects of UCN: 1) UCN increased acylated and des-acylated ghrelin levels in the gastric body and decreased their levels in the plasma; 2) UCN decreased preproghrelin mRNA levels in the gastric body; 3) UCN-induced reduction of plasma ghrelin and food intake were restored by CRF(2)a but not CRF(1)a; 4) UCN-induced increase of c-fos mRNA levels in the caudal brain stem containing the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) was inhibited by CRF(2)a; and 5) UCN-induced reduction of food intake was restored by exogenous ghrelin and rikkunshito, an endogenous ghrelin secretion regulator. Thus, UCN increases neuronal activation in the caudal brain stem containing NTS via CRF(2) receptors, which may be related to UCN-induced inhibition of both ghrelin secretion and food intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Yakabi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
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12
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Emeto TI, Moxon JV, Rush C, Woodward L, Golledge J. Relevance of urocortins to cardiovascular disease. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2011; 51:299-307. [PMID: 21689660 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 04/04/2011] [Revised: 05/26/2011] [Accepted: 06/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Acquired cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, peripheral artery disease and related vascular problems contribute to more than one-third of worldwide morbidity and mortality. In many instances, particularly in the under developed world, cardiovascular diseases are diagnosed at a late stage limiting the scope for improving outcomes. A range of therapies already exist for established cardiovascular disease, although there is significant interest in further understanding disease pathogenesis in order to improve diagnosis and achieve primary and secondary therapeutic goals. The urocortins are a group of recently defined peptide members of the corticotrophin-releasing factor family. Previous pre-clinical work and human association studies suggest that urocortins have potential to exert some beneficial and other detrimental effects on the heart and major blood vessels. More current evidence however favours beneficial effects of urocortins, for example these peptides have been shown to inhibit production of reactive oxygen species and vascular cell apoptosis, and thus may have potential to antagonise the progression of cardiovascular disease. This review summarises published data on the potential role of urocortins in cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theophilus I Emeto
- Vascular Biology Unit, School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
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13
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Ushikai M, Asakawa A, Sakoguchi T, Tanaka C, Inui A. Centrally administered urocortin 3 inhibits food intake and gastric emptying in mice. Endocrine 2011; 39:113-7. [PMID: 21061090 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-010-9420-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [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: 07/13/2010] [Accepted: 10/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin 3 (Ucn3) is recognized as a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family, which plays an important role in regulating food intake. We investigated the effects of centrally administered Ucn3 on food intake and gastric emptying in mice. Intracerebroventricular (ICV)administration of Ucn3 (0.1–1 nmol per mouse) decreased food intake in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of Ucn3 on food intake was less potent than that of centrally administered CRF and Urocortin 1. ICV administration of Ucn3 (0.1–1 nmol per mouse) decreased the gastric emptying rate in a dose-dependent manner. Ucn3 decreased food intake in high-fat diet-fed obese mice as well as in lean mice. These results indicated that Ucn3 influences feeding behavior and gut motility, and may be a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of eating and functional gastrointestinal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miharu Ushikai
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences,8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8520, Japan
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14
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Wang L, Stengel A, Goebel M, Martinez V, Gourcerol G, Rivier J, Taché Y. Peripheral activation of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 inhibits food intake and alters meal structures in mice. Peptides 2011; 32:51-9. [PMID: 20969907 PMCID: PMC3010521 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 09/04/2010] [Revised: 10/11/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The orexigenic effect of urocortins (Ucns), namely Ucn 1, Ucn 2 and Ucn 3 through activation of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors, has been well characterized after injection into the brain but not in the periphery. We examined the role of CRF receptor subtype 2 (CRF(2)) in the regulation of food intake using intraperitoneal (ip) injection of Ucns and the selective CRF(2) antagonist, astressin(2)-B, and CRF(2) knockout (-/-) mice. Meal structures were monitored using an automated episodic solid food intake monitoring system. Ucn 2 (3, 10 or 30 μg/kg, ip) induced a rapid in onset, long lasting and dose-dependent decrease (38%, 66% and 86%, respectively at 4h) of cumulative food intake after an overnight fast in mice. Ucn 3 anorexic effect was 10-times less potent. Astressin(2)-B (30 or 100 μg/kg) injected ip, but not intracerebroventricularly, blocked the inhibitory effect of ip Ucn 1 and Ucn 2 (10 μg/kg). Fasted CRF(2-/-) mice did not respond to ip Ucn 1 (10 μg/kg). Meal microstructure analysis of the 4-h re-feeding response to an overnight fast showed that Ucn 2 (10 μg/kg, ip) decreased meal size and duration, but increased meal frequency. In mice fed ad libitum, Ucn 2 (30 μg/kg) injected ip before the dark phase decreased the 4-h nocturnal meal size and duration without influencing meal frequency while the 10 μg/kg dose had no effect. These data indicate that Ucns, through peripheral CRF(2) receptor-mediated induction of satiation, inhibit the eating response to a fast more potently than the physiological nocturnal feeding in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixin Wang
- CURE Digestive Diseases Research Center, Center for Neurobiology of Stress, Department of Medicine/Digestive Diseases Division, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA and VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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15
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Gu Y, Zhang K, Biswas N, Friese RS, Lin DH, Mahata SK, Hoshijima M, O'Connor DT, Peterson KL, Brar BK. Urocortin 2 lowers blood pressure and reduces plasma catecholamine levels in mice with hyperadrenergic activity. Endocrinology 2010; 151:4820-9. [PMID: 20668031 PMCID: PMC2946150 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-1454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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
Exaggerated adrenergic activity is associated with human hypertension. The peptide urocortin 2 (Ucn 2) inhibits catecholamine synthesis and secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells in vitro and administration to mammals lowers blood pressure (BP). The chromogranin A-null mouse (Chga-/-) manifests systemic hypertension because of excessive catecholamine secretion from the adrenal and decreased catecholamine storage. In the present study, we investigated whether systemic administration of Ucn 2 could reduce BP and adrenal and plasma levels of catecholamines in vivo. Ucn 2 peptide was administered to freely moving, conscious Chga-/- and wild-type control mice. Telemetry and HPLC measured changes in BP and catecholamine levels, respectively. In both groups of mice, Ucn 2 dose-dependently decreased BP, and this effect was mediated by corticotropin factor-receptor type 2. However, in Chga-/- mice, the maximal percentage decrease of systolic BP from basal systolic BP was 37% compared with only a 23% reduction in wild-type mice (P=0.04). In Chga-/- mice only, Ucn 2 decreased adrenal and plasma levels of catecholamines as well as adrenal levels of tyrosine hydroxylase protein and phosphorylation. In vitro mechanistic studies demonstrated that Ucn 2 reduces both catecholamine secretion and tyrosine hydroxylase promoter activity, suggesting that the exaggerated action of Ucn 2 to reduce BP in the Chga-/- mouse is mediated through inhibition of both catecholamine synthesis and secretion. The data suggest that Ucn 2 may be therapeutically useful in regulating the exaggerated sympathoadrenal function of hyperadrenergic hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusu Gu
- Department of Medicine, University of California and Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0838, USA
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16
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Chen P, Vaughan J, Donaldson C, Vale W, Li C. Injection of Urocortin 3 into the ventromedial hypothalamus modulates feeding, blood glucose levels, and hypothalamic POMC gene expression but not the HPA axis. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2010; 298:E337-45. [PMID: 19952342 PMCID: PMC2822480 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00402.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin 3 (Ucn 3) is a corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-related peptide with high affinity for the type 2 CRF receptor (CRFR2). Central administration of Ucn 3 stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, suppresses feeding, and elevates blood glucose levels, suggesting that activation of brain CRFR2 promotes stress-like responses. Several CRFR2-expressing brain areas, including the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and the posterior amygdala (PA), may be potential sites mediating the effects of Ucn 3. In the present study, Ucn 3 or vehicle was bilaterally injected into the VMH or PA, and food intake and plasma levels of ACTH, corticosterone, glucose, and insulin were determined. Food intake was greatly reduced in rats following Ucn 3 injection into the VMH. Ucn 3 injection into the VMH rapidly elevated plasma levels of glucose and insulin but did not affect ACTH and corticosterone secretion. Injection of Ucn 3 into the PA did not alter any of the parameters measured. We determined that the majority of CRFR2-positive neurons in the VMH were excitatory glutamatergic, and a subset of these neurons project to the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH). Importantly, stimulation of CRFR2 in the VMH increased proopiomelanocortin mRNA expression in the ARH. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that CRFR2 in the VMH mediates some of the central effects of Ucn 3, and the ARH melanocortin system may be a downstream target of VMH CRFR2 neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peilin Chen
- Department of Medicine and Cell Biology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
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17
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Abstract
The urocortins are a family of endogenously produced peptide hormones that show great promise as potential drugs for the treatment of heart disease. They can increase contractility and cardiac output without causing changes in mean arterial blood pressure. As expected, the receptor for these peptides is present in cardiomyocytes, and they can bind and protect these cells from simulated ischemia and reperfusion in vitro. The receptor is present, however, in much higher density in the endothelial cells that form a continuous lining of the coronary vasculature. Functionally, the urocortin peptides have been shown to have potent local vasodilatory effects, and may affect other aspects of vascular function. In this review, we will attempt to distinguish the "cardio" from the "vascular" effects of urocortin and its homologues, including the archetypal family member, corticotrophin releasing hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M Davidson
- The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London Hospital and Medical School, London, UK
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18
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Chen J, Tao J, Zhang R, Xu Y, Soong T, Li S. Urocortin inhibits mesenteric arterial remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Peptides 2009; 30:1117-23. [PMID: 19463744 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 01/16/2009] [Revised: 02/20/2009] [Accepted: 02/20/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin (UCN), a newly isolated corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) related peptide, has been found to have potent cardiovascular protective effects. This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of UCN on arterial remodeling and related functional alterations. UCN (7 microg/kg/d) was administered to spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured weekly. Functional studies were performed on isolated mesenteric arterial segments. Also, by light microscope and electron microscope, the morphology of mesenteric arteries was examined. Our results showed that mean SBP in UCN-treated SHRs was about 40 mm Hg lower than that of the control SHR group, and was similar to that of the enalapril-treated group. In the mesenteric arterial segments pre-contracted with norepinephrine (0.001-10 microM), the maximal relaxation rate induced by acetylcholine (10 microM) in UCN-treated group (about 93.3%) was higher than that in SHR control group (about 40.0%) (n=6, P<0.01). Furthermore examination under light microscope showed that UCN (3.5 microg/kg/d) treatment significantly reduced media thickness, media/lumen ratio, resulting in larger lumen diameter while analysis of transmission electron microscopic findings revealed that chromatin, internal elastic lamina and densely packed mitochondria displayed a close-to-normal distribution after UCN treatment. These results suggested that long-term UCN treatment not only had hypotensive effects but may also inhibited development of vascular remodeling in mesenteric arteries in SHR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiandong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
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19
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Robbins MT, Ness TJ. Footshock-induced urinary bladder hypersensitivity: role of spinal corticotropin-releasing factor receptors. J Pain 2008; 9:991-8. [PMID: 18632307 PMCID: PMC2579943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2008.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2008] [Revised: 05/13/2008] [Accepted: 05/16/2008] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Stress-induced hyperalgesia (SIH), a common clinical observation associated with multiple painful diseases including functional urinary disorders, presently has no mechanistic explanation. Using a footshock treatment, a classic stressor, to magnify physiological responses in a model of urinary bladder pain, we examined one potential group of mediators of SIH, the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-related neuropeptides. Exposure to a footshock treatment produced bladder hypersensitivity in female Sprague-Dawley rats, manifested as significantly more vigorous visceromotor responses (VMRs) to urinary bladder distension (UBD) compared with rats that were exposed to a non-footshock treatment. This bladder hypersensitivity was significantly attenuated by blocking spinal CRF(2) receptors but not CRF(1) receptors. Furthermore, spinal administration of urocortin 2, a CRF(2) receptor agonist, augmented UBD-evoked VMRs in a way similar to what was observed after exposure to Footshock, an effect significantly attenuated by pretreatment with spinal aSVG30, a CRF(2) receptor antagonist. Surprisingly, neither spinal administration of CRF nor the CRF(1) receptor antagonist antalarmin had an effect on bladder nociceptive responses. The results of the present study not only provide further support for a role of stress in the exacerbation of bladder pain but also implicate spinal urocortins and their endogenous receptor, the CRF(2) receptor, as potential mediators of this effect. PERSPECTIVE This study presents evidence that spinal urocortins and CRF(2) receptors are involved in stress-induced hypersensitivity related to the urinary bladder. This provides a basis for investigating how urocortins mediate SIH, ultimately leading to more effective treatment options for patients with painful bladder syndromes as well as stress-exacerbated chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith T Robbins
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, Alabama 35294, USA.
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20
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Gourcerol G, Wang L, Wang YH, Million M, Taché Y. Urocortins and cholecystokinin-8 act synergistically to increase satiation in lean but not obese mice: involvement of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-2 pathway. Endocrinology 2007; 148:6115-23. [PMID: 17932219 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-0678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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
Interactions between gastrointestinal signals are a part of integrated systems regulating food intake (FI). We investigated whether cholecystokinin (CCK)-8 and urocortin systems potentiate each other to inhibit FI and gastric emptying (GE) in fasted mice. Urocortin 1 and urocortin 2 (1 microg/kg) were injected ip alone or with CCK (3 microg/kg) in lean, diet-induced obese (DIO) or corticotropin-releasing factor receptor-2 (CRF(2))-deficient mice. Gastric vagal afferent activity was recorded from a rat stomach-vagus in vitro preparation. When injected separately, urocortin 1, urocortin 2, or CCK did not modify the 4-h cumulative FI in lean mice. However, CCK plus urocortin 1 or CCK plus urocortin 2 decreased significantly the 4-h FI by 39 and 27%, respectively, compared with the vehicle + vehicle group in lean mice but not in DIO mice. Likewise, CCK-urocortin-1 delayed GE in lean but not DIO mice, whereas either peptide injected alone at the same dose had no effect. CCK-urocortin 2 suppression of FI was observed in wild-type but not CRF(2)-deficient mice. Gastric vagal afferent activity was increased by intragastric artery injection of urocortin 2 after CCK at a subthreshold dose, and the response was reversed by devazepide. These data establish a peripheral synergistic interaction between CCK and urocortin 1 or urocortin 2 to suppress FI and GE through CRF(2) receptor in lean mice that may involve CCK modulation of gastric vagal afferent responsiveness to urocortin 2. Such synergy is lost in DIO mice, suggesting a resistance to the satiety signaling that may contribute to maintain obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gourcerol
- Center for Neurovisceral Sciences and Women's Health, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
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21
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Zhao Y, Valdez GR, Fekete EM, Rivier JE, Vale WW, Rice KC, Weiss F, Zorrilla EP. Subtype-Selective Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor Agonists Exert Contrasting, but Not Opposite, Effects on Anxiety-Related Behavior in Rats. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2007; 323:846-54. [PMID: 17855476 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.107.123208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system mediates stress responses. Extrahypothalamic CRF1 receptor activation has anxiogenic-like properties, but anxiety-related functions of CRF2 receptors remain unclear. The present study determined the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of a CRF2 agonist, urocortin 3, on behavior of male Wistar rats in the shock-probe, social interaction, and defensive withdrawal tests of anxiety-like behavior. Equimolar doses of stressin1-A, a novel CRF1 agonist, were administered to separate rats. The effects of pyrazolo[1,5-a]-1,3,5-triazin-4-amine,8-[4-(bromo)-2-chlorophenyl]-N, N-bis(2-methoxyethyl)-2,7-dimethyl-(9Cl) (MJL-1-109-2), a CRF1 antagonist, on behavior in the shock-probe test also were studied. Stressin1-A increased anxiety-like behavior in the social interaction and shock-probe tests. Stressin1-A elicited behavioral activation and defensive burying at lower doses (0.04 nmol), but it increased freezing, grooming, and mounting at 25-fold higher (1-nmol) doses. Conversely, systemic administration of MJL-1-109-2 (10 mg/kg) had anxiolytic-like effects in the shock-probe test. Unlike stressin1-A or MJL-1-109-2, i.c.v. urocortin 3 infusion did not alter anxiety-like behavior in the shock-probe test across a range of doses that reduced locomotion and rearing and increased grooming. Urocortin 3 also did not decrease social interaction, but it decreased anxiety-like behavior in the defensive withdrawal test at a 2-nmol dose. Thus, i.c.v. administration of CRF1 and CRF2 agonists produced differential, but not opposite, effects on anxiety-like behavior. Urocortin 3 (i.c.v.) did not consistently decrease or increase anxiety-like behavior, the latter unlike effects seen previously after local microinjection of CRF2 agonists into the septum or raphe. With increasing CRF1 activation, however, the behavioral expression of anxiety qualitatively changes from "coping" to "noncoping" and offensive, agonistic behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhao
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, and Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences Department, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Abstract
AIMS To document the haemodynamic, neurohormonal, and renal responses to Urocortin 2 (UCN2) infused in human heart failure (HF). METHODS AND RESULTS Eight male patients with HF [left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40%, NYHA class II-III] received placebo and 25 [low dose (LD)] and 100 microg [high dose (HD)] of UCN2 intravenously over 1 h in a single-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-escalation design. UCN2 increased cardiac output (CO) (mean peak increments +/- SEM; placebo 0.3 +/- 0.1; LD 1.0 +/- 0.3; HD 2.0 +/- 0.2 L/min; P < 0.001) and LVEF (0.0 +/- 1.5; LD 5.9 +/- 2.1; HD 14.1 +/- 2.7%; P = 0.001) and decreased mean arterial pressure (placebo 6.7 +/- 1.3; LD 11.4 +/- 1.7; HD 19.4 +/- 3.3 mmHg; P = 0.001), systemic vascular resistance (SVR) (placebo 104 +/- 37; LD 281 +/- 64; HD 476 +/- 79 dynes s/cm(5); P < 0.003), and cardiac work (CW) (placebo 48 +/- 12; LD 66 +/- 22; HD 94 +/- 13 mmHg/L/min; P < 0.001). No significant effect on vasoconstrictor/volume-retaining neurohormones was noted. UCN2 decreased urinary volume (P = 0.035) but not creatinine excretion (P = 0.962). CONCLUSION Intravenous UCN2 in HF induced increases in CO and LVEF with falls in SVR and CW. No hormone response occurred. The role of UCN2 in circulatory regulation and its potential therapeutic application in heart disease warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark E Davis
- Department of Medicine, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 4345, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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23
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Cottone P, Sabino V, Nagy TR, Coscina DV, Zorrilla EP. Feeding microstructure in diet-induced obesity susceptible versus resistant rats: central effects of urocortin 2. J Physiol 2007; 583:487-504. [PMID: 17627984 PMCID: PMC2277029 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.138867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
With one billion people overweight worldwide, the need to identify risk factors and treatments for obesity is urgent. The present study determined whether rats genetically prone to diet-induced obesity (DIO) show preexisting differences in meal microstructure and are sensitive to central anorectic effects of corticotropin-releasing factor type 2 (CRF(2)) receptor stimulation. Male, selectively bred DIO rats and their diet resistant (DR) counterparts (n = 9/genotype) were weaned onto low-fat chow and compared as young adults for spontaneous or intracerebroventricular urocortin 2 administration-induced (0, 0.3, 1, 3 microg) differences in ingestion. DIO rats were hyperphagic selectively at the dark cycle onset, showing shorter latencies to initiate feeding, faster returns to eating following meal completion, and a lower satiety ratio than DR rats. At other times, DIO rats had briefer postmeal intervals, but ate smaller and briefer meals, resulting in normal intake. DIO rats also ate faster than DR rats. Urocortin 2 was less potent in DIO rats, ineffective at the 0.3 microg dose, but produced CRF(2) antagonist-reversible anorexia at higher doses. Though heavier, chow-maintained DIO rats were proportionately as or more lean than DR rats. Thus, DIO rats showed signs of a preexisting, heritable deficit in the maintenance of postmeal satiety and a reduced sensitivity to anorectic CRF(2) agonist stimulation. The meal patterns of DIO rats temporally resemble human 'snacking' behaviour, which predicts adult obesity. Because central CRF(2) stimulation retains full anorectic efficacy at higher doses in the DIO model, manipulating this neuropeptidergic system might yield new therapeutic approaches for diet-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Cottone
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. or
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Fedeli A, Policani F, Ubaldi M, Cippitelli A, Massi M, Ciccocioppo R. Activation of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ system is unable to reverse CRF2 receptor mediated anorexia in the rat. Peptides 2006; 27:3284-91. [PMID: 17050037 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2006.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 11/14/2005] [Revised: 09/07/2006] [Accepted: 09/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Central injection of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), inhibits the anorectic effect of corticotropin-relasing factor (CRF) and stress in rats. Recently, Urocortin II (Ucn II) and Urocortin III (Ucn III), two selective CRF(2) receptor agonists, have been identified. Here, we investigated the effect of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of 0.25, 0.75, 1.50 or 3 nmol/rat of Ucn II or Ucn III on food and water intake in food deprived rats. The effect of N/OFQ on Ucn II and UCNIII-induced anorexia was also studied. Results showed a greater inhibition of food consumption by Ucn II than Ucn III. Pretreatment with N/OFQ (0.25-2.0 nmol/rat) did not block the effects of Ucn II and UCNIII. Conversely, injection of N/OFQ (0.25-2.0 nmol/rat) blocked the anorectic effect of CRF (0.1 nmol/rat). These findings suggest that N/OFQ selectively prevent the anorectic effect mediated by activation of the CRF(1) receptor system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Fedeli
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Public Health, University of Camerino, Via Scalzino 3, 62032 Camerino (MC), Italy
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