Shifts in preferred learning strategy across the estrous cycle in female rats

The current status of the effects of ovarian steroids on learning and memory remains somewhat unclear, despite a large undertaking to evaluate these effects. What is emerging from this literature is that estrogen, and perhaps progesterone, influences learning and memory, but does so in a task-dependent manner. Previously, we have shown that ovariectomized rats given acute treatments of estrogen acquire allocentric or "place" tasks more easily than do rats deprived of estrogen, but acquire egocentric or "response" learning tasks more slowly than do those deprived of hormone, suggesting that estrogen treatment may bias the strategy a rat is able to use to solve tasks. To determine if natural fluctuations in ovarian hormones influence cognitive strategy, we tested whether strategy use fluctuated across the estrous cycle in reproductively intact female rats. We found that in two tasks in which rats freely choose the strategy used to solve the task, rats were more likely to use place strategies at proestrous, that is, when ovarian steroids are high. Conversely, estrous rats were biased toward response strategies. The data suggest that natural fluctuations in ovarian steroids may bias the neural system used and thus the cognitive strategies chosen during learning and memory.

An In vitro Study on Spontaneous Cervical Contractility in the Cow During Oestrus and Diestrus

Cervical smooth muscle specimens were collected from slaughtered cows in oestrus and diestrus. Longitudinal and circular specimens were mounted in organ baths and after equilibration time and 2 g pre-load, their physiologic isometric contractility was recorded for 2.5 h. Area under the curve (AUC), maximal amplitude (Amax), mean amplitude (Amen) and minimal amplitude (Amin) were studied. Differences between cycle phases, between muscle layers and over the recorded time periods were statistically evaluated using linear mixed-effect models. In the cow, physiologic contractility of the cervix decreased significantly over time for all variables evaluated (time as covariate on a continuous scale). Furthermore, for Amax, there was a tendency for an influence of muscle layer (longitudinal > circular). Contractility was not influenced by cycle phases.

Differential Transcriptional and Translational Regulations of Calbindm-D9k by Steroid Hormones and Their Receptors in the Uterus of Immature Mice

Calbindin-D(9k) (CaBP-9k) is a cytosolic calcium binding protein mainly expressed in the duodenum, placenta and uterus, and intestinal CaBP-9k is regulated by 1, 25-dyhydroxyvitamin D3. However, despite the presence of vitamin D receptors, uterine CaBP-9k is not under the control of vitamin D, but seems to be regulated by sex steroids. This steroids-dependent regulation of CaBP-9k is not only limited to a tissue-specific manner but also extends to a species-specific manner. In this study, we examined the regulation of CaBP-9k gene at the transcriptional and translational levels, and also localized CaBP-9k protein in the uterus of immature mice. Treatment with progesterone (P4) resulted in the induction of CaBP-9k mRNA, and a co-treatment with estrogen (E2) plus P4 evoked a synergic effect on its mRNA level in this tissue. Interestingly, the translation of CaBP-9k protein was enhanced by E2, while no difference was observed at the transcriptional level. Not only P4 but also E2 itself induced an increase of CaBP-9k protein, and co-treatment with E2 and P4 showed a similar effect on its protein level in the uterus of immature mice. The CaBP-9k protein was localized in the glandular epithelium of stroma in the uterus of immature mice at diestrus, indicating that the expression of CaBP-9k protein is differentially regulated by sex steroids. A potential mechanism of synergic effect of P4 and E2 may be E2 action in the increase of progesterone receptor (PR), with up-regulated PR increasing P4-induced CaBP-9k expression. This complicated relationship between CaBP-9k and steroid receptors suggests that P4 regulates CaBP-9k gene in the uterus of immature mice, in addition, E2 also can affect the expression of CaBP-9k through the regulation of PR. The expression levels of ERalpha and PR were further examined in this tissue. E2 stimulated the expression levels of ERalpha and PR mRNAs and P4 inhibited the expression of these transcripts at an early time point (12 h) and increased them at 24 and 48 h, while co-treatments with both steroids increased transcripts of ERalpha and PR at 24 h. In conclusion, P4 and PR may be dominant factors in the regulation of CaBP-9k. Also, E2 and ERalpha can influence the expression of the CaBP-9k gene via an indirect pathway in the uterus of immature mice.

Expression of key prostaglandin synthases in equine endometrium during late diestrus and early pregnancy

Luteolysis in domestic species is mediated by the release of luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) by the uterus at the end of diestrus, which must be suppressed by the conceptus to permit maternal recognition of pregnancy. In many species, including the horse, both the conceptus and the endometrium also synthesize PGE(2), which may antagonize PGF(2alpha) by playing a luteotropic and/or antiluteolytic role. While the release of PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) by the equine endometrium in late diestrus and early pregnancy has been previously studied, the underlying prostaglandin synthase gene regulatory mechanisms remain poorly defined. To resolve this issue, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal PGE(2) synthase (PGES), and PGF(2alpha) synthase (PGFS) expression were examined in a series of endometrial biopsies obtained from cycling mares on Days 10, 13, and 15 postovulation, as well as from pregnant mares on Day 15. Quantification of COX-2 expression revealed significant (P < 0.01) increases in both mRNA and protein levels at Day 15 in cycling endometrium relative to other timepoints. Importantly, the level of COX-2 expression in Day 15 pregnant endometrium was found to be comparable with that observed in Day 10 and Day 13 cycling animals, suggesting that the presence of the conceptus blocks the induction of COX-2. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the induction of COX-2 expression on Day 15 occurs specifically in surface epithelial cells in cycling animals only. As equine PGFS had not been previously characterized, a 1380-base pair (bp) cDNA transcript was cloned by a combination of reverse transcription-PCR techniques and found to be highly homologous to bovine liver-type PGFS. The pattern of expression observed for the terminal PG synthases was distinct from that of COX-2, as PGES and PGFS mRNA and protein levels were found to be invariant throughout the timecourse and unaffected by pregnancy. Similar to COX-2, however, the PGES and PGFS proteins were found to localize mainly to the surface epithelium. Thus, this study describes for the first time the regulation and spatial distribution of COX-2, PGES, and PGFS expression in equine endometrium in late diestrus, with a marked induction of COX-2 but not of PGES and PGFS expression in uterine epithelial cells at Day 15. Furthermore, the presence of the conceptus was shown to block the induction of COX-2 expression at Day 15, suggesting an important mechanism by which it may suppress uterine PGF(2alpha) release and prevent luteolysis during early pregnancy.

Magnetic resonance image attributes of the bovine corpus luteum during development and regression

To determine whether magnetic resonance (MR) image attributes of the corpus luteum (CL) reflect its physiologic status at different phases of the bovine ovarian cycle, we analyzed the numerical pixel values (NPVs), relaxation rates, proton densities (PDs), and apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) from T(1)-, T(2)-, and diffusion-weighted in vitro images and maps of the CL acquired at defined phases of luteal function. Ovaries were removed and serum samples taken on days 3, 6, and 10, or >/=17 (day 0 = ovulation), representing metestrus (n = 10), early diestrus (n = 7), mid-diestrus (n = 9), and proestrus (n = 7), respectively. Regions of interest (ROIs) in each quadrant of the CL (which occupied at least 20% of the quadrant) were selected for analysis. Three MR image slices were analyzed: the slice with the greatest cross-sectional area of the CL, and the slices acquired immediately before and after that slice. The mean NPVs of the CL in T(1)-weighted images increased at each phase from metestrus (1,104 +/- 40 msec) to early diestrus (1,119 +/- 77 msec), to late diestrus (1,206 +/- 43 msec) and proestrus (1446 +/- 80 msec; P < 0.001). The mean NPVs in T(1)-weighted images were higher in regressing CL (proestrous) than in any other phase (P < 0.002). Grayscale heterogeneity of CL in T(1)-weighted images tended to increase during regression (P < 0.07). Regressing CL (proestrus) exhibited higher T(1)-weighted mean NPVs (P < 0.01) and tended to have greater heterogeneity (P < 0.06) than growing (metestrus) and mature (diestrus) CL, even though similar progesterone concentrations were observed. The increased brightness and heterogeneity of regressing CL in T(1)-weighted images appeared to be correlated with increased connective tissue and triglyceride content and decreased vascularity. It is anticipated that diagnostic markers for luteal viability and atresia in the in vitro bovine model will be applied to in vivo studies in women.

Changes in estrogen receptor-alpha expression in hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons during proestrous prolactin surge

A surge of prolactin (PRL) occurs in female rats during proestrus in response to elevated estradiol and progesterone levels. Dopamine is the primary hypothalamic inhibitor of PRL secretion from the pituitary. Using double-label immunocytochemistry, we investigated the pattern of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha) immunoreactivity in dopaminergic neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and the periventricular nucleus (PeVN) during the proestrous PRL surge and compared it to that during diestrus, when PRL levels are constantly low. Our results showed that during diestrus >80% of dopaminergic neurons in the ARC were also positive for ER-alpha, and this colocalization percentage decreased significantly during proestrus. By contrast, <15% of dopaminergic neurons in the PeVN expressed ER-alpha, and the low percentage of ER-alpha expression was unchanged throughout proestrus and diestrus. Results from estrogen plus progesterone treated ovariectomized rats showed similar patterns of ER-alpha expression within the ARC and the PeVN and, once again, compared with the control group, had a significant reduction in ER-alpha immunoreactivity in dopaminergic neurons in the ARC, but not in the PeVN. These results provide an anatomic basis that dopaminergic neurons in the ARC and the PeVN are functionally different regarding to ER-alpha expression. Our study also supports the hypothesis that dopaminergic neurons in the ARC are an important neuronal population responsive to estrogen by changing the expression of ER-alpha in those neurons. This modification of sensitivity of dopaminergic neurons in the ARC in response to ovarian steroids may be an important molecular mechanism involved in PRL regulation, including the regulation of the proestrous surge of PRL.

Functional expression of the dopamine-activated K(+) current in lactotrophs during the estrous cycle in female rats: correlation with prolactin secretory responses

It is well established that hypothalamic dopamine (DA) is the major physiologic regulator of prolactin (PRL) secretion, exerting a tonic inhibition throughout most of the estrous cycle. A dramatic drop in the amount of DA perfusing the anterior pituitary occurs in the afternoon of proestrus and is critical for the production of the surge of PRL that occurs at that time. In my laboratory, we have identified and characterized a DA-activated K(+) channel (K(DA)) in lactotrophs derived from proestrous rats that underlies DA-induced membrane hyperpolarization of lactotrophs. We have also demonstrated that this hyperpolarization plays a critical role in both the inhibition of PRL release from proestrous cells and the PRL secretory rebound that occurs following DA withdrawal. We now report that the ability of DA to activate the K(DA) channel and elicit hyperpolarization in primary lactotrophs changes dramatically during the estrous cycle. Lactotrophs isolated from cycling female rats were studied using whole-cell voltage clamp. DA (1 microM) elicited a robust membrane K(+) current in the majority of proestrous lactotrophs (86%; 24.0 +/- 2.9 pA). By contrast, DA activated a considerably smaller membrane current (3.3 pA) in very few lactotrophs isolated from rats on either diestrus or estrus (8 and 0%, respectively). Using a perifusion system to examine temporal patterns of PRL release, we found that following application and withdrawal of DA, proestrous cells produced a robust secretory rebound, but diestrous and estrous cells did not. However, DA inhibited PRL release to the same extent regardless the stage of the cycle from which the cells were derived. These data are consistent with the presence of multiple DA effectors in lactotrophs and demonstrate that their relative importance shifts dramatically with changes in the endocrine status of the animal. We propose that the DA-activated K(+) channel (K(DA)) is a critical effector governing the unique secretory profile of PRL observed in proestrous animals.

Modulation of exploratory behavior in female mice by protein-borne male urinary molecules

Male pheromones are believed to attract females and repel male mice in open field tests but, when tested in more complex environments, they can attract male mice in usually avoided areas. Females were tested in an apparatus with one dark and one light side, in the absence or presence of male urine or the major urinary proteins (MUPs) bearing the natural ligands. Diestrous females were slower in leaving from the dark area when male urine or MUPs were present in it. Estrogen-primed females showed the opposite behavior, with an increase in the same latency. The light-avoidance behavior of prepubertal females, or females reared without males was not influenced by the presence of male chemosignals. The results show that adult female mice can react to MUP-borne volatiles as to adult male urine and use them as cues of male mice, if they were previously exposed to male cues during infancy. MUP-borne molecules are, thus, the olfactory trace of males in the environment and modulate mice exploratory behavior.

Hypergravity: its effect on the estrous cycle and hormonal levels in female rats

Hypergravity at 1.02-2.28 g was simulated by centrifugation and the estrous cycles of rats were followed by testing vaginal smears. Associated hormonal changes were measured from blood samples by radioimmunoassay. It was found that moderate hypergravity affects the estrous cycle by prolonging the diestrous period, and this effect seems to bear a direct relationship to the strength and timing of the hypergravity. Intermittent centrifugation produces the same effect as continuous centrifugation. After the prolonged diestrous, the estrous cycle returns to normal. The observed effects were associated with hormonal changes. Progesterone was elevated during the prolonged diestrous although no consistent changes in estrogen levels could be found. The effect of simulated hypergravity resembles the pseudo-pregnancy response produced in rats by various stimuli, but a decidual reaction, i.e., the usual uteral growth as a response to pregnancy or injury during pseudo-pregnancy, could not be elicited during the prolonged diestrous induced by 2.08 g. The possible mechanism eliciting the prolongation of diestrous is discussed.

Reproductive endocrinology in Hatano high- and low-avoidance rats during the estrous cycle

The high- and low-avoidance animals (HAA and LAA rats) were originally selected from Sprague-Dawley rats for their shuttle-box task. Reproductive endocrinology during the estrous cycle was compared between HAA and LAA rats. All HAA rats showed a regular 4-d estrous cycle, whereas most LAA rats (70.8%) showed a regular 5-d estrous cycle. The peak level of preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge level was significantly lower in LAA rats than in HAA rats on the day of proestrus. In contrast, the peak level of prolactin surge on the day of proestrus was significantly higher in LAA rats than in HAA rats. Plasma concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol-17beta were significantly lower in LAA rats as compared with HAA rats at 12 h on the day of estrus and from 24 h on the day of diestrus to 18 h on the day of proestrus. On the other hand, plasma concentrations of progesterone were significantly higher in LAA rats compared with HAA rats on the day of diestrus. The number of antral follicles (300-600 microm in diameter) at 12 h on the day of proestrus was significantly fewer in LAA rats than in HAA rats. The size and number of corpus luteum at 12 h on the day of estrus were significantly greater in LAA rats than in HAA rats. These results clearly demonstrated that apparent differences are observed in reproductive endocrinology between two Hatano strains. These strain differences probably originated from neural regulation of pituitary hormones.

Y1 receptor activation is involved in the effect of exogenous neuropeptide Y on pup growth and the early termination of lactational diestrus in the postpartum rat

The effect of chronic administration of exogenous neuropeptide Y (NPY) and specific NPY receptor agonists and antagonists on reproductive function was examined in lactating rats. As previously demonstrated in our laboratory, chronic (7-day) intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) NPY infusion (6 microg/day) from days 8-15 postpartum (pp) caused a significant decrease in milk production and an early termination of lactational diestrus. Similar application of the mixed Y1/Y4/Y5 receptor agonist (Leu31, Pro34) NPY (at 3, 6 and 9 microg/day) reproduced the effect of chronic NPY infusion on milk production in a dose-independent manner. Consistent with this effect, the potent Y1 antagonist/Y4 agonist, 1229U91, given concomitantly with NPY eliminated the decline in milk production. The Y2 receptor agonist, NPY13-36, had no effect on milk production at any of the doses used. Length of lactational diestrus was reduced following administration of the Y2 agonist at 18 microg/day but not at 9 microg or 27 microg/day whereas (Leu31, Pro34) NPY infusion had no effect on this parameter at any of the doses used. However, the group that was treated with NPY plus 1229U91 exhibited the usual length of lactational diestrus, indicating that there is at least some Y1 involvement in the effects of NPY on lactational infertility. To test the possibility that the effects of NPY infusion are mediated through changes in circulating prolactin and progesterone, plasma concentrations of these hormones were measured on day 15 pp in NPY-, (Leu31, Pro34) NPY- and vehicle-treated females. NPY-infused females had lower plasma prolactin concentrations than vehicle-infused dams but progesterone concentrations were similar across groups. Overall, these data indicate that chronic exogenous NPY-infusion in lactating females disrupts milk production and shortens lactational diestrus, most likely through reducing prolactin secretion, and that this effect is mediated via Y1 receptor activity.

An in vitro study on spontaneous myometrial contractility in the cow during estrus and diestrus

Myometrial smooth muscle strips were collected from slaughtered cows in estrus and diestrus. Longitudinal and circular smooth muscle strips were mounted in organ baths and after equilibration time and 2g preload, their physiologic contractility was recorded for 3h. Area under the curve (AUC), mean amplitude (MA) and frequency of contractions (F) were studied. Differences between cycle phases, between muscle layers and over the recorded time period were statistically evaluated. In the cow, physiologic contractility patterns (measured as AUC and MA) of circular versus longitudinal myometrial strips are always different during the 3h recording. Significant differences between estrus versus diestrus are only found for circular layers, but not for longitudinal layers. Significant differences over time are only found for longitudinal layers.

Selected contribution: Time-dependent hypoxic respiratory responses in female rats are influenced by age and by the estrus cycle

Age affects time-dependent respiratory responses to episodic hypoxia in male rats, particularly long-term facilitation (LTF), a serotonin-dependent respiratory "memory" [Zabka AG, Behan M, and Mitchell GS, J Physiol (Lond) 531: 509, 2001]. Because age and gender influence serotonergic function, we tested the hypotheses that the short-term hypoxic response (STHR), posthypoxia frequency decline (PHFD) and LTF of phrenic and hypoglossal (XII) motor output change with age and stage of the estrus cycle in female rats. Young (3-4 mo) and middle-aged (13 mo) female Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized, paralyzed, vagotomized, and ventilated. STHR was measured during and PHFD after the first of three 5-min episodes of isocapnic hypoxia (arterial P(O)(2) 35-45 Torr). LTF was assessed 60 min postepisodic hypoxia. Phrenic and XII STHR increased with age (P < 0.05). PHFD was unaffected by age or gender. Phrenic LTF increased with age in both estrus and diestrus (P < 0.05), whereas XII LTF increased in middle-aged female rats during diestrus only. Age and gender influence time-dependent hypoxic phrenic and XII responses in a complex manner.

Effect of metabolic fuel availability on fertility varies with reproductive state

A 48-h fast extends the estrous cycle of virgin rats and, when instituted on days 13 and 14 postpartum (pp), prolongs lactational infertility. We investigated the ability of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) alone or combined with mercaptoacetate (MA) to mimic these effects of fasting. In Experiment 1, we monitored estrous cyclicity in virgin rats receiving 800, 1200, or 1600 mg/kg/day of 2DG during metestrus and diestrus. In Experiment 2, we assessed the effects of 2DG (1600 mg/kg/day) given on days 13 and 14 pp, on the duration of lactational infertility. In Experiment 3, the combined effects of 2DG (1600, 2000, or 2400 mg/kg/day) and MA (180 mg/kg/day) on the length of lactational diestrus were evaluated. 2DG was sufficient to extend the estrous cycle of virgin rats, but neither 2DG alone nor given with MA prolonged the length of lactational diestrus. Results suggest that lactating rats are less sensitive than virgin rats to the effects of metabolic fuel inhibition on fertility. These data are discussed in relation to the hormonal state of the dam as well as in relation to the effects of these drugs on lactational performance.

Alterations of medial preoptic area neurons following pregnancy and pregnancy-like steroidal treatment in the rat

There is a marked increase in the maternal behavior displayed by a female rat following pregnancy-due primarily to exposure to the gonadal hormones progesterone and estradiol (P and E(2), respectively). We examined Golgi-Cox silver-stained, Vibratome-sectioned neurons visualized and traced using computerized microscopy and image analysis. In Part One, we examined the hormonal-neural concomitants in the medial preoptic area (mPOA), an area of the brain that regulates maternal behavior, by comparing cell body size (area in microm(2); also referred to as soma and perikaryon) in the mPOA and cortex of five groups (n = 4-6/group) of ovariectomized (OVX-minus), diestrous, sequential P and E(2)-treated (P+E(2)), late-pregnant, and lactating rats; for Part Two, we examined a subset of mPOA neurons, which were traced in their entirety, from these same subjects. In Part One, whereas there was no difference between OVX-minus and diestrous females, both had smaller somal areas compared to OVX+P+E(2)-treated and late-pregnant females. The area of the soma returned to diestrous/OVX-minus levels in the lactating females. We found no change among the five groups in area of cell body in cortical neurons, which generally lack steroid receptors. In Part Two, which included a more detailed morphometric analysis of mPOA neurons, we examined several additional measures of dendritic structure, including number of proximal dendritic branches (the largest proximal dendrite was defined as the one with the largest diameter leaving the soma); cumulative length of the largest proximal dendrite; area of the cell body; number of basal dendrites; cumulative basal dendritic length; number of basal dendritic branches; and branch-point (distance from cell body to first branch of largest proximal dendrite). Again, we found similar effects on cell body size as in Part One, together with effects on number of basal dendritic branches and cumulative basal dendritic length in pregnant and P+E(2)-treated groups compared to OVX, diestrous, and lactating. An increase in somal area denotes increased cellular activity, and stimulatory effects on additional neuronal variables represents modifications in information processing capacity. Pregnancy and its attendant hormonal exposure, therefore, may stimulate neurons in the mPOA, which then contribute (in an as yet undetermined manner) to the display of maternal behavior. During the postpartum lactational period, when cues from pups primarily maintain maternal attention, the neuronal soma appears to return to a pre-pregnancy, non-hormonally dependent state, whereas other aspects of the dendrite remain altered. Collectively, these data demonstrate a striking plasticity in the brains of females that may be reflected in modifications in behavior.

Lactation decreases angiotensinogen mRNA expression in the midcaudal arcuate nucleus of the rat brain

In lactating rats, ANG II receptor binding in the arcuate nucleus (ARH) and median eminence is decreased. To further evaluate brain angiotensinergic activity during lactation, we assessed angiotensinogen (AON) mRNA by in situ hybridization in forebrains of day 10 or 11 postpartum lactating and diestrous rats. AON mRNA was abundantly expressed in the ARH, preoptic, suprachiasmatic, supraoptic, paraventricular, and dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei, and other regions, similar to that reported in male rat brains. AON mRNA levels were decreased 27% in the midcaudal ARH of lactating rats but did not differ between lactating or diestrous rats in any of the other brain areas examined. Immunofluorescence for AON and glial fibrillary acidic protein or tyrosine hydroxylase confirmed that the AON immunoreactivity in the ARH was limited to astrocytes. Confocal microscopy revealed close appositions of AON-positive astrocytes to dopaminergic neurons in the ARH. The decrease in AON mRNA in the midcaudal ARH during lactation coupled with decreased ARH ANG II receptor binding suggests that lactating rats are less subject to ANG II-mediated inhibition of prolactin secretion.

Expression of the SCAMP-4 gene, a new member of the secretory carrier membrane protein family, is repressed by progesterone in brain regions associated with female sexual behavior

Rodent female reproductive behavior is facilitated by the genomic targets of estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) in neuroendocrine regions of the brain. Using the differential display-PCR technique to identify these targets we discovered a novel hormone-sensitive mRNA in the female rat brain that is substantially reduced in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) after 3 h of P treatment, following 24 h of E priming. Northern blots show that it is a single transcript of approximately 1.7 kb. The sequence of the corresponding full-length cDNA indicates that this gene is the rat homolog of mouse SCAMP-4, the fourth member identified in a family of proteins known as secretory carrier membrane proteins (SCAMPs). In situ hybridization studies show that SCAMP-4 mRNA is relatively low throughout the rat forebrain, with the highest levels observed in the VMH, habenula and hippocampus. The SCAMP-4 message is also less abundant in the habenula and VMH during proestrus, when circulating levels of E and P are at their peak, than during diestrus-1 when circulating hormone levels are low. Amino acid sequence analysis indicates that SCAMP-4 lacks the putative calcium binding and leucine zipper structures, as well as protein-protein interacting NPF domains common among most SCAMP family members, but is the only member identified to date to contain a putative protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation site. Fluorescent microscopy of cells transfected with a SCAMP-4/GFP fusion construct reveals distinct fluorescence in subcellular aggregates that may contain secretory vesicles. In addition to our results in the VMH, the finding of high levels of SCAMP-4 message in the habenula, a brain area rich in mast cells, together with previous reports linking mast cell secretion with courtship behavior also suggest a possible role for SCAMP-4 in reproductive behaviors associated with mast cell activity in the central nervous system (CNS).

Alterations in EDHF-mediated hyperpolarization and relaxation in mesenteric arteries of female rats in long-term deficiency of oestrogen and during oestrus cycle

This study was undertaken to determine whether endothelium-dependent relaxations are altered in mesenteric arteries from young female rats during oestrus cycle and after castration. The contractile response to phenylephrine (Phe) was significantly enhanced in arteries from rats subjected to ovariectomy than in those from sham-operated (control) rats. Treatment of ovariectomized rats with 17beta-oestradiol returned the Phe response to the control level. Arteries from rats at the diestrus stage also exhibited greater contraction in response to Phe. In the presence of 100 microM N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG), the enhancement of the Phe contractile response associated with oestrogen deficiency was not observed. Endothelium-dependent relaxations elicited by acetylcholine (ACh) in arteries precontracted with Phe were significantly reduced in ovariectomized and diestrus rats regardless of whether endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) was blocked with L-NOARG. Treatment with 17beta-oestradiol prevented the reduced vascular relaxant response to ACh in ovariectomized rats. The reduction in the ACh responses observed in ovariectomized and diestrus rats was eliminated when 500 nM apamin and 100 nM charybdotoxin were present. ACh-induced endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations were depressed in arteries from ovariectomized and diestrus rats. The hyperpolarizing response to ACh was significantly improved when ovariectomized rats were treated with 17beta-oestradiol. The resting membrane potentials and pinacidil-induced hyperpolarizations were unaffected by ovariectomy or the diestrus stage. These results suggest that oestrogen-deficient states of both short and long duration reduce the basal release of NO from the endothelium and specifically attenuate endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and relaxation transduced by endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor.

Gonadal regulation of PrRP mRNA expression in the nucleus tractus solitarius and ventral and lateral reticular nuclei of the rat

We investigated the prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) gene expression quantitatively in the rat brain and the involvement of estrogen and progesterone using in situ hybridization. The strongest signals were observed in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), which showed approximately 70% of total PrRP mRNA in the brain. Moderate expression was observed in the ventral and lateral reticular nuclei (VLRN) of the medulla oblongata. PrRP mRNA signals in the hypothalamic ventromedial- and dorsomedial nuclei showed only 5% of total signals. The PrRP mRNA expression among female rats showing normal gonadal cycle and male rats showed that the highest levels were in female rats in proestrus. Administration of estrogen or progesterone after ovariectomy induced an increase in PrRP mRNA expression in the NTS. PrRP mRNA content in the NTS increased with the progress of the pregnancy and reached a peak on the 14th day, the mid-period of pregnancy, when plasma progesterone increases. We also observed the colocalization of PrRP and estrogen receptor alpha in the neurons distributed in the NTS by double labeling immunocytochemistry. These findings indicate that PrRP gene expression is regulated by gonadal steroid hormones in the medulla oblongata, and parts of PrRP synthesizing neurons are considered to be directly influenced by estrogen in the NTS.

Expression of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cytochrome p450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase and cytochrome p450 aromatase enzymes in corpora lutea of diestrous and early pregnant mares

In the pregnant mare, luteal estrogen production increases at the onset of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) secretion by endometrial cups. In previous studies, we have demonstrated that eCG stimulates luteal androgen and estrogen production in pregnant mares. To further elucidate the regulation of steroidogenesis within the equine corpus luteum (CL) of pregnancy, we examined the expression of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD), cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase (P450(17alpha)) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450(arom)) in luteal tissue samples collected during diestrus (Days 7 to 10) and pregnancy before (Days 29 to 35) and after (Days 42 to 45) the onset of eCG secretion. Immunoblot analyses revealed a single protein per enzyme with molecular weights of 48 kDa (3beta-HSD), 58 kDa (P450(17alpha)) and 56 kDa (P450(arom)). Steady-state levels of 3beta-HSD were lower in luteal tissue of diestrus than pregnancy, but expression did not change during pregnancy. Steady-state expression of P450(17alpha) in CL of diestrus was not significantly different from that of pregnancy. During pregnancy, P450(17alpha) expression was significantly higher after the onset of eCG secretion. Steady-state expression of P450(arom) in CL of diestrus was not significantly different from that of pregnancy. During pregnancy, luteal expression of P450(arom) was significantly lower after the onset of eCG secretion. These data support the hypotheses that eCG has a differential effect on the expression of luteal steroidogenic enzymes, that the eCG-induced increase in luteal estrogen production is the result of an increase in available aromatizable androgen due to an increase in P450(17alpha) expression and activity, and that increased luteal estrogen production is not due to an increase in aromatase expression.

[Effects of acetylcholine and histamine on leukocyte and neutrophil numbers in the endometrium of rats in various phases of the estrous cycle (by imprints)]

Administration of the acetylcholine esterase antagonist aminostigmin increased the number of neutrophils in the estrus phase and the number of lymphocytes in the diestrus phase in rats. Histamine decreased both the neutrophils and lymphocytes at all stages of the estrus cycle in the uterus endometrium.

Infusion of 3alpha,5alpha-THP to the pontine reticular formation attenuates PTZ-induced seizures

Whether progesterone (P(4)) and its metabolite, 5alpha-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP) have anti-seizure effects through actions in the pontine reticular formation (PRF) was investigated. Concentrations of P(4) and 3alpha, 5alpha-THP in the PRF were greater in proestrous and hormone-primed rats, that are typically more resistant to seizure-induction, than diestrous and males rats. Ovx, Long-Evans rats with unilateral microinjections into the PRF of 3alpha,5alpha-THP (5 microg/0.2 microl), but not P(4) (11 microg/0.2 microl) or vehicle (beta-cyclodextrin), had a greater latency and lower incidence of tonic-clonic seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ; 70 mg/kg, IP) administration. Infusions that missed the PRF were not effective. These data suggest 3alpha,5alpha-THP has anti-seizure effects in part through actions in the PRF.

Estrous changes in responses of rat gracile nucleus neurons to stimulation of skin and pelvic viscera

Multi- and single-unit recording was performed in the gracile nucleus in urethane-anesthetized rats to examine estrous variations in responses of its neurons to brushing the hindquarters and mechanical stimulation of the uterus, vaginal canal, cervix, and colon. Six rats each were studied in each of the four estrous stages: proestrus (P), estrus (E), metestrus (M), and diestrus (D). The magnitude of multi-unit responses to gentle brushing of the perineum, hip, and tail, but not the foot and leg, was significantly greater during proestrus than during other stages. Of 70 single units responsive to brush, 56 (80%) responded to stimulation of at least one viscus. Although this percentage did not change with estrous stage, the direction and latency of some responses did. Pressure on the cervix evoked significantly more inhibitory (vs excitatory) responses in P than in E and M, and the response latency was significantly longer in D and P than in E and M. The direction of response to vaginal distention did not change with estrous stage, but response latency was significantly longer in D than in P and E. Uterine distention evoked significantly more inhibitory responses in D than in P, with no estrous changes in latency. Responses to colon distention did not change. These variations in both magnitude of response to tactile stimulation and characteristics of response to stimulation of reproductive organs, but not the colon, correlate with changes in mating behaviors of the female rat, suggesting that the gracile nucleus is a component of neural systems that control reproductive behaviors.

Immunolocalization of transforming growth factor-beta1 during follicular development and atresia in the mouse ovary

In each estrous cycle not all follicles recruited grow to ovulate, as some degenerate through the process of atresia. Apoptosis is the mechanism underlying follicle atresia. TGF-beta1 has been implicated in the induction and promotion of apoptosis in many cell types and it is expressed in the ovary. In this study immunohistochemistry was used to localize TGF-beta1 in order to correlate the growth factor expression with morphological follicular atresia during diestrus in mice. Small and medium sized follicles had no staining for TGF-beta1 in the granulosa or theca cell layer. Weak to moderate TGF-beta1 expression was present in the theca cells of both large healthy and atretic antral follicles. Large healthy antral follicles showed weak granulosa staining but this was not observed in atretic follicles. Strong TGF-beta1 staining was present in the interstitial, corpus luteum and oocytes of all follicle stages. These results suggest that in the mouse TGF-beta1 promote follicular growth and differentiation rather than follicular atresia.

Effect of different doses of prostaglandin E2 on intrauterine pressure and uterine motility during diestrus in experimental cows

Studies in human medicine proved the important role of prostaglandin E2, which stimulates uterine contractions in vivo and in vitro and has been extensively used to ripen the cervix around labor. We wanted to demonstrate that increasing the dosage of prostaglandin E2 (1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg and 10 mg) provokes an increase in intrauterine pressure and uterine motility in cattle. Five healthy, lactating dairy cows were used as experimental animals for this study. Intrauterine pressure was recorded during the diestrus phase (1 recording per cow and diestrus phase) by means of a transcervically placed intraluminal pressure microtransducer. Physiologic uterine motility was recorded for 30 min, then placebo or one of the prostaglandin E2- dosages was administered through an indwelling catheter in the jugular vein, followed by a 2-h recording period (eight 15-min periods). Area under the curve (AUC), mean amplitude, frequency of pressure waves and intrauterine pressure were analyzed. Furthermore, we recorded protocols for monitoring heart and respiratory rates and side effects at 9 given examination times. Significant differences were found for the AUC, the mean amplitude and the intrauterine pressure (P < or = 0.05), whereas the number of pressure waves per 15 min did not differ significantly among treatments. Peak values for AUC, mean amplitude and intrauterine pressure were found during the first 15 min after administration of 10 mg of prostaglandin E2. Dose-effect curves showed that the 2.5 mg dosage provided the optimal ratio between myometrial stimulation and undesirable side-effects.