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Wat LW, Chowdhury ZS, Millington JW, Biswas P, Rideout EJ. Sex determination gene transformer regulates the male-female difference in Drosophila fat storage via the adipokinetic hormone pathway. eLife 2021; 10:e72350. [PMID: 34672260 PMCID: PMC8594944 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in whole-body fat storage exist in many species. For example, Drosophila females store more fat than males. Yet, the mechanisms underlying this sex difference in fat storage remain incompletely understood. Here, we identify a key role for sex determination gene transformer (tra) in regulating the male-female difference in fat storage. Normally, a functional Tra protein is present only in females, where it promotes female sexual development. We show that loss of Tra in females reduced whole-body fat storage, whereas gain of Tra in males augmented fat storage. Tra's role in promoting fat storage was largely due to its function in neurons, specifically the Adipokinetic hormone (Akh)-producing cells (APCs). Our analysis of Akh pathway regulation revealed a male bias in APC activity and Akh pathway function, where this sex-biased regulation influenced the sex difference in fat storage by limiting triglyceride accumulation in males. Importantly, Tra loss in females increased Akh pathway activity, and genetically manipulating the Akh pathway rescued Tra-dependent effects on fat storage. This identifies sex-specific regulation of Akh as one mechanism underlying the male-female difference in whole-body triglyceride levels, and provides important insight into the conserved mechanisms underlying sexual dimorphism in whole-body fat storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianna W Wat
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The University of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Zahid S Chowdhury
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The University of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Jason W Millington
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The University of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Puja Biswas
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The University of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
| | - Elizabeth J Rideout
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The University of British ColumbiaVancouverCanada
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Yang HY, Steenhuis P, Glucksman AM, Gurenko Z, La TD, Isseroff RR. Alpha and beta adrenergic receptors modulate keratinocyte migration. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253139. [PMID: 34214097 PMCID: PMC8253387 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Keratinocyte migration into skin wounds is the step of the healing process that correlates with the wound closure rate. Keratinocyte migration, and wound epithelialization are decreased when beta 2-adrenergic receptors (B2AR) are activated by 1 μM epinephrine/adrenaline, resulting in delayed wound healing in human and mouse skin. In the present study, we found paradoxically, that in a subset of keratinocyte strains exposure to low concentrations of epinephrine (0.1 nM) increased, rather than decreased, their migratory rate. We find that both the alpha- and the beta-adrenergic receptors are expressed in human keratinocytes, and expression of alpha-2 AR subtypes demonstrated for the first time. Therefore, we tested if the alpha-AR could be modulating the increased migratory response observed in these cell strains. By using specific inhibitors to alpha-AR, we demonstrated that blocking A2B-AR could reverse the rapid cell migration induced by the 0.1 nM epinephrine. Phosphorylation of ERK was elevated after 1-10 minutes of the low epinephrine treatment and the A2B-AR inhibitor blocked the ERK phosphorylation. The results suggest that both the A2B-AR and B2AR mediate keratinocyte migration, in which with a low level of epinephrine treatment, A2B-AR could alter the B2AR signals and regulate the migration rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-ya Yang
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Pieter Steenhuis
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Aaron M. Glucksman
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Zhanna Gurenko
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Thi Dinh La
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - R. Rivkah Isseroff
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
- Dermatology Section, VA Northern California Health Care System, Mather, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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3
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Alesina PF, Walz MK. Adrenal Tumors: Are Gender Aspects Relevant? Visc Med 2020; 36:15-19. [PMID: 32110652 DOI: 10.1159/000505788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The distribution of malignant tumors is strongly related to gender due to sex-related organ and tissue differentiation. Neoplasias of the adrenal glands are relatively common and typically benign. Mainly based on our recently published contributions, we analyzed the influence of gender on type of tumors, complexity of surgery, and long-term outcome. Cortisol-secreting adrenal tumors are more often diagnosed in female patients, while the incidence of Conn's syndrome and pheochromocytoma is similar between male and female patients. Adrenalectomy is more difficult in male patients because of longer operating time and higher blood loss. The probability of cure in male patients with Conn's syndrome is significantly lower. Gender does not influence long-term results in adrenal hypercortisolism and pheochromocytomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pier Francesco Alesina
- Department of Surgery and Center of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin K Walz
- Department of Surgery and Center of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Duijndam S, Karreman A, Denollet J, Kupper N. Physiological and emotional responses to evaluative stress in socially inhibited young adults. Biol Psychol 2020; 149:107811. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2019.107811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Mouat MA, Coleman JLJ, Smith NJ. GPCRs in context: sexual dimorphism in the cardiovascular system. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:4047-4059. [PMID: 29451687 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the largest cause of mortality worldwide, and there is a clear gender gap in disease occurrence, with men being predisposed to earlier onset of CVD, including atherosclerosis and hypertension, relative to women. Oestrogen may be a driving factor for female-specific cardioprotection, though androgens and sex chromosomes are also likely to contribute to sexual dimorphism in the cardiovascular system (CVS). Many GPCR-mediated processes are involved in cardiovascular homeostasis, and some exhibit clear sex divergence. Here, we focus on the G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor, endothelin receptors ETA and ETB and the eicosanoid G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), discussing the evidence and potential mechanisms leading to gender dimorphic responses in the vasculature. The use of animal models and pharmacological tools has been essential to understanding the role of these receptors in the CVS and will be key to further delineating their sex-specific effects. Ultimately, this may illuminate wider sex differences in cardiovascular pathology and physiology. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.21/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret A Mouat
- Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, Division of Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - James L J Coleman
- Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, Division of Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicola J Smith
- Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, Division of Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia
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Sherwood A, Hill LK, Blumenthal JA, Johnson KS, Hinderliter AL. Race and sex differences in cardiovascular α-adrenergic and β-adrenergic receptor responsiveness in men and women with high blood pressure. J Hypertens 2017; 35:975-981. [PMID: 28306633 PMCID: PMC5785915 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000001266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hypertension is associated with unfavorable changes in adrenergic receptor responsiveness, but the relationship of race and sex to adrenergic receptor responsiveness in the development of cardiovascular disease is unclear. This study examined α-adrenergic and ß-adrenergic receptor responsiveness in African-American and white men and women with untreated high blood pressure (BP) (HBP) and with normal BP. METHODS AND RESULTS The study sample comprised 161 African-American and white men and women in the age range 25-45 years. Isoproterenol, a nonselective ß-adrenergic receptor agonist, was administered intravenously to determine the bolus dose required to increase heart rate by 25 bpm, an index of β-adrenergic receptor responsiveness. Similarly, phenylephrine, an α1-adrenergic receptor agonist, was administered to determine the bolus dose required to increase BP by 25 mmHg, an index of vascular α1-adrenergic receptor responsiveness. HBP (P < 0.01), male sex (P = 0.04), and higher BMI (P < 0.01) were all associated with reduced β-adrenergic receptor responsiveness, with a similar trend observed for African-American race (P = 0.07). Conversely, α1-adrenergic receptor responsiveness was increased in association with HBP (P < 0.01), female sex (P < 0.01), and African-American race (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION In the early stages of hypertension, cardiovascular β-adrenergic receptors demonstrate blunted responsiveness, whereas conversely α1-adrenergic receptors exhibit increased responsiveness. This pattern of receptor changes is especially evident in men and African-Americans, is exacerbated by obesity, and may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Sherwood
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
| | - LaBarron K. Hill
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
| | - James A. Blumenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
| | - Kristy S. Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
| | - Alan L. Hinderliter
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Amorim Belo Nunes R, Pereira Barroso L, da Costa Pereira A, Pinto Brandão Rondon MU, Negrão CE, Krieger JE, Mansur AJ. Alpha2A-adrenergic receptor and eNOS genetic polymorphisms are associated with exercise muscle vasodilatation in apparently healthy individuals. IJC HEART & VASCULATURE 2016; 13:14-18. [PMID: 28616554 PMCID: PMC5454168 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Muscle vasodilatation during exercise has been associated with cardiovascular health and may be influenced by genetic variability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional genetic polymorphisms of physiologic pathways related to the regulation of the cardiovascular function (alpha-adrenergic receptors, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and bradykinin B2 receptor) and exercise muscle vasodilatation in apparently healthy men and women. METHODS We enrolled 689 individuals without established cardiovascular disease that had attended a check-up program. The vasodilatation was studied with venous occlusion plethysmography and determined by the increase of vascular conductance during handgrip exercise. Genotypes for ADRA1A Arg347Cys (rs1048101), ADRA2A 1780 C > T (rs553668), ADRA2B Del 301-303 (rs28365031), eNOS 786 T > C (rs2070744), eNOS Glu298Asp (rs1799983) and BDKRB2 (rs5810761) polymorphisms were assessed by polymerase chain reaction followed by high resolution melting analysis. RESULTS The eNOS rs2070744 polymorphism was significantly associated with forearm vascular conductance during exercise in women. Women with CC genotype showed higher vasodilatation than carriers of TC and TT genotypes (p = 0.043). The ADRA2A rs553668 polymorphism was significantly associated with forearm vascular conductance during exercise in men. Men with TT genotype had higher vasodilatation than carriers of CT and CC genotypes (p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS eNOS rs207074 polymorphism in women and ADRA2A rs553668 polymorphism in men were associated with the increase of forearm vascular conductance during handgrip exercise. These findings suggest that eNOS and ADRA2A genetic polymorphisms may be potential markers of exercise muscle vasodilatation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Amorim Belo Nunes
- Unidade Clínica de Ambulatório Geral, Instituto do Coração (InCor) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, 44, São Paulo, Brazil
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Patel K, Rössler A, Lackner HK, Trozic I, Laing C, Lorr D, Green DA, Hinghofer-Szalkay H, Goswami N. Effect of postural changes on cardiovascular parameters across gender. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e4149. [PMID: 27428203 PMCID: PMC4956797 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000004149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We investigated the effect of postural changes on various cardiovascular parameters across gender. Twenty-eight healthy subjects (16 male, 12 female) were observed at rest (supine) and subjected to 3 interventions; head-down tilt (HDT), HDT with lower body negative pressure (HDT+ LBNP at -30 mm Hg), and head-up tilt (HUT), each for 10 minutes separated by a 10 minutes recovery period. METHODS Measurements were recorded for heart rate (HR), standard deviation of the normal-to-normal intervals, root mean square of successive differences between the normal-to-normal intervals, heart rate variability-low frequency (LFRRI), heart rate variability-high frequency (HFRRI), low frequency/high frequency ratio (LFRRI/HFRRI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total peripheral resistance index (TPRI), stroke index (SI), cardiac index (CI), index of contractility (IC), left ventricular work index, and left ventricular ejection time. RESULTS Across all cardiovascular parameters, there was a significant main effect of the intervention applied but there was no significant main effect of gender across all parameters. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that there are no specific gender differences in regards to the measured variables under the conditions of this study. Furthermore, these results suggest that in healthy subjects, there appears to be evidence that LBNP partially elicits similar cardiovascular responses to HUT, which supports the use of LBNP as an intervention to counteract the effects of central hypovolemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieran Patel
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Kings College, London, UK
| | - Andreas Rössler
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Helmut Karl Lackner
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Irhad Trozic
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Charles Laing
- Kings College, London, UK
- Institute of Aerospace Medicine, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Cologne, Germany
| | - David Lorr
- Department of Neurophsiology, University of Linkoping, Sweden
| | - David A Green
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Helmut Hinghofer-Szalkay
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nandu Goswami
- Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Correspondence: Nandu Goswami Gravitational Physiology and Medicine Research Unit, Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Graz, Harrachgasse 21/ V, 8010 Graz, Austria (e-mail: )
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Sexual dimorphism in the osmopressor response following water ingestion. Biosci Rep 2016; 36:BSR20150276. [PMID: 27129286 PMCID: PMC5293556 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20150276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Compared with men, women exhibit a greater magnitude of increase in resting blood pressure after drinking a single water bolus of 500 ml. Accordingly, our study provides direct evidence of sexual dimorphism in the haemodynamic response to water intake. There is conflicting evidence as to whether water drinking elicits a pressor response in healthy young adults. The inclusion of a variable number of women may have contributed to the discrepancies found in past research. Thus, we aimed at exploring whether the osmopressor response follows a sexually dimorphic pattern. In a randomized fashion, 31 healthy adults (16 men; 15 women, aged 18–40 years) ingested 50 and 500 ml of water before completing a resting protocol on two separate days. Arterial blood pressure, heart rate and spectral heart rate variability were measured in the seated position at pre- and post-25 min of water ingestion. Women responded to 500 ml of water with a greater proportion of change in diastolic and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (P<0.05). Conversely, the percent change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and heart rate was not different between sexes after 500 ml of water. Overall, women demonstrated lower blood pressure, but higher resting heart rate compared with men (P<0.05). In contrast, heart rate variability was similar between sexes before and after ingesting either volume of water. There was a bradycardic effect of water and, irrespectively of sex; this was accompanied by increased high frequency power (HF) (P<0.05). We conclude that women display a greater magnitude of pressor response than men post-water ingestion. Accordingly, we provide direct evidence of sexual dimorphism in the haemodynamic response to water intake in young healthy adults.
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Kujala VJ, Pasqualini FS, Goss JA, Nawroth JC, Parker KK. Laminar ventricular myocardium on a microelectrode array-based chip. J Mater Chem B 2016; 4:3534-3543. [PMID: 32263387 DOI: 10.1039/c6tb00324a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical screening based on human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and multi electrode arrays (MEAs) have been proposed as a complementary method for electrophysiological safety and efficacy assessment in drug discovery and development. Contrary to animal models, these cells offer a human genetic background but, at present, fail to recapitulate the mechanical and structural properties of the native human myocardium. Here, we report that topographical cues on soft micromolded gelatin can coax hiPSC-CMs to form laminar cardiac tissues that resemble the native architecture of the heart. Importantly, using this method we were able to record tissue-level electrophysiological responses with a commercially available MEA setup. To validate this platform, we recorded cardiac field potentials at baseline and after pharmacological interventions with a β-adrenergic agonist (isoproterenol). Further, we tested the ability of our system to predict the response of laminar human cardiac tissues to a cardiotoxic pro-drug (terfenadine) and its non-cardiotoxic metabolite (fexofenadine). Finally, we integrated our platform with microfluidic components to build a heart-on-a-chip system that can be fluidically linked with other organs-on-chips in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville J Kujala
- Disease Biophysics Group, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, K.K.P. 29 Oxford Street, Pierce Hall Cambridge, MA 02130, USA.
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Nunes RAB, Barroso LP, Pereira ADC, Krieger JE, Mansur AJ. Gender-related associations of genetic polymorphisms of α-adrenergic receptors, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and bradykinin B2 receptor with treadmill exercise test responses. Open Heart 2014; 1:e000132. [PMID: 25544888 PMCID: PMC4275769 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2014-000132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2014] [Revised: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treadmill exercise test responses have been associated with cardiovascular prognosis in individuals without overt heart disease. Neurohumoral and nitric oxide responses may influence cardiovascular performance during exercise testing. Therefore, we evaluated associations between functional genetic polymorphisms of α-adrenergic receptors, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, bradykinin receptor B2 and treadmill exercise test responses in men and women without overt heart disease. METHODS We enrolled 766 (417 women; 349 men) individuals without established heart disease from a check-up programme at the Heart Institute, University of São Paulo Medical School. Exercise capacity, chronotropic reserve, maximum heart-rate achieved, heart-rate recovery, exercise systolic blood pressure (SBP), exercise diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and SBP recovery were assessed during exercise testing. Genotypes for the α-adrenergic receptors ADRA1A Arg347Cys (rs1048101), ADRA2A 1780 C>T (rs553668), ADRA2B Del 301-303 (rs28365031), endothelial nitric synthase (eNOS) 786 T>C (rs2070744), eNOS Glu298Asp (rs1799983) and BK2R (rs5810761) polymorphisms were assessed by PCR and high-resolution melting analysis. RESULTS Maximum SBP was associated with ADRA1A rs1048101 (p=0.008) and BK2R rs5810761 (p=0.008) polymorphisms in men and ADRA2A rs553668 (p=0.008) and ADRA2B rs28365031 (p=0.022) in women. Maximum DBP pressure was associated with ADRA2A rs553668 (p=0.002) and eNOS rs1799983 (p=0.015) polymorphisms in women. Exercise capacity was associated with eNOS rs2070744 polymorphisms in women (p=0.01) and with eNOS rs1799983 in men and women (p=0.038 and p=0.024). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that genetic variants of α-adrenergic receptors and bradykinin B2 receptor may be involved with blood pressure responses during exercise tests. Genetic variants of endothelial nitric oxide synthase may be involved with exercise capacity and blood pressure responses during exercise tests. These responses may be gender-related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Amorim Belo Nunes
- Heart Institute (InCor) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Lúcia Pereira Barroso
- Institute of Mathematics and Statistics, Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Alexandre da Costa Pereira
- Heart Institute (InCor) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Krieger
- Heart Institute (InCor) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Alfredo José Mansur
- Heart Institute (InCor) do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo , São Paulo , Brazil
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Sex differences in cardiac autonomic regulation and in repolarisation electrocardiography. Pflugers Arch 2013; 465:699-717. [PMID: 23404618 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-013-1228-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The review summarises the present knowledge on the sex differences in cardiac autonomic regulations and in related aspects of electrocardiography with particular attention to myocardial repolarisation. Although some of the sex differences are far from fully established, multitude of observations show consistent differences between women and men. Despite more pronounced parasympathetic cardiac regulation, women have higher resting heart rate and lower baroreflex sensitivity. Of the electrocardiographic phenomena, women have longer QT interval duration, repolarisation sequence more synchronised with the inverse of the depolarisation sequence, and likely increased regional heterogeneity of myocardial repolarisation. Studies investigating the relationship of these sex disparities to hormonal differences led frequently to conflicting results. Although sex hormones seem to play a key role by influencing both autonomic tone and electrophysiological properties at the cellular level, neither the truly relevant hormones nor their detailed actions are known. Physiologic usefulness of the described sex differences is also unknown. The review suggests that new studies are needed to advance the understanding of the physiologic mechanisms responsible for these inequalities between women and men and provides key methodological suggestions that need to be followed in future research.
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Audenet F, Méjean A, Chartier-Kastler E, Rouprêt M. Adrenal tumours are more predominant in females regardless of their histological subtype: a review. World J Urol 2013; 31:1037-43. [PMID: 23299088 DOI: 10.1007/s00345-012-1011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adrenal tumours are a heterogeneous group of rare tumours. The aim of this article was to critically review gender-specific differences in the incidence, prognosis and symptoms of the different subtypes of adrenal tumours. METHODS Data acquisition regarding gender differences in adrenal tumours was performed using MEDLINE searches with combinations of the following keywords: adrenal tumours, gender, sex differences, adrenocortical carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, incidentaloma, risk factors and genetic aspects. RESULTS Data are scarce in the literature concerning the effects of gender on adrenal lesions. Although the incidence of most types of tumours (other than breast cancer and other gender-related tumours) is higher in men than in women, evidence suggests that adrenal tumours (i.e. incidentalomas, adrenal carcinomas, oncocytomas and adrenal cysts) are more frequent in women than in men. In addition, female patients have significantly increased numbers of self-reported signs and symptoms of pheochromocytoma than male patients, irrespective of biochemical phenotype and tumour presentation. Relatively little research has been performed examining the reasons for these disparities. However, hormonal interactions involving complex adrenal, endocrine and neurocrine functions together with variations in hormonal receptor sensitivity have been hypothesised to be involved. CONCLUSION Gender differences exist in the incidence and symptoms of several subtypes of adrenal tumours. The reasons for these disparities are not well established. In addition to epidemiological data, these results need to be further investigated to better understand the role of genetic and hormonal predispositions in the development, behaviour and aggressiveness of adrenal tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Audenet
- Academic Department of Urology of Georges Pompidou European Hospital (HEGP), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes , University Paris V, Paris, France
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Coulson JM, Cockcroft JR. Sex differences in the systemic response to adrenoreceptor antagonists during sympathetic activation. Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41:1129-32. [PMID: 21434894 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2011.02521.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex differences in sensitivity to adrenergic agonists have been described in forearm plethysmography studies. The attenuation in noradrenaline-mediated vasoconstriction is because of enhanced β(2)-adrenergic stimulation in women. The systemic relevance of these observations is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine sex inequalities in the systemic haemodynamic response to sympathetic activation by isometric forearm contraction in the presence of adrenoreceptor blockade. MATERIALS AND METHODS Isometric forearm contraction was performed in the presence of isotonic saline, esmolol and phentolamine, respectively, in six men and six premenopausal women. RESULTS Isometric forearm contraction increased heart rate by 9·5% ± 4·8 CI(95%), P = 0·00001 in both sexes. Mean arterial pressure was also increased in both sexes 13·9% ± 3·2 CI(95%), P = 0·002. Esmolol attenuated the rise in mean arterial pressure in men (5·9% ± 3·6 CI(95%), P = 0·6) but not in women (14·3% ± 3·2 CI(95%), P = 0·007). CONCLUSIONS This study supports previous findings of sex differences in adrenergic responsiveness and suggests that its consequences are systemically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Coulson
- Wales Heart Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Tuncay E, Seymen AA, Sam P, Gurdal H, Turan B. Effects of β-adrenergic receptor blockers on cardiac function: a comparative study in male versus female ratsThis article is one of a selection of papers from the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Translational Knowledge for Heart Health (published in part 2 of a 2-part Special Issue). Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2009; 87:310-7. [DOI: 10.1139/y09-015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In heart disease, differences exist between women and men with respect to the impact of risk factors, symptoms, and therapeutic responses. The use of β-adrenergic receptor blockers is now well established in the treatment of mild and moderate systolic heart failure. Although there are significant differences among agents, their clinical effects are predictable. To address the question of sex disparities in the heart, however, we investigated the effect of treatment with the nonselective β-blockers timolol and propranolol on mechanical and electrical function of heart preparations from male and female rats. We examined the long-term effects of intragastric treatment with timolol (5 mg/kg per day) or propranolol (25 mg/kg per day) for 7 months on the hemodynamic and intracellular action potential parameters of the heart. Chronic administration of timolol but not propranolol produced a significant increase in the baseline activity of the left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) in both male and female rats with no significant effect on the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Timolol or propranolol treatment of male rats and timolol but not propranolol treatment of female rats induced significant shortening in the repolarization phases of action potentials recorded from left ventricular papillary muscle strips of the hearts. The responses of LVDP to β-adrenergic stimulation were similar in timolol- or propranolol-treated or untreated male rats. On the other hand, timolol treatment markedly increased, and propranolol treatment significantly decreased, the responses of increase in LVDP in female rats. Our results suggest that although treatment with β-blockers for 7 months confirmed the role of the β-adrenergic pathway in heart function, there are marked differences in the effects of individual β-blockers on heart physiology. Sex differences should be taken into consideration when using β-blockers during experimental studies and clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erkan Tuncay
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ali Aytac Seymen
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Pinar Sam
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hakan Gurdal
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Belma Turan
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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16
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Lai EW, Perera SM, Havekes B, Timmers HJLM, Brouwers FM, McElroy B, Adams KT, Ohta S, Wesley RA, Eisenhofer G, Pacak K. Gender-related differences in the clinical presentation of malignant and benign pheochromocytoma. Endocrine 2008; 34:96-100. [PMID: 18982461 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-008-9108-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2008] [Revised: 08/21/2008] [Accepted: 08/29/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Signs and symptoms associated with pheochromocytomas are predominantly caused by catecholamine excess, but tend to be highly variable and non-specific. In this study, we evaluated 23 male and 35 female pheochromocytoma patients for symptoms and signs of pheochromocytoma with special regard to gender-related differences in presentation. Total symptom score comparison between genders showed significant differences (12.0 vs. 7.8, P-value 0.0001). Female patients reported significantly more headache (80% vs. 52%), dizziness (83% vs. 39%), anxiety (85% vs. 50%), tremor (64% vs. 33%), weight change (88% vs. 43%), numbness (57% vs. 24%), and changes in energy level (89% vs. 64%). Females and males displayed comparable biochemical phenotypes (60% and 65% noradrenergic phenotype, respectively). Use of alpha- and/or beta-blockade between males and females did not differ significantly. Subgroup analyses and multiple regression analysis revealed gender differences to be irrespective of benign or malignant disease, use of adrenoceptor-blockade, age and biochemical phenotype. We conclude female patients have significantly more self-reported pheochromocytoma signs and symptoms than male patients irrespective of biochemical phenotype and tumor presentation which may be related to distinct catecholamine receptor sensitivity. Clinicians should be aware of these complaints in female pheochromocytoma patients and offer adequate treatment if indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin W Lai
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology Program, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1109, USA
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17
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Bilginoglu A, Cicek FA, Ugur M, Gurdal H, Turan B. The role of gender differences in beta-adrenergic receptor responsiveness of diabetic rat heart. Mol Cell Biochem 2007; 305:63-9. [PMID: 17577628 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-007-9528-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2007] [Accepted: 05/23/2007] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Since the mechanisms responsible for gender differences in cardiac contractile function have not been fully elucidated, we focused to determine the effect of gender difference on beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-ARs) signal transduction in ventricular cardiomyocytes from insulin-dependent diabetic (streptozotocin-induced) rats. Dose-response curves of left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) to isoproterenol (ISO) in females showed that there was only a approximately 30% decrease in the maximum response without a significant shift in EC50 in diabetic females. On the other hand, diabetes induced a clear rightward shift in the potency (5-10 folds) without a significant change in the maximum response in the males. In order to further determine of the underlying mechanism for this difference, we measured cAMP production and obtained dose-response curves with ISO stimulation in isolated cardiomyocytes. In diabetic females, there was no obvious change in the cAMP dose-response curve. On the other hand, there was a significant decrease in the maximum response without any apparent change in the potency of diabetic males. Our findings indicate that male and female rats are affected differently by diabetes in terms of LVDP responses to beta-ARs stimulation. Also, the difference between their beta-ARs induced cAMP responses may underlie this disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayca Bilginoglu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
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18
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Westropp JL, Kass PH, Buffington CAT. In vivo evaluation of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in cats with idiopathic cystitis. Am J Vet Res 2007; 68:203-7. [PMID: 17269887 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.68.2.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the in vivo response of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors to medetomidine administration in cats with feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) during periods of stress and after environmental enrichment. ANIMALS 13 cats with FIC and 12 healthy cats. Procedures-Cats were subjected to an acute-onset moderate stressor for 8 days. After stress, 20 microg of medetomidine/kg was administered IM on days 1, 3, and 8. Heart rate, blood pressure, pupil diameter, respiratory rate, and level of sedation were evaluated before and after administration of the drug. After day 8, cats were moved to an enriched environment, and tests were repeated on day 35. RESULTS Heart rate decreased and pupil diameter increased significantly after medetomidine administration in healthy cats, compared with cats with FIC. Cats with FIC had significantly lower respiratory rates. No significant differences in blood pressure or sedation level were found. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Increased plasma catecholamine concentrations during the enrichment phase, which have been reported elsewhere, may have contributed to the differences in alpha(2)-adrenoceptor responses detected in cats with FIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi L Westropp
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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19
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Stener-Victorin E, Fujisawa S, Kurosawa M. Ovarian blood flow responses to electroacupuncture stimulation depend on estrous cycle and on site and frequency of stimulation in anesthetized rats. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2006; 101:84-91. [PMID: 16514000 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01593.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) applied to the abdomen and hindlimb modulates the ovarian blood flow (OBF) response. The present study aimed to further elucidate the role of the site and the frequency of short-term EA stimulation and the influence of the estrous cycle on the OBF response using anesthetized rats. EA stimulation was applied to the abdominal or the hindlimb muscles at three different frequencies (2, 10, and 80 Hz) during the estrus or diestrus phase. Involvement of spinal and supraspinal reflexes in OBF responses to EA stimulation was investigated by spinal cord transection. Abdominal EA stimulation at 10 Hz increased the OBF response, whereas hindlimb EA stimulation at 10 Hz and abdominal and hindlimb stimulation at 80 Hz decreased the OBF response; 2-Hz EA caused no OBF response. The OBF response to abdominal EA was more pronounced in the estrus than the diestrus phase. The OBF response to abdominal and hindlimb EA stimulation at both 10 and 80 Hz was almost abolished, both after severance of the sympathetic nerves and after spinal cord transection. In conclusion, the OBF response to both abdominal and hindlimb EA stimulation was mediated as a reflex response via the ovarian sympathetic nerves, and the response was controlled via supraspinal pathways. Furthermore, the OBF response to segmental abdominal EA stimulation was frequency dependent and amplified in the estrous phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Stener-Victorin
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Box 432, SE-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden.
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Schouwenberg BJJW, Rietjens SJ, Smits P, de Galan BE. Effect of Sex on the Cardiovascular Response to Adrenaline in Humans. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2006; 47:155-7. [PMID: 16424800 DOI: 10.1097/01.fjc.0000198519.28674.cc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular responsiveness to stress conditions differs between men and women. It is not known to what extent this observation is explained by differences in the release of stress hormones like adrenaline, or by differences in the response to adrenaline. Therefore, we quantified the hemodynamic response to infusion of adrenaline (0.04, 0.06, and 0.08 microg x kg(-1) x min(-1) for 20 minutes each) in 8 healthy men and 8 healthy premenopausal women. Arterial plasma adrenaline levels were measured before and after infusion. Heart rate and intra-arterial blood pressure were monitored throughout the experiment. Arterial plasma adrenaline levels increased similarly in both sexes. There was a larger increase in systolic blood pressure in women compared with men (17.6 +/- 2.8 versus 5.1 +/- 3.1 mm Hg, P < 0.01). In contrast, men showed a larger increase in heart rate compared with women (20.3 +/- 1.4 versus 11.2 +/- 2.8 bpm, P < 0.01). In conclusion, these data suggest that the cardiovascular response to adrenaline is predominantly alpha-adrenergic in premenopausal women, and predominantly beta-adrenergic in age-matched men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas J J W Schouwenberg
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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21
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Christou DD, Jones PP, Jordan J, Diedrich A, Robertson D, Seals DR. Women have lower tonic autonomic support of arterial blood pressure and less effective baroreflex buffering than men. Circulation 2005; 111:494-8. [PMID: 15687139 DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000153864.24034.a6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Short-term and tonic regulation of arterial blood pressure (BP) differ in premenopausal women and men of similar age. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a critical role in BP regulation. METHODS AND RESULTS To test the hypothesis that women have lower tonic ANS support of BP (reduction in intra-arterial BP during acute ganglionic blockade [GB] with intravenous trimethaphan) and less effective baroreflex buffering (BRB) of BP (potentiation of the systolic BP [SBP] response to bolus phenylephrine during versus before GB) than men, 51 healthy adults, 22 premenopausal women (aged 28+/-1 years, mean+/-SE) and 29 men (aged 27+/-1 years), were studied. Women had lower baseline SBP and plasma catecholamine concentrations than men (P<0.05). Tonic ANS support of BP was approximately 50% to 65% lower in the women (P<0.001). The reductions in BP during GB were related to baseline plasma catecholamine concentrations (r=-0.31 to -0.41, P<0.05). Acute BRB of BP was 47% smaller in the women (3.3+/-0.5 versus 6.3+/-0.9, P=0.006) and was related to the SBP responses to phenylephrine before GB (R2=0.71, P<0.0001). Systemic alpha1-adrenergic vascular responsiveness (SBP response to bolus phenylephrine during GB) was not different (women 21.5+/-2 mm Hg versus men 18.6+/-2 mm Hg, P=0.3). CONCLUSIONS Premenopausal women have lower tonic sympathoadrenal activity-related ANS support of BP and less effective BRB of BP than men of similar age. The lower tonic ANS support of BP could contribute to the lower chronic BP levels of premenopausal women, whereas attenuated BRB of BP may help explain less effective BP regulation in women in response to vasoactive drugs and acute stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetra D Christou
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado at Boulder, 354 UCB, Boulder, CO 80309, USA.
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22
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Terra SG, Blum RA, Wei GC, Lew RA, Digenio AG, Rajman I, Kazierad DJ. Evaluation of methods for improving precision of blood pressure measurements in phase I clinical trials. J Clin Pharmacol 2004; 44:457-63. [PMID: 15102865 DOI: 10.1177/0091270004264167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Small sample sizes are typically incorporated in early Phase I clinical studies, which may lead to insignificant changes in safety parameters such as blood pressure. Therefore, it is paramount to identify an optimal, noninvasive method of accurately measuring blood pressure and an appropriate analysis strategy yielding the smallest variability. The goals of this study were (1) to compare the variability between automated and manual blood pressure measurements, (2) to determine whether triplicate blood pressure measurements were independent of one another, and (3) to assess how the number of blood pressure readings affects variability and study sample size. Twenty healthy volunteers were enrolled in this randomized, two-way crossover study. Each subject received three incremental infusions of phenylephrine or normal saline on separate days to simulate blood pressure variability. The mean systolic blood pressure readings with the automated device were consistently higher than the manual device by 3 to 5 mmHg. Conversely, the mean diastolic blood pressure readings with the automated device were consistently 3 to 5 mmHg lower than the manual device. However, the variability and absolute change in blood pressure were essentially identical with manual and automated methods. No systematic order effects such as the first blood pressure reading always being higher were detected, suggesting that the triplicate readings were independent of one another and that an interval of 2 minutes between readings is adequate. Compared to a single measurement, collecting blood pressure in triplicate results in a 40% lower sample size needed to detect a 5-mmHg difference in systolic blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven G Terra
- Pfizer Global Research & Development, 445 Eastern Point Road, BLDG 260/2505, Groton, CT 06340, USA
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23
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Sahraei H, Ghazzaghi H, Zarrindast MR, Ghoshooni H, Sepehri H, Haeri-Rohan A. The role of alpha-adrenoceptor mechanism(s) in morphine-induced conditioned place preference in female mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2004; 78:135-41. [PMID: 15159143 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2004.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2003] [Revised: 08/04/2003] [Accepted: 03/02/2004] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that the alpha-adrenergic system is involved in some effects of opioids, including analgesia and reward. Gender differences also exist between males and females in response to alpha-adrenergic agents. This study was designed to determine the effects of alpha-adrenoceptor agonists and antagonists on the acquisition or expression of morphine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in female mice. The experiments showed that subcutaneous injections of morphine (0.5-8 mg/kg) induced CPP in a dose-dependent manner in mice. Intrapritoneal administration of the alpha-1-adrenoceptor agonist, phenylephrine (0.03, 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg), and alpha-2 adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine (0.0001, 0.0005 and 0.001 mg/kg), as well as alpha-1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin (0.01, 0.05 and 0.1 mg/kg) or alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist, yohimbine (0.005, 0.01 and 0.05 mg/kg) did not induce motivational effects and also did not alter locomotor activity in the animals. In the second set of experiments, the drugs were used before testing on Day 5, to test their effects on the expression of morphine-induced CPP. Intrapritoneal administration of phenylephrine and clonidine decreased the expression of morphine-induced CPP. In contrast, after application of prazosin or yohimbine, the expression of morphine-induced CPP was increased. Administration of lower (0.03 mg/kg) and higher doses of phenylephrine (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg) during acquisition of morphine CPP decreased and increased the morphine CPP, respectively. Similarly, the administration of prazosin and clonidine decreased while yohimbine increased the morphine CPP. It may be concluded that alpha-adrenoceptor mechanism(s) influence morphine-induced CPP in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedayat Sahraei
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Baghyatallah (a.s.) University of Medical Sciences and Behavioral Science Research Center, Tehran, Iran
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Bayerle-Eder M, Mittermayer F, Pleiner J, Langenberger H, Schmetterer L, Polska E, Söregi G, Wolzt M. Endogenously and exogenously increased noradrenaline exerts sex-different responses in human. J Hum Hypertens 2002; 16:875-7. [PMID: 12522469 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jhh.1001491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Cohen MA, Taylor JA. Short-term cardiovascular oscillations in man: measuring and modelling the physiologies. J Physiol 2002; 542:669-83. [PMID: 12154170 PMCID: PMC2290446 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2002.017483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2002] [Accepted: 04/26/2002] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Research into cardiovascular variabilities intersects both human physiology and quantitative modelling. This is because respiratory and Mayer wave (or 10 s) cardiovascular oscillations represent the integrated control of a system through both autonomic branches by systemic haemodynamic changes within a fluid-filled, physical system. However, our current precise measurement of short-term cardiovascular fluctuations does not necessarily mean we have an adequate understanding of them. Empirical observation suggests that both respiratory and Mayer wave fluctuations derive from mutable autonomic and haemodynamic inputs. Evidence strongly suggests that respiratory sinus arrhythmia both contributes to and buffers respiratory arterial pressure fluctuations. Moreover, even though virtual abolition of all R-R interval variability by cholinergic blockade suggests that parasympathetic stimulation is essential for expression of these variabilities, respiratory sinus arrhythmia does not always reflect a purely vagal phenomenon. The arterial baroreflex has been cited as the mechanism for both respiratory and Mayer wave frequency fluctuations. However, data suggest that both cardiac vagal and vascular sympathetic fluctuations at these frequencies are independent of baroreflex mechanisms and, in fact, contribute to pressure fluctuations. Results from cardiovascular modelling can suggest possible sources for these rhythms. For example, modelling originally suggested low frequency cardiovascular rhythms derived from intrinsic delays in baroreceptor control, and experimental evidence subsequently corroborated this possibility. However, the complex stochastic relations between and variabilities in these rhythms indicate no single mechanism is responsible. If future study of cardiovascular variabilities is to move beyond qualitative suggestions of determinants to quantitative elucidation of critical physical mechanisms, both experimental design and model construction will have to be more trenchant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Cohen
- Department of Cognitive and Neural Systems, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
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Shoemaker JK, Hogeman CS, Khan M, Kimmerly DS, Sinoway LI. Gender affects sympathetic and hemodynamic response to postural stress. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2001; 281:H2028-35. [PMID: 11668064 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.2001.281.5.h2028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that differences in sympathetic reflex responses to head-up tilt (HUT) between males (n = 9) and females (n = 8) were associated with decrements in postural vasomotor responses in women. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA; microneurography), heart rate, stroke volume (SV; Doppler), and blood pressure (Finapres) were measured during a progressive HUT protocol (5 min at each of supine, 20 degrees, 40 degrees, and 60 degrees ). MSNA and hemodynamic responses were also measured during the cold pressor test (CPT) to examine nonbaroreflex neurovascular control. SV was normalized to body surface area (SV(i)) to calculate the index of cardiac output (Q(i)), and total peripheral resistance (TPR). During HUT, heart rate increased more in females versus males (P < 0.001) and SV(i) and Q(i) decreased similarly in both groups. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased to a lesser extent in females versus males in the HUT (P < 0.01) but increases in TPR during HUT were similar. MSNA burst frequency was lower in females versus males in supine (P < 0.03) but increased similarly during HUT. Average amplitude/burst increased in 60 degrees HUT for males but not females. Both males and females demonstrated an increase in MAP as well as MSNA burst frequency, mean burst amplitude, and total MSNA during the CPT. However, compared with females, males demonstrated a greater neural response (DeltaTotal MSNA) due to a larger increase in mean burst amplitude (P < 0.05). Therefore, these data point to gender-specific autonomic responses to cardiovascular stress. The different MSNA response to postural stress between genders may contribute importantly to decrements in blood pressure control during HUT in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K Shoemaker
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 3K7.
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27
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Kuo AY, Lee JC, Siegel PB, Denbow DM. Differential cardiovascular effects of pharmacological agents in chickens selected for high and low body weight. Physiol Behav 2001; 74:573-9. [PMID: 11790417 DOI: 10.1016/s0031-9384(01)00624-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate whether there are differences in the autonomic nervous system function of chickens from lines selected for high (HWS) or low body weight (LWS). The cardiovascular response to various pharmacological agents was used as an indicator of autonomic nervous system response. Ten individuals from each line and sex were used in the study. Catheters were introduced into the left brachial artery and vein and connected to a MP100-BIOPAC system to record blood pressure and heart rate (HR). Chickens were injected with phenylephrine, atropine, propranolol, and tetraethylammonium chloride (TEAC). The LWS birds exhibited a greater increase in mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and a lesser increase in HR than the HWS birds following atropine. The response to atropine showed a line and sex interaction in which male birds had a greater increase in HR than females and LWS females had a lower increase in HR than the HWS females. Injection of phenylephrine following pretreatment with atropine caused a baroreceptor reflex in which males showed a greater decrease in HR than females. In response to the beta-adrenergic receptor blocker propranolol, females displayed a greater decrease in MABP than males and LWS birds had a greater decrease in HR than HWS birds. In response to the autonomic ganglionic blocker TEAC, MABP and HR decreased equally in both lines. The percentage of adrenal and sympathetic impact on regulation of HR showed that LWS females required greater adrenal activity than those from the other subclasses. Although changes in HR and MABP ratios in response to phenylephrine were different between lines, these responses were not different when phenylephrine was given following atropine. This pattern of response suggested that HWS birds had greater parasympathetic nervous system activity in order to maintain cardiovascular function. These results demonstrate that selection for HWS or LWS has resulted in greater parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system tone in birds from the HWS and LWS birds, respectively, and suggest that differences between the lines could be at the level of the chromaffin tissue in the adrenal gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Y Kuo
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0306, USA
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Beske SD, Alvarez GE, Ballard TP, Davy KP. Gender difference in cardiovagal baroreflex gain in humans. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2001; 91:2088-92. [PMID: 11641348 DOI: 10.1152/jappl.2001.91.5.2088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that women would demonstrate lower cardiovagal baroreflex gain compared with men. If so, we further hypothesized that the lower cardiovagal baroreflex gain in women would be associated with their lower aerobic fitness and higher body fat percentage compared with men. To accomplish this, we measured cardiovagal baroreflex gain (modified Oxford technique) in sedentary, nonobese (body mass index < 25 kg/m2) men (age = 26.0 +/- 2.1 yr, n = 11) and women (age = 26.9 +/- 1.6 yr, n = 14). Resting R-R interval and diastolic blood pressure were similar in the two groups, but systolic blood pressure was lower (P < 0.05) in the women. Cardiovagal baroreflex gain was significantly lower in the women compared with the men (13.3 +/- 1.5 vs. 20.0 +/- 2.8 ms/mmHg, P < 0.05). The lower cardiovagal baroreflex gain in the women was not related (P > 0.05) to their lower aerobic fitness and was only marginally related to their higher body fat percentage (r = -0.34, P < 0.05). There were no gender differences in the threshold and saturation, operating range, or operating point (all P > 0.05), although the operating point fell significantly to left (i.e., at a lower systolic blood pressure) compared with men. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest that the gain of the cardiovagal baroreflex is reduced whereas other parameters were similar in women compared with men. The mechanisms responsible for the reduced cardiovagal baroreflex gain remain unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Beske
- Department of Physiology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA
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Cruz SL, Rodríguez-Manzo G. Gender differences in the cardiovascular responses to morphine and naloxone in spinal rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2000; 397:121-8. [PMID: 10844106 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(00)00260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Putative gender differences in opiate cardiovascular effects were evaluated in spinal rats. After a 4-h exposure to a single dose of morphine (30 mg/kg, i.v.), abstinence was precipitated by naloxone (0.03-3 mg/kg, i.v.). Morphine produced a long-lasting bradycardia and a transient increase in arterial pressure that was similar in both genders. Thereafter, blood pressure decreased both in males and females. Naloxone precipitated a similar dose-dependent heart rate increase in both sexes and a gender-dependent increase in blood pressure. This sex difference appeared in the shape of the response. Prazosin (0.2 mg/kg), prior to naloxone, reduced the pressor response in all animals, suggesting a similar participation of the noradrenergic system in both genders. The present results extend to acute dependence the notion of a sex-dependent differential effect of morphine. The need to consider gender as a factor when studying the effects of opioids is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- S L Cruz
- Departamento de Farmacología y Toxicología, Cinvestav, IPN, Apartado Postal 22026, 14000, D.F., Mexico City, Mexico.
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Saleh TM, Connell BJ. 17beta-estradiol modulates baroreflex sensitivity and autonomic tone of female rats. JOURNAL OF THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM 2000; 80:148-61. [PMID: 10785281 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-1838(00)00087-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The following experiments examine the role of estrogen as a central modulator of autonomic tone and baroreflex sensitivity in the female rat. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and then supplemented daily for 7 days with a fixed dose of estrogen (5 microg/kg; sc) to produce a stable level of estrogen similar to that present at proestrous (17 pg/ml). The rats were then anaesthetized with sodium thiobutabarbital (100 mg/kg) and instrumented to record blood pressure, heart rate and both vagal and renal efferent nerve activities. The sensitivity of the cardiac baroreflex was tested using intravenous injection of multiple doses of either phenylephrine hydrochloride or sodium nitroprusside. Estrogen-supplemented female rats exhibited a significantly enhanced BRS as compared to male rats from a previous study (0.78 vs. 0.5). Furthermore, bolus injection of estrogen (1x10(-2) mg/kg; iv) in estrogen-supplemented female rats produced a significant increase in vagal nerve activity and a significant decrease in renal nerve activity which together resulted in a further enhancement of the BRS (0.78 vs. 2.4). Injection of the selective estrogen receptor antagonist, ICI 182,780, into nucleus ambiguus and the intrathecal space of the spinal cord blocked the respective changes in parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve activities indicating that intravenously administered estrogen modulates baseline autonomic tone via the activation of central estrogen receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Saleh
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada.
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