1
|
Lupu DI, Cediel Ulloa A, Rüegg J. Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Hippocampal Development: The Role of Estrogen and Androgen Signaling. Neuroendocrinology 2023; 113:1193-1214. [PMID: 37356425 DOI: 10.1159/000531669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Hormones are important regulators of key processes during fetal brain development. Thus, the developing brain is vulnerable to the action of chemicals that can interfere with endocrine signals. Epidemiological studies have pointed toward sexually dimorphic associations between neurodevelopmental outcomes, such as cognitive abilities, in children and prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). This points toward disruption of sex steroid signaling in the development of neural structures underlying cognitive functions, such as the hippocampus, an essential mediator of learning and memory processes. Indeed, during development, the hippocampus is subjected to the organizational effects of estrogens and androgens, which influence hippocampal cell proliferation, differentiation, dendritic growth, and synaptogenesis in the hippocampal fields of Cornu Ammonis and the dentate gyrus. These early organizational effects correlate with a sexual dimorphism in spatial cognition and are subject to exogenous chemical perturbations. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the organizational effects of estrogens and androgens on the developing hippocampus and the evidence for hippocampal-dependent learning and memory perturbations induced by developmental exposure to EDCs. We conclude that, while it is clear that sex hormone signaling plays a significant role during hippocampal development, a complete picture at the molecular and cellular levels would be needed to establish causative links between the endocrine modes of action exerted by EDCs and the adverse outcomes these chemicals can induce at the organism level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana-Ioana Lupu
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rossetti MF, Varayoud J, Ramos JG. Steroidogenic enzymes in the hippocampus: Transcriptional regulation aspects. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 118:171-198. [PMID: 35180926 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are steroids synthesized de novo from cholesterol in brain regions, and regulate processes associated with the development and functioning of the nervous system. Enzymes and proteins involved in the synthesis of these steroids have been detected in several brain regions, including hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex. Hippocampus has long been associated with learning and memory functions, while the loss of its functionality has been linked to neurodegenerative pathologies. In this sense, neurosteroids are critical for the maintenance of hippocampal functions and neuroprotective effects. Moreover, several factors have been shown to deregulate expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the rodent brain, including aging, enrichment experiences, diet habits, drug/alcohol consumption, hormone fluctuations, neurodegenerative processes and other diseases. These transcriptional deregulations are mediated mainly by transcription factors and epigenetic mechanisms. An epigenetic modification of chromatin involves changes in bases and associated proteins in the absence of changes in the DNA sequence. One of the most well-studied mechanisms related to gene silencing is DNA methylation, which involves a reversible addition of methyl groups in a cytosine base. Importantly, these epigenetic marks could be maintained over time and could be transmitted transgenerationally. The aim of this chapter is to present the most relevant steroidogenic enzymes described in rodent hippocampus; to discuss about their transcriptional regulation under different conditions; to show the main gene control regions and to propose DNA methylation as an epigenetic mechanism through which the expression of these enzymes could be controlled.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorge Guillermo Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
The Complex Interplay between Endocannabinoid System and the Estrogen System in Central Nervous System and Periphery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020972. [PMID: 33478092 PMCID: PMC7835826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a lipid cell signaling system involved in the physiology and homeostasis of the brain and peripheral tissues. Synaptic plasticity, neuroendocrine functions, reproduction, and immune response among others all require the activity of functional ECS, with the onset of disease in case of ECS impairment. Estrogens, classically considered as female steroid hormones, regulate growth, differentiation, and many other functions in a broad range of target tissues and both sexes through the activation of nuclear and membrane estrogen receptors (ERs), which leads to genomic and non-genomic cell responses. Since ECS function overlaps or integrates with many other cell signaling systems, this review aims at updating the knowledge about the possible crosstalk between ECS and estrogen system (ES) at both central and peripheral level, with focuses on the central nervous system, reproduction, and cancer.
Collapse
|
4
|
Boutin S, Maltais R, Roy J, Poirier D. Synthesis of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 steroidal inhibitors: Selectivity, metabolic stability and enhanced potency. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 209:112909. [PMID: 33081987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
17beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 10 (17β-HSD10) is the only mitochondrial member of 17β-HSD family. This enzyme can oxidize estradiol (E2) into estrone (E1), thus reducing concentration of this neuroprotective steroid. Since 17β-HSD10 possesses properties that suggest a possible role in Alzheimer's disease, its inhibition appears to be a therapeutic strategy. After we identified the androsterone (ADT) derivative 1 as a first steroidal inhibitor of 17β-HSD10, new analogs were synthesized to increase the metabolic stability, to improve the selectivity of inhibition over 17β-HSD3 and to optimize the inhibitory potency. From six D-ring derivatives of 1 (17-CO), two compounds (17β-H/17α-OH and 17β-OH/17α-CCH) were more metabolically stable and did not inhibit the 17β-HSD3. Moreover, solid phase synthesis was used to extend the molecular diversity on the 3β-piperazinylmethyl group of the steroid base core. Eight over 120 new derivatives were more potent inhibitors than 1 for the transformation of E2 to E1, with the 4-(4-trifluoromethyl-3-methoxybenzyl)piperazin-1-ylmethyl-ADT (D-3,7) being 16 times more potent (IC50 = 0.14 μM). Finally, D-ring modification of D-3,7 provided 17β-OH/17α-CCH derivative 25 and 17β-H/17α-OH derivative 26, which were more potent inhibitor than 1 (1.8 and 2.4 times, respectively).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Boutin
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Québec - Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - René Maltais
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Québec - Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Jenny Roy
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Québec - Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Donald Poirier
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit, CHU de Québec - Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rossetti MF, Schumacher R, Lazzarino GP, Gomez AL, Varayoud J, Ramos JG. The impact of sensory and motor enrichment on the epigenetic control of steroidogenic-related genes in rat hippocampus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 485:44-53. [PMID: 30721712 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we analyzed the effects of a short-term environmental enrichment on the mRNA expression and DNA methylation of steroidogenic enzymes in the hippocampus. Thus, young adult (80-day-old) and middle-aged (350-day-old) Wistar female rats were exposed to sensory (SE) or motor (ME) enrichment during 10 days and compared to animals housed under standard conditions. SE was provided by an assortment of objects that included plastic tubes and toys; for ME, rodent wheels were provided. In young adult animals, SE and ME increased the mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/c17,20-lyase, steroid 5α-reductase type 1 (5αR-1) and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and decreased the methylation levels of 5αR-1 gene. In middle-aged rats, ME and SE upregulated the gene expression of aldosterone synthase and decreased the methylation state of its promoter. These results propose that SE and ME differentially regulate the transcription of neurosteroidogenic enzymes through epigenetic mechanisms in young and aged rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Florencia Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Rocio Schumacher
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Gisela Paola Lazzarino
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Ayelen Luciana Gomez
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Patología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorge Guillermo Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rossetti MF, Varayoud J, Andreoli MF, Stoker C, Luque EH, Ramos JG. Sex- and age-associated differences in episodic-like memory and transcriptional regulation of hippocampal steroidogenic enzymes in rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 470:208-218. [PMID: 29113830 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the episodic-like memory (ELM) and the transcriptional regulation of the enzymes involved in hippocampal allopregnanolone synthesis in young adult and middle-aged male and female rats. Young adult males, but not middle-aged ones, showed a good performance in the ELM task. In contrast, neither young nor middle-aged females were able to discriminate the spatial order in which the objects were presented. In females, aging decreased the transcription of steroidogenic-related genes. In addition, the mRNA levels of 5α-reductase-1 were higher and the methylation of its promoter was lower in young adult females than in males, suggesting an epigenetic control. Further studies are needed to establish correlations between ELM and the transcriptional regulation of hippocampal steroidogenic enzymes. Our results contribute to the knowledge of sex differences in gene expression, methylation and memory during aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María F Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - María F Andreoli
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Cora Stoker
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
In vivo and in vitro sex differences in the dendritic morphology of developing murine hippocampal and cortical neurons. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8486. [PMID: 28814778 PMCID: PMC5559594 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08459-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered dendritic morphology is common in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), many of which show sex biases in prevalence, onset and/or severity. However, whether dendritic morphology varies as a function of sex in juvenile mice or primary neuronal cell cultures is largely unknown even though both are widely used models for studying NDDs. To address this gap, we quantified dendritic morphology in CA1 pyramidal hippocampal and adjacent somatosensory pyramidal cortical neurons from male and female postnatal day (P)28 C57BL/6J mice. As determined by Sholl analysis of Golgi-stained brain sections, dendritic arbors of male hippocampal neurons are more complex than females. Conversely, dendritic morphology of female cortical neurons is more complex than males. In primary neuron-glia co-cultures from P0 mouse hippocampi, male neurons have more complex dendritic arbors than female neurons. Sex differences are less pronounced in cortical cultures. In vitro sex differences in dendritic morphology are driven in part by estrogen-dependent mechanisms, as evidenced by decreased dendritic complexity in male hippocampal neurons cultured in phenol red-free media or in the presence of an estrogen receptor antagonist. Evidence that sex influences dendritic morphogenesis in two models of neurodevelopment in a region-specific manner has significant mechanistic implications regarding sex biases in NDDs.
Collapse
|
8
|
Rossetti MF, Varayoud J, Lazzarino GP, Luque EH, Ramos JG. Pregnancy and lactation differentially modify the transcriptional regulation of steroidogenic enzymes through DNA methylation mechanisms in the hippocampus of aged rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 429:73-83. [PMID: 27040308 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the mRNA expression and DNA methylation state of steroidogenic enzymes in the hippocampus of young adult (90-days-old) and middle-aged (450-days-old) nulliparous rats, and middle-aged multiparous rats subjected to three pregnancies with and without lactation. Aging decreased the mRNA levels of steroidogenic-related genes, while pregnancy and lactation significantly reduced the effect of aging, maintaining high expression levels of cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage (P450scc), steroid 5α-reductase-1 (5αR-1), cytochrome P450arom (P450arom) and aldosterone synthase (P450(11β)-2). In addition, pregnancy and lactation diminished the methylation state of the 5αR-1 promoter and increased the transcription of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, synaptophysin and spinophilin. Pregnancy without lactation increased P450scc and 5αR-1 gene expression and decreased the methylation of their promoters. We concluded that the age-related decrease in the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes is differentially attenuated by pregnancy and lactation in the rat hippocampus and that differential methylation mechanisms could be involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María F Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Gisela P Lazzarino
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rossetti MF, Cambiasso MJ, Holschbach MA, Cabrera R. Oestrogens and Progestagens: Synthesis and Action in the Brain. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 27306650 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
When steroids, such as pregnenolone, progesterone and oestrogen, are synthesised de novo in neural tissues, they are more specifically referred to as neurosteroids. These neurosteroids bind specific receptors to promote essential brain functions. Pregnenolone supports cognition and protects mouse hippocampal cells against glutamate and amyloid peptide-induced cell death. Progesterone promotes myelination, spinogenesis, synaptogenesis, neuronal survival and dendritic growth. Allopregnanolone increases hippocampal neurogenesis, neuronal survival and cognitive functions. Oestrogens, such as oestradiol, regulate synaptic plasticity, reproductive behaviour, aggressive behaviour and learning. In addition, neurosteroids are neuroprotective in animal models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain injury and ageing. Using in situ hybridisation and/or immunohistochemistry, steroidogenic enzymes, including cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4 isomerase, cytochrome P450arom, steroid 5α-reductase and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, have been detected in numerous brain regions, including the hippocampus, hypothalamus and cerebral cortex. In the present review, we summarise some of the studies related to the synthesis and function of oestrogens and progestagens in the central nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M F Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral, CONICET-Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M J Cambiasso
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra, INIMEC-CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
- Departamento de Biología Bucal, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - M A Holschbach
- Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - R Cabrera
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, INBIOMED-IMBECU-CONICET, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rossetti MF, Varayoud J, Moreno-Piovano GS, Luque EH, Ramos JG. Environmental enrichment attenuates the age-related decline in the mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes and reduces the methylation state of the steroid 5α-reductase type 1 gene in the rat hippocampus. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 412:330-8. [PMID: 26021641 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the effects of aging and environmental enrichment on the mRNA expression and DNA methylation state of steroidogenic enzymes in the hippocampus. The effects of aging were evaluated by comparing young adult (90-day-old) and middle-aged (450-day-old) female Wistar rats. To elucidate the effects of environmental enrichment, a subgroup of middle-aged rats exposed to sensory and social stimulation for 105 days was compared to rats housed under standard laboratory conditions. Aging decreased the transcription of neurosteroidogenic-related genes and increased the promoter methylation state of cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage, 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) and 5α-reductase-1. Exposure of middle-aged rats to environmental enrichment increased mRNA levels of 5α-reductase-1, 3α-HSD and cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/c17,20-lyase and decreased the methylation state of the 5α-reductase-1 gene. Thus, sensory and social stimulation attenuate the age-related decline in the mRNA expression of hippocampal steroidogenic enzymes. Epigenetic mechanisms associated with differential promoter methylation could be involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María F Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorgelina Varayoud
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Guillermo S Moreno-Piovano
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Enrique H Luque
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral (ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hasegawa Y, Hojo Y, Kojima H, Ikeda M, Hotta K, Sato R, Ooishi Y, Yoshiya M, Chung BC, Yamazaki T, Kawato S. Estradiol rapidly modulates synaptic plasticity of hippocampal neurons: Involvement of kinase networks. Brain Res 2015; 1621:147-61. [PMID: 25595055 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol (E2) is locally synthesized within the hippocampus in addition to the gonads. Rapid modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by E2 is essential for synaptic regulation. Molecular mechanisms of modulation through synaptic estrogen receptor (ER) and its downstream signaling, however, have been still unknown. We investigated induction of LTP by the presence of E2 upon weak theta burst stimulation (weak-TBS) in CA1 region of adult male hippocampus. Since only weak-TBS did not induce full-LTP, weak-TBS was sub-threshold stimulation. We observed LTP induction by the presence of E2, after incubation of hippocampal slices with 10nM E2 for 30 min, upon weak-TBS. This E2-induced LTP was blocked by ICI, an ER antagonist. This E2-LTP induction was inhibited by blocking Erk MAPK, PKA, PKC, PI3K, NR2B and CaMKII, individually, suggesting that Erk MAPK, PKA, PKC, PI3K and CaMKII may be involved in downstream signaling for activation of NMDA receptors. Interestingly, dihydrotestosterone suppressed the E2-LTP. We also investigated rapid changes of dendritic spines (=postsynapses) in response to E2, using hippocampal slices from adult male rats. We found 1nM E2 increased the density of spines by approximately 1.3-fold within 2h by imaging Lucifer Yellow-injected CA1 pyramidal neurons. The E2-induced spine increase was blocked by ICI. The increase in spines was suppressed by blocking PI3K, Erk MAPK, p38 MAPK, PKA, PKC, LIMK, CaMKII or calcineurin, individually. On the other hand, blocking JNK did not inhibit the E2-induced spine increase. Taken together, these results suggest that E2 rapidly induced LTP and also increased the spine density through kinase networks that are driven by synaptic ER. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Brain and Memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Hasegawa
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hojo
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan; Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; International Collaboration Project (Japan-Taiwan) of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hiroki Kojima
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Muneki Ikeda
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Keisuke Hotta
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Rei Sato
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Yuuki Ooishi
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Miyuki Yoshiya
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Bon-Chu Chung
- International Collaboration Project (Japan-Taiwan) of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Suguru Kawato
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan; Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; International Collaboration Project (Japan-Taiwan) of Japan Science and Technology Agency, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Project of Special Coordinate Funds for Promoting Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Soma KK, Rendon NM, Boonstra R, Albers HE, Demas GE. DHEA effects on brain and behavior: insights from comparative studies of aggression. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 145:261-72. [PMID: 24928552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Historically, research on the neuroendocrinology of aggression has been dominated by the paradigm that the brain receives sex steroid hormones, such as testosterone (T), from the gonads, and then these gonadal hormones modulate behaviorally relevant neural circuits. While this paradigm has been extremely useful for advancing the field, recent studies reveal important alternatives. For example, most vertebrate species are seasonal breeders, and many species show aggression outside of the breeding season, when the gonads are regressed and circulating levels of gonadal steroids are relatively low. Studies in diverse avian and mammalian species suggest that adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an androgen precursor and prohormone, is important for the expression of aggression when gonadal T synthesis is low. Circulating DHEA can be converted into active sex steroids within the brain. In addition, the brain can synthesize sex steroids de novo from cholesterol, thereby uncoupling brain steroid levels from circulating steroid levels. These alternative mechanisms to provide sex steroids to specific neural circuits may have evolved to avoid the costs of high circulating T levels during the non-breeding season. Physiological indicators of season (e.g., melatonin) may allow animals to switch from one neuroendocrine mechanism to another across the year. DHEA and neurosteroids are likely to be important for the control of multiple behaviors in many species, including humans. These studies yield fundamental insights into the regulation of DHEA secretion, the mechanisms by which DHEA affects behavior, and the brain regions and neural processes that are modulated by DHEA. It is clear that the brain is an important site of DHEA synthesis and action. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Essential role of DHEA'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran K Soma
- Departments of Psychology and Zoology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, and the Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4.
| | - Nikki M Rendon
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Rudy Boonstra
- Centre for Neurobiology of Stress, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - H Elliott Albers
- Neuroscience Institute, and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Murakami G, Hojo Y, Ogiue-Ikeda M, Mukai H, Chambon P, Nakajima K, Ooishi Y, Kimoto T, Kawato S. Estrogen receptor KO mice study on rapid modulation of spines and long-term depression in the hippocampus. Brain Res 2014; 1621:133-46. [PMID: 25498865 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 11/29/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Rapid modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity through synaptic estrogen receptors is an essential topic. We analyzed estradiol-induced modulation of CA1 dendritic spines using adult male ERαKO and ERβKO mice. A 2h treatment of estradiol particularly increased the density of middle-head spines (diameter 0.3-0.4 µm) in wild type mouse hippocampal slices. The enhancement of spinogenesis was completely suppressed by MAP kinase inhibitor. Estradiol-induced increase in middle-head spines was observed in ERβKO mice (which express ERα), but not in ERαKO, indicating that ERα is necessary for the spinogenesis. Direct observation of the dynamic estradiol-induced enhancing effect on rapid spinogenesis was performed using time-lapse imaging of spines in hippocampal live slices from yellow fluorescent protein expressed mice. Both appearance and disappearance of spines occurred, and the number of newly appeared spines was significantly greater than that of disappeared spines, resulting in the net increase of the spine density within 2h. As another type of synaptic modulation, we observed that estradiol rapidly enhanced N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced long-term depression (LTD) in CA1 of the wild type mouse hippocampus. In contrast, estradiol did not enhance NMDA-LTD in ERαKO mice, indicating the involvement of ERα in the estrogen signaling. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Brain and Memory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gen Murakami
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hojo
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Mari Ogiue-Ikeda
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan; Project of Special Coordinate Funds for Promoting Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Hideo Mukai
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Pierre Chambon
- Institut de Genetique et de Biologie Moleculaire et Cellulaire, Universite Louis Pasteur, Illkirch-Cedex, Communaute Urbaine de Strasbourg, France
| | - Kohei Nakajima
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Yuuki Ooishi
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kimoto
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan
| | - Suguru Kawato
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan; Project of Special Coordinate Funds for Promoting Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba 3-8-1, Meguro, Tokyo 153, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bidirectional modulatory effect of 17β-estradiol on NMDA receptors via ERα and ERβ in the dentate gyrus of juvenile male rats. Neuropharmacology 2013; 75:262-73. [PMID: 23954493 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2013] [Revised: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The neurosteroid 17β-estradiol (E2) is synthesized by aromatase in both male and female hippocampi and is known to modulate hippocampal synaptic functions. However, as some contradictory findings regarding the modulatory effects of E2 have been reported in the literature, its physiological role and mechanism of action in the hippocampus remain controversial. Our recent study showed that a low E2 dose (1 nM) increased the amplitude of NMDA receptor-mediated EPSCs (NMDAR-EPSCs) and lowered the threshold for the induction of NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation (NMDAR-LTP), while a high E2 dose (7 nM) exerted opposite effects in the dentate gyrus of juvenile male rat hippocampal slices. The present study is a follow-up that explores the underlying mechanism of this bidirectional effect of E2. We found that the ERα agonist PPT reproduced the actions of the low E2 dose on NMDAR-EPSCs and NMDAR-LTP, while the ERβ agonist DPN reproduced the actions of the high E2 dose. Moreover, PPT, but not DPN, restored the decrease in NMDAR-EPSCs induced by the aromatase inhibitor letrozole, suggesting that E2 synthesized constitutively in the hippocampus enhances NMDA receptor function via ERα. The PPT-induced enhancement in NMDAR-EPSCs was mediated by Src family kinase, but was not caused by NR2B modulation. These findings demonstrate that E2 exerts condition-dependent bidirectional effects on NMDA receptor-mediated transmission and, thus, synaptic plasticity via ERα and ERβ in the dentate gyrus of juvenile male rats.
Collapse
|
15
|
Terasawa E, Kenealy BP. Neuroestrogen, rapid action of estradiol, and GnRH neurons. Front Neuroendocrinol 2012; 33:364-75. [PMID: 22940545 PMCID: PMC3496051 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2012] [Revised: 07/29/2012] [Accepted: 08/15/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Estradiol plays a pivotal role in the control of GnRH neuronal function, hence female reproduction. A series of recent studies in our laboratory indicate that rapid excitatory actions of estradiol directly modify GnRH neuronal activity in primate GnRH neurons through GPR30 and STX-sensitive receptors. Similar rapid direct actions of estradiol through estrogen receptor beta are also described in mouse GnRH neurons. In this review, we propose two novel hypotheses as a possible physiological role of estradiol in primates. First, while ovarian estradiol initiates the preovulatory GnRH surge through interneurons expressing estrogen receptor alpha, rapid direct membrane-initiated action of estradiol may play a role in sustaining GnRH surge release for many hours. Second, locally produced neuroestrogens may contribute to pulsatile GnRH release. Either way, estradiol synthesized in interneurons in the hypothalamus may play a significant role in the control of the GnRH surge and/or pulsatility of GnRH release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ei Terasawa
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53715, United States.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bayer J, Rune G, Kutsche K, Schwarze U, Kalisch R, Büchel C, Sommer T. Estrogen and the male hippocampus: Genetic variation in the aromatase gene predicting serum estrogen is associated with hippocampal gray matter volume in men. Hippocampus 2012; 23:117-21. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
17
|
Ooishi Y, Kawato S, Hojo Y, Hatanaka Y, Higo S, Murakami G, Komatsuzaki Y, Ogiue-Ikeda M, Kimoto T, Mukai H. Modulation of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus by hippocampus-derived estrogen and androgen. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2012; 131:37-51. [PMID: 22075082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus synthesizes estrogen and androgen in addition to the circulating sex steroids. Synaptic modulation by hippocampus-derived estrogen or androgen is essential to maintain healthy memory processes. Rapid actions (1-2h) of 17β-estradiol (17β-E2) occur via synapse-localized receptors (ERα or ERβ), while slow genomic E2 actions (6-48h) occur via classical nuclear receptors (ERα or ERβ). The long-term potentiation (LTP), induced by strong tetanus or theta-burst stimulation, is not further enhanced by E2 perfusion in adult rats. Interestingly, E2 perfusion can rescue corticosterone (stress hormone)-induced suppression of LTP. The long-term depression is modulated rapidly by E2 perfusion. Elevation of the E2 concentration changes rapidly the density and head structure of spines in neurons. ERα, but not ERβ, drives this enhancement of spinogenesis. Kinase networks are involved downstream of ERα. Testosterone (T) or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) also rapidly modulates spinogenesis. Newly developed Spiso-3D mathematical analysis is used to distinguish these complex effects by sex steroids and kinases. It has been doubted that the level of hippocampus-derived estrogen and androgen may not be high enough to modulate synaptic plasticity. Determination of the accurate concentration of E2, T or DHT in the hippocampus is enabled by mass-spectrometric analysis in combination with new steroid-derivatization methods. The E2 level in the hippocampus is approximately 8nM for the male and 0.5-2nM for the female, which is much higher than that in circulation. The level of T and DHT is also higher than that in circulation. Taken together, hippocampus-derived E2, T, and DHT play a major role in modulation of synaptic plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuuki Ooishi
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Higo S, Hojo Y, Ishii H, Komatsuzaki Y, Ooishi Y, Murakami G, Mukai H, Yamazaki T, Nakahara D, Barron A, Kimoto T, Kawato S. Endogenous synthesis of corticosteroids in the hippocampus. PLoS One 2011; 6:e21631. [PMID: 21829438 PMCID: PMC3145636 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0021631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2011] [Accepted: 06/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain synthesis of steroids including sex-steroids is attracting much attention. The endogenous synthesis of corticosteroids in the hippocampus, however, has been doubted because of the inability to detect deoxycorticosterone (DOC) synthase, cytochrome P450(c21). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS The expression of P450(c21) was demonstrated using mRNA analysis and immmunogold electron microscopic analysis in the adult male rat hippocampus. DOC production from progesterone (PROG) was demonstrated by metabolism analysis of (3)H-steroids. All the enzymes required for corticosteroid synthesis including P450(c21), P450(2D4), P450(11β1) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) were localized in the hippocampal principal neurons as shown via in situ hybridization and immunoelectron microscopic analysis. Accurate corticosteroid concentrations in rat hippocampus were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. In adrenalectomized rats, net hippocampus-synthesized corticosterone (CORT) and DOC were determined to 6.9 and 5.8 nM, respectively. Enhanced spinogenesis was observed in the hippocampus following application of low nanomolar (10 nM) doses of CORT for 1 h. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE These results imply the complete pathway of corticosteroid synthesis of 'pregnenolone →PROG→DOC→CORT' in the hippocampal neurons. Both P450(c21) and P450(2D4) can catalyze conversion of PROG to DOC. The low nanomolar level of CORT synthesized in hippocampal neurons may play a role in modulation of synaptic plasticity, in contrast to the stress effects by micromolar CORT from adrenal glands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shimpei Higo
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hojo
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
- Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Ishii
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Komatsuzaki
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Physics, College of Science and Technology, Nihon University, Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuuki Ooishi
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gen Murakami
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
- Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideo Mukai
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
- Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Brain Science, Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daiichiro Nakahara
- Department of Psychology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Anna Barron
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kimoto
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suguru Kawato
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
- Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of Tokyo, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Barron AM, Hojo Y, Mukai H, Higo S, Ooishi Y, Hatanaka Y, Ogiue-Ikeda M, Murakami G, Kimoto T, Kawato S. Regulation of synaptic plasticity by hippocampus synthesized estradiol. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2011; 7:361-75. [PMID: 25961274 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci.2011.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Estradiol is synthesized from cholesterol in hippocampal neurons of adult rats by cytochrome P450 and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymes. These enzymes are expressed in the glutamatergic neurons of the hippocampus. Surprisingly, the concentration of estradiol and androgen in the hippocampus is significantly higher than that in circulation. Locally synthesized estradiol rapidly and potently modulates synaptic plasticity within the hippocampus. E2 rapidly potentiates long-term depression and induces spinogenesis through synaptic estrogen receptors and kinases. The rapid effects of estradiol are followed by slow genomic effects mediated by both estrogen receptors located at the synapse and nucleus, modulating long-term potentiation and promoting the formation of new functional synaptic contacts. Age-related changes in hippocampally derived estradiol synthesis and distribution of estrogen receptors may alter synaptic plasticity, and could potentially contribute to age-related cognitive decline. Understanding factors which regulate hippocampal estradiol synthesis could lead to the identification of alternatives to conventional hormone therapy to protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Collapse
|
20
|
Micevych P, Sinchak K. The Neurosteroid Progesterone Underlies Estrogen Positive Feedback of the LH Surge. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2011; 2:90. [PMID: 22654832 PMCID: PMC3356049 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2011.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 11/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding the steroid regulation of neural function has rapidly evolved in the past decades. Not long ago the prevailing thoughts were that peripheral steroid hormones carried information to the brain which passively responded to these steroids. These steroid actions were slow, taking hours to days to be realized because they regulated gene expression. Over the past three decades, discoveries of new steroid receptors, rapid membrane-initiated signaling mechanisms, and de novo neurosteroidogenesis have shed new light on the complexity of steroids actions within the nervous system. Sexual differentiation of the brain during development occurs predominately through timed steroid-mediated expression of proteins and long term epigenetic modifications. In contrast across the estrous cycle, estradiol release from developing ovarian follicles initially increases slowly and then at proestrus increases rapidly. This pattern of estradiol release acts through both classical genomic mechanisms and rapid membrane-initiated signaling in the brain to coordinate reproductive behavior and physiology. This review focuses on recently discovered estrogen receptor-α membrane signaling mechanisms that estradiol utilizes during estrogen positive feedback to stimulate de novo progesterone synthesis within the hypothalamus to trigger the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge important for ovulation and estrous cyclicity. The activation of these signaling pathways appears to be coordinated by the rising and waning of estradiol throughout the estrous cycle and integral to the negative and positive feedback mechanisms of estradiol. This differential responsiveness is part of the timing mechanism triggering the LH surge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Micevych
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Brain Research Institute, University of CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA, USA
- *Correspondence: Paul Micevych, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1763, USA. e-mail:
| | - Kevin Sinchak
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State UniversityLong Beach, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hojo Y, Higo S, Kawato S, Hatanaka Y, Ooishi Y, Murakami G, Ishii H, Komatsuzaki Y, Ogiue-Ikeda M, Mukai H, Kimoto T. Hippocampal synthesis of sex steroids and corticosteroids: essential for modulation of synaptic plasticity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2011; 2:43. [PMID: 22701110 PMCID: PMC3356120 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2011.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex steroids play essential roles in the modulation of synaptic plasticity and neuroprotection in the hippocampus. Accumulating evidence shows that hippocampal neurons synthesize both estrogen and androgen. Recently, we also revealed the hippocampal synthesis of corticosteroids. The accurate concentrations of these hippocampus-synthesized steroids are determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry in combination with novel derivatization. The hippocampal levels of 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and corticosterone (CORT), are 5-15 nM, and these levels are sufficient to modulate synaptic plasticity. Hippocampal E2 modulates memory-related synaptic plasticity not only slowly/genomically but also rapidly/non-genomically. Slow actions of E2 occur via classical nuclear receptors (ERα or ERβ), while rapid E2 actions occur via synapse-localized or extranuclear ERα or ERβ. Nanomolar concentrations of E2 change rapidly the density and morphology of spines in hippocampal neurons. ERα, but not ERβ, drives this enhancement/suppression of spinogenesis in adult animals. Nanomolar concentrations of androgens (T and DHT) and CORT also increase the spine density. Kinase networks are involved downstream of ERα and androgen receptor. Newly developed Spiso-3D mathematical analysis is useful to distinguish these complex effects by sex steroids and kinases. Significant advance has been achieved in investigations of rapid modulation by E2 of the long-term depression or the long-term potentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasushi Hojo
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
- Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
| | - Shimpei Higo
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
| | - Suguru Kawato
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
- Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
- *Correspondence: Suguru Kawato, Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 3-8-1 Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan. e-mail:
| | - Yusuke Hatanaka
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
| | - Yuuki Ooishi
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
| | - Gen Murakami
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
- Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Ishii
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Komatsuzaki
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
| | - Mari Ogiue-Ikeda
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
- Project of Special Coordinate Funds for Promoting Science and Technology, The University of TokyoJapan
| | - Hideo Mukai
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
- Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kimoto
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
- Bioinformatics Project of Japan Science and Technology Agency, The University of TokyoTokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kimoto T, Ishii H, Higo S, Hojo Y, Kawato S. Semicomprehensive analysis of the postnatal age-related changes in the mRNA expression of sex steroidogenic enzymes and sex steroid receptors in the male rat hippocampus. Endocrinology 2010; 151:5795-806. [PMID: 21047951 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Although sex steroids play a crucial role in the postnatal brain development, the age-related changes in the hippocampal steroidogenesis remain largely unknown. We performed comprehensive investigations for the mRNA expressions of 26 sex steroidogenic enzymes/proteins and three sex steroid receptors in the male rat hippocampus, at the ages of postnatal day (PD) 1, PD4, PD7, PD10, PD14, 4 wk, and 12 wk (adult), by RT-PCR/Southern blotting analysis. The relative expression levels of these enzymes/receptors at PD1 were Srd5a1 > Star > Ar ∼ Hsd17b4 ∼ Hsd17b1 ∼ Hsd17b7 ∼ Esr1 ∼ Srd5a2 > Hsd17b3 > Esr2 > Cyp11a1 > Cyp17a1 > Cyp19a1 ∼ Hsd17b2 > 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase I. The mRNA levels of essential enzymes for progesterone/testosterone/estradiol metabolisms (Cyp17a1, Hsd17b7, and Cyp19a1) were approximately constant between PD1 and PD14 and then declined toward the adult levels. Cyp11a1 increased during PD4-PD14 and then considerably decreased toward the adult level (∼8% of PD1). Hsd17b1, Hsd17b2, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase I mRNA decreased approximately monotonously. Hsd17b3 increased to approximately 200% of PD1 during PD4-PD14 and was maintained at this high level. The 5α-reductase mRNA was maintained constant (Srd5a1) or decreased monotonically (Srd5a2) toward the adult level. The Esr1 level peaked at PD4 and decreased toward the adult level, whereas Ar greatly increased during PD1-PD14 and was maintained at this high level. The Star and Hsd17b4 levels were maintained constant from neonate to adult. These results suggest that the hippocampal sex steroidogenic properties are substantially altered during the postnatal development processes, which might contribute to brain sexual maturation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Kimoto
- Department of Biophysics and Life Sciences, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Mukai H, Kimoto T, Hojo Y, Kawato S, Murakami G, Higo S, Hatanaka Y, Ogiue-Ikeda M. Modulation of synaptic plasticity by brain estrogen in the hippocampus. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2010; 1800:1030-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2009.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2009] [Revised: 10/15/2009] [Accepted: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|