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Chen C, Wang R, Liu Y, Fan L, Ma N, Yan Q, Wang W, Ren Z, Ning X, Ku T. "Iron -free" CdSe/ZnS quantum dots disrupt neural differentiation of embryonic stem cells via the induction of ferroptosis. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2025; 376:126378. [PMID: 40339883 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.126378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2025] [Revised: 04/15/2025] [Accepted: 05/04/2025] [Indexed: 05/10/2025]
Abstract
Exposure to Cadmium-based quantum dots (QDs) is becoming a growing threat to human health, necessitating a deeper understanding of their intracellular behavior and the associated toxic effects. Among the various domains of nanosafety assessment, the impact of these QDs on the nervous system is particularly critical; however, the potential effects on neurodevelopment and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. The current study explores the neural developmental toxicities associated with exposure to QDs made of cadmium selenide (CdSe) and encapsulated within a zinc sulfide (ZnS) shell using mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Exposure to CdSe/ZnS QDs was found to impair the neural differentiation of mESCs via a novel mechanism of programmed cell death known as ferroptosis. Specifically, the CdSe/ZnS QDs were found to be internalized by cells, with a substantial fraction remaining within the cells even after a 24 h clearance period. Furthermore, nanoparticle internalization induced significant ROS/MDA elevation, mitochondrial depolarization and intracellular iron overload, collectively triggering ferroptosis and consequent tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle dysfunction. Importantly, the application of ferroptosis inhibitors was found to alleviate the disruption in the TCA cycle induced by CdSe/ZnS QDs and restore neural differentiation. Additionally, ferroptosis was established as a common form of cell death triggered by nanoparticles. These findings underscore the urgent need for further investigations into the safety profiles of CdSe/ZnS QDs in a neurological context, as an understanding of the underlying mechanisms can facilitate informed risk assessments and guide the development of safer nanomaterials for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Emerging Pollutant Identification and Risk Control, Research Center of Environment and Health, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Emerging Pollutant Identification and Risk Control, Research Center of Environment and Health, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Yutong Liu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Emerging Pollutant Identification and Risk Control, Research Center of Environment and Health, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Lifan Fan
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Emerging Pollutant Identification and Risk Control, Research Center of Environment and Health, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Nanxin Ma
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Emerging Pollutant Identification and Risk Control, Research Center of Environment and Health, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Qiqi Yan
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Emerging Pollutant Identification and Risk Control, Research Center of Environment and Health, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Wenhao Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Emerging Pollutant Identification and Risk Control, Research Center of Environment and Health, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Zhihua Ren
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Emerging Pollutant Identification and Risk Control, Research Center of Environment and Health, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Xia Ning
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Emerging Pollutant Identification and Risk Control, Research Center of Environment and Health, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China
| | - Tingting Ku
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Coal-based Emerging Pollutant Identification and Risk Control, Research Center of Environment and Health, College of Environment and Resource, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China.
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Kilpatrick LA, Church A, Meriwether D, Mahurkar-Joshi S, Li VW, Sohn J, Reist J, Labus JS, Dong T, Jacobs JP, Naliboff BD, Chang L, Mayer EA. Differential brainstem connectivity according to sex and menopausal status in healthy male and female individuals. Biol Sex Differ 2025; 16:25. [PMID: 40251694 PMCID: PMC12007138 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-025-00709-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2025] [Indexed: 04/20/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brainstem nuclei play a critical role in both ascending monoaminergic modulation of cortical function and arousal, and in descending bulbospinal pain modulation. Even though sex-related differences in the function of both systems have been reported in animal models, a complete understanding of sex differences, as well as menopausal effects, in brainstem connectivity in humans is lacking. This study evaluated resting-state connectivity of the dorsal raphe nucleus, right and left locus coeruleus complex (LCC), and periaqueductal gray (PAG) according to sex and menopausal status in healthy individuals. In addition, relationships between systemic estrogen levels and brainstem-network connectivity were examined in a subset of participants. METHODS Resting-state fMRI was performed in 47 healthy male (age, 31.2 ± 8.0 years), 53 healthy premenopausal female (age, 24.7 ± 7.3 years; 22 in the follicular phase, 31 in the luteal phase), and 20 postmenopausal female participants (age, 54.6 ± 7.2 years). Permutation Analysis of Linear Models (5000 permutations) was used to evaluate differences in brainstem-network connectivity according to sex and menopausal status, controlling for age. In 10 males and 17 females (9 premenopausal; 8 postmenopausal), estrogen and estrogen metabolite levels in plasma and stool were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Relationships between estrogen levels and brainstem-network connectivity were evaluated by partial least squares analysis. RESULTS Left LCC-executive control network connectivity showed an overall sex difference (p = 0.02), with higher connectivity in females than in males; however, this was mainly due to differences between males and premenopausal females (p = 0.008). Additional sex differences were dependent on menopausal status: PAG-default mode network (DMN) connectivity was higher in postmenopausal females than in males (p = 0.04), and PAG-sensorimotor network (SMN) connectivity was higher in premenopausal females than in males (p = 0.03) and postmenopausal females (p = 0.007). Notably, higher free 2-hydroxyestrone levels in stool were reliably associated with higher PAG-SMN and PAG-DMN connectivity in premenopausal females (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Healthy females show higher brainstem-network connectivity involved in cognitive control, sensorimotor function, and self-relevant processes than males, dependent on their menopausal status. Further, 2-hydroxyestrone, implicated in pain, may modulate PAG connectivity in premenopausal females. These findings may relate to differential vulnerabilities to chronic stress-sensitive disorders at different life stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Kilpatrick
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Arpana Church
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Meriwether
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Swapna Mahurkar-Joshi
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vince W Li
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Sohn
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Juliana Reist
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer S Labus
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Brain Research Institute, Gonda (Goldschmied) Neuroscience and Genetics Research Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tien Dong
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan P Jacobs
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Parenteral Nutrition, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bruce D Naliboff
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lin Chang
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Emeran A Mayer
- Vatche and Tamar Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Goodman-Luskin Microbiome Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Dominiquini-Moraes B, Bernardes-Ribeiro M, Patrone LGA, Fonseca EM, Frias AT, Silva KSC, Araujo-Lopes R, Szawka RE, Bícego KC, Zangrossi H, Gargaglioni LH. Impact of the estrous cycle on brain monoamines and behavioral and respiratory responses to CO 2 in mice. Pflugers Arch 2025; 477:349-369. [PMID: 39601888 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-03040-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 10/27/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024]
Abstract
The prevalence of panic disorder is two to four times higher in women compared to that in men, and hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle play a role in the occurrence of panic attacks. Here, we investigated the effect of the estrous cycle on the ventilatory and behavioral responses to CO2 in mice. Female mice in proestrus, estrus, metestrus, or diestrus were exposed to 20% CO2, and their escape behaviors, brain monoamines, and plasma levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were measured. Pulmonary ventilation (V̇E), oxygen consumption (V̇O2), and body core temperature (TB) were also measured during normocapnia followed by CO2. Females exposed to 20% CO2 exhibited an escape behavior, but the estrous cycle did not affect this response. Females in all phases of the estrous cycle showed higher V̇E and lower TB during hypercapnia. In diestrus, there was an attenuation of CO2-induced hyperventilation with no change in V̇O2, whereas in estrus, this response was accompanied by a reduction in V̇O2. Hypercapnia also increased the concentration of plasma P4 and central DOPAC, the main dopamine metabolite, in all females. There was an estrous cycle effect on brainstem serotonin, with females in estrus showing a higher concentration than females in the metestrus and diestrus phases. Therefore, our data suggest that hypercapnia induces panic-related behaviors and ventilatory changes that lead to an increase in P4 secretion in female mice, likely originating from the adrenals. The estrous cycle does not affect the behavioral response but interferes in the ventilatory and metabolic responses to CO2 in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Dominiquini-Moraes
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, College of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Rod. Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane S/N, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Mariana Bernardes-Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, College of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Rod. Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane S/N, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Luis Gustavo A Patrone
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, College of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Rod. Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane S/N, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Elisa M Fonseca
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alana T Frias
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, College of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Rod. Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane S/N, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Kaoma S Costa Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Roberta Araujo-Lopes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Raphael E Szawka
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Kênia C Bícego
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, College of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Rod. Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane S/N, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil
| | - Hélio Zangrossi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciane H Gargaglioni
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, College of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University, Rod. Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane S/N, Jaboticabal, SP, 14884-900, Brazil.
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Le Roux CE, Farthing AL, Lucas EK. Dietary phytoestrogens recalibrate socioemotional behavior in C57Bl/6J mice in a sex- and timing-dependent manner. Horm Behav 2025; 168:105678. [PMID: 39826371 PMCID: PMC11830535 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2025.105678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2024] [Revised: 01/05/2025] [Accepted: 01/14/2025] [Indexed: 01/22/2025]
Abstract
Estrogens are potent regulators of socioemotional behavior across species. Ubiquitous in human and animal diets, plant-derived phytoestrogens (PE) bind estrogen receptors. While prior work has examined the impact of PE exposure on socioemotional behavior, findings are inconsistent across studies. To investigate whether the timing of PE diet initiation may govern differential behavioral effects, we compared the impacts of PE-free (<20 mg/kg) versus PE-rich (810 mg/kg) diet exposure across the lifetime versus acutely in adulthood. Reproductive physiology was assessed through age at puberty onset and gonadal size. In adulthood, all mice underwent a behavioral battery consisting of the open field, elevated plus maze, and social interaction tests, followed by assessment of emotional memory dynamics with cued threat conditioning, extinction, recall, and renewal. Lifetime PE exposure delayed puberty onset and increased adult gonadal size selectively in males, whereas both lifetime and adult-only PE exposure decreased adult body weight in both sexes. In males, adult-only exposure increased open-arm avoidance in the elevated plus maze but enhanced threat memory extinction. In females, lifetime PE exposure increased open-arm avoidance, reduced sociability, and impaired threat memory extinction. Interestingly, lifetime PE exposure increased the context-dependent renewal of threat memory in both sexes. These findings demonstrate sex- and timing-dependent effects of PE exposure. Male lifetime PE exposure impacts reproductive measures with limited behavioral effects, whereas female lifetime exposure broadly impairs socioemotional behavior. Conversely, adult-only PE exposure altered behavior in males with limited impact in females. This study highlights the importance of diet composition, exposure period, and sex in rodent behavioral studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron E Le Roux
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amy L Farthing
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth K Lucas
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
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Kaimal A, Hooversmith JM, Al Mansi MH, Cherry AD, Garrity JT, Holmes PV, MohanKumar PS, MohanKumar SMJ. Prenatal bisphenol A and/or diethylhexyl phthalate exposure followed by adult estradiol treatment affects behavior and brain monoamines in female rat offspring. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2025; 15:1479838. [PMID: 39839474 PMCID: PMC11747983 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1479838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 11/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2025] Open
Abstract
Significance Women are at increased risk for mood disorders, which may be partly attributed to exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during sensitive periods such as pregnancy. Exposure during these times can impact brain development in the offspring, potentially leading to mood disorders in later life. Additionally, fluctuating levels of endogenous estrogens, as seen during pregnancy, or the use of oral contraceptives, can further elevate this risk. This study examines the cumulative effects of prenatal EDC exposure combined with chronic low-dose 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment in adulthood on neurobehavioral outcomes. Methods Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were orally dosed with vehicle, bisphenol A (BPA) (5 μg/kg body weight (BW)/day), low-dose (LD) diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) (5 μg/kg BW/day), high-dose (HD) DEHP (7.5 mg/kg BW/day), or a combination of the two (BPA+DEHP) from gestational days 6-21. At 3 months of age, female offspring were implanted with slow-release E2 pellets or were sham-implanted. Following a 90-day treatment period, behavioral testing was conducted, and serum hormones and brain monoamine levels were analyzed. Results Chronic E2 treatment in controls increased anxiety and reduced active coping behaviors. In DEHP- and BPA+DEHP-exposed offspring, E2 treatment reversed some of these effects. Dose-dependent alterations in circulating hormone levels and brain monoamines were observed. Dysregulation of the stress axis was particularly notable with the higher dose of DEHP. Conclusions Overall, prenatal EDC exposure altered behavior, hormones, and brain monoamines, with adult E2 treatment further exacerbating some of these effects in female offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Kaimal
- Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, Neuroscience Division, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Jessica M. Hooversmith
- Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, Neuroscience Division, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Maryam H. Al Mansi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Ariana D. Cherry
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Jillian T. Garrity
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Philip V. Holmes
- Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, Neuroscience Division, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Puliyur S. MohanKumar
- Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, Neuroscience Division, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Sheba M. J. MohanKumar
- Biomedical and Translational Sciences Institute, Neuroscience Division, Athens, GA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
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Murakawa T, Kogure L, Hata K, Hasunuma K, Takenawa S, Sano K, Ogawa S. Estrous Cycle-Dependent Modulation of Sexual Receptivity in Female Mice by Estrogen Receptor Beta-Expressing Cells in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1137242024. [PMID: 39299803 PMCID: PMC11604141 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1137-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 08/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The sexual receptivity of female mice, shown as lordosis response, is mainly regulated by estradiol action on estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ), depending on the day of the estrous cycle. Previous studies revealed that ERα in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) plays an essential role in the induction of lordosis on the day of estrus (Day 1). However, the mechanisms of the transition to nonreceptive states on the day after estrus (Day 2) are not completely understood. In the present study, we investigated the possible role of ERβ, which is highly expressed in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), in lordosis expression. We found that ERβ-Cre female mice, which were ovariectomized and primed with estradiol and progesterone to mimic the estrous cycle, showed high levels of lordosis on Day 2 when ERβ-expressing DRN (DRN-ERβ+) neuronal activity was chemogenetically suppressed. This finding suggests that excitation of DRN-ERβ+ neurons is necessary for the decline of lordosis on Day 2. Fiber photometry recordings during female-male behavioral interactions revealed that DRN-ERβ+ neuronal activation in response to male intromission was significantly more prolonged on Day 2 compared with Day 1. Chemogenetic overstimulation of DRN-ERβ+ neurons induced c-Fos expression in brain areas known to be inhibitory for lordosis expression, even though they did not express anterogradely labeled fibers of DRN-ERβ+ cells. These findings collectively suggest that DRN-ERβ+ neuronal excitation serves as an inhibitory modulator and is responsible for the decline in receptivity during nonestrus phases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Murakawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Lisa Kogure
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Kakuma Hata
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Kansuke Hasunuma
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takenawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sano
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan
| | - Sonoko Ogawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, 305-8577, Japan
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Kilpatrick LA, Gupta A, Meriwether D, Mahurkar-Joshi S, Li VW, Sohn J, Reist J, Labus JS, Dong T, Jacobs JP, Naliboff BD, Chang L, Mayer EA. Differential brainstem connectivity according to sex and menopausal status in healthy men and women. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4875269. [PMID: 39184081 PMCID: PMC11343298 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4875269/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Brainstem nuclei play a critical role in both ascending monoaminergic modulation of cortical function and arousal, and in descending bulbospinal pain modulation. Even though sex-related differences in the function of both systems have been reported in animal models, a complete understanding of sex differences, as well as menopausal effects, in brainstem connectivity in humans is lacking. This study evaluated resting-state connectivity of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), right and left locus coeruleus complex (LCC), and periaqueductal gray (PAG) according to sex and menopausal status in healthy individuals. In addition, relationships between systemic estrogen levels and brainstem-network connectivity were examined in a subset of participants. Methods Resting-state fMRI was performed in 50 healthy men (age, 31.2 ± 8.0 years), 53 healthy premenopausal women (age, 24.7 ± 7.3 years; 22 in the follicular phase, 31 in the luteal phase), and 20 postmenopausal women (age, 54.6 ± 7.2 years). Permutation Analysis of Linear Models (5000 permutations) was used to evaluate differences in brainstem-network connectivity according to sex and menopausal status, controlling for age. In 10 men and 17 women (9 premenopausal; 8 postmenopausal), estrogen and estrogen metabolite levels in plasma and stool were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Relationships between estrogen levels and brainstem-network connectivity were evaluated by partial least squares analysis. Results Left LCC-executive control network (ECN) connectivity showed an overall sex difference (p = 0.02), with higher connectivity in women than in men; however, this was mainly due to differences between men and pre-menopausal women (p = 0.008). Additional sex differences were dependent on menopausal status: PAG-default mode network (DMN) connectivity was higher in postmenopausal women than in men (p = 0.04), and PAG-sensorimotor network (SMN) connectivity was higher in premenopausal women than in men (p = 0.03) and postmenopausal women (p = 0.007). Notably, higher free 2-hydroxyestrone levels in stool were associated with higher PAG-SMN and PAG-DMN connectivity in premenopausal women (p < 0.01). Conclusions Healthy women show higher brainstem-network connectivity involved in cognitive control, sensorimotor function, and self-relevant processes than men, dependent on their menopausal status. Further, 2-hydroxyestrone, implicated in pain, may modulate PAG connectivity in premenopausal women. These findings may relate to differential vulnerabilities to chronic stress-sensitive disorders at different life stages.
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Poitras M, Doiron A, Plamondon H. Selective estrogen receptor activation prior to global cerebral ischemia in female rats impacts microglial activation and anxiety-like behaviors without effects on CA1 neuronal injury. Behav Brain Res 2024; 470:115094. [PMID: 38844057 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER) activation by 17-ß estradiol (E2) can attenuate neuronal injury and behavioral impairments following global cerebral ischemia (GCI) in rodents. This study sought to further examine the discrete roles of ERs through characterization of the effects of selective ER activation on post-ischemic pro-inflammatory microglial activation, hippocampal neuronal injury, and anxiety-like behaviors. Forty-six ovariectomized (OVX) adult female Wistar rats received daily s.c injections (100 μg/kg/day) of propylpyrazole triol (PPT; ERα agonist), diarylpropionitrile (DPN; ERβ agonist), G-1 (G-protein coupled ER agonist; GPER), E2 (activating all receptors), or vehicle solution (VEH) for 21 days. After final injection, rats underwent GCI via 4-vessel occlusion (n=8 per group) or sham surgery (n=6, vehicle injections). The Open Field Test (OFT), Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), and Hole Board Test (HBT) assessed anxiety-like behaviors. Microglial activation (Iba1, CD68, CD86) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), CA1 of the hippocampus, and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) was determined 8 days post-ischemia. Compared to sham rats, Iba1 activation and CA1 neuronal injury were increased in all ischemic groups except DPN-treated rats, with PPT-treated ischemic rats also showing increased PVN Iba1-ir expression. Behaviorally, VEH ischemic rats showed slightly elevated anxiety in the EPM compared to sham counterparts, with no significant effects of agonists. While no changes were observed in the OFT, emotion regulation via grooming in the HBT was increased in G-1 rats compared to E2 rats. Our findings support selective ER activation to regulate post-ischemic microglial activation and coping strategies in the HBT, despite minimal impact on hippocampal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilou Poitras
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioral Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Alexandra Doiron
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioral Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hélène Plamondon
- Cerebro Vascular Accidents and Behavioral Recovery Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.
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9
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Herrera-Pérez JJ, Hernández-Hernández OT, Flores-Ramos M, Cueto-Escobedo J, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Martínez-Mota L. The intersection between menopause and depression: overview of research using animal models. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1408878. [PMID: 39081530 PMCID: PMC11287658 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1408878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Menopausal women may experience symptoms of depression, sometimes even progressing clinical depression requiring treatment to improve quality of life. While varying levels of estrogen in perimenopause may contribute to an increased biological vulnerability to mood disturbances, the effectiveness of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in the relief of depressive symptoms remains controversial. Menopausal depression has a complex, multifactorial etiology, that has limited the identification of optimal treatment strategies for the management of this psychiatric complaint. Nevertheless, clinical evidence increasingly supports the notion that estrogen exerts neuroprotective effects on brain structures related to mood regulation. Indeed, research using preclinical animal models continues to improve our understanding of menopause and the effectiveness of ERT and other substances at treating depression-like behaviors. However, questions regarding the efficacy of ERT in perimenopause have been raised. These questions may be answered by further investigation using specific animal models of reduced ovarian function. This review compares and discusses the advantages and pitfalls of different models emulating the menopausal stages and their relationship with the onset of depressive-like signs, as well as the efficacy and mechanisms of conventional and novel ERTs in treating depressive-like behavior. Ovariectomized young rats, middle-to-old aged intact rats, and females treated with reprotoxics have all been used as models of menopause, with stages ranging from surgical menopause to perimenopause. Additionally, this manuscript discusses the impact of organistic and therapeutic variables that may improve or reduce the antidepressant response of females to ERT. Findings from these models have revealed the complexity of the dynamic changes occurring in brain function during menopausal transition, reinforcing the idea that the best approach is timely intervention considering the opportunity window, in addition to the careful selection of treatment according to the presence or absence of reproductive tissue. Additionally, data from animal models has yielded evidence to support new promising estrogens that could be considered as ERTs with antidepressant properties and actions in endocrine situations in which traditional ERTs are not effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Jaime Herrera-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Olivia Tania Hernández-Hernández
- Consejo Nacional de Humanidades, Ciencias y Tecnologías Research Fellow. Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mónica Flores-Ramos
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jonathan Cueto-Escobedo
- Departamento de Investigación Clínica, Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa-Enríquez, Mexico
| | | | - Lucía Martínez-Mota
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
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10
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Zuloaga DG, Lafrican JJ, Zuloaga KL. Androgen regulation of behavioral stress responses and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105528. [PMID: 38503191 PMCID: PMC11144109 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Testosterone is a powerful steroid hormone that can impact the brain and behavior in various ways, including regulating behavioral and neuroendocrine (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis) stress responses. Early in life androgens can act to alter development of brain regions associated with stress regulation, which ultimately impacts the display of stress responses later in life. Adult circulating androgens can also influence the expression of distinct genes and proteins that regulate stress responses. These changes in the brain are hypothesized to underlie the potent effects of androgens in regulating behaviors related to stress and stress-induced activation of the HPA axis. Androgens can induce alterations in these functions through direct binding to the androgen receptor (AR) or following conversion to estrogens and subsequent binding to estrogen receptors including estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1). In this review, we focus on the role of androgens in regulating behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses at different stages of the lifespan and the sex hormone receptors involved in regulating these effects. We also review the specific brain regions and cell phenotypes upon which androgens are proposed to act to regulate stress responses with an emphasis on hypothalamic and extended amygdala subregions. This knowledge of androgen effects on these neural systems is critical for understanding how sex hormones regulate stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.
| | | | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
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11
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Lemini C, García-Albor E, Cruz-López B, Matamoros-Trejo G, Márquez-Baltazar S, Herrera-Pérez JJ, Martínez-Mota L. Prolame produces anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in middle-aged female rats with less uterotrophic effects than 17β-estradiol. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 969:176454. [PMID: 38417607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen hormone replacement therapy (EHRT), improving women's life quality at menopause, reduces anxiety and depression symptoms associated with ovarian hormonal decline. However, its potential adverse effects, like thromboembolism and cancer risk, limit its use. Prolame is a synthetic 17β-amino estrogen with antithrombotic actions that exerts anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects on young adult ovariectomized female rats. It is unknown if prolame's effects may be observed in age and endocrine conditions emulating menopause. This study aimed to identify the antidepressant- and anxiolytic-like effects of prolame and E2 (used as a reference estrogen treatment) in middle-aged female rats coursing with irregular cycles, in two different conditions: ovariectomized or gonadally intact. Results were compared with those from young adult ovariectomized rats. Prolame (60 or 120 μg/kg), 17β-estradiol (E2, 40 or 80 μg/kg), or vehicle were chronically administered, and their effects were evaluated in the elevated plus-maze, defensive burying behavior test, open field test, and forced swimming test. Uterotrophic actions were estimated by uterine weight related to body weight. Prolame and E2 produced robust anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in young adult ovariectomized rats, but these effects were absent in gonadally intact middle-aged rats. Interestingly, only prolame induced anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in middle-aged ovariectomized rats. Uterotrophic effects of prolame were weaker than E2 effects, notably in middle-aged females. Altogether, present data support the notion that prolame has the potential to be considered an EHRT with relevant psychoactive actions and with apparently lower adverse-side effects, especially in middle-aged populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lemini
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Av. Universidad No. 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04360, Ciudad de México, México
| | - E García-Albor
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz. Calz. México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de México, México
| | - B Cruz-López
- Laboratorio Integrativo para el Estudio de Sustancias Inhalables Adictivas, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias. Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz. Calz. México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de México, México
| | - G Matamoros-Trejo
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Molecular, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias. Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz. Calz. México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de México, México
| | - S Márquez-Baltazar
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz. Calz. México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J J Herrera-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz. Calz. México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de México, México
| | - L Martínez-Mota
- Laboratorio de Farmacología Conductual, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz. Calz. México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de México, México.
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12
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Wang H, Sun Y, Wang W, Wang X, Zhang J, Bai Y, Wang K, Luan L, Yan J, Qin L. Mapping the 5-HTergic neural pathways in perimenopausal mice and elucidating the role of oestrogen receptors in 5-HT neurotransmission. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27976. [PMID: 38510058 PMCID: PMC10951590 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) encompasses neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as hot flashes and depression, which are associated with alterations in the 5-HTergic neural pathway in the brain. However, the specific changes and mechanisms underlying these alterations remain unclear. In this study, ovariectomized mice were used to successfully establish a perimenopause model, and the changes in the expression of 5-HT and its receptors (5-HT1AR and 5-HT2AR) across 72 brain regions in these ovariectomized mice were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Although both 5-HT and 5-HT1AR were widely expressed throughout the brain, only a limited number of regions expressed 5-HT2AR. Notably, decreased expression of 5-HT was observed across almost all brain regions in the ovariectomy (OVX) group compared with the Sham group. Altered expression of both receptors was found within areas related to hot flashes (the preoptic area) or mood disorders (the amygdala). Additionally, reduced oestrogen receptor (ER)α/β expression was detected in cells in the raphe nucleus (RN), an area known to regulate body temperature. Results showed that ERα/β positively regulate the transcriptional activity of the enzymes TPH2/MAOA, which are involved in serotonin metabolism during perimenopause. This study revealed the changes in 5-HT neuropathways (5-HT, 5-HT1AR and 5-HT2AR) in perimenopausal mice, mainly in brain regions related to regulation of the body temperature, mood, sleep and memory. This study clarified that the expression of oestrogen receptor decreased in perimenopause, which regulated the transcription levels of TPH2 and MAOA, and ultimately led to the reduction of 5-HT content, providing a new target for clinical diagnosis and treatment of perimenopausal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanfei Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yanrong Sun
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiangqiu Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jinglin Zhang
- Department of Dental Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, Yuncheng Vocational Nursing College, Yuncheng, 044000, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Liju Luan
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Junhao Yan
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lihua Qin
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
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13
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Bendis PC, Zimmerman S, Onisiforou A, Zanos P, Georgiou P. The impact of estradiol on serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine systems. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1348551. [PMID: 38586193 PMCID: PMC10998471 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1348551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Estradiol, the most potent and prevalent member of the estrogen class of steroid hormones and is expressed in both sexes. Functioning as a neuroactive steroid, it plays a crucial role in modulating neurotransmitter systems affecting neuronal circuits and brain functions including learning and memory, reward and sexual behaviors. These neurotransmitter systems encompass the serotonergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic signaling pathways. Consequently, this review examines the pivotal role of estradiol and its receptors in the regulation of these neurotransmitter systems in the brain. Through a comprehensive analysis of current literature, we investigate the multifaceted effects of estradiol on key neurotransmitter signaling systems, namely serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. Findings from rodent models illuminate the impact of hormone manipulations, such as gonadectomy, on the regulation of neuronal brain circuits, providing valuable insights into the connection between hormonal fluctuations and neurotransmitter regulation. Estradiol exerts its effects by binding to three estrogen receptors: estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled receptor (GPER). Thus, this review explores the promising outcomes observed with estradiol and estrogen receptor agonists administration in both gonadectomized and/or genetically knockout rodents, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues. Despite limited human studies on this topic, the findings underscore the significance of translational research in bridging the gap between preclinical findings and clinical applications. This approach offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between estradiol and neurotransmitter systems. The integration of evidence from neurotransmitter systems and receptor-specific effects not only enhances our understanding of the neurobiological basis of physiological brain functioning but also provides a comprehensive framework for the understanding of possible pathophysiological mechanisms resulting to disease states. By unraveling the complexities of estradiol's impact on neurotransmitter regulation, this review contributes to advancing the field and lays the groundwork for future research aimed at refining understanding of the relationship between estradiol and neuronal circuits as well as their involvement in brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton Christine Bendis
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Sydney Zimmerman
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Anna Onisiforou
- Translational Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panos Zanos
- Translational Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Polymnia Georgiou
- Psychoneuroendocrinology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
- Laboratory of Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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14
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Baek DC, Kang JY, Lee JS, Lee EJ, Son CG. Linking alterations in estrogen receptor expression to memory deficits and depressive behavior in an ovariectomy mouse model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6854. [PMID: 38514828 PMCID: PMC10958029 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57611-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The high risk of neurological disorders in postmenopausal women is an emerging medical issue. Based on the hypothesis of altered estrogen receptors (ERα and β) after the decline of estrogen production, we investigated the changes in ERs expressions across brain regions and depressive/amnesic behaviors. C57BL/6J female mice were ovariectomized (OVX) to establish a menopausal condition. Along with behavior tests (anxiety, depression, and memory), the expression of ERs, microglial activity, and neuronal activity was measured in six brain regions (hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, striatum, raphe nucleus, amygdala, and hypothalamus) from 4 to 12 weeks after OVX. Mice exhibited anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, as well as memory impairment. These behavioral alterations have been linked to a suppression in the expression of ERβ. The decreased ERβ expression coincided with microglial-derived neuroinflammation, as indicated by notable activations of Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 and Interleukin-1beta. Additionally, the activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), particularly in the hippocampus, decreased in a time-dependent manner from 4 to 12 weeks post-OVX. Our study provides evidence shedding light on the susceptibility to memory impairment and depression in women after menopause. This susceptibility is associated with the suppression of ERβ and alteration of ERα in six brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Cheol Baek
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon Korean Hospital of Daejeon University, Daedukdae-ro 176 bun-gil 75, Daejeon, 35235, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yun Kang
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon Korean Hospital of Daejeon University, Daedukdae-ro 176 bun-gil 75, Daejeon, 35235, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Lee
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon Korean Hospital of Daejeon University, Daedukdae-ro 176 bun-gil 75, Daejeon, 35235, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jung Lee
- Department of Korean Rehabilitation Medicine, Daejeon Korean Hospital of Daejeon University, Daedukdae-ro 176 bun-gil 75, Daejeon, 35235, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- Institute of Bioscience & Integrative Medicine, Daejeon Korean Hospital of Daejeon University, Daedukdae-ro 176 bun-gil 75, Daejeon, 35235, Republic of Korea.
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15
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McLaren S, Seidler K, Neil J. Investigating the Role of 17β-Estradiol on the Serotonergic System, Targeting Soy Isoflavones as a Strategy to Reduce Menopausal Depression: A Mechanistic Review. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN NUTRITION ASSOCIATION 2024; 43:221-235. [PMID: 37695875 DOI: 10.1080/27697061.2023.2255237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Low serotonin is one factor implicated in the development of depression. 17β-estradiol (E2) has been shown to modulate gene expression regulating the neurotransmission of serotonin. Sex hormone levels fluctuate dramatically during the menopausal transition, coinciding with a 14-fold increased risk of depression. This review aimed to examine the effect of soy isoflavones to support decreased and variable E2 levels before and after menopause, linked to an investigation of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the protective influence of E2 on the serotonin pathway. The overall aim of this review is to assess the potential of soy isoflavones to reduce depression in middle-aged women. A systematic literature search was performed in three stages. 1,421 papers were screened for relevance to the research aims and objectives. 63 papers were selected based on pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria (13 reviews, 24 mechanistic and 26 intervention studies) and critically appraised. Available research supported the hypotheses that E2 increases serotonin synthesis and availability through stimulation of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH-2) and decreased degradation by monoamine oxidase-A (MAO-A). There was less scientific agreement on the effects of E2 on serotonin transporter (SERT) and serotonin receptors 1 A and 2 A. Studies varied widely on the effectiveness of soy isoflavones in reducing depressive symptoms in (peri)menopausal women. Animal and human studies acknowledge women's increased risk of depression linked to fluctuating E2 rather than absolute levels. However, mechanisms linking E2 variability with depression remain an underrepresented area of research. Study limitations and heterogeneity may contribute to varying results for soy isoflavones and some effects of E2 on the serotonin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scotti McLaren
- Centre for Nutrition Education and Lifestyle Management (CNELM) and Middlesex University, Wokingham, United Kingdom
| | - Karin Seidler
- Centre for Nutrition Education and Lifestyle Management (CNELM) and Middlesex University, Wokingham, United Kingdom
| | - James Neil
- Centre for Nutrition Education and Lifestyle Management (CNELM) and Middlesex University, Wokingham, United Kingdom
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16
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Torres Irizarry VC, Feng B, Yang X, Patel N, Schaul S, Ibrahimi L, Ye H, Luo P, Carrillo-Sáenz L, Lai P, Kota M, Dixit D, Wang C, Lasek AW, He Y, Xu P. Estrogen signaling in the dorsal raphe regulates binge-like drinking in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:122. [PMID: 38413577 PMCID: PMC10899193 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02821-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Estrogens promote binge alcohol drinking and contribute to sex differences in alcohol use disorder. However, the mechanisms are largely unknown. This study aims to test if estrogens act on 5-hydroxytryptamine neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (5-HTDRN) to promote binge drinking. We found that female mice drank more alcohol than male mice in chronic drinking in the dark (DID) tests. This sex difference was associated with distinct alterations in mRNA expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and 5-HT-related genes in the DRN, suggesting a potential role of estrogen/ERs/5-HT signaling. In supporting this view, 5-HTDRN neurons from naïve male mice had lower baseline firing activity but higher sensitivity to alcohol-induced excitation compared to 5-HTDRN neurons from naïve female mice. Notably, this higher sensitivity was blunted by 17β-estradiol treatment in males, indicating an estrogen-dependent mechanism. We further showed that both ERα and ERβ are expressed in 5-HTDRN neurons, whereas ERα agonist depolarizes and ERβ agonist hyperpolarizes 5-HTDRN neurons. Notably, both treatments blocked the stimulatory effects of alcohol on 5-HTDRN neurons in males, even though they have antagonistic effects on the activity dynamics. These results suggest that ERs' inhibitory effects on ethanol-induced burst firing of 5-HTDRN neurons may contribute to higher levels of binge drinking in females. Consistently, chemogenetic activation of ERα- or ERβ-expressing neurons in the DRN reduced binge alcohol drinking. These results support a model in which estrogens act on ERα/β to prevent alcohol-induced activation of 5-HTDRN neurons, which in return leads to higher binge alcohol drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria C Torres Irizarry
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Bing Feng
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA
| | - Xiaohua Yang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, 510642, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Nirali Patel
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Sarah Schaul
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Lucas Ibrahimi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Hui Ye
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Pei Luo
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Guangdong Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agriculture and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Animal Nutritional Regulation, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, 483 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, 510642, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Leslie Carrillo-Sáenz
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Penghua Lai
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Maya Kota
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Devin Dixit
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics and Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VI, 23298, USA
| | - Yanlin He
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70808, USA.
| | - Pingwen Xu
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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17
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Sochocka M, Karska J, Pszczołowska M, Ochnik M, Fułek M, Fułek K, Kurpas D, Chojdak-Łukasiewicz J, Rosner-Tenerowicz A, Leszek J. Cognitive Decline in Early and Premature Menopause. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:6566. [PMID: 37047549 PMCID: PMC10095144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Early and premature menopause, or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), affects 1% of women under the age of 40 years. This paper reviews the main aspects of early and premature menopause and their impact on cognitive decline. Based on the literature, cognitive complaints are more common near menopause: a phase marked by a decrease in hormone levels, especially estrogen. A premature reduction in estrogen puts women at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, parkinsonism, depression, osteoporosis, hypertension, weight gain, midlife diabetes, as well as cognitive disorders and dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Experimental and epidemiological studies suggest that female sex hormones have long-lasting neuroprotective and anti-aging properties. Estrogens seem to prevent cognitive disorders arising from a cholinergic deficit in women and female animals in middle age premature menopause that affects the central nervous system (CNS) directly and indirectly, both transiently and in the long term, leads to cognitive impairment or even dementia, mainly due to the decrease in estrogen levels and comorbidity with cardiovascular risk factors, autoimmune diseases, and aging. Menopausal hormone therapy from menopause to the age of 60 years may provide a "window of opportunity" to reduce the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD in later life. Women with earlier menopause should be taken care of by various specialists such as gynecologists, endocrinologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists in order to maintain their mental health at the highest possible level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sochocka
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julia Karska
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Michał Ochnik
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Michał Fułek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Occupational Diseases, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Fułek
- Department and Clinic of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Donata Kurpas
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Anna Rosner-Tenerowicz
- 2nd Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Leszek
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
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18
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Wei X, Li R, Li X, Wang B, Huang J, Mu H, Zhang Q, Zhang Z, Ru Y, Wu X, Qiu Y, Ye Y, Feng Y, Wang S, Chen H, Yi C, Wang J. iPSCs-derived mesenchymal stromal cells mitigate anxiety and neuroinflammation in aging female mice. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 155:106347. [PMID: 36565990 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2022.106347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Perimenopause is a natural transition to menopause, when hormone disturbance can result in both short-term mental disorders, such as anxiety, and long-term neuroinflammation due to blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment, which may lead to more serious neurological disorders later on, such as dementia. Effective treatments may prevent both short-term and long-term neurological sequela, which formed the aim of this study. In aged female C57BL/6 mice (16-18 months of age), mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) differentiated from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), were administered via tail vein injection. Mice showed increased blood estrogen levels, alleviated anxiety and neuroinflammation, and improved BBB integrity. Interestingly, transplanted MSCs were located close to ovarian sympathetic nerves and decreased ovarian norepinephrine levels, which in turn increased ovarian estrogen secretion. Moreover, the administration of anastrozole, an inhibitor of estrogen synthesis, diminished the therapeutic effects of MSCs in vivo, suggesting the effect to be estrogen-dependent. In vitro study confirmed the impact of MSCs on sympathetic nerves via mitochondria exchange. In conclusion, iPSC-derived MSCs may provide a novel option to manage perimenopause-related hormonal dysregulation and neurological disorders during the female aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Wei
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Ruijie Li
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiangyu Li
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Boyan Wang
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jianyang Huang
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hanyiqi Mu
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qinmu Zhang
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhang
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yifei Ru
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xinxiang Wu
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yuan Qiu
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yanchen Ye
- National-Guangdong Joint Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuanyuan Feng
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Guangdong Provincal Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Jiancheng Wang
- Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China; Center for Stem Cell Biology and Tissue Engineering, Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Grieb ZA, Lonstein JS. Oxytocin interactions with central dopamine and serotonin systems regulate different components of motherhood. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210062. [PMID: 35858105 PMCID: PMC9272149 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of oxytocin in maternal caregiving and other postpartum behaviours has been studied for more than five decades. How oxytocin interacts with other neurochemical systems to enact these behavioural changes, however, is only slowly being elucidated. The best-studied oxytocin-neurotransmitter interaction is with the mesolimbic dopamine system, and this interaction is essential for maternal motivation and active caregiving behaviours such as retrieval of pups. Considerably less attention has been dedicated to investigating how oxytocin interacts with central serotonin to influence postpartum behaviour. Recently, it has become clear that while oxytocin-dopamine interactions regulate the motivational and pup-approach aspects of maternal caregiving behaviours, oxytocin-serotonin interactions appear to regulate nearly all other aspects including postpartum nursing, aggression, anxiety-like behaviour and stress coping strategy. Collectively, oxytocin's interactions with central dopamine and serotonin systems are thus critical for the entire suite of behavioural adaptations exhibited in the postpartum period, and these sites of interaction are potential pharmacological targets for where oxytocin could help to ameliorate deficits in maternal caregiving and poor postpartum mental health. This article is part of the theme issue 'Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A. Grieb
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Joseph S. Lonstein
- Psychology Department, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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20
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Exercised accelerated the production of muscle-derived kynurenic acid in skeletal muscle and alleviated the postmenopausal osteoporosis through the Gpr35/NFκB p65 pathway. J Orthop Translat 2022; 35:1-12. [PMID: 35846727 PMCID: PMC9260440 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Reduced serum estrogen levels in postmenopausal patients not only aggravate bone loss but also impact myokine secretion. Emerging evidence has revealed the importance of myokines in bone metabolism, and exercise can interfere with the secretion of myokines. However, few studies have explored the impact of exercise on myokine secretion in the postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) process. Methods Ten-weeks-old C57B/L6 female mice were used for constructing the postmenopausal osteoporosis model. The expression levels of kynurenine aminotransferases (Kats) were detected by RT-PCR and Western Blot. The concentration of serum kynurenic acid (Kyna) was detected by HPLC-MS. Micro-CT analysis was used for determine the changes of bone mineral density and the microstructure. The primary osteoblast and osteoclast were isolated from mice to determine the effect and mechanism of Kyna on the bone formation and resorption. Results In our research, we found a lower serum level of muscle-derived kynurenic acid (Kyna) in PMOP model mice, accompanied by a decreased level of kynurenine aminotransferases (Kats) in the gastrocnemius muscle. Moreover, treadmill-running exercise upregulated the muscle levels of KATs and increased the serum concentration of Kyna, which was positively correlated with the alleviation of bone loss. Furthermore, we found that exogenous Kyna treatment alleviated bone mineral loss and microstructure destruction in PMOP mice by inhibiting osteoclast maturation and increasing osteoblast viability. Mechanistically, we observed that Kyna reduced the NFκB p65 phosphorylation level by activating the Gpr35 receptor, which inhibited NFATc1 expression in osteoclasts and upregulated Runx2 expression in osteoblasts. Conclusion Our results revealed that the muscle levels of Kats and serum level of Kyna were negatively correlated with the severity of PMOP. Exercise intervention and exogenous Kyna treatment alleviated the impairment of bone microstructure through the Gpr35 receptor, paving the way for a novel therapeutic intervention in PMOP. The Translational potential of this article This study provides evidences that Kyna could increase the osteoblastgenesis and inhibit the osteoclastgenesis, which could be a novel therapeutic approach for osteoporosis treatment.
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21
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Grigoryan GA. Ovariectomy as a Model of Anxiety-Depressive Disorders. NEUROCHEM J+ 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712422010068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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22
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Adam N, Mhaouty-Kodja S. Behavioral Effects of Exposure to Phthalates in Female Rodents: Evidence for Endocrine Disruption? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2559. [PMID: 35269705 PMCID: PMC8910129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Phthalates have been widely studied for their reprotoxic effects in male rodents and in particular on testosterone production, for which reference doses were established. The female rodent brain can also represent a target for exposure to these environmental endocrine disruptors. Indeed, a large range of behaviors including reproductive behaviors, mood-related behaviors, and learning and memory are regulated by sex steroid hormones. Here we review the experimental studies addressing the effects and mechanisms of phthalate exposure on these behaviors in female rodents, paying particular attention to the experimental conditions (period of exposure, doses, estrous stage of analyses etc.). The objective of this review is to provide a clear picture of the consistent effects that can occur in female rodents and the gaps that still need to be filled in terms of effects and mode(s) of action for a better risk assessment for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS, INSERM, Neuroscience Paris Seine—Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, 7 quai Saint Bernard, 75005 Paris, France;
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23
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Sheng JA, Tan SML, Hale TM, Handa RJ. Androgens and Their Role in Regulating Sex Differences in the Hypothalamic/Pituitary/Adrenal Axis Stress Response and Stress-Related Behaviors. ANDROGENS: CLINICAL RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTICS 2022; 2:261-274. [PMID: 35024695 PMCID: PMC8744007 DOI: 10.1089/andro.2021.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Androgens play a pivotal role during development. These gonadal hormones and their receptors exert organizational actions that shape brain morphology in regions controlling the stress regulatory systems in a male-specific manner. Specifically, androgens drive sex differences in the hypothalamic/pituitary/adrenal (HPA) axis and corresponding hypothalamic neuropeptides. While studies have examined the role of estradiol and its receptors in sex differences in the HPA axis and associated behaviors, the role of androgens remains far less studied. Androgens are generally thought to modulate the HPA axis through the activation of androgen receptors (ARs). They can also impact the HPA axis through reduction to estrogenic metabolites that can bind estrogen receptors in the brain and periphery. Such regulation of the HPA axis stress response by androgens can often result in sex-biased risk factors for stress-related disorders, such as anxiety and depression. This review focuses on the biosynthesis pathways and molecular actions of androgens and their nuclear receptors. The impact of androgens on hypothalamic neuropeptide systems (corticotropin-releasing hormone, arginine vasopressin, oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin) that control the stress response and stress-related disorders is discussed. Finally, this review discusses potential therapeutics involving androgens (androgen replacement therapies, selective AR modulator therapies) and ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julietta A Sheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Sarah M L Tan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Taben M Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Science, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
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Igarashi K, Kuchiiwa T, Kuchiiwa S, Iwai H, Tomita K, Sato T. Kamishoyosan (a Japanese traditional herbal formula), which effectively reduces the aggressive biting behavior of male and female mice, and potential regulation through increase of Tph1, Tph2, and Esr2 mRNA levels. Brain Res 2021; 1768:147580. [PMID: 34260963 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147580] [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: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Kamishoyosan (KSS), a Japanese traditional herbal formula, is used to treat symptoms related to the autonomic nervous system in men and women; it is especially known for improving the symptoms of irritability (e.g., bad temper and persistent anger). Although clinical and ethological studies of KSS have been conducted, its efficacy in reducing irritability remains to be validated. In the present study, male and female ddY-strain mice were isolation-reared for 8 weeks (from the third postnatal week) to induce pathologically aggressive biting behavior (ABB), which was used as an indicator of irritability. The ABB of mice toward metal rods was measured using the Aggressive Response Meter. An intraperitoneal administration of KSS (100 mg/kg) effectively reduced ABB in male and female mice at 2 h after the administration; however, this effect was canceled by prior administration of WAY-100635 [a 5-hydroxytryptoamine (5-HT)-1A receptor antagonist; 0.5 mg/kg] and bicuculline (a type-A gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor antagonist; 1.0 mg/kg). Additionally, tamoxifen, ICI-182780, and G-15 (all estrogen receptor antagonists) inhibited the action of KSS in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, gene expression of tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph) 1 and Tph2 were increased and 5-HT immunofluorescence was slightly increased in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) of isolation-reared mice administered with KSS. Collectively, these results indicate that KSS effectively reduces ABB in isolation-reared male and female mice through stimulation of 5-HT production in the DRN. Our findings also suggest that gene expression of estrogen receptor (Esr) 2 increased in the DRN might be associated with the reduction of ABB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kento Igarashi
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Toshiko Kuchiiwa
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Graduate School of Human Science, Kagoshima Immaculate Herat University, 2365 Amatatsu-Cho, Satsuma-Sendai 895-0011, Japan; Department of Morphological Science, Field of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kuchiiwa
- Department of Morphological Science, Field of Neurology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Haruki Iwai
- Department of Oral Anatomy and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tomita
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Sato
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, 8-35-1 Sakuragaoka, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan.
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Grieb ZA, Lonstein JS. Oxytocin receptor expression in the midbrain dorsal raphe is dynamic across female reproduction in rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12926. [PMID: 33427399 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Central oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression is extremely sensitive to circulating steroid hormones and OTRs influence many of the neurobehavioural adaptations associated with female reproduction (e.g., postpartum caregiving, aggression, cognition, affective responses). Changes in central OTR expression across female reproduction have often been studied, but almost all of such research has focused on the forebrain, ignoring hormone-sensitive midbrain sites such as the serotonergic dorsal raphe (DR) that are also critical for postpartum behaviours. To investigate the effects of female reproductive state on OTRs in the DR, we first used autoradiography to examine OTR binding across four female reproductive states in laboratory rats: dioestrous virgin, pregnancy day 10, the day of parturition and postpartum day 7. OTR binding in the rostral DR (but not other DR subregions) was approximately 250% higher in parturient rats compared to dioestrous virgins and dropped back down to virgin levels by postpartum day 7. Given the chemical heterogeneity of the DR, we then examined OTR expression in the three most abundant neuronal phenotypes of the DR (i.e., serotonin, GABA and dopamine) in dioestrous virgins and recently parturient females. Using dual-label immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation, we found that twice as many dopaminergic cells in the parturient rostral DR contained OTR immunoreactivity compared to that found in virgins. On the other hand, mothers had fewer rostral DR GABAergic cells expressing OTRs than did virgins. OTR expression in serotonin cells did not differ between the two groups. Overall, these results suggest that the rostral subregion of the midbrain DR is uniquely sensitive to oxytocin around the time of parturition, with subpopulations of cells that become more sensitive (i.e., dopamine), less sensitive (i.e., GABA) and show no change (i.e., serotonin) to this neuropeptide. This dynamic OTR signalling in the female DR may help drive the numerous behavioural changes across female reproduction that are necessary for successful motherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Grieb
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Joseph S Lonstein
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Liu H, Wang C, Yu M, Yang Y, He Y, Liu H, Liang C, Tu L, Zhang N, Wang L, Wang J, Liu F, Hu F, Xu Y. TPH2 in the Dorsal Raphe Nuclei Regulates Energy Balance in a Sex-Dependent Manner. Endocrinology 2021; 162:5920173. [PMID: 33034617 PMCID: PMC7685027 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AbstractCentral 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), which is primarily synthesized by tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) in the dorsal Raphe nuclei (DRN), plays a pivotal role in the regulation of food intake and body weight. However, the physiological functions of TPH2 on energy balance have not been consistently demonstrated. Here we systematically investigated the effects of TPH2 on energy homeostasis in adult male and female mice. We found that the DRN harbors a similar amount of TPH2+ cells in control male and female mice. Adult-onset TPH2 deletion in the DRN promotes hyperphagia and body weight gain only in male mice, but not in female mice. Ablation of TPH2 reduces hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neuronal activity robustly in males, but only to a modest degree in females. Deprivation of estrogen by ovariectomy (OVX) causes comparable food intake and weight gain in female control and DRN-specific TPH2 knockout mice. Nevertheless, disruption of TPH2 blunts the anorexigenic effects of exogenous estradiol (E2) and abolishes E2-induced activation of POMC neurons in OVX female mice, indicating that TPH2 is indispensable for E2 to activate POMC neurons and to suppress appetite. Together, our study revealed that TPH2 in the DRN contributes to energy balance regulation in a sexually dimorphic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailan Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
| | - Meng Yu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
| | - Yongjie Yang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
| | - Yang He
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
| | - Hesong Liu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
| | - Chen Liang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
| | - Longlong Tu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
| | - Nan Zhang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
| | - Lina Wang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
| | - Julia Wang
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Fang Hu
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas
- Correspondence: Yong Xu, Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Room8066, 1100 Bates Avenue, Houston, TX 77030, USA. E-mail:
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Valdés-Sustaita B, Estrada-Camarena E, González-Trujano ME, López-Rubalcava C. Estrogen receptors-β and serotonin mediate the antidepressant-like effect of an aqueous extract of pomegranate in ovariectomized rats. Neurochem Int 2020; 142:104904. [PMID: 33220387 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruit is of particular interest because of its high nutritional value and therapeutic actions. Recently, we showed that an aqueous extract of pomegranate (AE-PG) given by oral route induced antidepressant-like actions mediated by estrogen receptors (ERs) suggesting its potential to function as an alternative to estrogen therapy replacement in menopause-related depression treatment. Orally administered AE-PG allows the biotransformation of ellagitannins into active estrogenic compounds through the intestinal microbiota. However, it is necessary to know if compounds that do not need to be biotransformed by the intestinal microbiota are involved in the antidepressant-like effects. Therefore, the first aim of this study was to determine if AE-PG produces an antidepressant-like effect when administered intraperitoneally. Also, to determine the participation of specific ER-subtypes (α or β) and to analyze the role of the serotonergic system. Young female Wistar rats were ovariectomized as a surgical model of menopause. The intraperitoneal administration of AE-PG (1 mg/kg; i. p.) was evaluated in the forced swimming test and open field tests. Also, the ERα antagonist (TPBM; 50 μg/rat; s. c.) or the ERβ antagonist (PHTPP; 25 μg/rat; s. c.) were administered with AE-PG to analyze the participation of the specific ERs. Finally, the effect of the serotonin neurotoxin 5,7-DHT (200 μg/rat; i. c.v.) on the antidepressant-like effect of the AE-PG was studied in independent experimental groups. RESULTS: showed that AE-PG administered by intraperitoneal route induced antidepressant-like effects. This result suggests that gut microbiota biotransformation is not necessary to exert its actions. The mechanism of action involves the activation of the ERβ and the serotonergic system. Altogether, this information contributes to the elucidation of the antidepressant action of the pomegranate fruit, which could be further considered as an alternative treatment for depression during menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Valdés-Sustaita
- Departamento de Farmacobiología. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados. Calzada de los Tenorios 235. Col. Granjas Coapa 14330, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Erika Estrada-Camarena
- Laboratorio de Neuropsicofarmacología, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente", Calz. México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, 14370, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - María Eva González-Trujano
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología de Productos Naturales, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente", Calz. México-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, 14370, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Carolina López-Rubalcava
- Departamento de Farmacobiología. Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados. Calzada de los Tenorios 235. Col. Granjas Coapa 14330, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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Kawa L, Arborelius UP, Hökfelt T, Risling M. Sex-Specific Differences in Rodents Following a Single Primary Blast Exposure: Focus on the Monoamine and Galanin Systems. Front Neurol 2020; 11:540144. [PMID: 33178100 PMCID: PMC7593658 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.540144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Most blast-induced traumatic brain injuries (bTBI) are mild in severity and culpable for the lingering and persistent neuropsychological complaints in affected individuals. There is evidence that the prevalence of symptoms post-exposure may be sex-specific. Our laboratory has focused on changes in the monoamine and the neuropeptide, galanin, systems in male rodents following primary bTBI. In this study, we aimed to replicate these findings in female rodents. Brainstem sections from the locus coeruleus (LC) and dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN) were processed for in situ hybridisation at 1 and 7 days post-bTBI. We investigated changes in the transcripts for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), tryptophan hydroxylase two (TPH2) and galanin. Like in males, we found a transient increase in TH transcript levels bilaterally in the female LC. Changes in TPH2 mRNA were more pronounced and extensive in the DRN of females compared to males. Galanin mRNA was increased bilaterally in the LC and DRN, although this increase was not apparent until day 7 in the LC. Serum analysis revealed an increase in corticosterone, but only in exposed females. These changes occurred without any visible signs of white matter injury, cell death, or blood–brain barrier breakdown. Taken together, in the apparent absence of visible structural damage to the brain, the monoamine and galanin systems, two key players in emotional regulation, are activated deferentially in males and females following primary blast exposure. These similarities and differences should be considered when developing and evaluating diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for bTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizan Kawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Ulf P Arborelius
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Tomas Hökfelt
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Mårten Risling
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
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Sex and the serotonergic underpinnings of depression and migraine. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 175:117-140. [PMID: 33008520 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64123-6.00009-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Most psychiatric disorders demonstrate sex differences in their prevalence and symptomatology, and in their response to treatment. These differences are particularly pronounced in mood disorders. Differences in sex hormone levels are among the most overt distinctions between males and females and are thus an intuitive underpinning for these clinical observations. In fact, treatment with estrogen and testosterone was shown to exert antidepressant effects, which underscores this link. Changes to monoaminergic signaling in general, and serotonergic transmission in particular, are understood as central components of depressive pathophysiology. Thus, modulation of the serotonin system may serve as a mechanism via which sex hormones exert their clinical effects in mental health disorders. Over the past 20 years, various experimental approaches have been applied to identify modes of influence of sex and sex hormones on the serotonin system. This chapter provides an overview of different molecular components of the serotonin system, followed by a review of studies performed in animals and in humans with the purpose of elucidating sex hormone effects. Particular emphasis will be placed on studies performed with positron emission tomography, a method that allows for human in vivo molecular imaging and, therefore, assessment of effects in a clinically representative context. The studies addressed in this chapter provide a wealth of information on the interaction between sex, sex hormones, and serotonin in the brain. In general, they offer evidence for the concept that the influence of sex hormones on various components of the serotonin system may serve as an underpinning for the clinical effects these hormones demonstrate.
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Larsen SV, Köhler‐Forsberg K, Dam VH, Poulsen AS, Svarer C, Jensen PS, Knudsen GM, Fisher PM, Ozenne B, Frokjaer VG. Oral contraceptives and the serotonin 4 receptor: a molecular brain imaging study in healthy women. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2020; 142:294-306. [PMID: 33314049 PMCID: PMC7586815 DOI: 10.1111/acps.13211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sex steroid hormones potently shape brain functions, including those critical to maintain mental health such as serotonin signaling. Use of oral contraceptives (OCs) profoundly changes endogenous sex steroid hormone levels and dynamics. Recent register-based studies show that starting an OC is associated with increased risk of developing depression. Here, we investigate whether use of OCs in healthy women is associated with a marker of the serotonin system in terms of serotonin 4 receptor (5-HT4R) brain imaging. METHODS [11C]SB207145-PET imaging data on 53 healthy women, of whom 16 used OCs, were available from the Cimbi database. We evaluated global effects of OC use on 5-HT4R binding in a latent variable model based on 5-HT4R binding across cortical and subcortical regions. RESULTS We demonstrate that OC users have 9-12% lower global brain 5-HT4R binding potential compared to non-users. Univariate region-based analyses (pallidostriatum, caudate, hippocampus, amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, and neocortex) supported the global effect of OC use with the largest difference present in the hippocampus (-12.8% (95% CI [-21.0; -3.9], Pcorrected = 0.03). CONCLUSION We show that women who use OCs have markedly lower brain 5-HT4R binding relative to non-users, which constitutes a plausible molecular link between OC use and increased risk of depressive episodes. We propose that this reflects a reduced 5-HT4R gene expression, possibly related to a blunted ovarian hormone state among OC users.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. V. Larsen
- Neurobiology Research UnitRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - K. Köhler‐Forsberg
- Neurobiology Research UnitRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Mental health services in the Capital Region of DenmarkCopenhagenDenmark
| | - V. H. Dam
- Neurobiology Research UnitRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - A. S. Poulsen
- Neurobiology Research UnitRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - C. Svarer
- Neurobiology Research UnitRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - P. S. Jensen
- Neurobiology Research UnitRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - G. M. Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research UnitRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - P. M. Fisher
- Neurobiology Research UnitRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - B. Ozenne
- Neurobiology Research UnitRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of Public HealthSection of BiostatisticsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagen KDenmark
| | - V. G. Frokjaer
- Neurobiology Research UnitRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Mental health services in the Capital Region of DenmarkCopenhagenDenmark
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Zuloaga DG, Heck AL, De Guzman RM, Handa RJ. Roles for androgens in mediating the sex differences of neuroendocrine and behavioral stress responses. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:44. [PMID: 32727567 PMCID: PMC7388454 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00319-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol and testosterone are powerful steroid hormones that impact brain function in numerous ways. During development, these hormones can act to program the adult brain in a male or female direction. During adulthood, gonadal steroid hormones can activate or inhibit brain regions to modulate adult functions. Sex differences in behavioral and neuroendocrine (i.e., hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis) responses to stress arise as a result of these organizational and activational actions. The sex differences that are present in the HPA and behavioral responses to stress are particularly important considering their role in maintaining homeostasis. Furthermore, dysregulation of these systems can underlie the sex biases in risk for complex, stress-related diseases that are found in humans. Although many studies have explored the role of estrogen and estrogen receptors in mediating sex differences in stress-related behaviors and HPA function, much less consideration has been given to the role of androgens. While circulating androgens can act by binding and activating androgen receptors, they can also act by metabolism to estrogenic molecules to impact estrogen signaling in the brain and periphery. This review focuses on androgens as an important hormone for modulating the HPA axis and behaviors throughout life and for setting up sex differences in key stress regulatory systems that could impact risk for disease in adulthood. In particular, impacts of androgens on neuropeptide systems known to play key roles in HPA and behavioral responses to stress (corticotropin-releasing factor, vasopressin, and oxytocin) are discussed. A greater knowledge of androgen action in the brain is key to understanding the neurobiology of stress in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley L Heck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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Sagoshi S, Maejima S, Morishita M, Takenawa S, Otubo A, Takanami K, Sakamoto T, Sakamoto H, Tsukahara S, Ogawa S. Detection and Characterization of Estrogen Receptor Beta Expression in the Brain with Newly Developed Transgenic Mice. Neuroscience 2020; 438:182-197. [PMID: 32387645 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Two types of nuclear estrogen receptors, ERα and ERβ, have been shown to be differentially involved in the regulation of various types of behaviors. Due to a lack of tools for identifying ERβ expression, detailed anatomical distribution and neurochemical characteristics of ERβ expressing cells and cellular co-expression with ERα remain unclear. We have generated transgenic mice ERβ-RFPtg, in which RFP was inserted downstream of ERβ BAC promotor. We verified RFP signals as ERβ by confirming: (1) high ERβ mRNA levels in RFP-expressing cells collected by fluorescence-activated cell sorting; and (2) co-localization of ERβ mRNA and RFP proteins in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Strong ERβ-RFP signals were found in the PVN, medial preoptic area (MPOA), bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial amygdala (MeA), and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). In the MPOA and MeA, three types of cell populations were identified; those expressing both ERα and ERβ, and those expressing exclusively either ERα or ERβ. The majority of PVN and DRN cells expressed only ERβ-RFP. Further, ERβ-RFP positive cells co-expressed oxytocin in the PVN, and tryptophan hydroxylase 2 and progesterone receptors in the DRN. In the MeA, some ERβ-RFP positive cells co-expressed oxytocin receptors. These findings collectively suggest that ERβ-RFPtg mice can be a powerful tool for future studies on ERβ function in the estrogenic regulation of social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Sagoshi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Sho Maejima
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morishita
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takenawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan
| | - Akito Otubo
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Keiko Takanami
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Sakamoto
- Ushimado Marine Institute (UMI), Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Setouchi, Okayama 701-4303, Japan
| | - Shinji Tsukahara
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Sonoko Ogawa
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan.
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Kawabata-Sakata Y, Nishiike Y, Fleming T, Kikuchi Y, Okubo K. Androgen-dependent sexual dimorphism in pituitary tryptophan hydroxylase expression: relevance to sex differences in pituitary hormones. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20200713. [PMID: 32517612 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.0713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin is a biogenic monoamine conserved across phyla that is implicated in diverse physiological and behavioural functions. On examining the expression of the rate-limiting enzymes in serotonin synthesis, tryptophan hydroxylases (TPHs), in the teleost medaka (Oryzias latipes), we found that males have much higher levels of tph1 expression as compared with females. This robust sexual dimorphism was found to probably result from the direct stimulation of tph1 transcription by androgen/androgen receptor binding to canonical bipartite androgen-responsive elements in its proximal promoter region. Our results further revealed that tph1 expression occurs exclusively in pro-opiomelanocortin (pomc)-expressing cells and that the resulting serotonin and its derivative melatonin inhibit the expression of the pituitary hormone genes, fshb, sl and tshb. This suggests that serotonin and/or melatonin synthesized in pomc-expressing cells act in a paracrine manner to suppress pituitary hormone levels. Consistent with these findings and the male-biased expression of tph1, the expression levels of fshb, sl and tshb were all higher in females than in males. Taken together, the male bias in tph1 expression and consequent serotonin/melatonin production presumably contribute to sex differences in the expression of pituitary hormones and ultimately in the physiological functions mediated by them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukika Kawabata-Sakata
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.,Department of Pathophysiology, Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8402, Japan
| | - Yuji Nishiike
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Thomas Fleming
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kikuchi
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
| | - Kataaki Okubo
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
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Yang J, Huang Q, Liu H, Zhou X, Huang Z, Peng Q, Liu C. 4-Nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol induce anxiety-related behaviors through alternation of 5-HT receptors and transporters in the prefrontal cortex. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 230:108701. [PMID: 31911191 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2020.108701] [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: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Environmental endocrine disruptors 4-nonylphenol (NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) may cast huge harm to human health. We used a rat model to observe the influence of NP or/and OP exposure on anxiety-related behaviors and the underlying mechanisms. Eighty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 10 groups: control group (corn oil), NP groups [30, 90, 270 mg/kg], OP groups [40, 120, 360 mg/kg] and NO groups [(mixed with the corresponding NP, OP alone exposed low, medium and high dose according to the natural environment exists NP:OP = 4:1]. The rats were orally administered every other day for 30 days. The neurobehaviors of rats were evaluated by open-field test (OFT) and elevated plus-maze test (EPM), and the concentrations of 5-HT, monoamine oxidase (MAOA), serotonin transporter (SERT), vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VAMT2), 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A), 5-hydroxytryptamine 2A (5-HT2A),and 5-hydroxytryptamine 2C (5-HT2C) in the rat prefrontal cortex were analyzed by ELISA. OFT and EPM tests showed that NP or/and OP exposure induced anxiety-related behaviors in rats. 5-HT levels were significantly increased compared with the control group. The levels of MAOA, SERT, VAMT2, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C in the prefrontal cortex reduced in different degrees by high-doses NP or/and OP exposure. In summary, NP or/and OP exposure might cause anxiety-related behaviors in rats through regulating neurotransmitter 5-HT levels by altering the expression of 5-HT decomposition enzyme MAOA, transporters SERT and VMAT2, and 5-HT receptors 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Yang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Qingyi Huang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Huan Liu
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Xiong Zhou
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhuoquan Huang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Quansheng Peng
- Logistics Department, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Chunhong Liu
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food Quality and Safety, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Nishimura Y, Mabuchi K, Omura N, Igarashi A, Miura M, Mima N, Negishi H, Morimoto K, Takamata A. Fluoxetine Mimics the Anorectic Action of Estrogen and Its Regulation of Circadian Feeding in Ovariectomized Female Rats. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12030849. [PMID: 32235766 PMCID: PMC7146435 DOI: 10.3390/nu12030849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated that chronic estrogen replacement in ovariectomized rats reduces food intake and augments c-Fos expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), specifically during the light phase. Here, we hypothesized that serotonergic neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), which have anorectic action and play a role in regulating circadian rhythm, mediate the light phase-specific anorectic action of estrogen, and that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) mimic the hypophagic action of estrogen. Female Wistar rats were ovariectomized and treated with estradiol (E2) or cholesterol by subcutaneously implanting a silicon capsule containing E2 or cholesterol. Then, half of the cholesterol-treated rats were injected with the SSRI fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) (FLX group), while the remaining rats in the cholesterol-treated group (CON group) and all those in the E2 group were injected with saline subcutaneously twice daily at the onsets of the light and dark phases. Both E2 and FLX reduced food intake during the light phase but not the dark phase, and reduced body weight gain. In addition, both E2 and FLX augmented the c-Fos expression in the SCN, specifically during the light phase. These data indicate that FLX exerts estrogen-like antiobesity and hypophagic actions by modifying circadian feeding patterns, and suggest that estrogen regulates circadian feeding rhythm via serotonergic neurons in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Nishimura
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
- Sussex Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK
| | - Kaori Mabuchi
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Natsumi Omura
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Ayako Igarashi
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Megumi Miura
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Nanako Mima
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Hiroko Negishi
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Keiko Morimoto
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Akira Takamata
- Department of Environmental Health, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan; (Y.N.); (K.M.); (N.O.); (A.I.); (M.M.); (N.M.); (H.N.); (K.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +81-742-20-3469
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Wang J, Song C, Gao D, Wei S, Sun W, Guo Y, Sun S, Tian X, Li H, Qiao M. Effects of Paeonia lactiflora Extract on Estrogen Receptor β, TPH2, and SERT in Rats with PMS Anxiety. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:4690504. [PMID: 32219134 PMCID: PMC7081021 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4690504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study is to investigate the effect of Paeonia lactiflora extract on PMS anxiety and on expression of estrogen receptor β (ERβ), tryptophan hydroxylase-2 (TPH2), and serotonin transporter (SERT) in the premenstrual syndrome (PMS) anxiety model rats. The vaginal smear and open field test were used to screen rats in nonreception phase of estrus cycle with similar macroscopic behaviors and regular estrus cycle. PMS anxiety model rats were prepared by electrical stimulation. RT-PCR and immunofluorescence were used to measure the expression of ERβ, TPH2, and SERT. Compared with normal rats, the total distance in the open field test of the model rats was significantly increased (P < 0.05). The model rats showed nervous alertness, irritability, and sensitivity to external stimuli. After treatment with the Paeonia lactiflora extract, the total distance of rats was significantly reduced (P < 0.05). In reception stage, there was no significant difference in the mRNA and protein expression of ERβ, TPH2, and SERT. In nonreception stage, the expression of ERβ and TPH2 in the model group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) as compared with the control group, but not SERT. Abnormal changes of the above indicators were reversed after the administration of the Paeonia lactiflora extract. In conclusion, Paeonia lactiflora extract can increase the expression of ERβ and TPH2 and decrease SERT in PMS model rats, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying the effect of Paeonia lactiflora extract on PMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieqiong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China 250355
| | - Chunhong Song
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China 250355
| | - Dongmei Gao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China 250355
| | - Sheng Wei
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China 250355
| | - Wenjun Sun
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China 250355
| | - Yinghui Guo
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China 250355
| | - Shiguang Sun
- Drug Room, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China 250355
| | - Xi Tian
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China 250355
| | - Huihao Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China 250355
| | - Mingqi Qiao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China 250355
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Abstract
Neurons that synthesize and release 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin) express a core set of genes that establish and maintain this neurotransmitter phenotype and distinguish these neurons from other brain cells. Beyond a shared 5-HTergic phenotype, these neurons display divergent cellular properties in relation to anatomy, morphology, hodology, electrophysiology and gene expression, including differential expression of molecules supporting co-transmission of additional neurotransmitters. This diversity suggests that functionally heterogeneous subtypes of 5-HT neurons exist, but linking subsets of these neurons to particular functions has been technically challenging. We discuss recent data from molecular genetic, genomic and functional methods that, when coupled with classical findings, yield a reframing of the 5-HT neuronal system as a conglomeration of diverse subsystems with potential to inspire novel, more targeted therapies for clinically distinct 5-HT-related disorders.
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Näslund J, Studer E, Nilsson S, Eriksson E. Expression of 22 serotonin-related genes in rat brain after sub-acute serotonin depletion or reuptake inhibition. Acta Neuropsychiatr 2020; 32:1-7. [PMID: 32063244 PMCID: PMC7282867 DOI: 10.1017/neu.2020.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although the assessment of expression of serotonin-related genes in experimental animals has become a common strategy to shed light on variations in brain serotonergic function, it remains largely unknown to what extent the manipulation of serotonin levels causes detectable changes in gene expression. We therefore chose to investigate how sub-acute depletion or elevation of brain serotonin influences the expression of a number of serotonin-related genes in six brain areas. METHODS Male Wistar rats were administered a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, para-chlorophenylalanine (p-CPA), or a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, paroxetine, for 3 days and then sacrificed. The expression of a number of serotonin-related genes in the raphe nuclei, hypothalamus, amygdala, striatum, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was investigated using real-time quantitative PCR (rt-qPCR). RESULTS While most of the studied genes were uninfluenced by paroxetine treatment, we could observe a robust downregulation of tryptophan hydroxylase-2 in the brain region where the serotonergic cell bodies reside, that is, the raphe nuclei. p-CPA induced a significant increase in the expression of Htr1b and Htr2a in amygdala and of Htr2c in the striatum and a marked reduction in the expression of Htr6 in prefrontal cortex; it also enhanced the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) in raphe and hippocampus. CONCLUSION With some notable exceptions, the expression of most of the studied genes is left unchanged by short-term modulation of extracellular levels of serotonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Näslund
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Studer
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Division of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elias Eriksson
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Zhang W, Wu H, Xu Q, Chen S, Sun L, Jiao C, Wang L, Fu F, Feng Y, Qian X, Chen X. Estrogen modulation of pain perception with a novel 17β-estradiol pretreatment regime in ovariectomized rats. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:2. [PMID: 31918752 PMCID: PMC6953313 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-019-0271-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen plays substantial roles in pain modulation; however, studies concerning sex hormones and nociception often yield confusing results. The discrepancy could be a result of lack of consensus to regard estrogen as a variable when working with animal models; thus, the influence of hormones’ fluctuations on nociception has continually been neglected. In the present study, we designed a novel hormone substitution model to aid us to evaluate the effects of estrogen’s long-term alterations on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and the expression of estrogen receptors(ERs). OVX rats were implanted with slow-release estrogen pellets at differently arranged time points and doses, such that a gradual elevation or decrease of serum estrogen levels following a relatively stable period of estrogen replacement was achieved in rats. Our results demonstrated that gradual estrogen depletion rather than elevation following the stable period of estrogen substitution in OVX rats alleviated OVX-induced mechanical hyperalgesia in a dose-independent manner, and the opposite estrogen increase or decrease paradigms differently regulate the expression of spinal ERs. Specifically, in rats rendered to continuously increased serum estrogen, the early phase estrogen-induced anti-nociception effect in OVX rats was eliminated, which was accompanied by an over-activation of ERα and a strong depression of ERβ, while in the OVX rats subject to gradual decrease of estrogen replacement, both ERα and ERβ increased modestly compared with the OVX group. Thus, the present study demonstrated that estrogen increase or decrease modulate nociception differently through change of spinal ERs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Xueshi Road 1, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Hui Wu
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Xueshi Road 1, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Xueshi Road 1, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Sheng Chen
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866th Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lihong Sun
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Xueshi Road 1, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Cuicui Jiao
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Xueshi Road 1, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Luyang Wang
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Xueshi Road 1, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Feng Fu
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Xueshi Road 1, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Ying Feng
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Xueshi Road 1, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xiaowei Qian
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Xueshi Road 1, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Xinzhong Chen
- Department of Anesthesia, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Xueshi Road 1, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
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Neonatal treatment with clomipramine modifies the expression of estrogen receptors in brain areas of male adult rats. Brain Res 2019; 1724:146443. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Rafa-Zabłocka K, Kreiner G, Bagińska M, Nalepa I. The influence of CaMKII and ERK phosphorylation on BDNF changes observed in mice selectively devoid of CREB in serotonergic or noradrenergic neurons. Pharmacol Rep 2019; 71:753-761. [PMID: 31351316 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transcription factor CREB and the neurotrophin BDNF are important mood regulators due to their profound role in controlling the neuronal plasticity. Our previously published results from transgenic mice functionally lacking CREB in chosen neural populations have shown that BDNF upregulation evoked by chronic treatment with fluoxetine seems to be dependent on CREB residing exclusively in serotonergic neurons. To further elucidate this observation, we focused on the representative signaling cascades engaged in the regulation of BDNF production. METHODS The study was carried out on mice lacking CREB in noradrenergic (Creb1DBHCre) or serotonergic (Creb1TPH2CreERT2) neurons in CREM deficient background. Animals received fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, ip) or desipramine (20 mg/kg, ip) for 21 days. The expression of following proteins and their phosphorylated forms was assessed by Western blot: CREB, BDNF, CaMKIIα, ERK1/2. RESULTS We showed that consistent with previously observed BDNF upregulation, chronic treatment with fluoxetine causes an increase in the pool of active CaMKIIα in w/t males, while in Creb1TPH2CreERT2 mutants, this effect ceased along with the observed decrease in ERK1/2 phosphorylation. These effects were region- and sex-specific. We did not observe a similar pattern of changes regarding the levels of BDNF expression and the CaMKIIα, ERK1/2 kinases in Creb1DBHCre mice exposed to desipramine. However, sex-dependent changes in the regulation of CaMKIIα and ERK1/2 activity were also observed. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights the pivotal role of CREB in response to antidepressants, emphasizing different sex-dependent vulnerabilities to particular drugs and the important impact of CREM on the effects of CREB deletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Rafa-Zabłocka
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Kreiner
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Monika Bagińska
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Irena Nalepa
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
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Zhou XD, Shi DD, Zhang ZJ. Ameliorative effects of Radix rehmanniae extract on the anxiety- and depression-like symptoms in ovariectomized mice: A behavioral and molecular study. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 63:153012. [PMID: 31301535 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.153012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menopause is closely associated with the risk of anxiety and depression in a woman's life. Despite the numerous reports on the effects of Radix rehmanniae extract (RRE) on various types of depression, there are few studies exploring the effects of RRE on the menopausal anxiety and depression. PURPOSE To investigate whether RRE could alleviate the menopausal anxiety and depression in ovariectomized (OVX) mice submitted to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). METHODS OVX mice were treated with 2.6 g/kg RRE for 5 weeks. After a series of behavior tests, serum, uterus, and brain tissues were collected for the measurement of neurotransmitters and their related biomarkers, neurotrophins, and estrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ). RESULTS RRE showed antidepressant and anxiolytic effects through these behavior tests, but had no effects on the OVX-induced weight gains, uterine shrinkage and drop of serum estrogen level. RRE restored the levels of serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and its metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), Glutamate (Glu), gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and their related biomarkers in different brain regions. RRE also reversed OVX-induced decrease in the expression levels of neurotrophins in uterus and brain regions except for uterine nerve growth factor (NGF). Moreover, RRE restored and even enhanced ERβ expression levels in uterus and brain without affecting uterine, hippocampal and cortical ERα. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated the antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of RRE in OVX mice, which were possibly mediated via their modulation of brain neurotransmitters, and regulation of neurotrophins and activation of ERβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Dan Zhou
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dong-Dong Shi
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhang-Jin Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zulvikar Syambani Ulhaq
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Maulana Malik Ibrahim Islamic State University of Malang, Batu, Indonesia
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Lopes-Menezes VC, Dos-Santos RC, Felintro V, Monteiro LRN, Paes-Leme B, Lustrino D, Casartelli EA, Vivas L, Mecawi AS, Reis LC. Acute body sodium depletion induces skin sodium mobilization in female Wistar rats. Exp Physiol 2019; 104:1754-1761. [PMID: 31553087 DOI: 10.1113/ep087998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Can Na+ depletion mobilize Na+ from the skin reservoir in ovariectomized rats? Does oestrogen replacement change the amount and the dynamics of skin Na+ storage? Is the reduced salt appetite after Na+ depletion in ovariectomized rats with oestrogen replacement related to changes in the skin Na+ ? What is the main finding and its importance? This work demonstrated that acute body Na+ depletion induced by frusemide mobilized the osmotically inactive skin Na+ reservoir to become osmotically active. Oestrogen treatment decreased the induced Na+ intake in ovariectomized rats but did not modulate the inactive Na+ reservoir in control conditions or its mobilization induced by Na+ depletion. ABSTRACT Oestradiol, which is an important hormone for water and electrolyte balance, also has a role in the inhibition of induced Na+ appetite. Sodium can be stored in the skin in osmotically active or inactive forms, and this skin Na+ reservoir may be involved in the control of body Na+ levels during physiopathological challenges. In this study, we investigated whether the effect of sodium depletion by frusemide can mobilize Na+ from the skin reservoir and whether oestradiol replacement changes or mobilizes the Na+ reserves in the skin. Ovariectomized Wistar rats were treated with vehicle or oestradiol for 7 days to evaluate the effects of oestrogen on the hydroelectrolyte balance, intake responses and skin Na+ and water content in basal conditions. Furthermore, the effects of oestrogen were evaluated after 24 h frusemide-induced whole-body Na+ depletion. Oestradiol-replaced rats exhibited reduced water intake without any significant changes in salt intake, Na+ excretion or water and Na+ skin content in basal conditions. After sodium depletion, both vehicle- and oestradiol-treated rats exhibited an increase in the osmotically active skin Na+ , which was associated with a decrease of the inactive skin Na+ reservoir. Oestrogen decreased the hypertonic saline intake induced by Na+ depletion, but it was not associated with any significant changes in the skin Na+ reservoir. Thus, sodium depletion is able to change the inactive-active skin Na+ reservoir balance. However, the oestrogenic modulation of sodium appetite after Na+ depletion is probably not related to the action of this hormone in the skin Na+ reservoir balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- V C Lopes-Menezes
- Post-graduation Program in Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - R C Dos-Santos
- Post-graduation Program in Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - V Felintro
- Post-graduation Program in Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - L R N Monteiro
- Post-graduation Program in Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - B Paes-Leme
- Post-graduation Program in Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - D Lustrino
- Department of Physiology, Centre of Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil
| | - E A Casartelli
- Department of Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - L Vivas
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra (INIMEC-CONICET), Córdoba, Argentina.,Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - A S Mecawi
- Post-graduation Program in Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil.,Department of Biophysics, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - L C Reis
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological and Health Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
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Zhou XD, Shi DD, Wang HN, Tan QR, Zhang ZJ. Aqueous extract of lily bulb ameliorates menopause-like behavior in ovariectomized mice with novel brain-uterus mechanisms distinct from estrogen therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 117:109114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Hernández-Hernández OT, Martínez-Mota L, Herrera-Pérez JJ, Jiménez-Rubio G. Role of Estradiol in the Expression of Genes Involved in Serotonin Neurotransmission: Implications for Female Depression. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:459-471. [PMID: 29956632 PMCID: PMC6520586 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180628165107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In women, changes in estrogen levels may increase the incidence and/or symptomatology of depression and affect the response to antidepressant treatments. Estrogen therapy in females may provide some mood benefits as a single treatment or might augment clinical response to antidepressants that inhibit serotonin reuptake. OBJECTIVE We analyzed the mechanisms of estradiol action involved in the regulation of gene expression that modulates serotonin neurotransmission implicated in depression. METHOD Publications were identified by a literature search on PubMed. RESULTS The participation of estradiol in depression may include regulation of the expression of tryptophan hydroxylase-2, monoamine oxidase A and B, serotonin transporter and serotonin-1A receptor. This effect is mediated by estradiol binding to intracellular estrogen receptor that interacts with estrogen response elements in the promoter sequences of tryptophan hydroxylase-2, serotonin transporter and monoamine oxidase-B. In addition to directly binding deoxyribonucleic acid, estrogen receptor can tether to other transcription factors, including activator protein 1, specificity protein 1, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β and nuclear factor kappa B to regulate gene promoters that lack estrogen response elements, such as monoamine oxidase-A and serotonin 1A receptor. CONCLUSION Estradiol increases tryptophan hydroxylase-2 and serotonin transporter expression and decreases the expression of serotonin 1A receptor and monoamine oxidase A and B through the interaction with its intracellular receptors. The understanding of molecular mechanisms of estradiol regulation on the protein expression that modulates serotonin neurotransmission will be helpful for the development of new and more effective treatment for women with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Tania Hernández-Hernández
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia Research Fellow Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Calzada Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegacion Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Lucía Martínez-Mota
- Laboratorio de Farmacologia Conductual, Direccion de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Calzada Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegacion Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - José Jaime Herrera-Pérez
- Laboratorio de Farmacologia Conductual, Direccion de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Calzada Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegacion Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Graciela Jiménez-Rubio
- Laboratorio de Farmacologia Conductual, Direccion de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de la Fuente Muniz, Calzada Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Col. San Lorenzo Huipulco, Delegacion Tlalpan, 14370, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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Velasco ER, Florido A, Milad MR, Andero R. Sex differences in fear extinction. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 103:81-108. [PMID: 31129235 PMCID: PMC6692252 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Despite the exponential increase in fear research during the last years, few studies have included female subjects in their design. The need to include females arises from the knowledge gap of mechanistic processes underlying the behavioral and neural differences observed in fear extinction. Moreover, the exact contribution of sex and hormones in relation to learning and behavior is still largely unknown. Insights from this field could be beneficial as fear-related disorders are twice as prevalent in women compared to men. Here, we review an up-to-date summary of animal and human studies in adulthood that report sex differences in fear extinction from a structural and functional approach. Furthermore, we describe how these factors could contribute to the observed sex differences in fear extinction during normal and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Velasco
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Florido
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - M R Milad
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA
| | - R Andero
- Institut de Neurociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; CIBERSAM, Corporació Sanitaria Parc Taulí, Sabadell, Spain; Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.
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Heck AL, Handa RJ. Androgens Drive Sex Biases in Hypothalamic Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Gene Expression After Adrenalectomy of Mice. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1757-1770. [PMID: 31074799 PMCID: PMC6594463 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Although prominent sex differences exist in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis's response to stressors, few studies of its regulation in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) have compared both male and female subjects. In this study, we sought to explore sex differences in the acute regulation of PVN neuropeptide expression following glucocorticoid (GC) removal and the underlying role of gonadal hormones. We first examined the effects of short-term adrenalectomy (ADX) on PVN Crh and arginine vasopressin (Avp) expression in mice using in situ hybridization. ADX increased PVN AVP mRNA levels in both sexes. In contrast, PVN CRH mRNA was increased by 2 days after ADX in males only. Both sexes showed increases in CRH mRNA after 4 days. To determine if gonadal hormones contributed to this sex bias, we examined adrenalectomized (ADX'd) and gonadectomized (GDX'd) mice with or without gonadal hormone replacement. Unlike the pattern in intact animals, 2 days following ADX/gonadectomy, CRH mRNA levels did not increase in either sex. When males were given DHT propionate, CRH mRNA levels increased in ADX'd/GDX'd males similar to those observed following ADX alone. To determine a potential mechanism, we examined the coexpression of androgen receptor (AR) immunoreactivity and CRH neurons. Abundant colocalization was found in the anteroventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis but not the PVN. Thus, our findings reveal a sex difference in PVN Crh expression following the removal of GC-negative feedback that may depend on indirect AR actions in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Heck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
- Correspondence: Robert J. Handa, PhD, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, 1617 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523. E-mail:
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Liu H, Huang Q, Sun H, Li J, Lin Q, Wu H, Liu C. Effects of separate or combined exposure of nonylphenol and octylphenol on central 5-HT system and related learning and memory in the rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 172:523-529. [PMID: 30743168 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated toxic effects of nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP) on central 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system and related learning and memory in the rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to NP (30, 90, or 270 mg/kg), OP (40, 120, or 360 mg/kg), or a mixture of NP and OP [(mixed with the corresponding NP, OP alone exposed low, medium and high dose according to the natural environment exists NP:OP = 4:1; NOL (24 mg/kg NP+8 mg/kg OP), NOM (72 mg/kg NP+24 mg/kg OP), NOH (216 mg/kg NP+72 mg/kg OP)] by gavage every other day for 30 d. Learning and memory were assessed using a passive-avoidance test. Levels of estrogen receptor β (ERβ), 5-HT, tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), monoamine oxidase (MAOA) enzyme, serotonin transporter (SERT), the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), 5-hydroxytryptamine 1 A (5-HT1A), 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 A (5-HT3A), 5-hydroxytryptamine 3B (5-HT3B), 5-hydroxytryptamine 4 A (5-HT4A) and 5-hydroxytryptamine 6 A (5-HT6A) were measured using ELISA kits. Levels of ERβ, MAOA, SERT, VMAT2, 5-HT1A, 5-HT3A, 5-HT3B, 5-HT4A and 5-HT6A in rat hippocampal reduced by a high dose of NP and/or OP. Levels of TPH2 in rat midbrain and 5-HT in rat hippocampal increased by a high dose of NP and/or OP. In addition, latency was significantly shorter and errors were significantly greater in the high dose NP and NP+OP (NO) groups. Taken together, these results suggest that NP and/or OP may affect learning and memory in rats by inhibiting levels of ERβ, which could then lead to decreases in levels of 5-HT1A, 5-HT3A, 5-HT3B, 5-HT4A, and 5-HT6A in the rat hippocampus. These findings suggested that separate and combined exposure to NP and OP could produce toxic effects on central 5-HT system and related learning and memory in the rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Liu
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Qingyi Huang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Hanzhi Sun
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Jieming Li
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Qianwen Lin
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Haoming Wu
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | - Chunhong Liu
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
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Lonstein JS. The dynamic serotonin system of the maternal brain. Arch Womens Ment Health 2019; 22:237-243. [PMID: 30032323 PMCID: PMC7001094 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-018-0887-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Many pregnant and postpartum women worldwide suffer from high anxiety and/or depression, which can have detrimental effects on maternal and infant well-being. The first-line pharmacotherapies for prepartum and postpartum affective disorders continue to be the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), despite the lack of large well-controlled studies demonstrating their efficacy in reproducing women and the potential for fetal/neonatal exposure to the drugs. Prepartum or postpartum use of SSRIs or other drugs that modulate the brain's serotonin system is also troubling because very little is known about the typical, let alone the atypical, changes that occur in the female central serotonin system across reproduction. We do know from a handful of studies of women and female laboratory rodents that numerous aspects of the central serotonin system are naturally dynamic across reproduction and are also affected by pregnancy stress (a major predisposing factor for maternal psychopathology). Thus, it should not be assumed that the maternal central serotonin system being targeted by SSRIs is identical to non-parous females or males. More information about the normative and stress-derailed changes in the maternal central serotonin system is essential for understanding how serotonin is involved in the etiology of, and the best use of SSRIs for potentially treating, affective disorders in the pregnant and postpartum populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S. Lonstein
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 108 Giltner Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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