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Pinto CA, Fonseca BM, Sá SI. Effects of chronic tamoxifen treatment in female rat sexual behaviour. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12362. [PMID: 36593822 PMCID: PMC9803792 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12362] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The medial preoptic (MPN) and the ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei (VMN) modulate the estrogen receptor (ER)-dependent female sexual behavior, a response that is inhibited by tamoxifen (TAM), a modulator of the steroid receptor activation. With the objective to assess TAM action in the brain areas involved in the modulation sexual cues, an animal model on long-term TAM therapy to intact female rats, was used to mimic the 5-year prophylactic TAM therapy offered to women at higher risk of breast cancer. After three months treatment, female sexual behavior with a stud male rat was evaluated. Upon sacrifice, the brains were removed and the MPN and the ventrolateral division of the VMN were screened for the effects of TAM in the expression of ERα, ERβ and progesterone receptor. Results show that TAM inhibited the receptive component of the female sexual behavior. Even though TAM decreased estrogen and progesterone levels to values similar to the ones of estrous and diestrus rats, the biochemical data failed to demonstrate such possible causation for the behavioral response. In fact, TAM administration induced a constant low level of ovarian hormones that changed the pattern of ER and PR expression as well as receptor co-expression in the brain areas regulating the behavioral response, dissimilar to the ones seen in the cycle phases with the same low hormone levels. Nevertheless, present data suggests that by affecting ER- and/or PR-dependent mechanisms, TAM may modulate the hypothalamus, a region known to participate in several social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia A. Pinto
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al Professor Hernani Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno M. Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira nº. 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana I. Sá
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al Professor Hernani Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal,CINTESIS@RISE Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto. Al Professor Hernani Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal,Corresponding author.
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Pereira LDS, Gobbo DR, Ferreira JGP, Horta-Junior JDADCE, Sá SI, Bittencourt JC. Effects of ovariectomy on inputs from the medial preoptic area to the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus of young adult rats. J Anat 2021; 238:467-479. [PMID: 32914872 PMCID: PMC7812137 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Puberty is an important phase of development when the neural circuit organization is transformed by sexual hormones, inducing sexual dimorphism in adult behavioural responses. The principal brain area responsible for the control of the receptive component of female sexual behaviour is the ventrolateral division of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMHvl), which is known for its dependency on ovarian hormones. Inputs to the VMHvl originating from the medial preoptic nucleus (MPN) are responsible for conveying essential information that will trigger such behaviour. Here, we investigated the pattern of the projection of the MPN to the VMHvl in rats ovariectomized at the onset of puberty. Sprague Dawley rats were ovariectomized (OVX) at puberty and then subjected to iontophoretic injections of the neuronal anterograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin into the MPN once they reached 90 days of age. This study analysed the connectivity pattern established between the MPN and the VMH that is involved in the neuronal circuit responsible for female sexual behaviour in control and OVX rats. The data show the changes in the organization of the connections observed in the OVX adult rats that displayed a reduced axonal length for the MPN fibres reaching the VMHvl, suggesting that peripubertal ovarian hormones are relevant to the organization of MPN connections with structures involved in the promotion of female sexual behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laís da Silva Pereira
- Laboratorio de Neuroanatomia Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Denise Ribeiro Gobbo
- Laboratorio de Neuroanatomia Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Susana Isabel Sá
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, CINTESIS, Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jackson Cioni Bittencourt
- Laboratorio de Neuroanatomia Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Nucleo de Neurociencias e Comportamento, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Gobbo DR, Pereira LDS, Ferreira JGP, de Castro Horta-Junior JA, Bittencourt JC, Sá SI. Effects of ovariectomy on the inputs from the medial nucleus of the amygdala to the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus in young adult rats. Neurosci Lett 2021; 746:135657. [PMID: 33482312 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
During puberty, sexual hormones induce crucial changes in neural circuit organization, leading to significant sexual dimorphism in adult behaviours. The ventrolateral division of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMHvl) is the major neural site controlling the receptive component of female sexual behaviour, which is dependent on ovarian hormones. The inputs to the VMHvl, originating from the medial nucleus of the amygdala (MeA), transmit essential information to trigger such behaviour. In this study, we investigated the projection pattern of the MeA to the VMHvl in ovariectomized rats at early puberty. Six-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized (OVX) and, upon reaching 90 days of age, were subjected to iontophoretic injections of the neuronal anterograde tracer Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin into the MeA. Projections from the MeA to the VMHvl and to other structures included in the neural circuit responsible for female sexual behaviour were analysed in the Control and OVX groups. The results of the semi-quantitative analysis showed that peripubertal ovariectomy reduced the density of intra-amygdalar fibres. The stereological estimates, however, failed to find changes in the organization of the terminal fields of nerve fibres from the MeA to the VMHvl in the adult. The present data show that ovariectomized rats during the peripubertal phase did not undergo significant changes in MeA fibres reaching the VMHvl; however, they suggest a possible effect of ovariectomy on MeA connectivity under amygdalar subnuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Ribeiro Gobbo
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Laboratorio de Neuroanatomia Quimica, Departamento de Anatomia, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lais da Silva Pereira
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Laboratorio de Neuroanatomia Quimica, Departamento de Anatomia, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Jozélia Gomes Pacheco Ferreira
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Laboratorio de Neuroanatomia Quimica, Departamento de Anatomia, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Jackson Cioni Bittencourt
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Laboratorio de Neuroanatomia Quimica, Departamento de Anatomia, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Psicologia, Nucleo de Neurociências e Comportamento, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Susana Isabel Sá
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS, Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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Effects of tamoxifen on neuronal morphology, connectivity and biochemistry of hypothalamic ventromedial neurons: Impact on the modulators of sexual behavior. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 109:33-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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Wang M, Ruan S, Ming J, Dong F. Nuclear expression of XBP1s is correlated with breast cancer survival: a retrospective analysis based on tissue microarray. Onco Targets Ther 2017; 10:5927-5934. [PMID: 29276395 PMCID: PMC5732546 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s147102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
An alternatively spliced transcription factor that participates in the unfolded protein response, XBP1 is a novel protein involved in cancer progression and outcome. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of spliced XBP1 (XBP1s) with the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of breast cancer by using tissue-microarray analysis. A consecutive series of 170 patients with breast cancer diagnosed between 2001 and 2004 in hospitals in eastern and southern China were included. Immunohistochemical staining for XBP1s was performed, and the expression of XBP1s was separately examined in nuclei and cytoplasm. We found that a higher expression of XBP1s in nuclei strongly correlated with poorer survival (46.7% versus 75%, P=0.018); however, the expression of XBP1s in the cytoplasm had no relationship with survival. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that the expression of XBP1s was not an independent prognostic factor (RR 2.074, 95% CI 0.909–4.736; P=0.083). None of the other clinicopathological characteristics – age, pathology grade, T stage, N stage, TNM stage, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or HER2 status – was found to be correlated with XBP1s expression in the nuclei. In conclusion, independently of other clinicopathological factors, the nuclear expression of XBP1s is correlated with shorter breast cancer survival; however, whether nuclear XBP1s is an independent prognostic biomarker needs to be confirmed by further studies with larger samples and detailed sample stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyi Wang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengnan Ruan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Ming
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fang Dong
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Moschos MM, Nitoda E. The impact of combined oral contraceptives on ocular tissues: a review of ocular effects. Int J Ophthalmol 2017; 10:1604-1610. [PMID: 29062782 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2017.10.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this manuscript is to review the action and adverse effects of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) on ocular tissues. The percentage of unwanted pregnancies and the subsequent abortions make contraception crucial worldwide. Over 100 million women around the world use common contraceptive methods, including intrauterine devices, combined estrogen and progestin oral contraceptives, as well as progestin only preparations (oral contraceptives, implants or injections). COCs are widely used for contraception, but they are also indicated in menorrhagia, endometriosis, acne and hirsutism, fibroid uterus and premenstrual syndrome. However, they have been associated with high rates of cardiovascular events, venous thromboembolic disease, ischemic strokes and breast cancer. The incidence of COCs-related ocular complications is estimated to be 1 in 230 000, including dry eye symptoms, corneal edema, lens opacities and retinal neuro-ophthalmologic or vascular complications. We may infer that the serious ocular complications of COCs can be prevented by eliminating the estrogen dosage and choosing third-generation progestins. In any case, doctors should take into consideration the systemic and ocular history of the patients before selecting any method of contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilita M Moschos
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Nitoda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
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Concomitant high expression of ERα36, EGFR and HER2 is associated with aggressive behaviors of papillary thyroid carcinomas. Sci Rep 2017; 7:12279. [PMID: 28947799 PMCID: PMC5612999 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12478-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ERα, ERβ, PR, ERα36, EGFR and HER2 mRNA and protein expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) were examined by real time RT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA and protein expression of ERα and PR were gradually increased and those of ERβ were gradually decreased from normal thyroid tissues to nodular hyperplasias (P < 0.05) and to PTCs (P < 0.05). However, the mRNA and protein expression of ERα36, EGFR and HER2 were only significantly increased in PTCs when compared with those in normal thyroid tissues (P < 0.001) and nodular hyperplasias (P < 0.001). There was some correlation between ERα, ERβ and PR, and between ERα36, EGFR and HER2 protein expression in PTCs. As for ERα, ERβ and PR, there was a significant positive correlation between ERα and PR, and a significant negative correlation between ERα and ERβ and between PR and ERβ protein expression. As for ERα36, EGFR and HER2, there was a significant positive correlation between ERα36, EGFR and HER2 protein expression in PTCs. Concomitant high expression of ERα36, EGFR and HER2 was strongly associated with aggressive behaviors including extrathyroidal extension (ETE), lymph node metastasis (LNM) and high TNM stage in PTCs (P < 0.001).
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Sá SI, Fonseca BM. Dynamics of progesterone and estrogen receptor alpha in the ventromedial hypothalamus. J Endocrinol 2017; 233:197-207. [PMID: 28283583 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cyclic fluctuations of estradiol and progesterone in females influence neuronal activity in the ventrolateral division of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMNvl), through the activation of progesterone receptors (PRs) and estrogen receptors (ERs). The expression of ER and PR in the VMNvl is influenced by their cognate ligands and is a central upstream trigger in the pathway of VMNvl-dependent modulation of endocrine responses. By studying the role played by estradiol and progesterone in PR and ERa expression in the VMNvl along the estrous cycle and how the two receptors interact in the same neuron, we aim to evaluate the synergistic action of both ovarian hormones in the regulation of VMNvl activity. In animals at all phases of the estrous cycle, the number of VMN neurons expressing PR or ERa was estimated by stereological methods, and the percentage, and rostro-caudal distribution, of neurons simultaneously expressing both receptors was determined. The highest number of PR-immunoreactive neurons was seen at proestrus, and of ERa-immunoreactive neurons was seen at proestrus and metestrus. The ERa/PR co-localization is increased at caudal levels. Approximately half the neurons expressing PR co-express ERa, a proportion that stays constant along the estrous cycle. The percentage of ERa neurons co-expressing PR changes from 60% at proestrus to 40% at metestrus. Fluctuations in circulating ovarian hormone levels promote coordinated changes in PR and ERa expression and co-localization. This may be an important mechanism in the regulation of input relayed by the VMNvl, allowing a precise modulation of endocrine responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana I Sá
- Department of BiomedicineUnit of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of MedicineCenter for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruno M Fonseca
- UCIBIOREQUIMTE, Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Vargas KG, Milic J, Zaciragic A, Wen KX, Jaspers L, Nano J, Dhana K, Bramer WM, Kraja B, van Beeck E, Ikram MA, Muka T, Franco OH. The functions of estrogen receptor beta in the female brain: A systematic review. Maturitas 2016; 93:41-57. [PMID: 27338976 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Females have unique and additional risk factors for neurological disorders. Among classical estrogen receptors, estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) has been suggested as a therapeutic target. However, little is known about the role of ERβ in the female brain. Six electronic databases were searched for articles evaluating the role of ERβ in the female brain and the influence of age and menopause on ERβ function. After screening 3186 titles and abstracts, 49 articles were included in the review, all of which were animal studies. Of these, 19 focused on cellular signaling, 7 on neuroendocrine pathways, 8 on neurological disorders, 4 on neuroprotection and 19 on psychological and psychiatric outcomes (6 studies evaluated two or more outcomes). Our findings showed that ERβ phosphorylated and activated intracellular second messenger proteins and regulated protein expression of genes involved in neurological functions. It also promoted neurogenesis, modulated the neuroendocrine regulation of stress response, conferred neuroprotection against ischemia and inflammation, and reduced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. Targeting ERβ may constitute a novel treatment for menopausal symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and neurological diseases. However, to establish potential therapeutic and preventive strategies targeting ERβ, future studies should be conducted in humans to further our understanding of the importance of ERβ in women's mental and cognitive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris G Vargas
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jelena Milic
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Asija Zaciragic
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ke-Xin Wen
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Loes Jaspers
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jana Nano
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Klodian Dhana
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bledar Kraja
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania; University Clinic of Gastrohepatology, University Hospital Center Mother Teresa, Tirana, Albania
| | - Ed van Beeck
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - M Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Center, The Netherlands; Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Taulant Muka
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Oscar H Franco
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Sá SI, Fonseca BM, Teixeira N, Madeira MD. Induction and subcellular redistribution of progesterone receptor A and B by tamoxifen in the hypothalamic ventromedial neurons of young adult female Wistar rats. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 420:1-10. [PMID: 26597778 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The ventrolateral division of the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMNvl) is a brain center for estrogen-dependent triggering of female sexual behavior upon progesterone receptor (PR) activation. We examined the agonistic and antagonistic actions of tamoxifen in this nucleus by analyzing its effects on the total number of PR-immunoreactive neurons, PR mRNA and protein levels, and subcellular location of PRs in ovariectomized Wistar rats. The results show that tamoxifen has no agonistic action in the number of PR-immunoreactive neurons, but increases PR expression and labeling in the nucleus and cytoplasm of VMNvl neurons that constitutively express PRs. As an antagonist, tamoxifen partially inhibited the estradiol-dependent increase in the number of PR-immunoreactive neurons and in PR mRNA and protein levels, without interfering with the subcellular location of the protein. We suggest that tamoxifen influence on PR expression in the VMNvl critically depends on the presence or absence of estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana I Sá
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS, Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Bruno M Fonseca
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Natércia Teixeira
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - M Dulce Madeira
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS, Centro de Investigação em Tecnologias e Serviços de Saúde Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
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Martins S, Madeira M, Sá S. Effects of gonadal steroids and of estrogen receptor agonists on the expression of estrogen receptor alpha in the medial preoptic nucleus of female rats. Neuroscience 2015; 310:63-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Abstract
Sex- and species-specific patterns of estrogen receptor (ER)-α expression are established early in development, which may contribute to sexual differentiation of behavior and determine male social organization. The current study investigated the effects of ERα and ERβ activation during the second postnatal week on subsequent alloparental behavior and ERα expression in juvenile prairie voles. Male and female pups were treated daily with 17β-estradiol (E2, ERα/ERβ agonist), PPT (selective ERα agonist), DPN (selective ERβ agonist), or the oil vehicle on postnatal days (PD) 8-14. Alloparental behavior and ERα expression were examined at PD21. PPT treatment inhibited prosocial motivation in males and increased pup-directed aggression in both sexes. E2 and DPN had no apparent effect on behavior in either sex. PPT-treated males had increased ERα expression in the medial preoptic area (MPN), medial amygdala (MEApd) and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTpr). DPN treatment also increased ERα expression in males, but only in the BSTpr. Female ERα expression was unaffected by treatment. These results support the hypothesis that ERα activation in early life is associated with less prosocial patterns of central ERα expression and alloparental behavior in males. The lack of an effect of E2 on behavior suggests that ERβ may antagonize the effects of ERα on alloparental behavior. The results in DPN-treated males suggest that ERα in the MEApd, and not the BSTpr, may be a primary determinant of alloparental behavior in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam N Perry
- The Brain-Body Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States.
| | - C Sue Carter
- The Brain-Body Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Bruce S Cushing
- The Brain-Body Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
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Perea-Rodriguez JP, Takahashi EY, Amador TM, Hao RC, Saltzman W, Trainor BC. Effects of reproductive experience on central expression of progesterone, oestrogen α, oxytocin and vasopressin receptor mRNA in male California mice (Peromyscus californicus). J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:245-52. [PMID: 25659593 PMCID: PMC5013726 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fatherhood in biparental mammals is accompanied by distinct neuroendocrine changes in males, involving some of the same hormones involved in maternal care. In the monogamous, biparental California mouse (Peromyscus californicus), paternal care has been linked to changes in the central and/or peripheral availability of oestrogen, progesterone, vasopressin and oxytocin, although it is not known whether these endocrine fluctuations are associated with changes in receptor availability in the brain. Thus, we compared mRNA expression of oestrogen receptor (ER)α, progesterone receptor (PR), vasopressin receptor (V1a) and oxytocin receptor (OTR) in brain regions implicated in paternal care [i.e. medial preoptic area (MPOA)], fear [i.e. medial amygdala (MeA)] and anxiety [i.e. bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST)] between first-time fathers (n = 8) and age-matched virgin males (n = 7). Males from both reproductive conditions behaved paternally towards unrelated pups, whereas fathers showed significantly shorter latencies to behave paternally and less time investigating pups. Furthermore, fathers showed significantly lower PR, OTR and V1a receptor mRNA expression in the BNST compared to virgins. Fathers also showed a marginally significant (P = 0.07) reduction in progesterone receptor mRNA expression in the MPOA, although fatherhood was not associated with any other changes in receptor mRNA in the MPOA or MeA. The results of the present study indicate that behavioural and endocrine changes associated with the onset of fatherhood, and/or with cohabitation with a (breeding) female, are accompanied by changes in mRNA expression of hormone and neuropeptide receptors in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. P. Perea-Rodriguez
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - E. Y. Takahashi
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - T. M. Amador
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - R. C. Hao
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - W. Saltzman
- Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
- Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - B. C. Trainor
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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14
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Sá SI, Fonseca BM, Teixeira N, Madeira MD. Estrogen receptors α and β have different roles in the induction and trafficking of progesterone receptors in hypothalamic ventromedial neurons. FEBS J 2015; 282:1126-36. [PMID: 25612677 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone receptor (PR) activation in the ventrolateral division of the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMNvl) is essential for promoting female sexual behavior. Estrogen receptor (ER) α, in contrast to ERβ, has been implicated in the induction of PRs. The simultaneous activation of ERα and ERβ, although not increasing the number of PR-immunoreactive neurons in the VMNvl, facilitates lordosis, which suggests that ERβ and/or the ERα-ERβ interaction might play a role in PR dynamics and/or PR expression by individual neurons. To address this question, we used western blot and immunohistochemical studies to determine the amounts and subcellular distributions of both PR isoforms in VMNvl neurons of ovariectomized rats injected with estradiol benzoate or with specific agonists of ERα and ERβ, alone or in association. The present data show that ERα activation does not change PR expression in individual neurons, but increases the number of PRs in the VMNvl, because it increases the number of neurons expressing PRs. Conversely, ERβ activation does not change the total number of PRs in the VMNvl, but increases the labeling intensity of the perikaryal cytoplasm, which suggests that it promotes the transport of PRs from neurites into cell bodies. In addition, the simultaneous activation of ERα and ERβ increases the expression of PRs by individual neurons and, consequently, increases the total number of PRs in the VMNvl. Our findings reveal that individual and simultaneous activation of ERα and ERβ have different effects on the levels and subcellular location of PRs in VMNvl neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana I Sá
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal; Center of Experimental Morphology (CME), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal; Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal
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15
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Leite C, Madeira MD, Sá SI. Effects of sex steroids and estrogen receptor agonists on the expression of estrogen receptor alpha in the principal division of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of female rats. Brain Res 2014; 1582:99-106. [PMID: 25087654 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Revised: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen actions on neurons of the principal division of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTpr) are essential for the regulation of female sexual behavior. However, little is known about the effects of estradiol and progesterone (P) on estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression in this nucleus. To study this subject, we used stereological methods to estimate the total number of ERα-immunoreactive (ERα-ir) neurons in the BNSTpr of female rats at each stage of the estrous cycle and of ovariectomized rats after administration of estradiol benzoate (EB) and/or P. To ascertain the percentage of ERα-positive neurons in the BNSTpr, the total number of neurons in this nucleus was also estimated. In order to identify the specific role played by the selective activation of each ER in the expression of ERα, ovariectomized rats were injected with the ERα agonist, propyl-pyrazole triol (PPT), or the ERβ agonist, diaryl-propionitrile (DPN). Data show that ERα is expressed in 40-60% of the BNSTpr neurons and that the number of ERα-ir neurons is lowest at proestrus. This value is paralleled by the administration of EB. The number of ERα-ir neurons was not modified by P. PPT induced no changes in the number of ERα-ir neurons. Contrariwise, DPN induced a decrease in the total number of ERα-ir neurons to values similar to those of EB-treated rats. These results show that P has no effect in the modulation of ERα expression and demonstrate that estradiol regulation of ERα in BNSTpr neurons is mediated by activation of ERβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Leite
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto. Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - M Dulce Madeira
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto. Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Susana Isabel Sá
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto. Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
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16
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Sá SI, Pereira PA, Malikov V, Ferreira IM, Madeira MD. Role of plasma membrane estrogen receptors in mediating the estrogen induction of progesterone receptors in hypothalamic ventromedial neurons. J Comp Neurol 2013; 522:298-307. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.23396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Susana I. Sá
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine; University of Porto; 4200-319 Porto Portugal
| | - Pedro A. Pereira
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine; University of Porto; 4200-319 Porto Portugal
| | - Viacheslav Malikov
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine; University of Porto; 4200-319 Porto Portugal
| | - Isabel M.P.L.V.O. Ferreira
- REQUIMTE/Laboratory of Bromatology and Hidrology, Faculty of Pharmacy; University of Porto; 4050-313 Porto Portugal
| | - M. Dulce Madeira
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine; University of Porto; 4200-319 Porto Portugal
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17
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Ervin KSJ, Phan A, Gabor CS, Choleris E. Rapid oestrogenic regulation of social and nonsocial learning. J Neuroendocrinol 2013; 25:1116-32. [PMID: 23876061 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2013] [Revised: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Much research on oestrogens has focused on their long-term action, exerting behavioural effects within hours to days through gene transcription. Oestrogens also affect behaviour on a much shorter time scale. These rapid effects are assumed to occur through cell signalling and can elicit a behavioural effect as early as 15 min after treatment. These effects on behaviour have primarily been explored through the action of oestradiol at three well-known oestrogen receptors (ERs): ERα, ERβ and the more recently described G protein-coupled ER1 (GPER1). The rapid effects of oestradiol and ER agonists have been tested on both social and nonsocial learning paradigms. Social learning refers to a paradigm in which an animal acquires information and modifies its behaviour based on observation of another animal, commonly studied using the social transmission of food preferences paradigm. When administered shortly before testing, oestradiol rapidly improves social learning on this task, although no ER agonist has definitive, comparable improving effects. Some evidence points to GPER1, whereas ERα impairs, and ERβ activation has no effect on social learning. Conversely, ERα and GPER1 play a larger role than ERβ in the rapid improving effect of oestrogens on nonsocial learning, including social and object recognition. In addition, when administered immediately post-acquisition, oestrogens also rapidly improve memory consolidation in a variety of learning paradigms: object recognition, object placement, inhibitory avoidance and the Morris water maze, indicating that oestradiol affects the consolidation of multiple types of memory. Evidence suggests that these improvements are the result of oestrogens acting in the dorsal hippocampus where selective activation of all three ERs shows rapid improving effects on spatial learning comparable to oestradiol. However, the hippocampus is not necessary for rapid oestradiol improvements on social recognition. Although acute treatment with oestradiol enhances learning and memory on various social and nonsocial learning paradigms, the specific ERs play different roles in each type of learning. Future research should aim to further determine the roles of ERs with respect to the enhancing effects of oestradiol on learning and memory, and also determine where in the brain oestradiol acts to affect social and nonsocial learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S J Ervin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
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