On the role of urocortin 1 in the non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus in stress adaptation

The effects of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortins on the serotonin (hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) released from the raphe nuclei (RN)

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortins (UCN1, UCN2 and UCN3) belong to the same CRF family of neuropeptides. They regulate the neuroendocrine, autonomic and behavioral responses to stress via two CRF receptors (CRF1 and CRF2). Stress, anxiety and depression affects the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the serotoninergic neurotransmission, both being regulated by CRF and CRF-related peptides. However, the exact action of CRF and urocortins on the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) release was not fully elucidated yet. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the actions of CRF and urocortins on the 5HT released from the rat raphe nuclei (RN), the most important brain regions producing 5HT, and the participation of CRF receptors in these actions. In order to do so, male Wistar rats were used, their RN were isolated and dissected, and the RN slices were incubated with tritium-labelled 5HT, superfused and stimulated electrically. During superfusion, the RN slices were treated with CRF, UCN1, UCN2 or UCN3, and, when significant effect was observed, pretreated with selective CRF1 antagonist antalarmin or selective CRF2 antagonist astressin2B. The release of tritium-labelled 5HT from the RN was determined by liquid scintillation counting. CRF and UCN1 decreased significantly the tritium-labelled 5HT release from the RN, and these effects were reversed by antalarmin, but not by astressin2B. In addition, UCN3, but not UCN2, increased significantly the tritium-labelled 5HT release from the RN, and this effect was reduced by astressin2B, but not antalarmin. Our results indicate the existence of two apparently opposing CRF systems in the RN: activation of CRF1 by CRF and UCN1 may inhibit, whereas activation of CRF2 by UCN3 may stimulate the 5HT release. The dysbalance between CRF1 and CRF2 activation and, consequently, alteration of serotoninergic signalling may result in anxiety and depression, associated with hyperactivity of the HPA axis.

Neuromedin U Neurons in the Edinger-Westphal Nucleus Respond to Alcohol Without Interfering with the Urocortin 1 Response

The Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EW) is a midbrain nucleus composed of a preganglionic, cholinergic subpopulation and a densely clustered peptidergic subpopulation (EWcp). The EWcp is one of the few brain regions that show consistent induction of FOS following voluntary alcohol intake. Previous results in rodents point to urocortin 1 (UCN1) as one of the peptides most involved in the control of ethanol intake and preference. Notably, the functions described for UCN1, such as reward processing, stress coping or the regulation of feeding behavior are similar to those described for the neuropeptide neuromedin U (NMU). Interestingly, NMU has been recently associated with the modulation of alcohol-related behaviors. However, little is known about the expression and functionality of NMU neurons in alcohol-responsive areas. In this study, we used the recently developed Nmu-Cre knock-in mouse model to examine the expression of NMU in the subaqueductal paramedian zone comprising the EWcp. We delved into the characterization and co-expression of NMU with other markers already described in the EWcp. Moreover, using FOS as a marker of neuronal activity, we tested whether NMU neurons were sensitive to acute alcohol administration. Overall, we provided novel insights on NMU expression and functionality in the EW region. We showed the presence of NMU within a subpopulation of UCN1 neurons in the EWcp and demonstrated that this partial co-expression does not interfere with the responsivity of UCN1-containing cells to alcohol. Moreover, we proposed that the UCN1 content in these neurons may be influenced by sex.

Neuroanatomical evidence and a mouse calcitonin gene-related peptide model in line with human functional magnetic resonance imaging data support the involvement of peptidergic Edinger-Westphal nucleus in migraine

ABSTRACT

The urocortin 1 (UCN1)-expressing centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal (EWcp) nucleus is influenced by circadian rhythms, hormones, stress, and pain, all known migraine triggers. Our study investigated EWcp's potential involvement in migraine. Using RNAscope in situ hybridization and immunostaining, we examined the expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor components in both mouse and human EWcp and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Tracing study examined connection between EWcp and the spinal trigeminal nucleus (STN). The intraperitoneal CGRP injection model of migraine was applied and validated by light-dark box, and von Frey assays in mice, in situ hybridization combined with immunostaining, were used to assess the functional-morphological changes. The functional connectivity matrix of EW was examined using functional magnetic resonance imaging in control humans and interictal migraineurs. We proved the expression of CGRP receptor components in both murine and human DRN and EWcp. We identified a direct urocortinergic projection from EWcp to the STN. Photophobic behavior, periorbital hyperalgesia, increased c-fos gene-encoded protein immunoreactivity in the lateral periaqueductal gray matter and trigeminal ganglia, and phosphorylated c-AMP-responsive element binding protein in the STN supported the efficacy of CGRP-induced migraine-like state. Calcitonin gene-related peptide administration also increased c-fos gene-encoded protein expression, Ucn1 mRNA, and peptide content in EWcp/UCN1 neurons while reducing serotonin and tryptophan hydroxylase-2 levels in the DRN. Targeted ablation of EWcp/UCN1 neurons induced hyperalgesia. A positive functional connectivity between EW and STN as well as DRN has been identified by functional magnetic resonance imaging. The presented data strongly suggest the regulatory role of EWcp/UCN1 neurons in migraine through the STN and DRN with high translational value.

Examination of the Effect of Dimethyl Trisulfide in Acute Stress Mouse Model with the Potential Involvement of the TRPA1 Ion Channel

Polysulfides are endogenously produced in mammals and generally associated with protective functions. Our aim was to investigate the effect of dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) in a mouse model of acute stress. DMTS activates transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels and leads to neuropeptide release, potentially that of substance P (SP). We hypothesize that DMTS might inhibit the degrading enzymes of endocannabinoids, so this system was also investigated as another possible pathway for mediating the effects of DMTS. Trpa1 gene wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice were used to confirm the role of the TRPA1 ion channel in mediating the effects of DMTS. C57BL/6J, NK1 gene KO, and Tac1 gene KO mice were used to evaluate the effect of DMTS on the release and expression of SP. Some C57BL/6J animals were treated with AM251, an inhibitor of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor, to elucidate the role of the endocannabinoid system in these processes. Open field test (OFT) and forced swim test (FST) were performed in each mouse strain. A tail suspension test (TST) was performed in Trpa1 WT and KO animals. C-FOS immunohistochemistry was carried out on Trpa1 WT and KO animals. The DMTS treatment increased the number of highly active periods and decreased immobility time in the FST in WT animals, but had no effect on the Trpa1 KO mice. The DMTS administration induced neuronal activation in the Trpa1 WT mice in the stress-related brain areas, such as the locus coeruleus, dorsal raphe nucleus, lateral septum, paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. DMTS may have a potential role in the regulation of stress-related processes, and the TRPA1 ion channel may also be involved in mediating the effects of DMTS. DMTS can be an ideal candidate for further study as a potential remedy for stress-related disorders.

CNS sites controlling the gastric pyloric sphincter: Neuroanatomical and functional study in the rat

The pyloric sphincter receives parasympathetic vagal innervation from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). However, little is known about its higher-order neurons and the nuclei that engage the DMV neurons controlling the pylorus. The purpose of the present study was twofold. First, to identify neuroanatomical connections between higher-order neurons and the DMV. This was carried out by using the transneuronal pseudorabies virus PRV-152 injected into rat pylorus torus and examining the brains of these animals for PRV labeling. Second, to identify the specific sites within the DMV that functionally control the motility and tone of the pyloric sphincter. For these studies, experiments were performed to assess the effect of DMV stimulation on pylorus activity in urethane-anesthetized male rats. A strain gauge force transducer was sutured onto the pyloric tonus to monitor tone and motility. L-glutamate (500 pmol/30 nL) was microinjected unilaterally into the rostral and caudal areas of the DMV. Data from the first study indicated that neurons labeled with PRV occurred in the DMV, hindbrain raphe nuclei, midbrain Edinger-Westphal nucleus, ventral tegmental area, lateral habenula, and arcuate nucleus. Data from the second study indicated that microinjected L-glutamate into the rostral DMV results in contraction of the pylorus blocked by intravenously administered atropine and ipsilateral vagotomy. L-glutamate injected into the caudal DMV relaxed the pylorus. This response was abolished by ipsilateral vagotomy but not by intravenously administered atropine or L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME). These findings identify the anatomical and functional brain neurocircuitry involved in controlling the pyloric sphincter. Our results also show that site-specific stimulation of the DMV can differentially influence the activity of the pyloric sphincter by separate vagal nerve pathways.

The Role of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor (CRF) and CRF-Related Peptides in the Social Behavior of Rodents

Since the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) was isolated from an ovine brain, a growing family of CRF-related peptides has been discovered. Today, the mammalian CRF system consists of four ligands (CRF, urocortin 1 (Ucn1), urocortin 2 (Ucn2), and urocortin 3 (Ucn3)); two receptors (CRF receptor type 1 (CRF1) and CRF receptor type 2 (CRF2)); and a CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP). Besides the regulation of the neuroendocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses to stress, CRF and CRF-related peptides are also involved in different aspects of social behavior. In the present study, we review the experiments that investigated the role of CRF and the urocortins involved in the social behavior of rats, mice, and voles, with a special focus on sociability and preference for social novelty, as well as the ability for social recognition, discrimination, and memory. In general, these experiments demonstrate that CRF, Ucn1, Ucn2, and Ucn3 play important, but distinct roles in the social behavior of rodents, and that they are mediated by CRF1 and/or CRF2. In addition, we suggest the possible brain regions and pathways that express CRF and CRF-related peptides and that might be involved in social interactions. Furthermore, we also emphasize the differences between the species, strains, and sexes that make translation of these roles from rodents to humans difficult.

Hypothalamus and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Review

Humans have lived in a dynamic environment fraught with potential dangers for thousands of years. While fear and stress were crucial for the survival of our ancestors, today, they are mostly considered harmful factors, threatening both our physical and mental health. Trauma is a highly stressful, often life-threatening event or a series of events, such as sexual assault, war, natural disasters, burns, and car accidents. Trauma can cause pathological metaplasticity, leading to long-lasting behavioral changes and impairing an individual's ability to cope with future challenges. If an individual is vulnerable, a tremendously traumatic event may result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The hypothalamus is critical in initiating hormonal responses to stressful stimuli via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Linked to the prefrontal cortex and limbic structures, especially the amygdala and hippocampus, the hypothalamus acts as a central hub, integrating physiological aspects of the stress response. Consequently, the hypothalamic functions have been attributed to the pathophysiology of PTSD. However, apart from the well-known role of the HPA axis, the hypothalamus may also play different roles in the development of PTSD through other pathways, including the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes, as well as by secreting growth hormone, prolactin, dopamine, and oxytocin. This review aims to summarize the current evidence regarding the neuroendocrine functions of the hypothalamus, which are correlated with the development of PTSD. A better understanding of the role of the hypothalamus in PTSD could help develop better treatments for this debilitating condition.

Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 ion channel expressed by the Edinger-Westphal nucleus contributes to stress adaptation in murine model of posttraumatic stress disorder

The centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) is involved in stress adaptation. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) mRNA was previously shown to be expressed abundantly in mouse and human EWcp urocortin 1 (UCN1) positive neurons and reacted to chronic stress. Since UCN1 neurons are deeply implicated in stress-related disorders, we hypothesized that TRPA1/UCN1 neurons are also affected in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We examined male Trpa1 wild type (WT) and gene-deficient (KO) mice in the single prolonged stress (SPS) model of PTSD. Two weeks later the behavioral changes were monitored by forced swim test (FST) and restraint. The Trpa1 and Ucn1 mRNA expression and the UCN1 peptide content were assessed by RNAscope in situ hybridization technique combined with immunofluorescence labeling in the EWcp. SPS-induced immobility was lower in Trpa1 KO compared to WT animals, both in the FST and restraint, corresponding to diminished depression-like behavior. The copy number of Trpa1 mRNA decreased significantly in EWcp of WT animals in response to SPS. Higher basal Ucn1 mRNA expression was observed in the EWcp of KO animals, that was not affected by SPS exposure. EWcp neurons of WT animals responded to SPS with substantially increased amount of UCN1 peptide content compared to control animals, whereas such changes were not observable in KO mice. The decreased Trpa1 mRNA expression in the SPS model of PTSD associated with increased neuronal UCN1 peptide content suggests that this cation channel might be involved in the regulation of stress adaptation and may contribute to the pathomechanism of PTSD.

Impaired Compensatory Vasodilatory Effect Mediated by Wolfram Syndrome 1 and Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Family Peptides in 17α-Ethynylestradiol-Induced Intrahepatic Cholestasis Pregnant Rats When Under Additional Acute Hypoxia Stress

Objective

To investigate the possible regulatory mechanism of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), urocortin (UCN), and Wolfram syndrome 1 (WFS1) in 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE)-induced intrahepatic cholestasis pregnant rats and its ischemia reperfusion (IR) model.

Methods

Pregnant rats (n = 60) were randomly divided into four experimental groups by random number table (Control, EE, IR, and EE-IR groups), and were studied on the 17th, 19th, and 21st gestational days (GD) (n = 5 in each group at the indicated time). Growth and development indicators of fetal rats among these four groups were recorded. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to detect CRH, UCN, and WFS1 levels in maternal sera. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used to quantify placental protein and placental mRNA levels of CRH, UCN, and WFS1. Multivariate analysis of variance and least significant difference test were used to establish the group and individual comparisons.

Results

A significant difference was found in placenta weight (F = 8.10, P < 0.05), fetal rat weight (F = 40.86, P < 0.05), fetal rat length (F = 61.61, P < 0.05), and fetal rat tail length (F = 55.63, P < 0.05) among four groups on the 17th ,19th , and 21st GD.What's more, the overall differences of maternal serum UCN levels among Control, EE, IR, and EE-IR groups were significant (F = 2.48, P < 0.05). Expression of WFS1 mRNA in the EE-IR group was significantly increased and higher than Control (0.46 ± 0.15 vs. 0.24 ± 0.09, P < 0.05), EE (0.46 ± 0.15 vs. 0.17 ± 0.04, P > 0.05), and IR (0.46 ± 0.15 vs. 0.22 ± 0.15, P > 0.05) groups at 19th GD, indicating that endoplasmic reticulum stress may be activated. However, the expression of CRH (0.42 ± 0.05 vs. 0.58 ± 0.12, P < 0.05), UCN (0.43 ± 0.01 vs. 0.47 ± 0.16, P > 0.05), and WFS1 (0.57 ± 0.07 vs. 0.74 ± 0.12, P > 0.05) protein in the EE-IR group was subsided compared to the IR group at 17th GD.

Conclusion

Fetal rat growth restriction was found in the EE-induced intrahepatic cholestasis model. This study revealed that significant changes in the maternal sera level of UCN , placental level of WFS1 mRNA and placental levels of CRH, UCN, and WFS1 protein in chronic versus acute stress in a rat model of pregnancy. This suggests an impaired compensatory vasodilatory effect mediated by these factors at gene transcription and protein translation levels, following acute hypoxia stress in EE-induced intrahepatic cholestasis in pregnant rats.

Severe hypoxia exposure inhibits larval brain development but does not affect the capacity to mount a cortisol stress response in zebrafish

Fish nursery habitats are increasingly hypoxic and the brain is recognized as highly hypoxia-sensitive, yet there is a lack of information on the effects of hypoxia on the development and function of the larval fish brain. Here, we tested the hypothesis that by inhibiting brain development, larval exposure to severe hypoxia has persistent functional effects on the cortisol stress response in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Exposing 5 days post-fertilization (dpf) larvae to 10% dissolved O2 (DO) for 16 h only marginally reduced survival, but it decreased forebrain neural proliferation by 55%, and reduced the expression of neurod1, gfap, and mbpa, markers of determined neurons, glia, and oligodendrocytes, respectively. The 5 dpf hypoxic exposure also elicited transient increases in whole body cortisol and in crf, uts1, and hsd20b2 expression, key regulators of the endocrine stress response. Hypoxia exposure at 5 dpf also inhibited the cortisol stress response to hypoxia in 10 dpf larvae and increased hypoxia tolerance. However, 10% DO exposure at 5 dpf for 16h did not affect the cortisol stress response to a novel stressor in 10 dpf larvae or the cortisol stress response to hypoxia in adult fish. Therefore, while larval exposure to severe hypoxia can inhibit brain development, it also increases hypoxia tolerance. These effects may transiently reduce the impact of hypoxia on the cortisol stress response but not its functional capacity to respond to novel stressors. We conclude that the larval cortisol stress response in zebrafish has a high capacity to cope with severe hypoxia-induced neurogenic impairment.

Leptin coordinates efferent sympathetic outflow to the white adipose tissue through the midbrain centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus in male rats

The centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) hosts a large population of neurons expressing urocortin 1 (Ucn1) and about half of these neurons also express the leptin receptor (LepRb). Previously, we have shown that the peripheral adiposity hormone leptin signaling energy surfeit modulates EWcp neurons' activity. Here, we hypothesized that Ucn1/LepRb neurons in the EWcp would act as a crucial neuronal node in the brain-white adipose tissue (WAT) axis modulating efferent sympathetic outflow to the WAT. We showed that leptin bound to neurons of the EWcp stimulated STAT3 phosphorylation, and increased Ucn1-production in a time-dependent manner. Besides, retrograde transneuronal tract-tracing using pseudorabies virus (PRV) identified EWcp Ucn1 neurons connected to WAT. Interestingly, reducing EWcp Ucn1 contents by ablating EWcp LepRb-positive neurons with leptin-saporin, did not affect food intake and body weight gain, but substantially (+26%) increased WAT weight accompanied by a higher plasma leptin level and changed plasma lipid profile. We also found that ablation of EWcp Ucn1/LepRb neurons resulted in lower respiratory quotient and oxygen consumption one week after surgery, but was comparable to sham values after 3 and 5 weeks of surgery. Taken together, we report that EWcp/LepRb/Ucn1 neurons not only respond to leptin signaling but also control WAT size and fat metabolism without altering food intake. These data suggest the existence of a EWcp-WAT circuitry allowing an organism to recruit fuels without being able to eat in situations such as the fight-or-flight response.

Loneliness: An Immunometabolic Syndrome

Loneliness has been defined as an agonizing encounter, experienced when the need for human intimacy is not met adequately, or when a person’s social network does not match their preference, either in number or attributes. This definition helps us realize that the cause of loneliness is not merely being alone, but rather not being in the company we desire. With loneliness being introduced as a measurable, distinct psychological experience, it has been found to be associated with poor health behaviors, heightened stress response, and inadequate physiological repairing activity. With these three major pathways of pathogenesis, loneliness can do much harm; as it impacts both immune and metabolic regulation, altering the levels of inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, acute-phase reactants, chemokines, immunoglobulins, antibody response against viruses and vaccines, and immune cell activity; and affecting stress circuitry, glycemic control, lipid metabolism, body composition, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular function, cognitive function and mental health, respectively. Taken together, there are too many immunologic and metabolic manifestations associated with the construct of loneliness, and with previous literature showcasing loneliness as a distinct psychological experience and a health determinant, we propose that loneliness, in and of itself, is not just a psychosocial phenomenon. It is also an all-encompassing complex of systemic alterations that occur with it, expanding it into a syndrome of events, linked through a shared network of immunometabolic pathology. This review aims to portray a detailed picture of loneliness as an “immunometabolic syndrome”, with its multifaceted pathology.

Gray areas: Neuropeptide circuits linking the Edinger-Westphal and Dorsal Raphe nuclei in addiction

The circuitry of addiction comprises several neural networks including the midbrain - an expansive region critically involved in the control of motivated behaviors. Midbrain nuclei like the Edinger-Westphal (EW) and dorsal raphe (DR) contain unique populations of neurons that synthesize many understudied neuroactive molecules and are encircled by the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Despite the proximity of these special neuron classes to the ventral midbrain complex and surrounding PAG, functions of the EW and DR remain substantially underinvestigated by comparison. Spanning approximately -3.0 to -5.2 mm posterior from bregma in the mouse, these various cell groups form a continuum of neurons that we refer to collectively as the subaqueductal paramedian zone. Defining how these pathways modulate affective behavioral states presents a difficult, yet conquerable challenge for today's technological advances in neuroscience. In this review, we cover the known contributions of different neuronal subtypes of the subaqueductal paramedian zone. We catalogue these cell types based on their spatial, molecular, connectivity, and functional properties and integrate this information with the existing data on the EW and DR in addiction. We next discuss evidence that links the EW and DR anatomically and functionally, highlighting the potential contributions of an EW-DR circuit to addiction-related behaviors. Overall, we aim to derive an integrated framework that emphasizes the contributions of EW and DR nuclei to addictive states and describes how these cell groups function in individuals suffering from substance use disorders. This article is part of the special Issue on 'Neurocircuitry Modulating Drug and Alcohol Abuse'.

Centrally Projecting Edinger-Westphal Nucleus in the Control of Sympathetic Outflow and Energy Homeostasis

The centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) is a midbrain neuronal group, adjacent but segregated from the preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus that projects to the ciliary ganglion. The EWcp plays a crucial role in stress responses and in maintaining energy homeostasis under conditions that require an adjustment of energy expenditure, by virtue of modulating heart rate and blood pressure, thermogenesis, food intake, and fat and glucose metabolism. This modulation is ultimately mediated by changes in the sympathetic outflow to several effector organs, including the adrenal gland, heart, kidneys, brown and white adipose tissues and pancreas, in response to environmental conditions and the animal's energy state, providing for appropriate energy utilization. Classic neuroanatomical studies have shown that the EWcp receives inputs from forebrain regions involved in these functions and projects to presympathetic neuronal populations in the brainstem. Transneuronal tracing with pseudorabies virus has demonstrated that the EWcp is connected polysynaptically with central circuits that provide sympathetic innervation to all these effector organs that are critical for stress responses and energy homeostasis. We propose that EWcp integrates multimodal signals (stress, thermal, metabolic, endocrine, etc.) and modulates the sympathetic output simultaneously to multiple effector organs to maintain energy homeostasis under different conditions that require adjustments of energy demands.

The CRF Family of Neuropeptides and their Receptors - Mediators of the Central Stress Response

Background:

Dysregulated stress neurocircuits, caused by genetic and/or environmental changes, underlie the development of many neuropsychiatric disorders. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is the major physiological activator of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and conse-quently a primary regulator of the mammalian stress response. Together with its three family members, urocortins (UCNs) 1, 2, and 3, CRF integrates the neuroendocrine, autonomic, metabolic and behavioral responses to stress by activating its cognate receptors CRFR1 and CRFR2.

Objective:

Here we review the past and current state of the CRF/CRFR field, ranging from pharmacologi-cal studies to genetic mouse models and virus-mediated manipulations.

Results:

Although it is well established that CRF/CRFR1 signaling mediates aversive responses, includ-ing anxiety and depression-like behaviors, a number of recent studies have challenged this viewpoint by revealing anxiolytic and appetitive properties of specific CRF/CRFR1 circuits. In contrast, the UCN/CRFR2 system is less well understood and may possibly also exert divergent functions on physiol-ogy and behavior depending on the brain region, underlying circuit, and/or experienced stress conditions.

Conclusion:

A plethora of available genetic tools, including conventional and conditional mouse mutants targeting CRF system components, has greatly advanced our understanding about the endogenous mecha-nisms underlying HPA system regulation and CRF/UCN-related neuronal circuits involved in stress-related behaviors. Yet, the detailed pathways and molecular mechanisms by which the CRF/UCN-system translates negative or positive stimuli into the final, integrated biological response are not completely un-derstood. The utilization of future complementary methodologies, such as cell-type specific Cre-driver lines, viral and optogenetic tools will help to further dissect the function of genetically defined CRF/UCN neurocircuits in the context of adaptive and maladaptive stress responses.

Both Basal and Acute Restraint Stress-Induced c-Fos Expression Is Influenced by Age in the Extended Amygdala and Brainstem Stress Centers in Male Rats

The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is the main regulator of the stress response. The key of the HPA is the parvocellular paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (pPVN) controlled by higher-order limbic stress centers. The reactivity of the HPA axis is considered to be a function of age, but to date, little is known about the background of this age-dependency. Sporadic literature data suggest that the stress sensitivity as assessed by semi-quantitation of the neuronal activity marker c-Fos may also be influenced by age. Here, we aimed at investigating the HPA activity and c-Fos immunoreactivity 2 h after the beginning of a single 60 min acute restraint stress in eight age groups of male Wistar rats. We hypothesized that the function of the HPA axis (i.e., pPVN c-Fos and blood corticosterone (CORT) level), the neuronal activity of nine stress-related limbic areas (i.e., magnocellular PVN (mPVN), medial (MeA), central (CeA), basolateral nuclei of the amygdala, the oval (ovBNST), dorsolateral (dlBNST), dorsomedial (dmBNST), ventral and fusiform (fuBNST) divisions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST)), and two brainstem stress centers such as the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (cpEW) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) show age dependency in their c-Fos response. The somatosensory barrel cortex area (S1) was evaluated to test whether the age dependency is specific for stress-centers. Our results indicate that the stress-induced rise in blood CORT titer was lower in young age reflecting relatively low HPA activity. All 12 stress-related brain areas showed c-Fos response that peaked at 2 months of age. The magnitude of c-Fos immunoreactivity correlated negatively with age in seven regions (MeA, CeA, ovBNST, dlBNST, dmBNST, fuBNST and pPVN). Unexpectedly, the CeA, ovBNST and cpEW showed a considerable basal c-Fos expression in 1-month-old rats which decreased with age. The S1 showed a U-shaped age-related dynamics in contrast to the decline observed in stress centers. We conclude that the age- and brain area dependent dynamics in stress-induced neuronal activity pattern may contribute to the age dependance of the stress reactivity. Further studies are in progress to determine the neurochemical identity of neurons showing age-dependent basal and/or stress-induced c-Fos expression.

The Influence of Early Life Experience on Visceral Pain

Pain is the most reported and troublesome symptom of nearly all functional disorders affecting the genitourinary and gastrointestinal organs. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS), vulvodynia, and/or chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS; collectively termed chronic pelvic pain syndromes) report pain severe enough to impact quality of life and often suffer from symptoms of or are diagnosed with more than one of these syndromes. This increased comorbidity between chronic pelvic pain syndromes, and with pain disorders of disparate body regions, as well as with mood disorders, can be influenced by disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the response to stress and influences the perception of pain. Experiencing trauma, neglect, or abuse in early life can permanently affect the functioning of the HPA axis. As such, a significant proportion of patients suffering from comorbid chronic pelvic pain syndromes report a history of early life stress or trauma. Here we will report on how these early life experiences influence chronic pelvic pain in patients. We will also discuss various rodent models that have been developed to study this phenomenon to understand the mechanisms underlying HPA axis dysfunction, as well as potential underlying mechanisms connecting these syndromes to one another.

Second-trimester amniotic fluid corticotropin-releasing hormone and urocortin in relation to maternal stress and fetal growth in human pregnancy

This study explored the association between the acute psychobiological stress response, chronic social overload and amniotic fluid corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and urocortin (UCN) in 34 healthy, second-trimester pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis. The study further examined the predictive value of second-trimester amniotic fluid CRH and UCN for fetal growth and neonatal birth outcome. The amniocentesis served as a naturalistic stressor, during which maternal state anxiety and salivary cortisol was measured repeatedly and an aliquot of amniotic fluid was collected. The pregnant women additionally completed a questionnaire on chronic social overload. Fetal growth parameters were obtained at amniocentesis using fetal ultrasound biometry and at birth from medical records. The statistical analyzes revealed that the acute maternal psychobiological stress response was unassociated with the amniotic fluid peptides, but that maternal chronic overload and amniotic CRH were positively correlated. Moreover, amniotic CRH was negatively associated with fetal size at amniocentesis and positively with growth in size from amniocentesis to birth. Hardly any studies have previously explored whether acute maternal psychological stress influences fetoplacental CRH or UCN levels significantly. Our findings suggest that (i) chronic, but not acute maternal stress may affect fetoplacental CRH secretion and that (ii) CRH is complexly involved in fetal growth processes as previously shown in animals.

MicroRNA-326 acts as a molecular switch in the regulation of midbrain urocortin 1 expression

BACKGROUND

Altered levels of urocortin 1 (Ucn1) in the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) of depressed suicide attempters or completers mediate the brain's response to stress, while the mechanism regulating Ucn1 expression is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that microRNAs (miRNAs), which are vital fine-tuners of gene expression during the brain's response to stress, have the capacity to modulate Ucn1 expression.

METHODS

Computational analysis revealed that the Ucn1 3' untranslated region contained a conserved binding site for miR-326. We examined miR-326 and Ucn1 levels in the EWcp of depressed suicide completers. In addition, we evaluated miR-326 and Ucn1 levels in the serum and the EWcp of a chronic variable mild stress (CVMS) rat model of behavioural despair and after recovery from CVMS, respectively. Gain and loss of miR-326 function experiments examined the regulation of Ucn1 by this miRNA in cultured midbrain neurons.

RESULTS

We found reduced miR-326 levels concomitant with elevated Ucn1 levels in the EWcp of depressed suicide completers as well as in the EWcp of CVMS rats. In CVMS rats fully recovered from stress, both serum and EWcp miR-326 levels rebounded to nonstressed levels. While downregulation of miR-326 levels in primary midbrain neurons enhanced Ucn1 expression levels, miR-326 overexpression selectively reduced the levels of this neuropeptide.

LIMITATIONS

This study lacked experiments showing that in vivo alteration of miR-326 levels alleviate depression-like behaviours. We show only correlative data for miR-325 and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript levels in the EWcp.

CONCLUSION

We identified miR-326 dysregulation in depressed suicide completers and characterized this miRNA as an upstream regulator of the Ucn1 neuropeptide expression in midbrain neurons.

Patterns of Brain Activation and Meal Reduction Induced by Abdominal Surgery in Mice and Modulation by Rikkunshito

Abdominal surgery inhibits food intake and induces c-Fos expression in the hypothalamic and medullary nuclei in rats. Rikkunshito (RKT), a Kampo medicine improves anorexia. We assessed the alterations in meal microstructure and c-Fos expression in brain nuclei induced by abdominal surgery and the modulation by RKT in mice. RKT or vehicle was gavaged daily for 1 week. On day 8 mice had no access to food for 6–7 h and were treated twice with RKT or vehicle. Abdominal surgery (laparotomy-cecum palpation) was performed 1–2 h before the dark phase. The food intake and meal structures were monitored using an automated monitoring system for mice. Brain sections were processed for c-Fos immunoreactivity (ir) 2-h after abdominal surgery. Abdominal surgery significantly reduced bouts, meal frequency, size and duration, and time spent on meals, and increased inter-meal interval and satiety ratio resulting in 92–86% suppression of food intake at 2–24 h post-surgery compared with control group (no surgery). RKT significantly increased bouts, meal duration and the cumulative 12-h food intake by 11%. Abdominal surgery increased c-Fos in the prelimbic, cingulate and insular cortexes, and autonomic nuclei, such as the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, central amygdala, hypothalamic supraoptic (SON), paraventricular and arcuate nuclei, Edinger-Westphal nucleus (E-W), lateral periaqueduct gray (PAG), lateral parabrachial nucleus, locus coeruleus, ventrolateral medulla and nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS). RKT induced a small increase in c-Fos-ir neurons in the SON and E-W of control mice, and in mice with surgery there was an increase in the lateral PAG and a decrease in the NTS. These findings indicate that abdominal surgery inhibits food intake by increasing both satiation (meal duration) and satiety (meal interval) and activates brain circuits involved in pain, feeding behavior and stress that may underlie the alterations of meal pattern and food intake inhibition. RKT improves food consumption post-surgically that may involve modulation of pain pathway.

Sex and estrogen affect the distribution of urocortin-1 immunoreactivity in brainstem autonomic nuclei of the rat

Urocortin-1 (UCN-1), a neuropeptide closely related to the hypothalamic hormone corticotropin-releasing factor, has been associated with stress, feeding behaviors, cardiovascular control, and to exhibit functional gender differences. This study was done to investigate whether estrogen (E; 17β-estradiol) treatment (9 weeks) altered UCN-1 immunoreactivity in brainstem autonomic nuclei in female Wistar rats. Experiments were done in age matched adult males (controls), females (intact), and ovariectomized (OVX) only and OVX+E (30pg/ml plasma) treated females. All animals received intracerebroventricular injections of colchicine and were then perfused transcardially with Zamboni's fixative. Coronal brainstem sections (40μm) were cut and processed immunohistochemically for UCN-1. In males, moderate UCN-1 fiber labeling was found in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) and throughout the rostral ventral lateral medulla (RVLM). Additionally, a few UCN-1 immunoreactive neurons were observed in hypoglossal nucleus (XII), facial nucleus (FN) and nucleus ambiguus (Amb). In intact females and OVX+E females, fewer UCN-1 labeled fibers were found within NTS compared to males. In contrast, the RVLM was more densely innervated in the female cases. Furthermore, in both intact and OVX+E females UCN-1 labeled neurons were found not only within Amb, FN and XII, but also within NTS, RVLM and nucleus raphé pallidus (RP). In OVX only animals, moderate to dense UCN-1 fiber labeling was observed in the NTS complex and throughout RVLM compared to males and the other female groups. However, in contrast to all other groups, UCN-1 labeled neurons were found in greater number within Amb, FN, NTS, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, XII, RVLM, magnocellular reticular nucleus and RP. These data not only suggest that sex differences exist in the distribution of UCN-1 within brainstem autonomic areas, but that circulating level of E may play an important role with regards to the function of these UCN-1 neurons during stress responses.

Endogenous opioids: opposing stress with a cost

The stress response is characterized by the coordinated engagement of central and peripheral neural systems in response to life-threatening challenges. It has been conserved through evolution and is essential for survival. However, the frequent or continual elicitation of the stress response by repeated or chronic stress, respectively, results in the dysfunction of stress response circuits, ultimately leading to stress-related pathology. In an effort to best respond to stressors, yet at the same time maintain homeostasis and avoid dysfunction, stress response systems are finely balanced and co-regulated by neuromodulators that exert opposing effects. These opposing systems serve to restrain certain stress response systems and promote recovery. However, the engagement of opposing systems comes with the cost of alternate dysfunctions. This review describes, as an example of this dynamic, how endogenous opioids function to oppose the effects of the major stress neuromediator, corticotropin-releasing hormone, and promote recovery from a stress response and how these actions can both protect and be hazardous to health.

Endogenous Opioids: The Downside of Opposing Stress

Our dynamic environment regularly exposes us to potentially life-threatening challenges or stressors. To answer these challenges and maintain homeostasis, the stress response, an innate coordinated engagement of central and peripheral neural systems is initiated. Although essential for survival, the inappropriate initiation of the stress response or its continuation after the stressor is terminated has pathological consequences that have been linked to diverse neuropsychiatric and medical diseases. Substantial individual variability exists in the pathological consequences of stressors. A theme of this Special Issue is that elucidating the basis of individual differences in resilience or its flipside, vulnerability, will greatly advance our ability to prevent and treat stress-related diseases. This can be approached by studying individual differences in "pro-stress" mediators such as corticosteroids or the hypothalamic orchestrator of the stress response, corticotropin-releasing factor. More recently, the recognition of endogenous neuromodulators with "anti-stress" activity that have opposing actions or that restrain stress-response systems suggests additional bases for individual differences in stress pathology. These "anti-stress" neuromodulators offer alternative strategies for manipulating the stress response and its pathological consequences. This review uses the major brain norepinephrine system as a model stress-response system to demonstrate how co-regulation by opposing pro-stress (corticotropin-releasing factor) and anti-stress (enkephalin) neuromodulators must be fine-tuned to produce an adaptive response to stress. The clinical consequences of tipping this fine-tuned balance in the direction of either the pro- or anti-stress systems are emphasized. Finally, that each system provides multiple points at which individual differences could confer stress vulnerability or resilience is discussed.

Central pupillary light reflex circuits in the cat: II. Morphology, ultrastructure, and inputs of preganglionic motoneurons

Preganglionic motoneurons supplying the ciliary ganglion control lens accommodation and pupil diameter. In cats, these motoneurons make up the preganglionic Edinger-Westphal population, which lies rostral, dorsal, and ventral to the oculomotor nucleus. A recent cat study suggested that caudal motoneurons control the lens and rostral motoneurons control the pupil. This led us to examine the morphology, ultrastructure, and pretectal inputs of these populations. Preganglionic motoneurons retrogradely labeled by introducing tracer into the cat ciliary ganglion generally fell into two morphologic categories. Fusiform neurons were located rostrally, in the anteromedian nucleus and between the oculomotor nuclei. Multipolar neurons were found caudally, dorsal and ventral to the oculomotor nucleus. The dendrites of preganglionic motoneurons within the anteromedian nucleus crossed the midline, providing a possible basis for consensual responses. Ultrastructurally, several different classes of synaptic profiles contact preganglionic motoneurons, suggesting that their activity may be modified by a variety of inputs. Furthermore, there were differences in the synaptic populations contacting the rostral vs. caudal populations, supporting the contention that these populations display functional differences. Anterogradely labeled pretectal terminals were observed in close association with labeled preganglionic motoneurons, particularly in the rostral population. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that these terminals, packed with clear, spherical vesicles, made asymmetric synaptic contacts onto motoneurons in the rostral population, indicating that these cells serve the pupillary light reflex. Thus, the preganglionic motoneurons found in the cat display morphologic, ultrastructural, and connectional differences suggesting that this rostral preganglionic population is specialized for pupil control, whereas more caudal elements control the lens.

CRF family peptides are differently altered by acute restraint stress and chronic unpredictable stress

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) acts to promote stress-like physiological and behavioral responses and is mainly expressed in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN). Urocortin 1 (Ucn1) is also a ligand to CRF type 1 and 2 receptors that has been associated with the stress response. Ucn1 neurons are primarily found in the Edinger-Westphal (EW) nucleus. It has been previously proposed that CRF and Ucn1 differently modulate stress responses to distinct types of stressors. The present study used male Wistar rats to compare the effects of acute restraint stress and unpredictable chronic stress (UCS) through Fos-immunoreactivity (Fos-ir) on CRF-containing neurons of PVN and Ucn1-containing EW centrally projecting neurons. Results showed that PVN neurons responded to both acute restraint and UCS. Also for the PVN, unspecific variables, dependent on the time animals remained in the laboratory, do not seem to alter Fos-ir, since no significant differences between acute and chronic control groups were found. On the other hand, EW neurons were only activated in response to acute restraint stress. Also, for this nucleus a significant difference was found between acute and chronic control groups, suggesting that unspecific variables, dependent on the time animals remain in the laboratory, interfere with the nucleus activation. These results suggest that CRF/Ucn1 neuronal circuits encompass two interconnected systems, which are coordinated to respond to acute stressors, but are differentially activated during chronic unpredictable stress.

Integration of stress and leptin signaling by CART producing neurons in the rodent midbrain centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus

Leptin targets the brain to regulate feeding, neuroendocrine function and metabolism. The leptin receptor is present in hypothalamic centers controlling energy metabolism as well as in the centrally projecting Edinger–Westphal nucleus (EWcp), a region implicated in the stress response and in various aspects of stress-related behaviors. We hypothesized that the stress response by cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART)-producing EWcp-neurons would depend on the animal’s energy state. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of changes in energy state (mimicked by low, normal and high leptin levels, which were achieved by 24 h fasting, normal chow and leptin injection, respectively) on the response of CART neurons in the EWcp of rats subjected or not to acute restraint stress. Our data show that leptin treatment alone significantly increases CART mRNA expression in the rat EWcp and that in leptin receptor deficient (db/db) mice, the number of CART producing neurons in this nucleus is reduced. This suggests that leptin has a stimulatory effect on the production of CART in the EWcp under non-stressed condition. Under stressed condition, however, leptin blunts stress-induced activation of EWcp neurons and decreases their CART mRNA expression. Interestingly, fasting, does not influence the stress-induced activation of EWcp-neurons, and specifically EWcp-CART neurons are not activated. These results suggest that the stress response by the EWcp depends to some degree on the animal’s energy state, a mechanism that may contribute to a better understanding of the complex interplay between obesity and stress.

Corticotropin-releasing factor-related peptides, serotonergic systems, and emotional behavior

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a 41-amino acid neuropeptide that is involved in stress-related physiology and behavior, including control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Members of the CRF family of neuropeptides, including urocortin 1 (UCN 1), UCN 2, and UCN 3, bind to the G protein-coupled receptors, CRF type 1 (CRF₁) and CRF₂ receptors. In addition, CRF binding protein (CRFBP) binds both CRF and UCN 1 and can modulate their activities. There are multiple mechanisms through which CRF-related peptides may influence emotional behavior, one of which is through altering the activity of brainstem neuromodulatory systems, including serotonergic systems. CRF and CRF-related peptides act within the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), the major source for serotonin (5-HT) in the brain, to alter the neuronal activity of specific subsets of serotonergic neurons and to influence stress-related behavior. CRF-containing axonal fibers innervate the DR in a topographically organized manner, which may contribute to the ability of CRF to alter the activity of specific subsets of serotonergic neurons. CRF and CRF-related peptides can either increase or decrease serotonergic neuronal firing rates and serotonin release, depending on their concentrations and on the specific CRF receptor subtype(s) involved. This review aims to describe the interactions between CRF-related peptides and serotonergic systems, the consequences for stress-related behavior, and implications for vulnerability to anxiety and affective disorders.

Is it really a matter of simple dualism? Corticotropin-releasing factor receptors in body and mental health

Physiological responses to stress coordinated by the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis are concerned with maintaining homeostasis in the presence of real or perceived challenges. Regulators of this axis are corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) and CRF related neuropeptides, including urocortins 1, 2, and 3. They mediate their actions by binding to CRF receptors (CRFR) 1 and 2, which are located in several stress-related brain regions. The prevailing theory has been that the initiation of and the recovery from an elicited stress response is coordinated by two elements, viz. the (mainly) opposing, but well balanced actions of CRFR1 and CRFR2. Such a dualistic view suggests that CRF/CRFR1 controls the initiation of, and urocortins/CRFR2 mediate the recovery from stress to maintain body and mental health. Consequently, failed adaptation to stress can lead to neuropathology, including anxiety and depression. Recent literature, however, challenges such dualistic and complementary actions of CRFR1 and CRFR2, and suggests that stress recruits CRF system components in a brain area and neuron specific manner to promote adaptation as conditions dictate.

Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor subtype 2 in human colonic mucosa: Down-regulation in ulcerative colitis

AIM: To assess corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 2 (CRF₂) expression in the colon of healthy subjects and patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

METHODS: We examined CRF₂ gene and protein expression in the distal/sigmoid colonic mucosal biopsies from healthy subjects and patients with UC (active or disease in remission), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and functional bowel disease (FBD) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence.

RESULTS: Gene expression of CRF₂ was demonstrated in the normal human colonic biopsies, but not in the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line Caco2. Receptor protein localization showed immunoreactive CRF₂ receptors in the lamina propria and in the epithelial cells of the distal/sigmoid biopsy samples. Interestingly, CRF₂ immunoreactivity was no longer observed in epithelial cells of patients with mild-moderately active UC and disease in remission, while receptor protein expression did not change in the lamina propria. No differences in CRF₂ expression profile were observed in distal/sigmoid intestinal biopsies from HIV infection and FBD patients, showing no signs of inflammation.

CONCLUSION: The down-regulation of the CRF₂ receptor in the distal/sigmoid biopsies of UC patients is indicative of change in CRF₂ signalling associated with the process of inflammation.

Cannabinoid modulation of midbrain urocortin 1 neurones during acute and chronic stress

Neurones in the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) are the main site of urocortin 1 (Ucn1) synthesis in the mammalian brain, and are assumed to play a role in the stress response of the animal. Because endocannabinoid signalling has also been strongly implicated in stress, we hypothesised that endocannabinoids may modulate the functioning of the urocortinergic EWcp. First, using in situ hybridisation, we demonstrated cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) mRNA expression in mouse EWcp-neurones that were Ucn1-negative. Dual- and triple-label immunocytochemistry revealed the presence of CB1R in several GABA-immunopositive fibres juxtaposed to EWcp-Ucn1 neurones. To test functional aspects of such an anatomical constellation, we compared acute (1 h of restraint) and chronic (14 days of chronic mild stress) stress-induced changes in wild-type (WT) and CB1R knockout (CB1R-KO) mice. Acute and especially chronic stress resulted in an increase in Ucn1 content of the EWcp, which was attenuated in CB1R-KO mice. CB1R-KO mice had higher basal and chronic stress-induced adrenocorticotrophin and corticosterone levels and were more anxious on the elevated plus-maze versus WT. Collectively, our results show for the first time EWcp-Ucn1 neurones are putatively innervated by endocannabinoid sensitive, inhibitory, GABAergic afferents. In addition, we provide novel evidence that the absence of the CB1 receptor alters the Ucn1 mRNA and peptide levels in EWcp neurones, concomitant with an augmented stress response and increased anxiety-like behaviour.

Ghrelin regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and restricts anxiety after acute stress

BACKGROUND

Ghrelin plays important roles in glucose metabolism, appetite, and body weight regulation, and recent evidence suggests ghrelin prevents excessive anxiety under conditions of chronic stress.

METHODS

We used ghrelin knockout (ghr-/-) mice to examine the role of endogenous ghrelin in anxious behavior and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) responses to acute stress.

RESULTS

Ghr-/- mice are more anxious after acute restraint stress, compared with wild-type (WT) mice, with three independent behavioral tests. Acute restraint stress exacerbated neuronal activation in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and medial nucleus of the amygdala in ghr-/- mice compared with WT, and exogenous ghrelin reversed this effect. Acute stress increased neuronal activation in the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus in WT but not ghr-/- mice. Ghr-/- mice exhibited a lower corticosterone response after stress, suggesting dysfunctional glucocorticoid negative feedback in the absence of ghrelin. We found no differences in dexamethasone-induced Fos expression between ghr-/- and WT mice, suggesting central feedback was not impaired. Adrenocorticotropic hormone replacement elevated plasma corticosterone in ghr-/-, compared with WT mice, indicating increased adrenal sensitivity. The adrenocorticotropic hormone response to acute stress was significantly reduced in ghr-/- mice, compared with control subjects. Pro-opiomelanocortin anterior pituitary cells express significant growth hormone secretagogue receptor.

CONCLUSIONS

Ghrelin reduces anxiety after acute stress by stimulating the HPA axis at the level of the anterior pituitary. A novel neuronal growth hormone secretagogue receptor circuit involving urocortin 1 neurons in the centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus promotes an appropriate stress response. Thus, ghrelin regulates acute stress and offers potential therapeutic efficacy in human mood and stress disorders.

Peptidergic Edinger-Westphal neurons and the energy-dependent stress response

The continuously changing environment demands for adequate stress responses to maintain the internal dynamic equilibrium of body and mind. A successful stress response requires energy, in an amount matching the severity of the stressor and the type of response ('fight, flight or freeze'). The stress response is generated by the central nervous system, which needs to be informed about both the threatening stressor and the availability of energy. In this review, evidence is considered for a role of the midbrain Edinger-Westphal centrally projecting neuron population (EWcp; synonym: non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus) in the energy-dependent stress adaptation response. It deals with studies on the neurochemical organization of the EWcp with particular reference to the neuropeptides urocortin-1 and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide, on the EWcp responses to different types of stressor (e.g., acute and chronic) and a changed energy state (e.g., fasting and leptin change), and on the sex-specificity of these responses. Finally, a model is presented for the way the EWcp might contribute to the coordination of the energy-dependent stress adaptation response.

Experimental neuropathy increases limbic forebrain CRF

Neuropathic pain is often accompanied by stress, anxiety and depression. Although there is evidence for involvement of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), the detailed neuronal basis of these pain-related mood alterations is unknown. This study shows that peripheral mononeuropathy was accompanied by changes in limbic forebrain CRF, but did not lead to changes in the functioning of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis and the midbrain Edinger-Westphal centrally projecting (EWcp) neuron population, which play main roles in the organism's response to acute pain. Twenty-four days after chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the rat sciatic nerve, the oval bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTov) contained substantially more Crf mRNA as did the central amygdala (CeA), which, in addition, possessed more CRF. In contrast, Crf mRNA and CRF contents of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) were unaffected by CCI. Similarly, EWcp neurons, producing the CRF family member urocortin 1 (Ucn1) and constitutively activated by various stressors including acute pain, did not show an effect of CCI on Ucn1 mRNA or Ucn1. Also, the immediate early gene products cFos and deltaFosB in the EWcp were unaffected by CCI. These results indicate that neuropathic pain does not act via the HPA-axis or the EWcp, but includes a main role of Crf in the limbic system, which is in clear contrast to stressors like acute and chronic pain, which primarily act on the PVN and the EWcp.

Urocortins: CRF's siblings and their potential role in anxiety, depression and alcohol drinking behavior

It is widely accepted that stress, anxiety, depression and alcohol abuse-related disorders are in large part controlled by corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors. However, evidence is accumulating that some of the actions on these receptors are mediated not by CRF, but by a family of related Urocortin (Ucn) peptides Ucn1, Ucn2 and Ucn3. The initial narrow focus on CRF as the potential main player acting on CRF receptors appears outdated. Instead it is suggested that CRF and the individual Ucns act in a complementary and brain region-specific fashion to regulate anxiety-related behaviors and alcohol consumption. This review, based on a symposium held in 2011 at the research meeting on "Alcoholism and Stress" in Volterra, Italy, highlights recent evidence for regulation of these behaviors by Ucns. In studies on stress and anxiety, the roles of Ucns, and in particular Ucn1, appear more visible in experiments analyzing adaptation to stressors rather than testing basal anxiety states. Based on these studies, we propose that the contribution of Ucn1 to regulating mood follows a U-like pattern with both high and low activity of Ucn1 contributing to high anxiety states. In studies on alcohol use disorders, the CRF system appears to regulate not only dependence-induced drinking, but also binge drinking and even basal consumption of alcohol. While dependence-induced and binge drinking rely on the actions of CRF on CRFR1 receptors, alcohol consumption in models of these behaviors is inhibited by actions of Ucns on CRFR2. In contrast, alcohol preference is positively influenced by actions of Ucn1, which is capable of acting on both CRFR1 and CRFR2. Because of complex distribution of Ucns in the nervous system, advances in this field will critically depend on development of new tools allowing site-specific analyses of the roles of Ucns and CRF.

Leptin and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal stress axis

Leptin is a 16-kDa protein mainly produced and secreted by white adipose tissue and informing various brain centers via leptin receptor long and short forms about the amount of fat stored in the body. In this way leptin exerts a plethora of regulatory functions especially related to energy intake and metabolism, one of which is controlling the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) stress axis. First, this review deals with the basic properties of leptin's structure and signaling at the organ, cell and molecule level, from lower vertebrates to humans but with emphasis on rodents because these have been investigated in most detail. Then, attention is given to the various interactions of adipose leptin with the HPA-axis, at the levels of the hypothalamus (especially the paraventricular nucleus), the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (action on corticotropes) and the adrenal gland, where it releases corticosteroids needed for adequate stress adaptation. Also, possible local production and autocrine and paracrine actions of leptin at the hypothalamic and pituitary levels of the HPA-axis are being considered. Finally, a schematic model is presented showing the ways peripherally and centrally produced leptin may modulate, via the HPA-axis, stress adaptation in conjunction with the control of energy homeostasis.

Characterization of Genetic Differences within the Centrally Projecting Edinger-Westphal Nucleus of C57BL/6J and DBA/2J Mice by Expression Profiling

Detailed examination of the midbrain Edinger–Westphal (EW) nucleus revealed the existence of two distinct nuclei. One population of EW preganglionic (EWpg) neurons was found to control oculomotor functions, and a separate population of EW centrally projecting (EWcp) neurons was found to contain stress- and feeding-related neuropeptides. Although it has been shown that EWcp neurons are highly responsive to drugs of abuse and behavioral stress, a genetic characterization of the EWcp was needed. To identify genetic differences in the EWcp of inbred mouse strains that differ in behaviors relevant to EWcp function, we used publicly available tools from the Allen Brain Atlas to identify 68 transcripts that were selectively expressed in the EWcp, and examined their expression within tissue punch microdissection samples containing the EWcp of adult male C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) mice. Using 96-well quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) arrays that included the EWcp-specific genes, several other genes of interest, and five housekeeping genes, we identified strain differences in expression of 11 EWcp-specific genes (BC023892, Btg3, Bves, Cart, Cck, Ghsr, Neto1, Postn, Ptprn, Rcn1, and Ucn), two immediate early genes (Egr1 and Fos), and one dopamine-related gene (Drd5). All significant expression differences were greater in B6 vs. D2 mice, and several of these were verified either at the protein level using immunohistochemistry (IHC) or in silico using microarray data sets from whole brain and other brain areas. These results demonstrate a significant advance in our understanding of the EWcp on three levels. First, we generated a list of EWcp-specific genes (most of which had not yet been reported within the EWcp in the literature) that will be informative for future studies of EWcp function. Second, due to similarity in results from qPCR and IHC, we revealed that strain differences in basal EWcp neuropeptide content are accounted for by differential transcription and number of peptidergic neurons, rather than by differential rates of peptide release. And third, our identification of differentially expressed EWcp-specific genes between B6 and D2 mice may hold powerful insight into the neurogenetic contributions of the EWcp to stress- and addiction-related behaviors.

The behavioral phenotype of pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide-deficient mice in anxiety and depression tests is accompanied by blunted c-Fos expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, central projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus, ventral lateral septum, and dorsal raphe nucleus

Pituitary adenylate-cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) has been implicated in the (patho)physiology of stress-adaptation. PACAP deficient (PACAP(-/-)) mice show altered anxiety levels and depression-like behavior, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms in stress-related brain areas. Therefore, we aimed at investigating PACAP(-/-) mice in light-dark box, marble burying, open field, and forced swim paradigms. We also analyzed whether the forced swim test-induced c-Fos expression would be affected by PACAP deficiency in the following stress-related brain areas: magno- and parvocellular paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN); basolateral (BLA), medial (MeA), and central (CeA) amygdaloid nuclei; ventral (BSTv), dorsolateral (BSTdl), dorsomedial (BSTdm), and oval (BSTov) nuclei of the bed nucleus of stria terminalis; dorsal (dLS) and ventral parts (vLS) of lateral septal nucleus, central projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp), dorsal (dPAG) and lateral (lPAG) periaqueductal gray matter, dorsal raphe nucleus (DR). Our results revealed that PACAP(-/-) mice showed greatly reduced anxiety and increased locomotor activity compared with wildtypes. In forced swim test PACAP(-/-) mice showed increased depression-like behavior. Forced swim exposure increased c-Fos expression in all examined brain areas in wildtypes, whereas this was markedly blunted in the DR, EWcp, BSTov, BSTdl, BSTv, PVN, vLS, dPAG, and in the lPAG of PACAP(-/-) mice vs. wildtypes, strongly suggesting their involvement in the behavioral phenotype of PACAP(-/-) mice. PACAP deficiency did not influence the c-Fos response in the CeA, MeA, BSTdm, and dLS. Therefore, we propose that PACAP exerts a brain area-specific effect on stress-induced neuronal activation and it might contribute to stress-related mood disorders.

The Edinger-Westphal nucleus: a historical, structural, and functional perspective on a dichotomous terminology

The eponymous term nucleus of Edinger-Westphal (EW) has come to be used to describe two juxtaposed and somewhat intermingled cell groups of the midbrain that differ dramatically in their connectivity and neurochemistry. On one hand, the classically defined EW is the part of the oculomotor complex that is the source of the parasympathetic preganglionic motoneuron input to the ciliary ganglion (CG), through which it controls pupil constriction and lens accommodation. On the other hand, EW is applied to a population of centrally projecting neurons involved in sympathetic, consumptive, and stress-related functions. This terminology problem arose because the name EW has historically been applied to the most prominent cell collection above or between the somatic oculomotor nuclei (III), an assumption based on the known location of the preganglionic motoneurons in monkeys. However, in many mammals, the nucleus designated as EW is not made up of cholinergic, preganglionic motoneurons supplying the CG and instead contains neurons using peptides, such as urocortin 1, with diverse central projections. As a result, the literature has become increasingly confusing. To resolve this problem, we suggest that the term EW be supplemented with terminology based on connectivity. Specifically, we recommend that 1) the cholinergic, preganglionic neurons supplying the CG be termed the Edinger-Westphal preganglionic (EWpg) population and 2) the centrally projecting, peptidergic neurons be termed the Edinger-Westphal centrally projecting (EWcp) population. The history of this nomenclature problem and the rationale for our solutions are discussed in this review.

Corticotropin-releasing factor and urocortin I activate CREB through functionally selective Gβγ signaling in hippocampal pyramidal neurons

Stress is a perceived perturbation in the environment of the organism that affects numerous extrahypothalamic brain regions including the hippocampus, a limbic structure critical for learning, spatial memory and the regulation of stress hormones. Though many effects of stress on the hippocampus are mediated via local glucocorticoid action, there is now ample evidence for the contributions of the stress peptides corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin I (UCN). Thus, understanding the intracellular signaling pathways activated by stress peptides is required to fully understand the mechanisms by which stress influences the hippocampus. Here we elucidate molecular mechanisms by which CRF and UCN induce phosphorylation of the activity-dependent transcription factor CREB, a molecule critical for numerous forms of neuronal plasticity. We report that nanomolar concentrations of both CRF and UCN lead to a rapid, CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1)- and Gβγ-dependent increase in CREB phosphorylation in rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Interestingly, CRF- and UCN-induced signaling pathways diverge downstream of Gβγ, with UCN, but not CRF, signaling to CREB via a MEK/MAPK-dependent pathway. These data suggest novel molecular mechanisms by which stress can directly impact hippocampal neurons, as well as highlight an emerging role for Gβγ signaling in mediating the effects of stress peptides in extrahypothalamic stress-responsive brain regions.

Sex-specific differences in the dynamics of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript and nesfatin-1 expressions in the midbrain of depressed suicide victims vs. controls

An intriguing novel pathophysiological insight into mood disorders is the notion that one's metabolic status influences mood. In rodents, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and nesfatin-1/NUCB2 have not only been implicated in metabolism, but in the pathobiology of anxiety and depressive-like behaviour, however they have not previously been investigated in depressed subjects. Both peptides are highly expressed in centrally projecting neurons in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) in the midbrain. The EWcp has been implicated in stress adaptation and stress-related mood disorders like major depressive disorder in a sex-specific manner. This is intriguing, given the fact that females have higher prevalence of mood disorders. Here, we hypothesized that the expression of CART and nesfatin-1 in EWcp would exhibit a sex-specific difference between depressed suicide victims vs. controls. We found that CART and nesfatin/NUCB2 colocalized in the human EWcp, and that CART mRNA content was much higher in both male (×3.8) and female (×5.9) drug-free suicide victims than in controls (persons who died without any diagnosed neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorder). Similarly, NUCB2 mRNA content was also higher (×1.8) in male suicides, whereas in female suicide victims, these contents were ×2.7 lower compared to controls. These observations are the first to show changes in the dynamics of CART and nesfatin/NUCB2 expressions in the midbrain of drug-free depressed suicide victims vs. controls. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Anxiety and Depression'.

Does midbrain urocortin 1 matter? A 15-year journey from stress (mal)adaptation to energy metabolism

This review summarizes some of the milestones of the research on the biological functions(s) of midbrain urocortin 1 (Ucn1) since its discovery 15 years ago. Detailed characterization of Ucn1 in the midbrain revealed its overall significance in food intake and regulation of homeostatic equilibrium and mood under stress. In addition, we have recently found a conspicuous alteration in midbrain Ucn1 levels in brains of depressed suicide victims. Furthermore, from the results from the genetically modified animals, a picture is emerging where corticotrophin-releasing factor promotes the initial reactions to stress, whereas Ucn1 seems to be crucial for management of the later adaptive phase. In the case of imbalance in action of these principle stress mediators, vulnerability to stress-related brain diseases is enhanced.

Centrally administered urocortin 3 inhibits food intake and gastric emptying in mice

Urocortin 3 (Ucn3) is recognized as a member of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family, which plays an important role in regulating food intake. We investigated the effects of centrally administered Ucn3 on food intake and gastric emptying in mice. Intracerebroventricular (ICV)administration of Ucn3 (0.1–1 nmol per mouse) decreased food intake in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of Ucn3 on food intake was less potent than that of centrally administered CRF and Urocortin 1. ICV administration of Ucn3 (0.1–1 nmol per mouse) decreased the gastric emptying rate in a dose-dependent manner. Ucn3 decreased food intake in high-fat diet-fed obese mice as well as in lean mice. These results indicated that Ucn3 influences feeding behavior and gut motility, and may be a promising therapeutic target in the treatment of eating and functional gastrointestinal disorders.