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Palamarchuk IS, Slavich GM, Vaillancourt T, Rajji TK. Stress-related cellular pathophysiology as a crosstalk risk factor for neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:65. [PMID: 38087196 PMCID: PMC10714507 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00831-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In this narrative review, we examine biological processes linking psychological stress and cognition, with a focus on how psychological stress can activate multiple neurobiological mechanisms that drive cognitive decline and behavioral change. First, we describe the general neurobiology of the stress response to define neurocognitive stress reactivity. Second, we review aspects of epigenetic regulation, synaptic transmission, sex hormones, photoperiodic plasticity, and psychoneuroimmunological processes that can contribute to cognitive decline and neuropsychiatric conditions. Third, we explain mechanistic processes linking the stress response and neuropathology. Fourth, we discuss molecular nuances such as an interplay between kinases and proteins, as well as differential role of sex hormones, that can increase vulnerability to cognitive and emotional dysregulation following stress. Finally, we explicate several testable hypotheses for stress, neurocognitive, and neuropsychiatric research. Together, this work highlights how stress processes alter neurophysiology on multiple levels to increase individuals' risk for neurocognitive and psychiatric disorders, and points toward novel therapeutic targets for mitigating these effects. The resulting models can thus advance dementia and mental health research, and translational neuroscience, with an eye toward clinical application in cognitive and behavioral neurology, and psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna S Palamarchuk
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J1H4, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Division of Neurology, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - George M Slavich
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tracy Vaillancourt
- Counselling Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tarek K Rajji
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 1001 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON, M6J1H4, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto Dementia Research Alliance, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Beamish SB, Frick KM. A Putative Role for Ubiquitin-Proteasome Signaling in Estrogenic Memory Regulation. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:807215. [PMID: 35145382 PMCID: PMC8821141 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.807215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones such as 17β-estradiol (E2) are critical neuromodulators of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-dependent memory in both males and females. However, the mechanisms through which E2 regulates memory formation in both sexes remain unclear. Research to date suggests that E2 regulates hippocampus-dependent memory by activating numerous cell-signaling cascades to promote the synthesis of proteins that support structural changes at hippocampal synapses. However, this work has largely overlooked the equally important contributions of protein degradation mediated by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in remodeling the synapse. Despite being critically implicated in synaptic plasticity and successful formation of long-term memories, it remains unclear whether protein degradation mediated by the UPS is necessary for E2 to exert its beneficial effects on hippocampal plasticity and memory formation. The present article provides an overview of the receptor and signaling mechanisms so far identified as critical for regulating hippocampal E2 and UPS function in males and females, with a particular emphasis on the ways in which these mechanisms overlap to support structural integrity and protein composition of hippocampal synapses. We argue that the high degree of correspondence between E2 and UPS activity warrants additional study to examine the contributions of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation in regulating the effects of sex steroid hormones on cognition.
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The Impact of Estradiol on Neurogenesis and Cognitive Functions in Alzheimer's Disease. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2019; 40:283-299. [PMID: 31502112 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-019-00733-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is described as cognitive and memory impairments with a sex-related epidemiological profile, affecting two times more women than men. There is emerging evidence that alternations in the hippocampal neurogenesis occur at the early stage of AD. Therapies that may effectively slow, stop, or regenerate the dying neurons in AD are being extensively investigated in the last few decades, but none has yet been found to be effective. The regulation of endogenous neurogenesis is one of the main therapeutic targets for AD. Mounting evidence indicates that the neurosteroid estradiol (17β-estradiol) plays a supporting role in neurogenesis, neuronal activity, and synaptic plasticity of AD. This effect may provide preventive and/or therapeutic approaches for AD. In this article, we discuss the molecular mechanism of potential estradiol modulatory action on endogenous neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive function in AD.
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Tingskov SJ, Choi HJ, Holst MR, Hu S, Li C, Wang W, Frøkiær J, Nejsum LN, Kwon TH, Nørregaard R. Vasopressin-Independent Regulation of Aquaporin-2 by Tamoxifen in Kidney Collecting Ducts. Front Physiol 2019; 10:948. [PMID: 31447686 PMCID: PMC6695565 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) mediates water reabsorption in the kidney collecting ducts through regulation of aquaporin-2 (AQP2). Also, estrogen has been known to regulate AQP2. Consistently, we previously demonstrated that tamoxifen (TAM), a selective estrogen receptor modulator, attenuates the downregulation of AQP2 in lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI). In this study, we investigated the AVP-independent regulation of AQP2 by TAM and the therapeutic effect of TAM on the dysregulation of AQP2 and impaired urinary concentration in a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) model. Primary cultured inner medullary collecting duct (IMCD) cells from kidneys of male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with TAM. Rats subjected to 7 days of UUO were treated with TAM by oral gavage. Changes of intracellular trafficking and expression of AQP2 were evaluated by quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. TAM induced AQP2 protein expression and intracellular trafficking in primary cultured IMCD cells, which were independent of the vasopressin V2 receptor (V2R) and cAMP activation, the critical pathways involved in AVP-stimulated regulation of AQP2. TAM attenuated the downregulation of AQP2 in TGF-β treated IMCD cells and IMCD suspensions prepared from UUO rats. TAM administration in vivo attenuated the downregulation of AQP2, associated with an improvement of urinary concentration in UUO rats. In addition, TAM increased CaMKII expression, suggesting that calmodulin signaling pathway is likely to be involved in the TAM-mediated AQP2 regulation. In conclusion, TAM is involved in AQP2 regulation in a vasopressin-independent manner and improves urinary concentration by attenuating the downregulation of AQP2 and maintaining intracellular trafficking in UUO.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyo-Jung Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Mikkel R Holst
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Shan Hu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Hypertension, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunling Li
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Hypertension, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weidong Wang
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Institute of Hypertension, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jørgen Frøkiær
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lene N Nejsum
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tae-Hwan Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Rikke Nørregaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Yousuf H, Smies CW, Hafenbreidel M, Tuscher JJ, Fortress AM, Frick KM, Mueller D. Infralimbic Estradiol Enhances Neuronal Excitability and Facilitates Extinction of Cocaine Seeking in Female Rats via a BDNF/TrkB Mechanism. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:168. [PMID: 31417375 PMCID: PMC6684748 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Women are more susceptible to developing cocaine dependence than men, but paradoxically, are more responsive to treatment. The potent estrogen, 17β-estradiol (E2), mediates these effects by augmenting cocaine seeking but also promoting extinction of cocaine seeking through E2's memory-enhancing functions. Although we have previously shown that E2 facilitates extinction, the neuroanatomical locus of action and underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here we demonstrate that E2 infused directly into the infralimbic-medial prefrontal cortex (IL-mPFC), a region critical for extinction consolidation, enhances extinction of cocaine seeking in ovariectomized (OVX) female rats. Using patch-clamp electrophysiology, we show that E2 may facilitate extinction by potentiating intrinsic excitability of IL-mPFC neurons. Because the mnemonic effects of E2 are known to be regulated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), we examined whether BDNF/TrkB signaling was necessary for E2-induced enhancement of excitability and extinction. We found that E2-mediated increases in excitability of IL-mPFC neurons were abolished by Trk receptor blockade. Moreover, blockade of TrkB signaling impaired E2-facilitated extinction of cocaine seeking in OVX female rats. Thus, E2 enhances IL-mPFC neuronal excitability in a TrkB-dependent manner to support extinction of cocaine seeking. Our findings suggest that pharmacological enhancement of E2 or BDNF/TrkB signaling during extinction-based therapies would improve therapeutic outcome in cocaine-addicted women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Yousuf
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Chad W Smies
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Madalyn Hafenbreidel
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Jennifer J Tuscher
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ashley M Fortress
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Karyn M Frick
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Devin Mueller
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
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Possible Existence of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Hippocampal (HPH) Axis: A Reciprocal Relationship Between Hippocampal Specific Neuroestradiol Synthesis and Neuroblastosis in Ageing Brains with Special Reference to Menopause and Neurocognitive Disorders. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:1781-1795. [PMID: 31254250 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02833-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus-derived neuroestradiol plays a major role in neuroplasticity, independent of circulating estradiol that originates from gonads. The response of hypothalamus-pituitary regions towards the synthesis of neuroestradiol in the hippocampus is an emerging scientific concept in cognitive neuroscience. Hippocampal plasticity has been proposed to be regulated via neuroblasts, a major cellular determinant of functional neurogenesis in the adult brain. Defects in differentiation, integration and survival of neuroblasts in the hippocampus appear to be an underlying cause of neurocognitive disorders. Gonadotropin receptors and steroidogenic enzymes have been found to be expressed in neuroblasts in the hippocampus of the brain. However, the reciprocal relationship between hippocampal-specific neuroestradiol synthesis along neuroblastosis and response of pituitary based feedback regulation towards regulation of estradiol level in the hippocampus have not completely been ascertained. Therefore, this conceptual article revisits (1) the cellular basis of neuroestradiol synthesis (2) a potential relationship between neuroestradiol synthesis and neuroblastosis in the hippocampus (3) the possible involvement of aberrant neuroestradiol production with mitochondrial dysfunctions and dyslipidemia in menopause and adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders and (4) provides a hypothesis for the possible existence of the hypothalamic-pituitary-hippocampal (HPH) axis in the adult brain. Eventually, understanding the regulation of hippocampal neurogenesis by abnormal levels of neuroestradiol concentration in association with the feedback regulation of HPH axis might provide additional cues to establish a neuroregenerative therapeutic management for mood swings, depression and cognitive decline in menopause and neurocognitive disorders.
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Mitra S, Sameer Kumar GS, Tiwari V, Lakshmi BJ, Thakur SS, Kumar S. Implication of Genetic Deletion of Wdr13 in Mice: Mild Anxiety, Better Performance in Spatial Memory Task, with Upregulation of Multiple Synaptic Proteins. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:73. [PMID: 27625594 PMCID: PMC5003927 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
WDR13 expresses from the X chromosome and has a highly conserved coding sequence. There have been multiple associations of WDR13 with memory. However, its detailed function in context of brain and behavior remains unknown. We characterized the behavioral phenotype of 2 month old male mice lacking the homolog of WDR13 gene (Wdr13−/0). Taking cue from analysis of its expression in the brain, we chose hippocampus for molecular studies to delineate its function. Wdr13−/0 mice spent less time in the central area of the open field test (OFT) and with the novel object in novel object recognition test (NOR) as compared to the wild-type. However, these mice didn't show any significant changes in total time spent in arms or in frequency of arm entries in elevated plus maze (EPM). In the absence of Wdr13, there was a significant upregulation of synaptic proteins, viz., SYN1, RAB3A, CAMK2A etc. accompanied with increased spine density of hippocampal CA1 neurons and better spatial memory in mice as measured by increased time spent in the target quadrant of Morris water maze (MWM) during probe test. Parallel study from our lab has established c-JUN, ER α/β, and HDAC 1,3,7 as interacting partners of WDR13. WDR13 represses transcription from AP1 (c-JUN responsive) and Estrogen Receptor Element (ERE) promoters. We hypothesized that absence of Wdr13 would result in de-regulated expression of a number of genes including multiple synaptic genes leading to the observed phenotype. Knocking down Wdr13 in Neuro2a cell lines led to increased transcripts of Camk2a and Nrxn2 consistent with in-vivo results. Summarily, our data provides functional evidence for the role of Wdr13 in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiladitya Mitra
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Hyderabad, India
| | - Ghantasala S Sameer Kumar
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Hyderabad, India
| | - Vivek Tiwari
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Hyderabad, India
| | - B Jyothi Lakshmi
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Hyderabad, India
| | - Suman S Thakur
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Hyderabad, India
| | - Satish Kumar
- Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Hyderabad, India
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Pardutz A, Hoyk Z, Varga H, Vecsei L, Schoenen J. Oestrogen-Modulated Increase of Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II (CamKII) in Rat Spinal Trigeminal Nucleus After Systemic Nitroglycerin. Cephalalgia 2016; 27:46-53. [PMID: 17212683 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2982.2006.01244.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Migraine can be triggered by systemic administration of the nitric oxide (NO) donor nitroglycerin (NTG) and by abrupt falls in plasma oestradiol. Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CamKII) present in superficial dorsal horns is thought to play a role in sensitization of central nociceptors, a phenomen present in migraineurs. We therefore examined in rats the expression of CamKII in the caudal trigeminal nucleus (TNC) after subcutaneous NTG (10 mg/kg) and its modulation by oestrogen. In male rats and in ovariectomized females, after 4 h NTG increased significantly CamKII expression in the superficial layers of TNC, but not in the upper thoracic spinal cord. NTG had no effect on CamKII expression in oestradiol-treated ovariectomized animals. Thus NTG, i.e. NO, selectively enhances CamKII in the rat TNC and oestradiol blocks this effect. These data may help to understand the mechanisms by which NO triggers migraine attacks and oestrogens influence migraine severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pardutz
- Research Centre for Cellular & Molecular Neurobiology, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Abstract
UNLABELLED A decline in estradiol (E2)-mediated cognitive benefits denotes a critical window for the therapeutic effects of E2, but the mechanism for closing of the critical window is unknown. We hypothesized that upregulating the expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) or estrogen receptor β (ERβ) in the hippocampus of aged animals would restore the therapeutic potential of E2 treatments and rejuvenate E2-induced hippocampal plasticity. Female rats (15 months) were ovariectomized, and, 14 weeks later, adeno-associated viral vectors were used to express ERα, ERβ, or green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus. Animals were subsequently treated for 5 weeks with cyclic injections of 17β-estradiol-3-benzoate (EB, 10 μg) or oil vehicle. Spatial memory was examined 48 h after EB/oil treatment. EB treatment in the GFP (GFP + EB) and ERβ (ERβ + EB) groups failed to improve episodic spatial memory relative to oil-treated animals, indicating closing of the critical window. Expression of ERβ failed to improve cognition and was associated with a modest learning impairment. Cognitive benefits were specific to animals expressing ERα that received EB treatment (ERα + EB), such that memory was improved relative to ERα + oil and GFP + EB. Similarly, ERα + EB animals exhibited enhanced NMDAR-mediated synaptic transmission compared with the ERα + oil and GFP + EB groups. This is the first demonstration that the window for E2-mediated benefits on cognition and hippocampal E2 responsiveness can be reinstated by increased expression of ERα. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Estradiol is neuroprotective, promotes synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, and protects against cognitive decline associated with aging and neurodegenerative diseases. However, animal models and clinical studies indicate a critical window for the therapeutic treatment such that the beneficial effects are lost with advanced age and/or with extended hormone deprivation. We used gene therapy to upregulate expression of the estrogen receptors ERα and ERβ and demonstrate that the window for estradiol's beneficial effects on memory and hippocampal synaptic function can be reinstated by enhancing the expression of ERα. Our findings suggest that the activity of ERα controls the therapeutic window by regulating synaptic plasticity mechanisms involved in memory.
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Lobo DSS, Aleksandrova L, Knight J, Casey DM, el-Guebaly N, Nobrega JN, Kennedy JL. Addiction-related genes in gambling disorders: new insights from parallel human and pre-clinical models. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:1002-10. [PMID: 25266122 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neurobiological research supports the characterization of disordered gambling (DG) as a behavioral addiction. Recently, an animal model of gambling behavior was developed (rat gambling task, rGT), expanding the available tools to investigate DG neurobiology. We investigated whether rGT performance and associated risk gene expression in the rat's brain could provide cross-translational understanding of the neuromolecular mechanisms of addiction in DG. We genotyped tagSNPs (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) in 38 addiction-related genes in 400 DG and 345 non-DG subjects. Genes with P<0.1 in the human association analyses were selected to be investigated in the animal arm to determine whether their mRNA expression in rats was associated with the rat's performance on the rGT. In humans, DG was significantly associated with tagSNPs in DRD3 (rs167771) and CAMK2D (rs3815072). Our results suggest that age and gender might moderate the association between CAMK2D and DG. Moderation effects could not be investigated due to sample power. In the animal arm, only the association between rGT performance and Drd3 expression remained significant after Bonferroni correction for 59 brain regions. As male rats were used, gender effects could not be investigated. Our results corroborate previous findings reporting the involvement of DRD3 receptor in addictions. To our knowledge, the use of human genetics, pre-clinical models and gene expression as a cross-translation paradigm has not previously been attempted in the field of addictions. The cross-validation of human findings in animal models is crucial for improving the translation of basic research into clinical treatments, which could accelerate neurobiological and pharmacological investigations in addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S S Lobo
- 1] Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada [2] Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - L Aleksandrova
- 1] Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada [2] Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Knight
- 1] Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada [2] Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - D M Casey
- Mental Health Commission of Canada, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - N el-Guebaly
- Division of Addiction, Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - J N Nobrega
- 1] Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada [2] Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J L Kennedy
- 1] Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada [2] Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Reuquén P, Oróstica ML, Rojas I, Díaz P, Parada-Bustamante A, Orihuela PA. Estradiol increases IP3 by a nongenomic mechanism in the smooth muscle cells from the rat oviduct. Reproduction 2015; 150:331-41. [PMID: 26159830 DOI: 10.1530/rep-15-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol (E2) accelerates egg transport by a nongenomic action, requiring activation of estrogen receptor (ER) and successive cAMP and IP3 production in the rat oviduct. Furthermore, E2 increases IP3 production in primary cultures of oviductal smooth muscle cells. As smooth muscle cells are the mechanical effectors for the accelerated oocyte transport induced by E2 in the oviduct, herein we determined the mechanism by which E2 increases IP3 in these cells. Inhibition of protein synthesis by Actinomycin D did not affect the E2-induced IP3 increase, although this was blocked by the ER antagonist ICI182780 and the inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC) ET-18-OCH3. Immunoelectron microscopy for ESR1 or ESR2 showed that these receptors were associated with the plasma membrane, indicating compatible localization with E2 nongenomic actions in the smooth muscle cells. Furthermore, ESR1 but not ESR2 agonist mimicked the effect of E2 on the IP3 level. Finally, E2 stimulated the activity of a protein associated with the contractile tone, calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), in the smooth muscle cells. We conclude that E2 increases IP3 by a nongenomic action operated by ESR1 and that involves the activation of PLC in the smooth muscle cells of the rat oviduct. This E2 effect is associated with CaMKII activation in the smooth muscle cells, suggesting that IP3 and CaMKII are involved in the contractile activity necessary to accelerate oviductal egg transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Reuquén
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de la ReproducciónFacultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de ChileCentro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNAInstituto de Investigaciones Materno-InfantilUniversidad de Chile, Alameda 3363, Casilla 40, Correo 33 Santiago, Chile Laboratorio de Inmunología de la ReproducciónFacultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de ChileCentro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNAInstituto de Investigaciones Materno-InfantilUniversidad de Chile, Alameda 3363, Casilla 40, Correo 33 Santiago, Chile
| | - María L Oróstica
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de la ReproducciónFacultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de ChileCentro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNAInstituto de Investigaciones Materno-InfantilUniversidad de Chile, Alameda 3363, Casilla 40, Correo 33 Santiago, Chile Laboratorio de Inmunología de la ReproducciónFacultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de ChileCentro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNAInstituto de Investigaciones Materno-InfantilUniversidad de Chile, Alameda 3363, Casilla 40, Correo 33 Santiago, Chile
| | - Israel Rojas
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de la ReproducciónFacultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de ChileCentro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNAInstituto de Investigaciones Materno-InfantilUniversidad de Chile, Alameda 3363, Casilla 40, Correo 33 Santiago, Chile Laboratorio de Inmunología de la ReproducciónFacultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de ChileCentro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNAInstituto de Investigaciones Materno-InfantilUniversidad de Chile, Alameda 3363, Casilla 40, Correo 33 Santiago, Chile
| | - Patricia Díaz
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de la ReproducciónFacultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de ChileCentro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNAInstituto de Investigaciones Materno-InfantilUniversidad de Chile, Alameda 3363, Casilla 40, Correo 33 Santiago, Chile Laboratorio de Inmunología de la ReproducciónFacultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de ChileCentro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNAInstituto de Investigaciones Materno-InfantilUniversidad de Chile, Alameda 3363, Casilla 40, Correo 33 Santiago, Chile
| | - Alexis Parada-Bustamante
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de la ReproducciónFacultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de ChileCentro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNAInstituto de Investigaciones Materno-InfantilUniversidad de Chile, Alameda 3363, Casilla 40, Correo 33 Santiago, Chile
| | - Pedro A Orihuela
- Laboratorio de Inmunología de la ReproducciónFacultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de ChileCentro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNAInstituto de Investigaciones Materno-InfantilUniversidad de Chile, Alameda 3363, Casilla 40, Correo 33 Santiago, Chile Laboratorio de Inmunología de la ReproducciónFacultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de ChileCentro para el Desarrollo en Nanociencia y Nanotecnología-CEDENNAInstituto de Investigaciones Materno-InfantilUniversidad de Chile, Alameda 3363, Casilla 40, Correo 33 Santiago, Chile
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Tozzi A, de Iure A, Tantucci M, Durante V, Quiroga-Varela A, Giampà C, Di Mauro M, Mazzocchetti P, Costa C, Di Filippo M, Grassi S, Pettorossi VE, Calabresi P. Endogenous 17β-estradiol is required for activity-dependent long-term potentiation in the striatum: interaction with the dopaminergic system. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:192. [PMID: 26074768 PMCID: PMC4445326 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E2), a neurosteroid synthesized by P450-aromatase (ARO), modulates various brain functions. We characterized the role of the locally synthesized E2 on striatal long-term synaptic plasticity and explored possible interactions between E2 receptors (ERs) and dopamine (DA) receptors in the dorsal striatum of adult male rats. Inhibition of E2 synthesis or antagonism of ERs prevented the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in both medium spiny neurons (MSNs) and cholinergic interneurons (ChIs). Activation of a D1-like DA receptor/cAMP/PKA-dependent pathway restored LTP. In MSNs exogenous E2 reversed the effect of ARO inhibition. Also antagonism of M1 muscarinic receptors prevented the D1-like receptor-mediated restoration of LTP confirming a role for ChIs in controlling the E2-mediated LTP of MSNs. A novel striatal interaction, occurring between ERs and D1-like receptors in both MSNs and ChIs, might be critical to regulate basal ganglia physiology and to compensate synaptic alterations in Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Tozzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Perugia Perugia, Italy ; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio de Iure
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia Perugia, Italy
| | - Michela Tantucci
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia Perugia, Italy
| | - Valentina Durante
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia Perugia, Italy
| | - Ana Quiroga-Varela
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Michela Di Mauro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Perugia Perugia, Italy
| | - Petra Mazzocchetti
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia Perugia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia Perugia, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Di Filippo
- Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvarosa Grassi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Perugia Perugia, Italy
| | - Vito Enrico Pettorossi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Perugia Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS Rome, Italy ; Clinica Neurologica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia Perugia, Italy
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Doroudi M, Plaisance MC, Boyan BD, Schwartz Z. Membrane actions of 1α,25(OH)2D3 are mediated by Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in bone and cartilage cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 145:65-74. [PMID: 25263660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
1α,25(OH)2D3 regulates osteoblasts and chondrocytes via its membrane-associated receptor, protein disulfide isomerase A3 (Pdia3) in caveolae. 1α,25(OH)2D3 binding to Pdia3 leads to phospholipase-A2 (PLA2)-activating protein (PLAA) activation, stimulating cytosolic PLA2 and resulting in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release and PKCα activation, subsequently stimulating differentiation. However, how PLAA transmits the signal to cPLA2 is unknown. Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activation is required for PLA2 activation in vascular smooth muscle cells, suggesting a similar role in 1α,25(OH)2D3-dependent signaling. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the roles of CaM and CaMKII as mediators of 1α,25(OH)2D3-stimulated PLAA-dependent activation of cPLA2 and PKCα, and downstream biological effects. The results indicated that 1α,25(OH)2D3 and PLAA-peptide increased CaMKII activity within 9 min. Silencing Cav-1, Pdia3 or Plaa in osteoblasts suppressed this effect. Similarly, antibodies against Plaa or Pdia3 blocked 1α,25(OH)2D3-dependent CaMKII. Caveolae disruption abolished activation of CaMKII by 1α,25(OH)2D3 or PLAA. CaMKII-specific and CaM-specific inhibitors reduced cPLA2 and PKC activities, PGE2 release and osteoblast maturation markers in response to 1α,25(OH)2D3. Camk2a-silenced but not Camk2b-silenced osteoblasts showed comparable effects. Immunoprecipitation showed increased interaction of CaM and PLAA in response to 1α,25(OH)2D3. The results indicate that membrane actions of 1α,25(OH)2D3 via Pdia3 triggered the interaction between PLAA and CaM, leading to dissociation of CaM from caveolae, activation of CaMKII, and downstream PLA2 activation, and suggest that CaMKII plays a major role in membrane-mediated actions of 1α,25(OH)2D3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Doroudi
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, 310 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Marc C Plaisance
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Barbara D Boyan
- School of Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology, 310 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 313 Ferst Drive NW, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 601 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284, USA.
| | - Zvi Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, 601 West Main Street, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
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de Macêdo Medeiros A, Izídio GS, Sousa DS, Macedo PT, Silva AF, Shiramizu VKM, Cabral A, Ribeiro AM, Silva RH. Estrogen levels modify scopolamine-induced amnesia in gonadally intact rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 53:99-108. [PMID: 24657885 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies suggested that estrogen plays a role in cognitive function by modulating the cholinergic transmission. However, most of the studies dealing with this subject have been conducted using ovariectomized rats. In the present study we evaluated the effects of physiological and supra-physiological variation of estrogen levels on scopolamine-induced amnesia in gonadally intact female rats. We used the plus-maze discriminative avoidance task (PMDAT) in order to evaluate anxiety levels and motor activity concomitantly to the memory performance. In experiment 1, female Wistar rats in each estrous cycle phase received scopolamine (1 mg/kg) or saline i.p. 20 min before the training session in the PMDAT. In experiment 2, rats in diestrus received estradiol valerate (1 mg/kg) or sesame oil i.m., and scopolamine (1 mg/kg) or saline i.p., 45 min and 20 min before the training, respectively. In experiment 3, rats in diestrus received scopolamine (1 mg/kg) or saline i.p. 20 min before the training, and estradiol valerate (1 mg/kg) or sesame oil i.m. immediately after the training session. In all experiments, a test session was performed 24 h later. The main results showed that: (1) scopolamine impaired retrieval and induced anxiolytic and hyperlocomotor effects in all experiments; (2) this cholinergic antagonist impaired acquisition only in animals in diestrus; (3) acute administration of estradiol valerate prevented the learning impairment induced by scopolamine and (4) interfered with memory consolidation process. The results suggest that endogenous variations in estrogen levels across the estrous cycle modulate some aspects of memory mediated by the cholinergic system. Indeed, specifically in diestrus, a stage with low estrogen levels, the impairment produced by scopolamine on the acquisition was counteracted by exogenous administration of the hormone, whereas the posttraining treatment potentiated the negative effects of scopolamine during the consolidation phase of memory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geison Souza Izídio
- Behavioral Genetics Laboratory, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Diego Silveira Sousa
- Memory Studies Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Alicia Cabral
- Memory Studies Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | | | - Regina Helena Silva
- Memory Studies Laboratory, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
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De Filippis B, Romano E, Laviola G. Aberrant Rho GTPases signaling and cognitive dysfunction: in vivo evidence for a compelling molecular relationship. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 46 Pt 2:285-301. [PMID: 24971827 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Rho GTPases are key intracellular signaling molecules that coordinate dynamic changes in the actin cytoskeleton, thereby stimulating a variety of processes, including morphogenesis, migration, neuronal development, cell division and adhesion. Deviations from normal Rho GTPases activation state have been proposed to disrupt cognition and synaptic plasticity. This review focuses on the functional consequences of genetic ablation of upstream and downstream Rho GTPases molecules on cognitive function and neuronal morphology and connectivity. Available information on this issue is described and compared to that gained from mice carrying mutations in the most studied Rho GTPases and from pharmacological in vivo studies in which brain Rho GTPases signaling was modulated. Results from reviewed literature provide definitive evidence of a compelling link between Rho GTPases signaling and cognitive function, thus supporting the notion that Rho GTPases and their downstream effectors may represent important therapeutic targets for disorders associated with cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca De Filippis
- Sect. Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy.
| | - Emilia Romano
- Sect. Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy; Bambino Gesù, Children Hospital, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Laviola
- Sect. Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
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Non-classical effects of estradiol on cAMP responsive element binding protein phosphorylation in gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons: mechanisms and role. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:31-41. [PMID: 23978477 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is produced by a heterogenous neuronal population in the hypothalamus to control pituitary gonadotropin production and reproductive function in all mammalian species. Estradiol is a critical component for the communication between the gonads and the central nervous system. Resolving the mechanisms by which estradiol modulates GnRH neurons is critical for the understanding of how fertility is regulated. Extensive studies during the past decades have provided compelling evidence that estradiol has the potential to alter the intracellular signal transduction mechanisms. The common target of many signaling pathways is the phosphorylation of a key transcription factor, the cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). This review first addresses the aspects of estradiol action on CREB phosphorylation (pCREB) in GnRH neurons. Secondly, this review considers the receptors and signaling network that regulates estradiol's action on pCREB within GnRH neurons and finally it summarizes the physiological significance of CREB to estrogen feedback.
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Sosa LDV, Gutiérrez S, Petiti JP, Vaca AM, De Paul AL, Torres AI. Cooperative effect of E₂ and FGF2 on lactotroph proliferation triggered by signaling initiated at the plasma membrane. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2013; 305:E41-9. [PMID: 23651845 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00027.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In the present work, we investigated the effect of 17β-estradiol (E₂) and basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) on the lactotroph cell-proliferative response and the related membrane-initiated signaling pathway. Anterior pituitary mixed-cell cultures of random, cycling 3-mo-old female rats were treated with 10 nM E₂, E₂ membrane-impermeable conjugated BSA (E₂-BSA), PPT (ERα agonist), and DPN (ERβ agonist) alone or combined with FGF2 (10 ng/ml) for 30 min or 4 h. Although our results showed that the uptake of BrdU into the nucleus of lactotrophs was not modified by E₂ or FGF2 alone, a significant increase in the lactotroph uptake of BrdU was observed after E₂/FGF2 coincubation, with this effect being mimicked by PPT/FGF2. These proliferative effects were blocked by ICI 182,780 or PD-98059. The involvement of membrane ER in the proliferative response of prolactin cells induced by the steroid and FGF2 coincubation was confirmed using E₂-BSA, and the association between ERα and FGF receptor was observed after E₂/FGF2 treatment by immunoprecipitation. A significant increase in the ERK1/2 expression was noted after E₂, E₂-BSA, PPT, and FGF2 alone, which was more noticeable after E₂-BSA/FGF2, E₂/FGF2, or PPT/FGF2 treatments. This study provides evidence that E₂ and FGF2 exert a cooperative effect on the lactotroph proliferation principally by signaling initiated at the plasma membrane triggering a genomic effect mediated by MEK/ERK1/2, a common signaling pathway, that finally regulates the lactotroph population, thus contributing to pituitary plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana del V Sosa
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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18
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Oestrogen receptor α agonist improved long-term ovariectomy-induced spatial cognition deficit in young rats. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 16:1071-82. [PMID: 22999489 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145712000958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovariectomy is known as 'surgical menopause' with decreased levels of oestrogen in female rodents and its reported risks and adverse effects include cognitive impairment. In the brain, oestrogen exerts effects through its receptors, oestrogen receptor α (ERα) and β (ERβ). However, the role of ERα or ERβ in ovariectomy-induced cognitive impairment needs further investigation. Here, we observed that bilaterally ovariectomized 3-month-old rats showed obvious spatial learning and memory deficits in the Morris water maze with significant loss of neurons and synapses in the hippocampus. In addition to the rapid decline in serum oestradiol levels, the expression of ERα, but not ERβ, was decreased in the hippocampus starting 1 wk after ovariectomy. Prompt 4,4',4″-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl) trisphenol (PPT) treatment (1 mg/kg.d), an agonist of ERα, improved the spatial learning and memory ability of ovariectomized rats and rescued ovariectomy-induced neuron loss by up-regulating the level of BCLxl, an important anti-apoptosis protein. Furthermore, PPT treatment also improved ovariectomy-induced hippocampal synapse loss and up-regulated the levels of synaptic proteins (synapsin I, NR2A and GluR1) and the activates of CaMK Πα, ERK and Akt. Thus, these results demonstrated that ERα plays an important role in neuroprotection and that prompt ERα rescue is effective to improve hippocampal-dependent cognition deficit after long-term ovariectomy.
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19
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Maruyama NO, Lucas TFG, Porto CS, Abdalla FMF. Estrogen receptor ESR1 regulates the phospholipase C-inositol phosphate signaling in the hippocampus from rats in proestrous and estrous phases. Steroids 2013; 78:8-14. [PMID: 23123743 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of estrogen receptors in the activation of phospholipase C (PLC)-phosphoinositide hydrolysis in the hippocampus from rats in estrous and proestrous phases. 17β-Estradiol (E2) and ESR1-selective agonist PPT, but not ESR2-selective agonist DPN, induced a rapid increase on total [³H]-inositol phosphate accumulation in the hippocampus from both rats. These effects are mediated by PLC activation, since the inhibition of this protein decreased the total [³H]-inositol phosphate accumulation. The pretreatment with ESR1 and ESR2 antagonist ICI 182,780, but not with GPER antagonist G-15, blocked the total [³H]-inositol phosphate accumulation induced by E2 and PPT, confirming that ESR1 is upstream component regulating this rapid effect. SRC family of protein tyrosine kinases inhibitor PP2 blocked the total [³H]-inositol phosphate accumulation induced by E2 and PPT in hippocampus, suggesting that ESR1 undergoes translocation from the nuclei to the plasma membrane region via SRC to activate rapid signaling pathways. Furthermore, the magnitude of the response to E2 and PPT was higher in hippocampus from rats in proestrous than in estrous. On the other hand, the expression of the ESR1 is higher in hippocampus from rats in estrous than in proestrous, indicating that the regulation of this receptor by estrous cycle does not play a role in the magnitude of the response to E2 and PPT in hippocampus. In conclusion, our results indicate that E2 activates SRC-mediated translocation of ESR1 to the plasma membrane, which results in the activation of PLC-inositol phosphate signaling pathway in rat hippocampus. Thus, these rapid estrogen actions in hippocampus might be a key step mediating cellular events important for learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia O Maruyama
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brazil
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Nguyen AT, Nishijo M, Hori E, Nguyen NM, Pham TT, Fukunaga K, Nakagawa H, Tran AH, Nishijo H. Influence of Maternal Exposure to 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on Socioemotional Behaviors in Offspring Rats. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2013; 7:1-14. [PMID: 23493046 PMCID: PMC3588853 DOI: 10.4137/ehi.s10346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Effects of dioxins on cognitive functions were reported in previous studies conducted in humans and animals. In the present study, we investigated the influence of dioxin exposure during pregnancy on social interaction and on the activity of offspring, which are related to neurodevelopmental disturbances. In addition, we analyzed neurochemical alterations of the limbic system of rat brains to suggest one mechanism of dioxin effects on brain function. We believe that this manuscript is suitable for publication in "Environmental Health Insights" because it provides an interesting topic for a wide global audience. To clarify the relationships between maternal dioxin exposure and socioemotional functions of rat offspring, dams were given TCDD (1.0 μg/kg) on gestational day 15. Social interactions and forced swimming time were compared between TCDD-exposed and control offspring in each gender. Frequency and duration of locomotion were higher, and durations per one behavior of proximity and social contact were significantly lower in the exposed males, while only the duration of proximity was lower in the exposed females. Forced swimming time on the first day was significantly longer in the exposed males. In the limbic system of the rat brain, the levels and/or activity of CaMKIIα were decreased in males and were increased in females in the exposed offspring. These results suggest that prenatal TCDD exposure induces hyperactivity and socioemotional deficits, particularly in the male offspring due to alterations in CaMKIIα activity in the limbic system of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh T.N. Nguyen
- Department of Public Health, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Muneko Nishijo
- Department of Public Health, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
- Corresponding author
| | - Etsuro Hori
- System Emotional Science, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Nui M. Nguyen
- System Emotional Science, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tai T. Pham
- Department of Public Health, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
- Biomedical Pharmaceutical Research Center, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hideaki Nakagawa
- Department of Public Health, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Anh H. Tran
- Department of Physiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Ha Noi, Vietnam
| | - Hisao Nishijo
- System Emotional Science, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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Brain-derived neurotrophic factor-estrogen interactions in the hippocampal mossy fiber pathway: implications for normal brain function and disease. Neuroscience 2012; 239:46-66. [PMID: 23276673 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the steroid hormone estrogen exhibit potent effects on hippocampal neurons during development and in adulthood. BDNF and estrogen have also been implicated in the etiology of diverse types of neurological disorders or psychiatric illnesses, or have been discussed as potentially important in treatment. Although both are typically studied independently, it has been suggested that BDNF mediates several of the effects of estrogen in the hippocampus, and that these interactions play a role in the normal brain as well as disease. Here we focus on the mossy fiber (MF) pathway of the hippocampus, a critical pathway in normal hippocampal function, and a prime example of a location where numerous studies support an interaction between BDNF and estrogen in the rodent brain. We first review the temporal and spatially regulated expression of BDNF and estrogen in the MFs, as well as their receptors. Then we consider the results of studies that suggest that 17β-estradiol alters hippocampal function by its influence on BDNF expression in the MF pathway. We also address the hypothesis that estrogen influences the hippocampus by mechanisms related not only to the mature form of BDNF, acting at trkB receptors, but also by regulating the precursor, proBDNF, acting at p75NTR. We suggest that the interactions between BDNF and 17β-estradiol in the MFs are potentially important in the normal function of the hippocampus, and have implications for sex differences in functions that depend on the MFs and in diseases where MF plasticity has been suggested to play an important role, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and addiction.
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Low doses of 17β-estradiol rapidly improve learning and increase hippocampal dendritic spines. Neuropsychopharmacology 2012; 37:2299-309. [PMID: 22669167 PMCID: PMC3422494 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2012.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
While a great deal of research has been performed on the long-term genomic actions of estrogens, their rapid effects and implications for learning and memory are less well characterized. The often conflicting results of estrogenic effects on learning and memory may be due to complex and little understood interactions between genomic and rapid effects. Here, we investigated the effects of low, physiologically relevant, doses of 17β-estradiol on three different learning paradigms that assess social and non-social aspects of recognition memory and spatial memory, during a transcription independent period of memory maintenance. Ovariectomized female CD1 mice were subcutaneously administered vehicle, 1.5 μg/kg, 2 μg/kg, or 3 μg/kg of 17β-estradiol 15 minutes before social recognition, object recognition, or object placement learning. These paradigms were designed to allow the testing of learning effects within 40 min of hormone administration. In addition, using a different set of ovariectomized mice, we examined the rapid effects of 1.5 μg/kg, 2 μg/kg, or 3 μg/kg of 17β-estradiol on CA1 hippocampal dendritic spines. All 17β-estradiol doses tested impacted learning, memory, and CA1 hippocampal spines. 17β-Estradiol improved both social and object recognition, and may facilitate object placement learning and memory. In addition, 17β-estradiol increased dendritic spine density in the stratum radiatum subregion of the CA1 hippocampus, but did not affect dendritic spines in the lacunosum-moleculare, within 40 min of administration. These results demonstrate that the rapid actions of 17β-estradiol have important implications for general learning and memory processes that are not specific for a particular type of learning paradigm. These effects may be mediated by the rapid formation of new dendritic spines in the hippocampus.
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Sosa LDV, Gutiérrez S, Petiti JP, Palmeri CM, Mascanfroni ID, Soaje M, De Paul AL, Torres AI. 17β-Estradiol modulates the prolactin secretion induced by TRH through membrane estrogen receptors via PI3K/Akt in female rat anterior pituitary cell culture. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2012; 302:E1189-97. [PMID: 22354782 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00408.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Considering that estradiol is a major modulator of prolactin (PRL) secretion, the aim of the present study was to analyze the role of membrane estradiol receptor-α (mERα) in the regulatory effect of this hormone on the PRL secretion induced by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) by focusing on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway activation. Anterior pituitary cell cultures from female rats were treated with 17β-estradiol (E(2), 10 nM) and its membrane-impermeable conjugated estradiol (E(2)-BSA, 10 nM) alone or coincubated with TRH (10 nM) for 30 min, with PRL levels being determined by RIA. Although E(2), E(2)-BSA, TRH, and E(2)/TRH differentially increased the PRL secretion, the highest levels were achieved with E(2)-BSA/TRH. ICI-182,780 did not modify the TRH-induced PRL release but significantly inhibited the PRL secretion promoted by E(2) or E(2)-BSA alone or in coincubation with TRH. The PI3K inhibitors LY-294002 and wortmannin partially inhibited the PRL release induced by E(2)-BSA, TRH, and E(2)/TRH and totally inhibited the PRL levels stimulated by E(2)-BSA/TRH, suggesting that the mER mediated the cooperative effect of E(2) on TRH-induced PRL release through the PI3K pathway. Also, the involvement of this kinase was supported by the translocation of its regulatory subunit p85α from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane in the lactotroph cells treated with E(2)-BSA and TRH alone or in coincubation. A significant increase of phosphorylated Akt was induced by E(2)-BSA/TRH. Finally, the changes of ERα expression in the plasmalemma of pituitary cells were examined by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, which revealed that the mobilization of intracellular ERα to the plasma membrane of lactotroph cells was only induced by E(2). These finding showed that E(2) may act as a modulator of the secretory response of lactotrophs induced by TRH through mER, with the contribution by PI3K/Akt pathway activation providing a new insight into the mechanisms underlying the nongenomic action of E(2) in the pituitary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana d V Sosa
- Centro de Microscopía Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Haya de la Torre esq. Enrique Barros, Ciudad Universitaria, CP 5000, Córdoba, Argentina.
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Fiocchetti M, Ascenzi P, Marino M. Neuroprotective effects of 17β-estradiol rely on estrogen receptor membrane initiated signals. Front Physiol 2012; 3:73. [PMID: 22493583 PMCID: PMC3319910 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2011] [Accepted: 03/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Besides its crucial role in many physiological events, 17β-estradiol (E2) exerts protective effects in the central nervous system. The E2 effects are not restricted to the brain areas related with the control of reproductive function, but rather are widespread throughout the developing and the adult brain. E2 actions are mediated through estrogen receptors (i.e., ERα and ERβ) belonging to the nuclear receptor super-family. As members of the ligand-regulated transcription factor family, classically, the actions of ERs in the brain were thought to mediate only the E2 long-term transcriptional effects. However, a growing body of evidence highlighted rapid, membrane initiated E2 effects in the brain that are independent of ER transcriptional activities and are involved in E2-induced neuroprotection. The aim of this review is to focus on the rapid effects of E2 in the brain highlighting the specific role of the signaling pathway(s) of the ERβ subtype in the neuroprotective actions of E2.
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Marin R, Marrero-Alonso J, Fernández C, Cury D, Díaz M. Membrane-initiated signaling of estrogen related to neuroprotection. "Social networks" are required. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2011; 7:393-401. [PMID: 25961340 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci.2011.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2011] [Accepted: 06/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies indicate that estrogens are crucial in normal brain functioning and preservation against different injuries. At the neuronal membrane, estrogens, binding to estrogen receptors (ERs) or other surface targets, exert rapid actions involving a plethora of signaling pathways that may converge in neuronal survival. Emerging work reveals that at least part of these actions may require the compartmentalization of ERs in signaling platforms, composed of macromolecular signaling proteins and particular lipid composition integrated in lipid rafts. These particular microstructures may provide the optimal microenvironment to trigger multiple ER interactions that may be crucial for neuroprotection against different brain impairments, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this order of ideas, recent evidence has demonstrated that a membrane ER (mER) physically interacts with a voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) in lipid rafts from septal, hippocampal and cortical neurons, and these interactions may have important consequences in the alternative mechanisms developed by estrogens to achieve neuroprotection against amyloid beta (Aβ)-induced toxicity. This review includes a survey of some of the rapid mechanisms developed by estrogen to prevent neuronal death, and the ER interactions that are involved in the structural maintenance and signal transduction mechanisms important for neuronal survival against AD neuro-pathology. A special emphasis is put on the biological relevance of neuronal membrane VDAC in Aβ-related neurotoxicity, and the potential modulation of this channel as a part of a signaling complex with mER, which may be modified in AD brains.
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Snyder MA, Cooke BM, Woolley CS. Estradiol potentiation of NR2B-dependent EPSCs is not due to changes in NR2B protein expression or phosphorylation. Hippocampus 2011; 21:398-408. [PMID: 20082293 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The hormone, 17β-estradiol (E2), influences the structure and function of synapses in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. E2 increases the density of dendritic spines and excitatory synapses on CA1 pyramidal cells, increases CA1 cells' sensitivity to excitatory synaptic input mediated by the NMDA receptor (NMDAR), enhances NMDAR-dependent long-term potentiation, and improves hippocampus-dependent working memory. Smith and McMahon (2006 J Neurosci 26:8517-8522) reported that the larger NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) recorded after E2 treatment are due primarily to an increased contribution of NR2B-containing NMDARs. We used a combination of electrophysiology, Western blot, and immunofluorescence to investigate two potential mechanisms by which E2 could enhance NR2B-dependent EPSCs: An increase in NMDAR subunit protein levels and/or a change(s) in NR2B phosphorylation. Our studies confirmed the E2-induced increase in NR2B-dependent EPSC amplitude, but we found no evidence that E2 affects protein levels for the NR1, NR2A, or NR2B subunit of the NMDAR, nor that E2 affects phosphorylation of NR2B. Our findings suggest that the effects of E2 on NMDAR-dependent synaptic physiology in the hippocampus likely result from recruitment of NR2B-containing NMDARs to synapses rather than from increased expression of NMDARs or changes in their phosphorylation state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Snyder
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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Phan A, Lancaster KE, Armstrong JN, MacLusky NJ, Choleris E. Rapid effects of estrogen receptor α and β selective agonists on learning and dendritic spines in female mice. Endocrinology 2011; 152:1492-502. [PMID: 21285321 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen receptor (ER) agonists rapidly affect neural plasticity within 1 h, suggesting they play a functional role in learning and memory. However, behavioral learning experiments on such a rapid time scale are lacking. Therefore we investigated whether the ERα agonist propyl pyrazole triol (PPT) and ERβ agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN) could affect social recognition, object recognition, or object placement learning within 40 min of drug administration. At the same time, we examined their effects on CA1 hippocampal dendritic spines. Ovariectomized female CD1 mice were administered a range of PPT or DPN doses (0, 30, 50, 75, or 150 μg/mouse). PPT at the middle doses improved social recognition, facilitated object recognition and placement at a dose of 75 μg, and increased dendritic spine density in the stratum radiatum and lacunosum-moleculare. In contrast, DPN impaired social recognition at higher doses, did not affect object recognition, but slightly facilitated object placement learning at the 75-μg dose. DPN did not affect spines in the stratum radiatum but decreased spine density and increased spine length in the lacunosum-moleculare. This suggests that rapid estrogen-mediated learning enhancements may predominantly be mediated through ERα, while the effects of DPN are weaker and may depend on the learning paradigm. The role of ERα and ERβ in learning and memory may vary depending on the timing of drug administration, as genomic studies often implicate ERβ in enhancing effects on learning and memory. To our knowledge, this is the first report of estrogens' effects on learning within such a short time frame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Phan
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1
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28
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Logan SM, Sarkar SN, Zhang Z, Simpkins JW. Estrogen-induced signaling attenuates soluble Aβ peptide-mediated dysfunction of pathways in synaptic plasticity. Brain Res 2011; 1383:1-12. [PMID: 21262203 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.01.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Revised: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Neuromodulation of synaptic plasticity by 17β-estradiol (E2) is thought to influence information processing and storage in the cortex and hippocampus. Because E2 rapidly affects cortical memory and synaptic plasticity, we examined its effects on phosphorylation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) [AMPA-type glutamate receptor subunit 1 (GluR1 subunit)], all of which are important for the induction and maintenance of synaptic plasticity and memory. Acute E2 treatment resulted in an increased temporal and spatial phosphorylation pattern of CaMKII, ERK, and AMPAR (GluR1 subunit). By using inhibitors, we were able to attribute GluR1 phosphorylation to CaMKII at serine 831, and we also found that E2 treatment increased GluR1 insertion into the surface membrane. Because soluble amyloid-beta (Aβ) oligomers inhibit CaMKII and ERK activation, which is necessary for synaptic plasticity, we also tested E2's ability to ameliorate Aβ-induced dysfunction of synaptic plasticity. We found that estrogen treatment in neuronal culture, slice culture, and in vivo, ameliorated Aβ oligomer-induced inhibition of CaMKII, ERK, and AMPAR phosphorylation, and also ameliorated the Aβ oligomer-induced reduction of dendritic spine density in a CaMKII-dependent manner. These phosphorylation events are correlated with the early stage of inhibitory avoidance learning, and our data show that E2 improved inhibitory avoidance memory deficits in animals treated with soluble Aβ oligomers. This study identifies E2-induced signaling that attenuates soluble Aβ peptide-mediated dysfunction of pathways in synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaun M Logan
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, Institute for Aging and Alzheimer's Disease Research, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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Ma XM, Huang JP, Kim EJ, Zhu Q, Kuchel GA, Mains RE, Eipper BA. Kalirin-7, an important component of excitatory synapses, is regulated by estradiol in hippocampal neurons. Hippocampus 2010; 21:661-77. [PMID: 20333733 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol enhances the formation of dendritic spines and excitatory synapses in hippocampal neurons in vitro and in vivo, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Kalirin-7 (Kal7), the major isoform of Kalirin in the adult hippocampus, is a Rho GDP/GTP exchange factor localized to postsynaptic densities. In the hippocampus, both Kal7 and estrogen receptor α (ERα) are highly expressed in a subset of interneurons. Over-expression of Kal7 caused an increase in spine density and size in hippocampal neurons. To determine whether Kalirin might play a role in the effects of estradiol on spine formation, Kal7 expression was examined in the hippocampus of ovariectomized rats. Estradiol replacement increased Kal7 staining in both CA1 pyramidal neurons and interneurons in ovariectomized rats. Estradiol treatment of cultured hippocampal neurons increased Kal7 levels at the postsynaptic side of excitatory synapses and increased the number of excitatory synapses along the dendrites of pyramidal neurons. These increases were mediated via ERα because a selective ERα agonist, but not a selective ERβ agonist, caused a similar increase in both Kal7 levels and excitatory synapse number in cultured hippocampal neurons. When Kal7 expression was reduced using a Kal7-specific shRNA, the density of excitatory synapses was reduced and estradiol was no longer able to increase synapse formation. Expression of exogenous Kal7 in hippocampal interneurons resulted in decreased levels of GAD65 staining. Inhibition of GABAergic transmission with bicuculline produced a robust increase in Kal7 expression. These studies suggest Kal7 plays a key role in the mechanisms of estradiol-mediated synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Ming Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, 06030, USA.
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30
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Sárvári M, Hrabovszky E, Kalló I, Galamb O, Solymosi N, Likó I, Molnár B, Tihanyi K, Szombathelyi Z, Liposits Z. Gene expression profiling identifies key estradiol targets in the frontal cortex of the rat. Endocrinology 2010; 151:1161-76. [PMID: 20068009 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol modulates a wide range of neural functions in the frontal cerebral cortex where subsets of neurons express estrogen receptor-alpha and -beta. Through these receptors, estradiol contributes to the maintenance of normal operation of the frontal cortex. During the decline of gonadal hormones, the frequency of neurological and psychiatric disorders increases. To shed light on the etiology of disorders related to declining levels of estrogens, we studied the genomic responses to estradiol. Ovariectomized rats were treated with a sc injection of estradiol. Twenty-four hours later, samples from the frontal cortices were dissected, and their mRNA content was analyzed. One hundred thirty-six estradiol-regulated transcripts were identified on Rat 230 2.0 Expression Array. Of the 136 estrogen-regulated genes, 26 and 36 genes encoded proteins involved in the regulation of transcription and signal transduction, respectively. Thirteen genes were related to the calcium signaling pathway. They comprised five genes coding for neurotransmitter receptors. Transcription of three neuropeptides, including cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, were up-regulated. Fifty-two genes were selected for validation, and 12 transcriptional changes were confirmed. These results provided evidence that estradiol evokes broad transcriptional response in the cortex. Modulation of key components of the calcium signaling pathway, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic neurotransmission, may explain the influence of estrogens on cognitive function and behavior. Up-regulation of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript contributes to the neuroprotective effects of estradiol. Identification of estradiol-regulated genes in the frontal cortex helps to understand the pathomechanism of neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with altered levels of estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miklós Sárvári
- Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szigony utca 43, Budapest H-1083, Hungary
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Rybalchenko V, Grillo MA, Gastinger MJ, Rybalchenko N, Payne AJ, Koulen P. The unliganded long isoform of estrogen receptor beta stimulates brain ryanodine receptor single channel activity alongside with cytosolic Ca2+. J Recept Signal Transduct Res 2010; 29:326-41. [PMID: 19899956 DOI: 10.3109/10799890903295168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores mediated by endoplasmic reticulum membrane ryanodine receptors (RyR) plays a key role in activating and synchronizing downstream Ca(2+)-dependent mechanisms, in different cells varying from apoptosis to nuclear transcription and development of defensive responses. Recently discovered, atypical "nongenomic" effects mediated by estrogen receptors (ER) include rapid Ca(2+) release upon estrogen exposure in conditions implicitly suggesting involvement of RyRs. In the present study, we report various levels of colocalization between RyR type 2 (RyR2) and ER type beta (ER beta) in the neuronal cell line HT-22, indicating a possible functional interaction. Electrophysiological analyses revealed a significant increase in single-channel ionic currents generated by mouse brain RyRs after application of the soluble monomer of the long form ER beta (ER beta 1). The effect was due to a strong increase in open probability of RyR higher open channel sublevels at cytosolic [Ca(2+)] concentrations of 100 nM, suggesting a synergistic action of ER beta 1 and Ca(2+) in RyR activation, and a potential contribution to Ca(2+)-induced Ca(2+) release rather than to basal intracellular Ca(2+) concentration level at rest. This RyR/ER beta interaction has potential effects on cellular physiology, including roles of shorter ER beta isoforms and modulation of the RyR/ER beta complexes by exogenous estrogens.
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32
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Bryan KJ, Mudd JC, Richardson SL, Chang J, Lee HG, Zhu X, Smith MA, Casadesus G. Down-regulation of serum gonadotropins is as effective as estrogen replacement at improving menopause-associated cognitive deficits. J Neurochem 2009; 112:870-81. [PMID: 19943850 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06502.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Declining levels of estrogen in women result in increases in gonadotropins such as luteinizing hormone (LH) through loss of feedback inhibition. LH, like estrogen, is modulated by hormone replacement therapy. However, the role of post-menopausal gonadotropin increases on cognition has not been evaluated. Here, we demonstrate that the down-regulation of ovariectomy-driven LH elevations using the gonadotropin releasing hormone super-analogue, leuprolide acetate, improves cognitive function in the Morris water maze and Y-maze tests in the absence of E2. Furthermore, our data suggest that these effects are independent of the modulation of estrogen receptors alpha and beta, or activation of CYP19 and StAR, associated with the production of endogenous E2. Importantly, pathways associated with improved cognition such as CaMKII and GluR1-Ser831 are up-regulated by leuprolide treatment but not by chronic long-term E2 replacement suggesting independent cognition-modulating properties. Our findings suggest that down-regulation of gonadotropins is as effective as E2 in modulating cognition but likely acts through different molecular mechanisms. These findings provide a potential novel protective strategy to treat menopause/age-related cognitive decline and/or prevent the development of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Bryan
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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33
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Marin R, Díaz M, Alonso R, Sanz A, Arévalo MA, Garcia-Segura LM. Role of estrogen receptor alpha in membrane-initiated signaling in neural cells: interaction with IGF-1 receptor. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2009; 114:2-7. [PMID: 19167493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2008.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2008] [Accepted: 12/31/2008] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms of action of estradiol in the nervous system involve nuclear-initiated steroid signaling and membrane-initiated steroid signaling. Estrogen receptors (ERs) are involved in both mechanisms. ERalpha interacts with the signaling of IGF-1 receptor in neural cells: ERalpha transcriptional activity is regulated by IGF-1 receptor signaling and estradiol regulates IGF-1 receptor signaling. The interaction between ERalpha and the IGF-1 receptor in the brain may occur at the plasma membrane of neurons and glial cells. Caveolin-1 may provide the scaffolding for the interaction of different membrane-associated molecules, including voltage-dependent anion channel, ERalpha and IGF-I receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Marin
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology, Department of Physiology & Institute of Biomedical Technologies, University of La Laguna, School of Medicine, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
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34
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Muchekehu RW, Harvey BJ. Estradiol rapidly induces the translocation and activation of the intermediate conductance calcium activated potassium channel in human eccrine sweat gland cells. Steroids 2009; 74:212-7. [PMID: 19027769 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2008.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2008] [Revised: 10/20/2008] [Accepted: 10/20/2008] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Steroid hormones target K+ channels as a means of regulating electrolyte and fluid transport. In this study, ion transporter targets of Estradiol (E2) were investigated in the human eccrine sweat gland cell line NCL-SG3. RESULTS Whole cell patch-clamp studies revealed E2 (10 nM) rapidly activates a whole cell K+ conductance, which is abolished by clotrimazole (30 microM), an inhibitor of the intermediate conductance calcium activated K+ channel (IKCa). The estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI 182, 780 had no effect on this E2 activated K+ conductance, suggesting an estrogen receptor independent mechanism of activation. Confocal microscopy studies revealed under basal conditions that the IKCa channel is located within the cell cytoplasm and in the presence of E2, rapidly translocates to both the apical and basolateral membrane. In the presence of E2, tyrosine phosphorylation of calmodulin, which is known to regulate trafficking of the IKCa channel, is increased, and treatment of cells with the calmodulin inhibitor trifluoperazine (TFP) prevents the E2-induced translocation. CONCLUSIONS Estradiol rapidly regulates a K+ conductance through the IKCa channel in an estrogen receptor independent manner. E2 stimulates the translocation of IKCa to the cell membrane in a calmodulin dependent manner, representing a novel paradigm of estrogen action in sweat gland epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth W Muchekehu
- Molecular Medicine Laboratories, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI Education and Research Centre, Smurfit Building, Beaumont Hospital, P.O. Box 9063, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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35
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Foster TC, Rani A, Kumar A, Cui L, Semple-Rowland SL. Viral vector-mediated delivery of estrogen receptor-alpha to the hippocampus improves spatial learning in estrogen receptor-alpha knockout mice. Mol Ther 2008; 16:1587-1593. [PMID: 18594506 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2008.140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2007] [Accepted: 03/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen, which influences both classical genomic and rapid membrane-associated signaling cascades, has been implicated in the regulation of hippocampal function, including spatial learning. Gene mutation studies suggest that estrogen effects are mediated by estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-alpha); however, because gonadal steroids influence the organization of the hippocampus during development, it has been difficult to distinguish developmental effects from those specific to adults. In this study we show that lentiviral delivery of the gene encoding ER-alpha to the hippocampus of adult ER-alpha-knockout (ER-alphaKO) mice restores hippocampal responsiveness to estrogen and rescues spatial learning. We propose that constitutive estrogen receptor activity is important for maintaining hippocampus-dependent memory function in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas C Foster
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610-0244, USA.
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36
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O'Neill EE, Blewett AR, Loria PM, Greene GL. Modulation of alphaCaMKII signaling by rapid ERalpha action. Brain Res 2008; 1222:1-17. [PMID: 18572149 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2008] [Revised: 04/19/2008] [Accepted: 05/04/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes, ERalpha and ERbeta, modulate numerous signaling cascades in the brain to result in a variety of cell fates including neuronal differentiation. We report here that 17beta-estradiol (E2) rapidly stimulates the autophosphorylation of alpha-Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (alphaCaMKII) in immortalized NLT GnRH neurons, primary hippocampal neurons, and Cos7 cells co-transfected with ERalpha and alphaCaMKII. The E2-induced alphaCaMKII autophosphorylation is ERalpha- and Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-dependent. Interestingly, the hormone-dependent association of ERalpha with alphaCaMKII attenuates the positive effect of E2 on alphaCaMKII autophosphorylation, suggesting that ERalpha plays a complex role in modulating alphaCaMKII activity and may function to fine-tune alphaCaMKII-triggered signaling events. However, it appears as though the activating signal of E2 dominates the negative effect of ER since there is a clear, positive downstream response to E2-activated alphaCaMKII; pharmacological inhibitors and RNAi technology show that targets of ERalpha-mediated alphaCaMKII signaling include extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), and microtubule associated protein 2 (MAP2). These findings suggest a novel model for the modulation of alphaCaMKII signaling by ERalpha, which provides a molecular link as to how E2 might influence brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E O'Neill
- The Ben May Department for Cancer Research, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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37
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Spencer JL, Waters EM, Romeo RD, Wood GE, Milner TA, McEwen BS. Uncovering the mechanisms of estrogen effects on hippocampal function. Front Neuroendocrinol 2008; 29:219-37. [PMID: 18078984 PMCID: PMC2440702 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2007.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2007] [Accepted: 08/14/2007] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens have direct effects on the brain areas controlling cognition. One of the most studied of these regions is the dorsal hippocampal formation, which governs the formation of spatial and episodic memories. In laboratory animals, most investigators report that estrogen enhances synaptic plasticity and improves performance on hippocampal-dependent cognitive behaviors. This review summarizes work conducted in our laboratory and others toward identifying estrogen's actions in the hippocampal formation, and the mechanisms for these actions. Physiologic and pharmacologic estrogen affects cognitive behavior in mammals, which may be applicable to human health and disease. The effects of estrogen in the hippocampal formation that lead to modulation of hippocampal function include effects on cell morphology, synapse formation, signaling, and excitability that have been studied in laboratory mice, rats, and primates. Finally, estrogen may signal through both nuclear and extranuclear hippocampal estrogen receptors to achieve its downstream effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna L Spencer
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
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38
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Vasudevan N, Pfaff DW. Non-genomic actions of estrogens and their interaction with genomic actions in the brain. Front Neuroendocrinol 2008; 29:238-57. [PMID: 18083219 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2007.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2007] [Accepted: 08/14/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ligands for the nuclear receptor superfamily have at least two mechanisms of action: (a) classical transcriptional regulation of target genes (genomic mechanisms); and (b) non-genomic actions, which are initiated at the cell membrane, which could also impact transcription. Though transcriptional mechanisms are increasingly well understood, membrane-initiated actions of these ligands are incompletely understood. This has led to considerable debate over the physiological relevance of membrane-initiated actions of hormones versus genomic actions of hormones, with genomic actions predominating in the endocrine field. There is good evidence that the membrane-limited actions of hormones, particularly estrogens, involve the rapid activation of kinases and the release of calcium and that these are linked to physiologically relevant scenarios in the brain. We show evidence in this review, that membrane actions of estrogens, which activate these rapid signaling cascades, can also potentiate nuclear transcription in both the central nervous system and in non-neuronal cell lines. We present a theoretical scenario which can be used to understand this phenomenon. These signaling cascades may occur in parallel or in series but subsequently, converge at the modification of transcriptionally relevant molecules such as nuclear receptors and/or coactivators. In addition, other non-cognate hormones or neurotransmitters may also activate cascades to crosstalk with estrogen receptor-mediated transcription, though the relevance of this is less clear. The idea that coupling between membrane-initiated and genomic actions of hormones is a novel idea in neuroendocrinology and provides us with a unified view of hormone action in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Vasudevan
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Tulane University, LA 70118, USA.
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39
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Antunes-Martins A, Mizuno K, Irvine EE, Lepicard EM, Giese KP. Sex-dependent up-regulation of two splicing factors, Psf and Srp20, during hippocampal memory formation. Learn Mem 2007; 14:693-702. [PMID: 17911373 PMCID: PMC2044560 DOI: 10.1101/lm.640307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gene transcription is required for long-term memory (LTM) formation. LTM formation is impaired in a male-specific manner in mice lacking either of the two Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase (Camkk) genes. Since altered transcription was suggested to cause these impairments in LTM formation, we used microarrays to screen for CaMKKbeta-dependent gene expression changes. Here we show that the hippocampal mRNA expression of two splicing factors, splicing factor arginine/serine-rich 3 (Sfrs3/Srp20) and polypyrimidine tract-binding protein-associated splicing factor (Psf), is altered in CaMKKbeta-deficient males. In wild-type (WT) mice, the basal expression level in the hippocampus is higher in males than in females, and the sex difference in Srp20 expression is detectable before puberty. Training in two hippocampus-dependent learning tasks, the spatial version of the Morris water maze (MWM) and background contextual fear conditioning, increases the hippocampal mRNA expression of both splicing factors in WT males. However, the increase in Srp20 mRNA expression occurs only in males and not in females, whereas the up-regulation of Psf expression occurs in both sexes. Importantly, control experiments demonstrate that the up-regulation of both splicing factors is specific for the learned associations after contextual fear conditioning. In summary, we provide the first evidence for a regulation of splicing factors during LTM formation and we suggest that alternative splicing contributes to sex differences in LTM formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Antunes-Martins
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Keiko Mizuno
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine E. Irvine
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Eve M. Lepicard
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - K. Peter Giese
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, The James Black Centre, King’s College London Institute of Psychiatry, London SE5 9NU, United Kingdom
- Corresponding author.E-mail ; fax 44-207-916-5994
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40
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Brann DW, Dhandapani K, Wakade C, Mahesh VB, Khan MM. Neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions of estrogen: basic mechanisms and clinical implications. Steroids 2007; 72:381-405. [PMID: 17379265 PMCID: PMC2048656 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2007.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 440] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2006] [Revised: 02/07/2007] [Accepted: 02/09/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen is an important hormone signal that regulates multiple tissues and functions in the body. This review focuses on the neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions of estrogen in the brain, with particular emphasis on estrogen actions in the hippocampus, cerebral cortex and striatum. Sex differences in the risk, onset and severity of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and stroke are well known, and the potential role of estrogen as a neuroprotective factor is discussed in this context. The review assimilates a complex literature that spans research in humans, non-human primates and rodent animal models and attempts to contrast and compare the findings across species where possible. Current controversies regarding the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, its ramifications, concerns and the new studies needed to address these concerns are also addressed. Signaling mechanisms underlying estrogen-induced neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity are reviewed, including the important concepts of genomic versus nongenomic mechanisms, types of estrogen receptor involved and their subcellular targeting, and implicated downstream signaling pathways and mediators. Finally, a multicellular mode of estrogen action in the regulation of neuronal survival and neurotrophism is discussed, as are potential future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darrell W Brann
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, School of Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, United States.
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41
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Zhen X, Goswami S, Abdali SA, Frankfurt M, Friedman E. Estrogen-modulated frontal cortical CaMKII activity and behavioral supersensitization induced by prolonged cocaine treatment in female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2007; 191:323-31. [PMID: 17160679 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-006-0648-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2006] [Accepted: 11/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Females have been demonstrated repeatedly to be more sensitive to cocaine. The role of the frontal cortex (FCX) in mediating behavioral sensitization and the underlying signaling pathways are unclear. OBJECTIVE The study was designed to characterize the role of FCX calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activity in the behavioral supersensitization observed in female rats after prolonged cocaine exposure. MATERIALS AND METHODS Intact female rats that received cocaine for 9 days followed by 7 days of drug withdrawal constituted the model used for studying the mechanism of supersensitization. RESULTS This cocaine withdrawal treatment resulted in behavioral supersensitization in intact female rats as indicated by an enhanced behavioral response to cocaine challenge assessed on day 16 (7-day withdrawal) and compared to the response on day 9 of cocaine treatment. This treatment regimen did not lead to supersensitization in male or in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Administration of estrogen to OVX rats restored behavioral supersensitivity to repeated cocaine. FCX CaMKII activity was significantly altered by cocaine in females, and this effect was related to estrogen's presence; cocaine-induced changes in striatal CaMKII activity were, however, less estrogen-sensitive. Furthermore, estrogen-modulated FCX CaMKII activity in cocaine-supersensitized rats was dependent on D(1) dopamine receptor activation. CONCLUSION Estrogen-modulated D(1) dopamine receptor activity mediates the effects of prolonged cocaine exposure on FCX CaMKII, and this, in turn, may contribute to the development of behavioral supersensitivity to repeated cocaine treatment in intact female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuechu Zhen
- Department of Physiology/Pharmacology, The City University of New York at CCNY, 138th Street and Convent Avenue, New York, NY 10031, USA.
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Abstract
Hormonal ligands for the nuclear receptor superfamily have at least two interacting mechanisms of action: 1) classical transcriptional regulation of target genes (genomic mechanisms); and 2) nongenomic actions that are initiated at the cell membrane, which could impact transcription. Although transcriptional mechanisms are increasingly well understood, membrane-initiated actions of these ligands are incompletely understood. Historically, this has led to a considerable divergence of thought in the molecular endocrine field. We have attempted to uncover principles of hormone action that are relevant to membrane-initiated actions of estrogens. There is evidence that the membrane-limited actions of hormones, particularly estrogens, involve the rapid activation of kinases and the release of calcium. Membrane actions of estrogens, which activate these rapid signaling cascades, can also potentiate nuclear transcription. These signaling cascades may occur in parallel or in series but subsequently converge at the level of modification of transcriptionally relevant molecules such as nuclear receptors and/or coactivators. In addition, other hormones or neurotransmitters may also activate cascades to crosstalk with estrogen receptor-mediated transcription. The idea of synergistic coupling between membrane-initiated and genomic actions of hormones fundamentally revises the paradigms of cell signaling in neuroendocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nandini Vasudevan
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA.
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43
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Wang R, Zhang QG, Han D, Xu J, Lü Q, Zhang GY. Inhibition of MLK3-MKK4/7-JNK1/2 pathway by Akt1 in exogenous estrogen-induced neuroprotection against transient global cerebral ischemia by a non-genomic mechanism in male rats. J Neurochem 2006; 99:1543-54. [PMID: 17064355 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04201.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of estrogen in experimental cerebral ischemia. To investigate molecular mechanisms of estrogen neuroprotection in global ischemia, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and Nissel-staining analysis were used. Our results showed that chronic pretreatment with beta-estradiol 3-benzoate (E2) enhanced Akt1 activation and reduced the activation of mixed-lineage kinase 3 (MLK3), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4/7 (MKK4/7), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 (JNK1/2) in the hippocampal CA1 subfield during reperfusion after 15 min of global ischemia. In addition, E2 reduced downstream JNK nuclear and non-nuclear components, c-Jun and Bcl-2 phosphorylation and Fas ligand protein expression induced by ischemia/reperfusion. Administration of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor LY 294,002 prevented both activation of Akt1 and inhibition of MLK3, MKK4/7 and JNK1/2. The interaction between ERalpha and the p85 subunit of PI3K was also examined. E2 and antiestrogen ICI 182,780 promoted and prevented this interaction, respectively. Furthermore, ICI 182,780 blocked both the activation of Akt1 and the inhibition of MLK3, MKK4/7 and JNK1/2. Photomicrographs of cresyl violet-stained brain sections showed that E2 reduced CA1 neuron loss after 5 days of reperfusion, which was abolished by ICI 182,780 and LY 294,002. Our data indicate that in response to estrogen, ERalpha interacts with PI3K to activate Akt1, which may inhibit the MLK3-MKK4/7-JNK1/2 pathway to protect hippocampal CA1 neurons against global cerebral ischemia in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Wang
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Brain Disease Bioinformation, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, China
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44
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Scharfman HE, MacLusky NJ. Estrogen and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampus: complexity of steroid hormone-growth factor interactions in the adult CNS. Front Neuroendocrinol 2006; 27:415-35. [PMID: 17055560 PMCID: PMC1778460 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2006.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2006] [Revised: 08/12/2006] [Accepted: 09/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In the CNS, there are widespread and diverse interactions between growth factors and estrogen. Here we examine the interactions of estrogen and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), two molecules that have historically been studied separately, despite the fact that they seem to share common targets, effects, and mechanisms of action. The demonstration of an estrogen-sensitive response element on the BDNF gene provided an impetus to explore a direct relationship between estrogen and BDNF, and predicted that the effects of estrogen, at least in part, might be due to the induction of BDNF. This hypothesis is discussed with respect to the hippocampus, where substantial evidence has accumulated in favor of it, but alternate hypotheses are also raised. It is suggested that some of the interactions between estrogen and BDNF, as well as the controversies and implications associated with their respective actions, may be best appreciated in light of the ability of BDNF to induce neuropeptide Y (NPY) synthesis in hippocampal neurons. Taken together, this tri-molecular cascade, estrogen-BDNF-NPY, may be important in understanding the hormonal regulation of hippocampal function. It may also be relevant to other regions of the CNS where estrogen is known to exert profound effects, such as amygdala and hypothalamus; and may provide greater insight into neurological disorders and psychiatric illness, including Alzheimer's disease, depression and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Scharfman
- Center for Neural Recovery and Rehabilitation Research, Helen Hayes Hospital, West Haverstraw, NY 10093-1195, USA.
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45
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Shiroma S, Yamaguchi T, Kometani K. Effects of 17β-estradiol on chemically induced long-term depression. Neuropharmacology 2005; 49:97-102. [PMID: 15992584 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2005.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2004] [Revised: 11/19/2004] [Accepted: 02/01/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we have investigated the effects of 17beta-estradiol (E2) on chemically induced long-term depression (LTD). LTD was induced by a brief application of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) or (R,S)-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG), a group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist. Bath application of E2 alone potentiated population excitatory postsynaptic potentials. This potentiation was readily reversed by washing with control saline. The effect of E2 on NMDA-induced LTD was a conversion of LTD to long-term potentiation (LTP). An application of NMDA in the presence of E2 induced LTP. The induction of LTP was inhibited by an inhibitor of calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase (CaMKII). The results suggest that E2 potentiates NMDA receptor function and induces an increase in postsynaptic Ca2+ concentration. An increase in postsynaptic Ca2+ concentration activates CaMKII, leading to LTP. In contrast to NMDA-induced LTD, an application of DHPG in the presence of E2 induced significantly larger LTD. The results suggest that E2 potentiates an as yet unidentified process(es) in inducing LTD by an application of DHPG. The effects of E2 both on NMDA-induced and DHPG-induced LTD were suppressed by an estrogen receptor antagonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinsaku Shiroma
- Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, 680-4 Kawazu, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan.
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Ris L, Angelo M, Plattner F, Capron B, Errington ML, Bliss TVP, Godaux E, Giese KP. Sexual dimorphisms in the effect of low-level p25 expression on synaptic plasticity and memory. Eur J Neurosci 2005; 21:3023-33. [PMID: 15978013 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2005.04137.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
p25, a degradation product of p35, has been reported to accumulate in the forebrain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. p25 as well as p35 are activators of cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) although p25/Cdk5 and p35/Cdk5 complexes have distinct properties. Several mouse models with high levels of p25 expression exhibit signs of neurodegeneration. On the contrary, we have shown that low levels of p25 expression do not cause neurodegeneration and are even beneficial for particular types of learning and memory [Angelo et al., (2003) Eur J. Neurosci., 18, 423-431]. Here, we have studied the influence of low-level p25 expression in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and in learning and memory for each sex separately in two different genetic backgrounds (129B6F1 and C57BL/6). Surprisingly, we found that low-level p25 expression had different consequences in male and female mutants. In the two genetic backgrounds LTP induced by a strong stimulation of the Schaffer's collaterals (four trains, 1-s duration, 5-min interval) was severely impaired in male, but not in female, p25 mutants. Furthermore, in the two genetic backgrounds spatial learning in the Morris water maze was faster in female p25 mutants than in male transgenic mice. These results suggest that, in women, the production of p25 in Alzheimer's disease could be a compensation for some early learning and memory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ris
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, University of Mons-Hainaut, Belgium
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Scharfman HE, Maclusky NJ. Similarities between actions of estrogen and BDNF in the hippocampus: coincidence or clue? Trends Neurosci 2005; 28:79-85. [PMID: 15667930 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2004.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The principal ovarian estrogen, estradiol, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have widespread effects on the CNS that have usually been studied independently. This article examines the similarities in the effects of estradiol and BDNF in the hippocampus, in light of the evidence that estradiol can induce BDNF expression, and recent data suggesting that structural and electrophysiological effects of estradiol in the hippocampus might be mediated by BDNF. The possible role of BDNF as a signaling molecule downstream of estrogen in the hippocampus has implications for our understanding of several cellular and behavioral hippocampal functions, including dendritic and synaptic plasticity, learning and cognitive behavior. Furthermore, disruption of the relationship between estrogen and BDNF could contribute to neurological and psychiatric disorders that have been associated with the hippocampus, such as Alzheimer's disease, depression and epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen E Scharfman
- Center for Neural Recovery and Rehabilitation Research, Helen Hayes Hospital, Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY 10993-1195, USA.
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48
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Zhao X, MacBride MM, Peterson BR, Pfaff DW, Vasudevan N. Calcium flux in neuroblastoma cells is a coupling mechanism between non-genomic and genomic modes of estrogens. Neuroendocrinology 2005; 81:174-82. [PMID: 16020926 DOI: 10.1159/000087000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2004] [Accepted: 03/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens have been demonstrated to rapidly modulate calcium levels in a variety of cell types. However, the significance of estrogen-mediated calcium flux in neuronal cells is largely unknown. The relative importance of intra- and extracellular sources of calcium in estrogenic effects on neurons is also not well understood. Previously, we have demonstrated that membrane-limited estrogens, such as E-BSA given before an administration of a 2-hour pulse of 17beta-estradiol (E2), can potentiate the transcription mediated by E2 from a consensus estrogen response element (ERE)-driven reporter gene. Inhibitors to signal transduction cascades given along with E-BSA or E2 demonstrated that calcium flux is important for E-BSA-mediated potentiation of transcription in a transiently transfected neuroblastoma cell line. In this report, we have used inhibitors to different voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) and to intracellular store receptors along with E-BSA in the first pulse or with E2 in the second pulse to investigate the relative importance of these channels to estrogen-mediated transcription. Neither L- nor P-type VGCCs seem to play a role in estrogen action in these cells; while N-type VGCCs are important in both the non-genomic and genomic modes of estrogen action. Specific inhibitors also showed that the ryanodine receptor and the inositol trisphosphate receptor are important to E-BSA-mediated transcriptional potentiation. This report provides evidence that while intracellular stores of calcium are required to couple non-genomic actions of estrogen initiated at the membrane to transcription in the nucleus, extracellular sources of calcium are also important in both non-genomic and genomic actions of estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Zhao
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802 , USA
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49
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Haisenleder DJ, Burger LL, Aylor KW, Dalkin AC, Walsh HE, Shupnik MA, Marshall JC. Testosterone stimulates follicle-stimulating hormone beta transcription via activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase: evidence in rat pituitary cells. Biol Reprod 2004; 72:523-9. [PMID: 15509729 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.104.035196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated whether estradiol (E2) or testosterone (T) activate extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (Ca/CaMK II), as indicated by enzyme phosphorylation in rat pituitaries. In vivo studies used adult female rats given E2, T, or empty silastic capsules (vehicle controls). Twenty-four hours later, the rats were given a single pulse of GnRH (300 ng) or BSA-saline (to controls) and killed 5 min later. GnRH stimulated a two- to three-fold rise in activated Ca/CaMK II, and E2 and T had no effect on Ca/CaMK II activation. In contrast, both GnRH and T stimulated threefold increases in ERK activity, with additive effects seen following the combination of GnRH+T. E2 had no effect on ERK activity. In alpha T3 clonal gonadotrope cells, dihydrotestosterone did not activate ERK alone but enhanced and prolonged the ERK responses to GnRH, demonstrating direct effects on the gonadotrope. Thus, the ERK response to GnRH plus androgen was enhanced in both rat pituitary and alpha T3 cells. In vitro studies with cultured rat pituitary cells examined the effect of GnRH+/-T in the presence of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase inhibitor, PD-098059 (PD). Results showed that PD suppressed ERK activational and FSH beta transcriptional responses to T. These findings suggest that one site of T regulation of FSH beta transcription is through the selective stimulation of the ERK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Haisenleder
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, and the Center for Research in Reproduction, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA.
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Lee SJ, Campomanes CR, Sikat PT, Greenfield AT, Allen PB, McEwen BS. Estrogen induces phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding (pCREB) in primary hippocampal cells in a time-dependent manner. Neuroscience 2004; 124:549-60. [PMID: 14980726 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2003.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2003] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Using hippocampal primary cell cultures at 14 days in vitro (div), we have investigated actions of 17-beta estradiol (E; 10 nM) on the phosphorylation of CREB and on signaling pathways that regulate CREB phosphorylation. After demonstrating that 14 div is optimal for these studies, we examined the time course of E induction of CREB phosphorylation (pCREB) at serine residue 133. The induction of pCREB occurs as early as 1 h following E treatment, presumably via a mechanism involving an E-stimulated signal transduction system, which is sustained for at least 24 h but inhibited by 48 h. The early activity may represent an initial signal required for events leading to phosphorylation of CREB while the sustained signal may lead to CREB-mediated gene expression for cell survival and synapse formation. Furthermore, we examined the pathways for E action preceding pCREB induction by blocking three major kinases (protein kinase; mitogen activated protein kinase, MAPK; and calcium-calmodulin kinase II, CaMKII) upstream of pCREB. We found that E stimulates each pathway at 24 h and that phosphorylation of CREB is dependent on both MAPK and CaMK activities, but less dependent on the Akt pathway. Because CREB has been linked to E induction of excitatory spine synapses, we used a spine marker, spinophilin, to establish E effects on spine formation. Spinophilin expression was up-regulated in response to E and this effect was blocked by an inhibitor of (CaMKII). These studies demonstrate the central role played by CaMKII pathway in the actions of E on both transcriptional regulation and structural reorganization in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Lee
- Harold and Margaret Milliken Hatch Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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