Whole-body metabolism varies across the estrous cycle in Sprague-Dawley rats

Neuroactive steroids in the neuroendocrine control of food intake, metabolism, and reproduction

Neuroactive steroids are a type of steroid hormones produced within the nervous system or in peripheral glands and then transported to the brain to exert their neuromodulatory effects. Neuroactive steroids have pleiotropic effects, that include promoting myelination, neuroplasticity, and brain development. They also regulate important physiological functions, such as metabolism, feeding, reproduction, and stress response. The homoeostatic processes of metabolism and reproduction are closely linked and mutually dependent. Reproductive events, such as pregnancy, bring about significant changes in metabolism, and metabolic status may affect reproductive function in mammals. In females, the regulation of reproduction and energy balance is controlled by the fluctuations of oestradiol and progesterone throughout the menstrual cycle. Neurosteroids play a key role in the neuroendocrine control of reproduction. The synthesis of neuroestradiol and neuroprogesterone within the brain is a crucial process that facilitates the release of GnRH and LH, which in turn, regulate the transition from oestrogen-negative to oestrogen-positive feedback. In addition to their function in the reproductive system, oestrogen has a key role in the regulation of energy homoeostasis by acting at central and peripheral levels. The oestrogenic effects on body weight homoeostasis are primarily mediated by oestrogen receptors-α (ERα), which are abundantly expressed in multiple brain regions that are implicated in the regulation of food intake, basal metabolism, thermogenesis, and brown tissue distribution. The tight interplay between energy balance and reproductive physiology is facilitated by shared regulatory pathways, namely POMC, NPY and kisspeptin neurons, which are targets of oestrogen regulation and likely participate in different aspects of the joint control of energy balance and reproductive function. The aim of this review is to present a summary of the progress made in uncovering shared regulatory pathways that facilitate the tight coupling between energy balance and reproductive physiology, as well as their reciprocal interactions and the modulation induced by neurosteroids.

Metabolic rates in female guinea pigs during different reproductive stages

Reproduction in female mammals is characterized by major changes in steroid hormone concentrations, which can be linked to fluctuations in energy expenditure (EE). Estradiol and cortisol can increase EE and metabolic rates (MRs), but knowledge on MR changes during the estrous cycle and gestation is scarce for many species. This also applies to the domestic guinea pig, a species exhibiting an exceptional estrous cycle among rodents. In this study, MRs were measured through oxygen (O2) consumption in female guinea pigs during different reproductive stages. Mean O2 consumption over 2.5 h, resting metabolic rate (RMR, lowest and most stable O2 consumption over 3 min), body mass, fecal estrogen and progesterone, and saliva cortisol concentrations were measured in twelve female guinea pigs in a repeated measurements design during diestrus, estrus, and the second trimester of gestation. In estrus, body mass was significantly lower and estrogen and cortisol concentrations were significantly higher compared to diestrus and gestation. Mean O2 consumption and RMR both were significantly increased in estrus compared to diestrus. Additionally, a positive effect of body mass on MRs detected during diestrus and gestation was not found during estrus. Mean O2 consumption was also higher during gestation compared to diestrus, and a significant increase in cortisol concentrations during the 2.5-h MR measurement was recorded. The results indicate that estrus in guinea pigs is energetically demanding, which probably reflects catabolic effects of estrogens and cortisol that uncoupled MRs from body mass. Knowledge on the energetic requirements associated with different reproductive stages is important for future physiological and behavioral studies on female guinea pigs.

The mixed legacy of the rat estrous cycle

BACKGROUND

The rat estrous cycle first characterized by Long and Evans in 1922 profoundly affected the course of endocrine research. Investigators took advantage of sex steroid hormone fluctuations associated with the cycle to assess hormonal influences on anxiety, depression, food intake, stress, brain structure and other traits. Similarities of the rat estrous and human menstrual cycles facilitated understanding of human reproductive physiology. I assessed the impact of awareness of the estrous cycle on the emergence of a sex bias that excluded female rats from biomedical research.

METHODS

Beginning with the 1918 volume of the American Journal of Physiology and ending in 1976 when the journal subdivided into several separate disciplinary journals, all studies conducted on rats were downloaded; the use of females, males, both sexes and sex left unspecified was tabulated for 485 articles. A second analysis tracked the number of rat estrous cycle studies across all disciplines listed in PubMed from 1950 to 2021.

RESULTS

The description and awareness of variability associated with the rat estrous cycle was correlated with a precipitous decline in investigations that incorporated both sexes, a marked increase in male-only studies and a striking sex bias that excluded female rats. The number of rat estrous cycles studies increased markedly from earlier decades to a peak in 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

The initial description the rat estrous cycle was correlated with a substantial decline in investigations that incorporated both sexes; one result was a marked increase in male-only studies and a striking sex bias that excluded female rats from biomedical research. Recognition of the advantages of studies that incorporate the rat estrous cycle has resulted in recent years in an increase of such investigations. Female rats and females of several other species are not more variable than their male counterparts across traits, arguing for female inclusion without requiring cycle monitoring. There, remain, however, many advantages of incorporating the estrous cycle in contemporary research.

Metabolomic profiling relates tianeptine effectiveness with hippocampal GABA, myo-inositol, cholesterol, and fatty acid metabolism restoration in socially isolated rats

RATIONALE

Discovering biomarkers of major depressive disorder (MDD) can give a deeper understanding of this mood disorder and improve the ability to screen for, diagnose, and treat MDD.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, metabolomics was used in unraveling metabolite fluctuations of MDD and drug outcome by creating specific metabolomic fingerprints. We report metabolomic patterns of change of the hippocampus of adult male Wistar rats following chronic social isolation (CSIS) (6 weeks), an animal model of depression, and/or chronic tianeptine (Tian) treatment (10 mg kg^-1 per day) (lasting 3 weeks of 6-week CSIS), monitored by using comprehensive GC × GC-MS.

RESULTS

The comparative metabolomic analysis highlighted the role of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), iso-allocholate, and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism alterations following the CSIS, which was corroborated with moderate to strong negative Pearson's correlation of GABA, docosahexaenoic, 9-hexadecenoic acid, 5,8,11,14-eicosatetraynoic, and arachidonic acids with immobility behavior in the forced swim test. The antidepressant effect of Tian restored GABA levels, which was absent in Tian resilient rats. Tian decreased myo-inositol and increased TCA cycle intermediates, amino acids, and cholesterol and its metabolite. As key molecules of divergence between Tian effectiveness and resilience, metabolomics revealed myo-inositol, GABA, cholesterol, and its metabolite. A significant moderate positive correlation between myo-inositol and immobility was revealed. Tian probably acted by upregulating NMDAR's and α₂ adrenergic receptors (AR) or norepinephrine transporter in both control and stressed animals.

CONCLUSION

Metabolomics revealed several dysregulations underlying CSIS-induced depressive-like behavior and responsiveness to Tian, predominantly converging into NMDAR-mediated glutamate and myo-inositol signalization and GABA inhibitory pathways.

Mechanism of Soy Isoflavone Daidzein-Induced Female-Specific Anorectic Effect

Epidemiological studies suggest that regular intake of soy isoflavone exerts a preventive effect on postmenopausal obesity and other forms of dysmetabolism. Estrogens inhibit eating behavior. Soy isoflavones may act as estrogen agonist in estrogen-depleted conditions, whereas they may either act as an estrogen antagonist or be ineffective in estrogen-repleted conditions. We investigated the effects of dietary soy isoflavone on food intake under various estrogen conditions using male, ovariectomized (OVX), and non-OVX female rats, and compared the effects with those of estradiol. We found that soy isoflavones reduced food intake in females specifically, regardless of whether ovariectomy had been performed, whereas subcutaneous implantation of estradiol pellet did not reduce food intake in intact female rats, but did so in OVX female and male rats. Contrary to this hypothesis, the reduction in food intake may not be caused by the estrogenic properties of soy isoflavones. It is of great interest to understand the mechanisms underlying the anorectic effects of soy isoflavones. In this non-systematic review, we summarize our recent studies that have investigated the bioactive substances of anorectic action, pharmacokinetic properties of soy isoflavones, and the modification of central and peripheral signals regulating appetite by soy isoflavones, and selected studies that were identified via database mining.

2C-B-Fly-NBOMe Metabolites in Rat Urine, Human Liver Microsomes and C. elegans: Confirmation with Synthesized Analytical Standards

Compounds from the N-benzylphenethylamine (NBPEA) class of novel psychoactive substances are being increasingly utilized in neurobiological and clinical research, as diagnostic tools, or for recreational purposes. To understand the pharmacology, safety, or potential toxicity of these substances, elucidating their metabolic fate is therefore of the utmost interest. Several studies on NBPEA metabolism have emerged, but scarce information about substances with a tetrahydrobenzodifuran ("Fly") moiety is available. Here, we investigated the metabolism of 2-(8-bromo-2,3,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']difuran-4-yl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethan-1-amine (2C-B-Fly-NBOMe) in three different systems: isolated human liver microsomes, Cunninghamella elegans mycelium, and in rats in vivo. Phase I and II metabolites of 2C-B-Fly-NBOMe were first detected in an untargeted screening and identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Several hypothesized metabolites were then synthesized as reference standards; knowledge of their fragmentation patterns was utilized for confirmation or tentative identification of isomers. Altogether, thirty-five phase I and nine phase II 2C-B-Fly-NBOMe metabolites were detected. Major detected metabolic pathways were mono- and poly-hydroxylation, O-demethylation, oxidative debromination, and to a lesser extent also N-demethoxybenzylation, followed by glucuronidation and/or N-acetylation. Differences were observed for the three used media. The highest number of metabolites and at highest concentration were found in human liver microsomes. In vivo metabolites detected from rat urine included two poly-hydroxylated metabolites found only in this media. Mycelium matrix contained several dehydrogenated, N-oxygenated, and dibrominated metabolites.

Olanzapine-Induced Activation of Hypothalamic Astrocytes and Toll-Like Receptor-4 Signaling via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Were Related to Olanzapine-Induced Weight Gain

The antipsychotic drug olanzapine is associated with serious obesity side effects. Hypothalamic astrocytes and associated toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) signaling play an essential role in obesity pathogenesis. This study investigated the effect of olanzapine on astrocytes and TLR4 signaling both in vitro and in the rat hypothalamus and their potential role in olanzapine-induced weight gain. We found that olanzapine treatment for 24 h dose-dependently increased cell viability, increased the protein expression of astrocyte markers including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100 calcium binding protein B (S100B), and activated TLR4 signaling in vitro. In rats, 8- and 36-day olanzapine treatment caused weight gain accompanied by increased GFAP and S100B protein expression and activated TLR4 signaling in the hypothalamus. These effects still existed in pair-fed rats, suggesting that these effects were not secondary effects of olanzapine-induced hyperphagia. Moreover, treatment with an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor, 4-phenylbutyrate, inhibited olanzapine-induced weight gain and ameliorated olanzapine-induced changes in hypothalamic GFAP, S100B, and TLR4 signaling. The expression of GFAP, S100B, and TLR4 correlated with food intake and weight gain. These findings suggested that olanzapine-induced increase in hypothalamic astrocytes and activation of TLR4 signaling were related to ER stress, and these effects may be related to olanzapine-induced obesity.

Long-term nitrate administration increases expression of browning genes in epididymal adipose tissue of male type 2 diabetic rats

Expression of browning genes are lower in both humans and animals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aims at determining effects of long-term nitrate administration on protein and mRNA levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and PPAR-γ coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1-α) in epididymal adipose tissue (eAT) of rats with T2D. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 6/group): Control, diabetes, control + nitrate (CN), and diabetes + nitrate (DN). T2D was induced using high fat diet combined with a low-dose of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg body weight). Sodium nitrate was administrated at a dose of 100 mg/L for 6 months in nitrate-treated rats. Fasting serum glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at months 0 (i.e. at start of the protocol), 3, and 6. At month 6, protein and mRNA levels of UCP1, PPAR-γ, and PGC1-α were measured in eAT samples. In addition, tissue concentration of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) was measured and histological analyses were done at month 6. In rats with T2D, 6-month administration of nitrate decreased serum glucose and insulin concentrations by 13% and 23%, respectively and increased cGMP level by 85%. Rats with T2D had lower mRNA and protein levels of PPAR-γ (62%, P < 0.0001 and 18%, P = 0.0472), PGC1-α (49%, P = 0.0019 and 21%, P = 0.0482), and UCP1 (35%, P = 0.0613 and 30%, P = 0.0031) in eAT; 6-month nitrate administration restored these decreased levels to near control values. In addition, nitrate increased adipocyte density by 193% and decreased adipocyte area by 53% in rats with T2D. In conclusion, long-term low-dose nitrate administration increased mRNA and protein expressions of browning genes in white adipose tissue of male rats with T2D; these findings partly explain favorable metabolic effects of nitrate administration in diabetes.

Estradiol potentiates inhibitory synaptic transmission in the oval bed nucleus of the striaterminalis of male and female rats

17ß-Estradiol (E2) is a potent neuromodulator capable of producing changes in inhibitory synaptic transmission by either changing pre-synaptic GABA release or post-synaptic GABA_A receptor function. Physiologically, E2 is important for energy homeostasis, influencing food consumption, body weight, adipose tissue metabolism and energy expenditure. E2 may influence energy homeostasis through estrogen receptor-rich regions such as the oval bed nucleus of the stria-terminalis (ovBNST). However, the neurophysiological effects of estradiol within the ovBNST remain largely unknown. Understanding how E2 affects inhibitory transmission may elucidate the ovBNST's contribution to energy homeostasis. Here, using brain slice electrophysiology, we saw that E2 produced a long-term potentiation (LTP) of GABA_A synaptic transmission (LTP^GABA) in the ovBNST in male rats. E2 acted on estrogen receptors α and G-protein coupled estrogen receptors (GPER), involved protein kinase activation and required an intact endocannabinoid system. The effects of E2 in males were sensitive to 24 h of food deprivation. In females, E2 was 100-fold more potent at producing LTP^GABA ovBNST compared to male rats and involved all three known subtypes of estrogen receptors (ERα, ERß, and GPER). These results demonstrate that E2 is a potent neuromodulator of inhibitory synaptic transmission within the ovBNST of both sexes to potentially regulate energy homeostasis.

Noise-induced sleep disruption increases weight gain and decreases energy metabolism in female rats

Background/objectives:

Inadequate sleep increases obesity and environmental noise contributes to poor sleep. However, women may be more vulnerable to noise and hence more susceptible to sleep disruption-induced weight gain than men. In male rats, exposure to environmental (i.e. ambient) noise disrupts sleep and increases feeding and weight gain. However, the effects of environmental noise on sleep and weight gain in female rats are unknown. Thus, this study was designed to determine whether noise exposure would disturb sleep, increase feeding and weight gain and alter the length of the estrous cycle in female rats.

Subjects/methods:

Female rats (12-weeks old) were exposed to noise for 17d (8h/d during the light period) to determine the effects of noise on weight gain and food intake. In a separate set of females, estrous cycle phase and length, EEG, EMG, spontaneous physical activity and energy expenditure were recorded continuously for 27d during baseline (control, 9d), noise exposure (8h/d, 9d) and recovery (9d) from sleep disruption.

Results:

Noise exposure significantly increased weight gain and food intake compared to females that slept undisturbed. Noise also significantly increased wakefulness, reduced sleep and resulted in rebound sleep during the recovery period. Total energy expenditure was significantly lower during both noise exposure and recovery due to lower energy expenditure during spontaneous physical activity and sleep. Notably, noise did not alter the estrous cycle length.

Conclusions:

As previously observed in male rats, noise exposure disrupted sleep and increased weight gain in females but did not alter the length of the estrous cycle. This is the first demonstration of weight gain in female rats during sleep disruption. We conclude that the sleep disruption caused by exposure to environmental noise is a significant tool for determining how sleep loss contributes to obesity in females.

Ventromedial hypothalamic glucose sensing and glucose homeostasis vary throughout the estrous cycle

OBJECTIVE

17β-Estradiol (17βE) regulates glucose homeostasis in part by centrally mediated mechanisms. In female rodents, the influence of the ovarian cycle on hypoglycemia counterregulation and glucose tolerance is unclear. We found previously that in prepubertal females, 17βE modulates glucose sensing in nonadapting glucose-inhibited (GI) and adapting GI (AdGI) neurons within the ventrolateral portion of the ventromedial nucleus (VL-VMN). Nonadapting GI neurons persistently decrease their activity as glucose increases while AdGI neurons transiently respond to a glucose increase. To begin to understand if endogenous fluctuations in estrogen levels across the estrous cycle impact hypothalamic glucose sensing and glucose homeostasis, we assessed whether hypoglycemia counterregulation and glucose tolerance differed across the phases of the estrous cycle. We hypothesized that the response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia (IIH) and/or glucose tolerance would vary throughout the estrous cycle according to changes in 17βE availability. Moreover, that these changes would correlate with estrous-dependent changes in the glucose sensitivity of VL-VMN glucose-sensing neurons (GSNs).

METHODS

These hypotheses were tested in female mice by measuring the response to IIH, glucose tolerance and the glucose sensitivity of VL-VMN GSNs during each phase of the estrous cycle. Furthermore, a physiological brain concentration of 17βE seen during proestrus was acutely applied to brain slices isolated on the day of diestrous and the response to low glucose in VL-VMN GSNs was assayed.

RESULTS

The response to IIH was strongest during diestrous. The response of nonadapting GI and AdGI neurons to a glucose decrease from 2.5 to 0.5mM also peaked during diestrous; an effect which was blunted by the addition of 17βE. In contrast, the glucose sensitivity of the subpopulation of GSNs which are excited by glucose (GE) was not affected by estrous phase or exogenous 17βE application.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that physiological fluctuations in circulating 17βE levels across the estrous cycle lead to changes in hypothalamic glucose sensing and the response to IIH.

Metabolic blood profile of beef heifers during oestrous and non-oestrous states

Haematological metabolic profiles in heifers could contribute to the development of proxies for oestrous detection and provide clues to further characterize biological changes during oestrus. One hundred and seven beef heifers were observed for oestrous behaviour twice daily for 124 days. Feed intake and productive performance (body weight and composition) traits were measured, and feed efficiency was determined using residual feed intake (kg DM/day). Blood plasma samples were collected when signs of oestrus were observed and every 30 ± 2 days. Heifers were considered in oestrus (n = 71) when plasma progesterone concentrations were <0.6 ng/ml. Least square means of blood metabolic parameters were compared between oestrous and non-oestrous states and within oestrous groups according to performance traits and age. Heifers in oestrus exhibited higher concentrations of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), beta-hydroxybutyric acid, creatine kinase (CK) and triiodothyronine (T3) than heifers in non-oestrus. Heifers in oestrus revealed lower osmolality and concentrations of calcium, sodium and total protein than during non-oestrus. Younger (and smaller) heifers had greater concentrations of CK, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), glucose and sodium than the older heifers. Heifers with lower fatness had increased osmolality and concentrations of cholesterol, CK, phosphorus, sodium and reduced T3 levels. Feed efficient heifers had greater levels of AST, cholesterol and GGT than inefficient heifers. Blood plasma parameters may be complementary to oestrous detection upon further validation; effects of age, feed efficiency, body size and body composition should be considered to optimize this haematological assessment.

The daidzein- and estradiol- induced anorectic action in CCK or leptin receptor deficiency rats

We investigated the effect of daidzein feeding and estradiol treatment on food intake in cholecystokinin-1 receptor (CCK1R) deficiency, leptin receptor (ObRb) deficiency rats and their wild-type rats. These rats underwent an ovariectomy or a sham operation. For the 5 week experiment, each rat was divided in three groups: control, daidzein (150 mg/kg diet), and estradiol (4.2 μg/rat/day) groups. In both CCK1R+ and CCK1R− rats, daidzein feeding and estradiol treatment significantly decreased food intake. Daidzein feeding significantly reduced food intake in ovariectomized ObRb− rats, although not in ObRb+ rats. Estradiol treatment significantly lowered food intake in ovariectomized ObRb+ and ObRb− rats. In the ovariectomized rats, estradiol treatment significantly increases uterine weight, while daidzein feeding did not change it, suggesting that daidzein might have no or weak estrogenic effect in our experiment. These results suggest that CCK1R and ObRb signalings were not essential for the daidzein- and estradiol-induced anorectic action.

Developmental fluoxetine exposure facilitates sexual behavior in female offspring

RATIONALE

A growing number of infants are being exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications during the perinatal period. SSRIs target the serotoninergic system and are a popular treatment for maternal mood disorders. Serotonin itself plays a key role in the sexual differentiation through its role in the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and previous research has shown that developmental SSRI exposure has an effect on sexual behavior in male offspring.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to determine the role of developmental exposure to a popular SSRI medication, fluoxetine, on sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior in female offspring using a rodent model of maternal adversity.

METHODS

Stressed and non-stressed Sprague-Dawley rat dams were chronically treated with either fluoxetine (5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle beginning on postnatal day 1. Four groups of female offspring were used: (1) control + vehicle, (2) control + fluoxetine, (3) prenatal stress + vehicle, and (4) prenatal stress + fluoxetine.

RESULTS

Primary results show that in adult female offspring, developmental fluoxetine exposure facilitates proceptive and receptive behaviors with a significant increase in the number of proceptive behaviors, a significant increase in the lordosis quotient, and a significant decrease in the rejection quotient.

CONCLUSIONS

This research contributes in the understanding of the long-term impact developmental fluoxetine exposure on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) system in adult female offspring.

Antidepressant-like properties of α2-containing GABA(A) receptors

Growing evidence suggests that altered function of the GABAergic system can contribute to the pathophysiology of depression. Many GABAergic effects are mediated via ionotropic GABA(A) receptors, which are functionally defined by their α subunit (α1-α6). Although it remains unknown which specific GABA(A) receptor population mediates depressive-like effects, we posit that α2-containing GABA(A) receptors, which are highly expressed in limbic regions, may underlie these behaviors. We hypothesized that genetic inactivation of α2-containing GABA(A) receptors would generate a depressive-like phenotype in mice. Male and female wild type, α2 heterozygous, and α2 homozygous knockout mice generated on the 129X1/SvJ background were examined in the novelty-suppressed feeding (NSF) test, the forced swim test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). Male α2 knockout mice took longer to eat in the NSF test and became immobile faster and remained immobile longer when challenged in the FST and the TST compared to wild types. In females significant genotypic differences were only observed in the FST. We conclude that GABAergic inhibition acting via α2-containing GABA(A) receptors has an antidepressant-like effect in vivo and that these receptors represent a specific molecular substrate that can regulate depressive-like states. α2-containing GABA(A) receptors may therefore represent a novel target for the development of more effective antidepressants.

Effect of the estrous cycle and surgical ovariectomy on energy balance, fuel utilization, and physical activity in lean and obese female rats

This study presents an in-depth analysis of the effects of obesity on energy balance (EB) and fuel utilization in adult female rats, over the estrous cycle and immediately after surgical ovariectomy (OVX), to model pre- and postmenopausal states, respectively. Female Wistar rats were fed a high-fat (46%) diet for 16 wk to produce mature lean and obese animals. Stage of estrous was identified by daily vaginal lavage, while energy intake (EI), total energy expenditure (TEE), and fuel utilization were monitored in a multichamber indirect calorimeter and activity was monitored by infrared beam breaks. Metabolic monitoring studies were repeated during the 3-wk period of rapid OVX-induced weight gain. Component analysis of TEE was performed to determine the nonresting and resting portions of energy expenditure. Obesity was associated with a greater fluctuation in EB across the estrous cycle. Cycling obese rats were less active, expended more energy per movement, and oxidized more carbohydrate than lean rats. The changes in EB over the cycle in lean and obese rats were driven by changes in EI. Finally, OVX induced a large positive energy imbalance in obese and lean rats. This resulted primarily from an increase in EI in both groups, with little change in TEE following OVX. These observations reveal a dominant effect of obesity on EB, fuel utilization, and activity levels in cycling rats, which has implications for studies focused on obesity and EB in female rodents.

Kisspeptin cells in the ewe brain respond to leptin and communicate with neuropeptide Y and proopiomelanocortin cells

Kisspeptin stimulates reproduction, and kisspeptin cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) express Ob-Rb in the mouse. Herein we report studies in ewes to determine whether kisspeptin cells express Ob-Rb and respond to leptin and whether reciprocal connections exist between kisspeptin cells and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) or neuropeptide Y (NPY) cells to modulate reproduction and metabolic function. Kiss1 mRNA was measured by in situ hybridization in ovariectomized ewes that were normal body weight, lean, or lean with leptin treatment by intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion (4 microg/h, 3 d). Kiss1 expression in the ARC and the preoptic area was lower in hypogonadotropic lean animals than animals of normal weight, and icv infusion of leptin partially restored Kiss1 expression in lean animals. Single-cell laser capture microdissection coupled with real-time PCR showed that Kiss1 cells in the preoptic area and ARC express Ob-Rb. Double-label fluorescent immunohistochemistry showed that reciprocal connections exist between kisspeptin cells and NPY and POMC cells. Accordingly, we treated ovariectomized ewes with kisspeptin (5 microg/h, icv) or vehicle for 20 h and examined POMC and NPY gene expression by in situ hybridization. Kisspeptin treatment reduced POMC and increased NPY gene expression. Thus, kisspeptin neurons respond to leptin and expression of Kiss1 mRNA is affected by leptin status. Kisspeptin cells communicate with NPY and POMC cells, altering expression of the relevant genes in the target cells; reciprocal connections also exist. This network between the three cell types could coordinate brain control of reproduction and metabolic homeostatic systems.

Diet calcium level but not calcium supplement particle size affects bone density and mechanical properties in ovariectomized rats

Calcium (Ca) supplements, especially Ca carbonate (CaCO3), are the main alternative sources of dietary Ca and an important part of a treatment regimen for osteoporosis, the most common metabolic bone disorder of aging and menopause. In a female ovariectomized (OVX) rat model for studying postmenopausal osteoporosis, we tested the hypothesis that a small compared with a large particle size of CaCO3 (13.0- vs. 18.5-mum geometric diameter) would result in increased Ca balance and subsequently bone mass and that this would be affected by dietary Ca level. We used 6-mo-old rats that were OVX either at 6 or 3 mo of age as models of early or stable menopausal status, respectively. The rats received semipurified diets that contained either 0.4 or 0.2% dietary Ca provided from CaCO3 of 2 particle sizes. A group of Sham-operated rats with intact ovaries served as control and were fed 0.4% dietary Ca from large particles. Estrogen deficiency as a result of ovariectomy had an adverse effect on bone density, mineral content, and bone mechanical properties (P < 0.001). Reducing dietary Ca from 0.4 to 0.2% resulted in significant adverse effects on bone density and mechanical properties (P < 0.001). The particle size of CaCO3 did not affect total Ca balance, bone dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography indices, bone ash and Ca content, or the mechanical determinants of bone strength. We conclude that a decrease in particle size of CaCO3 to 70% of that typically found in Ca supplements does not provide a benefit to overall Ca metabolism or bone characteristics and that the amount of Ca consumed is of greater influence in enhancing Ca nutrition and skeletal strength.

Oestrogen modulates hypothalamic control of energy homeostasis through multiple mechanisms

The control of energy homeostasis in women is correlated with the anorectic effects of oestrogen, which can attenuate body weight gain and reduce food intake in rodent models. This review investigates the multiple signalling pathways and cellular targets that oestrogen utilises to control energy homeostasis in the hypothalamus. Oestrogen affects all of the hypothalamic nuclei that control energy homeostasis. Oestrogen controls the activity of hypothalamic neurones through gene regulation and neuronal excitability. Oestrogen's primary cellular pathway is the control of gene transcription through the classical oestrogen receptors (ERs) (ERalpha and ERbeta) with ERalpha having the primary role in energy homeostasis. Oestrogen also controls energy homeostasis through membrane-mediated events via membrane-associated ERs or a novel, putative membrane ER that is coupled to G-proteins. Therefore, oestrogen is coupled to at least two receptors with multiple signalling and transcriptional pathways to mediate immediate and long-term anorectic effects. Ultimately, it is the interactions of all the receptor-mediated processes in hypothalamus and other areas of the central nervous system that will determine the anorectic effects of oestrogen and its control of energy homeostasis.

Dietary soy isoflavone-aglycone lowers food intake in female rats with and without ovariectomy

OBJECTIVE

Estrogens downregulate eating behavior, and soy isoflavones are known to be estrogenic agents. We aimed to examine whether the estrogenic property of soy isoflavones can affect food intake and body weight.

METHODS AND PROCEDURES

Seven-week-old male, female, and ovariectomized (OVX) Sprague-Dawley rats were given free access to a diet containing 100-300 mg total isoflavone/kg diet, or to a control diet, either with or without concurrent administration of estradiol by subcutaneous implantation.

RESULTS

Dietary soy isoflavone was shown to lower food intake in female rats, whether or not the animals had undergone ovariectomy. Administration of estradiol lowered the food intake in male rats and in OVX female rats. The decrease in weekly food intake in female rats led to a reduction in their weekly gain in body weight. Dietary soy isoflavone significantly increased the concentration of serum isoflavones, especially equol (a metabolite of daidzein), regardless of gender or ovariectomy. Dietary soy isoflavone did not affect either serum estradiol concentration or uterine and didymus weights, but estradiol administration improved the uterine atrophy in OVX rats, and decreased the didymus weight in male rats.

DISCUSSION

Soy isoflavone lowers the food intake in female rats, but not in the male animals. Contrary to the hypothesis currently in vogue, the reduction in food intake caused by soy isoflavone may not be a purely estrogenic effect. This follows from the finding that the effects of soy isoflavones on food intake and on the reproductive organs differ from the corresponding effects produced by estrogen.

Impact of proestrous milieu on expression of orexin receptors and prepro-orexin in rat hypothalamus and hypophysis: actions of Cetrorelix and Nembutal

Orexins and their receptors OX1 and OX2 regulate energy balance and the sleep-wake cycle. We studied the expression of prepro-orexin (PPO), OX1, and OX2 in brain and pituitary under the influence of the hormonal status in adult rats. Primarily, PPO, OX1, and OX2 expression was determined in Sprague-Dawley female cycling rats during proestrus and in males. Animals were killed at 2-h intervals. Anterior (AH) and mediobasal (MBH) hypothalamus, anterior pituitary (P), and frontoparietal cortex (CC) were homogenized in TRIzol, and mRNAs were obtained for screening of PPO, OX1, OX2 expression by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Main findings were confirmed and extended to all days of the cycle by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Hormones and food consumption were determined. Finally, OX1, OX2, and PPO were measured by real-time RT-PCR in tissues collected at 1900 of proestrus after treatments at 1400 with ovulation-blocking agents Cetrorelix or pentobarbital. OX1 and OX2 expression increased at least threefold in AH, MBH, and P, but not in CC, between 1700 and 2300 of proestrus, without variations in estrus, diestrus, or in males. PPO in AH and MBH showed a fourfold or higher increase only during proestrus afternoon. Cetrorelix or pentobarbital prevented increases of OX1 and OX2 only in the pituitary and blunted gonadotropin surges, but left OX1, OX2, and PPO brain expression unchanged. Reproduction, energy balance, and sleep-wake cycle are integrated. Here, we demonstrate that, in the physiological neuroendocrine condition leading to ovulation, information to the orexinergic system acts in hypothalamus and pituitary by different mechanisms.

Anorectic estrogen mimics leptin's effect on the rewiring of melanocortin cells and Stat3 signaling in obese animals

Metabolic hormones, such as leptin, alter the input organization of hypothalamic circuits, resulting in increased pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) tone, followed by decreased food intake and adiposity. The gonadal steroid estradiol can also reduce appetite and adiposity, and it influences synaptic plasticity. Here we report that estradiol (E2) triggers a robust increase in the number of excitatory inputs to POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus of wild-type rats and mice. This rearrangement of synapses in the arcuate nucleus is leptin independent because it also occurred in leptin-deficient (ob/ob) and leptin receptor-deficient (db/db) mice, and was paralleled by decreased food intake and body weight gain as well as increased energy expenditure. However, estrogen-induced decrease in body weight was dependent on Stat3 activation in the brain. These observations support the notion that synaptic plasticity of arcuate nucleus feeding circuits is an inherent element in body weight regulation and offer alternative approaches to reducing adiposity under conditions of failed leptin receptor signaling.

Resistance to diet-induced obesity in mu-opioid receptor-deficient mice: evidence for a "thrifty gene"

Using pharmacological tools, a role for opioid receptors in the regulation of food intake has been documented. However, the involvement of specific receptor subtypes remains questionable, and little information is available regarding a role for opioid receptors in energy metabolism. Using adult male mice lacking the mu-opioid receptor (MOR) gene (MOR-/-), we show that the MOR is not essential for the maintenance of normal levels of ad libitum food intake but does modulate the efficiency of energy storage during high-fat diets through the regulation of energy partitioning. When fed a regular diet, MOR-/- mice displayed only subtle alterations in energy homeostasis, suggesting a relative overuse of fat as a fuel source in the fed state. When fed a high-fat diet, MOR-/- mice were resistant to obesity and impaired glucose tolerance, despite having similar energy intake to wild-type mice. This resistance to obesity was associated with a strong induction of the expression of key mitochondrial enzymes involved in fatty acid oxidation within skeletal muscle. This metabolic role of the MOR, which is consistent with the properties of a "thrifty gene," suggests that the MOR pathway is a potential target for pharmacological intervention in the treatment of obesity associated with the intake of fatty diets.

Systemic nicotine alters whole-body fat utilization in female rats

Cigarette smoking produces weight suppression in humans that often rebounds following smoking cessation. Nicotine (NIC) administration produces similar effects in rats. While changes in food intake are thought to account for some of the body weight changes, few reports have investigated how NIC affects whole-body metabolism. In the present study, measures of respiratory quotient (RQ) and energy expenditure (EE) were used to investigate metabolic changes that may contribute to NIC's effects on body weight. Female rats (n=46) were implanted for 14 days with subcutaneous Alzet minipumps containing NIC (6 mg/kg/day) or its vehicle. One-hour metabolic test sessions occurred four times: 2 and 12 days after pump implant and 2 and 8 days after pump removal. NIC initially suppressed body weight gain, followed by steady recovery that was briefly exaggerated after withdrawing NIC. Daily food intake was acutely suppressed by NIC and acutely potentiated after NIC cessation. RQ, but not EE, was suppressed by NIC 2 days after pump implant indicating increased fat utilization. Conversely, RQ was increased 2 days after pump removal signaling increased fat storage. These findings indicate that acute changes in whole-body metabolism may contribute to the weight modulating effects of NIC.

Estrous cycle and food availability affect feeding induced by amygdala 5-HT receptor blockade

We have recently reported that bilateral infusions of the 5-HT receptor antagonist metergoline (MET) into the posterior basolateral amygdala (pBLA) elicit feeding in female rats tested at mid-light cycle. The present study was performed to determine whether (1) testing at two different phases of the estrous cycle, and/or (2) the palatability of the food might modify this effect. Subjects were 18 adult females with bilateral pBLA cannulae. Following familiarization with Froot Loops cereal, a within-subjects design tested all animals for 1- and 2-h food intake under 2 Drug (0.3 nmol MET vs. Vehicle), 2 Estrous Cycle (diestrus vs. estrus) and 2 Food (lab chow vs. Froot Loops) conditions. Rats weighed more at diestrus than at proestrus (P<.05) or estrus (P<.005). Multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs) revealed a preference for Froot Loops over lab chow (P<.0001). MET increased feeding regardless of food type (P<.0001). Rats ate more Froot Loops (P<.01), but not lab chow, at diestrus vs. estrus. A three-way interaction (P<.05) showed rats ate more during the first hour in estrus than in diestrus to lab chow but not Froot Loops. These data suggest pBLA MET differentially affects feeding over the estrous cycle depending on the palatability of food available.