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Guo K, Mao M, Zhang S, Xu S, Zhao L, Wang X, Feng S. Research Trends and Hot Spots of Allopregnanolone Research in the Last 20 Years: A Bibliometric Analysis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:3397-3408. [PMID: 38024537 PMCID: PMC10657548 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s434364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Allopregnanolone is a kind of neuroactive steroid or neurosteroid in the central nervous system that acts as an endogenenous GABAA receptor positive modulator. However, at present, no comprehensive bibliometric analysis regarding allopregnanolone research is available. In our study, we intend to analyze the research trends and hot spots related to allopregnanolone in the past 20 years. Methods We searched for allopregnanolone related articles and reviews between 2004 and 2023 from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Then, the bibliometric analysis was conducted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, Microsoft Excel 2019, as well as the online bibliometric analysis platform (http://bibliometric.com/). Results A total of 1841 eligible publications were identified. The number of annual publications and citations was generally on the rise. Among countries, the United States ranked first in overall publications, citations, international cooperation, and the number of research institutions. The University of North Carolina was the most active institution, conducting numerous preclinical and clinical work that focusing on allopregnanolone treatment for diverse psychiatric or neurologic disorders. As for authors, Dr. Frye CA, Morrow AL, and Pinna G were identified as the top three prolific scholars due to their great publications and citations. Based on the publication clusters and citation bursts analysis, the keyword co-occurrence network, the strongest citation bursts, and co-cited references analysis, the hot spots in recent years included "depression", "postpartum depression", "GABAA receptor", and so on. Conclusion Allopregnanolone is still a popular area of research, and the United States leads the way in this area. Dr. Frye CA, Morrow AL, Pinna G, and their teams contributed greatly to the mechanism study and translation study of allopregnanolone. The use of allopregnanolone for the treatment of psychiatric or neurologic disorders, especially postpartum depression, is the current hot spot. However, the underlying mechanisms of anti-depression are still not clear, deserving more in-depth research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunlin Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mingjie Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Susu Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiqin Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liping Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xian Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanwu Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
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Ghuman A, McEwen A, Tran KH, Mitchell N, Hanstock C, Seres P, Jhangri G, Burgess D, Baker G, Le Melledo JM. Prospective Investigation of Glutamate Levels and Percentage Gray Matter in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex in Females at Risk for Postpartum Depression. Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:1988-2000. [PMID: 35236264 PMCID: PMC9886796 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220302101115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The substantial female hormone fluctuations associated with pregnancy and postpartum have been linked to a greater risk of developing depressive symptoms, particularly in high-risk women (HRW), i.e. those with histories of mood sensitivity to female hormone fluctuations. We have shown that glutamate (Glu) levels in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) decrease during perimenopause, a period of increased risk of developing a major depressive episode. Our team has also demonstrated that percentage gray matter (%GM), another neural correlate of maternal brain health, decreases in the MPFC during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE To investigate MPFC Glu levels and %GM from late pregnancy up to 7 weeks postpartum in HRW and healthy pregnant women (HPW). METHODS Single-voxel spectra were acquired from the MPFC of 41 HPW and 22 HRW using 3- Tesla in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at five different time points. RESULTS We observed a statistically significant interaction between time and group for the metabolite Glu, with Glu levels being lower for HRW during pregnancy and early postpartum (p<0.05). MPFC %GM was initially lower during pregnancy and then significantly increased over time in both groups (p<0.01). CONCLUSION This investigation suggests that the vulnerability towards PPD is associated with unique fluctuations of MPFC Glu levels during pregnancy and early postpartum period. Our results also suggest that the decline in MPFC %GM associated with pregnancy seems to progressively recover over time. Further investigations are needed to determine the specific role that female hormones play on the physiological changes in %GM during pregnancy and postpartum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Ghuman
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Psychiatry, Room 1E7.14, 8440 112 street Walter Mackenzie Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7; Tel: 780-407-6578; Fax: 780-407-6672; E-mail:
| | - Alyssa McEwen
- Address correspondence to these authors at the Department of Psychiatry, Room 1E7.14, 8440 112 street Walter Mackenzie Center, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2B7; Tel: 780-407-6578; Fax: 780-407-6672; E-mail:
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Vitku J, Hill M, Kolatorova L, Kubala Havrdova E, Kancheva R. Steroid Sulfation in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:839887. [PMID: 35281259 PMCID: PMC8904904 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.839887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid sulfation and desulfation participates in the regulation of steroid bioactivity, metabolism and transport. The authors focused on sulfation and desulfation balance in three neurodegenerative diseases: Alzheimer´s disease (AD), Parkinson´s disease (PD), and multiple sclerosis (MS). Circulating steroid conjugates dominate their unconjugated counterparts, but unconjugated steroids outweigh their conjugated counterparts in the brain. Apart from the neurosteroid synthesis in the central nervous system (CNS), most brain steroids cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) from the periphery and then may be further metabolized. Therefore, steroid levels in the periphery partly reflect the situation in the brain. The CNS steroids subsequently influence the neuronal excitability and have neuroprotective, neuroexcitatory, antidepressant and memory enhancing effects. They also exert anti-inflammatory and immunoprotective actions. Like the unconjugated steroids, the sulfated ones modulate various ligand-gated ion channels. Conjugation by sulfotransferases increases steroid water solubility and facilitates steroid transport. Steroid sulfates, having greater half-lives than their unconjugated counterparts, also serve as a steroid stock pool. Sulfotransferases are ubiquitous enzymes providing massive steroid sulfation in adrenal zona reticularis and zona fasciculata.. Steroid sulfatase hydrolyzing the steroid conjugates is exceedingly expressed in placenta but is ubiquitous in low amounts including brain capillaries of BBB which can rapidly hydrolyze the steroid sulfates coming across the BBB from the periphery. Lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) plasma levels and reduced sulfotransferase activity are considered as risk factors in AD patients. The shifted balance towards unconjugated steroids can participate in the pathophysiology of PD and anti-inflammatory effects of DHEAS may counteract the MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Vitku
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czechia
- *Correspondence: Jana Vitku,
| | - Martin Hill
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lucie Kolatorova
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czechia
| | - Eva Kubala Havrdova
- Department of Neurology and Center of Clinical Neuroscience, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Radmila Kancheva
- Department of Steroids and Proteofactors, Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czechia
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Salahuddin MF, Qrareya AN, Mahdi F, Moss E, Akins NS, Li J, Le HV, Paris JJ. Allopregnanolone and neuroHIV: Potential benefits of neuroendocrine modulation in the era of antiretroviral therapy. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13047. [PMID: 34651359 PMCID: PMC8866218 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Forty years into the HIV pandemic, approximately 50% of infected individuals still suffer from a constellation of neurological disorders collectively known as 'neuroHIV.' Although combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has been a tremendous success, in its present form, it cannot eradicate HIV. Reservoirs of virus reside within the central nervous system, serving as sources of HIV virotoxins that damage mitochondria and promote neurotoxicity. Although understudied, there is evidence that HIV or the HIV regulatory protein, trans-activator of transcription (Tat), can dysregulate neurosteroid formation potentially contributing to endocrine dysfunction. People living with HIV commonly suffer from endocrine disorders, including hypercortisolemia accompanied by paradoxical adrenal insufficiency upon stress. Age-related comorbidities often onset sooner and with greater magnitude among people living with HIV and are commonly accompanied by hypogonadism. In the post-cART era, these derangements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and -gonadal axes are secondary (i.e., relegated to the brain) and indicative of neuroendocrine dysfunction. We review the clinical and preclinical evidence for neuroendocrine dysfunction in HIV, the capacity for hormone therapeutics to play an ameliorative role and the future steroid-based therapeutics that may have efficacy as novel adjunctives to cART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed F. Salahuddin
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Alaa N. Qrareya
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Fakhri Mahdi
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Emaya Moss
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Nicholas S. Akins
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Jing Li
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Hoang V. Le
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
| | - Jason J. Paris
- Department of BioMolecular SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
- Research Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of PharmacyUniversity of MississippiUniversityMSUSA
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Peart DR, Andrade AK, Logan CN, Knackstedt LA, Murray JE. Regulation of Cocaine-related Behaviors by Estrogen and Progesterone. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104584. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Foliaki ST, Schwarz B, Groveman BR, Walters RO, Ferreira NC, Orrù CD, Smith A, Wood A, Schmit OM, Freitag P, Yuan J, Zou W, Bosio CM, Carroll JA, Haigh CL. Neuronal excitatory-to-inhibitory balance is altered in cerebral organoid models of genetic neurological diseases. Mol Brain 2021; 14:156. [PMID: 34635127 PMCID: PMC8507222 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00864-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuro-physiological properties of individuals with genetic pre-disposition to neurological disorders are largely unknown. Here we aimed to explore these properties using cerebral organoids (COs) derived from fibroblasts of individuals with confirmed genetic mutations including PRNPE200K, trisomy 21 (T21), and LRRK2G2019S, which are associated with Creutzfeldt Jakob disease, Down Syndrome, and Parkinson's disease. We utilized no known disease/healthy COs (HC) as normal function controls. At 3-4 and 6-10 months post-differentiation, COs with mutations showed no evidence of disease-related pathology. Electrophysiology assessment showed that all COs exhibited mature neuronal firing at 6-10 months old. At this age, we observed significant changes in the electrophysiology of the COs with disease-associated mutations (dCOs) as compared with the HC, including reduced neuronal network communication, slowing neuronal oscillations, and increased coupling of delta and theta phases to the amplitudes of gamma oscillations. Such changes were linked with the detection of hypersynchronous events like spike-and-wave discharges. These dysfunctions were associated with altered production and release of neurotransmitters, compromised activity of excitatory ionotropic receptors including receptors of kainate, AMPA, and NMDA, and changed levels and function of excitatory glutamatergic synapses and inhibitory GABAergic synapses. Neuronal properties that modulate GABAergic inhibition including the activity of Na-K-Cl cotransport 1 (NKCC1) in Cl- homeostasis and the levels of synaptic and extra-synaptic localization of GABA receptors (GABARs) were altered in the T21 COs only. The neurosteroid allopregnanolone, a positive modulator of GABARs, was downregulated in all the dCOs. Treatment with this neurosteroid significantly improved the neuronal communication in the dCOs, possibly through improving the GABAergic inhibition. Overall, without the manifestation of any disease-related pathology, the genetic mutations PRNPE200K, T21, and LRRK2G2019S significantly altered the neuronal network communication in dCOs by disrupting the excitatory-to-inhibitory balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simote T Foliaki
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Benjamin Schwarz
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Bradley R Groveman
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Ryan O Walters
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Natalia C Ferreira
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Christina D Orrù
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Anna Smith
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Aleksandar Wood
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Olivia M Schmit
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Phoebe Freitag
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Jue Yuan
- Departments of Pathology and Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Wenquan Zou
- Departments of Pathology and Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | - Catharine M Bosio
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - James A Carroll
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA
| | - Cathryn L Haigh
- Laboratory of Persistent Viral Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, 59840, USA.
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Chen S, Gao L, Li X, Ye Y. Allopregnanolone in mood disorders: Mechanism and therapeutic development. Pharmacol Res 2021; 169:105682. [PMID: 34019980 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) is an endogenous positive allosteric modulator of GABA type A receptor (GABAAR), and the down-regulation of its biosynthesis have been attributed to the development of mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ALLO mediated depression/anxiety involves GABAergic mechanisms and appears to be related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine receptor, glutamate neurotransmission, and Ca2+ channel. In the clinical, brexanolone, as a newly developed intravenous ALLO preparation, has been approved for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). In addition, traditional antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) could reverse ALLO decline. Recently, the translocation protein (TSPO, 18 kDa), which involves in the speed-limiting step of ALLO synthesis, and ALLO derivatization have been identified as new directions for antidepressant therapy. This review provides an overview of ALLO researches in animal model and patients, discusses its role in the development and treatment of depression/anxiety, and directs its therapeutic potential in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lijuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yiping Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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HIV-1 Tat Protein Promotes Neuroendocrine Dysfunction Concurrent with the Potentiation of Oxycodone's Psychomotor Effects in Female Mice. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050813. [PMID: 33946474 PMCID: PMC8147167 DOI: 10.3390/v13050813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with neuroendocrine dysfunction which may contribute to co-morbid stress-sensitive disorders. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) or -gonadal (HPG) axes are perturbed in up to 50% of HIV patients. The mechanisms are not known, but we have found the HIV-1 trans-activator of transcription (Tat) protein to recapitulate the clinical phenotype in male mice. We hypothesized that HPA and/or HPG dysregulation contributes to Tat-mediated interactions with oxycodone, an opioid often prescribed to HIV patients, in females. Female mice that conditionally-expressed the Tat1-86 protein [Tat(+) mice] or their counterparts that did not [Tat(-) control mice] were exposed to forced swim stress (or not) and behaviorally-assessed for motor and anxiety-like behavior. Some mice had glucocorticoid receptors (GR) or corticotropin-releasing factor receptors (CRF-R) pharmacologically inhibited. Some mice were ovariectomized (OVX). As seen previously in males, Tat elevated basal corticosterone levels and potentiated oxycodone's psychomotor activity in females. Unlike males, females did not demonstrate adrenal insufficiency and oxycodone potentiation was not regulated by GRs or CRF-Rs. Rather OVX attenuated Tat/oxycodone interactions. Either Tat or oxycodone increased anxiety-like behavior and their combination increased hypothalamic allopregnanolone. OVX increased basal hypothalamic allopregnanolone and obviated Tat or oxycodone-mediated fluctuations. Together, these data provide further evidence for Tat-mediated dysregulation of the HPA axis and reveal the importance of HPG axis regulation in females. HPA/HPG disruption may contribute vulnerability to affective and substance use disorders.
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Mills DJ. The Aging GABAergic System and Its Nutritional Support. J Nutr Metab 2021; 2021:6655064. [PMID: 33986956 PMCID: PMC8093074 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6655064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with a decline in hormones and an associated decline in GABAergic function and calcium and ion current dysregulation. Neurosteroid hormones act as direct calcium channel blockers, or they can act indirectly on calcium channels through their interaction with GABA receptors. The calcium channel dysfunction associated with hormone loss further leads to an excitatory cell state, which can ultimately lead to cell death. The calcium theory of aging posits that cellular mechanisms, which maintain the homeostasis of cytosol Ca2+ concentration, play a key role in brain aging and that sustained changes in Ca2+ homeostasis provide the final common pathway for age-associated brain changes. There is a link between hormone loss and calcium dysregulation. Loss of calcium regulation associated with aging can lead to an excitatory cell state, primarily in the mitochondria and nerve cells, which can ultimately lead to cell death if not kept in check. A decline in GABAergic function can also be specifically tied to declines in progesterone, allopregnanolone, and DHEA levels associated with aging. This decline in GABAergic function associated with hormone loss ultimately affects GABAergic inhibition or excitement and calcium regulation throughout the body. In addition, declines in GABAergic function can also be tied to vitamin status and to toxic chemicals in the food supply. The decline in GABAergic function associated with aging has an effect on just about every body organ system. Nutritional support of the GABAergic system with supportive foods, vitamins, and GABA or similar GABA receptor ligands may address some of the GABAergic dysfunction associated with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetra J. Mills
- Patent Trial and Appeal Board Biotechnology, 5232 Capon Hill Pl, Burke, VA 22015, USA
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Rapid effects of neurosteroids on neuronal plasticity and their physiological and pathological implications. Neurosci Lett 2021; 750:135771. [PMID: 33636284 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Current neuroscience research on neurosteroids and their synthetic analogues - neuroactive steroids - clearly demonstrate their drug likeness in a variety of neurological and psychiatric conditions. Moreover, research on neurosteroids continues to provide novel mechanistic insights into receptor activation or inhibition of various receptors. This mini-review will provide a high-level overview of the research area and discuss the various classes of potential physiological and pathological implications discovered so far.
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Astroglial glutamate transporter 1 and glutamine synthetase of the nucleus accumbens are involved in the antidepressant-like effects of allopregnanolone in learned helplessness rats. Behav Brain Res 2020; 401:113092. [PMID: 33359844 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Clinical studies have demonstrated that allopregnanolone (3α5α-tetrahydroprogesterone, ALLO) has antidepressant-like effects on patients with depression. Previous studies have shown alteration of the astroglial glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and glutamine synthetase (GS) in depression, and ALLO is known to modulate glutamate release. The present study aimed to investigate whether astroglial GLT-1 and GS are indeed involved in the antidepressant-like effects of ALLO in learned helplessness (LH) rats, a validated animal model of depression. The results of this study showed that bilateral microinjection of ALLO into the lateral ventricles could normalize the levels of GLT-1 and GS in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and of GS in the hippocampal CA1 region of LH rats. These results suggest a certain connection between the antidepressant-like effects of ALLO and the astroglial GLT-1/GS system of the NAc in LH rats.
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Matrisciano F, Pinna G. PPAR and functional foods: Rationale for natural neurosteroid-based interventions for postpartum depression. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 12:100222. [PMID: 32426424 PMCID: PMC7226878 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone, a GABAergic neurosteroid and progesterone derivative, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). Several mechanisms appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of PPD, including neuroendocrine dysfunction, neuroinflammation, neurotransmitter alterations, genetic and epigenetic modifications. Recent evidence highlights the higher risk for incidence of PPD in mothers exposed to unhealthy diets that negatively impact the microbiome composition and increase inflammation, all effects that are strongly correlated with mood disorders. Conversely, healthy diets have consistently been reported to decrease the risk of peripartum depression and to protect the body and brain against low-grade systemic chronic inflammation. Several bioactive micronutrients found in the so-called functional foods have been shown to play a relevant role in preventing neuroinflammation and depression, such as vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and flavonoids. An intriguing molecular substrate linking functional foods with improvement of mood disorders may be represented by the peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) pathway, which can regulate allopregnanolone biosynthesis and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and thereby may reduce inflammation and elevate mood. Herein, we discuss the potential connection between functional foods and PPAR and their role in preventing neuroinflammation and symptoms of PPD through neurosteroid regulation. We suggest that healthy diets by targeting the PPAR-neurosteroid axis and thereby decreasing inflammation may offer a suitable functional strategy to prevent and safely alleviate mood symptoms during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Matrisciano
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL, USA
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Pregnane steroidogenesis is altered by HIV-1 Tat and morphine: Physiological allopregnanolone is protective against neurotoxic and psychomotor effects. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 12:100211. [PMID: 32258256 PMCID: PMC7109513 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnane steroids, particularly allopregnanolone (AlloP), are neuroprotective in response to central insult. While unexplored in vivo, AlloP may confer protection against the neurological dysfunction associated with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The HIV-1 regulatory protein, trans-activator of transcription (Tat), is neurotoxic and its expression in mice increases anxiety-like behavior; an effect that can be ameliorated by progesterone, but not when 5α-reduction is blocked. Given that Tat's neurotoxic effects involve mitochondrial dysfunction and can be worsened with opioid exposure, we hypothesized that Tat and/or combined morphine would perturb steroidogenesis in mice, promoting neuronal death, and that exogenous AlloP would rescue these effects. Like other models of neural injury, conditionally inducing HIV-1 Tat in transgenic mice significantly increased the central synthesis of pregnenolone and progesterone's 5α-reduced metabolites, including AlloP, while decreasing central deoxycorticosterone (independent of changes in plasma). Morphine significantly increased brain and plasma concentrations of several steroids (including progesterone, deoxycorticosterone, corticosterone, and their metabolites) likely via activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis. Tat, but not morphine, caused glucocorticoid resistance in primary splenocytes. In neurons, Tat depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential and increased cell death. Physiological concentrations of AlloP (0.1, 1, or 10 nM) reversed these effects. High-concentration AlloP (100 nM) was neurotoxic in combination with morphine. Tat induction in transgenic mice potentiated the psychomotor effects of acute morphine, while exogenous AlloP (1.0 mg/kg, but not 0.5 mg/kg) was ameliorative. Data demonstrate that steroidogenesis is altered by HIV-1 Tat or morphine and that physiological AlloP attenuates resulting neurotoxic and psychomotor effects.
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Del Río JP, Alliende MI, Molina N, Serrano FG, Molina S, Vigil P. Steroid Hormones and Their Action in Women's Brains: The Importance of Hormonal Balance. Front Public Health 2018; 6:141. [PMID: 29876339 PMCID: PMC5974145 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex hormones significantly impact women's lives. Throughout the different stages of life, from menarche to menopause and all stages in between, women experience dramatic fluctuations in the levels of progesterone and estradiol, among other hormones. These fluctuations affect the body as a whole, including the central nervous system (CNS). In the CNS, sex hormones act via steroid receptors. They also have an effect on different neurotransmitters such as GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate. Additionally, studies show that sex hormones and their metabolites influence brain areas that regulate mood, behavior, and cognitive abilities. This review emphasizes the benefits a proper hormonal balance during the different stages of life has in the CNS. To achieve this goal, it is essential that hormone levels are evaluated considering a woman's age and ovulatory status, so that a correct diagnosis and treatment can be made. Knowledge of steroid hormone activity in the brain will give women and health providers an important tool for improving their health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Pilar Vigil
- Reproductive Health Research InstituteSantiago, Chile
- Vicerrectoría de ComunicacionesPontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Rebas E, Radzik T, Boczek T, Zylinska L. Calcium-engaged Mechanisms of Nongenomic Action of Neurosteroids. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 15:1174-1191. [PMID: 28356049 PMCID: PMC5725547 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170329091935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Revised: 01/01/1970] [Accepted: 03/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurosteroids form the unique group because of their dual mechanism of action. Classically, they bind to specific intracellular and/or nuclear receptors, and next modify genes transcription. Another mode of action is linked with the rapid effects induced at the plasma membrane level within seconds or milliseconds. The key molecules in neurotransmission are calcium ions, thereby we focus on the recent advances in understanding of complex signaling crosstalk between action of neurosteroids and calcium-engaged events. METHODS Short-time effects of neurosteroids action have been reviewed for GABAA receptor complex, glycine receptor, NMDA receptor, AMPA receptor, G protein-coupled receptors and sigma-1 receptor, as well as for several membrane ion channels and plasma membrane enzymes, based on available published research. RESULTS The physiological relevance of neurosteroids results from the fact that they can be synthesized and accumulated in the central nervous system, independently from peripheral sources. Fast action of neurosteroids is a prerequisite for genomic effects and these early events can significantly modify intracellular downstream signaling pathways. Since they may exert either positive or negative effects on calcium homeostasis, their role in monitoring of spatio-temporal Ca2+ dynamics, and subsequently, Ca2+-dependent physiological processes or initiation of pathological events, is evident. CONCLUSION Neurosteroids and calcium appear to be the integrated elements of signaling systems in neuronal cells under physiological and pathological conditions. A better understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms of nongenomic, calcium-engaged neurosteroids action could open new ways for therapeutic interventions aimed to restore neuronal function in many neurological and psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Rebas
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Radzik
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Boczek
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
- Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Ludmila Zylinska
- Department of Molecular Neurochemistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Lodz, Poland
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16
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5α-reduced progestogens ameliorate mood-related behavioral pathology, neurotoxicity, and microgliosis associated with exposure to HIV-1 Tat. Brain Behav Immun 2016; 55:202-214. [PMID: 26774528 PMCID: PMC4899138 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with motor and mood disorders, likely influenced by reactive microgliosis and subsequent neural damage. We have recapitulated aspects of this pathology in mice that conditionally express the neurotoxic HIV-1 regulatory protein, trans-activator of transcription (Tat). Progestogens may attenuate Tat-related behavioral impairments and reduce neurotoxicity in vitro, perhaps via progesterone's 5α-reductase-dependent metabolism to the neuroprotective steroid, allopregnanolone. To test this, ovariectomized female mice that conditionally expressed (or did not express) central HIV-1 Tat were administered vehicle or progesterone (4mg/kg), with or without pretreatment of a 5α-reductase inhibitor (finasteride, 50mg/kg). Tat induction significantly increased anxiety-like behavior in an open field, elevated plus maze and a marble burying task concomitant with elevated protein oxidation in striatum. Progesterone administration attenuated anxiety-like effects in the open field and elevated plus maze, but not in conjunction with finasteride pretreatment. Progesterone also attenuated Tat-promoted protein oxidation in striatum, independent of finasteride pretreatment. Concurrent experiments in vitro revealed Tat (50nM)-mediated reductions in neuronal cell survival over 60h, as well as increased neuronal and microglial intracellular calcium, as assessed via fura-2 AM fluorescence. Co-treatment with allopregnanolone (100nM) attenuated neuronal death in time-lapse imaging and blocked the Tat-induced exacerbation of intracellular calcium in neurons and microglia. Lastly, neuronal-glial co-cultures were labeled for Iba-1 to reveal that Tat increased microglial numbers in vitro and co-treatment with allopregnanolone attenuated this effect. Together, these data support the notion that 5α-reduced pregnane steroids exert protection over the neurotoxic effects of HIV-1 Tat.
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Mula M. Investigating psychotropic properties of antiepileptic drugs. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 13:639-46. [DOI: 10.1586/ern.13.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Mula M. Recent and future antiepileptic drugs and their impact on cognition: what can we expect? Expert Rev Neurother 2013; 12:667-71. [PMID: 22650169 DOI: 10.1586/ern.12.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive problems are frequently observed in patients with epilepsy and the relative contribution of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in this respect is determinant. During the past few years, a number of new AEDs have been introduced, and new compounds will be probably available in the forthcoming years. The ideal AED would be the one characterized by good efficacy with no negative effects on cognitive functions, mood and behavior. This paper is aimed at discussing the potential impact on cognition of a number of new compounds, namely lacosamide, rufinamide, retigabine, eslicarbazepine acetate, brivaracetam, perampanel and ganaxolone. In almost all cases, specific data on cognitive functions are not yet available, and it is possible only to speculate on their potential impact considering the mechanism of action and the adverse event profile in placebo-controlled studies. Lacosamide, eslicarbazepine acetate and probably brivaracetam are promising and will probably exhibit very limited impact on cognition. Conversely, retigabine may be more problematic, needing low starting doses and slow titration rates to improve cognitive tolerability. Data on rufinamide are restricted to special populations such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Perampanel and ganaxolone are still in Phase III development, but the mechanism of action of these compounds is in line with a more sedative than neutral profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Mula
- Division of Neurology, Amedeo Avogadro University, C.so Mazzini, 18 - 28100 Novara, Italy.
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Fleiss B, Parkington HC, Coleman HA, Dickinson H, Yawno T, Castillo-Melendez M, Hirst JJ, Walker DW. Effect of maternal administration of allopregnanolone before birth asphyxia on neonatal hippocampal function in the spiny mouse. Brain Res 2011; 1433:9-19. [PMID: 22169500 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Revised: 10/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/12/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Clinically, treatment options where fetal distress is anticipated or identified are limited. Allopregnanolone is an endogenous steroid, that positively modulates the GABA(A) receptor, and that has anti-apoptotic and anti-excitotoxic actions, reducing brain damage in adult animal models of brain injury. We sought to determine if prophylactic treatment of the pregnant female with a single dose of this steroid could reduce birth asphyxia-induced losses in hippocampal function at 5 days of age (P5) in spiny mouse neonates (Acomys cahirinus). At 37 days gestation (term=39 days) and 1h before inducing birth asphyxia, spiny mice dams were injected subcutaneously (0.2 ml) with either 3mg/kg allopregnanolone or 20% w/v β-cyclodextrin vehicle. One hour later, fetuses were either delivered immediately by caesarean section (control group) or exposed to 7.5 min of in utero asphyxia, causing acidosis and hypoxia. At P5, ex vivo hippocampal plasticity was assessed, or brains collected to determine cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen; PCNA) or calcium channel expression (inositol trisphosphate receptor type 1; IP(3)R1) using immunohistochemistry. Allopregnanolone partially prevented the decrease in long term potentiation at P5, and the asphyxia-induced increase in IP(3)R1 expression in CA1 pyramidal neurons. There was no effect of allopregnanolone on the asphyxia induced impairment of the input/output (I/O) curve and paired-pulse facilitation (PPF). In control birth pups, maternal allopregnanolone treatment caused significant changes in short term post-synaptic plasticity and also reduced hippocampal proliferation at P5. These findings show that allopregnanolone can modulate hippocampal development and synaptic function in a normoxic or hypoxic environment, possibly by modifying calcium metabolism. Best practice for treatment dose and timing of treatment will need to be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobbi Fleiss
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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20
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Abstract
Seven mammalian purinergic receptor subunits, denoted P2X1-P2X7, and several spliced forms of these subunits have been cloned. When heterologously expressed, these cDNAs encode ATP-gated non-selective cation channels organized as trimers. All activated receptors produce cell depolarization and promote Ca(2+) influx through their pores and indirectly by activating voltage-gated calcium channels. However, the biophysical and pharmacological properties of these receptors differ considerably, and the majority of these subunits are also capable of forming heterotrimers with other members of the P2X receptor family, which confers further different properties. These channels have three ATP binding domains, presumably located between neighboring subunits, and occupancy of at least two binding sites is needed for their activation. In addition to the orthosteric binding sites for ATP, these receptors have additional allosteric sites that modulate the agonist action at receptors, including sites for trace metals, protons, neurosteroids, reactive oxygen species and phosphoinositides. The allosteric regulation of P2X receptors is frequently receptor-specific and could be a useful tool to identify P2X members in native tissues and their roles in signaling. The focus of this review is on common and receptor-specific allosteric modulation of P2X receptors and the molecular base accounting for allosteric binding sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Coddou
- Section on Cellular Signaling, Program in Developmental Neuroscience, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-4510, USA.
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Earl DE, Tietz EI. Inhibition of recombinant L-type voltage-gated calcium channels by positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2011; 337:301-11. [PMID: 21262851 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.110.178244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines (BDZs) depress neuronal excitability via positive allosteric modulation of inhibitory GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)R). BDZs and other positive GABA(A)R modulators, including barbiturates, ethanol, and neurosteroids, can also inhibit L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (L-VGCCs), which could contribute to reduced neuronal excitability. Because neuronal L-VGCC function is up-regulated after long-term GABA(A)R modulator exposure, an interaction with L-VGCCs may also play a role in physical dependence. The current studies assessed the effects of BDZs (diazepam, flurazepam, and desalkylflurazepam), allopregnanolone, pentobarbital, and ethanol on whole-cell Ba(2+) currents through recombinant neuronal Ca(v)1.2 and Ca(v)1.3 L-VGCCs expressed with β(3) and α(2)δ-1 in HEK293T cells. Allopregnanolone was the most potent inhibitor (IC(50), ∼10 μM), followed by BDZs (IC(50), ∼50 μM), pentobarbital (IC(50), 0.3-1 mM), and ethanol (IC(50), ∼300 mM). Ca(v)1.3 channels were less sensitive to pentobarbital inhibition than Ca(v)1.2 channels, similar to dihydropyridine (DHP) L-VGCC antagonists. All GABA(A)R modulators induced a negative shift in the steady-state inactivation curve of Ca(v)1.3 channels, but only BDZs and pentobarbital induced a negative shift in Ca(v)1.2 channel inactivation. Mutation of the high-affinity DHP binding site (T1039Y and Q1043M) in Ca(v)1.2 channels reduced pentobarbital potency. Despite the structural similarity between benzothiazepines and BDZs, mutation of an amino acid important for diltiazem potency (I1150A) did not affect diazepam potency. Although L-VGCC inhibition by BDZs occurred at concentrations that are possibly too high to be clinically relevant and is not likely to play a role in the up-regulation of L-VGCCs during long-term treatment, pentobarbital and ethanol inhibited L-VGCCs at clinically relevant concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien E Earl
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine, Health Science Campus, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
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Zheng P. Neuroactive steroid regulation of neurotransmitter release in the CNS: Action, mechanism and possible significance. Prog Neurobiol 2009; 89:134-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2008] [Revised: 03/11/2009] [Accepted: 07/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Codocedo JF, Rodríguez FE, Huidobro-Toro JP. Neurosteroids differentially modulate P2X ATP-gated channels through non-genomic interactions. J Neurochem 2009; 110:734-44. [PMID: 19457083 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06166.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As neuroactive steroids modulate several ionotropic receptors, we assessed whether the ATP-gated currents elicited by P2X(4) receptors are modulated by these compounds. We transfected HEK293 cells or injected Xenopus laevis oocytes with the cDNA coding for rat P2X(4) receptor. Application of 0.1-10 microM alfaxolone potentiated within 60-s the 1 microM ATP-evoked currents with a maximal potentiation of 1.8 and 2.6-fold in HEK293 or oocytes cells respectively. Allopregnalolone or 3alpha, 21-dihydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one (THDOC) also potentiated the ATP-gated currents but with a maximal effect only averaging 1.25 and 1.35-fold respectively. In contrast, 0.3-10 microM pregnanolone, but not its sulfated derivative, inhibited the ATP-gated currents; the maximal inhibition reached 40% in both cell types. THDOC, but not other neurosteroids increased significantly the tau(off) of the ATP-evoked currents, revealing another mode of neurosteroid modulation. Sexual steroids such as 17beta-estradiol or progesterone were inactive revealing explicit structural requirements. Alfaxolone or THDOC at concentrations 30- to 100-fold larger than required to modulate the receptor, gated the P2X(4) receptor eliciting ATP-like currents that were reduced with suramin or brilliant blue G, but potentiated the P2X(4) receptor more than 10-fold by 10 microM zinc. In conclusion, neurosteroids rapidly modulate via non-genomic mechanisms and with nanomolar potencies, the P2X4 receptor interacting likely at distinct modulator sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Francisco Codocedo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Centro de Regulación Celular y Patología, Instituto Milenio de Biología Fundamental y Aplicada, MIFAB, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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