Impaired extrapyramidal function caused by the targeted disruption of retinoid X receptor RXRgamma1 isoform

Impact of dietary vitamin A on striatal function in adult rats

The striatum is a brain structure involved in the control of voluntary movement. Striatum contains high amounts of retinoic acid, the active metabolite of vitamin A, as well as retinoid receptors, RARβ and RXRγ. Previous studies revealed that disruption of retinoid signaling initiated during development is deleterious for striatal physiology and related motor functions. However, the alteration of retinoid signaling, and the importance of vitamin A supply during adulthood on striatal physiology and function has never been established. In the present study, we investigated the impact of vitamin A supply on striatal function. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with three specific diets, either sub-deficient, sufficient, or enriched in vitamin A (0.4, 5, and 20 international units [IU] of retinol per g of diet, respectively) for 6 months. We first validated that vitamin A sub-deficient diet in adult rats constitutes a physiological model of retinoid signaling reduction in the striatum. We then revealed subtle alterations of fine motor skills in sub-deficient rats using a new behavioral apparatus specifically designed to test forepaw reach-and-grasp skills relying on striatal function. Finally, we showed using qPCR analysis and immunofluorescence that the striatal dopaminergic system per se was not affected by vitamin A sub-deficiency at adult age. Rather, cholinergic synthesis in the striatum and μ-opioid receptor expression in striosomes sub-territories were the most affected by vitamin A sub-deficiency starting at adulthood. Taken together these results revealed that retinoid signaling alteration at adulthood is associated with motor learning deficits together with discrete neurobiological alterations in the striatum.

Expression and localization of retinoid receptors in the testis of normal and infertile men

Retinoic acid (RA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, is one of the most important factors regulating spermatogenesis. RA activates downstream pathways through its receptors (retinoic acid receptor alpha [RARA], retinoic acid receptor beta, and retinoic acid receptor gamma [RARG]) and retinoid X receptors (retinoid X receptor alpha [RXRA], retinoid X receptor beta [RXRB], and retinoid X receptor gamma [RXRG]). These receptors may serve as therapeutic targets for infertile men. However, the localization and expression of retinoid receptors in normal and infertile men were unknown. In this study, we found RARA and RARG were mostly localized in spermatocytes and round spermatids, RXRB was mainly expressed in Sertoli cells, and RXRG was expressed in most cell types in the fertile human testis. The localization of RARA, RARG, RXRB, and RXRG in men with hypospermatogenesis (HYPO) was similar to that of men with normal fertility. In addition, the messenger RNA expression levels of RARA, RARG, RXRA, RXRB, and RXRG were significantly decreased in men with Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCOS) and maturational arrest (MA), but not in men with HYPO. These results suggest that reduced levels of RARA, RARG, RXRB, RXRA, and RXRG are more closely associated with SCOS and MA spermatogenetic failure. These results could contribute to the development of new molecular indicators of spermatogenic dysfunction and might provide novel therapeutic targets for treating male infertility.

Genetics and functions of the retinoic acid pathway, with special emphasis on the eye

Retinoic acid (RA) is a potent morphogen required for embryonic development. RA is formed in a multistep process from vitamin A (retinol); RA acts in a paracrine fashion to shape the developing eye and is essential for normal optic vesicle and anterior segment formation. Perturbation in RA-signaling can result in severe ocular developmental diseases—including microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma. RA-signaling is also essential for embryonic development and life, as indicated by the significant consequences of mutations in genes involved in RA-signaling. The requirement of RA-signaling for normal development is further supported by the manifestation of severe pathologies in animal models of RA deficiency—such as ventral lens rotation, failure of optic cup formation, and embryonic and postnatal lethality. In this review, we summarize RA-signaling, recent advances in our understanding of this pathway in eye development, and the requirement of RA-signaling for embryonic development (e.g., organogenesis and limb bud development) and life.

Nuclear receptors in neural stem/progenitor cell homeostasis

In the central nervous system, embryonic and adult neural stem/progenitor cells (NSCs) generate the enormous variety and huge numbers of neuronal and glial cells that provide structural and functional support in the brain and spinal cord. Over the last decades, nuclear receptors and their natural ligands have emerged as critical regulators of NSC homeostasis during embryonic development and adult life. Furthermore, substantial progress has been achieved towards elucidating the molecular mechanisms of nuclear receptors action in proliferative and differentiation capacities of NSCs. Aberrant expression or function of nuclear receptors in NSCs also contributes to the pathogenesis of various nervous system diseases. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the regulatory roles of steroid, non-steroid, and orphan nuclear receptors in NSC fate decisions. These studies establish nuclear receptors as key therapeutic targets in brain diseases.

Whole-exome identifies RXRG and TH germline variants in familial isolated prolactinoma

Familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA) is a rare genetic disorder. In a subset of FIPA families AIP germline mutations have been reported, but in most FIPA cases the exact genetic defect remains unknown. The present study aimed to determine the genetic basis of FIPA in a Brazilian family. Three siblings presented with isolated prolactin genes. Further mutation screening was performed using whole-exome sequencing and all likely causative mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing. In silico analysis and secreting pituitary adenoma diagnosed through clinical, biochemical and imaging testing. Sanger sequencing was used to genotype candidate prolactinoma-mutated additional predictive algorithms were applied to prioritize likely pathogenic variants. No mutations in the coding and flanking intronic regions in the MEN1, AIP and PRLR genes were detected. Whole-exome sequencing of three affected siblings revealed novel, predicted damaging, heterozygous variants in three different genes: RXRG, REXO4 and TH. In conclusion, the RXRG and TH possibly pathogenic variants may be associated with isolated prolactinoma in the studied family. The possible contribution of these genes to additional FIPA families should be explored.

A cross-species genetic analysis identifies candidate genes for mouse anxiety and human bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a significant neuropsychiatric disorder with a lifetime prevalence of ~1%. To identify genetic variants underlying BD genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been carried out. While many variants of small effect associated with BD have been identified few have yet been confirmed, partly because of the low power of GWAS due to multiple comparisons being made. Complementary mapping studies using murine models have identified genetic variants for behavioral traits linked to BD, often with high power, but these identified regions often contain too many genes for clear identification of candidate genes. In the current study we have aligned human BD GWAS results and mouse linkage studies to help define and evaluate candidate genes linked to BD, seeking to use the power of the mouse mapping with the precision of GWAS. We use quantitative trait mapping for open field test and elevated zero maze data in the largest mammalian model system, the BXD recombinant inbred mouse population, to identify genomic regions associated with these BD-like phenotypes. We then investigate these regions in whole genome data from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium's bipolar disorder GWAS to identify candidate genes associated with BD. Finally we establish the biological relevance and pathways of these genes in a comprehensive systems genetics analysis. We identify four genes associated with both mouse anxiety and human BD. While TNR is a novel candidate for BD, we can confirm previously suggested associations with CMYA5, MCTP1, and RXRG. A cross-species, systems genetics analysis shows that MCTP1, RXRG, and TNR coexpress with genes linked to psychiatric disorders and identify the striatum as a potential site of action. CMYA5, MCTP1, RXRG, and TNR are associated with mouse anxiety and human BD. We hypothesize that MCTP1, RXRG, and TNR influence intercellular signaling in the striatum.

RXRs: collegial partners

Retinoid X Receptors (RXR) were initially identified as nuclear receptors binding with stereo-selectivity the vitamin A derivative 9-cis retinoic acid, although the relevance of this molecule as endogenous activator of RXRs is still elusive. Importantly, within the nuclear receptor superfamily, RXRs occupy a peculiar place, as they are obligatory partners for a number of other nuclear receptors, thus integrating the corresponding signaling pathways. In this chapter, we describe the structural features allowing RXR to form homo- and heterodimers, and the functional consequences of this unique ability. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of studying RXR activity at a genome-wide level in order to comprehensively address the biological implications of their action that is fundamental to understand to what extent RXRs could be exploited as new therapeutic targets.

The orphan nuclear receptors at their 25-year reunion

The nuclear receptor superfamily includes many receptors, identified based on their similarity to steroid hormone receptors but without a known ligand. The study of how these receptors are diversely regulated to interact with genomic regions to control a plethora of biological processes has provided critical insight into development, physiology, and the molecular pathology of disease. Here we provide a compendium of these so-called orphan receptors and focus on what has been learned about their modes of action, physiological functions, and therapeutic promise.

Retinoid X receptors: common heterodimerization partners with distinct functions

Retinoid X receptors (RXRs) have been implicated in a diversity of cellular processes ranging from cellular proliferation to lipid metabolism. These pleiotropic effects stem not only from the ability of RXRs to dimerize with diverse nuclear receptors, which exert transcriptional control on specific aspects of cell biology, but also because binding of RXR ligands to heterodimers can stimulate transcriptional activation by RXR partner receptors. This signaling network is rendered more complex by the existence of different RXR isotypes (RXRα, RXRβ, RXRγ) with distinct properties that thereby modulate the transcriptional activity of RXR-containing heterodimers. This review discusses the emerging roles of RXR isotypes in the RXR signaling network and possible implications for our understanding of nuclear receptor biology and pharmacology.

The transcription factors Nur77 and retinoid X receptors participate in amphetamine-induced locomotor activities

INTRODUCTION

The major substrate underlying amphetamine (AMPH)-induced locomotor activity is associated with dopamine forebrain circuits. Brain regions associated with AMPH-induced locomotor activity express high levels of retinoid receptors. However, the role of these transcription factors in dopamine-mediated effects remains poorly understood. Two nuclear receptor families, the retinoic acid receptors (RAR) and the retinoid X receptors (RXR), transduce retinoic acid signal. RARs are specifically involved in retinoid signaling, whereas RXRs also participate in other signaling pathways as partners for other nuclear receptors such as Nur77, an orphan member of the nuclear receptor family expresses in dopamine system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To explore the role of retinoid receptors and Nur77 in AMPH-induced locomotor activity, we administered selective retinoid receptor drugs in combination with AMPH in adult wild-type and Nur77-deficient mice. At a low dose, AMPH similarly increased ambulatory activity in wild-type and Nur77-deficient mice, while it did not alter non-ambulatory activity.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

At a high dose, AMPH did not alter ambulatory activity anymore, while non-ambulatory activity strongly increased in wild-type mice. Nur77-deficient mice still displayed a higher ambulatory activity with no change in non-ambulatory activity. HX531, a synthetic RXR antagonist, blocks AMPH-induced ambulatory activity, whereas RAR drugs tested remained without effect. Interestingly, the effect of HX531 was abolished in Nur77-deficient mice, suggesting that this orphan nuclear receptor is essential for the action of the RXR drug.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that RXR and Nur77 participate in AMPH-induced locomotor activity and prompts for further investigations on the role of Nur77 and RXR in addiction and reward-related behaviors.

Intake of tomato-enriched diet protects from 6-hydroxydopamine-induced degeneration of rat nigral dopaminergic neurons

There is extensive evidence that oxidative damage of dopamine (DA)-containing neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) may contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). We evaluated the potential neuroprotective effect of diets enriched with wild-type Red Setter (RS) tomato or transgenic High Carotene (HC) tomato, rich in beta-carotene, obtained by the activation of lycopene beta-cyclase (tlcy-b), in an animal model of PD. Male Fischer 344 rats were fed for 14 days with standard Altromin diet, 5% RS- or 5% HC-enriched diet. Seven days after the beginning of this diet regimen, the rats were lesioned by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injected into the left SNc. After further 7 days, the rats were sacrificed, and DA and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) levels in both the left (ipsilateral) and the right (contralateral) striata were measured. Striatal DA levels were reduced by 86.5 +/- 5.0% in control, 86.2 +/- 5.0% in HC-, and 56.0 +/- 9.0% in RS-fed group. Striatal DOPAC was decreased by 85.6 +/- 5.0% in controls, 83.0 +/- 6.0% in HC-, and 58.9 +/- 10.0% in RS-fed group. Blood was obtained from the rats on day 14 and the plasma level of licopene and beta-carotene was measured by liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS) for the determination of lycopene and beta-carotene levels. The plasma level of lycopene was 4.7 +/- 0.2 ng/ml in 5% RS-fed rats, while it was undetectable (< 2.5 ng ml(-1)) in control and HC-fed rats. The efficacy of RS diet to preserve striatal dopaminergic innervation can be attributed to the ability of lycopene to prevent the degeneration of DA-containing neurons in the SNc.

RAR/RXR and PPAR/RXR signaling in neurological and psychiatric diseases

Retinoids are important signals in brain development. They regulate gene transcription by binding to retinoic acid receptors (RAR) and, as was discovered recently, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR). Traditional ligands of PPAR are best known for their functions in lipid metabolism and inflammation. RAR and PPAR are ligand-activated transcription factors, which share members of the retinoid X receptor (RXR) family as heterodimeric partners. Both signal transduction pathways have recently been implicated in the progression of neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Since inflammatory processes contribute to various neurodegenerative diseases, the anti-inflammatory activity of retinoids and PPARgamma agonists recommends them as potential therapeutic targets. In addition, genetic linkage studies, transgenic mouse models and experiments with vitamin A deprivation provide evidence that retinoic acid signaling is directly involved in physiology and pathology of motoneurons, of the basal ganglia and of cognitive functions. The activation of PPAR/RXR and RAR/RXR transcription factors has therefore been proposed as a therapeutic strategy in disorders of the central nervous system.

Retinoic acid in the development, regeneration and maintenance of the nervous system

Retinoic acid (RA) is involved in the induction of neural differentiation, motor axon outgrowth and neural patterning. Like other developmental molecules, RA continues to play a role after development has been completed. Elevated RA signalling in the adult triggers axon outgrowth and, consequently, nerve regeneration. RA is also involved in the maintenance of the differentiated state of adult neurons, and disruption of RA signalling in the adult leads to the degeneration of motor neurons (motor neuron disease), the development of Alzheimer's disease and, possibly, the development of Parkinson's disease. The data described here strongly suggest that RA could be used as a therapeutic molecule for the induction of axon regeneration and the treatment of neurodegeneration.

Characterization of the quantitative trait locus for haloperidol-induced catalepsy on distal mouse chromosome 1

We report here the confirmation of the quantitative trait locus for haloperidol-induced catalepsy on distal chromosome (Chr) 1. We determined that this quantitative trait locus was captured in the B6.D2-Mtv7a/Ty congenic mouse strain, whose introgressed genomic interval extends from approximately 169.1 to 191.3 Mb. We then constructed a group of overlapping interval-specific congenic strains to further break up the interval and remapped the locus between 177.5 and 183.4 Mb. We next queried single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data sets and identified three genes with nonsynonymous coding SNPs in the quantitative trait locus. We also queried two brain gene expression data sets and found five known genes in this 5.9-Mb interval that are differentially expressed in both whole brain and striatum. Three of the candidate quantitative trait genes were differentially expressed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses. Overall, the current study illustrates how multiple approaches, including congenic fine mapping, SNP analysis and microarray gene expression screens, can be integrated both to reduce the quantitative trait locus interval significantly and to detect promising candidate quantitative trait genes.

Nur77 and retinoid X receptors: crucial factors in dopamine-related neuroadaptation

Dopaminergic systems in the brain adapt in response to various stimuli from the internal and external world, but the mechanisms underlying this process are incompletely understood. Here, we review recent evidence that certain types of transcription factor of the nuclear receptor family, specifically Nur77 and retinoid X receptors, have important roles in adaptation and homeostatic regulation of dopaminergic systems. These findings call for a reassessment of our fundamental understanding of the molecular and cellular basis of dopamine-mediated transmission. Given that diseases such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia are thought to involve adaptation of dopamine signalling, these findings might provide new insight into these pathologies and offer new avenues for drug development.

Fyn Is Required for Haloperidol-induced Catalepsy in Mice

Fyn-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunits has been implicated in various brain functions, including ethanol tolerance, learning, and seizure susceptibility. In this study, we explored the role of Fyn in haloperidol-induced catalepsy, an animal model of the extrapyramidal side effects of antipsychotics. Haloperidol induced catalepsy and muscle rigidity in the control mice, but these responses were significantly reduced in Fyn-deficient mice. Expression of the striatal dopamine D(2) receptor, the main site of haloperidol action, did not differ between the two genotypes. Fyn activation and enhanced tyrosine phosphorylation of the NMDA receptor NR2B subunit, as measured by Western blotting, were induced after haloperidol injection of the control mice, but both responses were significantly reduced in Fyn-deficient mice. Dopamine D(2) receptor blockade was shown to increase both NR2B phosphorylation and the NMDA-induced calcium responses in control cultured striatal neurons but not in Fyn-deficient neurons. Based on these findings, we proposed a new molecular mechanism underlying haloperidol-induced catalepsy, in which the dopamine D(2) receptor antagonist induces striatal Fyn activation and the subsequent tyrosine phosphorylation of NR2B alters striatal neuronal activity, thereby inducing the behavioral changes that are manifested as a cataleptic response.

Vitamin A deficiency induces motor impairments and striatal cholinergic dysfunction in rats

Vitamin A and its derivatives, retinoids, are involved in the regulation of gene expression by binding two nuclear receptor families, retinoic acid receptors and retinoid X receptors. Retinoid receptors are highly expressed in the striatum, revealing an involvement of this system in the control of movement as demonstrated by previous observations in knockout mice. To further assess the role of retinoids in adult striatal function, the present study investigated the effect of vitamin A deprivation on rat motor activity and coordination, the rate of synthesis and release of dopamine, the functioning of D1 and D2 receptors and their expression in the striatum. Moreover, the content of acetylcholine in the striatum was measured. Results show that 24 weeks of postnatal vitamin A deprivation induced severe locomotor deficits and impaired motor coordination. Vitamin A deprivation rats showed a significant hyperactivity following D1 receptor stimulation by R(+)-6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyil-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine or amphetamine and reduced catalepsy in response to haloperidol treatment. This different response to the above drugs is not due to a change in striatal DA release or synthesis between vitamin A deprivation and control animals. In situ hybridization experiments showed identical level of expression for the D1 and D2 receptor transcripts. On the other hand, the striatal tissue content of acetylcholine was reduced significantly by about 30% starting from the initial manifestation of motor deficits. We suggest that the locomotor impairment could be imputable to the dysfunction in striatal cholinergic interneurons. Our results stress the basic role of vitamin A in the maintenance of basal ganglia motor function in the adult rat brain.

Working memory deficits in retinoid X receptor gamma-deficient mice

Retinoid signaling has been recently shown to be required for mnemonic functions in rodents. To dissect the behavioral and molecular mechanisms involved in this requirement, we have analyzed the spatial and recognition working memory in mice carrying null mutations of retinoid receptors RARbeta and RXRgamma. Double mutants appeared deficient in spatial working memory as tested in spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze and delayed nonmatch to place (DNMTP) test in the T-maze. These mutant mice did acquire, however, spatial place reference or right/left discrimination tasks in the T-maze set-up, indicating that basic sensorimotor functions, spatial orientation, and motivational factors are unlikely to account for deficits in working memory-sensitive tasks. Double-mutant mice were also deficient in novel object recognition at intermediate, but not short delays. RXRgamma appeared to be the functionally predominant receptor in modulation of the working memory, as RXRgamma, but not RARbeta single null mutant mice exhibited deficits similar to those observed in the double mutants. The mechanism of this modulation is potentially related to functions of RXRgamma in frontal and perirhinal cortex, structures in which we detected RXRgamma expression and which are functionally implicated in working memory processes.

Retinoic acid signaling in the nervous system of adult vertebrates

The majority of the functions of vitamin A are carried out by its metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), a potent transcriptional activator acting through members of the nuclear receptor family of transcription factors. In the CNS, RA was first recognized to be essential for the control of patterning and differentiation in the developing embryo. It has recently come to light, however, that many of the same functions that RA directs in the embryo are involved in the regulation of plasticity and regeneration in the adult brain. The same intricate metabolic control system of synthetic and catabolic enzymes, combined with cytoplasmic binding proteins, is used in both embryo and adult to create regions of high and low RA to modulate gene transcription. This review summarizes some of the discoveries in the new field of retinoid neurobiology including its functions in neural plasticity and LTP in the hippocampus; its possible role in motor disorders such as Parkinson's disease, motoneuron disease, and Huntington's disease; its role in regeneration after sciatic nerve and spinal cord injury; and its possible involvement in psychiatric diseases such as depression.

The transcription factor NGFI-B (Nur77) and retinoids play a critical role in acute neuroleptic-induced extrapyramidal effect and striatal neuropeptide gene expression

Despite extensive investigation, the cellular mechanisms responsible for neuroleptic actions remain elusive. We have previously shown that neuroleptics modulated the expression of some members of the ligand-activated transcription factors (nuclear receptors) including the nerve-growth factor inducible gene B (NGFI-B or Nur77) and retinoid X receptor (RXR) isoforms. Using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we investigated the role of NGFI-B and retinoids in acute behavioral and biochemical responses to dopamine antagonists. NGFI-B knockout (KO) mice display a profound alteration of haloperidol-induced catalepsy and striatal neuropeptide gene expression. Haloperidol-induced increase of striatal enkephalin mRNA is totally abolished in NGFI-B KO mice whereas the increase of neurotensin mRNA expression is reduced by 50%. Interestingly, catalepsy induced by raclopride, a specific dopamine D(2)/D(3) antagonist is completely abolished in NGFI-B-deficient mice whereas the cataleptic response to SCH 23390, a dopamine D(1) agonist, is preserved. Accordingly, the effects of haloperidol on striatal c-fos, Nor-1, and dynorphin mRNA expression are also preserved in NGFI-B-deficient mice. The cataleptic response and the increase of enkephalin mRNA expression induced by haloperidol can also be suppressed by administration of retinoid ligands 9-cis retinoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. In addition, we demonstrate that haloperidol enhances colocalization of NGFI-B and RXRgamma1 isoform mRNAs, suggesting that both NGFI-B and a RXR isoform are highly coexpressed after haloperidol administration. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that NGFI-B and retinoids are actively involved in the molecular cascade induced by neuroleptic drugs.

The varied roles of nuclear receptors during vertebrate embryonic development

Nuclear receptors comprise a superfamily of sequence-specific transcription factors whose members have diverse roles during development. This review will summarize the developmental roles of selected members of the nuclear receptor superfamily.

Loss of anti-cataleptic effect of scopolamine in mice lacking muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype 4

Motor dysfunction associated with dyskinesia can be caused by imbalance between dopaminergic and cholinergic actions. Antimuscarinic agents are used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms in Parkinson's disease and extrapyramidal side effects of antipsychotics. These therapeutic effects are mediated by blockade of the striatal muscarinic receptors, which comprise five distinct subtypes (M(1-5)). To evaluate the role of muscarinic M(4) receptors, we have generated mutant mice lacking this subtype (muscarinic M(4) receptor-knockout mice) and analyzed their cataleptic responses induced by haloperidol (an animal model of extrapyramidal side effects). While the muscarinic M(4) receptor-knockout mice developed the cataleptic response normally, systemic administration of scopolamine could not suppress the cataleptic response. These results suggest that acute, but not chronic, blockade of muscarinic M(4) receptors plays important roles in the therapeutic effects of antimuscarinic agents.

Comparative distribution of the mammalian mediator subunit thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein (TRAP220) mRNA in developing and adult rodent brain

TRAP220 (thyroid hormone receptor-associated protein) is a recently cloned nuclear receptor coactivator, which interacts with several nuclear receptors in a ligand-dependent manner and stimulates transcription by recruiting the TRAP mediator complex to hormone responsive promoter regions. TRAP220 has been shown to interact with thyroid hormone receptors, vitamin D receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, retinoic acid receptors and oestrogen receptors. Thyroid hormone and retinoic acid play very important roles in brain development and they also influence adult brain. Using in situ hybridization we have examined expression of TRAP220 mRNA in the central nervous system during development and in adult rat and mouse brain. Expression of TRAP220 was seen already during early embryonic development in the epithelium of neural tube at E9 in mouse and at E12 in rat. At later stages of development the strongest signal was seen in different layers of cerebral neocortex, external germinal layer of cerebellum, differentiating fields of hippocampus and neuroepithelium, and a moderate signal was detected in basal ganglia, different areas of diencephalon and midbrain. In adult rat brain the signal was more restricted than during development. TRAP220 expression occurred mostly in the granular layer of cerebellar cortex, piriform cortex and hippocampal formation. The signal was found predominantly in neurons. Our work supports the assumption that TRAP220 plays an important role in growth and differentiation of central nervous system and may have a function in certain areas of adult brain.

Vitamin A deficiency promotes bronchial hyperreactivity in rats by altering muscarinic M(2) receptor function

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) remains an important health problem among children in developing countries. Children living in these areas have a higher mortality from respiratory infections, which likely results in part from suboptimal nutrition, including VAD. Bronchial hyperreactivity can follow viral respiratory infections and may complicate the recovery. To investigate whether VAD promotes bronchial hyperreactivity, we have assessed methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction in VAD and vitamin A-sufficient rats. Bronchial constriction developed at lower concentrations of inhaled methacholine in VAD than in vitamin A-sufficient rats. This did not result from an increase in the bronchial wall thickness or the clearance of a small molecule (with a size similar to methacholine) from the air space. The function and abundance of the muscarinic M(2) receptors in bronchial tissue were reduced in VAD rats, suggesting that this receptor may contribute to these animals' diminished ability to limit cholinergic-mediated bronchoconstriction. A similar reduction in muscarinic M(2) receptor function has been observed in asthma. Vitamin A (retinol) and its congeners (retinoids) may be required to regulate bronchial responsiveness in addition to maintaining a normal bronchial epithelium.

Impact of antipsychotic drug administration on the expression of nuclear receptors in the neocortex and striatum of the rat brain

We have recently shown that the expression of the nerve growth factor-inducible gene B (NGFI-B, or Nur77), a transcription factor belonging to the large ligand-activated nuclear receptor family, is modulated by antipsychotic drugs in the rat forebrain. In the present work, we have investigated the impact of antipsychotic drugs on a series of transcription factors also belonging to the nuclear receptor family. The receptors investigated include retinoid X receptor (RXR), thyroid hormone receptor (TR), retinoic acid receptor (RAR), RAR-related orphan receptor (RZR) and Rev-erb receptor isoforms in addition to the NGFI-B transcript. We have used in situ hybridization to monitor their mRNA levels after acute and chronic antipsychotic drug administration. RZRbeta and NGFI-B mRNA levels are down-regulated after chronic haloperidol or clozapine treatment in the primary somatosensory cortex. The TRbeta1 isoform mainly expressed in the cingulate cortex is modulated only after chronic clozapine treatment, whereas TRalpha isoform mRNAs are modulated by both antipsychotics in the cingulate cortex and nucleus accumbens shell; two brain areas associated with limbic functions. The RXRgamma1 isoform, mostly expressed in the dorsolateral portion of the striatum is modestly affected by antipsychotics. Modulation of the expression of transcription factors belonging to the ligand-activated nuclear receptor family by antipsychotics represents an additional molecular event in the mechanism of action of these drugs. We suggest that modification of the pattern of transcription factor expression may play a role in long-term cellular responses to these drugs.

Nuclear all-trans retinoic acid receptor status in rat liver: a comparison of effects of three different stressors--immobilization, laparotomy, and 2-deoxy-D-glucose

Retinoic acids and their cognate nuclear receptors exert a substantial regulatory role in cell growth and development as well as in the neuroendocrine system. These effects are primarily mediated by all-trans retinoic acid receptors (RARs), members of the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily of ligand inducible transcription factors. The present study was undertaken in order to compare the effects of immobilization stress (IMO), laparotomy, and 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG)-induced intracellular glucopenia on both nuclear RAR affinity and concentration in the rat liver. IMO when compared to non-stressed group of rats, significantly reduced the RAR maximal binding capacity (Bmax) in liver, with the equilibrium association constant (Ka) remaining unchanged. No significant changes of the RAR Bmax and the Ka, were observed in liver of rats that underwent laparotomy. In contrast, a single dose of 2DG (500 mg/kg) resulted in a significant increase of the RAR Bmax 10 h after 2DG application, with the Ka remaining unchanged. Shorter intervals, 1 or 5 h after 2DG application were ineffective on both the RAR Bmax and Ka. In the 2DG-adapted rats (6 doses of 2 DG, 500 mg/kg; 1 dose/day), decapitated 24 h after the last 2DG dose, the RAR Bmax was found significantly higher when compared to control group of animals. No further effect of the next dose of 2DG to repeatedly injected rats on the RAR Bmax and Ka was observed in animals killed 5 h after the seventh dose of 2DG. 2DG-induced intracellular glucopenia markedly up-regulates RARs in liver, but does not change the affinity of the receptor. Thus, the effect of 2DG on RAR concentration in liver specifically differs from that of IMO or laparotomy.