Autoregulation of cell-specific MAP kinase control of the tryptophan hydroxylase promoter

Selective Ablation of Descending Serotonin from the Rostral Ventromedial Medulla Unmasks Its Pro-Nociceptive Role in Chemotherapy-Induced Painful Neuropathy

Purpose

Chemotherapy-induced painful neuropathy (CIPN) is a severe adverse effect of many anti-neoplastic drugs that is difficult to manage. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is an important neurotransmitter in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), which modulates descending spinal nociceptive transmission. However, the influence of the descending 5-HT from the RVM on CIPN is poorly understood. We investigated the role of 5-HT released from descending RVM neurons in a paclitaxel-induced CIPN rat model.

Methods

CIPN rat model was produced by intraperitoneally injecting of paclitaxel. Pain behavioral assessments included mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia. 5-HT content was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to determine tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph) and c-Fos expression. The inhibitors p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) and SB203580 were administrated by stereotaxical RVM microinjection. Ondansetron was injected through intrathecal catheterization.

Results

The results demonstrated that Tph, the rate-limiting enzyme in 5-HT synthesis, was significantly upregulated in the RVM, and that spinal 5-HT release was increased in CIPN rats. Intra-RVM microinjection of Tph inhibitor PCPA significantly attenuated mechanical and thermal pain behavior through Tph downregulation and decreased spinal 5-HT. Intra-RVM administration of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) inhibitor SB203580 alleviated paclitaxel-induced pain in a similar manner to PCPA. Intrathecal injection of ondansetron, a 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, partially reversed paclitaxel-induced pain, indicating that 5-HT3 receptors were involved in descending serotoninergic modulation of spinal pain processing.

Conclusion

The results suggest that activation of the p38 MAPK pathway in the RVM leads to increased RVM Tph expression and descending serotoninergic projection to the spinal dorsal horn and contributes to the persistence of CIPN via spinal 5-HT3 receptors.

Effects of repeated exposure to MDMA on 5HT1a autoreceptor function: behavioral and neurochemical responses to 8-OHDPAT

A consistent effect of repeated exposure to 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is a decrease in the tissue levels of serotonin (5-HT). A variety of behavioural and neurochemical tests were conducted to determine whether the tissue deficits were accompanied by an increased sensitivity of the 5-HT1a autoreceptor. Tests were conducted 2 weeks following MDMA exposure (four injections of 10.0 mg/kg, IP, administered at 2-h intervals in a single day). The response to the 5-HT1a agonist, 8-OHDPAT (0.003-0.5 mg/kg, SC), was assessed using lower lip retraction (LLR), hypoactivity, and 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) accumulation following decarboxylase inhibition. The 8-OHDPAT produced a dose-dependent increase in LLR and hypoactivity, but these effects were comparable for MDMA and saline pretreated groups. MDMA decreased tissue levels of 5-HT and the accumulation of 5-HTP, but these effects were not reflected in the changes in autoreceptor sensitivity. The data suggest that the decrease in tissue levels of 5-HT produced by MDMA is accompanied by a decrease in tryptophan hydroxylase activity but cannot be explained by supersensitivity of the 5-HT1a autoreceptor.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor mediates the antidepressant actions of voluntary exercise

Voluntary exercise is known to have an antidepressant effect. However, the underlying mechanism for this antidepressant action of exercise remains unclear, and little progress has been made in identifying genes that are directly involved. We have identified macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) by analyzing existing mRNA microarray data and confirmed the augmented expression of selected genes under two experimental conditions: voluntary exercise and electroconvulsive seizure. A proinflammatory cytokine, MIF is expressed in the central nervous system and involved in innate and adaptive immune responses. A recent study reported that MIF is involved in antidepressant-induced hippocampal neurogenesis, but the mechanism remains elusive. In our data, tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) expression were induced after MIF treatment in vitro, as well as during both exercise and electroconvulsive seizure in vivo. This increment of Tph2 was accompanied by increases in the levels of total serotonin in vitro. Moreover, the MIF receptor CD74 and the ERK1/2 pathway mediate the MIF-induced Tph2 and Bdnf gene expression as well as serotonin content. Experiments in Mif(-/-) mice revealed depression-like behaviors and a blunted antidepressant effect of exercise, as reflected by changes in Tph2 and Bdnf expression in the forced swim test. In addition, administration of recombinant MIF protein produced antidepressant-like behavior in rats in the forced swim test. Taken together, these results suggest a role of MIF in mediating the antidepressant action of exercise, probably by enhancing serotonin neurotransmission and neurotrophic factor-induced neurogenesis in the brain.

The comparative effects of environmental enrichment with exercise and serotonin transporter blockade on serotonergic neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus

We have previously reported that inhibition of the serotonin transporter (SERT) by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine significantly reduces the number of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH)-positive cells in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). We have been interested in exploring whether this SSRI-induced change in TPH might be modified by housing in an enriched environment. Like SSRI antidepressants, environmental enrichment (EE) and physical exercise have been found to have efficacy in the prevention and alleviation of depression. We postulated that EE with exercise and SERT inhibition would similarly affect TPH regulation and that EE with exercise might modify the effect of fluoxetine on TPH. Three week old male Sprague-Dawley rats were housed in either a standard cage (SE) or an enriched environment (EE). SE animals were singly housed with no access to enrichment objects. EE animals were group housed and were provided with various enrichment objects (e.g. running wheel) that were changed and rearranged regularly. Nine weeks after the experiment began, the rats were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1) SE control; (2) SE fluoxetine; (3) EE control; or (4) EE fluoxetine. Fluoxetine (5 mg/kg/day) was placed in the drinking water. Sections of DRN were processed for TPH immunohistochemistry. The number of TPH-positive cells was determined by blinded, manual counting. Results were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post-hoc Tukey tests. Significance was set at P < 0.05. For animals housed in a standard environment, fluoxetine induced a significant 29% reduction in the number of TPH-immunoreactive cells in the DRN. A similar reduction in TPH immunoreactivity was observed in animals that were housed in an enriched environment but not exposed to fluoxetine (39%). The number of TPH-positive cells in the DRN for animals housed in an enriched environment and exposed to fluoxetine was not significantly different than animals housed in an enriched environment and not exposed to fluoxetine. The reduction of TPH immunoreactivity in the DRN by EE with exercise suggests that a modified housing environment and voluntary exercise affects regulation of TPH, possibly via a mechanism similar to that of SERT inhibitors. This downregulation of serotonin biosynthesis by fluoxetine and EE with exercise may ultimately play a role in the therapeutic action of both interventions.

A chromatin-modifying function of JNK during stem cell differentiation

Signaling mediates cellular responses to extracellular stimuli. The c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway exemplifies one subgroup of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, which, besides having established functions in stress response, also contribute to development by an unknown mechanism. We show by genome-wide location analysis that JNK binds to a large set of active promoters during the differentiation of stem cells into neurons. JNK-bound promoters are enriched with binding motifs for the transcription factor NF-Y but not for AP-1. NF-Y occupies these predicted sites, and overexpression of dominant-negative NF-YA reduces the JNK presence on chromatin. We find that histone H3 Ser10 (H3S10) is a substrate for JNK, and JNK-bound promoters are enriched for H3S10 phosphorylation. Inhibition of JNK signaling in post-mitotic neurons reduces phosphorylation at H3S10 and the expression of target genes. These results establish MAP kinase binding and function on chromatin at a novel class of target genes during stem cell differentiation.

Changes in serotoninergic and noradrenergic descending pain pathways during painful diabetic neuropathy: the preventive action of IGF1

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) induces neuronal hyperactivity at the spinal cord and periaqueductal gray (PAG), a key area in descending nociceptive modulation. Since the PAG uses relay stations at serotoninergic and noradrenergic brainstem areas, we determined the serotonin and noradrenaline levels at the spinal cord of streptozotocin-diabetic rats and at those brainstem areas (serotoninergic rostroventromedial medulla and noradrenergic A(5) and A(7) cell groups). Since, during diabetes, the levels of insulin growth factor 1 (IGF1) decrease, reducing its neurotrophic effect in the brain, we also studied the effects of IGF1 treatment. One week after diabetes induction, subcutaneous injections of IGF1 (2.5mg/kg) were performed during 3 weeks. Body weights, glycemia, and mechanical nociception were weekly evaluated until the end of the study, the time when the animals were subjected to a modified formalin test to study chemical allodynia. Serotonin and noradrenaline levels were quantified by ELISA at the spinal cord, whereas at the brainstem, the quantification was performed by immunohistochemistry against, respectively, tryptophan hydroxylase (TpH) or tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). STZ-diabetic rats exhibited mechanical hyperalgesia and chemical allodynia, along with higher spinal levels of serotonin and noradrenaline and higher numbers of neurons expressing TpH at the RVM and TH at the A(5) noradrenergic cell group. Treatment with IGF1 prevented the behavioral signs of PDN and reversed the neuronal hyperactivity at the spinal cord and ventrolateral PAG and the neurochemical changes at the spinal cord and at the brainstem. Based on the facilitatory role of serotoninergic and noradrenergic descending modulation during chronic pain, the increased serotonin and noradrenaline innervation of the dorsal horn in STZ-diabetic rats may probably account for enhanced pain during PDN. The benefits of IGF1 in PDN are probably due to blockade of the increased peripheral input to the somatosensory system, but direct central actions cannot be discarded. The value of IGF1 in PDN treatment deserves further evaluation.

Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase in descending pain modulatory system

The descending pain modulatory system is thought to undergo plastic changes following peripheral tissue injury and exerts bidirectional (facilitatory and inhibitory) influence on spinal nociceptive transmission. The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) superfamily consists of four main members: the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), the p38 MAPKs, and the ERK5. MAPKs not only regulate cell proliferation and survival but also play important roles in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Recently, many studies have demonstrated that noxious stimuli activate MAPKs in several brain regions that are components of descending pain modulatory system. They are involved in pain perception and pain-related emotional responses. In addition, psychophysical stress also activates MAPKs in these brain structures. Greater appreciation of the convergence of mechanisms between noxious stimuli- and psychological stress-induced neuroplasticity is likely to lead to the identification of novel targets for a variety of pain syndromes.

Novel and unexpected functions of zebrafish CCAAT box binding transcription factor (NF-Y) B subunit during cartilages development

We used zebrafish as a model to study the biological functions of NF-YB during early development. Both RT-PCR and whole-mount in situ hybridization experiments revealed that nf-yb was a maternally inherited gene. Later, its expression was restricted in the future head cartilages as well as in the developing notochord. Embryos after injection with nf-yb-morpholino displayed reduced-head phenotypes, including smaller head (WT, length of head, L: 0.515+/-0.019 mm, width of head, W: 0.323+/-0.077 mm; nf-yb-morphant, L: 0.347+/-0.037 mm; W: 0.266+/-0.018 mm), sharpen Meckel's cartilage, loss of ceratobranchial, and enlarged angles of ceratohyal (WT: 72.6+/-9.4 degrees ; nf-yb-morphant: 110.0+/-32.5 degrees ). Subsequently, those abnormalities can be rescued after injection with capped nf-yb mRNA. TUNEL assay suggested that large amounts of cell apoptosis appeared in the head region of nf-yb-morphants. Staining with digoxigenin-labeled dlx2a, sox9a, runx2b and col2a1 riboprobes showed that nf-yb-morphants displayed reduced amounts of cranial neural crest cells which are required for mandibular and branchial arches formation. These observations clearly indicate that knockdown of nf-yb translation induced parts of cranial neural crest cells apoptosis, affected cartilages formation and consequently caused reduced-head phenotypes. These findings uncover a novel and unexpected role for NF-YB as a critical modulator of neural crest cell's gene expression governing embryonic cartilage growth.

Up-regulation of VLDL receptor expression and its signaling pathway induced by VLDL and beta-VLDL

Very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) is thought to participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis induced by VLDL and beta-VLDL. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effects of VLDL and beta-VLDL on VLDLR expression and its signaling pathway. RAW264.7 cells were incubated with VLDL and beta-VLDL. The expression of VLDLR mRNA was detected by RT-PCR. The transcriptional activity of VLDLR gene was detected in recombinant plasmid pGL4.2VR-luciferase transfected RAW264.7. Western blot assay was used to detect the changes of phosphorylated ERK1/2 protein. Inhibitors or activators were used to observe the signal pathway involving VLDLR expression regulation. The results showed that VLDL and beta-VLDL stimulated ERK1/2 activity in a PKC-dependent manner. VLDL or beta-VLDL-induced VLDLR expression on macrophages was extremely abolished by inhibitors ERK1/2 or PKC. Our findings revealed that VLDL or beta-VLDL-induced VLDLR expression via PKC/ERK cascades and the effect was linked to the transcriptional activation of VLDLR gene promoter.

Tryptophan hydroxylase is modulated by L-type calcium channels in the rat pineal gland

Calcium is an important second messenger in the rat pineal gland, as well as cAMP. They both contribute to melatonin synthesis mediated by the three main enzymes of the melatonin synthesis pathway: tryptophan hydroxylase, arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase. The cytosolic calcium is elevated in pinealocytes following alpha(1)-adrenergic stimulation, through IP(3)-and membrane calcium channels activation. Nifedipine, an L-type calcium channel blocker, reduces melatonin synthesis in rat pineal glands in vitro. With the purpose of investigating the mechanisms involved in melatonin synthesis regulation by the L-type calcium channel, we studied the effects of nifedipine on noradrenergic stimulated cultured rat pineal glands. Tryptophan hydroxylase, arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase and hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase activities were quantified by radiometric assays and 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin and melatonin contents were quantified by HPLC with electrochemical detection. The data showed that calcium influx blockaded by nifedipine caused a decrease in tryptophan hydroxylase activity, but did not change either arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase or hydroxyindole-O-methyltransferase activities. Moreover, there was a reduction of 5-hydroxytryptophan, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin and melatonin intracellular content, as well as a reduction of serotonin and melatonin secretion. Thus, it seems that the calcium influx through L-type high voltage-activated calcium channels is essential for the full activation of tryptophan hydroxylase leading to melatonin synthesis in the pineal gland.

Activation of ERK in the rostral ventromedial medulla is involved in hyperalgesia during peripheral inflammation

We have previously shown that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is activated in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) during peripheral inflammation. In the present study, the relationship between ERK signaling in the RVM and pain hypersensitivity was investigated in the rat. Microinjection of U0126, a mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor, into the RVM decreased phosphorylated ERK at 7 h after complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection into the hindpaw. The U0126 microinjection also attenuated thermal hyperalgesia in the ipsilateral hindpaw at 24 h after CFA injection. The ipsilateral paw withdrawal latency in the U0126 group (67.9%+/-5.3% vs. baseline, n=7) was significantly longer than that in the control group (52.0%+/-3.6% vs. baseline, n=8). These findings suggest that activation of ERK in the RVM contributes to thermal hyperalgesia during peripheral inflammation.

GRASP-1 is a neuronal scaffold protein for the JNK signaling pathway

GRASP-1 is a neuronally enriched protein that interacts with the AMPA-type glutamate receptor/GRIP complex. GRASP-1 can be cleaved by Caspase-3 in both normal and ischemic brains although the functional significance of this cleavage remains elusive. We investigated signal transduction pathways that might lie downstream of GRASP-1 and found that GRASP-1 potently activates JNK pathway signaling, with no effect on ERK signaling. Such JNK pathway activating activity requires binding of GRASP-1 to both JNK and the upstream JNK pathway activator MEKK-1. Furthermore, mutations that prevent Caspase 3-cleavage of GRASP-1 dramatically inhibit the JNK pathway activating activity of GRASP-1, suggesting a novel link between Caspase-3 activation and JNK pathway signaling. These results suggest that GRASP-1 serves as a scaffold protein to facilitate MEKK-1 activation of JNK signaling in neurons.

Effects of peripheral inflammation on activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in the rostral ventromedial medulla

In the present study, the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) following the injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the rat hindpaw was examined in order to clarify the mechanisms underlying the dynamic changes in the descending pain modulatory system after peripheral inflammation. Phospho-p38 MAPK-immunoreactive (p-p38 MAPK-IR) neurons were observed in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) and nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis pars alpha (GiA). Inflammation induced the activation of p38 MAPK in the RVM, with a peak at 30 min after the injection of CFA into the hindpaw, which lasted for 1 h. In the RVM, the number of p-p38 MAPK-IR neurons per section in rats killed at 30 min after CFA injection (19.4+/-2.0) was significantly higher than that in the naive group (8.4+/-2.4) [p<0.05]. At 30 min after CFA injection, about 40% of p-p38 MAPK-IR neurons in the RVM were serotonergic neurons (tryptophan hydroxylase, TPH, positive) and about 70% of TPH-IR neurons in the RVM were p-p38 MAPK positive. The number of p-p38 MAPK- and TPH-double-positive RVM neurons in the rats with inflammation was significantly higher than that in naive rats [p<0.05]. These findings suggest that inflammation-induced activation of p38 MAPK in the RVM may be involved in the plasticity in the descending pain modulatory system following inflammation.

MAP kinase additively activates the mouse Per1 gene promoter with CaM kinase II

In a previous study, we showed that the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIdelta (CaMKIIdelta) activates the mouse Per1 (mPer1) promoter through a 5'-GAGGGG-3' motif near exon1B. Here we use luciferase reporter gene assays to document additive activation of the mPer1 promoter by CaMKIIdelta and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Transfection of constitutively active MEKK markedly increased mPer1 promoter activity in NB2A cells. Experiments using MAPK inhibitors and dominant-negative c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) showed that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) accounts for MEKK-induced mPer1 gene activation. We next defined the ERK-responsive region in the mPer1 promoter. A region from -1735 to -1721 was required for ERK-induced promoter activation. We also identified a CaMKII-responsive element near exon 1B. Although mutation of the CaMKII-responsive element has no effect on the ERK responsiveness, elimination of a GC-rich sequence downstream of the CaMKII-responsive region totally abolished ERK responsiveness. Finally, ERK-induced promoter activation was additively potentiated by co-transfection with active CaMKIIdelta. These results suggest that additive activation by ERK and CaMKII, most likely as a result of photic stimulation in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, plays a critical role in activating the mPer1 gene promoter.

Abnormal hormonal control of gut hydrolytic enzymes causes autoimmune attack on the CNS by production of immune-mimic and adjuvant molecules: A comprehensive explanation for the induction of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is generally thought to be caused by an autoimmune attack on central nervous system (CNS) myelin. A microorganism containing a mimic of an immunogenic region of a myelin protein initiates the autoimmune process. However, no specific "MS" microorganism has been found. Recently a large number of normal human gut bacteria were found to possess different encephalitogenic mimics. A hypothesis is presented that the autoimmune process is started by abnormal proteolytic digestion of these bacteria. Sufficient quantities of the mimics are produced to be recognized by the immune system. Since proteolytic processes in the gut are strictly controlled, it is proposed that the MS process is triggered by abnormal hormonal control of gut proteolytic enzymes. It has previously been suggested that the recognition of CNS myelin antigens by activated MS immune cells is facilitated by proteolytic processing of myelin proteins. The CNS proteases are also under rigid control and these control processes are the same as is in the gut. Therefore, MS clinical activity is the result of improper hydrolytic degradation in the brain-gut axis caused by an abnormal hormonal variation.

Expression of substance P, neurokinin 1 receptors (NK1) and neurokinin 3 receptors in the developing mouse retina and in the retina of NK1 knockout mice

To complete a series of studies on the expression of substance P and neurokinin receptors in mammalian retinas, we investigated the occurrence of these molecules in developing mouse retinas and in retinas of mice with genetic deletion of the neurokinin 1 receptor, the preferred substance P receptor. Using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we measured detectable levels of the gamma isoform of preprotachykinin A (a substance P precursor) mRNA at postnatal day 4. Neurokinin 1 receptor and neurokinin 3 receptor mRNAs were also detected at postnatal day 4. While gamma preprotachykinin A and neurokinin 1 receptor mRNA levels significantly increased up to eye opening (postnatal day 11), neurokinin 3 receptor mRNA levels remained constant throughout development. Substance P, neurokinin 1 receptor and neurokinin 3 receptor immunoreactivities were present at postnatal day 5. Substance P was in amacrine cells, neurokinin 1 receptor in developing amacrine and bipolar cells and neurokinin 3 receptor in OFF-type cone bipolar cells. Interestingly, a transient increase in the density of neurokinin 1 receptor immunoreactive processes was observed at eye opening in lamina 3 of the inner plexiform layer, suggesting a role of substance P and neurokinin 1 receptor in this developmental phase. However, in neurokinin 1 receptor knockout retinas, besides a significant increase of the gamma preprotachykinin A mRNA levels, no major changes were detected: neurokinin 3 receptor mRNA levels as well as substance P and neurokinin 3 receptor immunostainings were similar to wild types. Together with previous studies, these observations indicate that there are major differences in neurokinin 1 receptor expression patterns among developing mammalian retinas. The observations in neurokinin 1 receptor knockout mice may not be applicable to rats or rabbits, and substance P and neurokinin 1 receptor may play different developmental roles in different species.

Effects of peripheral inflammation on activation of ERK in the rostral ventromedial medulla

In the present study, the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) following the injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the rat hindpaw was examined in order to clarify the mechanisms underlying the dynamic changes in the descending pain modulatory system after peripheral inflammation. Phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase-immunoreactive (p-ERK-IR) neurons were observed in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) and nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis pars alpha (GiA). Inflammation induced the activation of ERK in the RVM, with a peak at 7 h after the injection of CFA into the hindpaw and a duration of 24 h. In the RVM, the number of p-ERK-IR neurons per section in rats killed at 7 h after CFA injection (14.2 +/- 1.7) was significantly higher than that in the control group (4.5 +/- 0.9) [P < 0.01]. At 7 h after CFA injection, about 60% of p-ERK-IR neurons in the RVM were serotonergic neurons. The percentage of RVM serotonergic neurons that are also p-ERK positive in the rats with inflammation (20.5% +/- 2.3%) was seven times higher than that in control rats (2.7% +/- 1.4%) [P < 0.01]. These findings suggest that inflammation-induced activation of ERK in the RVM may be involved in the plasticity in the descending pain modulatory system following inflammation.

The effects of acute and chronic restraint stress on activation of ERK in the rostral ventromedial medulla and locus coeruleus

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is a key molecule in numerous cellular and physiological processes in the CNS. Exposure to stressors causes substantial effects on the perception and response to pain. The rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) and the locus coeruleus (LC) play crucial roles in descending pain modulation system. In the present study, the activation of ERK in the RVM and the LC in rats following acute and chronic restraint stress was examined in order to characterize the mechanisms underlying stress induced analgesic and hyperalgesic responses. Rats were stressed by restraint 6h daily for 3 weeks. The acute and chronic restraint stresses produced analgesic and hyperalgesic reactions, respectively, to thermal stimuli applied to the tail. The phospho-ERK-immunoreactive (p-ERK-IR) neurons were observed in the nucleus raphe magnus (NRM), nucleus reticularis gigantocellularis pars alpha (GiA) and LC. In the RVM, the number of p-ERK-IR neurons per section in the 3-week restraint rats (14.3+/-1.2) was significantly higher than that in the control rats (8.9+/-0.7) [P<0.01]. About 75% of p-ERK-IR neurons in the RVM in the 3-week restraint rats were serotonergic neurons. Protein levels of tryptophan hydroxylase were significantly increased in the RVM region in the 3-week restraint rats. On the other hand, the chronic restraint stress significantly decreased p-ERK-IR in the LC [P<0.05]. These findings suggest that chronic restraint stress-induced activation of ERK in the RVM and the suppression in the LC may be involved in the modulation of the pain threshold by chronic stress.

New insights into the mechanisms of antidepressant therapy

Depressive disorders are among the most frequent psychiatric diseases in the Western world with prevalence numbers between 9% and 18%. They are characterized by depressed mood, a diminished interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, decrease in appetite and libido, insomnia, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Among other findings, reduced activity of monoaminergic neurotransmission has been postulated to play a role in the pathogenesis of depression. Consistent with this hypothesis, most antidepressive drugs exert their action by elevating the concentration of monoamines in the synaptic cleft. However, it is not the enhancement of monoaminergic signaling per se, but rather long-term, adaptive changes that may underlie the therapeutic effect. These include functional and structural changes that are discussed later. In addition, in the last years, evidence has emerged that remissions induced in patients using lithium or electroconvulsive therapy are accompanied by structural changes in neuronal networks thereby affecting synaptic plasticity in various regions of the brain.

Beta-VLDL induced VLDL-R's up-regulation via PKC-ERK1/2 signal pathway

To explore the intracellular signal pathways for beta-VLDL induced very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDL-R) transcription up-regulation and their effects on lipid accumulation in macrophages, Western Blot was used to examine phosphorylated ERK1/2 protein and regulated effects by different singal kinase inhibitants. It was found that beta-VLDL induced an increase in ERK1/2 activity in a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent manner in murine RAW264.7 macrophages. By using different protein kinases inhibitors or activators, it was observed that the effect of beta-VLDL induced VLDL receptor transcription, which was monitored by RT-PCR analysis of VLDL receptor mRNA, was not affected by the inhibitor of p38 kinase and cAMP analog, but extremely abolished by pretreating cells with PD98059, an inhibitor of ERK and GF 109203X, an inhibitor of PKC. These results demonstrated that the PKC-ERK1/2 cascade is the essential signaling pathway by which beta-VLDL activated VLDL-R mRNA expression. Inhibition of the ERK1/2 signaling cascade resulted in suppression of the cellular lipid accumulation induced by beta-VLDL in macrophages.

Differential regulation of NF-kappaB, SRE and CRE by dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in transfected NG108-15 cells

To investigate transcriptional regulation by dopamine receptors, we established NG108-15 cells stably expressing D1R, D2LR and D2SR (NGD1R, NGD2LR and NGD2SR) and evaluated the effects of these receptors on NF-kappaB, SRE and CRE activity using luciferase reporter constructs. Stimulation with quinpirole, a selective D2R agonist, increased NF-kappaB and SRE activity but decreased CRE activity in both NGD2R cell lines. By contrast, stimulation with SKF 38393, a selective D1R agonist, decreased NF-kappaB and SRE activity but increased CRE activity in NGD1R cells. Stimulation with forskolin and overexpression of constitutively active PKA suppressed NF-kappaB activity, likely due to D1R stimulation. D2R stimulation activated ERK, and treatment with U1026, a selective MEK inhibitor, eliminated D2R-induced NF-kappaB activation. D2R stimulation also activated the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) promoter, which includes a potential NF-kappaB site. Furthermore, by transfecting constitutively active CaM KII and MEKK, and dominant negative p38 MAPK, we show that the NCAM promoter is positively regulated by CaM KII but negatively regulated by p38 MAPK. These results indicate that D2R-induced NF-kappaB activation through ERK may be involved in activation of the NCAM promoter, and additionally that other protein kinases such as CaM KII and p38 MAPK also regulate NCAM expression.

Induction of very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) transcription by VLDL is mediated by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathway

To elucidate the intracellular signaling pathways for VLDL-induced VLDLR transcription, Western blot analysis was used to examine phosphorylated ERK1/2 protein. It was found that that VLDL induced an increase in ERK1/2 activity in a protein kinase C (PKC)-dependent manner in murine RAW264.7 macrophages. By using different protein kinases inhibitors or activators it was observed that the effect of VLDL-induced VLDL receptor transcription, which is monitored by RTPCR analysis of VLDL receptor mRNA, was not affected by the inhibitor of p38 kinase and cAMP analog, but completely abolished by pretreatment of the cells with PD 98059, an inhibitor of MEK and GF 109203X, an inhibitor of PKC. These results demonstrated that the PKC/ERK1/2 cascade is the essential signaling pathway by which VLDL activates VLDL receptor mRNA expression.

Activation of the rat dopamine D2 receptor promoter by mitogen-activated protein kinase and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II pathways

To investigate regulation of D2 receptor (D2R) gene expression by protein kinases, we evaluated effects of constitutively active MAPK kinase kinase (MEKK), Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) II, CaMKIV and cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) on D2R promoter activity using luciferase reporter gene assays. A 1.5-kbp fragment containing the rat D2R promoter was cloned upstream of the reporter and transfected into D2R-expressing NB2A cells or nonexpressing NG108-15 and C6 glioma cells. MEKK and CaMKII, but not CaMKIV and PKA, increased promoter activity 4.5- and 1.5-fold, respectively, in NB2A cells. Inhibitory effects of a MEK inhibitor and lack of effect by dominant negative (DN)-JNK1 or DN-p38MAPK revealed that ERK but not JNK and p38MAPK is involved in MEKK-induced promoter activation. Deletion and mutation of the promoter revealed that the MEKK-responsive region was Sp1 site B between nucleotides -56 and -47. Overexpression of Sp1 suppressed promoter activity without affecting MEKK-induced activation. Interestingly, overexpression of Zif268 increased promoter activity through the region between nucleotides -56 and -36. Increased activity by Zif268 was additive with CaMKII-induced activation but not with activation induced by MEKK. Co-transfection with CaMKII stimulated nuclear translocation of Zif268. These results suggest that ERK and CaMKII positively regulate the D2R promoter and that Zif268 is a potential transcription factor for the CaMKII-dependent pathway.

Role of the 5' untranslated region (UTR) in the tissue-specific regulation of rat tryptophan hydroxylase gene expression by stress

There are tissue specific discrepancies in expression of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) between the pineal gland and brainstem. TPH mRNA levels in the pineal are much higher than in the brainstem, however, the two tissues contain comparable protein levels. This discrepancy could result from different translation efficiency of two of the TPH mRNA isoforms. Using PCR-based methods, we analyzed the relative expression, in pineal and brainstem, of two TPH mRNA isoforms differing in the length of their untranslated region (5'UTR). The levels of the TPHalpha were found to be 960-fold more abundant than the 51-nucleotide longer TPHbeta, in the pineal. TPHbeta was also detected for the first time in the brainstem, where TPHbeta/TPHalpha was about five-fold higher than in the pineal. To study the role of the different 5'UTRs, each was cloned in-frame upstream of luciferase, and transfected into PC12 cells. Both 5'UTRs enhanced luciferase activity, with TPHbeta 5'UTR being more effective than TPHalpha 5'UTR, indicating selective regulation of translation efficiency. We also examined whether physiological manipulations alter the distribution of the TPH mRNA isoforms. Repeated stress had no effect in pineal, but led to a marked preferential induction of TPHbeta in brainstem. Modulation of TPH gene expression in serotonergic neurons could result from selective and tissue specific regulation of its mRNA isoforms.

Receptor signaling and structure: insights from serotonin-1 receptors

Studies of the serotonin (5-HT) receptors have illustrated several important concepts in G-protein-mediated signaling. These concepts include G-protein specificity and cellular specificity of signaling; mechanisms of transactivation; receptor states and constitutive receptor activity; and the structural basis of coupling. The 5-HT1 receptors couple via specific G(i)/G(o) proteins to inhibitory pathways [inhibition of adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity and regulation of ion channels], but also to stimulate phospholipase C, ACII, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) growth-signaling pathway. 5-HT1 receptors initiate novel endocytotic and Ca(2+)-dependent pathways to activate MAPK acutely, but can downregulate MAPK on chronic activation. These pathways are often mediated via distinct G(i)/G(o)-protein subtypes. Desensitization by multiple protein kinases via receptor phosphorylation is pathway selective. Structural determination of 5-HT1 receptor and G-protein domains that mediate G-protein-specific coupling and desensitization could lead to the development of highly selective ligands that directly regulate receptor-G-protein coupling.