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Gotlieb N, Wilsterman K, Finn SL, Browne MF, Bever SR, Iwakoshi-Ukena E, Ukena K, Bentley GE, Kriegsfeld LJ. Impact of Chronic Prenatal Stress on Maternal Neuroendocrine Function and Embryo and Placenta Development During Early-to-Mid-Pregnancy in Mice. Front Physiol 2022; 13:886298. [PMID: 35770190 PMCID: PMC9234491 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.886298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress, both leading up to and during pregnancy, is associated with increased risk for negative pregnancy outcomes. Although the neuroendocrine circuits that link the stress response to reduced sexual motivation and mating are well-described, the specific pathways by which stress negatively impacts gestational outcomes remain unclear. Using a mouse model of chronic psychological stress during pregnancy, we investigated 1) how chronic exposure to stress during gestation impacts maternal reproductive neuroendocrine circuitry, and 2) whether stress alters developmental outcomes for the fetus or placenta by mid-pregnancy. Focusing on the stress-responsive neuropeptide RFRP-3, we identified novel contacts between RFRP-3-immunoreactive (RFRP-3-ir) cells and tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons in the arcuate nucleus, thus providing a potential pathway linking the neuroendocrine stress response directly to pituitary prolactin production and release. However, neither of these cell populations nor circulating levels of pituitary hormones were affected by chronic stress. Conversely, circulating levels of steroid hormones relevant to gestational outcomes (progesterone and corticosterone) were altered in chronically-stressed dams across gestation, and those dams were qualitatively more likely to experience delays in fetal development. Together, these findings suggest that, up until at least mid-pregnancy, mothers appear to be relatively resilient to the effects of elevated glucocorticoids on reproductive neuroendocrine system function. We conclude that understanding how chronic psychological stress impacts reproductive outcomes will require understanding individual susceptibility and identifying reliable neuroendocrine changes resulting from gestational stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neta Gotlieb
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Kathryn Wilsterman
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, United States
- Biology Department, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Samantha L. Finn
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Madison F. Browne
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Savannah R. Bever
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Eiko Iwakoshi-Ukena
- Laboratory of Neurometabolism, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Ukena
- Laboratory of Neurometabolism, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - George E. Bentley
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Lance J. Kriegsfeld
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Lance J. Kriegsfeld,
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Sharma R, Parikh M, Mishra V, Sahota P, Thakkar M. Activation of dopamine D2 receptors in the medial shell region of the nucleus accumbens increases Per1 expression to enhance alcohol consumption. Addict Biol 2022; 27:e13133. [PMID: 35032086 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Circadian genes, including Per1, in the medial shell region of nucleus accumbens (mNAcSh), regulate binge alcohol consumption. However, the upstream mechanism regulating circadian genes-induced alcohol consumption is not known. Since activation of dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) increases Per1 gene expression, we hypothesised that local infusion of quinpirole, a D2R agonist, by increasing Per1 gene expression in the mNAcSh, will increase binge alcohol consumption in mice. We performed two experiments on male C57BL/6J mice, instrumented with bilateral guide cannulas above the mNAcSh, and exposed to a 4-day drinking-in-dark (DID) paradigm. The first experiment determined the effects of bilateral infusion of quinpirole (100 ng/300 nl/site) or DMSO (Vehicle group) in the mNAcSh on Per1 gene expression and alcohol consumption. The second experiment determined the effect of antisense-induced downregulation of Per1 in the mNAcSh on the quinpirole-induced increase in alcohol consumption. Control experiments were performed by exposing the animals to sucrose (10% w/v). After the experiment, animals were euthanised, brains removed and processed for localisation of injection sites and analysis of Per1 gene expression in the mNAcSh. As compared with the DMSO, local bilateral infusion of quinpirole significantly increased the expression of Per1 in the mNAcSh along with an increase in the amount of alcohol consumed in mice exposed to DID paradigm. In addition, local antisense-induced downregulation of Per1 significantly attenuated the effects of intro-accumbal infusion of quinpirole on alcohol consumption. Our results suggest that Per1 in the mNAcSh mediates D2R activation-induced increase in alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Sharma
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Meet Parikh
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Vaibhav Mishra
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Pradeep Sahota
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
| | - Mahesh Thakkar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology University of Missouri Columbia Missouri USA
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Sharma R, Parikh M, Mishra V, Soni A, Rubi S, Sahota P, Thakkar M. Antisense-induced downregulation of major circadian genes modulates the expression of histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC-2) and CREB-binding protein (CBP) in the medial shell region of nucleus accumbens of mice exposed to chronic excessive alcohol consumption. J Neurochem 2021; 161:8-19. [PMID: 34837399 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Circadian genes in the medial accumbal shell (mNAcSh) region regulate binge alcohol consumption. Here, we investigated if antisense-induced knockdown of major circadian genes (Per1, Per2, and NPAS2) in the mNAcSh of mice exposed to intermittent access two-bottle choice (IA2BC) paradigm modulates the expression of histone deacetylase-2 (HDAC-2) and CREB-binding protein (CBP), key epigenetic modifiers associated with withdrawal-associated behaviors such as anxiety. Adult male C57BL/6J mice (N = 28), surgically implanted with bilateral guide cannulas above the mNAcSh, were chronically (4 weeks) exposed to alcohol (20% v/v) or saccharin (0.03%) via IA2BC paradigm. In the fourth week, a mixture of antisense (AS-ODNs; N = 14/group) or nonsense (NS-ODNs; N = 14/group) oligodeoxynucleotides against circadian genes were bilaterally infused into the mNAcSh. Subsequently, alcohol/saccharin consumption and preference were measured followed by euthanization of animals and verification of microinjection sites by visual inspection and the expression of HDAC-2 and CBP by using RT-PCR along with the verification of antisense-induced downregulation of circadian genes in the mNAcSh. As compared with NS-ODNs, AS-ODNs infusion significantly attenuated the alcohol-induced increase in HDAC-2 and reduction in CBP expression in the mNAcSh along with a significant reduction in alcohol consumption and preference. No significant effect was observed on either saccharin consumption or preference. Our results suggest that circadian genes in the mNAcSh may have a causal to play in mediating epigenetic changes observed after chronic alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Sharma
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Meet Parikh
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Vaibhav Mishra
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Anshul Soni
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Sofia Rubi
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Pradeep Sahota
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Mahesh Thakkar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri-School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Ajit K, Murphy BD, Banerjee A. Elucidating evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of diapause regulation using an in silico approach. FEBS Lett 2021; 595:1350-1374. [PMID: 33650678 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic diapause is an enigmatic phenomenon that appears in diverse species. Although regulatory mechanisms have been established, there is much to be discovered. Herein, we have made the first comprehensive attempt to elucidate diapause regulatory mechanisms using a computational approach. We found transcription factors unique to promoters of genes in diapause species. From pathway analysis and STRING PPI networks, the signaling pathways regulated by these unique transcription factors were identified. The pathways were then consolidated into a model to combine various known mechanisms of diapause regulation. This work also highlighted certain transcription factors that may act as 'master transcription factors' to regulate the phenomenon. Promoter analysis further suggested evidence for independent evolution for some of regulatory elements involved in diapause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Ajit
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani KK Birla Goa Campus, Goa, India
| | - Bruce D Murphy
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médicine Vétérinaire, Université Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada
| | - Arnab Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, BITS Pilani KK Birla Goa Campus, Goa, India
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Sharma R, Puckett H, Kemerling M, Parikh M, Sahota P, Thakkar M. Antisense-Induced Downregulation of Clock Genes in the Shell Region of the Nucleus Accumbens Reduces Binge Drinking in Mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2021; 45:530-542. [PMID: 33606281 PMCID: PMC8535763 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTIONS Binge drinking is a deadly pattern of alcohol consumption. Evidence suggests that genetic variation in clock genes is strongly associated with alcohol misuse; however, the neuroanatomical basis for such a relationship is unknown. The shell region of the nucleus accumbens (NAcSh) is well known to play a role in binge drinking. Hence, we examined whether clock genes in the NAcSh regulate binge drinking. METHODS To address this question, 2 experiments were performed on male C57BL/6J mice. In the first experiment, mice exposed to alcohol or sucrose under the 4-day drinking-in-the-dark (DID) paradigm were euthanized at 2 different time points on day 4 [7 hours after light (pre-binge drinking) or dark (post-binge drinking) onset]. The brains were processed for RT-PCR to examine the expression of circadian clock genes (Clock, Per1, and Per2) in the NAcSh and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). In the second experiment, mice were exposed to alcohol, sucrose, or water as described above. On day 4, 1 hour prior to the onset of alcohol exposure, mice were bilaterally infused with either a mixture of circadian clock gene antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (AS-ODNs; antisense group) or nonsense/random ODNs (R-ODNs; control group) through surgically implanted cannulas above the NAcSh. Alcohol/sucrose/water consumption was measured for 4 hours. Blood alcohol concentration was measured to confirm binge drinking. Microinfusion sites were histologically verified using cresyl violet staining. RESULTS As compared to sucrose, mice euthanized post-binge drinking (not pre-binge drinking) on day 4 displayed a greater expression of circadian genes in the NAcSh but not in the SCN. Knockdown of clock genes in the NAcSh caused a significantly lower volume of alcohol to be consumed on day 4 than in the control treatment. No differences were found in sucrose or water consumption. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that clock genes in the NAcSh play a crucial role in binge drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishi Sharma
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Hunter Puckett
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Micaela Kemerling
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Meet Parikh
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Pradeep Sahota
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Mahesh Thakkar
- Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital and Department of Neurology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
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Nicola AC, Ferreira LB, Mata MM, Vilhena-Franco T, Leite CM, Martins AB, Antunes-Rodrigues J, Poletini MO, Dornelles RCM. Vasopressinergic Activity of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus and mRNA Expression of Clock Genes in the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Female Aging. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:652733. [PMID: 34504470 PMCID: PMC8421860 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.652733] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The important involvement of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the activity of vasopressinergic neurons in maintaining the rhythmicity of the female reproductive system depends on the mRNA transcription-translation feedback loops. Therefore, circadian clock function, like most physiological processes, is involved in the events that determine reproductive aging. This study describes the change of mRNA expression of clock genes, Per2, Bmal1, and Rev-erbα, in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) of female rats with regular cycle (RC) and irregular cycle (IC), and the vasopressinergic neurons activity in the SCN and kisspeptin neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of these animals. Results for gonadotropins and the cFos/AVP-ir neurons in the SCN of IC were higher, but kisspeptin-ir was minor. Change in the temporal synchrony of the clock system in the HPG axis, during the period prior to the cessation of ovulatory cycles, was identified. The analysis of mRNA for Per2, Bmal1, and Rev-erbα in the reproductive axis of adult female rodents shows that the regularity of the estrous cycle is guaranteed by alternation in the amount of expression of Bmal1 and Per2, and Rev-erbα and Bmal1 between light and dark phases, which ceases to occur and contributes to determining reproductive senescence. These results showed that the desynchronization between the central and peripheral circadian clocks contributes to the irregularity of reproductive events. We suggest that the feedback loops of clock genes on the HPG axis modulate the spontaneous transition from regular to irregular cycle and to acyclicity in female rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cristina Nicola
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas—SBFis/UNESP, Department of Basic Sciences, Araçatuba, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Angela Cristina Nicola, ; Rita Cássia Menegati Dornelles,
| | - Larissa Brazoloto Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas—SBFis/UNESP, Department of Basic Sciences, Araçatuba, Brazil
| | - Milene Mantovani Mata
- University of Sao Paulo (USP), School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Vilhena-Franco
- University of Sao Paulo (USP), School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | | | - Andressa Busetti Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas—SBFis/UEL, Department of Physiological Sciences, Londrina, Brazil
| | - José Antunes-Rodrigues
- University of Sao Paulo (USP), School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Maristela Oliveira Poletini
- Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rita Cássia Menegati Dornelles
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Multicêntrico em Ciências Fisiológicas—SBFis/UNESP, Department of Basic Sciences, Araçatuba, Brazil
- São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Dentistry, Department of Basic Sciences, Araçatuba, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Angela Cristina Nicola, ; Rita Cássia Menegati Dornelles,
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Belle MDC. Circadian Tick-Talking Across the Neuroendocrine System and Suprachiasmatic Nuclei Circuits: The Enigmatic Communication Between the Molecular and Electrical Membrane Clocks. J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:567-76. [PMID: 25845396 PMCID: PMC4973835 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As with many processes in nature, appropriate timing in biological systems is of paramount importance. In the neuroendocrine system, the efficacy of hormonal influence on major bodily functions, such as reproduction, metabolism and growth, relies on timely communication within and across many of the brain's homeostatic systems. The activity of these circuits is tightly orchestrated with the animal's internal physiological demands and external solar cycle by a master circadian clock. In mammals, this master clock is located in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), where the ensemble activity of thousands of clock neurones generates and communicates circadian time cues to the rest of the brain and body. Many regions of the brain, including areas with neuroendocrine function, also contain local daily clocks that can provide feedback signals to the SCN. Although much is known about the molecular processes underpinning endogenous circadian rhythm generation in SCN neurones and, to a lesser extent, extra-SCN cells, the electrical membrane clock that acts in partnership with the molecular clockwork to communicate circadian timing across the brain is poorly understood. The present review focuses on some circadian aspects of reproductive neuroendocrinology and processes involved in circadian rhythm communication in the SCN, aiming to identify key gaps in our knowledge of cross-talk between our daily master clock and neuroendocrine function. The intention is to highlight our surprisingly limited understanding of their interaction in the hope that this will stimulate future work in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. D. C. Belle
- Faculty of Life SciencesUniversity of ManchesterManchesterUK
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8
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Coomans CP, Ramkisoensing A, Meijer JH. The suprachiasmatic nuclei as a seasonal clock. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 37:29-42. [PMID: 25451984 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) contains a central clock that synchronizes daily (i.e., 24-h) rhythms in physiology and behavior. SCN neurons are cell-autonomous oscillators that act synchronously to produce a coherent circadian rhythm. In addition, the SCN helps regulate seasonal rhythmicity. Photic information is perceived by the SCN and transmitted to the pineal gland, where it regulates melatonin production. Within the SCN, adaptations to changing photoperiod are reflected in changes in neurotransmitters and clock gene expression, resulting in waveform changes in rhythmic electrical activity, a major output of the SCN. Efferent pathways regulate the seasonal timing of breeding and hibernation. In humans, seasonal physiology and behavioral rhythms are also present, and the human SCN has seasonally rhythmic neurotransmitter levels and morphology. In summary, the SCN perceives and encodes changes in day length and drives seasonal changes in downstream pathways and structures in order to adapt to the changing seasons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia P Coomans
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ashna Ramkisoensing
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna H Meijer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Leiden University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Williams WP, Kriegsfeld LJ. Circadian control of neuroendocrine circuits regulating female reproductive function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:60. [PMID: 22661968 PMCID: PMC3356853 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2011] [Accepted: 04/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Female reproduction requires the precise temporal organization of interacting, estradiol-sensitive neural circuits that converge to optimally drive hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis functioning. In mammals, the master circadian pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus coordinates reproductively relevant neuroendocrine events necessary to maximize reproductive success. Likewise, in species where periods of fertility are brief, circadian oversight of reproductive function ensures that estradiol-dependent increases in sexual motivation coincide with ovulation. Across species, including humans, disruptions to circadian timing (e.g., through rotating shift work, night shift work, poor sleep hygiene) lead to pronounced deficits in ovulation and fecundity. Despite the well-established roles for the circadian system in female reproductive functioning, the specific neural circuits and neurochemical mediators underlying these interactions are not fully understood. Most work to date has focused on the direct and indirect communication from the SCN to the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) system in control of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. However, the same clock genes underlying circadian rhythms at the cellular level in SCN cells are also common to target cell populations of the SCN, including the GnRH neuronal network. Exploring the means by which the master clock synergizes with subordinate clocks in GnRH cells and its upstream modulatory systems represents an exciting opportunity to further understand the role of endogenous timing systems in female reproduction. Herein we provide an overview of the state of knowledge regarding interactions between the circadian timing system and estradiol-sensitive neural circuits driving GnRH secretion and the preovulatory LH surge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilbur P. Williams
- Department of Psychology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of CaliforniaBerkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lance J. Kriegsfeld
- Department of Psychology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of CaliforniaBerkeley, CA, USA
- *Correspondence: Lance J. Kriegsfeld, Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, 3210 Tolman Hall, #1650, Berkeley, CA 94720-1650, USA. e-mail:
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Abstract
The hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland regulate major functions such as reproduction, as well as body growth and metabolism. Their efficiency of action highly depends on their temporal profile of release in the blood stream. This review summarises the recent evidence suggesting that the circadian clock genes that pace our daily rhythms may also contribute to the regulation of pituitary pulsatility, even in the non 24-h range. This inter-relation between molecular circadian oscillators and endocrine rhythmicities is discussed in light of the longstanding literature that has considered the involvement of the central circadian pacemaker located within the suprachiasmatic nuclei. Other arguments that suggest a role for circadian clock genes outside the suprachiasmatic nuclei are also presented, with a special emphasis on endocrine pituitary cells and hypothalamic neuroendocrine neurones that directly pace pituitary secretion rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Bonnefont
- CNRS, UMR 5203, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier, France.
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11
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Poletini MO, Kennett JE, McKee DT, Freeman ME. Central clock regulates the cervically stimulated prolactin surges by modulation of dopamine and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide release in ovariectomized rats. Neuroendocrinology 2010; 91:179-88. [PMID: 19887760 PMCID: PMC2853580 DOI: 10.1159/000254379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 07/15/2009] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Cervical stimulation induces a circadian rhythm of prolactin secretion and antiphase dopamine release. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) controls this rhythm, and we propose that it does so through clock gene expression within the SCN. METHODS To test this hypothesis, serial blood samples were taken from animals injected with an antisense deoxyoligonucleotide cocktail for clock genes (generated against the 5' transcription start site and 3' cap site of per1, per2, and clock mRNA) or with a random-sequence deoxyoligonucleotide in the SCN. To determine whether disruption of clock genes in the SCN compromises the neural mechanism controlling prolactin secretion, we sacrificed another group of rats (under the same treatments) at 12.00 or 17.00 h. Dopamine and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) were measured using HPLC/electrochemical detection in the median eminence as well as the intermediate and the neural lobe of the pituitary gland, and the DOPAC:dopamine ratio was used as an index of dopamine activity. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) content was determined in tissue punches of the SCN and paraventricular nucleus (PVN), an SCN efferent. RESULTS Treatment with clock gene antisense deoxyoligonucleotide cocktail abolished both the diurnal and nocturnal prolactin surges induced by cervical stimulation. This treatment abolished the antiphase relationship established by cervical stimulation between dopamine neuronal activity and prolactin secretion. Also, VIP content increased in the SCN and decreased in the PVN. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the SCN clock determines the circadian rhythm of prolactin secretion in cervically stimulated rats by regulating dopamine neuronal activity and VIP inputs to the PVN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maristela O. Poletini
- Biological Science and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla., USA
- Neuroscience and Behavior Program and Center for Neuroendocrine Studies, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Mass., USA
| | - Jessica E. Kennett
- Biological Science and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla., USA
| | - De'Nise T. McKee
- Biological Science and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla., USA
| | - Marc E. Freeman
- Biological Science and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Fla., USA
- *Marc E. Freeman, Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306 (USA), Tel. +1 850 644 3896, Fax +1 850 644 4583, E-Mail
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Mansuy V, Risold PY, Glauser M, Fraichard A, Pralong FP. Expression of the GABAA receptor associated protein Gec1 is circadian and dependent upon the cellular clock machinery in GnRH secreting GnV-3 cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2009; 307:68-76. [PMID: 19524128 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2008] [Revised: 02/25/2009] [Accepted: 02/25/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The timely regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion requires a GABAergic signal. We hypothesized that GEC1, a protein promoting the transport of GABA(A) receptors, could represent a circadian effector in GnRH neurons. First, we demonstrated that gec1 is co-expressed with the GABA(A) receptor in hypothalamic rat GnRH neurons. We also confirmed that the clock genes per1, cry1 and bmal1 are expressed and oscillate in GnRH secreting GnV-3 cells. Then we could show that gec1 is expressed in GnV-3 cells, and oscillates in a manner temporally related to the oscillations of the clock transcription factors. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that these oscillations depend upon Per1 expression. Finally, we observed that GABA(A) receptor levels at the GnV-3 cell membrane are timely modulated following serum shock. Together, these data demonstrate that gec1 expression is dependent upon the circadian clock machinery in GnRH-expressing neurons, and suggest for the first time that the level of GABA(A) receptor at the cell membrane may be under timely regulation. Overall, they provide a potential mechanism for the circadian regulation of GnRH secretion by GABA, and may also be relevant to the general understanding of circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Mansuy
- Services of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism of the University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland
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Szawka RE, Rodovalho GV, Monteiro PM, Carrer HF, Anselmo-Franci JA. Ovarian-steroid modulation of locus coeruleus activity in female rats: involvement in luteinising hormone regulation. J Neuroendocrinol 2009; 21:629-39. [PMID: 19490365 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2009.01880.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC) has been reported to regulate luteinising hormone (LH) secretion in female rats. Both oestrogen and progestin receptors have been demonstrated in LC neurones, suggesting that these cells are possibly responsive to variations in circulating levels of ovarian steroids. We therefore evaluated changes in the activity of LC neurones during the oestrous cycle and after ovarian-steroid treatment in ovariectomised (OVX) rats, as determined by immunoreactivity to Fos-related antigens (FRA), which comprises all of the known members of the Fos family. Effects of ovarian steroids on the firing rate of LC neurones were also determined in a slice preparation. The number of FRA/tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive (ir) neurones in the LC increased from 14.00-16.00 h on pro-oestrus, coinciding with the onset of the LH surge and rise in plasma progesterone. FRA immunoreactivity was unaltered during dioestrus. Oestradiol-treated OVX rats (OVX+E) displayed marked reduction in FRA/TH-ir neurones in LC compared to oil-treated OVX rats. Accordingly, oestradiol superfusion significantly reduced the spontaneous firing rate of LC neurones in slices from OVX rats. Compared to OVX+E, oestradiol-treated rats injected with progesterone at 08.00 h (OVX+EP) exhibited higher number of FRA/TH-ir neurones in the LC at 10.00 h and 16.00 h, and great amplification of the LH surge. Bath application of progesterone significantly increased the spontaneous firing rate of OVX+E LC neurones. Our data suggest that ovarian steroids may physiologically modulate the activity of LC neurones in females, with possible implications for LH secretion. Moreover, oestradiol and progesterone appear to exert opposite and complementary effects (i.e. whereas oestradiol inhibits, progesterone, after oestradiol priming, stimulates LC activity).
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Affiliation(s)
- R E Szawka
- Laboratório de Neuroendocrinologia, Departamento de Morfologia, Estomatologia e Fisiologia, Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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