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Gallas-Lopes M, Benvenutti R, Donzelli NIZ, Marcon M. A systematic review of the impact of environmental enrichment in zebrafish. Lab Anim (NY) 2023; 52:332-343. [PMID: 38017181 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-023-01288-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) consists of a series of interventions carried out in the home environment to promote greater exposure to sensory stimuli and mimic the natural habitat of laboratory-housed animals, providing environments closer to those found in nature. Some studies have shown the positive effects of EE in zebrafish housed in a laboratory environment. However, this evidence is still recent and accompanied by contradictory results. Furthermore, there is great variability in the protocols applied and in the conditions of the tests, tanks and materials used to generate an enriched environment. This substantial variability can bring many uncertainties to the development of future studies and hinder the reproducibility and replicability of research. Here, in this context, we carried out a systematic review of the literature, aiming to provide an overview of the EE protocols used in zebrafish research. The literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science and the studies were selected on the basis of predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 901 articles were identified in the databases, and 27 of those studies were included in this review. We conducted data extraction and risk-of-bias analysis in the included studies. Among these studies, the effect of EE was evaluated in two different ways: (1) for animal welfare and (2) as an intervention to prevent behavioral, biochemical, molecular, developmental and breeding dysfunctions. Although the EE protocols in zebrafish presented a series of experimental differences, the results showed that the benefits of the EE for zebrafish were consistent. According to the results described here, the use of EE in the zebrafish home tank improves welfare and may reduce sources of bias in scientific research. However, it is still necessary to develop standardized protocols to improve the application of EE in scientific studies using zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus Gallas-Lopes
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Radharani Benvenutti
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nayne I Z Donzelli
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Farmacologia e Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
- Laboratório de Zebrafish (ZebLab), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil
| | - Matheus Marcon
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Farmacologia e Fisiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Zebrafish (ZebLab), Instituto de Ciências Biológicas e Naturais, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Brazil.
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2
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Eleftheriadis PE, Pothakos K, Sharples SA, Apostolou PE, Mina M, Tetringa E, Tsape E, Miles GB, Zagoraiou L. Peptidergic modulation of motor neuron output via CART signaling at C bouton synapses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300348120. [PMID: 37733738 PMCID: PMC10523464 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300348120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The intensity of muscle contraction, and therefore movement vigor, needs to be adaptable to enable complex motor behaviors. This can be achieved by adjusting the properties of motor neurons, which form the final common pathway for all motor output from the central nervous system. Here, we identify roles for a neuropeptide, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), in the control of movement vigor. We reveal distinct but parallel mechanisms by which CART and acetylcholine, both released at C bouton synapses on motor neurons, selectively amplify the output of subtypes of motor neurons that are recruited during intense movement. We find that mice with broad genetic deletion of CART or selective elimination of acetylcholine from C boutons exhibit deficits in behavioral tasks that require higher levels of motor output. Overall, these data uncover spinal modulatory mechanisms that control movement vigor to support movements that require a high degree of muscle force.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantinos Pothakos
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens11527, Greece
| | - Simon A. Sharples
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. AndrewsKY16 9JP, United Kingdom
| | - Panagiota E. Apostolou
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens11527, Greece
| | - Maria Mina
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens11527, Greece
| | - Efstathia Tetringa
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens11527, Greece
| | - Eirini Tsape
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens11527, Greece
| | - Gareth B. Miles
- School of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of St. Andrews, St. AndrewsKY16 9JP, United Kingdom
| | - Laskaro Zagoraiou
- Center of Basic Research, Biomedical Research Foundation Academy of Athens, Athens11527, Greece
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3
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Kołosowska K, Lehner M, Skórzewska A, Gawryluk A, Tomczuk F, Sobolewska A, Turzyńska D, Liguz-Lęcznar M, Bednarska-Makaruk M, Maciejak P, Wisłowska-Stanek A. Molecular pattern of a decrease in the rewarding effect of cocaine after an escalating-dose drug regimen. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:85-98. [PMID: 36586075 PMCID: PMC9889529 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00443-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term cocaine exposure leads to dysregulation of the reward system and initiates processes that ultimately weaken its rewarding effects. Here, we studied the influence of an escalating-dose cocaine regimen on drug-associated appetitive behavior after a withdrawal period, along with corresponding molecular changes in plasma and the prefrontal cortex (PFC). METHODS We applied a 5 day escalating-dose cocaine regimen in rats. We assessed anxiety-like behavior at the beginning of the withdrawal period in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. The reinforcement properties of cocaine were evaluated in the Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) test along with ultrasonic vocalization (USV) in the appetitive range in a drug-associated context. We assessed corticosterone, proopiomelanocortin (POMC), β-endorphin, CART 55-102 levels in plasma (by ELISA), along with mRNA levels for D2 dopaminergic receptor (D2R), κ-receptor (KOR), orexin 1 receptor (OX1R), CART 55-102, and potential markers of cocaine abuse: miRNA-124 and miRNA-137 levels in the PFC (by PCR). RESULTS Rats subjected to the escalating-dose cocaine binge regimen spent less time in the cocaine-paired compartment, and presented a lower number of appetitive USV episodes. These changes were accompanied by a decrease in corticosterone and CART levels, an increase in POMC and β-endorphin levels in plasma, and an increase in the mRNA for D2R and miRNA-124 levels, but a decrease in the mRNA levels for KOR, OX1R, and CART 55-102 in the PFC. CONCLUSIONS The presented data reflect a part of a bigger picture of a multilevel interplay between neurotransmitter systems and neuromodulators underlying processes associated with cocaine abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kołosowska
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lehner
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Skórzewska
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gawryluk
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip Tomczuk
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Sobolewska
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Danuta Turzyńska
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Liguz-Lęcznar
- grid.419305.a0000 0001 1943 2944Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Bednarska-Makaruk
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Maciejak
- grid.418955.40000 0001 2237 2890Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Wisłowska-Stanek
- grid.13339.3b0000000113287408Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CePT), 1B Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
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4
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Stapelberg NJC, Bui TA, Mansour V, Johnson S, Branjerdporn G, Adhikary S, Ashton K, Taylor N, Headrick JP. The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder through the lens of systems biology: Network analysis of the psycho-immune-neuroendocrine physiome. J Neuroimmunol 2022; 372:577959. [PMID: 36095861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2022.577959] [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: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The psycho-immune-neuroendocrine (PINE) network is a predominantly physiological (metabolomic) model constructed from the literature, inter-linking multiple biological processes associated with major depressive disorder (MDD), thereby integrating putative mechanistic pathways for MDD into a single network. MATERIAL AND METHODS Previously published metabolomic pathways for the PINE network based on literature searches conducted in 1991-2021 were used to construct an edge table summarizing all physiological pathways in pairs of origin nodes and target nodes. The Gephi software program was used to calculate network metrics from the edge table, including total degree and centrality measures, to ascertain key network nodes and construct a directed network graph. RESULTS An edge table and directional network graph of physiological relationships in the PINE network is presented. The network has properties consistent with complex biological systems, with analysis yielding key network nodes comprising pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF- α, IL6 and IL1), glucocorticoids and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH). These may represent central structural and regulatory elements in the context of MDD. CONCLUSION The identified hubs have a high degree of connection and are known to play roles in the progression from health to MDD. These nodes represent strategic targets for therapeutic intervention or prevention. Future work is required to build a weighted and dynamic simulation of the network PINE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas J C Stapelberg
- Bond University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Robina, Australia; Gold Coast Health, Southport, Australia
| | | | - Verena Mansour
- Bond University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Robina, Australia
| | | | - Grace Branjerdporn
- Gold Coast Health, Southport, Australia; Mater Young Adult Health Service, Mater Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Sam Adhikary
- Mater Young Adult Health Service, Mater Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kevin Ashton
- Bond University, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Robina, Australia
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Ahi EP, Tsakoumis E, Brunel M, Schmitz M. Transcriptional study reveals a potential leptin-dependent gene regulatory network in zebrafish brain. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2021; 47:1283-1298. [PMID: 34236575 PMCID: PMC8302498 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-021-00967-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The signal mediated by leptin hormone and its receptor is a major regulator of body weight, food intake and metabolism. In mammals and many teleost fish species, leptin has an anorexigenic role and inhibits food intake by influencing the appetite centres in the hypothalamus. However, the regulatory connections between leptin and downstream genes mediating its appetite-regulating effects are still not fully explored in teleost fish. In this study, we used a loss of function leptin receptor zebrafish mutant and real-time quantitative PCR to assess brain expression patterns of several previously identified anorexigenic genes downstream of leptin signal under different feeding conditions (normal feeding, 7-day fasting, 2 and 6-h refeeding). These downstream factors include members of cart genes, crhb and gnrh2, as well as selected genes co-expressed with them based on a zebrafish co-expression database. Here, we found a potential gene expression network (GRN) comprising the abovementioned genes by a stepwise approach of identifying co-expression modules and predicting their upstream regulators. Among the transcription factors (TFs) predicted as potential upstream regulators of this GRN, we found expression pattern of sp3a to be correlated with transcriptional changes of the downstream gene network. Interestingly, the expression and transcriptional activity of Sp3 orthologous gene in mammals have already been implicated to be under the influence of leptin signal. These findings suggest a potentially conserved regulatory connection between leptin and sp3a, which is predicted to act as a transcriptional driver of a downstream gene network in the zebrafish brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Pashay Ahi
- Department of Organismal Biology, Comparative Physiology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
- Organismal and Evolutionary Biology Research Programme, University of Helsinki, Viikinkaari 9, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emmanouil Tsakoumis
- Department of Organismal Biology, Comparative Physiology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mathilde Brunel
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Allmas Allé 5, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Monika Schmitz
- Department of Organismal Biology, Comparative Physiology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
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Ahi EP, Brunel M, Tsakoumis E, Schmitz M. Transcriptional study of appetite regulating genes in the brain of zebrafish (Danio rerio) with impaired leptin signalling. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20166. [PMID: 31882937 PMCID: PMC6934527 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56779-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The hormone leptin is a key regulator of body weight, food intake and metabolism. In mammals, leptin acts as an anorexigen and inhibits food intake centrally by affecting the appetite centres in the hypothalamus. In teleost fish, the regulatory connections between leptin and other appetite-regulating genes are largely unknown. In the present study, we used a zebrafish mutant with a loss of function leptin receptor to investigate brain expression patterns of 12 orexigenic and 24 anorexigenic genes under different feeding conditions (normal feeding, 7-day fasting, 2 and 6-hours refeeding). Expression patterns were compared to wild-type zebrafish, in order to identify leptin-dependent differentially expressed genes under different feeding conditions. We provide evidence that the transcription of certain orexigenic and anorexigenic genes is influenced by leptin signalling in the zebrafish brain. We found that the expression of orexigenic genes was not affected by impaired leptin signalling under normal feeding conditions; however, several orexigenic genes showed increased transcription during fasting and refeeding, including agrp, apln, galr1a and cnr1. This suggests an inhibitory effect of leptin signal on the transcription of these orexigenic genes during short-term fasting and refeeding in functional zebrafish. Most pronounced effects were observed in the group of anorexigenic genes, where the impairment of leptin signalling resulted in reduced gene expression in several genes, including cart family, crhb, gnrh2, mc4r, pomc and spx, in the control group. This suggests a stimulatory effect of leptin signal on the transcription of these anorexigenic genes under normal feeding condition. In addition, we found multiple gain and loss in expression correlations between the appetite-regulating genes, in zebrafish with impaired leptin signal, suggesting the presence of gene regulatory networks downstream of leptin signal in zebrafish brain. The results provide the first evidence for the effects of leptin signal on the transcription of various appetite-regulating genes in zebrafish brain, under different feeding conditions. Altogether, these transcriptional changes suggest an anorexigenic role for leptin signal, which is likely to be mediated through distinct set of appetite-regulating genes under different feeding conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Pashay Ahi
- Department of Organismal Biology, Comparative Physiology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mathilde Brunel
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, BioCentrum, Allmas Allé 5, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emmanouil Tsakoumis
- Department of Organismal Biology, Comparative Physiology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Monika Schmitz
- Department of Organismal Biology, Comparative Physiology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-752 36, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Sinha N, Biswas A, Nave O, Seger C, Sen A. Gestational Diabetes Epigenetically Reprograms the Cart Promoter in Fetal Ovary, Causing Subfertility in Adult Life. Endocrinology 2019; 160:1684-1700. [PMID: 31150057 DOI: 10.1210/en.2019-00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Intrauterine exposure to various adverse conditions during fetal development can lead to epigenetic changes in fetal tissues, predisposing those tissues to disease conditions later in life. An example is gestational diabetes (GD), where the offspring has a higher risk of developing obesity, metabolic disorders, or cardiovascular disease in adult life. In this study, using two well-established GD (streptozotocin- and high-fat and high-sugar-induced) mouse models, we report that female offspring from GD dams are predisposed toward fertility problems later in life. This predisposition to fertility problems is due to altered ovarian expression of a peptide called cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), which is known to negatively affect folliculogenesis and is induced by elevated leptin levels. Results show that the underlying cause of this altered expression is due to fetal epigenetic modifications involving glucose- and insulin-induced miRNA, miR-101, and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway. These signaling events regulate Ezh2, a histone methyltransferase that promotes H3K27me3, a gene-repressive mark, and CBP/p300, a histone acetyltransferase that promotes H3K27ac, a transcription activation mark, in the fetal ovary. Moreover, the CART promoter has depleted 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and enriched 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) levels. The depletion of H3K27me3 and 5mC repressive marks and subsequent increase in H3K27ac and 5hmC gene-activating marks convert the Cartpt promoter to a "superpromoter." This makes the Cartpt promoter more sensitive to leptin levels that predispose the GD offspring to fertility problems. Therefore, this study provides a mechanistic insight about fetal epigenome reprogramming that manifests to ovarian dysfunction and subfertility later in adult life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niharika Sinha
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Anindita Biswas
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Olivia Nave
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Christina Seger
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Aritro Sen
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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Maternal ethanol exposure reshapes CART system in the rat brain: Correlation with development of anxiety, depression and memory deficits. Neuroscience 2019; 406:126-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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9
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Smedh U, Scott KA, Moran TH. Pretreatment with a CRF antagonist amplifies feeding inhibition induced by fourth ventricular cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide. BMC Neurosci 2019; 20:11. [PMID: 30885137 PMCID: PMC6421688 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-019-0494-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pre-treatment with the corticotropin-releasing factor antagonist α-helical CRF9-41 prevents inhibition of gastric emptying by cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide at a dorsal hindbrain level, but its inhibition of sucrose intake is not affected. This is suggestive of separable underlying mechanisms of action in the caudal brainstem for cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide with regard to food intake and gastrointestinal functions. Here we further examine cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide—corticotropin-releasing factor receptor interactions in caudal brainstem controls of solid food intake. Injections of combinations of vehicle, cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (0.5 μg or 1 μg) or α-helical CRF9-41 were given into the fourth cerebral ventricle of rats. Nocturnal solid food intake was recorded over 22 h. Results Pre-treatment with α-helical CRF9-41 into the fourth ventricle significantly increased the responsivity to cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide on hypophagia. In a separate control experiment, α-helical CRF9-41 pre-treatment blocked CRF-induced food intake inhibition indicative of its antagonistic effectiveness. Conclusions We conclude that an endogenous Corticotropin-releasing factor agonist may modulate suppression of food intake caused by cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide at a dorsal hindbrain level in the absence of stress. A potential caudal brainstem mechanism whereby cocaine-and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide effects on food intake is attenuated via corticotropin-releasing factor receptor activity causing tonic inhibition, is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrika Smedh
- The Surgical Metabolic Research Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Karen A Scott
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Timothy H Moran
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
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10
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Ahmadian-Moghadam H, Sadat-Shirazi MS, Zarrindast MR. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART): A multifaceted neuropeptide. Peptides 2018; 110:56-77. [PMID: 30391426 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 35 years, the continuous discovery of novel neuropeptides has been the key to the better understanding of how the central nervous system has integrated with neuronal signals and behavioral responses. Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) was discovered in 1995 in the rat striatum but later was found to be highly expressed in the hypothalamus. The widespread distribution of CART peptide in the brain complicated the understanding of the role played by this neurotransmitter. The main objective of the current compact review is to piece together the fragments of available information about origin, expression, distribution, projection, and function of CART peptides. Accumulative evidence suggests CART as a neurotransmitter and neuroprotective agent that is mainly involved in regulation of feeding, addiction, stress, anxiety, innate fear, neurological disease, neuropathic pain, depression, osteoporosis, insulin secretion, learning, memory, reproduction, vision, sleep, thirst and body temperature. In spite of the vast number of studies about the CART, the overall pictures about the CART functions are sketchy. First, there is a lack of information about cloned receptor, specific agonist and antagonist. Second, CART peptides are detected in discrete sets of neurons that can modulate countless activities and third; CART peptides exist in several fragments due to post-translational processing. For these reasons the overall picture about the CART peptides are sketchy and confounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Ahmadian-Moghadam
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Meng Q, Kim HC, Oh S, Lee YM, Hu Z, Oh KW. Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART) Peptide Plays Critical Role in Psychostimulant-Induced Depression. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2018; 26:425-431. [PMID: 30157614 PMCID: PMC6131014 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2018.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide is a widely distributed neurotransmitter expressed in the central nervous systems. Previously, several reports demonstrated that nucleus accumbal-injected CART peptide positively modulated behavioral sensitization induced by psychostimulants and regulated the mesocorticolimbic dopaminergic pathway. It is confirmed that CART peptide exerted inhibitory effect on psychostimulant-enhanced dopamine receptors signaling, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase signaling and crucial transcription factors expression. Besides modulation of dopamine receptors-related pathways, CART peptide also exhibited elaborated interactions with other neurotransmitter receptors, such as glutamate receptors and γ-aminobutyric acid receptors, which further account for attribution of CART peptide to inhibition of psychostimulant-potentiated locomotor activity. Recently, CART peptide has been shown to have anxiolytic functions on the aversive mood and uncontrolled drug-seeking behaviors following drug withdrawal. Moreover, microinjection of CART peptide has been shown to have an anti-depressant effect, which suggests its potential utility in the mood regulation and avoidance of depression-like behaviors. In this review, we discuss CART pathways in neural circuits and their interactions with neurotransmitters associated with psychostimulant-induced depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Meng
- Queen Mary Institute, School of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 33006, China
| | - Hyoung-Chun Kim
- Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology Program, College of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Seikwan Oh
- Department of Molecular Medicine and TIDRC, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07985, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Moon Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Osong 28160, Republic of Korea
| | - Zhenzhen Hu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 33006, China
| | - Ki-Wan Oh
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Chungbuk National University, Osong 28160, Republic of Korea
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12
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Jayanthi S, Gonzalez B, McCoy MT, Ladenheim B, Bisagno V, Cadet JL. Methamphetamine Induces TET1- and TET3-Dependent DNA Hydroxymethylation of Crh and Avp Genes in the Rat Nucleus Accumbens. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:5154-5166. [PMID: 28842817 PMCID: PMC5948251 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0750-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) addiction is a biopsychosocial disorder that is accompanied by multiple relapses even after prolonged abstinence, suggesting the possibilities of long-lasting maladaptive epigenetic changes in the brain. Here, we show that METH administration produced time-dependent increases in the expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh/Crf), arginine vasopressin (Avp), and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript prepropeptide (Cartpt) mRNAs in the rat nucleus accumbens (NAc). Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed that METH increased the abundance of phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) at the promoter of Cartpt but not at Avp or Crh DNA sequences. In contrast, METH produced DNA hypomethylation at sites near the Crh transcription start site (TSS) and at intragenic Avp sequences. METH also increased DNA hydroxymethylation at the Crh TSS and at intragenic Avp sites. In addition, METH increased the protein expression of ten-eleven-translocation enzymes that catalyze DNA hydroxymethylation. Importantly, METH increased TET1 binding at the Crh promoter and increased TET3 binding at Avp intragenic regions. We further tested the role of TET enzymes in METH-induced changes in gene expression by using the TET inhibitor, 1,5-isoquinolinediol (IQD), and found that IQD blocked METH-induced increases in Crh and Avp mRNA expression. Together, these results indicate that METH produced changes in neuropeptide transcription by both activation of the cAMP/CREB pathway and stimulation of TET-dependent DNA hydroxymethylation. These results provide molecular evidence for epigenetic controls of METH-induced changes in the expression of neuropeptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramaniam Jayanthi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Betina Gonzalez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (Universidad de Buenos Aires-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Michael T McCoy
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bruce Ladenheim
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Veronica Bisagno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (Universidad de Buenos Aires-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH/NIDA Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, DHHS/NIH/NIDA IRP, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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13
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Li P, Meng J, Jing J, Hao Q, Zhu Z, Yao J, Lyu L. Study on the relationship between expression patterns of cocaine-and amphetamine regulated transcript and hormones secretion in porcine ovarian follicles. Biol Res 2018; 51:6. [PMID: 29482665 PMCID: PMC6389156 DOI: 10.1186/s40659-018-0154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cocaine-and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) is an endogenous neuropeptide, which is widespread in animals, plays a key role in regulation of follicular atresia in cattle and sheep. Among animal ovaries, CART mRNA was firstly found in the cattle ovaries. CART was localized in the antral follicles oocytes, granulosa and cumulus cells by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Further research found that secretion of E2 was inhibited in granulosa cells with a certain dose of CART, the effect depends on the stage of cell differentiation, suggesting that CART could play a crucial role in regulating follicle atresia. The objective of this study was to characterize the CART expression model and hormones secretion in vivo and vitro in pig follicle granulosa cells, preliminarily studied whether CART have an effect on granulosa cells proliferation and hormones secretion in multiparous animals such as pigs. Methods The expression levels of CART mRNA in granulosa cells of different follicles were analyzed using qRT-PCR technology. Immunohistochemistry technology was used to localize CART peptide. Granulosa cells were cultured in medium supplemented with different concentrations of CART and FSH for 168 h using Long-term culture system, and observed using a microscope. The concentration of Estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) in follicular fluids of different test groups were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Results showed that expression level of CART mRNA was highest in medium follicles, and significantly higher than that in large and small follicles (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical results showed that CART were expressed both in granulosa cells and theca cells of large follicles, while CART were detected only in theca cells of medium and small follicles. After the granulosa cells were cultured for 168 h, and found that concentrations of E2 increase with concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) increase when the CART concentration was 0 μM. And the concentration of FSH reached 25 ng/mL, the concentration of E2 is greatest. It shows that the production of E2 needs induction of FSH in granulosa cells of pig ovarian follicles. With the increasing of CART concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1 μM), E2 concentration has a declining trend, when the FSH concentrations were 25 and 50 ng/mL in the medium, respectively. Conclusions These results suggested that CART plays a role to inhibit granulosa cells proliferation and E2 production, which induced by FSH in porcine ovarian follicular granulosa cells in vitro, but the inhibition effect is not significant. So we hypothesis CART maybe not a main local negative regulatory factor during porcine follicular development, which is different from the single fetal animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Li
- College of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Jinzhu Meng
- Wujiang College, Tongren University, Tongren, 554300, Guizhou, China
| | - Jiongjie Jing
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Qingling Hao
- College of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhu
- College of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China
| | - Jianbo Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.,Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Lihua Lyu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.
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14
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Wang J, Yi J, Siegel PB, Cline MA, Gilbert ER. Stress-induced suppression of neuropeptide Y-induced hunger in anorexic chicks involves corticotrophin-releasing factor signalling and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. J Neuroendocrinol 2017; 29. [PMID: 29121414 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The Virginia lines of chickens have been selected for low (LWS) or high (HWS) juvenile body weight and have different severities of anorexia and obesity, respectively. The LWS that are exposed to stressors at hatch are refractory to neuropeptide Y (NPY)-induced food intake and the objective of the present study was to determine the underlying mechanisms. Chicks were exposed to a stressor (-20°C for 6 minutes and 22°C and delayed access to food for 24 hours) after hatching and the hypothalamic nuclei, including the lateral hypothalamus (LH), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and arcuate nucleus (ARC), were collected 5 days later. In LWS but not HWS, stress exposure up-regulated corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), CRF receptor subtypes 1 and 2 (CRFR1 and CRFR2, respectively), melanocortin receptor 4 and urocortin 3 in the PVN, as well as CRFR2 mRNA in the VMH and ARC. In LWS, stress exposure was also associated with greater NPY and NPY receptor subtype 5 mRNA in the ARC and PVN, respectively, as well as decreased agouti-related peptide mRNA in the ARC. In HWS, stress exposure was associated with increased CRFR1 and decreased cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript in the ARC and PVN, respectively. Refractoriness of the food intake response to NPY in LWS may thus result from the over-riding anorexigenic tone in the PVN associated with CRF signalling. Indeed, the orexigenic effect of NPY was restored when LWS were injected with a CRF receptor antagonist, astressin, before stress exposure. The results of the present study provide insights into the molecular basis of eating disorders and suggest that CRF signalling in the PVN may exacerbate the anorexic phenotype in the presence of environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wang
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - J Yi
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - P B Siegel
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - M A Cline
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - E R Gilbert
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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15
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Liu J, Hu XM, Li XJ, Zhao H. Traumatic stress affects alcohol‑drinking behavior through cocaine‑ and amphetamine‑regulated transcript 55‑102 in the paraventricular nucleus in rats. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:1157-1165. [PMID: 29115641 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cumulative evidence has suggested an association between stress and alcohol self‑administration; however, less is known about the role of traumatic stress in alcohol drinking behavior. It has been reported that cocaine‑ and amphetamine‑regulated transcript (CART) 55‑102 may be involved in mediating stress responses and regulating reward and reinforcement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of CART 55‑102 in alcohol drinking behavior of rats in the presence or absence of traumatic stress. Alcohol drinking behavior was examined using the two‑bottle choice drinking paradigm (one bottle contained 10% alcohol and the other contained filtered water), which was initiated 1, 3 and 7 days post‑trauma (T1, T3 and T7), for 14 days in rats; the control group was initiated from T0. The results indicated that exposure to trauma significantly increased alcohol consumption and preference, particularly drinking from T3. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the lowest level of CART 55‑102 immunoreactivity within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) was exhibited in the T3 group. Additionally, an intra‑PVN injection of CART 55‑102 attenuated alcohol‑drinking behavior in a dose‑dependent manner, in the T3 group. Furthermore, the significant increase in circulating adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations in the T3 group were inhibited by CART 55‑102 administration to the PVN, in particular CORT levels were significantly decreased. Positive correlations between alcohol preference and ACTH and CORT levels were also observed. These results indicated that CART 55‑102 in the PVN serves an inhibitory role in traumatic stress‑induced alcohol drinking behavior, possibly through disturbing hypothalamus‑pituitary‑adrenal axis hyperactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Ming Hu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Jian Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Hui Zhao
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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16
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Chmielowska M, Baranowska B, Wolinska-Witort E, Martynska L, Kalisz M, Litwiniuk A, Bik W. The effect of CART on pituitary hormones release from cultured pituitary cells harvested from fasted and fed ad libitum male rats. Peptides 2017; 91:20-25. [PMID: 28300671 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART) is widely expressed in the central nervous system and in several endocrine organs. CART is an important factor in the regulation of energy homeostasis. The aim of the study was to assess the role of CART in physiological response of pituitary cells in a course of starvation. The pituitary cells harvested from starved and fed ad libitum male rats were cultured for 48h and treated with: 0.1nM, 1nM, 10nM or 100nM doses of CART. The medium was collected after 60min and stored at -70°C until samples were further assayed for: LH, FSH, PRL, GH, TSH and ACTH. We revealed that in cultures of pituitary cells collected from fasted rats the basal levels of the examined hormones were reduced. Incubation of pituitary cells of non-starved rats with any dose of CART reduced the concentration of LH and TSH, while the levels of the other hormones were decreased after administration only specific doses of CART. In cells of fasted rats no change in the concentration of gonadotrophins was observed. The PRL level was increased only in the 1nM dose of CART, while the 10nM and 100nM CART doses markedly enhanced GH and TSH. Moreover, administration of 1nM, 10nM and 100nM of CART to cultured cells of fasted rats resulted in a significant rise of the ACTH. Our results indicate that CART can directly affect the physiological release of PRL, ACTH, TSH and GH in pituitary cells of starved animals. Moreover, CART did not alter the LH and FSH suppression level, which is correlated with food deprivation. This data stays in contrast with the already proposed role of CART as an anorexigenic hypothalamic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Chmielowska
- Department of Clinical Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - B Baranowska
- Department of Neurology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Bielanski Hospital, Ceglowska 80, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland
| | - E Wolinska-Witort
- Department of Clinical Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - L Martynska
- Department of Clinical Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - M Kalisz
- Department of Clinical Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - A Litwiniuk
- Department of Clinical Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - W Bik
- Department of Clinical Neuroendocrinology, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
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17
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Parker LM, Le S, Wearne TA, Hardwick K, Kumar NN, Robinson KJ, McMullan S, Goodchild AK. Neurochemistry of neurons in the ventrolateral medulla activated by hypotension: Are the same neurons activated by glucoprivation? J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:2249-2264. [PMID: 28295336 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that a range of stimuli activate neurons, including catecholaminergic neurons, in the ventrolateral medulla. Not all catecholaminergic neurons are activated and other neurochemical content is largely unknown hence whether stimulus specific populations exist is unclear. Here we determine the neurochemistry (using in situ hybridization) of catecholaminergic and noncatecholaminergic neurons which express c-Fos immunoreactivity throughout the rostrocaudal extent of the ventrolateral medulla, in Sprague Dawley rats treated with hydralazine or saline. Distinct neuronal populations containing PPCART, PPPACAP, and PPNPY mRNAs, which were largely catecholaminergic, were activated by hydralazine but not saline. Both catecholaminergic and noncatecholaminergic neurons containing preprotachykinin and prepro-enkephalin (PPE) mRNAs were also activated, with the noncatecholaminergic population located in the rostral C1 region. Few GlyT2 neurons were activated. A subset of these data was then used to compare the neuronal populations activated by 2-deoxyglucose evoked glucoprivation (Brain Structure and Function (2015) 220:117). Hydralazine activated more neurons than 2-deoxyglucose but similar numbers of catecholaminergic neurons. Commonly activated populations expressing PPNPY and PPE mRNAs were defined. These likely include PPNPY expressing catecholaminergic neurons projecting to vasopressinergic and corticotrophin releasing factor neurons in the paraventricular nucleus, which when activated result in elevated plasma vasopressin and corticosterone. Stimulus specific neurons included noncatecholaminergic neurons and a few PPE positive catecholaminergic neuron but neurochemical codes were largely unidentified. Reasons for the lack of identification of stimulus specific neurons, readily detectable using electrophysiology in anaesthetized preparations and for which neural circuits can be defined, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay M Parker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale Biophotonics, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Sheng Le
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Travis A Wearne
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Kate Hardwick
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Natasha N Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Science, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Katherine J Robinson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Simon McMullan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Ann K Goodchild
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
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18
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Bharne AP, Borkar CD, Bodakuntla S, Lahiri M, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM. Pro-cognitive action of CART is mediated via ERK in the hippocampus. Hippocampus 2016; 26:1313-27. [PMID: 27258934 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) is detected in several cortical and subcortical areas, its role in higher functions has been largely ignored. We examined the significance of CART in memory formation and tested if the downstream actions of CART involve N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) activated extra-cellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). Newly formed memory was evaluated using novel object recognition test consisting of familiarization (T1) and choice trials (T2). The choice trials were performed at two time points: 30-min (T230-min ) and 24-h (T224-h ) postacquisition. In choice trial (T230-min ), vehicle control rats explored the novel object for significantly longer duration than the familiar object indicating intact memory formation. However, CART-antibody, U0126 [ERK antagonist, both via intracerebroventricular (icv) or intrahippocampal (ih) route] or MK-801 (NMDA antagonist; intraperitoneal) treated rats spent less time exploring novel objects; CART peptide (icv or ih) was ineffective. During choice trial at T224-h , a significant decrease in novel object exploration time was noticed in vehicle control rats suggesting amnesia. However, treatment with CART, prior to familiarization trial (T1), promoted exploration of the novel object even at T224-h . Pretreatment with U0126 or MK-801 blocked pro-cognitive-like effect of CART suggesting involvement of NMDA-ERK pathway in CART's action. Animals subjected to the object familiarization trial showed a drastic increase in the CART-immunoreactivity in the cells of cornu ammonis 3 and polymorph layer of dentate gyrus, and fibers within ento- (ENT) and peri-rhinal (PRH) cortices. Western blot analysis revealed that CART treatment significantly up-regulated the expression of phospo-ERK1/2 in hippocampus, ENT and PRH. This effect was attenuated following pretreatment with U0126 or MK-801, suggesting the activation of ERK signaling cascade through NMDA receptors. Thus, CART system seems to play an important role in recognition memory and that these effects may be mediated by NMDA receptors-ERK signaling in the ENT/PRH-hippocampal circuit. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish P Bharne
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, India
| | - Chandrashekhar D Borkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, India
| | - Satish Bodakuntla
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR3348, Orsay, France
| | - Mayurika Lahiri
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Nishikant K Subhedar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Dadasaheb M Kokare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur, India.
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19
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Ma X, Hayes E, Prizant H, Srivastava RK, Hammes SR, Sen A. Leptin-Induced CART (Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript) Is a Novel Intraovarian Mediator of Obesity-Related Infertility in Females. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1248-57. [PMID: 26730935 PMCID: PMC4769362 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is considered detrimental to women's reproductive health. Although most of the attention has been focused on the effects of obesity on hypothalamic function, studies suggest a multifactorial impact. In fact, obesity is associated with reduced fecundity even in women with regular cycles, indicating that there may be local ovarian effects modulating fertility. Here we describe a novel mechanism for leptin actions directly in the ovary that may account for some of the negative effects of obesity on ovarian function. We find that normal cycling, obese, hyperleptinemic mice fed with a high-fat diet are subfertile and ovulate fewer oocytes compared with animals fed with a normal diet. Importantly, we show that leptin induces expression of the neuropeptide cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the granulosa cells (GCs) of ovarian follicles both in vitro and in vivo. CART then negatively affects intracellular cAMP levels, MAPK signaling, and aromatase mRNA expression, which leads to lower estradiol synthesis in GCs and altered ovarian folliculogenesis. Finally, in human samples from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization, we show a significant positive correlation between patient body mass index, CART mRNA expression in GCs, and CART peptide levels in follicular fluid. These observations suggest that, under obese conditions, CART acts as a local mediator of leptin in the ovary to cause ovarian dysfunction and reduced fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Ma
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (X.M., E.H., H.P., S.R.H., A.S.), Department of Medicine, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.K.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Emily Hayes
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (X.M., E.H., H.P., S.R.H., A.S.), Department of Medicine, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.K.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Hen Prizant
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (X.M., E.H., H.P., S.R.H., A.S.), Department of Medicine, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.K.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Rajesh K Srivastava
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (X.M., E.H., H.P., S.R.H., A.S.), Department of Medicine, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.K.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Stephen R Hammes
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (X.M., E.H., H.P., S.R.H., A.S.), Department of Medicine, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.K.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
| | - Aritro Sen
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism (X.M., E.H., H.P., S.R.H., A.S.), Department of Medicine, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (R.K.S.), University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York 14642
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20
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Skobowiat C, Slominski AT. Ultraviolet B stimulates proopiomelanocortin signalling in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus in mice. Exp Dermatol 2016; 25:120-3. [PMID: 26513428 PMCID: PMC4724293 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We previously found that ultraviolet B (UVB) could stimulate the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) with activation the systemic hypothalamic-pituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis. To investigate whether UVB can also stimulate other hypothalamic nuclei, we tested its effect on the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) related signalling system in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of female C57BL/6 and FVB albino mice. The shaved back skin of the mice was irradiated with either 100 or 400 mJ/cm2 of UVB. After 1, 3, 6 and 12 h, blood and hypothalamus were collected and processed for gene and protein expression, and measurement of α-MSH and β-endorphin (β-END) levels. An in situ immunohistochemical examination was performed for melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) and POMC-derived α-MSH. The expression of Pomc and MC4R mRNAs was stimulated, whereas that of AgRP was inhibited after exposure to UVB. It was accompanied by an increased number of both α-MSH- and MC4R-immunoreactive neurons in the ARC, and by increased levels of α-MSH and β-END (both found in the hypothalamus and plasma). This surprising discovery of UVB stimulating the POMC system in the ARC, accompanied by the increased plasma levels of α-MSH and β-END, paves the way for exciting areas of research on the communication between the skin and the brain, as well as is suggesting a new role for UVB in regulation of body metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cezary Skobowiat
- Departments of Pharmacodynamics and Molecular Pharmacology, The Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Andrzej T. Slominski
- Departments of Dermatology and Pathology, Laboratory Service of the VA Medical Center, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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21
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Interacting Neural Processes of Feeding, Hyperactivity, Stress, Reward, and the Utility of the Activity-Based Anorexia Model of Anorexia Nervosa. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2016; 24:416-436. [PMID: 27824637 PMCID: PMC5485261 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric illness with minimal effective treatments and a very high rate of mortality. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of the disease is imperative for improving outcomes and can be aided by the study of animal models. The activity-based anorexia rodent model (ABA) is the current best parallel for the study of AN. This review describes the basic neurobiology of feeding and hyperactivity seen in both ABA and AN, and compiles the research on the role that stress-response and reward pathways play in modulating the homeostatic drive to eat and to expend energy, which become dysfunctional in ABA and AN.
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Mo C, Cai G, Huang L, Deng Q, Lin D, Cui L, Wang Y, Li J. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulates cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript gene (CART1) expression through CRH type 1 receptor (CRHR1) in chicken anterior pituitary. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 417:166-77. [PMID: 26363222 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Revised: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide(s) is generally viewed as neuropeptide(s) and can control food intake in vertebrates, however, our recent study revealed that CART1 peptide is predominantly expressed in chicken anterior pituitary, suggesting that cCART1 peptide is a novel pituitary hormone in chickens and its expression is likely controlled by hypothalamic factor(s). To test this hypothesis, in this study, we examined the spatial expression of CART1 in chicken anterior pituitary and investigated the effect of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) on pituitary cCART1 expression. The results showed that: 1) CART1 is expressed in both caudal and cephalic lobes of chicken anterior pituitary, revealed by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), western blot and immuno-histochemical staining; 2) CRH potently stimulates cCART1 mRNA expression in cultured chick pituitary cells, as examined by qPCR, and this effect is blocked by CP154526 (and not K41498), an antagonist specific for chicken CRH type I receptor (cCRHR1), suggesting that cCRHR1 expressed on corticotrophs mediates this action; 3) the stimulatory effect of CRH on pituitary cCART1 expression is inhibited by pharmacological drugs targeting the intracellular AC/cAMP/PKA, PLC/IP3/Ca(2+), and MEK/ERK signaling pathways. This finding, together with the functional coupling of these signaling pathways to cCRHR1 expressed in CHO cells demonstrated by luciferase reporter assay systems, indicates that these intracellular signaling pathways coupled to cCRHR1 can mediate CRH action. Collectively, our present study offers the first substantial evidence that hypothalamic CRH can stimulate pituitary CART1 expression via activation of CRHR1 in a vertebrate species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunheng Mo
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Guoqing Cai
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Long Huang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Qiuyang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Dongliang Lin
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Lin Cui
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Juan Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China.
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Characterization of the Two CART Genes (CART1 and CART2) in Chickens (Gallus gallus). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0127107. [PMID: 25992897 PMCID: PMC4436185 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide is implicated in the control of avian energy balance, however, the structure and expression of CART gene(s) remains largely unknown in birds. Here, we cloned and characterized two CART genes (named cCART1 and cCART2) in chickens. The cloned cCART1 is predicted to generate two bioactive peptides, cCART1(42-89) and cCART1(49-89), which share high amino acid sequence identity (94-98%) with their mammalian counterparts, while the novel cCART2 may produce a bioactive peptide cCART2(51-91) with 59% identity to cCART1. Interestingly, quantitative RT-PCR revealed that cCART1 is predominantly expressed in the anterior pituitary and less abundantly in the hypothalamus. In accordance with this finding, cCART1 peptide was easily detected in the anterior pituitary by Western blot, and its secretion from chick pituitaries incubated in vitro was enhanced by ionomycin and forskolin treatment, indicating that cCART1 is a novel peptide hormone produced by the anterior pituitary. Moreover, cCART1 mRNA expression in both the pituitary and hypothalamus is down-regulated by 48-h fasting, suggesting its expression is affected by energy status. Unlike cCART1, cCART2 is only weakly expressed in most tissues examined by RT-PCR, implying a less significant role of cCART2 in chickens. As in chickens, 2 or more CART genes, likely generated by gene and genome duplication event(s), were also identified in other non-mammalian vertebrate species including coelacanth. Collectively, the identification and characterization of CART genes in birds helps to uncover the roles of CART peptide(s) in vertebrates and provides clues to the evolutionary history of vertebrate CART genes.
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Janiuk I, Kasacka I. Quantitative evaluation of CART-containing cells in urinary bladder of rats with renovascular hypertension. Eur J Histochem 2015; 59:2446. [PMID: 26150151 PMCID: PMC4503964 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2015.2446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Revised: 02/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent biological advances make it possible to discover new peptides associated with hypertension. The cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is a known factor in appetite and feeding behaviour. Various lines of evidence suggest that this peptide participates not only in control of feeding behaviour but also in the regulation of the cardiovascular and sympathetic systems and blood pressure. The role of CART in blood pressure regulation led us to undertake a study aimed at analysing quantitative changes in CART-containing cells in urinary bladders (UB) of rats with renovascular hypertension. We used the Goldblatt model of arterial hypertension (two-kidney, one clip) to evaluate quantitative changes. This model provides researchers with a commonly used tool to analyse the renin-angiotensin system of blood pressure control and, eventually, to develop drugs for the treatment of chronic hypertension. The study was performed on sections of urinary bladders of rats after 3-, 14-, 28-, 42 and 91 days from hypertension induction. Immunohistochemical identification of CART cells was performed on paraffin for the UBs of all the study animals. CART was detected in the endocrine cells, especially numerous in the submucosa and muscularis layers, with a few found in the transitional epithelium and only occasionally in serosa. Hypertension significantly increased the number of CART-positive cells in the rat UBs. After 3 and 42 days following the procedure, statistically significantly higher numbers of CART-positive cells were identified in comparison with the control animals. The differences between the hypertensive rats and the control animals concerned not only the number density of CART-immunoreactive cells but also their localization. After a 6-week period, each of the rats subjected to the renal artery clipping procedure developed stable hypertension. CART appeared in numerous transitional epithelium cells. As this study provides novel findings, the question appears about the type of connection between hypertension and the functioning and activity of CART in the urinary tract (UT). The study gives rise to the assumption that high blood pressure can be a factor that intensifies CART secretion. In conclusion, the endocrine system of the urinary tract is modified by renovascular hypertension. This may affect the production of hormones and biologically active substances and contribute to the development of possible hypertension complications. In order to fully comprehend the role of the CART peptide in blood pressure regulation, further analyses are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Janiuk
- University of Natural Sciences and Humanities.
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Cho JH, Cho YH, Kim HY, Cha SH, Ryu H, Jang W, Shin KH. Increase in cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in specific areas of the mouse brain by acute caffeine administration. Neuropeptides 2015; 50:1-7. [PMID: 25820086 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Caffeine produces a variety of behavioral effects including increased alertness, reduced food intake, anxiogenic effects, and dependence upon repeated exposure. Although many of the effects of caffeine are mediated by its ability to block adenosine receptors, it is possible that other neural substrates, such as cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), may be involved in the effects of caffeine. Indeed, a recent study demonstrated that repeated caffeine administration increases CART in the mouse striatum. However, it is not clear whether acute caffeine administration alters CART in other areas of the brain. To explore this possibility, we investigated the dose- and time-dependent changes in CART immunoreactivity (CART-IR) after a single dose of caffeine in mice. We found that a high dose of caffeine (100 mg/kg) significantly increased CART-IR 2 h after administration in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh), dorsal bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (dBNST), central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN), arcuate hypothalamic nucleus (Arc), and locus coeruleus (LC), and returned to control levels after 8 h. But this increase was not observed in other brain areas. In addition, caffeine administration at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg appears to produce dose-dependent increases in CART-IR in these brain areas; however, the magnitude of increase in CART-IR observed at a dose of 50 mg/kg was similar or greater than that observed at a dose of 100 mg/kg. This result suggests that CART-IR in AcbSh, dBNST, CeA, PVN, Arc, and LC is selectively affected by caffeine administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Hee Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Ha Cho
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Young Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Ha Cha
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Ryu
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooyoung Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Ho Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Anam-Dong, Sungbuk-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Sharma A, Rale A, Utturwar K, Ghose A, Subhedar N. Identification of the CART neuropeptide circuitry processing TMT-induced predator stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 50:194-208. [PMID: 25233338 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Abundance of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) neuropeptide in the limbic areas like the olfactory system, central nucleus of amygdala (CeA), ventral bed nucleus of stria terminalis (vBNST) and the hypothalamus suggests involvement of the peptide in emotive processing. We examined the role of CART in mediating fear, a strong emotion with profound survival value. Rats, exposed to 2,4,5-trimethyl-3-thiazoline (TMT), a predator related cue extracted from fox feces, showed significant increase in freezing, escape and risk assessment behavior, whereas grooming was reduced. Neuronal activity was up-regulated in the CeA and vBNST in terms of increased immunoreactivity in CART elements and c-Fos expression. Increased expression of both the markers was also seen in some discrete magnocellular as well as parvicellular subdivisions of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). However, CART containing mitral cells in the main or accessory olfactory bulb did not respond. CART antibody was stereotaxically injected bilaterally into the CeA to locally immunoneutralize endogenous CART. On exposure to TMT, these rats showed reduced freezing, risk assessment and escape behavior while grooming was restored to normal value. We suggest that the CART signaling in the CeA and vBNST, but not in the olfactory system, might be an important component of the innate fear processing, and expression of stereotypic behavior, while CART in the PVN subdivisions might mediate the neuroendocrine response to predator stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju Sharma
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Abhishek Rale
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Kaweri Utturwar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India
| | - Aurnab Ghose
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India.
| | - Nishikant Subhedar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, India.
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Lau J, Herzog H. CART in the regulation of appetite and energy homeostasis. Front Neurosci 2014; 8:313. [PMID: 25352770 PMCID: PMC4195273 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2014.00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) has been the subject of significant interest for over a decade. Work to decipher the detailed mechanism of CART function has been hampered by the lack of specific pharmacological tools like antagonists and the absence of a specific CART receptor(s). However, extensive research has been devoted to elucidate the role of the CART peptide and it is now evident that CART is a key neurotransmitter and hormone involved in the regulation of diverse biological processes, including food intake, maintenance of body weight, reward and addiction, stress response, psychostimulant effects and endocrine functions (Rogge et al., 2008; Subhedar et al., 2014). In this review, we focus on knowledge gained on CART's role in controlling appetite and energy homeostasis, and also address certain species differences between rodents and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie Lau
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Herbert Herzog
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Akash G, Kaniganti T, Tiwari NK, Subhedar NK, Ghose A. Differential distribution and energy status-dependent regulation of the four CART neuropeptide genes in the zebrafish brain. J Comp Neurol 2014; 522:2266-85. [DOI: 10.1002/cne.23532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Akash
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune; Pune 411 008 India
| | - Tarun Kaniganti
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune; Pune 411 008 India
| | - Neeraj Kumar Tiwari
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune; Pune 411 008 India
| | | | - Aurnab Ghose
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune; Pune 411 008 India
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Subhedar NK, Nakhate KT, Upadhya MA, Kokare DM. CART in the brain of vertebrates: circuits, functions and evolution. Peptides 2014; 54:108-30. [PMID: 24468550 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2014.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) with its wide distribution in the brain of mammals has been the focus of considerable research in recent years. Last two decades have witnessed a steady rise in the information on the genes that encode this neuropeptide and regulation of its transcription and translation. CART is highly enriched in the hypothalamic nuclei and its relevance to energy homeostasis and neuroendocrine control has been understood in great details. However, the occurrence of this peptide in a range of diverse circuitries for sensory, motor, vegetative, limbic and higher cortical areas has been confounding. Evidence that CART peptide may have role in addiction, pain, reward, learning and memory, cognition, sleep, reproduction and development, modulation of behavior and regulation of autonomic nervous system are accumulating, but an integration has been missing. A steady stream of papers has been pointing at the therapeutic potentials of CART. The current review is an attempt at piecing together the fragments of available information, and seeks meaning out of the CART elements in their anatomical niche. We try to put together the CART containing neuronal circuitries that have been conclusively demonstrated as well as those which have been proposed, but need confirmation. With a view to finding out the evolutionary antecedents, we visit the CART systems in sub-mammalian vertebrates and seek the answer why the system is shaped the way it is. We enquire into the conservation of the CART system and appreciate its functional diversity across the phyla.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishikant K Subhedar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Sai Trinity Building, Sutarwadi, Pashan, Pune 411 021, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Kartik T Nakhate
- Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Rungta Educational Campus, Kohka-Kurud Road, Bhilai 490 024, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Manoj A Upadhya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, Maharashtra, India
| | - Dadasaheb M Kokare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, Maharashtra, India
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Lee JS, Lee HS. Reciprocal connections between CART-immunoreactive, hypothalamic paraventricular neurons and serotonergic dorsal raphe cells in the rat: Light microscopic study. Brain Res 2014; 1560:46-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Enhanced upregulation of CRH mRNA expression in the nucleus accumbens of male rats after a second injection of methamphetamine given thirty days later. PLoS One 2014; 9:e84665. [PMID: 24475032 PMCID: PMC3903495 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a widely abused amphetamine analog. Few studies have investigated the molecular effects of METH exposure in adult animals. Herein, we determined the consequences of an injection of METH (10 mg/kg) on transcriptional effects of a second METH (2.5 mg/kg) injection given one month later. We thus measured gene expression by microarray analyses in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of 4 groups of rats euthanized 2 hours after the second injection: saline-pretreated followed by saline-challenged (SS) or METH-challenged (SM); and METH-pretreated followed by saline-challenged (MS) or METH-challenged (MM). Microarray analyses revealed that METH (2.5 mg/kg) produced acute changes (1.8-fold; P<0.01) in the expression of 412 (352 upregulated, 60 down-regulated) transcripts including cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh), oxytocin (Oxt), and vasopressin (Avp) that were upregulated. Injection of METH (10 mg/kg) altered the expression of 503 (338 upregulated, 165 down-regulated) transcripts measured one month later (MS group). These genes also included Cart and Crh. The MM group showed altered expression of 766 (565 upregulated, 201 down-regulated) transcripts including Avp, Cart, and Crh. The METH-induced increased Crh expression was enhanced in the MM group in comparison to SM and MS groups. Quantitative PCR confirmed the METH-induced changes in mRNA levels. Therefore, a single injection of METH produced long-lasting changes in gene expression in the rodent NAc. The long-term increases in Crh, Cart, and Avp mRNA expression suggest that METH exposure produced prolonged activation of the endogenous stress system. The METH-induced changes in oxytocin expression also suggest the possibility that this neuropeptide might play a significant role in the neuroplastic and affiliative effects of this drug.
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Distribution and neurochemical characterization of neurons in the rat ventrolateral medulla activated by glucoprivation. Brain Struct Funct 2013; 220:117-34. [DOI: 10.1007/s00429-013-0642-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Accepted: 09/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Bech PR, Martin NM, Ramachandran R, Bloom SR. The biochemical utility of chromogranin A, chromogranin B and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript for neuroendocrine neoplasia. Ann Clin Biochem 2013; 51:8-21. [DOI: 10.1177/0004563213489670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) is a heterogeneous group of tumours and often represents a therapeutic challenge to clinicians. The peptides chromogranin A (CgA), chromogranin B (CgB) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) are widely distributed throughout the neuroendocrine system. CgA and CgB have been used as general NEN biomarkers for many years, while CART has only recently been identified. Of these biomarkers, CgA is the most commonly used. However, circulating CgA concentrations exhibit considerable intra-individual biological variation, are altered by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and somatostatin analogues and are elevated in non-NEN malignancies. Therefore, interpretation of CgA results must be in the context of these confounding factors. The effects of treatment and non-NEN conditions on circulating CgB and CART concentrations are less well understood. CgB is less affected by impaired renal function and PPIs than CgA; while, circulating CART concentrations lack a diurnal variation in humans and are more reliable markers of pancreatic NEN malignancy than CgA. The utility of circulating CgA measurements in NEN prognosis, surveillance and disease recurrence has been widely investigated. However, the utility of CgB and CART in NEN management is yet to be elucidated. Further studies are needed to establish whether CgB and CART are useful alternatives to CgA.
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Affiliation(s)
- PR Bech
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - NM Martin
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - R Ramachandran
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - SR Bloom
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Job MO, Kuhar MJ. Intraperitoneal Administration of CART 55-102 Inhibits Psychostimulant-Induced Locomotion. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 1. [PMID: 23705073 DOI: 10.4303/jdar/235601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CART (cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript) peptide functions as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone and is found both in the central nervous system (CNS) and in the periphery. CART peptide in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) has been implicated in the regulation of cocaine-dopamine-mediated locomotion and self-administration, and amphetamine-mediated locomotion and behavior. However, there are no studies on the effect of systemic administration of CART peptide on cocaine and amphetamine-mediated locomotion. In this study, we tested if the systemic administration of CART 55-102 by the intraperitoneal (ip) route has a functional effect on psychostimulant-mediated locomotion in rats as it does when given into the brain. We determined that ip CART 55-102 attenuates psychostimulant-mediated locomotion as it does when administered into the NAc and display a biphasic dose response curve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin O Job
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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Comparative distribution of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the hypothalamus of the capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) and the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). Brain Res 2011; 1425:47-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2011] [Revised: 08/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Job MO, McNamara IM, Kuhar MJ. CART Peptides Regulate Psychostimulants and May be Endogenous Antidepressants. Curr Neuropharmacol 2011; 9:12-6. [PMID: 21886553 PMCID: PMC3137165 DOI: 10.2174/157015911795017074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 04/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
CART peptides are endogenous neurotransmitters that are involved in a variety of physiologic functions. Injection of CART 55-102 into the nucleus accumbens produces no effect, but when co-administered with cocaine, it reduces the locomotor and rewarding properties of cocaine. In a human study, subjects carrying a missense mutation of the CART gene exhibited increased anxiety and depression. Also, several animal studies support the idea that CART is involved in anxiety and depression, and they also suggest several possible mechanisms by which this may occur. Thus, there is interesting evidence that CART peptides play a role in anxiety and depression, and that CART peptides may be endogenous antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- M O Job
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center of Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd NE, Atlanta GA 30329, USA
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Hostetler CM, Kowalczyk AS, Griffin LL, Bales KL. CART peptide following social novelty in the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). Brain Res 2011; 1414:32-40. [PMID: 21871610 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Revised: 07/16/2011] [Accepted: 07/19/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) are monogamous rodents that display high levels of affiliative behaviors, including pair-bonding, biparental care, and cooperative breeding. Species differences in basal cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) mRNA and peptide expression have been found between prairie voles and polygamous meadow voles. Therefore, we hypothesized that the CART system may play a role in the regulation of social behavior in this species. Male and female adult prairie voles were placed in a cage either alone, or with a novel social partner of the same or opposite sex. After 45 min, subjects were sacrificed and CART peptide expression was examined using immunohistochemistry. We examined fifteen hypothalamic, limbic, and hindbrain regions of interest, focusing on areas that show species-specific patterns of expression. We found that subjects paired with a novel conspecific had lower levels of peptide in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) than isolated animals. This may reflect increased peptide release following increased dopaminergic activity in animals exposed to a novel conspecific. Additionally, CART peptide was higher in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of subjects paired with an opposite sex partner compared to those paired with a same-sex conspecific, although there was no difference between isolated subjects and either socially housed group. These findings suggest that CART in the NAc is differentially responsive to the sex of adult conspecifics and that the social environment influences CART expression in the prairie vole in a region- and stimulus-specific manner.
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Hypothalamic cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript and corticotrophin releasing factor neurons are stimulated by extracellular volume and osmotic changes. Neuroscience 2011; 186:57-64. [PMID: 21539900 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2011] [Revised: 04/19/2011] [Accepted: 04/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Several studies suggest that hypothalamic cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) may interact with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the control of neuroendocrine function and may also participate in cardiovascular regulation. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate, in experimental models of isotonic (I-EVE) and hypertonic (H-EVE) extracellular volume expansion and water deprivation (WD), the activation of CART- and corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF)-immunoreactive neurons, as well as the relative expression of CART and CRF mRNAs in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei of the hypothalamus. Both H-EVE (0.30M NaCl, 2mL/100g of body weight, in 1 minute) and 24 hours of WD significantly increased plasma sodium concentrations, producing, respectively, either an increase or a decrease in extracellular volume. I-EVE (0.15M NaCl, 2mL/100g of body weight, in 1 minute) evoked a significant increase in the circulating volume accompanied by unaltered plasma concentrations of sodium. CART-expressing neurons of both magnocellular and parvocellular hypothalamic divisions were activated to produce Fos in response to H-EVE but not in response to I-EVE. Furthermore, increased expression of CART mRNA was found in the PVN of H-EVE but not I-EVE rats. These data show for the first time that EVE not only activates hypothalamic CRF neurons but also increases CRF mRNA expression in the PVN. In contrast, WD increases the number of CART-immunoreactive neurons activated to produce Fos in the PVN and SON but does not change the number of neurons double labeled for Fos and CRF or expression of CRF mRNA in the PVN. These findings provided new insights into the participation of CART in diverse processes within the PVN and SON, including its possible involvement in activation of the HPA axis and cardiovascular regulation in response to changes in extracellular volume and osmolality.
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Wang PQ, Deng LM, Zhang BY, Chu MX, Hou JZ. Polymorphisms of the cocaine-amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) gene and their association with reproductive traits in Chinese goats. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2011; 10:731-8. [PMID: 21523652 DOI: 10.4238/vol10-2gmr1091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphisms of the CART gene were investigated by PCR-single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis in 540 samples from 10 goat breeds. Ten novel single-nucleotide polymorphisms as well as three microsatellites were detected; a mutation, 77T → C, led to an amino acid change (Leu → Ser). Associations between polymorphic loci and reproductive traits were analyzed in Chuandong White, Guizhou White and Gulin Ma breeds. Mutation at position 524 had no significant effect on litter size in these three goat breeds. The polymorphism 539C → A differed significantly among the three breeds (P < 0.05); C(7)T(8)/C(9)T(8) at 939 was associated with larger litter size (P < 0.05) than genotypes C(7)T(8)/C(7)T(8) and C(7)T(8)/C(8)T(8). No significant association of birth weight was found with gene variation (524C → T, 539C → A and 939 CnTn). These findings could be valuable for marker-assisted selection for goat breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Q Wang
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, PR. China.
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Remmers F, Delemarre-van de Waal HA. Developmental programming of energy balance and its hypothalamic regulation. Endocr Rev 2011; 32:272-311. [PMID: 21051592 DOI: 10.1210/er.2009-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Developmental programming is an important physiological process that allows different phenotypes to originate from a single genotype. Through plasticity in early life, the developing organism can adopt a phenotype (within the limits of its genetic background) that is best suited to its expected environment. In humans, together with the relative irreversibility of the phenomenon, the low predictive value of the fetal environment for later conditions in affluent countries makes it a potential contributor to the obesity epidemic of recent decades. Here, we review the current evidence for developmental programming of energy balance. For a proper understanding of the subject, knowledge about energy balance is indispensable. Therefore, we first present an overview of the major hypothalamic routes through which energy balance is regulated and their ontogeny. With this background, we then turn to the available evidence for programming of energy balance by the early nutritional environment, in both man and rodent models. A wealth of studies suggest that energy balance can indeed be permanently affected by the early-life environment. However, the direction of the effects of programming appears to vary considerably, both between and within different animal models. Because of these inconsistencies, a comprehensive picture is still elusive. More standardization between studies seems essential to reach veritable conclusions about the role of developmental programming in adult energy balance and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floor Remmers
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany.
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Upadhya MA, Dandekar MP, Kokare DM, Singru PS, Subhedar NK. Evidence for the participation of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) in the fluoxetine-induced anti-hyperalgesia in neuropathic rats. Peptides 2011; 32:317-26. [PMID: 21167239 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2010.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2010] [Revised: 09/24/2010] [Accepted: 09/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) has a role in chronic pain, and also in the actions of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) employed in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Herein, we test the hypothesis that CART may mediate the anti-hyperalgesic effect of the SSRI, fluoxetine, in neuropathic rats. Sciatic nerve in the right hind paw of rat was ligated to induce neuropathic pain, and the paw withdrawal latency was evaluated using Hargreaves apparatus. Fluoxetine [5-25mg/kg, intraperitoneal (ip)] or CART (54-102) [0.1-1.5μg/rat, intracerebroventricular (icv)] dose-dependently attenuated the hyperalgesic response observed in neuropathic rats, indicating anti-nociceptive properties of each agent. The anti-hyperalgesic effect of fluoxetine was potentiated by the subeffective dose of CART, and attenuated by CART-antibody (1:500 dilution; 5μl/rat, icv); CART-antibody had no effect per se. Isobolographic analysis showed a significant synergism between fluoxetine and CART, and antagonism between fluoxetine and CART-antibody. Immunocytochemical labeling with monoclonal antibodies against CART showed drastic increase in CART-immunoreactive fibers in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (VLPAG; 116%), dorsal subdivision of dorsal raphe nucleus (DRD; 176%), and locus coeruleus (LC; 733%) of neuropathic animals. Fluoxetine treatment significantly reduced the immunoreactivity in these areas. However, CART-immunoreactive cells and fibers in the arcuate nucleus did not respond to neuropathy or fluoxetine treatments. We suggest that the CART innervation of DRD, LC and VLPAG may be involved in the (i) central processing of neuropathic pain and (ii) fluoxetine-induced anti-hyperalgesic effect in neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj A Upadhya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University Campus, Nagpur 440033, India
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Potential Antidepressant Role of Neurotransmitter CART: Implications for Mental Disorders. DEPRESSION RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2011; 2011:762139. [PMID: 21785720 PMCID: PMC3138108 DOI: 10.1155/2011/762139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Revised: 04/20/2011] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Depression is one of the most prevalent and debilitating public health concerns. Although no single cause of depression has been identified, it appears that interaction among genetic, epigenetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychosocial factors may explain its etiology. Further, only a fraction of depressed patients show full remission while using current antidepressants. Therefore, identifying common pathways of the disorder and using that knowledge to develop more effective pharmacological treatments are two primary targets of research in this field. Brain-enriched neurotransmitter CART (cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript) has multiple functions related to emotions. It is a potential neurotrophic factor and is involved in the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and stress response as well as in energy homeostasis. CART is also highly expressed in limbic system, which is considered to have an important role in regulating mood. Notably, adolescents carrying a missense mutation in the CART gene exhibit increased depression and anxiety. Hence, CART peptide may be a novel promising antidepressant agent. In this paper, we summarize recent progress in depression and CART. In particular, we emphasize a new antidepressant function for CART.
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Kang S, Kim HJ, Kim HJ, Shin SK, Choi SH, Lee MS, Shin KH. Effects of reboxetine and citalopram pretreatment on changes in cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) expression in rat brain induced by the forced swimming test. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 647:110-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Revised: 07/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/21/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Rajkumar R, Mahesh R. Assessing the neuronal serotonergic target-based antidepressant stratagem: impact of in vivo interaction studies and knockout models. Curr Neuropharmacol 2010; 6:215-34. [PMID: 19506722 PMCID: PMC2687932 DOI: 10.2174/157015908785777256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2007] [Revised: 06/05/2008] [Accepted: 06/12/2008] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression remains a challenge in the field of affective neuroscience, despite a steady research progress. Six out of nine basic antidepressant mechanisms rely on serotonin neurotransmitter system. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the significance of serotonin receptors (5-HT1-3,6,7), its signal transduction pathways and classical down stream targets (including neurotrophins, neurokinins, other peptides and their receptors) in antidepressant drug action. Serotonergic control of depression embraces the recent molecular requirements such as influence on proliferation, neurogenesis, plasticity, synaptic (re)modeling and transmission in the central nervous system. The present progress report analyses the credibility of each protein as therapeutically relevant target of depression. In vivo interaction studies and knockout models which identified these targets are foreseen to unearth new ligands and help them transform to drug candidates. The importance of the antidepressant assay selection at the preclinical level using salient animal models/assay systems is discussed. Such test batteries would definitely provide antidepressants with faster onset, efficacy in resistant (and co-morbid) types and with least adverse effects. Apart from the selective ligands, only those molecules which bring an overall harmony, by virtue of their affinities to various receptor subtypes, could qualify as effective antidepressants. Synchronised modulation of various serotonergic sub-pathways is the basis for a unique and balanced antidepressant profile, as that of fluoxetine (most exploited antidepressant) and such a profile may be considered as a template for the upcoming antidepressants. In conclusion, 5-HT based multi-targeted antidepressant drug discovery supported by in vivo interaction studies and knockout models is advocated as a strategy to provide classic molecules for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rajkumar
- Pharmacy Group, FD-III, Vidya Vihar, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Rajasthan-333031, India.
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Keating GL, Kuhar MJ, Bliwise DL, Rye DB. Wake promoting effects of cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART). Neuropeptides 2010; 44:241-6. [PMID: 20116848 PMCID: PMC2854259 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2009.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 12/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides modulate anxiety, food intake, endocrine function, and mesolimbic dopamine related reward and reinforcement. Each of these disparate behaviors takes place during the state of wakefulness. Here, we identify a potential wake promoting role of CART by characterizing its effects upon sleep/wake architecture in rats. Dose-dependent increases in wake were documented following intracerebroventricular CART 55-102 administered at the beginning of the rat's major sleep period. Sustained wake was observed for up to 4h following delivery of 2.0 microg of CART peptide. The wake promoting effect was specific to active CART 55-102 because no effect on sleep/wake was observed with the inactive form of the peptide. Increased wake was followed by robust rebound in NREM and REM sleep that extended well into the subsequent lights-off, or typical wake period, of the rat. These findings point to a potential novel role for CART in regulating wakefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenda L Keating
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, Suite 6000, WMB, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
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Okere B, Xu L, Roubos EW, Sonetti D, Kozicz T. Restraint stress alters the secretory activity of neurons co-expressing urocortin-1, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide and nesfatin-1 in the mouse Edinger-Westphal nucleus. Brain Res 2010; 1317:92-9. [PMID: 20043894 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.12.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2009] [Revised: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 12/16/2009] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Central stress regulatory pathways utilize various neuropeptides, such as urocortin-1 (Ucn1) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART). Ucn1 is most abundantly expressed in the non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus (npEW). In addition to Ucn1, CART and nesfatin-1 are highly expressed in neurons of the npEW, but the way these three neuropeptides act together in response to acute stress is not known. We hypothesized that Ucn1, CART and nesfatin-1 are colocalized in npEW neurons and that these neurons are recruited by acute stress. Using quantitative immunocytochemistry and the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we support this hypothesis, by showing in B6C3F1/Crl mice that Ucn1, CART and nesfatin-1 occur in the same neurons of the npEW nucleus. More specifically, Ucn1 and CART revealed a complete colocalization in the same perikarya, while 90% of these neurons are also nesfatin-1-immunoreactive. Furthermore, acute (restraint) stress stimulates the general secretory activity of these npEW neurons (increased presence of Fos) and the production of Ucn1, CART and nesfatin-1: Ucn1, CART and nesfatin-1(NUCB2) mRNAs have been increased compared to controls by x1.8, x2.0 and x2.6, respectively (p<0.01). We conclude that Ucn1, CART and nesfatin-1/NUCB2 are specifically involved in the response of npEW neurons to acute stress in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Okere
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Campi, 213/D, 41100 Modena, Italy
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Derks NM, Gaszner B, Bernhardt K, Roubos EW, Kozicz T. Sex-specific expression of BDNF and CART in the midbrain non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus in the rat. Peptides 2009; 30:2268-74. [PMID: 19755135 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2009] [Revised: 09/01/2009] [Accepted: 09/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In mammals, females generally appear more vulnerable to stressors than males. The non-preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus (npEW) has been implicated in regulation of the stress response. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cocaine- and amphetamine-related transcript peptide (CART) are sex-specifically involved in the stress response too, and are present in the human and rat npEW. We hypothesized that male and female rats would differ in the expression of BDNF and CART in the npEW. Using immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization we found that BDNF, CART and the estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) are colocalized in the npEW. Q-RT-PCR showed no differences in CART and BDNF coding mRNAs between males and females, but quantitative immunocytochemistry revealed a 16% lower number of BDNF-immunoreactive neurons, and 19% lower CART-immunoreactivity in females compared to males. Considering the fact that Ucn1, CART and BDNF are co-expressed in the npEW with ERbeta and their protein expression differs between males and females, we propose that the functioning of the npEW may contribute to the sex differences that exist in stress sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M Derks
- Department of Cellular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, EURON, Radboud University Nijmegen, PO Box 9010, 6500 GL Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Aisa B, Gil-Bea FJ, Marcos B, Tordera R, Lasheras B, Del Río J, Ramírez MJ. Neonatal stress affects vulnerability of cholinergic neurons and cognition in the rat: involvement of the HPA axis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2009; 34:1495-505. [PMID: 19505767 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2009] [Revised: 04/03/2009] [Accepted: 05/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Adverse experiences early in life may sensitize specific neurocircuits to subsequent stressors. We have evaluated in maternal separation (MS) rats, an animal paradigm of early-life stress, the effects of a selective cholinergic lesion on cognitive function as well as susceptibility of cholinergic neurons to the lesion. MS rats subjected to a cholinergic lesion by administration of the immunotoxin 192 IgG-saporin, showed significant decreases in both choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity compared to control lesioned rats. Morris water maze results revealed a significant impairment in learning and memory function in MS adult rats and further cognitive deficits after the lesion. The lesion of cholinergic neurons induced a significant decrease in glucocorticoid receptor density in MS rats, accompanied by increases in CRF mRNA expression. Decreases in NGF and increases in NGF-p75NTR expression have also been found in MS rats. Our results suggest that vulnerability of basal forebrain cholinergic nerve cells might be affected by the HPA axis. The present data are discussed not only in terms of conditions that occur during ageing or Alzheimer disease, but also regarding a purported involvement of the cholinergic system in the regulation of HPA axis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bárbara Aisa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Irunlarrea 1, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
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Wiehager S, Beiderbeck DI, Gruber SH, El-Khoury A, Wamsteeker J, Neumann ID, Petersén Å, Mathé AA. Increased levels of cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript in two animal models of depression and anxiety. Neurobiol Dis 2009; 34:375-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2009.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2008] [Revised: 02/12/2009] [Accepted: 02/16/2009] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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Piérard C, Tronche C, Liscia P, Chauveau F, Béracochéa D. Combined effects of acute stress and amphetamine on serial memory retrieval pattern in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2009; 203:463-73. [PMID: 19052731 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1391-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2008] [Accepted: 10/19/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study investigated the dose-effect of amphetamine on contextual serial (contextual serial discrimination (CSD)) and serial (serial discrimination (SD)) memory in acutely stressed versus nonstressed C57 Bl/6 Jico mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Memory was first evaluated in nonstress condition. Mice learned two consecutive discriminations (D1 and D2) in a four-hole board involving either distinct (CSD) or identical (SD) internal contextual cues. All mice received i.p. injections of vehicle before acquisition and vehicle or amphetamine 20 min before the memory retrieval phase occurring 24 h after acquisition. RESULTS Results showed that: (1) vehicle group expressed in both tasks a similar memory retrieval pattern, D2 being better retrieved than D1; (2) 2 mg/kg amphetamine significantly enhanced D1 but not D2 performance in both tasks, whereas 4 mg/kg amphetamine enhanced D2 but not D1 retrieval. Thus, amphetamine more specifically modulates serial order memory retrieval in a context-independent manner. In a further step, we studied the effect of an acute stress (electric foot shocks 5 min before retrieval) specifically on D1 performance of the CSD task in 2 mg/kg amphetamine-treated mice. Immediately after testing, blood was sampled to measure plasma corticosterone levels. Results showed that acute stress significantly improved D1 performance in vehicles but blocked the memory-enhancing effect of 2 mg/kg amphetamine, as compared to the nonstress condition. However, statistical analysis failed to evidence a significant interaction between treatments and conditions (stress vs nonstress) on corticosterone levels, contrary to another vigilance-enhancing drug, modafinil (Béracochéa, Psychopharmacology 196:1-13, 2008).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Piérard
- Département de Physiologie Intégrée, IMASSA, BP 73, 91223 Brétigny-sur-Orge, France
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