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van Dorp R, Rolleri E, Deboer T. Sleep and the sleep electroencephalogram in C57BL/6 and C3H/HeN mice. J Sleep Res 2024; 33:e14062. [PMID: 37803888 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Different mouse strains used in biomedical research show different phenotypes associated with their genotypes. Two mouse strains commonly used in biomedical sleep research are C57Bl/6 and C3H/He, the strains differ in numerous aspects, including their ability to secrete melatonin as well as the expression of several sleep-related genes. However, sleep regulation has only limitedly been compared between C3H/HeN and C57Bl/6 mice. We therefore compared sleep-wake behaviour and EEG-measured spectral brain activity for C57bl/6 and C3H/HeN mice during a 12:12 h light: dark baseline and during and after a 6 h sleep deprivation. The C3H mice spent more time in NREM sleep around the light-dark transition and more time in REM sleep during the dark phase compared with C57bl/6 mice. The C3H mice also showed more EEG activity in the 4.5-7.5 Hz range during all stages and a stronger 24 h modulation of EEG power density in almost all EEG frequencies during NREM sleep. After the sleep deprivation, C3H mice showed a stronger recovery response, which was expressed in both a larger increase in EEG slow wave activity (SWA) and more time spent in NREM sleep. We show large differences regarding sleep architecture and EEG activity between C3H and C57bl/6 mice. These differences include the amount of waking during the late dark phase, the 24 h amplitude in EEG power density, and the amount of REM sleep during the dark phase. We conclude that differences between mouse strains should be considered when selecting a model strain to improve the generalisability of studies investigating biomedical parameters related to sleep and circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick van Dorp
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Rolleri
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Deboer
- Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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2
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Reiter RJ, Sharma R, Cucielo MS, Tan DX, Rosales-Corral S, Gancitano G, de Almeida Chuffa LG. Brain washing and neural health: role of age, sleep, and the cerebrospinal fluid melatonin rhythm. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:88. [PMID: 36917314 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04736-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
The brain lacks a classic lymphatic drainage system. How it is cleansed of damaged proteins, cellular debris, and molecular by-products has remained a mystery for decades. Recent discoveries have identified a hybrid system that includes cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled perivascular spaces and classic lymph vessels in the dural covering of the brain and spinal cord that functionally cooperate to remove toxic and non-functional trash from the brain. These two components functioning together are referred to as the glymphatic system. We propose that the high levels of melatonin secreted by the pineal gland directly into the CSF play a role in flushing pathological molecules such as amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) from the brain via this network. Melatonin is a sleep-promoting agent, with waste clearance from the CNS being highest especially during slow wave sleep. Melatonin is also a potent and versatile antioxidant that prevents neural accumulation of oxidatively-damaged molecules which contribute to neurological decline. Due to its feedback actions on the suprachiasmatic nucleus, CSF melatonin rhythm functions to maintain optimal circadian rhythmicity, which is also critical for preserving neurocognitive health. Melatonin levels drop dramatically in the frail aged, potentially contributing to neurological failure and dementia. Melatonin supplementation in animal models of Alzheimer's disease (AD) defers Aβ accumulation, enhances its clearance from the CNS, and prolongs animal survival. In AD patients, preliminary data show that melatonin use reduces neurobehavioral signs such as sundowning. Finally, melatonin controls the mitotic activity of neural stem cells in the subventricular zone, suggesting its involvement in neuronal renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russel J Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Ramaswamy Sharma
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Maira Smaniotto Cucielo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology-IBB/UNESP, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil
| | | | - Sergio Rosales-Corral
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Giuseppe Gancitano
- 1st "Tuscania" Paratrooper Regiment, Italian Ministry of Defense, 57127, Leghorn, Italy
| | - Luiz Gustavo de Almeida Chuffa
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology-IBB/UNESP, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil
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3
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Wang J, Gao S, Lenahan C, Gu Y, Wang X, Fang Y, Xu W, Wu H, Pan Y, Shao A, Zhang J. Melatonin as an Antioxidant Agent in Stroke: An Updated Review. Aging Dis 2022; 13:1823-1844. [PMID: 36465183 PMCID: PMC9662272 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a devastating disease associated with high mortality and disability worldwide, and is generally classified as ischemic or hemorrhagic, which share certain similar pathophysiological processes. Oxidative stress is a critical factor involved in stroke-induced injury, which not only directly damages brain tissue, but also enhances a series of pathological signaling cascades, contributing to inflammation, brain edema, and neuronal death. To alleviate these serious secondary brain injuries, neuroprotective agents targeting oxidative stress inhibition may serve as a promising treatment strategy. Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, and has various properties, such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, circadian rhythm modulation, and promotion of tissue regeneration. Numerous animal experiments studying stroke have confirmed that melatonin exerts considerable neuroprotective effects, partially via anti-oxidative stress. In this review, we introduce the possible role of melatonin as an antioxidant in the treatment of stroke based on the latest published studies of animal experiments and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Shiqi Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Cameron Lenahan
- Department of Biomedical Science, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, Las Cruces, NM, USA.
| | - Yichen Gu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yuanjian Fang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Weilin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Haijian Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yuanbo Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Brain Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Abstract
In mammals, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) constitute the main circadian clock, receiving input from the retina which allows synchronization of endogenous biological rhythms with the daily light/dark cycle. Over the year, the SCN encodes photoperiodic variations through duration of melatonin secretion, with abundant nocturnal levels in winter and lower levels in summer. Thus, light information is critical to regulate seasonal reproduction in many species and is part of the central photoperiodic integration. Since intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) are vital for circadian photoentrainment and other nonvisual functions, we studied the contribution of ipRGCs in photoperiod integration in C3H retinal degeneration 1 (rd1) mice. We assessed locomotor activity and melatonin secretion in mice exposed to short or long photoperiods. Our results showed that rd1 mice are still responsive to photoperiod variations in term of locomotor activity, melatonin secretion, and regulation of the reproductive axis. In addition, retinas of animals exposed to short photoperiod exhibit higher melanopsin labeling intensity compared with the long photoperiod condition, suggesting seasonal-dependent changes within this photoreceptive system. These results show that ipRGCs in rd1 mice can still measure photoperiod and suggest a key role of melanopsin cells in photoperiod integration and the regulation of seasonal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastien Leclercq
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives CNRS UPR3212, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - David Hicks
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives CNRS UPR3212, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Virginie Laurent
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives CNRS UPR3212, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Abstract
Melatonin (MLT), secreted during the night by the pineal gland, is an efferent hormonal signal of the master circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Consequently, it is a reliable phase marker of the SCN clock. If one defines as "chronobiotic," a drug able to influence the phase and/or the period of the circadian clock, MLT is a very potent one. The most convincing data obtained so far come from studies on totally blind individuals. Exogenous MLT administered daily entrains the sleep-wake cycle of these individuals to a 24-h cycle. MLT, however, is not essential to sleep. In nocturnally, active mammals, MLT is released during the night concomitantly with the daily period of wakefulness. Therefore, MLT cannot be simply considered as a sleep hormone, but rather as a signal of darkness. Its role in the circadian system is to reinforce nighttime physiology, including timing of the sleep-wake cycle and other circadian rhythms. MLT exerts its effects on the sleep cycle especially by a direct action on the master circadian clock. The sleep-wake cycle is depending not only on the circadian clock but also on an orchestrated network of different centers in the brain. Thus, the control of sleep-wake rhythm might be explained by a parallel and concomitant action of MLT on the master clock (chronobiotic effect) and on sleep-related structures within the brain. MLT acts through two high-affinity membrane receptors (MT1 and MT2) with striking differences in their distribution pattern. MLT is a powerful synchronizer of human circadian rhythms, thus justifying the use of MLT and MLT agonists in clinical medicine as pharmacological tools to manipulate the sleep-wake cycle, and to treat sleep disorders and other circadian disorders. Available MLT analogs/drugs are all nonspecific MT1/MT2 agonists. The development of new ligands which are highly selectivity for each subtype is clearly a new challenge for the field and will be at the root of new therapeutic agents for curing specific pathologies, including sleep disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Pevet
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, CNRS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Etienne Challet
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences, CNRS, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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Akashi M, Sogawa R, Matsumura R, Nishida A, Nakamura R, Tokuda IT, Node K. A detection method for latent circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder. EBioMedicine 2020; 62:103080. [PMID: 33166792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.103080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with typical circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders (CRSWDs) have a habitual sleep timing that is desynchronized from social time schedules. However, it is possible to willfully force synchronisation against circadian-driven sleepiness, which causes other sleep problems. This pathology is distinguishable from typical CRSWDs and is referred to here as latent CRSWD (LCRSWD). Conventional diagnostic methods for typical CRSWDs are insufficient for detecting LCRSWD because sufferers have an apparently normal habitual sleep timing. METHODS We first evaluated the reliability of circadian phase estimation based on clock gene expression using hair follicles collected at three time points without sleep interruption. Next, to identify detection criteria for LCRSWD, we compared circadian and sleep parameters according to estimated circadian phases, at the group and individual level, between subjects with low and high Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores. To validate the reliability of identified detection criteria, we investigated whether the same subjects could be reproducibly identified at a later date and whether circadian amelioration resulted in sleep improvement. FINDINGS We successfully validated the reliability of circadian phase estimation at three time points and identified potential detection criteria for individuals with LCRSWD attributed to delayed circadian-driven sleepiness. In particular, a criterion based on the interval between the times of the estimated circadian phase of clock gene expression and getting out of bed on work or school days was promising. We also successfully confirmed the reproducibility of candidate screening and sleep improvement by circadian amelioration, supporting the reliability of the detection criteria. INTERPRETATION Although several limitations remain, our present study demonstrates a promising prototype of a detection method for LCRSWD attributed to delayed circadian-driven sleepiness. More extensive trials are needed to further validate this method. FUNDING This study was supported mainly by JSPS, Japan.
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König C, Plank AC, Kapp A, Timotius IK, von Hörsten S, Zimmermann K. Thirty Mouse Strain Survey of Voluntary Physical Activity and Energy Expenditure: Influence of Strain, Sex and Day-Night Variation. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:531. [PMID: 32733181 PMCID: PMC7358574 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We measured indirect calorimetry and activity parameters, VO2 and VCO2 to extract respiratory exchange ratio (RER) and energy expenditure in both sexes of 30 inbred mouse strains of 6 genetic families at 9–13 weeks during one photophase and the subsequent scotophase. We observed a continuous distribution of all traits. While males had higher body weights than females, we observed no sex difference for food and water intake. All strains drank and fed more during the night even if they displayed no day–night difference in activity traits. Several strains showed absent or weak day–night variation in one or more activity traits and these included FVB and 129X1, males of 129S1, SWR, NZW, and SM, and females of SJL. In general females showed higher rearing and ambulatory activity with 6 and 9 strains, respectively, showing a sex difference. Fine motor movements, like grooming, showed less sex differences. RER underlied a strong day–night difference and no sex effect. Only FVB females and males of the RIIIS and SM strain had no day–night variation. Energy expenditure underlies a large day–night variation which was absent in SWR and in FVB females and RIIIS males. In general, female bodies had a tendency to higher energy expenditure values, which became a significant difference in C3H, MAMy, SM, DBA1, and BUB. Our data illustrate the diversity of these traits in male and female inbred mice and provide a resource in the selection of strains for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine König
- Department of Anesthesiology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anne-Christine Plank
- Department of Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Kapp
- Department of Anesthesiology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ivanna K Timotius
- Machine Learning & Data Analytics Lab, Department of Computer Science, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Electronics Engineering, Satya Wacana Christian University, Salatiga, Indonesia
| | - Stephan von Hörsten
- Department of Experimental Therapy, Preclinical Experimental Center, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Katharina Zimmermann
- Department of Anesthesiology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Pool KR, Rickard JP, de Graaf SP. Overcoming neuroendocrine and metabolic barriers to puberty: the role of melatonin in advancing puberty in ewe lambs. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2020; 72:106457. [PMID: 32361422 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pubertal onset in the ewe is subject to a multitude of physiological and environmental constraints. As seasonal breeders, sheep rely on decreasing photoperiod to enter puberty and the subsequent breeding periods, hindering production. The initiation of puberty defines the reproductive yield of the ewe, and as such is a critical factor influencing production outcomes. Currently, the misconception that ovine puberty is reliant on age results in ewes being bred at over a year old, leading to a substantial unproductive period between birth and first conception. As such, transcending pubertal barriers to allow for earlier initiation of reproductive competency has significant commercial merit. The primary candidate to achieve this is the neurohormone melatonin, a key factor that naturally signals photoperiodic change that facilitates seasonal remodeling of the ovine hypothalamic-hypophyseal-gonadal axis. Despite being known to modulate reproductive seasonality in both the mature ewe and ram, the ability of melatonin to advance ewe puberty remains underutilized in industry. To optimize melatonin application and shape perceptions of breeding ewe lambs, a greater understanding of pubertal impediments and the natural role of melatonin is warranted. This review examines the physiological role and applications of melatonin to advance ewe puberty, and how this may act in conjunction with other physiological and metabolic cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Pool
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - J P Rickard
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - S P de Graaf
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Blood pressure (BP) exhibits strong diurnal variations that have been shown to be important for normal physiology and health. In this review, we highlight recent advances in both basic and clinic research on how the circadian clock affects these BP rhythms. RECENT FINDINGS Tissue-specific and inducible knockout rodent models have provided novel ways to dissect how circadian clocks regulate BP rhythms and demonstrated that loss of these rhythms is associated with the development of disease. The use of circadian-specific research protocols has translated findings from rodent models to humans, providing insight into circadian control of BP, as well as how sleep, activity, and other factors influence diurnal BP rhythms. Circadian mechanisms play an important role in the regulation of diurnal BP rhythms. Future research needs to extend these findings to clinical populations and determine the extent to which circadian factors may play a role in the development of novel treatment approaches to the management of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Rhoads
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Vikhram Balagee
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - S Justin Thomas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alabama at Birmingham, SC1010, 1720 2nd Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0017, USA.
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10
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Dodge A, Peters MM, Greene HE, Dietrick C, Botelho R, Chung D, Willman J, Nenninger AW, Ciarlone S, Kamath SG, Houdek P, Sumová A, Anderson AE, Dindot SV, Berg EL, O'Geen H, Segal DJ, Silverman JL, Weeber EJ, Nash KR. Generation of a Novel Rat Model of Angelman Syndrome with a Complete Ube3a Gene Deletion. Autism Res 2020; 13:397-409. [PMID: 31961493 PMCID: PMC7787396 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by severe intellectual disability, seizures, lack of speech, and ataxia. The gene responsible for AS was identified as Ube3a and it encodes for E6AP, an E3 ubiquitin ligase. Currently, there is very little known about E6AP's mechanism of action in vivo or how the lack of this protein in neurons may contribute to the AS phenotype. Elucidating the mechanistic action of E6AP would enhance our understanding of AS and drive current research into new avenues that could lead to novel therapeutic approaches that target E6AP's various functions. To facilitate the study of AS, we have generated a novel rat model in which we deleted the rat Ube3a gene using CRISPR. The AS rat phenotypically mirrors human AS with loss of Ube3a expression in the brain and deficits in motor coordination as well as learning and memory. This model offers a new avenue for the study of AS. Autism Res 2020, 13: 397-409. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research,Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by severe intellectual disability, seizures, difficulty speaking, and ataxia. The gene responsible for AS was identified as UBE3A, yet very little is known about its function in vivo or how the lack of this protein in neurons may contribute to the AS phenotype. To facilitate the study of AS, we have generated a novel rat model in which we deleted the rat Ube3a gene using CRISPR. The AS rat mirrors human AS with loss of Ube3a expression in the brain and deficits in motor coordination as well as learning and memory. This model offers a new avenue for the study of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andie Dodge
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Melinda M Peters
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Hayden E Greene
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Clifton Dietrick
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Robert Botelho
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Diana Chung
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jonathan Willman
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Austin W Nenninger
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Stephanie Ciarlone
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- PTC Therapeutics Inc., Plainfield, 07080, New Jersey
| | - Siddharth G Kamath
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
| | - Pavel Houdek
- Department of Neurohumoral Regulations, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Sumová
- Department of Neurohumoral Regulations, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anne E Anderson
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Scott V Dindot
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M, College Station, Texas
| | - Elizabeth L Berg
- School of Medicine, MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California - Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Henriette O'Geen
- Genome Center and MIND Institute, University of California - Davis, Davis, California
| | - David J Segal
- Genome Center and MIND Institute, University of California - Davis, Davis, California
| | - Jill L Silverman
- School of Medicine, MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California - Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Edwin J Weeber
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
- PTC Therapeutics Inc., Plainfield, 07080, New Jersey
| | - Kevin R Nash
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida
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Pinato L, Galina Spilla CS, Markus RP, da Silveira Cruz-Machado S. Dysregulation of Circadian Rhythms in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4379-4393. [DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191102170450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background:
The alterations in neurological and neuroendocrine functions observed in the autism
spectrum disorder (ASD) involves environmentally dependent dysregulation of neurodevelopment, in interaction
with multiple coding gene defects. Disturbed sleep-wake patterns, as well as abnormal melatonin and glucocorticoid
secretion, show the relevance of an underlying impairment of the circadian timing system to the behavioral
phenotype of ASD. Thus, understanding the mechanisms involved in the circadian dysregulation in ASD could
help to identify early biomarkers to improve the diagnosis and therapeutics as well as providing a significant
impact on the lifelong prognosis.
Objective:
In this review, we discuss the organization of the circadian timing system and explore the connection
between neuroanatomic, molecular, and neuroendocrine responses of ASD and its clinical manifestations. Here
we propose interconnections between circadian dysregulation, inflammatory baseline and behavioral changes in
ASD. Taking into account, the high relevancy of melatonin in orchestrating both circadian timing and the maintenance
of physiological immune quiescence, we raise the hypothesis that melatonin or analogs should be considered
as a pharmacological approach to suppress inflammation and circadian misalignment in ASD patients.
Strategy:
This review provides a comprehensive update on the state-of-art of studies related to inflammatory
states and ASD with a special focus on the relationship with melatonin and clock genes. The hypothesis raised
above was analyzed according to the published data.
Conclusion:
Current evidence supports the existence of associations between ASD to circadian dysregulation,
behavior problems, increased inflammatory levels of cytokines, sleep disorders, as well as reduced circadian
neuroendocrine responses. Indeed, major effects may be related to a low melatonin rhythm. We propose that
maintaining the proper rhythm of the circadian timing system may be helpful to improve the health and to cope
with several behavioral changes observed in ASD subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Pinato
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 17525-900, Marilia, SP, Brazil
| | - Caio Sergio Galina Spilla
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 17525-900, Marilia, SP, Brazil
| | - Regina Pekelmann Markus
- Laboratory of Chronopharmacology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo (USP), 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Sanseray da Silveira Cruz-Machado
- Laboratory of Chronopharmacology, Department of Physiology, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo (USP), 05508-090, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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12
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Yamaguchi A, Tatsumoto M, Matsumura R, Endo T, Hirata K, Tokuda I, Akashi M. Normal peripheral circadian phase in the old-old with abnormal circadian behavior. Genes Cells 2018; 23:849-859. [DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ai Yamaguchi
- The Research Institute for Time Studies; Yamaguchi University; Yamaguchi Japan
| | | | - Ritsuko Matsumura
- The Research Institute for Time Studies; Yamaguchi University; Yamaguchi Japan
| | - Takuyuki Endo
- Department of Neurology; Toneyama National Hospital; Toyonaka Japan
| | - Koichi Hirata
- Department of Neurology; Dokkyo Medical University; Mibu Japan
| | - Isao Tokuda
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; Ritsumeikan University; Kusatsu Japan
| | - Makoto Akashi
- The Research Institute for Time Studies; Yamaguchi University; Yamaguchi Japan
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Charrier A, Olliac B, Roubertoux P, Tordjman S. Clock Genes and Altered Sleep-Wake Rhythms: Their Role in the Development of Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E938. [PMID: 28468274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18050938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 03/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, the circadian clocks network (central and peripheral oscillators) controls circadian rhythms and orchestrates the expression of a range of downstream genes, allowing the organism to anticipate and adapt to environmental changes. Beyond their role in circadian rhythms, several studies have highlighted that circadian clock genes may have a more widespread physiological effect on cognition, mood, and reward-related behaviors. Furthermore, single nucleotide polymorphisms in core circadian clock genes have been associated with psychiatric disorders (such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). However, the underlying mechanisms of these associations remain to be ascertained and the cause–effect relationships are not clearly established. The objective of this article is to clarify the role of clock genes and altered sleep–wake rhythms in the development of psychiatric disorders (sleep problems are often observed at early onset of psychiatric disorders). First, the molecular mechanisms of circadian rhythms are described. Then, the relationships between disrupted circadian rhythms, including sleep–wake rhythms, and psychiatric disorders are discussed. Further research may open interesting perspectives with promising avenues for early detection and therapeutic intervention in psychiatric disorders.
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Fredrich M, Hampel M, Seidel K, Christ E, Korf HW. Impact of melatonin receptor-signaling on Zeitgeber time-dependent changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis in the adult murine hippocampus. Hippocampus 2017; 27:495-506. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Fredrich
- Dr. Senckenbergisches Chronomedizinisches Institut; Goethe-Universität; Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 Frankfurt/M Germany
| | - Mareike Hampel
- Dr. Senckenbergisches Chronomedizinisches Institut; Goethe-Universität; Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 Frankfurt/M Germany
| | - Kay Seidel
- Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie, Institut für Anatomie II; Goethe-Universität; Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 Frankfurt/M Germany
| | - Elmar Christ
- Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie, Institut für Anatomie II; Goethe-Universität; Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 Frankfurt/M Germany
| | - Horst-Werner Korf
- Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie, Institut für Anatomie II; Goethe-Universität; Theodor-Stern-Kai 7 Frankfurt/M Germany
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15
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Matsumura R, Node K, Akashi M. Estimation methods for human circadian phase by use of peripheral tissues. Hypertens Res 2016; 39:623-7. [DOI: 10.1038/hr.2016.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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16
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Abstract
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the master circadian pacemaker. The pineal hormone
melatonin is involved in the regulation of circadian phase. As a part of the circadian
system, its synthesis and secretion is under SCN control. On the other hand, melatonin
feeds back on the SCN to regulate its function. Melatonin has two specific windows of time
at which it regulates SCN function, namely dusk and dawn. It has been suggested that
melatonin exerts its effect on the SCN during that specific window of time via one or both
of its specific receptors, MT1 or MT2. The hypothesis that the density of these receptors
varies across the circadian cycle was tested. Using immunohistochemistry with
receptor-specific antibodies, the localization and distribution of melatonin receptors MT1
and MT2 was studied in the SCN at different Zeitgeber times (ZT): ZT 11–13 (dusk),
23–01 (dawn), 5–7 (mid-day), and 17–19 (midnight). Our results show that
MT1 receptor density significantly increased at dusk relative to dawn and midnight
(p<0.01 and p<0.001 respectively). Although MT1 receptors were widespread in the SCN
and parts of the optic chiasm at dusk, they were restricted to the SCN during the mid-day
period. MT2 receptors were not detected in the SCN. Thus, we find that melatonin receptor
MT1 density and distribution varies with circadian time. This creates a time window during
which melatonin can affect the operation of the SCN. We also find that melatonin regulates
SCN function via MT1 receptors with a minimal role for MT2.
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17
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Fredrich M, Christ E, Derouiche A, Korf HW. Impact of Melatonin on Zeitgeber Time-Dependent Changes in Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in the Adult Murine Hypothalamic-Hypophyseal System. Neuroendocrinology 2015; 102:311-326. [PMID: 26044072 DOI: 10.1159/000433440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Cell proliferation and apoptosis are known to adjust neuroendocrine circuits to the photoperiod. The latter is communicated by melatonin, the hormone secreted by the pineal organ. The present study investigated zeitgeber time (ZT)-dependent changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis in the adult murine neuroendocrine system and their regulation by melatonin. METHODS Adult melatonin-proficient (C3H/HeN) and melatonin-deficient (C57Bl/6J) mice, as well as melatonin-proficient (C3H/HeN) mice with targeted deletion of both melatonin receptor types (MT1 and MT2) were adapted to a 12-hour light, 12-hour dark photoperiod and were sacrificed at ZT00, ZT06, ZT12, and ZT18. Immunohistochemistry for Ki67 and activated caspase-3 served to identify and quantify proliferating and apoptotic cells in the median eminence (ME), hypophyseal pars tuberalis, and pars distalis (PD). RESULTS ZT-dependent changes in cell proliferation and apoptosis were found exclusively in melatonin-proficient mice with functional MTs. Cell proliferation in the ME and PD showed ZT-dependent changes indicated by an increase at ZT12 (ME) and a decrease at ZT06 (PD). Apoptosis showed ZT-dependent changes in all regions analyzed, indicated by an increase at ZT06. Proliferating and apoptotic cells were found in nearly all cell types residing in the regions analyzed. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that ZT-dependent changes in cell proliferation are counterbalanced by ZT-dependent changes in apoptosis exclusively in melatonin-proficient mice with functional MTs. Melatonin signaling appears to be crucial in both the generation and timing of proliferation and apoptosis that serve the high rate of physiological cell turnover in the adult neuroendocrine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Fredrich
- Dr. Senckenbergisches Chronomedizinisches Institut, Goethe-Universitx00E4;t, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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18
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Adamah-Biassi EB, Hudson RL, Dubocovich ML. Genetic deletion of MT1 melatonin receptors alters spontaneous behavioral rhythms in male and female C57BL/6 mice. Horm Behav 2014; 66:619-27. [PMID: 25200199 PMCID: PMC4698802 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Behaviors vary over the 24h light/dark cycle and these temporal patterns reflect in part modulation by circadian neural circuits and hormones, such as melatonin. The goal of this study was to investigate the involvement of MT1 melatonin receptors in behavioral regulation by comparing male and female C57 wild type (WT) mice with C57 mice with genetic deletion of the MT1 receptor (MT1KO). A comprehensive array of fifteen distinct spontaneous behaviors was recorded continuously in the homecage over multiple days using the HomeCageScan system. Behaviors assessed were activity-like (i.e. come down, hang, jump, walk), exploration-like (i.e. dig, groom, rear up, sniff, stretch), resting-like (i.e. awake, remain low, rest, twitch) and ingestion-like (i.e. drink, eat). Phenotypic array and temporal distribution analysis revealed distinct behavioral rhythms that differed between WT and MT1KO mice. The rhythms were consistent from day to day in males and varied with the estrous cycle in females. We also studied the role of MT1 receptors on depressive and anxiety-like behaviors. Genetic deletion of MT1 receptors increased immobility time in the forced swim test and decreased the number of marbles buried in the marble burying test in both male and female C57 mice. We conclude that MT1 melatonin receptors are involved in neural pathways modulating diurnal rhythms of spontaneous behavior in the homecage as well as pathways regulating depressive and anxiolytic-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- E B Adamah-Biassi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - R L Hudson
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - M L Dubocovich
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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Wardlaw SM, Phan TX, Saraf A, Chen X, Storm DR. Genetic disruption of the core circadian clock impairs hippocampus-dependent memory. Learn Mem 2014; 21:417-23. [PMID: 25034823 PMCID: PMC4105720 DOI: 10.1101/lm.035451.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Perturbing the circadian system by electrolytically lesioning the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) or varying the environmental light:dark schedule impairs memory, suggesting that memory depends on the circadian system. We used a genetic approach to evaluate the role of the molecular clock in memory. Bmal1-/- mice, which are arrhythmic under constant conditions, were examined for hippocampus-dependent memory, LTP at the Schaffer-collateral synapse, and signal transduction activity in the hippocampus. Bmal1-/- mice exhibit impaired contextual fear and spatial memory. Furthermore, LTP in hippocampal slices from Bmal1-/- mice is also significantly decreased relative to that from wild-type mice. Activation of Erk1,2 MAP kinase (MAPK) during training for contextual fear memory and diurnal oscillation of MAPK activity and cAMP in the hippocampus is also lost in Bmal1-/- mice, suggesting that the memory defects are due to reduction of the memory consolidation pathway in the hippocampus. We conclude that critical signaling events in the hippocampus required for memory depend on BMAL1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Wardlaw
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-7750, USA
| | - Trongha X Phan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-7750, USA
| | - Amit Saraf
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-7750, USA
| | - Xuanmao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-7750, USA
| | - Daniel R Storm
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-7750, USA
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20
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Tordjman S, Najjar I, Bellissant E, Anderson GM, Barburoth M, Cohen D, Jaafari N, Schischmanoff O, Fagard R, Lagdas E, Kermarrec S, Ribardiere S, Botbol M, Fougerou C, Bronsard G, Vernay-Leconte J. Advances in the research of melatonin in autism spectrum disorders: literature review and new perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:20508-42. [PMID: 24129182 PMCID: PMC3821628 DOI: 10.3390/ijms141020508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in melatonin physiology may be involved or closely linked to the pathophysiology and behavioral expression of autistic disorder, given its role in neurodevelopment and reports of sleep-wake rhythm disturbances, decreased nocturnal melatonin production, and beneficial therapeutic effects of melatonin in individuals with autism. In addition, melatonin, as a pineal gland hormone produced from serotonin, is of special interest in autistic disorder given reported alterations in central and peripheral serotonin neurobiology. More specifically, the role of melatonin in the ontogenetic establishment of circadian rhythms and the synchronization of peripheral oscillators opens interesting perspectives to ascertain better the mechanisms underlying the significant relationship found between lower nocturnal melatonin excretion and increased severity of autistic social communication impairments, especially for verbal communication and social imitative play. In this article, first we review the studies on melatonin levels and the treatment studies of melatonin in autistic disorder. Then, we discuss the relationships between melatonin and autistic behavioral impairments with regard to social communication (verbal and non-verbal communication, social interaction), and repetitive behaviors or interests with difficulties adapting to change. In conclusion, we emphasize that randomized clinical trials in autism spectrum disorders are warranted to establish potential therapeutic efficacy of melatonin for social communication impairments and stereotyped behaviors or interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Tordjman
- Hospital-University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Guillaume Régnier Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35000, France; E-Mails: (I.N.); (E.L.); (S.K.); (S.R.); (J.V.-L.)
- Laboratory of Psychology of Perception, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris 75270, France; E-Mail:
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +33-6-15-38-07-48; Fax: +33-2-99-64-18-07
| | - Imen Najjar
- Hospital-University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Guillaume Régnier Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35000, France; E-Mails: (I.N.); (E.L.); (S.K.); (S.R.); (J.V.-L.)
| | - Eric Bellissant
- Inserm CIC 0203 Clinical Investigation Centre, University Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35033, France; E-Mails: (E.B.); (C.F.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35033, France
| | - George M. Anderson
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurochemistry, Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; E-Mail:
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Marianne Barburoth
- Laboratory of Psychology of Perception, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris 75270, France; E-Mail:
| | - David Cohen
- Hospital-University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pitié-SalpétrièreHospital, Paris 6 University, Paris 75013, France; E-Mail:
| | - Nemat Jaafari
- CIC INSERM U 802, CHU de Poitiers, Unité de recherche clinique intersectorielle en psychiatrie du Centre Hospitalier Henri Laborit, Poitiers 86022, France; E-Mail:
| | - Olivier Schischmanoff
- INSERM UMR U978, University of Paris 13, Bobigny 93009, France; E-Mails: (O.S.); (R.F.)
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Hôpital Avicenne, APHP, Bobigny 93009, France
| | - Rémi Fagard
- INSERM UMR U978, University of Paris 13, Bobigny 93009, France; E-Mails: (O.S.); (R.F.)
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, Hôpital Avicenne, APHP, Bobigny 93009, France
| | - Enas Lagdas
- Hospital-University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Guillaume Régnier Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35000, France; E-Mails: (I.N.); (E.L.); (S.K.); (S.R.); (J.V.-L.)
| | - Solenn Kermarrec
- Hospital-University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Guillaume Régnier Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35000, France; E-Mails: (I.N.); (E.L.); (S.K.); (S.R.); (J.V.-L.)
| | - Sophie Ribardiere
- Hospital-University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Guillaume Régnier Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35000, France; E-Mails: (I.N.); (E.L.); (S.K.); (S.R.); (J.V.-L.)
| | - Michel Botbol
- Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent de Brest, UBO, Brest 29238, France; E-Mail:
| | - Claire Fougerou
- Inserm CIC 0203 Clinical Investigation Centre, University Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35033, France; E-Mails: (E.B.); (C.F.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35033, France
| | - Guillaume Bronsard
- Maison Départementale de l’Adolescent et Centre Médico-Psycho-Pédagogique, Conseil Général des Bouches-du-Rhône; Laboratoire de Santé Publique EA3279, Faculté de Médecine de la Timone, Marseille 13256, France; E-Mail:
| | - Julie Vernay-Leconte
- Hospital-University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Guillaume Régnier Hospital, Rennes 1 University, Rennes 35000, France; E-Mails: (I.N.); (E.L.); (S.K.); (S.R.); (J.V.-L.)
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Migliori ML, Romanowski A, Simonetta SH, Valdez D, Guido M, Golombek DA. Daily variation in melatonin synthesis and arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase activity in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. J Pineal Res 2012; 53:38-46. [PMID: 21995323 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2011.00969.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin influences circadian rhythms and seasonal behavioral changes in vertebrates; it is synthesized from serotonin by N-acetylation by arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AA-NAT) and O-methylation by N-acetylserotonin methyltransferase. However, its physiology and function in invertebrate models are less understood. In this work, we studied daily variations in melatonin synthesis and AA-NAT activity in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Under light-dark conditions (LD), a rhythmic pattern of melatonin levels was observed, with higher levels toward the middle of the night, peaking at zeitgeber time (ZT) 18, and with a minimum value around ZT0-6. AA-NAT activity showed a diurnal and circadian fluctuation with higher levels of activity during the early night, both under LD and constant darkness conditions. A peak was found around ZT12 and circadian time (CT) 12. In addition, we investigated whether this nocturnal AA-NAT activity is inhibited by light. Our results show that both white and blue light pulses significantly inhibited AA-NAT activity at ZT18. This work demonstrates the daily fluctuation of melatonin synthesis and AA-NAT activity in the adult nematode C. elegans. In summary, this study takes additional advantage of an extremely useful invertebrate model system, which has only recently been exploited for circadian studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María L Migliori
- Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad Nacional de Quilmes, National Research Council (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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22
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Abstract
Daily rhythms in physiological and behavioral processes are controlled by a network of circadian clocks, reset by inputs and delivering circadian signals to the brain and peripheral organs. In mammals, at the top of the network is a master clock located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus, mainly reset by ambient light. The nocturnal synthesis and release of melatonin by the pineal gland are tightly controlled by the SCN clock and inhibited by light exposure. Several roles of melatonin in the circadian system have been identified. As a major hormonal output, melatonin distributes temporal cues generated by the SCN to the multitude of tissue targets expressing melatonin receptors. In some target structures, like the Pars tuberalis of the adenohypophysis, these melatonin signals can drive daily rhythmicity that would otherwise be lacking. In other target structures, melatonin signals are used for the synchronization (i.e., adjustment of the timing of existing oscillations) of peripheral oscillators, such as the fetal adrenal gland. Due to the expression of melatonin receptors in the SCN, endogenous melatonin is also able to feedback onto the master clock, although its physiological significance needs further characterization. Of note, pharmacological treatment with exogenous melatonin can synchronize the SCN clock. From a clinical point of view, provided that the subject is not exposed to light at night, the daily profile of circulating melatonin provides a reliable estimate of the timing of the human SCN. During the past decade, a number of melatonin agonists have been developed for treating circadian, psychiatric and sleep disorders. These drugs may target the SCN for improving circadian timing or act indirectly at some downstream level of the circadian network to restore proper internal synchronization.
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23
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Walton JC, Chen Z, Weil ZM, Pyter LM, Travers JB, Nelson RJ. Photoperiod-mediated impairment of long-term potention and learning and memory in male white-footed mice. Neuroscience 2010; 175:127-32. [PMID: 21145376 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Adult mammalian brains are capable of some structural plasticity. Although the basic cellular mechanisms underlying learning and memory are being revealed, extrinsic factors contributing to this plasticity remain unspecified. White-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) are particularly well suited to investigate brain plasticity because they show marked seasonal changes in structure and function of the hippocampus induced by a distinct environmental signal, viz., photoperiod (i.e. the number of hours of light/day). Compared to animals maintained in 16 h of light/day, exposure to 8 h of light/day for 10 weeks induces several phenotypic changes in P. leucopus, including reduction in brain mass and hippocampal volume. To investigate the functional consequences of reduced hippocampal size, we examined the effects of photoperiod on spatial learning and memory in the Barnes maze, and on long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus, a leading candidate for a synaptic mechanism underlying spatial learning and memory in rodents. Exposure to short days for 10 weeks decreased LTP in the Schaffer collateral-CA1 pathway of the hippocampus and impaired spatial learning and memory ability in the Barnes maze. Taken together, these results demonstrate a functional change in the hippocampus in male white-footed mice induced by day length.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Walton
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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24
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Welp A, Manz B, Peschke E. Development and validation of a high throughput direct radioimmunoassay for the quantitative determination of serum and plasma melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) in mice. J Immunol Methods 2010; 358:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2010.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2010] [Revised: 03/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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25
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Weil ZM, Karelina K, Su AJ, Barker JM, Norman GJ, Zhang N, Devries AC, Nelson RJ. Time-of-day determines neuronal damage and mortality after cardiac arrest. Neurobiol Dis 2009; 36:352-60. [PMID: 19664712 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2009.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2009] [Revised: 07/13/2009] [Accepted: 07/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic events in humans are not evenly distributed across the day. To discriminate between temporal differences in the incidence of ischemia and susceptibility to ischemic events, we examined the outcome of global ischemia in a murine model at three time points during the day. Global cerebral ischemia in mice during the light phase impairs survival and exacerbates outcome compared to ischemia at other times of the day. Specifically, mice that underwent cardiac arrest during the light phase had greater numbers of degenerating neurons, greater microglial activation, and increased proinflammatory cytokine production in the ischemia-vulnerable hippocampus, as well as increased locomotor activity. Time-of-day differences were not altered by the melatonin receptor antagonist luzindole. Our results document that brain tissue displays endogenous fluctuations in susceptibility to ischemic damage and demonstrate that small differences in time of onset can significantly influence ischemic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary M Weil
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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26
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Abstract
In mammals, the complex interaction of neural, hormonal, and behavioral outputs from the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) drives circadian expression of events, either directly or through coordination of the timing of peripheral oscillators. Melatonin, one of the endocrine output signals of the clock, provides the organism with circadian information and can be considered as an endogenous synchronizer, able to stabilize and reinforce circadian rhythms and to maintain their mutual phase-relationship at the different levels of the circadian network. Moreover, exogenous melatonin, through an action on the circadian clock, affects all levels of the circadian network. The molecular mechanisms underlying this chronobiotic effect have also been investigated in rats. REV-ERB alpha seems to be the initial molecular target.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Pévet
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Département de Neurobiologie des Rythmes, Université L. Pasteur, Strasbourg, France.
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27
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Yasuo S, Yoshimura T. Comparative analysis of the molecular basis of photoperiodic signal transduction in vertebrates. Integr Comp Biol 2009; 49:507-18. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icp011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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28
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Abstract
Organisms must adapt to seasonal changes in the environment and time their physiology accordingly. In vertebrates, the annual change in photoperiod is often critical for entraining the neuroendocrine pathways, which drive seasonal metabolic and reproductive cycles. These cycles depend on thyroid hormone (TH), reflecting its ancestral role in metabolic control. Recent studies reveal that--in mammals and birds--TH effects are mediated by the hypothalamus. Photoperiodic manipulations alter hypothalamic TH availability by regulating the expression of TH deiodinases (DIO). In non-mammalian vertebrates, light acts through extraretinal, 'deep brain' photoreceptors, and the eyes are not involved in seasonal photoperiodic responses. In mammals, extraretinal photoreceptors have been lost, and the nocturnal melatonin signal generated from the pineal gland has been co-opted to provide the photoperiodic message. Pineal function is phased to the light-dark cycle by retinal input, and photoperiodic changes in melatonin secretion control neuroendocrine pathway function. New evidence indicates that these comparatively divergent photosensensory mechanisms re-converge in the pars tuberalis of the pituitary, lying beneath the hypothalamus. In all vertebrates studied, the pars tuberalis secretes thyrotrophin in a light- or melatonin-sensitive manner, to act on neighbouring hypothalamic DIO expressing cells. Hence, an ancient and fundamentally conserved brain thyroid signalling system governs seasonal biology in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hazlerigg
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, United Kingdom.
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Dupré SM, Burt DW, Talbot R, Downing A, Mouzaki D, Waddington D, Malpaux B, Davis JRE, Lincoln GA, Loudon ASI. Identification of melatonin-regulated genes in the ovine pituitary pars tuberalis, a target site for seasonal hormone control. Endocrinology 2008; 149:5527-39. [PMID: 18669596 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The pars tuberalis (PT) of the pituitary gland expresses a high density of melatonin (MEL) receptors and is believed to regulate seasonal physiology by decoding changes in nocturnal melatonin secretion. Circadian clock genes are known to be expressed in the PT in response to the decline (Per1) and onset (Cry1) of MEL secretion, but to date little is known of other molecular changes in this key MEL target site. To identify transcriptional pathways that may be involved in the diurnal and photoperiod-transduction mechanism, we performed a whole genome transcriptome analysis using PT RNA isolated from sheep culled at three time points over the 24-h cycle under either long or short photoperiods. Our results reveal 153 transcripts where expression differs between photoperiods at the light-dark transition and 54 transcripts where expression level was more globally altered by photoperiod (all time points combined). Cry1 induction at night was associated with up-regulation of genes coding for NeuroD1 (neurogenic differentiation factor 1), Pbef / Nampt (nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase), Hif1alpha (hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha), and Kcnq5 (K+ channel) and down-regulation of Rorbeta, a key clock gene regulator. Using in situ hybridization, we confirmed day-night differences in expression for Pbef / Nampt, NeuroD1, and Rorbeta in the PT. Treatment of sheep with MEL increased PT expression for Cry1, Pbef / Nampt, NeuroD1, and Hif1alpha, but not Kcnq5. Our data thus reveal a cluster of Cry1-associated genes that are acutely responsive to MEL and novel transcriptional pathways involved in MEL action in the PT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine M Dupré
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- P Pévet
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Département de Neurobiologie des Rythmes (UMR 7168/LC2 CNRS et Université Louis Pasteur), IFR des Neurosciences de Strasbourg, 5, rue Blaise-Pascal, 67080 Strasbourg, France
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31
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Abstract
Melatonin effects are discussed by reviewing results from mice with intact or disrupted melatonin signaling. Melatonin, the neuroendocrine hand of the clock produced in the pineal gland during night, acts upon two receptor subtypes. Melatonin receptors are found in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), hypophysial pars tuberalis (PT) and adrenal gland. In SCN, melatonin interacts with PACAP, a neuropeptide of the retinohypothalamic tract. Moreover, melatonin acts on the SCN to modulate the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Melatonin is not required to maintain rhythmic clock gene expression in SCN. By contrast, the rhythmic clock gene expression in PT depends on a melatonin signal interacting with adenosine. Melatonin may also affect clock gene protein levels in the adrenal cortex and influence adrenal functions. In conclusion, melatonin may serve the synchronization of peripheral oscillators by interacting with other neuroactive substances. A stress-reducing potency of melatonin needs to be explored in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Korf
- Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie, Fachbereich Medizin, J.W.-Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
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Anisimov VN, Popovich IG, Zabezhinski MA, Anisimov SV, Vesnushkin GM, Vinogradova IA. Melatonin as antioxidant, geroprotector and anticarcinogen. Biochim Biophys Acta 2006; 1757:573-89. [PMID: 16678784 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2006.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2006] [Revised: 03/14/2006] [Accepted: 03/16/2006] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The effect of the pineal indole hormone melatonin on the life span of mice, rats and fruit flies has been studied using various approaches. It has been observed that in female CBA, SHR, SAM and transgenic HER-2/neu mice long-term administration of melatonin was followed by an increase in the mean life span. In rats, melatonin treatment increased survival of male and female rats. In D. melanogaster, supplementation of melatonin to nutrient medium during developmental stages produced contradictory results, but and increase in the longevity of fruit flies has been observed when melatonin was added to food throughout the life span. In mice and rats, melatonin is a potent antioxidant both in vitro and in vivo. Melatonin alone turned out neither toxic nor mutagenic in the Ames test and revealed clastogenic activity at high concentration in the COMET assay. Melatonin has inhibited mutagenesis and clastogenic effect of a number of indirect chemical mutagens. Melatonin inhibits the development of spontaneous and 7-12-dimethlbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)- or N-nitrosomethylurea-induced mammary carcinogenesis in rodents; colon carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in rats, N-diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats, DMBA-induced carcinogenesis of the uterine cervix and vagina in mice; benzo(a)pyrene-induced soft tissue carcinogenesis and lung carcinogenesis induced by urethan in mice. To identify molecular events regulated by melatonin, gene expression profiles were studied in the heart and brain of melatonin-treated CBA mice using cDNA gene expression arrays (15,247 and 16,897 cDNA clone sets, respectively). It was shown that genes controlling the cell cycle, cell/organism defense, protein expression and transport are the primary effectors for melatonin. Melatonin also increased the expression of some mitochondrial genes (16S, cytochrome c oxidases 1 and 3 (COX1 and COX3), and NADH dehydrogenases 1 and 4 (ND1 and ND4)), which agrees with its ability to inhibit free radical processes. Of great interest is the effect of melatonin upon the expression of a large number of genes related to calcium exchange, such as Cul5, Dcamkl1 and Kcnn4; a significant effect of melatonin on the expression of some oncogenesis-related genes was also detected. Thus, we believe that melatonin may be used for the prevention of premature aging and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Anisimov
- Department of Carcinogenesis and Oncogerontology, N.N. Petrov Research Institute of Oncology, Pesochny-2, St. Petersburg 197758, Russia.
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Torres-Farfan C, Serón-Ferré M, Dinet V, Korf HW. Immunocytochemical demonstration of day/night changes of clock gene protein levels in the murine adrenal gland: differences between melatonin-proficient (C3H) and melatonin-deficient (C57BL) mice. J Pineal Res 2006; 40:64-70. [PMID: 16313500 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-079x.2005.00279.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The circadian system comprises several peripheral oscillators and a central rhythm generator that, in mammals, is located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Expression of clock genes is a characteristic feature of the central rhythm generator and the peripheral oscillators. With regard to the rhythmic production of glucocorticoids, the adrenal gland can be considered as peripheral oscillator, but little is known about clock gene expression in this tissue. Therefore, the present study investigates the levels of three clock gene proteins PER1, BMAL1 and CRY2 in the murine adrenal cortex and medulla at seven different time points of a 12-hr light/12-hr dark cycle. To determine a potential role of melatonin we compared the patterns of clock gene proteins in the adrenal gland of melatonin-proficient mice (C3H) with those of melatonin-deficient mice (C57BL). In C3H mice, both, the adrenal cortex and medulla displayed day/night variation in PER1-, CRY2- and BMAL1-protein levels. PER1 and CRY2 peaked in the middle of the light phase, whereas BMAL1 peaked in the dark phase. This pattern was also observed in the adrenal medulla of C57BL, but in the adrenal cortex of C57BL clock gene protein levels did not change with time and were consistently lower than in C3H mice. These results support the hypothesis that the adrenal gland is a peripheral oscillator and raise the possibility that melatonin may be involved in the control of clock gene protein levels in the adrenal cortex of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Torres-Farfan
- Institut für Anatomie II, Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany
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Weil ZM, Hotchkiss AK, Gatien ML, Pieke-Dahl S, Nelson RJ. Melatonin receptor (MT1) knockout mice display depression-like behaviors and deficits in sensorimotor gating. Brain Res Bull 2005; 68:425-9. [PMID: 16459197 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2005.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2005] [Revised: 09/21/2005] [Accepted: 09/28/2005] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although critical for transducing seasonal information, melatonin has also been implicated in several physiological systems, as well as the regulation of behavioral and cognitive processes. Therefore, we investigated the neurobehavioral effects of mice missing the type 1 melatonin receptor (MT1). Male and female MT1 knockout (MT1-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice were tested in the acoustic startle/prepulse inhibition (PPI), open field and Porsolt forced swim tests. Male and female MT1-/- mice displayed dramatically impaired prepulse inhibition in the acoustic startle response. Female WT mice were more active in the open field than WT males. However, male and female MT1-/- mice did not differ in total locomotor activity. WT animals spent significantly more time in the center of the arena (a behavioral outcome associated with reduced anxiety-like behavior) than MT1-/- mice. Also, the sex difference between male and female WT mice in the amount of time spent in the center versus periphery was not observed among MT1-/- mice. Both male and female MT1-/- mice significantly increased the time spent immobile in the forced swim test, an indication of depressed-like behavior. The lifetime lack of MT1 signaling contributes to behavioral abnormalities including impairments in sensorimotor gating and increases in depressive-like behaviors. Taken together, MT1 receptor signaling may be important for normal brain and behavioral function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary M Weil
- Departments of Neuroscience and Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, 09 Townshend Hall, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Abstract
It was recently discovered that mammalian skin can produce serotonin and transform it into melatonin. Pathways for the biosynthesis and biodegradation of serotonin and melatonin have been characterized in human and rodent skin and in their major cellular populations. Moreover, receptors for serotonin and melatonin receptors are expressed in keratinocytes, melanocytes, and fibroblasts and these mediate phenotypic actions on cellular proliferation and differentiation. Melatonin exerts receptor-independent effects, including activation of pathways protective of oxidative stress and the modification of cellular metabolism. While serotonin is known to have several roles in skin-e.g., pro-edema, vasodilatory, proinflammatory, and pruritogenic-melatonin has been experimentally implicated in hair growth cycling, pigmentation physiology, and melanoma control. Thus, the widespread expression of a cutaneous seorotoninergic/melatoninergic syste,m(s) indicates considerable selectivity of action to facilitate intra-, auto-, or paracrine mechanisms that define and influence skin function in a highly compartmentalized manner. Notably, the cutaneous melatoninergic system is organized to respond to continuous stimulation in contrast to the pineal gland, which (being insulated from the external environment) responds to discontinuous activation by the circadian clock. Overall, the cutaneous serotoninergic/melatoninergic system could counteract or buffer external (environmental) or internal stresses to preserve the biological integrity of the organ and to maintain its homeostasis.-Slominski, A. J., Wortsman, J., Tobin, D. J. The cutaneous serotoninergic/melatoninergic system: securing a place under the sun.
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Iuvone PM, Tosini G, Pozdeyev N, Haque R, Klein DC, Chaurasia SS. Circadian clocks, clock networks, arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase, and melatonin in the retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2005; 24:433-56. [PMID: 15845344 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2005.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Circadian clocks are self-sustaining genetically based molecular machines that impose approximately 24h rhythmicity on physiology and behavior that synchronize these functions with the solar day-night cycle. Circadian clocks in the vertebrate retina optimize retinal function by driving rhythms in gene expression, photoreceptor outer segment membrane turnover, and visual sensitivity. This review focuses on recent progress in understanding how clocks and light control arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT), which is thought to drive the daily rhythm in melatonin production in those retinas that synthesize the neurohormone; AANAT is also thought to detoxify arylalkylamines through N-acetylation. The review will cover evidence that cAMP is a major output of the circadian clock in photoreceptor cells; and recent advances indicating that clocks and clock networks occur in multiple cell types of the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Michael Iuvone
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1510 Clifton Road, rm. 5107, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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37
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Abstract
In mammals it has been thought that the circadian clock localizes only in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Recent studies have revealed that certain brain regions and peripheral tissues may also have intrinsic circadian clocks. However, the roles played by 'peripheral circadian clocks' have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated their function using mouse pineal glands, and found that expression of the arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (Aa-Nat, EC 2.3.1.87, the rate-limiting enzyme of melatonin synthesis) gene after adrenergic receptor stimulation depended on the time of day even in vitro (gating). Phase-dependent Aa-Nat responses were observed in both melatonin-proficient and melatonin-deficient mouse pineal glands. Phosphodiesterases are unlikely to suppress Aa-Nat induction because a phosphodiesterase inhibitor itself had no effect on the mRNA levels. Puromycin was ineffective in inducing Aa-Nat mRNA levels in either the presence or absence of isoproterenol, suggesting that newly synthesized proteins may not be necessary to gate the Aa-Nat responses. We also discovered circadian dependence of the expression of Period1-luminescence in Period1-luciferase transgenic mouse pineal glands: circadian clocks may be functional in culture. Aa-Nat mRNA levels showed no significant circadian rhythms in the absence of isoproterenol, thus suggesting that Aa-Nat mRNA levels are induced by adrenergic mechanisms, not by a pineal circadian clock. Our results suggest that the pineal circadian clock may determine timing when Aa-Nat gene expression can respond to inputs from the master circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, e.g. adrenergic stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiaki Fukuhara
- Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30310-1495, USA.
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38
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Abstract
The function of the pituitary gland is tightly controlled by neuronal and hormonal afferents of the brain. In this review, the role of the neurohormone melatonin and the neuromodulator adenosine for rodent pituitary function will be elucidated. Adenosine is known as an important paracrine modulator for pituitary endocrine and folliculostellate cells, with availability regulated by local metabolic cellular activity. In general, adenosine inhibits the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (AMP) pathway in pituitary cells by binding to A1-, and A3-adenosinergic receptors, and activates it via A2-adenosinergic receptors. The neurohormone melatonin integrates time-of-day and time-of-year into pituitary function via binding to MT1-melatonin receptors. Melatonin impacts at the hypothalamic level neurons that synthesize releasing and release-inhibiting hormones, and at the pituitary level only cells of the hypophyseal pars tuberalis (PT). Thereby, the daily changes in the duration of the nocturnal melatonin surge are decoded and subsequently relayed to the pars distalis to adapt gonadotropin and prolactin release, respectively, to season. An exciting integration of time within the regulation of pituitary function was deciphered by analysing transmembrane signalling events in cells of the hypophyseal PT: a consecutive daily impact of initially the neurohormone melatonin and later the neuromodulator adenosine on rodent PT cells leads to a circadian rhythm in the transcription of cyclic-AMP-sensitive genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Kell
- Department of Neurology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
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Kell CA, Dehghani F, Wicht H, Molina CA, Korf HW, Stehle JH. Distribution of transcription factor inducible cyclicAMP early repressor (ICER) in rodent brain and pituitary. J Comp Neurol 2004; 478:379-94. [PMID: 15384069 DOI: 10.1002/cne.20290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
In morphogenetic dynamics of neurons, and in adaptive physiology of brain function, transcription factors of the cyclicAMP signaling pathway, such as activator cyclicAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) and inhibitor inducible cyclicAMP early repressor (ICER), play an important role. In particular, the presence of the transcription factor ICER in neurons or neuroendocrine cells suggests the need for the gating of an up-regulated gene expression. Little is known, however, about the natural distribution of the inhibitory transcription factor ICER. We, therefore, mapped the rodent brain and pituitary for an ICER immunoreaction and found a nuclear staining for this transcription factor. ICER-positive glial cells were found throughout the brain. ICER-positive neurons were found in sensory input centers, like the olfactory bulb, or sensory brain stem nuclei, and in hypothalamic nuclei involved in central neuroendocrine control. In addition, neuroendocrine/endocrine transducers, like the pituitary and the pineal gland showed a high basal presence of ICER. Our data show that a basic ICER level is required by many cell systems and can be seen as an anticipatory and/or a protective measure in systems with superior reactive dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Kell
- Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie, Institute of Anatomy II, University of Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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40
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Abstract
In vertebrates, the rhythmic transcription of clock genes, regulated by their own gene products, provides the basis for self-sustaining circadian clockworks. These endogenous clocks are lost in most mammalian tissues, but not in the central pacemaker of the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). An interesting model system to understand this phylogenetic shift in function of clock gene products is the rodent pineal gland, as its intrinsic clockwork was replaced during evolution by an input-dependent oscillator. By means of immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting and real time PCR, we investigated the day/night expression profiles of all major clock genes and their products in the pineal gland of one melatonin-proficient and one melatonin-deficient mouse strain. All clockwork elements known to be indispensable for a sustained rhythm generation in the SCN were also found in the pineal organ of both mouse strains. Only mPer1 mRNA and PER1 protein accumulation coincides with timecourses of many other pineal genes and their products, which are cyclicAMP inducible. Here, presented data together with the known mechanisms for regulation of the mPer1 gene in the rodent pineal gland forward the idea that in this tissue PER1 may have a trigger function for initiating the cycles of the clockwork's transcriptional/translational feedback loops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Karolczak
- Dr Senckenbergische Anatomie, Institute of Anatomy II, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany
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41
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Engel L, Vollrath L, Spessert R. Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase gene expression in retina and pineal gland of rats under various photoperiods. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2004; 318:983-6. [PMID: 15147969 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2004.04.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study examines how the circadian oscillators in the retina and the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) respond to changes in photoperiod. Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (aa-nat) gene expression studied by quantitative RT-PCR revealed that in adult Sprague-Dawley rats kept under different light-dark (LD) cycles for two weeks the temporal pattern of AA-NAT mRNA expression was identical in retina and pineal gland. In both tissues, the time span between the onset of darkness and the nocturnal rise in AA-NAT mRNA expression was 3 h under LD 20:4, 6 h under LD 12:12, and 15 h under LD 4:20. As aa-nat expression in the pineal gland is regulated by the circadian oscillator in SCN, the results suggest that the photoperiodic differences accompanying the seasons of the year are imprinted in more than one oscillator and that this may accentuate the important message regarding 'time of year.'
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Engel
- Department of Anatomy, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55099 Mainz, Germany
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42
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Abstract
The results of studies on the effect of pineal indole hormone melatonin on the life span of mice, rats, fruit flies, and worms are critically reviewed. In mice, long-term administration of melatonin was followed by an increase in their life span in 12 experiments and had no effect in 8 of 20 different experiments. In D. melanogaster, the supplementation of melatonin to the nutrient medium during developmental stages gave contradictory results, but when melatonin was added to food throughout the life span, an increase in the longevity of fruit flies has been observed. Melatonin decreased the survival of C. elegans but increased the clonal life span of planaria Paramecium tertaurelia. Available data suggest antioxidant and atherogenic effects of melatonin. Melatonin alone turned out to be neither toxic nor mutagenic in the Ames test and revealed clastogenic activity in high concentration in the COMET assay. Melatonin inhibits mutagenesis induced by irradiation and by indirect chemical mutagens and inhibits the development of spontaneous and chemical-induced tumors in mice and rats. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to verify that melatonin is both safe and has geroprotector efficacy for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Anisimov
- Department of Carcinogenesis and Oncogerontology, NN Petrov Research Institute of Oncology, St. Petersburg 197758, Russia.
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Uz T, Akhisaroglu M, Ahmed R, Manev H. The pineal gland is critical for circadian Period1 expression in the striatum and for circadian cocaine sensitization in mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2003; 28:2117-23. [PMID: 12865893 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sensitization to psychostimulants can be influenced by circadian rhythms. The pineal gland, the main source of circadian melatonin synthesis, may influence behavioral sensitization to cocaine; mice with normal melatonin rhythms do not get sensitized at night. Clock genes such as Period1 (Per1) show rhythmic region- and strain-dependent expression in the mouse brain, and mice mutant for the Per1 gene lack cocaine sensitization. Here, for the first time we show circadian changes of PER1 protein levels in the mouse striatum, a brain region crucial for the development of locomotor sensitization to cocaine. In male C3H/HeJ mice, we found peak striatal PER1 protein levels during the day; this was preceded by a Per1 mRNA peak 16 h earlier. Pinealectomized mice did not show this circadian pattern. We analyzed circadian cocaine sensitization at times when striatal PER1 protein levels in control mice (naive and sham-pinealectomized) were high and low, respectively. Only mice with circadian changes in striatal Per1 expression showed the night-time absence of cocaine sensitization, whereas pinealectomized mice were without circadian changes in striatal Per1 and were sensitized to cocaine regardless of diurnal rhythm. Our results indicate that both the striatal circadian Per1 expression and diurnal locomotor cocaine sensitization are strongly influenced by pineal products. Since we found evidence for the expression of melatonin receptor mRNA in the striatum, we suggest that further studies on pineal-driven mechanisms will help us better understand the mechanisms of drug abuse and identify novel targets for the prevention and/or treatment of addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Uz
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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44
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Abstract
The circadian system (CS) comprises three key components: (1) endogenous oscillators (clocks) generating a circadian rhythm; (2) input pathways entraining the circadian rhythm to the astrophysical day; and (3) output pathways distributing signals from the oscillator to the periphery. This contribution briefly reviews some general aspects ofthe organization of the rodent CS and pays particular attention to recent results obtained with various mouse strains, related to molecular mechanisms involved in entraining the endogenous clock and the role of the pineal hormone melatonin as a hand of the endogenous clock.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Korf
- Dr. Senckenbergische Anatomie, Institut für Anatomie II, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
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45
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Abstract
In mammals, the circadian system is comprised of three major components: the lateral eyes, the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and the pineal gland. The SCN harbours the endogenous oscillator that is entrained every day to the ambient lighting conditions via retinal input. Among the many circadian rhythms in the body that are driven by SCN output, the synthesis of melatonin in the pineal gland functions as a hormonal message encoding for the duration of darkness. Dissemination of this circadian information relies on the activation of melatonin receptors, which are most prominently expressed in the SCN, and the hypophyseal pars tuberalis (PT), but also in many other tissues. A deficiency in melatonin, or a lack in melatonin receptors should therefore have effects on circadian biology. However, our investigations of mice that are melatonin-proficient with mice that do not make melatonin, or alternatively cannot interpret the melatonin message, revealed that melatonin has only minor effects on signal transduction processes within the SCN and sets, at most, the gain for clock error signals mediated via the retino-hypothalamic tract. Melatonin deficiency has no effect on the rhythm generation, or on the maintenance of the oscillation. By contrast, melatonin is essential for rhythmic signalling in the PT. Here, melatonin acts in concert with adenosine to elicit rhythms in clock gene expression. By sensitizing adenylyl cyclase, melatonin opens a temporally-restricted gate and thus lowers the threshold for adenosine to induce cAMP-sensitive genes. This interaction, which determines a temporally precise regulation of gene expression, and by endocrine-endocrine interactions possibly also pituitary output, may reflect a general mechanism by which the master clock in the brain synchronizes clock cells in peripheral tissues that require unique phasing of output signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Stehle
- Institute of Anatomy II, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590 Frankfurt, Germany.
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