1
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Proaño SB, Miller CK, Krentzel AA, Dorris DM, Meitzen J. Sex steroid hormones, the estrous cycle, and rapid modulation of glutamatergic synapse properties in the striatal brain regions with a focus on 17β-estradiol and the nucleus accumbens. Steroids 2024; 201:109344. [PMID: 37979822 PMCID: PMC10842710 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
The striatal brain regions encompassing the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc), shell (NAcs) and caudate-putamen (CPu) regulate cognitive functions including motivated behaviors, habit, learning, and sensorimotor action, among others. Sex steroid hormone sensitivity and sex differences have been documented in all of these functions in both normative and pathological contexts, including anxiety, depression and addiction. The neurotransmitter glutamate has been implicated in regulating these behaviors as well as striatal physiology, and there are likewise documented sex differences in glutamate action upon the striatal output neurons, the medium spiny neurons (MSNs). Here we review the available data regarding the role of steroid sex hormones such as 17β-estradiol (estradiol), progesterone, and testosterone in rapidly modulating MSN glutamatergic synapse properties, presented in the context of the estrous cycle as appropriate. Estradiol action upon glutamatergic synapse properties in female NAcc MSNs is most comprehensively discussed. In the female NAcc, MSNs exhibit development period-specific sex differences and estrous cycle variations in glutamatergic synapse properties as shown by multiple analyses, including that of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs). Estrous cycle-differences in NAcc MSN mEPSCs can be mimicked by acute exposure to estradiol or an ERα agonist. The available evidence, or lack thereof, is also discussed concerning estrogen action upon MSN glutamatergic synapse in the other striatal regions as well as the underexplored roles of progesterone and testosterone. We conclude that there is strong evidence regarding estradiol action upon glutamatergic synapse function in female NAcs MSNs and call for more research regarding other hormones and striatal regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B Proaño
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Christiana K Miller
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Amanda A Krentzel
- Office of Research and Innovation, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - David M Dorris
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - John Meitzen
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA; Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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2
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Sun S, Li J, Wang S, Li J, Ren J, Bao Z, Sun L, Ma X, Zheng F, Ma S, Sun L, Wang M, Yu Y, Ma M, Wang Q, Chen Z, Ma H, Wang X, Wu Z, Zhang H, Yan K, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Lei J, Teng ZQ, Liu CM, Bai G, Wang YJ, Li J, Wang X, Zhao G, Jiang T, Belmonte JCI, Qu J, Zhang W, Liu GH. CHIT1-positive microglia drive motor neuron ageing in the primate spinal cord. Nature 2023; 624:611-620. [PMID: 37907096 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06783-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Ageing is a critical factor in spinal-cord-associated disorders1, yet the ageing-specific mechanisms underlying this relationship remain poorly understood. Here, to address this knowledge gap, we combined single-nucleus RNA-sequencing analysis with behavioural and neurophysiological analysis in non-human primates (NHPs). We identified motor neuron senescence and neuroinflammation with microglial hyperactivation as intertwined hallmarks of spinal cord ageing. As an underlying mechanism, we identified a neurotoxic microglial state demarcated by elevated expression of CHIT1 (a secreted mammalian chitinase) specific to the aged spinal cords in NHP and human biopsies. In the aged spinal cord, CHIT1-positive microglia preferentially localize around motor neurons, and they have the ability to trigger senescence, partly by activating SMAD signalling. We further validated the driving role of secreted CHIT1 on MN senescence using multimodal experiments both in vivo, using the NHP spinal cord as a model, and in vitro, using a sophisticated system modelling the human motor-neuron-microenvironment interplay. Moreover, we demonstrated that ascorbic acid, a geroprotective compound, counteracted the pro-senescent effect of CHIT1 and mitigated motor neuron senescence in aged monkeys. Our findings provide the single-cell resolution cellular and molecular landscape of the aged primate spinal cord and identify a new biomarker and intervention target for spinal cord degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaming Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Si Wang
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingyi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of RNA Science and Engineering, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaoshi Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- The Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas, Beijing, China
| | - Le Sun
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xibo Ma
- MAIS, State Key Laboratory of Multimodal Artificial Intelligence Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Medicine and Biomedical Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fangshuo Zheng
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuai Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Sun
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China
- The MOH Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Min Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Miyang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qiaoran Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Chen
- MAIS, State Key Laboratory of Multimodal Artificial Intelligence Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - He Ma
- MAIS, State Key Laboratory of Multimodal Artificial Intelligence Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- College of Medicine and Biomedical Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuebao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zeming Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kaowen Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanhan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghui Lei
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhao-Qian Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chang-Mei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Bai
- The MOE Frontier Research Center of Brain & Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Jiang Wang
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Li
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China
- The MOH Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoqun Wang
- Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, New Cornerstone Science Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Guoguang Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Research Center for Epilepsy Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- The Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas, Beijing, China
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jing Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China.
| | - Weiqi Zhang
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Aging Translational Medicine Center, International Center for Aging and Cancer, Beijing Municipal Geriatric Medical Research Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
- Aging Biomarker Consortium, Beijing, China.
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3
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Seib DR, Tobiansky DJ, Meitzen J, Floresco SB, Soma KK. Neurosteroids and the mesocorticolimbic system. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105356. [PMID: 37567491 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105356] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
The mesocorticolimbic system coordinates executive functions, such as working memory and behavioral flexibility. This circuit includes dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens and medial prefrontal cortex. In this review, we summarize evidence that cells in multiple nodes of the mesocorticolimbic system produce neurosteroids (steroids synthesized in the nervous system) and express steroid receptors. Here, we focus on neuroandrogens (androgens synthesized in the nervous system), neuroestrogens (estrogens synthesized in the nervous system), and androgen and estrogen receptors. We also summarize how (neuro)androgens and (neuro)estrogens affect dopamine signaling in the mesocorticolimbic system and regulate executive functions. Taken together, the data suggest that steroids produced in the gonads and locally in the brain modulate higher-order cognition and executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée R Seib
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Daniel J Tobiansky
- Department of Biology and Neuroscience Program, St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary's City, MD, USA
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Stan B Floresco
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kiran K Soma
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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4
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Saleki K, Banazadeh M, Saghazadeh A, Rezaei N. Aging, testosterone, and neuroplasticity: friend or foe? Rev Neurosci 2022; 34:247-273. [PMID: 36017670 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2022-0033] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Neuroplasticity or neural plasticity implicates the adaptive potential of the brain in response to extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli. The concept has been utilized in different contexts such as injury and neurological disease. Neuroplasticity mechanisms have been classified into neuroregenerative and function-restoring processes. In the context of injury, neuroplasticity has been defined in three post-injury epochs. Testosterone plays a key yet double-edged role in the regulation of several neuroplasticity alterations. Research has shown that testosterone levels are affected by numerous factors such as age, stress, surgical procedures on gonads, and pharmacological treatments. There is an ongoing debate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in aging men; however, TRT is more useful in young individuals with testosterone deficit and more specific subgroups with cognitive dysfunction. Therefore, it is important to pay early attention to testosterone profile and precisely uncover its harms and benefits. In the present review, we discuss the influence of environmental factors, aging, and gender on testosterone-associated alterations in neuroplasticity, as well as the two-sided actions of testosterone in the nervous system. Finally, we provide practical insights for further study of pharmacological treatments for hormonal disorders focusing on restoring neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiarash Saleki
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, 47176 47745 Babol, Iran.,USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, 47176 47745 Babol, Iran.,Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Banazadeh
- Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran.,Pharmaceutical Sciences and Cosmetic Products Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 76169 13555 Kerman, Iran
| | - Amene Saghazadeh
- Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Expert Group (SRMEG), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 14176 13151 Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), 14197 33151 Tehran, Iran
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5
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Tomm RJ, Seib DR, Kachkovski GV, Schweitzer HR, Tobiansky DJ, Floresco SB, Soma KK. Androgen synthesis inhibition increases behavioural flexibility and mPFC tyrosine hydroxylase in gonadectomized male rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13128. [PMID: 35583989 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Behavioural flexibility is essential to adapt to a changing environment and depends on the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Testosterone administration decreases behavioural flexibility. It is well known that testosterone is produced in the gonads, but testosterone is also produced in the brain, including the mPFC and other nodes of the mesocorticolimbic system. It is unclear how testosterone produced in the brain versus the gonads influences behavioural flexibility. Here, in adult male rats, we assessed the effects of the androgen synthesis inhibitor abiraterone acetate (ABI) and long-term gonadectomy (GDX) on behavioural flexibility in two paradigms. In Experiment 1, ABI but not GDX reduced the number of errors to criterion and perseverative errors in a strategy set-shifting task. In Experiment 2, with a separate cohort of rats, ABI but not GDX reduced perseverative errors in a reversal learning task. In Experiment 1, we also examined tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity (TH-ir), and ABI but not GDX increased TH-ir in the mPFC. Our findings suggest that neurally-produced androgens modulate behavioural flexibility via modification of dopamine signalling in the mesocorticolimbic system. These results indicate that neurosteroids regulate executive functions and that ABI treatment for prostate cancer might affect cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Tomm
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Désirée R Seib
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - George V Kachkovski
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Helen R Schweitzer
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Daniel J Tobiansky
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Stan B Floresco
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kiran K Soma
- Department of Psychology and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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6
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Knouse MC, Briand LA. Behavioral sex differences in cocaine and opioid use disorders: The role of gonadal hormones. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:358-366. [PMID: 34214512 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Females are more vulnerable than males to many aspects of cocaine use disorder. This vulnerability also translates to opioid use disorder, with females exhibiting stronger behavioral responses than males to drugs such as heroin and morphine. While there is evidence for many overlapping neural mechanisms underlying cocaine and opioid abuse, there is also a breadth of evidence indicating divergent effects of the drugs on synaptic plasticity. This makes it unclear whether the behavioral sex differences seen in substance use disorder across different drugs of abuse rely on the same mechanisms. Ovarian hormones have consistently been implicated as drivers of the behavioral sex differences in cocaine taking and seeking. While there are far fewer studies on the role of ovarian hormones in opioid use disorder, the existing data suggest that ovarian hormones may not drive these behavioral effects in the same manner as in cocaine use disorder. This review highlights evidence that behavioral sex differences in substance use disorder might be driven by different mechanisms depending on drug class.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa A Briand
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, United States; Neuroscience Program, Temple University, United States.
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7
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Cao J, Meitzen J. Perinatal activation of ER α and ER β but not GPER-1 masculinizes female rat caudate-putamen medium spiny neuron electrophysiological properties. J Neurophysiol 2021; 125:2322-2338. [PMID: 33978486 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00063.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to steroid sex hormones such as 17β-estradiol (estradiol) during early life potentially permanently masculinize neuron electrophysiological phenotype. In rodents, one crucial component of this developmental process occurs in males, with estradiol aromatized in the brain from testes-sourced testosterone. However, it is unknown whether most neuron electrophysiological phenotypes are altered by this early masculinization process, including medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the rat caudate-putamen. MSNs are the predominant and primary output neurons of the caudate-putamen and exhibit increased intrinsic excitability in females compared to males. Here, we hypothesize that since perinatal estradiol exposure occurs in males, then a comparable exposure in females to estradiol or its receptor agonists would be sufficient to induce masculinization. To test this hypothesis, we injected perinatal female rats with estradiol or its receptor agonists and then later assessed MSN electrophysiology. Female and male rats on postnatal day 0 and 1 were systemically injected with either vehicle, estradiol, the estrogen receptor (ER)α agonist PPT, the ERβ agonist DPN, or the G-protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPER-1) agonist G1. On postnatal days 19 ± 2, MSN electrophysiological properties were assessed using whole cell patch clamp recordings. Estradiol exposure abolished increased intrinsic excitability in female compared to male MSNs. Exposure to either an ERα or ERβ agonist masculinized female MSN evoked action potential firing rate properties, whereas exposure to an ERβ agonist masculinized female MSN inward rectification properties. Exposure to ER agonists minimally impacted male MSN electrophysiological properties. These findings indicate that perinatal estradiol exposure masculinizes MSN electrophysiological phenotype via activation of ERα and ERβ.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to demonstrate that estradiol and estrogen receptor α and β stimulation during early development sexually differentiates the electrophysiological properties of caudate-putamen medium spiny neurons, the primary output neuron of the striatal regions. Overall, this evidence provides new insight into the neuroendocrine mechanism by which caudate-putamen neuron electrophysiology is sexually differentiated and demonstrates the powerful action of early hormone exposure upon individual neuron electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Cao
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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8
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Huijgens PT, Snoeren EMS, Meisel RL, Mermelstein PG. Effects of gonadectomy and dihydrotestosterone on neuronal plasticity in motivation and reward related brain regions in the male rat. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12918. [PMID: 33340384 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal hormones affect neuronal morphology to ultimately regulate behaviour. In female rats, oestradiol mediates spine plasticity in hypothalamic and limbic brain structures, contributing to long-lasting effects on motivated behaviour. Parallel effects of androgens in male rats have not been extensively studied. Here, we investigated the effect of both castration and androgen replacement on spine plasticity in the nucleus accumbens shell and core (NAcSh and NAcC), caudate putamen (CPu), medial amygdala (MeA) and medial preoptic nucleus (MPN). Intact and castrated (gonadectomy [GDX]) male rats were treated with dihydrotestosterone (DHT, 1.5 mg) or vehicle (oil) in three experimental groups: intact-oil, GDX-oil and GDX-DHT. Spine density and morphology, measured 24 hours after injection, were determined through three-dimensional reconstruction of confocal z-stacks of DiI-labelled dendritic segments. We found that GDX decreased spine density in the MPN, which was rescued by DHT treatment. DHT also increased spine density in the MeA in GDX animals compared to intact oil-treated animals. By contrast, DHT decreased spine density in the NAcSh compared to GDX males. No effect on spine density was observed in the NAcC or CPu. Spine length and spine head diameter were unaffected by GDX and DHT in the investigated brain regions. In addition, immunohistochemistry revealed that DHT treatment of GDX animals rapidly increased the number of cell bodies in the NAcSh positive for phosphorylated cAMP response-element binding protein, a downstream messenger of the androgen receptor. These findings indicate that androgen signalling plays a role in the regulation of spine plasticity within neurocircuits involved in motivated behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patty T Huijgens
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Eelke M S Snoeren
- Department of Psychology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Robert L Meisel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paul G Mermelstein
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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9
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Abstract
Gonadal hormones contribute to the sexual differentiation of brain and behavior throughout the lifespan, from initial neural patterning to "activation" of adult circuits. Sexual behavior is an ideal system in which to investigate the mechanisms underlying hormonal activation of neural circuits. Sexual behavior is a hormonally regulated, innate social behavior found across species. Although both sexes seek out and engage in sexual behavior, the specific actions involved in mating are sexually dimorphic. Thus, the neural circuits mediating sexual motivation and behavior in males and females are overlapping yet distinct. Furthermore, sexual behavior is strongly dependent on circulating gonadal hormones in both sexes. There has been significant recent progress on elucidating how gonadal hormones modulate physiological properties within sexual behavior circuits with consequences for behavior. Therefore, in this mini-review we review the neural circuits of male and female sexual motivation and behavior, from initial sensory detection of pheromones to the extended amygdala and on to medial hypothalamic nuclei and reward systems. We also discuss how gonadal hormones impact the physiology and functioning of each node within these circuits. By better understanding the myriad of ways in which gonadal hormones impact sexual behavior circuits, we can gain a richer and more complete appreciation for the neural substrates of complex behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly J Jennings
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Luis de Lecea
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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10
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Krentzel AA, Meitzen J. Biological Sex, Estradiol and Striatal Medium Spiny Neuron Physiology: A Mini-Review. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:492. [PMID: 30618639 PMCID: PMC6299026 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [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: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens core and shell are important striatal brain regions for premotor, limbic, habit formation, reward, and other critical cognitive functions. Striatal-relevant behaviors such as anxiety, motor coordination, locomotion, and sensitivity to reward, all change with fluctuations of the menstrual cycle in humans and the estrous cycle in rodents. These fluctuations implicate sex steroid hormones, such as 17β-estradiol, as potent neuromodulatory signals for striatal neuron activity. The medium spiny neuron (MSN), the primary neuron subtype of the striatal regions, expresses membrane estrogen receptors and exhibits sex differences both in intrinsic and synaptic electrophysiological properties. In this mini-review, we first describe sex differences in the electrophysiological properties of the MSNs in prepubertal rats. We then discuss specific examples of how the human menstrual and rat estrous cycles induce differences in striatal-relevant behaviors and neural substrate, including how female rat MSN electrophysiology is influenced by the estrous cycle. We then conclude the mini-review by discussing avenues for future investigation, including possible roles of striatal-localized membrane estrogen receptors and estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A Krentzel
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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11
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Gross KS, Moore KM, Meisel RL, Mermelstein PG. mGluR5 Mediates Dihydrotestosterone-Induced Nucleus Accumbens Structural Plasticity, but Not Conditioned Reward. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:855. [PMID: 30515075 PMCID: PMC6255826 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadal hormones play a vital role in driving motivated behavior. They not only modulate responses to naturally rewarding stimuli, but also influence responses to drugs of abuse. A commonality between gonadal hormones and drugs of abuse is that they both impact the neurocircuitry of reward, including the regulation of structural plasticity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Previous hormonal studies have focused on the mechanisms and behavioral correlates of estradiol-induced dendritic spine changes in the female NAc. Here we sought to determine the effects of androgens on medium spiny neuron (MSN) spine plasticity in the male NAc. Following treatment with the androgen receptor agonist dihydrotestosterone (DHT), MSNs in castrated male rats exhibited a significant decrease in dendritic spine density. This effect was isolated to the shell subregion of the NAc. The effect of DHT was dependent on mGluR5 activity, and local mGluR5 activation and subsequent endocannabinoid signaling produce an analogous NAc shell spine decrease. Somewhat surprisingly, DHT-induced conditioned place preference remained intact following systemic inhibition of mGluR5. These findings indicate that androgens can utilize mGluR signaling, similar to estrogens, to mediate changes in NAc dendritic structure. In addition, there are notable differences in the direction of spine changes, and site specificity of estrogen and androgen action, suggesting sex differences in the hormonal regulation of motivated behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie S Gross
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Kelsey M Moore
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Robert L Meisel
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Paul G Mermelstein
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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12
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Proaño SB, Morris HJ, Kunz LM, Dorris DM, Meitzen J. Estrous cycle-induced sex differences in medium spiny neuron excitatory synaptic transmission and intrinsic excitability in adult rat nucleus accumbens core. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:1356-1373. [PMID: 29947588 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00263.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurring hormone cycles in adult female humans and rodents create a dynamic neuroendocrine environment. These cycles include the menstrual cycle in humans and its counterpart in rodents, the estrous cycle. These hormone fluctuations induce sex differences in the phenotypes of many behaviors, including those related to motivation, and associated disorders such as depression and addiction. This suggests that the neural substrate instrumental for these behaviors, including the nucleus accumbens core (AcbC), likewise differs between estrous cycle phases. It is unknown whether the electrophysiological properties of AcbC output neurons, medium spiny neurons (MSNs), change between estrous cycle phases. This is a critical knowledge gap given that MSN electrophysiological properties are instrumental for determining AcbC output to efferent targets. Here we test whether the intrinsic electrophysiological properties of adult rat AcbC MSNs differ across female estrous cycle phases and from males. We recorded MSNs with whole cell patch-clamp technique in two experiments, the first using gonad-intact adult males and females in differing phases of the estrous cycle and the second using gonadectomized males and females in which the estrous cycle was eliminated. MSN intrinsic electrophysiological and excitatory synaptic input properties robustly changed between female estrous cycle phases and males. Sex differences in MSN electrophysiology disappeared when the estrous cycle was eliminated. These novel findings indicate that AcbC MSN electrophysiological properties change across the estrous cycle, providing a new framework for understanding how biological sex and hormone cyclicity regulate motivated behaviors and other AcbC functions and disorders. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This research is the first demonstration that medium spiny neuron electrophysiological properties change across adult female hormone cycle phases in any striatal region. This influence of estrous cycle engenders sex differences in electrophysiological properties that are eliminated by gonadectomy. Broadly, these findings indicate that adult female hormone cycles are an important factor for neurophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie B Proaño
- Graduate Program in Biology, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina.,W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Hannah J Morris
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Lindsey M Kunz
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - David M Dorris
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - John Meitzen
- W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina.,Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina.,Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University , Raleigh, North Carolina
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13
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14
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Hildebrandt T, Heywood A, Wesley D, Schulz K. Defining the Construct of Synthetic Androgen Intoxication: An Application of General Brain Arousal. Front Psychol 2018; 9:390. [PMID: 29651261 PMCID: PMC5885244 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic androgens (i. e., anabolic-androgenic steroids) are the primary component to the majority of problematic appearance and performance enhancing drug (APED) use. Despite evidence that these substances are associated with increased risk for aggression, violence, body image disturbances, and polypharmacy and can develop a pattern of chronic use consistent with drug dependence, there are no formal definitions of androgen intoxication. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to establish a testable theory of androgen intoxication. We present evidence and theorize that synthetic androgen intoxication can be defined by a pattern of poor self-regulation characterized by increased propensity for a range of behaviors (e.g., aggression, sex, drug seeking, exercise, etc.) via androgen mediated effects on general brain arousal. This theory posits that androgens reduce threshold for emotional reactivity, motor response, and alertness to sensory stimuli and disrupt inhibitory control over the behaviors associated with synthetic androgen use. These changes result from alteration to basic neurocircuitry that amplifies limbic activation and reduces top-down cortical control. The implications for this definition are to inform APED specific hypotheses about the behavioral and psychological effects of APED use and provide a basis for establishing clinical, legal, and public health guidelines to address the use and misuse of these substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Hildebrandt
- Eating and Weight Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ashley Heywood
- Eating and Weight Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Daniel Wesley
- Eating and Weight Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kurt Schulz
- Eating and Weight Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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15
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Abstract
The striatal brain regions, including the caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens core, and nucleus accumbens shell, mediate critical behavioral functions. These functions include but are not limited to motivated behavior, reward, learning, and sensorimotor function in both pathological and normal contexts. The phenotype and/or incidence of all of these behaviors either differ by sex or are sensitive to the presence of gonadal hormones such as 17β-estradiol and testosterone. All three striatal brain regions express membrane-associated estrogen receptors. Here we present a brief review of the recent literature reporting on sex differences and effects of the estrogenic hormone 17β-estradiol on behavioral and neural function across all three striatal regions, focusing upon the most prominent striatal neuron type, the medium spiny neuron. We emphasize recent findings in three broad domains: (1) select striatal-relevant behaviors and disorders, (2) striatal medium spiny neuron dendritic spine density, and (3), striatal medium spiny neuron electrophysiological properties including excitatory synaptic input and intrinsic cellular excitability. These recent advances in behavior, neuroanatomy, and electrophysiology collectively offer insight into the effects of sex and estrogen on striatal function, especially at the level of individual neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Meitzen
- Dept. of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.,W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.,Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC.,Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
| | - Robert L Meisel
- Dept. of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
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16
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Lisdahl KM, Sher KJ, Conway KP, Gonzalez R, Feldstein Ewing SW, Nixon SJ, Tapert S, Bartsch H, Goldstein RZ, Heitzeg M. Adolescent brain cognitive development (ABCD) study: Overview of substance use assessment methods. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2018; 32:80-96. [PMID: 29559216 PMCID: PMC6375310 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [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: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the objectives of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (https://abcdstudy.org/) is to establish a national longitudinal cohort of 9 and 10 year olds that will be followed for 10 years in order to prospectively study the risk and protective factors influencing substance use and its consequences, examine the impact of substance use on neurocognitive, health and psychosocial outcomes, and to understand the relationship between substance use and psychopathology. This article provides an overview of the ABCD Study Substance Use Workgroup, provides the goals for the workgroup, rationale for the substance use battery, and includes details on the substance use module methods and measurement tools used during baseline, 6-month and 1-year follow-up assessment time-points. Prospective, longitudinal assessment of these substance use domains over a period of ten years in a nationwide sample of youth presents an unprecedented opportunity to further understand the timing and interactive relationships between substance use and neurocognitive, health, and psychopathology outcomes in youth living in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista M Lisdahl
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 East Hartford Ave, 224 Garland Hall, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, United States.
| | - Kenneth J Sher
- Curators' Professor of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, 210 McAlester Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Kevin P Conway
- Division of Epidemiology, Services and Prevention Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse,6001 Executive Boulevard, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Raul Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University,11200 SW 8th Street AHC-4, 461, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Sarah W Feldstein Ewing
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Mail code: DC7P, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd, Portland OR 97239, United States
| | - Sara Jo Nixon
- Department of Psychiatry, P.O. Box 100256, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Susan Tapert
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0603, United States
| | - Hauke Bartsch
- Center for Multimodal Imaging and Genetics, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego,9452 Medical Center Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92037, United States
| | - Rita Z Goldstein
- Department of Psychiatry (primary) and Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute (secondary), Chief, Brain Imaging Center (BIC), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, The Leon and Norma Hess Center for Science and Medicine, 1470 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Mary Heitzeg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan,4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
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17
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Brague JC, Zinn CR, Granot DY, Feathers CT, Swann JM. TrkB is necessary for male copulatory behavior in the Syrian Hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Horm Behav 2018; 97:162-169. [PMID: 29092774 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [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: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The magnocellular medial preoptic nucleus (MPN mag), a subdivision of the medial preoptic area (MPOA), plays a critical role in the regulation of copulation in the male Syrian hamster; in part by mediating the effects of gonadal steroids. For example, ablation of the MPN mag eliminates mating and testosterone placed in the MPN mag restores mating in castrated males. Furthermore, testosterone treatment enhances synaptic density and dendritic spines in the MPN mag. Thus, copulatory behaviors are correlated with increases in synaptic morphology in the MPN mag. As brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tyrosine receptor kinase-B (TrkB), effect neuronal growth and synaptic plasticity, this study explored the role of TrkB and BDNF in mediating testosterone's effects on the MPN mag and behavior. Testosterone treatment increased BDNF expression and conversely lowered TrkB expression in the MPOA. siRNA-mediated TrkB knockdown in the MPN mag eliminated copulation two-days post injection and the behavior was restored one week later. These data indicate that testosterone influences the expression of BDNF and TrkB in the MPOA and that expression of copulation is dependent on the presence of TrkB. Taken together our findings support a role for TrkB and BDNF in mediating the effects of testosterone on copulatory behavior in the Syrian hamster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe C Brague
- Lehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States..
| | - Clifford R Zinn
- Lehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States
| | - Dean Y Granot
- Lehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States
| | - Cameron T Feathers
- Lehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States
| | - Jennifer M Swann
- Lehigh University, Department of Biological Sciences, Iacocca Hall, 111 Research Dr., Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States..
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18
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Tobiansky DJ, Wallin-Miller KG, Floresco SB, Wood RI, Soma KK. Androgen Regulation of the Mesocorticolimbic System and Executive Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:279. [PMID: 29922228 PMCID: PMC5996102 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence indicate that androgens, such as testosterone, modulate the mesocorticolimbic system and executive function. This review integrates neuroanatomical, molecular biological, neurochemical, and behavioral studies to highlight how endogenous and exogenous androgens alter behaviors, such as behavioral flexibility, decision making, and risk taking. First, we briefly review the neuroanatomy of the mesocorticolimbic system, which mediates executive function, with a focus on the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (NAc), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Second, we present evidence that androgen receptors (AR) and other steroid receptors are expressed in the mesocorticolimbic system. Using sensitive immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques, ARs are detected in the VTA, NAc, mPFC, and OFC. Third, we describe recent evidence for local androgens ("neuroandrogens") in the mesocorticolimbic system. Steroidogenic enzymes are expressed in mesocorticolimbic regions. Furthermore, following long-term gonadectomy, testosterone is nondetectable in the blood but detectable in the mesocorticolimbic system, using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. However, the physiological relevance of neuroandrogens remains unknown. Fourth, we review how anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) influence the mesocorticolimbic system. Fifth, we describe how androgens modulate the neurochemistry and structure of the mesocorticolimbic system, particularly with regard to dopaminergic signaling. Finally, we discuss evidence that androgens influence executive functions, including the effects of androgen deprivation therapy and AAS. Taken together, the evidence indicates that androgens are critical modulators of executive function. Similar to dopamine signaling, there might be optimal levels of androgen signaling within the mesocorticolimbic system for executive functioning. Future studies should examine the regulation and functions of neurosteroids in the mesocorticolimbic system, as well as the potential deleterious and enduring effects of AAS use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Tobiansky
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Daniel J. Tobiansky,
| | - Kathryn G. Wallin-Miller
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Stan B. Floresco
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ruth I. Wood
- Department of Integrative Anatomical Sciences, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kiran K. Soma
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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19
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Tofighi A, Ahmadi S, Seyyedi SM, Shirpoor A, Kheradmand F, Gharalari FH. Nandrolone administration with or without strenuous exercise promotes overexpression of nephrin and podocin genes and induces structural and functional alterations in the kidneys of rats. Toxicol Lett 2018; 282:147-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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20
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Cao J, Willett JA, Dorris DM, Meitzen J. Sex Differences in Medium Spiny Neuron Excitability and Glutamatergic Synaptic Input: Heterogeneity Across Striatal Regions and Evidence for Estradiol-Dependent Sexual Differentiation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:173. [PMID: 29720962 PMCID: PMC5915472 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid sex hormones and biological sex influence how the brain regulates motivated behavior, reward, and sensorimotor function in both normal and pathological contexts. Investigations into the underlying neural mechanisms have targeted the striatal brain regions, including the caudate-putamen, nucleus accumbens core (AcbC), and shell. These brain regions are of particular interest to neuroendocrinologists given that they express membrane-associated but not nuclear estrogen receptors, and also the well-established role of the sex steroid hormone 17β-estradiol (estradiol) in modulating striatal dopamine systems. Indeed, output neurons of the striatum, the medium spiny neurons (MSNs), exhibit estradiol sensitivity and sex differences in electrophysiological properties. Here, we review sex differences in rat MSN glutamatergic synaptic input and intrinsic excitability across striatal regions, including evidence for estradiol-mediated sexual differentiation in the nucleus AcbC. In prepubertal animals, female MSNs in the caudate-putamen exhibit a greater intrinsic excitability relative to male MSNs, but no sex differences are detected in excitatory synaptic input. Alternatively, female MSNs in the nucleus AcbC exhibit increased excitatory synaptic input relative to male MSNs, but no sex differences in intrinsic excitability were detected. Increased excitatory synaptic input onto female MSNs in the nucleus AcbC is abolished after masculinizing estradiol or testosterone exposure during the neonatal critical period. No sex differences are detected in MSNs in prepubertal nucleus accumbens shell. Thus, despite possessing the same neuron type, striatal regions exhibit heterogeneity in sex differences in MSN electrophysiological properties, which likely contribute to the sex differences observed in striatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyan Cao
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jaime A. Willett
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Graduate Program in Physiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - David M. Dorris
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: John Meitzen,
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21
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Wilson MD, Sethi S, Lein PJ, Keil KP. Valid statistical approaches for analyzing sholl data: Mixed effects versus simple linear models. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 279:33-43. [PMID: 28104486 PMCID: PMC5346342 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Sholl technique is widely used to quantify dendritic morphology. Data from such studies, which typically sample multiple neurons per animal, are often analyzed using simple linear models. However, simple linear models fail to account for intra-class correlation that occurs with clustered data, which can lead to faulty inferences. NEW METHOD Mixed effects models account for intra-class correlation that occurs with clustered data; thus, these models more accurately estimate the standard deviation of the parameter estimate, which produces more accurate p-values. While mixed models are not new, their use in neuroscience has lagged behind their use in other disciplines. RESULTS A review of the published literature illustrates common mistakes in analyses of Sholl data. Analysis of Sholl data collected from Golgi-stained pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus of male and female mice using both simple linear and mixed effects models demonstrates that the p-values and standard deviations obtained using the simple linear models are biased downwards and lead to erroneous rejection of the null hypothesis in some analyses. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS The mixed effects approach more accurately models the true variability in the data set, which leads to correct inference. CONCLUSIONS Mixed effects models avoid faulty inference in Sholl analysis of data sampled from multiple neurons per animal by accounting for intra-class correlation. Given the widespread practice in neuroscience of obtaining multiple measurements per subject, there is a critical need to apply mixed effects models more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Machelle D Wilson
- Clinical and Translational Science Center, Department of Public Health Sciences, Division of Biostatistics, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sunjay Sethi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Pamela J Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Kimberly P Keil
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, CA, United States.
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22
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Mendell AL, Creighton CE, Kalisch BE, MacLusky NJ. 5α-Androstane-3α,17β-Diol Inhibits Neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y Human Neuroblastoma Cells and Mouse Primary Cortical Neurons. Endocrinology 2016; 157:4570-4578. [PMID: 27754784 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Low free T levels in men are associated with age-related cognitive decline and increased risk for neurotoxicity, resulting in disease. The mechanisms underlying these observations remain poorly defined. Although rapid, androgen receptor-dependent activation of ERK has been postulated as a neurotrophic and neuroprotective mechanism, actions of T metabolites such as 5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol (3α-diol) may also be involved. We investigated the influence of 3α-diol on the induction of ERK phosphorylation in SH-SY5Y human female neuroblastoma cells and primary cortical neurons from male and female mice. In SH-SY5Y cells, ERK phosphorylation was induced by 10 nM DHT, epidermal growth factor, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and acetylcholine. The addition of 10 nM 3α-diol, which did not itself activate ERK, significantly inhibited ERK phosphorylation induced by DHT, epidermal growth factor, or H2O2, but not acetylcholine. In both SH-SY5Y cells and primary cortical neurons, prolonged ERK phosphorylation and caspase-3 cleavage resulting from amyloid β-peptide 1-42 (Aβ42) exposure were inhibited by cotreatment with 3α-diol. 3α-diol also reduced the loss in cellular viability induced by Aβ42 or H2O2 in SH-SY5Y cells. These data suggest that T-mediated neuroprotection may occur via two distinct but complementary mechanisms: an initial rapid activation of ERK phosphorylation, followed by modulation via 3α-diol of the potentially adverse consequences of prolonged ERK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L Mendell
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (A.L.M., C.E.C., B.E.K., N.J.M.), Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - C E Creighton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (A.L.M., C.E.C., B.E.K., N.J.M.), Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - B E Kalisch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (A.L.M., C.E.C., B.E.K., N.J.M.), Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - Neil J MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences (A.L.M., C.E.C., B.E.K., N.J.M.), Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
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