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Moenter SM, Starrett JR. Estradiol action in the female hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13390. [PMID: 38606585 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13390] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
It has now been about a century since a flurry of discoveries identified first the pituitary, then more specifically the anterior pituitary and soon thereafter the central nervous system as components regulating gonadal and downstream reproductive functions. This was an era of ablation/replacement designs using at first rudimentary and then increasingly pure preparations of gonadal and pituitary "activities" or transplanting actual glands, whole or homogenized, among subjects. There was, of course, controversy as is typical of lively and productive scientific debates to this day. The goals of this commentary are to briefly review the history of this work and how the terms referring to interactions among the components of the hypothalamo (as the central neural component was soon associated with)-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis evolved, and then to question if the current terms used have kept up with our understanding of the system. The focus in this review will be the actions of estradiol primarily upon the hypothalamus. Important actions of progesterone on the hypothalamus as well as both steroids on the pituitary response to hypothalamic factors are both acknowledged and largely ignored in this document, as are any sex differences as we focus on females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Moenter
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- The Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - J Rudolph Starrett
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Carrasco RA, Breen KM. Allostasis in Neuroendocrine Systems Controlling Reproduction. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad125. [PMID: 37586095 PMCID: PMC10461221 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad125] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Allostasis provides a supporting role to the homeostatic control of biological variables in mammalian species. While the concept of homeostasis is related to the control of variables within a set point or range that are essential to life, allostasis refers to systems that facilitate adaptation to challenges that the organism faces and the new requirements for survival. Essential for such adaptation is the role played by the brain in eliciting neural and neuroendocrine responses. Reproductive function is fundamental for the survival of species but is costly in energetic terms and requires a synchrony with an ever-changing environment. Thus, in many species reproductive function is blocked or delayed over immediate challenges. This review will cover the physiological systems and neuroendocrine pathways that supply allostatic control over reproductive neuroendocrine systems. Light, hypoxia, temperature, nutrition, psychosocial, and immune mediators influence the neuroendocrine control of reproductive functions through pathways that are confluent at the paraventricular nucleus; however, understanding of the integrative responses to these stimuli has not been clarified. Likely, the ultimate consequence of these allostatic mechanisms is the modification of kisspeptin and gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal activity, thus compromising reproduction function in the short term, while preserving species survivability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo A Carrasco
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0674, USA
| | - Kellie M Breen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0674, USA
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Starrett JR, Moenter SM. Hypothalamic kisspeptin neurons as potential mediators of estradiol negative and positive feedback. Peptides 2023; 163:170963. [PMID: 36740189 PMCID: PMC10516609 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.170963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal steroid feedback regulates the brain's patterned secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Negative feedback, which occurs in males and during the majority of the female cycle, modulates the amplitude and frequency of GnRH pulses. Positive feedback occurs in females when high estradiol induces a surge pattern of GnRH release. These two forms of feedback and their corresponding patterns of GnRH secretion are thought to be mediated by kisspeptin-expressing neurons in two hypothalamic areas: the arcuate nucleus and the anteroventral periventricular area. In this review, we present evidence for this theory and remaining questions to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Rudolph Starrett
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Suzanne M Moenter
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; The Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Jamieson BB, Piet R. Kisspeptin neuron electrophysiology: Intrinsic properties, hormonal modulation, and regulation of homeostatic circuits. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101006. [PMID: 35640722 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101006] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The obligatory role of kisspeptin (KISS1) and its receptor (KISS1R) in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, puberty and fertility was uncovered in 2003. In the few years that followed, an impressive body of work undertaken in many species established that neurons producing kisspeptin orchestrate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron activity and subsequent GnRH and gonadotropin hormone secretory patterns, through kisspeptin-KISS1R signaling, and mediate many aspects of gonadal steroid hormone feedback regulation of GnRH neurons. Here, we review knowledge accrued over the past decade, mainly in genetically modified mouse models, of the electrophysiological properties of kisspeptin neurons and their regulation by hormonal feedback. We also discuss recent progress in our understanding of the role of these cells within neuronal circuits that control GnRH neuron activity and GnRH secretion, energy balance and, potentially, other homeostatic and reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Piet
- Brain Health Research Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.
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McCosh RB, O'Bryne KT, Karsch FJ, Breen KM. Regulation of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuron during stress. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13098. [PMID: 35128742 PMCID: PMC9232848 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The effect of stress on reproduction and gonadal function has captivated investigators for almost 100 years. Following the identification of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) 50 years ago, a niche research field emerged fixated on how stress impairs this central node controlling downstream pituitary and gonadal function. It is now clear that both episodic GnRH secretion in males and females and surge GnRH secretion in females are inhibited during a variety of stress types. There has been considerable advancement in our understanding of numerous stress-related signaling molecules and their ability to impair reproductive neuroendocrine activity during stress. Recently, much attention has turned to the effects of stress on two populations of kisspeptin neurons: the stimulatory afferents to GnRH neurons that regulate pulsatile and surge-type gonadotropin secretion. Indeed, future work is still required to fully construct the neuroanatomical framework underlying stress effects, directly or indirectly, on GnRH neuron function. The present review evaluates and synthesizes evidence related to stress-related signaling molecules acting directly on GnRH neurons. Here, we review the evidence for and against the action of a handful of signaling molecules as inhibitors of GnRH neuron function, including corticotropin-releasing hormone, urocortins, norepinephrine, cortisol/corticosterone, calcitonin gene-related peptide and arginine-phenylalanine-amide-related peptide-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B McCosh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kevin T O'Bryne
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, UK
| | - Fred J Karsch
- Reproductive Sciences Program and Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kellie M Breen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Gołyszny M, Obuchowicz E, Zieliński M. Neuropeptides as regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis activity and their putative roles in stress-induced fertility disorders. Neuropeptides 2022; 91:102216. [PMID: 34974357 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides being regulators of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, also affect the function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by regulating gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from hypothalamic neurons. Here, we review the available data on how neuropeptides affect HPG axis activity directly or indirectly via their influence on the HPA axis. The putative role of neuropeptides in stress-induced infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, is also described. This review discusses both well-known neuropeptides (i.e., kisspeptin, Kp; oxytocin, OT; arginine-vasopressin, AVP) and more recently discovered peptides (i.e., relaxin-3, RLN-3; nesfatin-1, NEFA; phoenixin, PNX; spexin, SPX). For the first time, we present an up-to-date review of all published data regarding interactions between the aforementioned neuropeptide systems. The reviewed literature suggest new pathophysiological mechanisms leading to fertility disturbances that are induced by stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miłosz Gołyszny
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Ewa Obuchowicz
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
| | - Michał Zieliński
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18 Street, 40-752 Katowice, Poland.
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Phumsatitpong C, Wagenmaker ER, Moenter SM. Neuroendocrine interactions of the stress and reproductive axes. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 63:100928. [PMID: 34171353 PMCID: PMC8605987 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Reproduction is controlled by a sequential regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The HPG axis integrates multiple inputs to maintain proper reproductive functions. It has long been demonstrated that stress alters fertility. Nonetheless, the central mechanisms of how stress interacts with the reproductive system are not fully understood. One of the major pathways that is activated during the stress response is the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In this review, we discuss several aspects of the interactions between these two neuroendocrine systems to offer insights to mechanisms of how the HPA and HPG axes interact. We have also included discussions of other systems, for example GABA-producing neurons, where they are informative to the overall picture of stress effects on reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayarndorn Phumsatitpong
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Elizabeth R Wagenmaker
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Suzanne M Moenter
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
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Vanacker C, Defazio RA, Sykes CM, Moenter SM. A role for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing cells in the regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) but not arcuate kisspeptin neuron output in male mice. eLife 2021; 10:68205. [PMID: 34292152 PMCID: PMC8337074 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
GnRH neurons are the final central neural output regulating fertility. Kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (KNDy neurons) are considered the main regulator of GnRH output. GnRH and KNDy neurons are surrounded by astrocytes, which can modulate neuronal activity and communicate over distances. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), synthesized primarily by astrocytes, increases GnRH neuron activity and downstream pituitary release of luteinizing hormone (LH). We hypothesized that glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing astrocytes play a role in regulating GnRH and/or KNDy neuron activity and LH release. We used adeno-associated viruses to target designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) to GFAP-expressing cells to activate Gq- or Gi-mediated signaling. Activating Gq signaling in the preoptic area, near GnRH neurons, but not in the arcuate, increases LH release in vivo and GnRH firing in vitro via a mechanism in part dependent upon PGE2. These data suggest that astrocytes can activate GnRH/LH release in a manner independent of KNDy neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Vanacker
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - R Anthony Defazio
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Charlene M Sykes
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
| | - Suzanne M Moenter
- Departments of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States.,Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States.,Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States.,Reproductive Sciences Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States
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Yuan D, Wang B, Tang T, Lei L, Zhou C, Li Z, Li L. Characterization and evaluation of the tissue distribution of CRH, apelin, and GnRH2 reveal responses to feeding states in Schizothorax davidi. Fish Physiol Biochem 2021; 47:421-438. [PMID: 33417073 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-020-00922-5] [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] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Schizothorax davidi is a rare fish in Southwest China and is considered a promising species for aquaculture. Compared with other teleosts, little is known about the endocrine regulation of feeding in this species. In this study, we identified the CRH, apelin, and GnRH2 genes in S. davidi and assessed the effects of different energy statuses on CRH, apelin, and GnRH2 expression. Our results showed that the full-length cDNA sequences of CRH, apelin, and GnRH2 of S. davidi were 995, 905, and 669 bp long, respectively. Furthermore, CRH was mainly expressed in the hypothalamus, telencephalon, and myelencephalon; apelin was highly expressed in the spleen and heart; and GnRH2 mRNA was widely distributed in all examined tissues, with the highest level in the hypothalamus. Notably, the levels of CRH and GnRH2 increased in the hypothalamus at 1 h and 3 h post-feeding, while hypothalamic apelin levels decreased. Conversely, CRH and GnRH2 expression in the hypothalamus significantly decreased after fasting for 7 days and returned to the control levels after re-feeding for 3 or 5 days. In contrast, fasting increased apelin levels in the hypothalamus. Overall, this study suggests that CRH, apelin, and GnRH2 play critical roles in appetite regulation in S. davidi. These results provide an essential groundwork to elucidate the appetite regulatory systems in S. davidi as well as in other teleosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dengyue Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Tang
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Luo Lei
- College of Aquaculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, China
| | - Chaowei Zhou
- College of Aquaculture, Southwest University, Chongqing, 402460, China
| | - Zhiqiong Li
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 610000, Sichuan, China
| | - Lijun Li
- Dehong Science and Technology Innovation Center, Dehong, 678400, Yunnan, China
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