Primary renal peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, treated with partial nephrectomy

Introduction

Renal involvement by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is very rare, and the kidney as the primary site of this lymphoma is much more uncommon. We report a case of primary renal peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified, treated with partial nephrectomy.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old man was hospitalized with coronavirus infectious disease, emerged in 2019 in the emergency department. Computed tomography examination showed a 2-cm renal mass in the right kidney. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography examination revealed that the noted mass showed good enhancement in the corticomedullary phase and washout in the nephrogenic phase. No metastatic lesions were found. He was diagnosed as having cT1aN0M0 renal cell carcinoma, and robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy was carried out. The pathological diagnosis was peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified. He has been followed for 20 months after robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy without additional treatment and recurrence.

Conclusion

We experienced a primary renal peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified that was followed up without treatment after surgery.

[A Case of Metanephric Adenoma Treated with Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy]

A 53-year-old female patient was diagnosed with a left renal mass incidentally detected on an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan. Further examination revealed a slightly contrast-enhancing mass 2.0 cm in diameter, in the left kidney on a contrast-enhanced CT scan. A diagnosis of left renal cell carcinoma (cT1aN0M0) was made and a robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy was performed. The excised tissue specimen exhibited a clearly circumscribed tumor. On hematoxylin eosin staining, the small uniform tumor cells appeared organized in glandular luminal arrangements, with lacking nuclear atypia and any malignant features. Immunostaining confirmed the diagnosis as metanephric adenoma, as indicated by positive results for WT1 and negative results for alpha-methylacyl-CoA race mase. Metanephric adenoma is an uncommon benign epithelial tumor of the kidney, which frequently poses a challenge in differential diagnosis with renal carcinoma on preoperative imaging. Pathologically, it can be challenging to differentiate from papillary renal cell carcinoma, and immunostaining can be used to effectively differentiate between the two entities.

A case of robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy during pregnancy

Introduction

Malignancy during pregnancy requires consideration of both the mother and fetus. We report a patient with renal cell carcinoma during pregnancy who was treated with robot-assisted partial nephrectomy.

Case presentation

The patient was incidentally found to have a renal mass on abdominal ultrasonography. Definitive diagnosis of cT1aN0M0 RCC was made by enhanced computed tomography. Subsequently, pregnancy was discovered. RAPN was performed without complications. Pathologic examination revealed clear cell RCC. There were no postoperative complications, and the baby was born safely.

Conclusion

RAPN can be safe and effective even during pregnancy. Every pregnant patient requires individualized treatment involving the timing of surgery, the procedure used, and management based on the condition of the mother and fetus, tumor stage, and the experience of the surgical team.

GC-MS analysis of exhaled gas for fine detection of inflammatory diseases

Exhaled gas analysis is a non-invasive test ideal for continuous monitoring of biological metabolic information. We analyzed the exhaled gas of patients with inflammatory diseases for trace gas components that could serve as biomarkers that enable early detection of inflammatory diseases and assessment of treatment efficacy. Furthermore, we examined the clinical potential of this method. We enrolled 34 patients with inflammatory disease and 69 healthy participants. Volatile components from exhaled gas were collected and analyzed by a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system, and the data were examined for gender, age, inflammatory markers, and changes in markers before and after treatment. The data were tested for statistical significance through discriminant analysis by Volcano plot, Analysis of variance test, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis comparing healthy and patient groups. There were no significant differences in the trace components of exhaled gas by gender or age. However, we found differences in some components of the exhaled gas between healthy and untreated patients. In addition, after treatment, gas patterns including the patient-specific components changed to a state closer to the inflammation-free status. We identified trace components in the exhaled gas of patients with inflammatory diseases and found that some of these regressed after treatment.

Antiphase Oscillations in the Time-Resolved Spin Structure Factor of a Photoexcited Mott Insulator

Motivated by the recent development of time-resolved resonant-inelastic x-ray scattering (TRRIXS) in photoexcited antiferromagnetic Mott insulators, we numerically investigate momentum-dependent transient spin dynamics in a half-filled Hubbard model on a square lattice. After turning off a pumping photon pulse, the intensity of a dynamical spin structure factor temporally oscillates with frequencies determined by the energy of two magnons in the antiferromagnetic Mott insulator. We find an antiphase behavior in the oscillations between two orthogonal momentum directions, parallel and perpendicular to the electric field of a pump pulse. The phase difference comes from the B_{1g} channel of the two-magnon excitation. Observing the antiphase oscillations will be a big challenge for TRRIXS experiments when their time resolution will be improved by more than an order of magnitude.

The localization and expression of gonadotropin inhibitory hormone in the hypothalamus of turkey hens during the prepubertal, pubertal and postpubertal phases

Gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), initially discovered in birds as a hypothalamic neuropeptide, inhibits the synthesis and release of gonadotropins by affecting GnRH neurons and gonadotropes. Therefore, it may be a key neuropeptide in reproduction in birds. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prepubertal, pubertal, and postpubertal localization of GnIH and changes in hypothalamic GnIH expression in British United Turkey hens. In prepubertal, pubertal, and postpubertal periods, the brains of turkey hens (n = 15) were removed after fixation. Sections (30 μm) were prepared from the entire hypothalamus and stained immunohistochemically against GnIH antibody. Gonadotropin inhibitory hormone-immunoreactive neurons were observed in the paraventricular nucleus. These neurons were significantly more abundant in the prepubertal turkeys than pubertal and postpubertal turkeys (P < 0.05). The results suggested that GnIH neurons have an important role in regulating the pubertal events in British United Turkey hens.

Early detection of Niemann-pick disease type C with cataplexy and orexin levels: continuous observation with and without Miglustat

Study objectives

Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) is an autosomal recessive and congenital neurological disorder characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol and glycosphingolipids. Symptoms include hepatosplenomegaly, vertical supranuclear saccadic palsy, ataxia, dystonia, and dementia. Some cases frequently display narcolepsy-like symptoms, including cataplexy which was reported in 26% of all NPC patients and was more often recorded among late-infantile onset (50%) and juvenile onset (38%) patients. In this current study, we examined CSF orexin levels in the 10 patients of NPC with and without cataplexy, which supports previous findings.

Methods

Ten patients with NPC were included in the study (5 males and 5 females). NPC diagnosis was biochemically confirmed in all 10 patients, from which 8 patients with NPC1 gene were identified. We compared CSF orexin levels among NPC, narcoleptic and idiopathic hypersomnia patients.

Results

Six NPC patients with cataplexy had low or intermediate orexin levels. In 4 cases without cataplexy, their orexin levels were normal. In 5 cases with Miglustat treatment, their symptoms stabilized or improved. For cases without Miglustat treatment, their conditions worsened generally. The CSF orexin levels of NPC patients were significantly higher than those of patients with narcolepsy-cataplexy and lower than those of patients with idiopathic hypersomnia, which was considered as the control group with normal CSF orexin levels.

Discussion

Our study indicates that orexin level measurements can be an early alert of potential NPC. Low or intermediate orexin levels could further decrease due to reduction in the neuronal function in the orexin system, accelerating the patients’ NPC pathophysiology. However with Miglustat treatment, the orexin levels stabilized or improved, along with other general symptoms. Although the circuitry is unclear, this supports that orexin system is indeed involved in narcolepsy-cataplexy in NPC patients.

Conclusion

The NPC patients with cataplexy had low or intermediate orexin levels. In the cases without cataplexy, their orexin levels were normal. Our study suggests that orexin measurements can serve as an early alert for potential NPC; furthermore, they could be a marker of therapy monitoring during a treatment.

0757 Increasing Number of Cases Who Had Both Hypersomnolence Disorders and Developmental Disorders With Orexin Measurements

Introduction

Recently, attention has been paid to the relationship between developmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and sleep disorders. We meet many developmental disorder patients who complaint hypersomnolence. Among these patients, cases with coexistence of central hypersomnia and developmental disorders, or developmental disorder alone were increased. Therefore, we first investigated patients with the complaint of hypersomnolence, who were also suspected developmental disorders. Furthermore, we have been measuring CSF orexin in 17 cases suspected of both disorders to investigate orexin levels of these patients.

Methods

86patients who complained of EDS with suspicion of developmental disorders had been examined. In order to diagnose hypersomnolence disorders, PSG and MSLT were performed. Psychological examinations were performed for diagnosing developmental disorders.We have been measuring for CSF orexin in 17 cases suspected both hypersomnolence and developmental disorders. We examined the onset of hypersomnolence and the clinical history of these ADHD or ASD cases for more details.

Results

In 86 examined cases, developmental disorders coexisted in 30 cases. Among 30 cases, ADHD were 18, ASD were 6 and both diagnosed were 6 cases. Among them, 20 cases diagnosed as having coexistence of hypersomnia (8: narcolepsy, 12: IHS) and developmental disorders (ADHD:12, ASD:4, ADHD/ASD:4). In 17 cases with orexin measurements, 10 cases coexisted ADHD and 4 cases coexisted ASD. Two cases diagnosed as both ADHD and ASD. In 10 ADHD cases, 3 cases had low orexin levels, and 7 cases had normal orexin levels. Other 7 ASD cases had normal orexin levels.

Conclusion

ADHD has a higher rate of central hypersomnia (12/18) compared with ASD and the rate of narcolepsy was also high (5/12). While patients in ASD was diagnosed as IHS (3/6), narcolepsy cases were not observed. It became clear that the majority of patients had developmental disorder or had a tendency for developmental disorder before the onset of hypersomnolence.Although it is possible that ADHD/ASD symptoms may be exacerbated by orexin dysfunctions, ADHD/ASD may not newly occur. There were cases with low orexin levels, but it seems that narcolepsy happened to coexist with developmental disorders.

Support

a

Noradrenergic modulation of gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone gene expression in the brain of Japanese quail

Gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that inhibits gonadotrophin synthesis and release in birds and mammals. In Japanese quail, GnIH neurones express the noradrenergic receptor and receive noradrenergic innervation. Treatment with noradrenaline (NA) stimulates GnIH release from diencephalic tissue blocks in vitro. However, the effects of NA on hypothalamic GnIH gene expression have not been determined. We investigated noradrenergic regulation of GnIH gene expression in the brain of male quail using the selective noradrenergic neurotoxin N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethyl-2-bromobenzylamine hydrochloride (DSP-4). We first showed that DSP-4 reduced the number of noradrenergic (dopamine-β-hydroxylase immunoreactive) cells in the locus coeruleus (LoC) and specifically lowered the NA concentration in the hypothalamus of male quail. Other monoamines, such as dopamine and serotonin, were not affected by drug treatment. DSP-4 did not decrease the numbers of noradrenergic cells of the lateral tegmental cell group, nor the plasma NA concentration. Decreased hypothalamic NA levels after DSP-4 treatment did not change GnIH gene expression in the brains of quail during their interaction with conspecifics. On the other hand, GnIH gene expression increased in the brains of quail socially isolated for 1 hour after DSP-4 treatment. These results suggest that some noradrenergic neurones have inhibitory effects on GnIH gene expression of the hypothalamus in solitary quail.

Effects of Cyclic Tensile Forces on the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Macrophage-colony-stimulating Factor (M-CSF) in Murine Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells

It has been reported that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), expressed by osteoblasts, can induce osteoclast recruitment and thus affects bone remodeling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cyclic tensile forces on the expression of VEGF and macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. VEGF and M-CSF gene expression and protein concentration were determined by real-time PCR and enzyme-linked immunoassay. The expression of VEGF and M-CSF mRNA in the experimental group was higher than in the control group. The increase in the concentration of VEGF and M-CSF protein in the experimental group was time-dependent. Moreover, gadolinium (an S-A channel inhibitor), but not nifedipine (L-Type Ca2+ channel blocker), treatment reduced the concentration of VEGF and M-CSF mRNA and protein in the experimental groups. These findings suggest that cyclic tensile forces increase the expression of VEGF and M-CSF in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells via a stretch-activated channel (S-A channel).

Gonadotrophin-Inhibitory Hormone in the Cichlid Fish Cichlasoma dimerus: Structure, Brain Distribution and Differential Effects on the Secretion of Gonadotrophins and Growth Hormone

The role of gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) in the inhibition of the reproductive axis has been well-established in birds and mammals. However, its role in other vertebrates, such as the teleost fish, remains controversial. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate whether GnIH modulates the release of gonadotrophins and growth hormone (GH) in the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus. First, we partially sequenced the precursor polypeptide for GnIH and identified three putative GnIH peptides. Next, we analysed the expression of this precursor polypeptide via a polymerase chain reaction in the reproductive axis of both sexes. We found a high expression of the polypeptide in the hypothalamus and gonads of males. Immunocytochemistry allowed the observation of GnIH-immunoreactive somata in the nucleus posterioris periventricularis and the nucleus olfacto-retinalis, with no differences between the sexes. GnIH-immunoreactive fibres were present in all brain regions, with a high density in the nucleus lateralis tuberis and at both sides of the third ventricle. Finally, we performed in vitro studies on intact pituitary cultures to evaluate the effect of two doses (10(-6)  m and 10(-8)  m) of synthetic C. dimerus (cd-) LPQRFa-1 and LPQRFa-2 on the release of gonadotrophins and GH. We observed that cd-LPQRFa-1 decreased β-luteinising hormone (LH) and β-follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and also increased GH release to the culture medium. The release of β-FSH was increased only when it was stimulated with the higher cd-LPQRFa-2 dose. The results of the present study indicate that cd-LPQRFa-1, the cichlid fish GnIH, inhibits β-LH and β-FSH release and stimulates GH release in intact pituitary cultures of C. dimerus. The results also show that cd-LPQRF-2 could act as an β-FSH-releasing factor in this fish species.

Putting the brakes on reproduction: Implications for conservation, global climate change and biomedicine

Seasonal breeding is widespread in vertebrates and involves sequential development of the gonads, onset of breeding activities (e.g. cycling in females) and then termination resulting in regression of the reproductive system. Whereas males generally show complete spermatogenesis prior to and after onset of breeding, females of many vertebrate species show only partial ovarian development and may delay onset of cycling (e.g. estrous), yolk deposition or germinal vesicle breakdown until conditions conducive for ovulation and onset of breeding are favorable. Regulation of this "brake" on the onset of breeding remains relatively unknown, but could have profound implications for conservation efforts and for "mismatches" of breeding in relation to global climate change. Using avian models it is proposed that a brain peptide, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), may be the brake to prevent onset of breeding in females. Evidence to date suggests that although GnIH may be involved in the regulation of gonadal development and regression, it plays more regulatory roles in the process of final ovarian development leading to ovulation, transitions from sexual to parental behavior and suppression of reproductive function by environmental stress. Accumulating experimental evidence strongly suggests that GnIH inhibits actions of gonadotropin-releasing hormones on behavior (central effects), gonadotropin secretion (central and hypophysiotropic effects), and has direct actions in the gonad to inhibit steroidogenesis. Thus, actual onset of breeding activities leading to ovulation may involve environmental cues releasing an inhibition (brake) on the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonad axis.

An evolutionary scenario for gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone in chordates

In 2000, we discovered a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide that actively inhibits gonadotrophin release in quail and termed it gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). GnIH peptides have subsequently been identified in most representative species of gnathostomes. They all share a C-terminal LPXRFamide (X = L or Q) motif. GnIH can inhibit gonadotrophin synthesis and release by decreasing the activity of GnRH neuroes, as well as by directly inhibiting pituitary gonadotrophin secretion in birds and mammals. To investigate the evolutionary origin of GnIH and its ancestral function, we identified a GnIH precursor gene encoding GnIHs from the brain of sea lamprey, the most ancient lineage of vertebrates. Lamprey GnIHs possess a C-terminal PQRFamide motif. In vivo administration of one of lamprey GnIHs stimulated the expression of lamprey GnRH in the hypothalamus and gonadotophin β mRNA in the pituitary. Thus, GnIH may have emerged in agnathans as a stimulatory neuropeptide that subsequently diverged to an inhibitory neuropeptide during the course of evolution from basal vertebrates to later-evolved vertebrates, such as birds and mammals. From a structural point of view, pain modulatory neuropeptides, such as neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and neuropeptide AF, share a C-terminal PQRFamide motif. Because agnathans possess both GnIH and NPFF genes, the origin of GnIH and NPFF genes may date back before the emergence of agnathans. More recently, we identified a novel gene encoding RFamide peptides in the amphioxus. Molecular phylogenetic analysis and synteny analysis indicated that this gene is closely related to the genes of GnIH and NPFF of vertebrates. The results suggest that the identified protochordate gene is similar to the common ancestor of GnIH and NPFF genes, indicating that the origin of GnIH and NPFF may date back to the time of the emergence of early chordates. The GnIH and NPFF genes may have diverged by whole-genome duplication during the course of vertebrate evolution.

Differential expression of RFamide-related peptide, a mammalian gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone orthologue, and kisspeptin in the hypothalamus of Abadeh ecotype does during breeding and anoestrous seasons

Gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide that was discovered in birds as an inhibitory factor for gonadotrophin release. RFamide-related peptide (RFRP) is a mammalian GnIH orthologue that inhibits gonadotrophin synthesis and release in mammals through actions on gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones and gonadotrophs, mediated via the GnIH receptor (GnIH-R), GPR147. On the other hand, hypothalamic kisspeptin provokes the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus. The present study aimed to compare the expression of RFRP in the dorsomedial hypothalamus and paraventricular nucleus (DMH/PVN) and that of kisspeptin in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the female goat hypothalamus during anoestrous and breeding seasons. Mature female Abadeh does were used during anoestrus, as well as the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle. The number of RFRP-immunoreactive (-IR) neurones in the follicular phase was lower than in the luteal and anoestrous stages. Irrespective of the ovarian stage, the number of RFRP-IR neurones in the rostral and middle regions of the DMH/PVN was higher than in the caudal region. By contrast, the number of kisspeptin-IR neurones in the follicular stage was greater than in the luteal stage and during the anoestrous stage. Irrespective of the stage of the ovarian cycle, the number of kisspeptin-IR neurones in the caudal region of the ARC was greater than in the middle and rostral regions. In conclusion, RFRP-IR cells were more abundant in the rostral region of the DMH/PVN nuclei of the hypothalamus, with a greater number being found during the luteal and anoestrous stages compared to the follicular stage. On the other hand, kisspeptin-IR neurones were more abundant in the caudal part of the ARC, with a greater number recorded in the follicular stage compared to the luteal and anoestrous stages.

Identification, localisation and functional implication of 26RFa orthologue peptide in the brain of zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)

Several neuropeptides with the C-terminal Arg-Phe-NH(2) (RFa) sequence have been identified in the hypothalamus of a variety of vertebrates. The present study was conducted to isolate novel RFa peptides from the zebra finch brain. Peptides were isolated by immunoaffinity purification using an antibody that recognises avian RFa peptides. The isolated peptide consisted of 25 amino acids with RFa at its C-terminus. The sequence was SGTLGNLAEEINGYNRRKGGFTFRFa. Alignment of the peptide with vertebrate 26RFa has revealed that the identified peptide is the zebra finch 26RFa. We also cloned the precursor cDNA encoding this peptide. Synteny analysis of the gene showed a high conservation of this gene among vertebrates. In addition, we cloned the cDNA encoding a putative 26RFa receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 103 (GPR103) in the zebra finch brain. GPR103 cDNA encoded a 432 amino acid protein that has seven transmembrane domains. In situ hybridisation analysis in the brain showed that the expression of 26RFa mRNA is confined to the anterior-medial hypothalamic area, ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus and the lateral hypothalamic area, the brain regions that are involved in the regulation of feeding behaviour, whereas GPR103 mRNA is distributed throughout the brain in addition to the hypothalamic nuclei. When administered centrally in free-feeding male zebra finches, 26RFa increased food intake 24 h after injection without body mass change. Diencephalic GPR103 mRNA expression was up-regulated by fasting for 10 h. Our data suggest that the hypothalamic 26RFa-its receptor system plays an important role in the central control of food intake and energy homeostasis in the zebra finch.

Oliguria as predictive biomarker of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients

INTRODUCTION

During critical illness, oliguria is often used as a biomarker of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, its relationship with the subsequent development of AKI has not been prospectively evaluated.

METHODS

We documented urine output and daily serum creatinine concentration in patients admitted for more than 24 hours in seven intensive care units (ICUs) from six countries over a period of two to four weeks. Oliguria was defined by a urine output < 0.5 ml/kg/hr. Data were collected until the occurrence of creatinine-defined AKI (AKI-Cr), designated by RIFLE-Injury class or greater using creatinine criteria (RIFLE-I[Cr]), or until ICU discharge. Episodes of oliguria were classified by longest duration of consecutive oliguria during each day were correlated with new AKI-Cr the next day, examining cut-offs for oliguria of greater than 1,2,3,4,5,6, or 12 hr duration,

RESULTS

We studied 239 patients during 723 days. Overall, 32 patients had AKI on ICU admission, while in 23, AKI-Cr developed in ICU. Oliguria of greater than one hour was significantly associated with AKI-Cr the next day. On receiver-operator characteristic area under the curve (ROCAUC) analysis, oliguria showed fair predictive ability for AKI-Cr (ROCAUC = 0.75; CI:0.64-0.85). The presence of 4 hrs or more oliguria provided the best discrimination (sensitivity 52% (0.31-0.73%), specificity 86% (0.84-0.89%), positive likelihood ratio 3.8 (2.2-5.6), P < 0.0001) with negative predictive value of 98% (0.97-0.99). Oliguria preceding AKI-Cr was more likely to be associated with lower blood pressure, higher heart rate and use of vasopressors or inotropes and was more likely to prompt clinical intervention. However, only 30 of 487 individual episodes of oliguria preceded the new occurrence of AKI-Cr the next day.

CONCLUSIONS

Oliguria was significantly associated with the occurrence of new AKI-Cr, however oliguria occurred frequently compared to the small number of patients (~10%) developing AKI-Cr in the ICU, so that most episodes of oliguria were not followed by renal injury. Consequently, the occurrence of short periods (1-6 hr) of oliguria lacked utility in discriminating patients with incipient AKI-Cr (positive likelihood ratios of 2-4, with > 10 considered indicative of a useful screening test). However, oliguria accompanied by hemodynamic compromise or increasing vasopressor dose may represent a clinically useful trigger for other early biomarkers of renal injury.

Synchronised expressions of LPXRFamide peptide and its receptor genes: seasonal, diurnal and circadian changes during spawning period in grass puffer

Among the RFamide peptide family, the LPXRFamide peptide (LPXRFa) group regulates the release of various pituitary hormones and, recently, LPXRFa genes were found to be regulated by photoperiod via melatonin. As a first step towards investigating the role of LPXRFa on reproductive function in grass puffer (Takifugu niphobles), which spawns in semilunar cycles, genes encoding LPXRFa and its receptor (LPXRFa-R) were cloned, and seasonal, diurnal and circadian changes in their absolute amounts of mRNAs in the brain and pituitary were examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The grass puffer LPXRFa precursor contains two putative RFamide peptides and one possible RYamide peptide. LPXRFa and LPXRFa-R genes were extensively expressed in the diencephalon and pituitary. The expression levels of both genes were significantly elevated during the spawning periods in both sexes in the brain and pituitary, although they were low in the spawning fish just after releasing eggs and sperm. The treatment of primary pituitary cultures with goldfish LPXRFa increased the amounts of follicle-stimulating hormone β- and luteinising hormone β-subunit mRNAs. In the diencephalon, LPXRFa and LPXRFa-R genes showed synchronised diurnal and circadian variations with one peak at zeitgeber time 3 and circadian time 15, respectively. The correlated expression patterns of LPXRFa and LPXRFa-R genes in the diencephalon and pituitary and the possible stimulatory effects of LPXRFa on gonadotrophin subunit gene expression suggest the functional significance of the LPXRFa and LPXRFa-R system in the regulation of lunar-synchronised spawning of grass puffer.

Discovery and evolutionary history of gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone and kisspeptin: new key neuropeptides controlling reproduction

Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the primary hypothalamic factor responsible for the control of gonadotrophin secretion in vertebrates. However, within the last decade, two other hypothalamic neuropeptides have been found to play key roles in the control of reproductive functions: gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) and kisspeptin. In 2000, we discovered GnIH in the quail hypothalamus. GnIH inhibits gonadotrophin synthesis and release in birds through actions on GnRH neurones and gonadotrophs, mediated via GPR147. Subsequently, GnIH orthologues were identified in other vertebrate species from fish to humans. As in birds, mammalian and fish GnIH orthologues inhibit gonadotrophin release, indicating a conserved role for this neuropeptide in the control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis across species. Subsequent to the discovery of GnIH, kisspeptin, encoded by the KiSS-1 gene, was discovered in mammals. By contrast to GnIH, kisspeptin has a direct stimulatory effect on GnRH neurones via GPR54. GPR54 is also expressed in pituitary cells, but whether gonadotrophs are targets for kisspeptin remains unresolved. The KiSS-1 gene is also highly conserved and has been identified in mammals, amphibians and fish. We have recently found a second isoform of KiSS-1, designated KiSS-2, in several vertebrates, but not birds, rodents or primates. In this review, we highlight the discovery, mechanisms of action, and functional significance of these two chief regulators of the reproductive axis.

The roles of RFamide-related peptide-3 in mammalian reproductive function and behaviour

To maximise reproductive success, organisms restrict breeding to optimal times of the day or year, when internal physiology and external environmental conditions are suitable for the survival of both parent and offspring. To appropriately coordinate reproductive activity, internal and external standing is communicated to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis via a coordinated balance of stimulatory and inhibitory neurochemical systems. The cumulative balance of these mediators ultimately drives the pattern of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone secretion, a neurohormone that stimulates pituitary gonadotrophin secretion. Until 2000, a complementary inhibitor of pituitary gonadotrophin secretion had not been identified. At this time, a novel, avian hypothalamic peptide capable of inhibiting gonadotrophin secretion in cultured quail pituitary cells was uncovered and named gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). Subsequently, the presence and functional role for the mammalian orthologue of GnIH, RFamide-related peptide, (RFRP-3), was examined, confirming a conserved role for this peptide across several rodent species. To date, a similar distribution and functional role for RFRP-3 have been observed across all mammals investigated, including humans. This overview summarises the role that RFRP-3 plays in mammals and considers the implications and opportunities for further study with respect to reproductive physiology and the neural control of sexual behaviour and motivation.

Gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone: a multifunctional neuropeptide

Gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) was discovered 8 years ago in birds. Its identification raised the possibility that gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is not the sole hypothalamic neuropeptide that directly influences pituitary gonadotrophin release. Initial studies on GnIH focused on the avian anterior pituitary as comprising the only physiological target of GnIH. There are now several lines of evidence indicating that GnIH directly inhibits pituitary gonadotrophin synthesis and release in birds and mammals. Histological studies on projections from hypothalamic GnIH neurones subsequently implied direct actions of GnIH within the brain and in the periphery. In addition to actions on the pars distalis via the median eminence, GnIH axons and terminals are present in multiple brain areas in birds, and the GnIH receptor is expressed on GnRH-I and -II neurones. Furthermore, we have demonstrated the presence of GnIH and its receptor in avian and mammalian gonads. Thus, GnIH can act directly at multiple levels: within the brain, on the pituitary and in the gonads. In sum, our data indicate that GnIH and its related peptides are important modulators of reproductive function at the level of the GnRH neurone, the gonadotroph and the gonads. Here, we provide an overview of the known levels of GnIH action in birds and mammals. In addition, environmental and physiological factors that are involved in GnIH regulation are reviewed.

A new key neurohormone controlling reproduction, gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone in birds: discovery, progress and prospects

In vertebrates, the neuropeptide control of gonadotrophin secretion is primarily through the stimulatory action of the hypothalamic decapeptide, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Gonadal sex steroids and inhibin inhibit gonadotrophin secretion via feedback from the gonads, but a hypothalamic neuropeptide inhibiting gonadotrophin secretion was, until recently, unknown in vertebrates. In 2000, we discovered a novel hypothalamic dodecapeptide that directly inhibits gonadotrophin release in quail and termed it gonadotrophin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). GnIH acts on the pituitary and GnRH neurones in the hypothalamus via a novel G-protein-coupled receptor for GnIH to inhibit gonadal development and maintenance by decreasing gonadotrophin release and synthesis. The pineal hormone melatonin is a key factor controlling GnIH neural function. GnIH occurs in the hypothalamus of several avian species and is considered to be a new key neurohormone inhibiting avian reproduction. Thus, the discovery of GnIH provides novel directions to investigate neuropeptide regulation of reproduction. This review summarises the discovery, progress and prospects of GnIH, a new key neurohormone controlling reproduction.

Octopus gonadotrophin-releasing hormone: a multifunctional peptide in the endocrine and nervous systems of the cephalopod

The optic gland, which is analogous to the anterior pituitary in the context of gonadal maturation, is found on the upper posterior edge of the optic tract of the octopus Octopus vulgaris. In mature octopus, the optic glands enlarge and secrete a gonadotrophic hormone. A peptide with structural features similar to that of vertebrate gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was isolated from the brain of octopus and was named oct-GnRH. Oct-GnRH showed luteinising hormone-releasing activity in the anterior pituitary cells of the Japanese quail Coturnix coturnix. Oct-GnRH immunoreactive signals were observed in the glandular cells of the mature optic gland. Oct-GnRH stimulated the synthesis and release of sex steroids from the ovary and testis, and elicited contractions of the oviduct. Oct-GnRH receptor was expressed in the gonads and accessory organs, such as the oviduct and oviducal gland. These results suggest that oct-GnRH induces the gonadal maturation and oviposition by regulating sex steroidogenesis and a series of egg-laying behaviours via the oct-GnRH receptor. The distribution and expression of oct-GnRH in the central and peripheral nervous systems suggest that oct-GnRH acts as a multifunctional modulatory factor in feeding, memory processing, sensory, movement and autonomic functions.

Domain-related differentiation of working memory in the Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) frontal cortex: a positron emission tomography study

The lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC) is important for working memory (WM) task performance. Neuropsychological and neurophysiological studies in monkeys suggest that the lateral prefrontal cortex is functionally segregated based on the working memory domain (spatial vs. non-spatial). However, this is not supported by most human neuroimaging studies, and the discrepancy might be due to differences in methods and/or species (monkey neuropsychology/physiology vs. human neuroimaging). We used positron emission topography to examine the functional segregation of the lateral prefrontal cortex of Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) that showed near 100% accuracy on spatial and non-spatial working memory tasks. Compared with activity during the non-working memory control tasks, the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was more active during the non-spatial, but not during the spatial, working memory task, although a muscimol microinjection into the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex significantly impaired the performance of both working memory tasks. A direct comparison of the brain activity between the two working memory tasks revealed no differences within the lateral prefrontal cortex, whereas the premotor area was more active during the spatial working memory task. Comparing the delay-specific activity, which did not include task-associated stimulus/response-related activity, revealed more spatial working memory-related activity in the posterior parietal and premotor areas, and more non-spatial working memory-related activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. These results suggest that working memory in the monkey brain is segregated based on domain, not within the lateral prefrontal cortex but rather between the posterior parietal-premotor areas and the dorsolateral prefrontal-hippocampus areas.

Amyloid beta protein deposition in osteopetrotic (op/op) mice is reduced by injections of macrophage colony stimulating factor

The deposition of amyloid beta (Abeta) protein is a neuropathological change that characterizes Alzheimer's disease. Animals with the osteopetrosis (op/op) mutation suffer from a general skeletal sclerosis, a significantly reduced number of macrophages and osteoclasts in various tissues, and have no systemic macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF). This study examined the effect that M-CSF injections had on Abeta deposition and microglial cell distribution in the brains of normal and op/op mice. Abeta-positive plaques were detected in the cerebral cortex of op/op mice, but not in normal mice. M-CSF reduced the numbers of Abeta-positive plaques in op/op mice. The microglial cell population was reduced in op/op mice compared with normal mice, and M-CSF increased the numbers to 65.8% of that observed in normal mice. Our results suggest that a clearer understanding of the role that microglial cells play in Abeta deposition may help determine the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.

Momentum dependence of charge excitations in the electron-doped superconductor Nd1.85 Ce0.15 CuO4: a resonant inelastic x-ray scattering study

We report a resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) study of charge excitations in the electron-doped high-T(c) superconductor Nd1.85 Ce0.15 CuO4. The intraband and interband excitations across the Fermi energy are separated for the first time by tuning the experimental conditions properly to measure charge excitations at low energy. A dispersion relation with q-dependent width emerges clearly in the intraband excitation, while the intensity of the interband excitation is concentrated around 2 eV near the zone center. The experimental results are consistent with theoretical calculation of the RIXS spectra based on the Hubbard model.

Mott gap excitations in twin-free YBa2Cu3O7-delta (Tc=93 K) studied by resonant inelastic x-ray scattering

Mott gap excitations in the optimally doped high-T(c) superconductor YBa(2)Cu(3)O(7-delta) (T(c)=93 K) have been studied by the resonant inelastic x-ray scattering method. Anisotropic spectra in the ab plane are observed in a twin-free crystal. The excitation from the one-dimensional CuO chain is enhanced at 2 eV near the zone boundary of the b* direction, while the excitation from the CuO2 plane is broad at 1.5-4 eV and almost independent of the momentum transfer. Theoretical calculations based on the one-dimensional and two-dimensional Hubbard model reproduces the observed spectra when different values of the on-site Coulomb energy are assumed. The Mott gap of the CuO chain site is found to be much smaller than that of the CuO2 plane site.

A novel G protein-coupled receptor for gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica): identification, expression and binding activity

We recently identified a novel hypothalamic dodecapeptide inhibiting gonadotropin release in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). This novel peptide was therefore named gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). The GnIH precursor encoded one GnIH and two GnIH-related peptides (GnIH-RP-1 and GnIH-RP-2) that shared the same C-terminal motif, Leu-Pro-Xaa-Arg-Phe-NH(2) (Xaa=Leu or Gln; LPXRF-amide peptides). Identification of the receptor for GnIH is crucial to elucidate the mode of action of GnIH. We therefore identified the receptor for GnIH in the quail diencephalon and characterized its expression and binding activity. We first cloned a cDNA encoding a putative GnIH receptor by a combination of 3' and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) using PCR primers designed from the sequence for the receptor for rat RF-amide-related peptide (RFRP), an orthologous peptide of GnIH. Hydrophobic analysis revealed that the putative GnIH receptor possessed seven transmembrane domains, indicating a new member of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. The crude membrane fraction of COS-7 cells transfected with the putative GnIH receptor cDNA specifically bound to GnIH and GnIH-RPs in a concentration-dependent manner. Scatchard plot analysis of the binding showed that the identified GnIH receptor possessed a single class of high-affinity binding sites (K(d)=0.752 nM, B(max)=24.8 fmol/mg protein). Southern blotting analysis of reverse transcriptase-mediated PCR products revealed the expression of GnIH receptor mRNA in the pituitary gland and several brain regions including diencephalon in the quail. These results suggest that GnIH acts directly on the pituitary via GnIH receptor to inhibit gonadotropin release. GnIH may also act on the hypothalamus to inhibit gonadotropin-releasing hormone release.

Gonadotrophin inhibitory hormone depresses gonadotrophin alpha and follicle-stimulating hormone beta subunit expression in the pituitary of the domestic chicken

Studies performed in vitro suggest that a novel 12 amino acid RF amide peptide, isolated from the quail hypothalamus, is a gonadotrophin inhibitory hormone (GnIH). The aim of the present study was to investigate this hypothesis in the domestic chicken. Injections of GnIH into nest-deprived incubating hens failed to depress the concentration of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH). Addition of GnIH to short-term (120 min) cultures of diced pituitary glands from adult cockerels depressed follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH release and depressed common alpha and FSHbeta gonadotrophin subunit mRNAs, with no effect on LHbeta subunit mRNA. Hypothalamic GnIH mRNA was higher in incubating (out-of-lay) than in laying hens, but there was no significant difference in the amount of hypothalamic GnIH mRNA in out-of-lay and laying broiler breeder hens at the end of a laying year. It is concluded that avian GnIH may play a role in controlling gonadotrophin synthesis and associated constitutive release in the domestic chicken.

Expression and localization of 25-Dx, a membrane-associated putative progesterone-binding protein, in the developing Purkinje cell

Neurosteroids are synthesized de novo in the brain and the cerebellar Purkinje cell is a major site for neurosteroid formation. We have demonstrated that the rat Purkinje cell actively produces progesterone de novo from cholesterol only during neonatal life and progesterone promotes dendritic growth, spinogenesis and synaptogenesis via its nuclear receptor in this neuron. On the other hand, 25-Dx, a putative membrane progesterone receptor, has been identified in the rat liver. In this study, we therefore investigated the expression and localization of 25-Dx in the Purkinje cell to understand the mode of progesterone actions in this neuron. Reverse transcription-PCR and Western immunoblot analyses revealed the expressions of 25-Dx mRNA and 25-Dx-like protein in the rat cerebellum, which increased during neonatal life. By immunocytochemistry, the expression of 25-Dx-like protein was localized in the Purkinje cell and external granule cell layer. At the ultrastructural level, we further found that 25-Dx-like immunoreactivity was associated with membrane structures of the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus in the Purkinje cell. These results indicate that the Purkinje cell expresses the putative membrane progesterone receptor, 25-Dx during neonatal life. Progesterone may promote dendritic growth, spinogenesis and synaptogenesis via 25-Dx as well as its nuclear receptor in the Purkinje cell in the neonate.

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone in Gambel's white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii): cDNA identification, transcript localization and functional effects in laboratory and field experiments

The neuropeptide control of gonadotropin secretion is primarily through the stimulatory action of the hypothalamic decapeptide, GnRH. We recently identified a novel hypothalamic dodecapeptide with a C-terminal LeuPro-Leu-Arg-Phe-NH2 sequence in the domestic bird, Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). This novel peptide inhibited gonadotropin release in vitro from the quail anterior pituitary; thus it was named gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). GnIH may be an important factor regulating reproductive activity not only in domesticated birds but also in wild, seasonally breeding birds. Thus, we tested synthetic quail GnIH in seasonally breeding wild bird species. In an in vivo experiment, chicken gonadotropin-releasing hormone-I (cGnRH-I) alone or a cGnRH-I/quail GnIH cocktail was injected i.v. into non-breeding song sparrows (Melospiza melodia). Quail GnIH rapidly (within 2 min) attenuated the GnRH-induced rise in plasma LH. Furthermore, we tested the effects of quail GnIH in castrated, photostimulated Gambel's white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii), using quail GnIH or saline for injection. Again, quail GnIH rapidly reduced plasma LH (within 3 min) compared with controls. To characterize fully the action of GnIH in wild birds, the identification of their endogenous GnIH is essential. Therefore, in the present study a cDNA encoding GnIH in the brain of Gambel's white-crowned sparrow was cloned by a combination of 3' and 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends and compared with the quail GnIH cDNA previously identified. The deduced sparrow GnIH precursor consisted of 173 amino acid residues, encoding one sparrow GnIH and two sparrow GnIH-related peptides (sparrow GnIH-RP-1 and GnIH-RP-2) that included Leu-Pro-Xaa-Arg-Phe-NH2 (Xaa=Leu or Gln) at their C-termini. All these peptide sequences were flanked by a glycine C-terminal amidation signal and a single basic amino acid on each end as an endoproteolytic site. Although the homology of sparrow and quail GnIH precursors was approximately 66%, the C-terminal structures of GnIH, GnIH-RP-1 and GnIH-RP-2 were all identical in two species. In situ hybridization revealed the cellular localization of sparrow GnIH mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed that sparrow GnIH-like immunoreactive cell bodies and terminals were localized in the PVN and median eminence respectively. Thus, only the sparrow PVN expresses GnIH, which appears to be a hypothalamic inhibitory factor for LH release, as evident from our field injections of GnIH into free-living breeding white-crowned sparrows. Sparrow GnIH rapidly (within 2 min) reduced plasma LH when injected into free-living Gambel's white-crowned sparrows on their breeding grounds in northern Alaska. Taken together, our results indicate that, despite amino acid sequence differences, quail GnIH and sparrow GnIH have similar inhibitory effects on the reproductive axis in wild sparrow species. Thus, GnIH appears to be a modulator of gonadotropin release.

Effects of sex hormone disturbances on craniofacial growth in newborn mice

It is well-known that sex hormones influence bone metabolism. However, it remains unclear as to how sex hormones affect bone growth in newborn mice. In this study, we performed orchiectomy (ORX) and ovariectomy (OVX) on newborn mice, and examined the effects on craniofacial growth morphometrically. ORX and OVX were performed on five-day-old C57BL/6J mice. Four weeks after surgery, lateral cephalograms were taken of all of the mice, with the use of a rat and mouse cephalometer. Cephalometric analysis of the craniofacial skeleton was performed by means of a personal computer. Inhibition of craniofacial growth was found in the experimental groups but not in the sham-operated groups. In the nasomaxillary bone and mandible, the amount of growth was significantly reduced. These results suggest that craniofacial growth is inhibited by sex hormone disturbances not only in puberty but also immediately after birth.