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Chow JJ, Pitts KM, Schoenbaum A, Costa KM, Schoenbaum G, Shaham Y. Different Effects of Peer Sex on Operant Responding for Social Interaction and Striatal Dopamine Activity. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1887232024. [PMID: 38346894 PMCID: PMC10919252 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1887-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
When rats are given discrete choices between social interactions with a peer and opioid or psychostimulant drugs, they choose social interaction, even after extensive drug self-administration experience. Studies show that like drug and nondrug food reinforcers, social interaction is an operant reinforcer and induces dopamine release. However, these studies were conducted with same-sex peers. We examined if peer sex influences operant social interaction and the role of estrous cycle and striatal dopamine in same- versus opposite-sex social interaction. We trained male and female rats (n = 13 responders/12 peers) to lever-press (fixed-ratio 1 [FR1] schedule) for 15 s access to a same- or opposite-sex peer for 16 d (8 d/sex) while tracking females' estrous cycle. Next, we transfected GRAB-DA2m and implanted optic fibers into nucleus accumbens (NAc) core and dorsomedial striatum (DMS). We then retrained the rats for 15 s social interaction (FR1 schedule) for 16 d (8 d/sex) and recorded striatal dopamine during operant responding for a peer for 8 d (4 d/sex). Finally, we assessed economic demand by manipulating FR requirements for a peer (10 d/sex). In male, but not female rats, operant responding was higher for the opposite-sex peer. Female's estrous cycle fluctuations had no effect on operant social interaction. Striatal dopamine signals for operant social interaction were dependent on the peer's sex and striatal region (NAc core vs DMS). Results indicate that estrous cycle fluctuations did not influence operant social interaction and that NAc core and DMS dopamine activity reflect sex-dependent features of volitional social interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan J Chow
- Intramural Research Program, NIDA, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
| | - Kayla M Pitts
- Intramural Research Program, NIDA, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
| | - Ansel Schoenbaum
- Intramural Research Program, NIDA, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
| | - Kauê M Costa
- Intramural Research Program, NIDA, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
| | | | - Yavin Shaham
- Intramural Research Program, NIDA, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland 21230
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Yoshida T, Shimokawa Y, Ohta M, Takayanagi M, Kusuda S. Reproductive Seasonality, Estrous Cycle, Pregnancy, and the Recurrence of Postpartum Estrus Based on Long-Term Profiles of Fecal Sex Steroid Hormone Metabolites regarding Zoo-Housed Female Golden Takins ( Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi). Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:571. [PMID: 38396539 PMCID: PMC10886194 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040571] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the non-invasive monitoring of the endocrine ovarian activities of captive female golden takins (Budorcas taxicolor bedfordi) based on long-term fecal sex steroid hormone metabolite dynamics. Fecal progesterone (P4) metabolite dynamics were monitored in nine females for 0.5-15 years between 2004 and 2022. Fecal estradiol-17β (E2) and estrone (E1) metabolites were measured during certain estrous cycles, and fecal E1 metabolite concentrations were measured during all gestation periods. The breeding season of the captive animals was mainly between May and December, and they were polyestrous animals whose breeding season begins during the long-day period. The onset of the breeding season occurred slightly earlier as age increased. The mean age (±SD) at puberty based on fecal P4 metabolite dynamics was 4.1 ± 2.9 years. The first conception ages ranged from 2.3-10.2 years. The mean estrous cycle period (±SEM) was 25.4 ± 1.1 days, and mounting and mating occurred in periods of low fecal P4 metabolite levels during the breeding season. The mean gestation period (±SD) from the estimated mating date to the calving date was 253.9 ± 5.7 days, and the fecal P4 metabolite distribution during pregnancy was bimodal. Fecal estrone metabolite levels gradually increased 21 weeks before delivery, peaked during the week of delivery, and then markedly decreased in the first week after delivery. Estrus resumed in the first April-August period after delivery (mean ± SD; 103.5 ± 40.9 days) or in May of the year after delivery (421.0 ± 16.5 days). This study revealed that the estrous cycle and pregnancy of female golden takins can be determined by fecal progesterone metabolite dynamics and that fecal estrone metabolite dynamics increases toward parturition and are useful for predicting the date of delivery. This endocrinological information is important for planned breeding efforts for the golden takins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Yoshida
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan;
| | - Yuki Shimokawa
- Wildlife Conservation Center, Tokyo Zoological Park Society, Hodokubo, Hino, Tokyo 191-0042, Japan
| | - Makoto Ohta
- Yokohama Zoological Gardens ZOORASIA, Yokohama Greenery Foundation, Kamishirane-cho, Asahi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 241-0001, Japan
| | - Mayo Takayanagi
- Wildlife Conservation Center, Tokyo Zoological Park Society, Hodokubo, Hino, Tokyo 191-0042, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kusuda
- The United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Gifu University, Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan;
- Zoo Biology Research Center, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
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Matějková T, Dodoková A, Kreisinger J, Stopka P, Stopková R. Microbial, proteomic, and metabolomic profiling of the estrous cycle in wild house mice. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0203723. [PMID: 38171017 PMCID: PMC10846187 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02037-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Symbiotic microbial communities affect the host immune system and produce molecules contributing to the odor of an individual. In many mammalian species, saliva and vaginal fluids are important sources of chemical signals that originate from bacterial metabolism and may act as honest signals of health and reproductive status. In this study, we aimed to define oral and vaginal microbiomes and their dynamics throughout the estrous cycle in wild house mice. In addition, we analyzed a subset of vaginal proteomes and metabolomes to detect potential interactions with microbiomes. 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that both saliva and vagina are dominated by Firmicutes and Proteobacteria but differ at the genus level. The oral microbiome is more stable during the estrous cycle and most abundant bacteria belong to the genera Gemella and Streptococcus, while the vaginal microbiome shows higher bacterial diversity and dynamics during the reproductive cycle and is characterized by the dominance of Muribacter and Rodentibacter. These two genera cover around 50% of the bacterial community during estrus. Proteomic profiling of vaginal fluids revealed specific protein patterns associated with different estrous phases. Highly expressed proteins in estrus involve the keratinization process thus providing estrus markers (e.g., Hrnr) while some proteins are downregulated such as immune-related proteins that limit bacterial growth (Camp, Clu, Elane, Lyz2, and Ngp). The vaginal metabolome contains volatile compounds potentially involved in chemical communication, for example, ketones, aldehydes, and esters of carboxylic acids. Data integration of all three OMICs data sets revealed high correlations, thus providing evidence that microbiomes, host proteomes, and metabolomes may interact.IMPORTANCEOur data revealed dynamic changes in vaginal, but not salivary, microbiome composition during the reproductive cycle of wild mice. With multiple OMICs platforms, we provide evidence that changes in microbiota in the vaginal environment are accompanied by changes in the proteomic and metabolomics profiles of the host. This study describes the natural microbiota of wild mice and may contribute to a better understanding of microbiome-host immune system interactions during the hormonal and cellular changes in the female reproductive tract. Moreover, analysis of volatiles in the vaginal fluid shows particular substances that can be involved in chemical communication and reproductive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Matějková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Alica Dodoková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Jakub Kreisinger
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Pavel Stopka
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Romana Stopková
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, BIOCEV, Vestec, Czechia
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Vas S, Wall E, Zhou Z, Kalmar L, Han SY, Herbison AE. Long-term Recordings of Arcuate Nucleus Kisspeptin Neurons Across the Mouse Estrous Cycle. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae009. [PMID: 38279940 PMCID: PMC10873703 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae009] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
The arcuate nucleus kisspeptin (ARNKISS) neurons represent the GnRH pulse generator that likely drives pulsatile gonadotropin secretion in all mammals. Using an improved GCaMP fiber photometry system enabling long-term continuous recordings, we aimed to establish a definitive profile of ARNKISS neuronal activity across the murine estrous cycle. As noted previously, a substantial reduction in the frequency of ARNKISS neuron synchronization events (SEs) occurs on late proestrus and extends into estrus. The SE amplitude remains constant throughout the cycle. During metestrus, we unexpectedly detected many multipeak SEs where many SEs occurred rapidly, within 160 seconds of each other. By applying a machine learning-based, k-means clustering analysis, we were further able to detect substantial within-stage variability in the patterns of pulse generator activity. Estrous cycle-dependent changes in SE activity occurred around the time of lights on and off. We also find that a mild stressor such as vaginal lavage reduces ARNKISS neuron SE frequency for up to 3 hours. These observations provide a comprehensive account of ARNKISS neuron activity across the estrous cycle, highlight a new pattern of multipeak SE activity, and introduce a new k-means clustering approach for analyzing ARNKISS neuron population behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szilvia Vas
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Ellen Wall
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Ziyue Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Lajos Kalmar
- Department of Toxicology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Su Young Han
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Allan E Herbison
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
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Yu J, Li XF, Tsaneva-Atanasova K, Zavala E, O’Byrne KT. Chemogenetic activation of PVN CRH neurons disrupts the estrous cycle and LH dynamics in female mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1322662. [PMID: 38264285 PMCID: PMC10803550 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1322662] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The impact of stress on reproductive function is significant. Hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays a major role in regulating the stress response. Understanding how the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis interact is crucial for comprehending how stress can lead to reproductive dysfunction. However, whether stress influences reproductive function via modulating PVN CRH or HPA sequelae is not fully elucidated. Methods In this study, we investigated the impact of chemogenetic activation of PVN CRH neurons on reproductive function. We chronically and selectively stimulated PVN CRH neurons in female CRH-Cre mice using excitatory designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) viral constructs, which were bilaterally injected into the PVN. The agonist compound-21 (C21) was delivered through the drinking water. We determined the effects of DREADDs activation of PVN CRH neurons on the estrous cycles, LH pulse frequency in diestrus and metestrus and LH surge in proestrus mice. The effect of long-term C21 administration on basal corticosterone secretion and the response to acute restraint stress during metestrus was also examined. Additionally, computer simulations of a mathematical model were used to determine the effects of DREADDs activation of PVN CRH neurons, simulating chronic stress, on the physiological parameters examined experimentally. Results As a result, and consistent with our mathematical model predictions, the length of the estrous cycle was extended, with an increase in the time spent in estrus and metestrus, and a decrease in proestrus and diestrus. Additionally, the frequency of LH pulses during metestrus was decreased, but unaffected during diestrus. The occurrence of the preovulatory LH surge during proestrus was disrupted. The basal level of corticosterone during metestrus was not affected, but the response to acute restraint stress was diminished after long-term C21 application. Discussion These data suggest that PVN CRH neurons play a functional role in disrupting ovarian cyclicity and the preovulatory LH surge, and that the activity of the GnRH pulse generator remains relatively robust during diestrus but not during metestrus under chronic stress exposure in accordance with our mathematical model predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junru Yu
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Eder Zavala
- Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin T. O’Byrne
- Department of Women and Children’s Health, School of Life Course and Population Sciences, Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Orsini CA, Kim JH, Arguello AA. Editorial: Molecular underpinnings of relapse-like behavior: drug context and development. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 17:1347621. [PMID: 38239261 PMCID: PMC10794639 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1347621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin A. Orsini
- Department of Psychology, Neurology and Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Amy A. Arguello
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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Schalich KM, Koganti PP, Castillo JM, Reiff OM, Cheong SH, Selvaraj V. The uterine secretory cycle: recurring physiology of endometrial outputs that setup the uterine luminal microenvironment. Physiol Genomics 2024; 56:74-97. [PMID: 37694291 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00035.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Conserved in female reproduction across all mammalian species is the estrous cycle and its regulation by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, a collective of intersected hormonal events that are crucial for ensuring uterine fertility. Nonetheless, knowledge of the direct mediators that synchronously shape the uterine microenvironment for successive yet distinct events, such as the transit of sperm and support for progressive stages of preimplantation embryo development, remain principally deficient. Toward understanding the timed endometrial outputs that permit luminal events as directed by the estrous cycle, we used Bovidae as a model system to uniquely surface sample and study temporal shifts to in vivo endometrial transcripts that encode for proteins destined to be secreted. The results revealed the full quantitative profile of endometrial components that shape the uterine luminal microenvironment at distinct phases of the estrous cycle (estrus, metestrus, diestrus, and proestrus). In interpreting this comprehensive log of stage-specific endometrial secretions, we define the "uterine secretory cycle" and extract a predictive understanding of recurring physiological actions regulated within the uterine lumen in anticipation of sperm and preimplantation embryonic stages. This repetitive microenvironmental preparedness to sequentially provide operative support was a stable intrinsic framework, with only limited responses to sperm or embryos if encountered in the lumen within the cyclic time period. In uncovering the secretory cycle and unraveling realistic biological processes, we present novel foundational knowledge of terminal effectors controlled by the HPG axis to direct a recurring sequence of vital functions within the uterine lumen.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study unravels the recurring sequence of changes within the uterus that supports vital functions (sperm transit and development of preimplantation embryonic stages) during the reproductive cycle in female Ruminantia. These data present new systems knowledge in uterine reproductive physiology crucial for setting up in vitro biomimicry and artificial environments for assisted reproduction technologies for a range of mammalian species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey M Schalich
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Prasanthi P Koganti
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Juan M Castillo
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary College, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Olivia M Reiff
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Soon Hon Cheong
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary College, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
| | - Vimal Selvaraj
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States
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Dakic T, Velickovic K, Lakic I, Ruzicic A, Milicevic A, Plackic N, Vujovic P, Jevdjovic T. Rat brown adipose tissue thermogenic markers are modulated by estrous cycle phases and short-term fasting. Biofactors 2024; 50:101-113. [PMID: 37482913 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1993] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) converts chemical energy into heat to maintain body temperature. Although fatty acids (FAs) represent a primary substrate for uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-dependent thermogenesis, BAT also utilizes glucose for the same purpose. Considering that estrous cycle effects on BAT are not greatly explored, we examined those of 6-h fasting on interscapular BAT (iBAT) thermogenic markers in proestrus and diestrus. We found that the percentage of multilocular adipocytes was lower in proestrus than in diestrus, although it was increased after fasting in both analyzed estrous cycle stages. Furthermore, the percentage of paucilocular adipocytes was increased by fasting, unlike the percentage of unilocular cells, which decreased in both analyzed stages of the estrous cycle. The UCP1 amount was lower in proestrus irrespectively of the examined dietary regimens. Regarding FA transporters, it was shown that iBAT CD36 content was increased in fasted rats in diestrus. In contrast to GLUT1, the level of GLUT4 was interactively modulated by selected estrous cycle phases and fasting. There was no change in insulin receptor and ERK1/2 activation, while AKT activation was interactively modulated by fasting and estrous cycle stages. Our study showed that iBAT exhibits morphological and functional changes in proestrus and diestrus. Moreover, iBAT undergoes additional dynamic functional and morphological changes during short-term fasting to modulate nutrient utilization and adjust energy expenditure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Dakic
- Department for Comparative Physiology and Ecophysiology, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade-Faculty for Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ksenija Velickovic
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, Institute for Zoology, University of Belgrade-Faculty of Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Iva Lakic
- Department for Comparative Physiology and Ecophysiology, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade-Faculty for Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandra Ruzicic
- Department for Comparative Physiology and Ecophysiology, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade-Faculty for Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Andjela Milicevic
- Department for Comparative Physiology and Ecophysiology, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade-Faculty for Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nikola Plackic
- Department for Comparative Physiology and Ecophysiology, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade-Faculty for Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Predrag Vujovic
- Department for Comparative Physiology and Ecophysiology, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade-Faculty for Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tanja Jevdjovic
- Department for Comparative Physiology and Ecophysiology, Institute for Physiology and Biochemistry, University of Belgrade-Faculty for Biology, Belgrade, Serbia
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Szymanska K, Rytelewska E, Zaobidna E, Kiezun M, Gudelska M, Kopij G, Dobrzyn K, Mlyczynska E, Kurowska P, Kaminska B, Nynca A, Smolinska N, Rak A, Kaminski T. The Effect of Visfatin on the Functioning of the Porcine Pituitary Gland: An In Vitro Study. Cells 2023; 12:2835. [PMID: 38132154 PMCID: PMC10742260 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Visfatin (VIS), also known as nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), is the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Recently, VIS has been also recognized as an adipokine. Our previous study revealed that VIS is produced in the anterior and posterior lobes of the porcine pituitary. Moreover, the expression and secretion of VIS are dependent on the phase of the estrous cycle and/or the stage of early pregnancy. Based on this, we hypothesized that VIS may regulate porcine pituitary function. This study was conducted on anterior pituitary (AP) glands harvested from pigs during specific phases of the estrous cycle. We have shown the modulatory effect of VIS in vitro on LH and FSH secretion by porcine AP cells (determined by ELISA). VIS was also found to stimulate cell proliferation (determined by Alamar Blue) without affecting apoptosis in these cells (determined using flow cytometry technique). Moreover, it was indicated that VIS may act in porcine AP cells through the INSR, AKT/PI3K, MAPK/ERK1/2, and AMPK signaling pathways (determined by ELISA or Western Blot). This observation was further supported by the finding that simultaneous treatment of cells with VIS and inhibitors of these pathways abolished the observed VIS impact on LH and FSH secretion (determined by ELISA). In addition, our research indicated that VIS affected the mentioned processes in a manner that was dependent on the dose of VIS and/or the phase of the estrous cycle. Thus, these findings suggest that VIS may regulate the functioning of the porcine pituitary gland during the estrous cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Szymanska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.S.); (E.R.); (M.K.); (G.K.); (B.K.); (A.N.); (N.S.)
| | - Edyta Rytelewska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.S.); (E.R.); (M.K.); (G.K.); (B.K.); (A.N.); (N.S.)
| | - Ewa Zaobidna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Marta Kiezun
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.S.); (E.R.); (M.K.); (G.K.); (B.K.); (A.N.); (N.S.)
| | - Marlena Gudelska
- Department of Human Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Kopij
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.S.); (E.R.); (M.K.); (G.K.); (B.K.); (A.N.); (N.S.)
| | - Kamil Dobrzyn
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Ewa Mlyczynska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (E.M.); (P.K.); (A.R.)
- Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-348 Krakow, Poland
| | - Patrycja Kurowska
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (E.M.); (P.K.); (A.R.)
| | - Barbara Kaminska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.S.); (E.R.); (M.K.); (G.K.); (B.K.); (A.N.); (N.S.)
| | - Anna Nynca
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.S.); (E.R.); (M.K.); (G.K.); (B.K.); (A.N.); (N.S.)
| | - Nina Smolinska
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.S.); (E.R.); (M.K.); (G.K.); (B.K.); (A.N.); (N.S.)
| | - Agnieszka Rak
- Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; (E.M.); (P.K.); (A.R.)
| | - Tadeusz Kaminski
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland; (K.S.); (E.R.); (M.K.); (G.K.); (B.K.); (A.N.); (N.S.)
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Ogawa M, Kitamoto J, Takeda T, Hori M, Shikano K, Yamanaka-Tanaka A, Tanaka T, Kawaguchi T, Terada M, Tanaka T. Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane affects estradiol production in female rats but not H295R cells. J Appl Toxicol 2023; 43:1883-1898. [PMID: 37551828 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4524] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Sex hormones, such as androgens and estrogens, are predominantly produced in the gonads (ovaries and testes) and adrenal cortex. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that mimic, block, or interfere with hormones in the endocrine systems of humans and organisms. EDCs mainly act via nuclear receptors and steroidogenesis-related enzymes. In the OECD conceptual framework for testing and assessment of EDCs, several well-known assays are used to identify the potential disruption of nuclear receptors both in vivo and in vitro, whereas the H295R steroidogenesis assay is the only assay that detects the disruption of steroidogenesis. Forskolin and prochloraz are often used as positive controls in the H295R steroidogenesis assay. Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) was suspected one of EDCs, but the effects of D5 on steroidogenesis remain unclear. To establish a short-term in vivo screening method that detects the disruption of steroidogenesis, rats in the present study were fed a diet containing forskolin, prochloraz, or D5 for 14 days. Forskolin increased plasma levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) and testosterone as well as the mRNA level of Cyp19 in both the adrenal glands and ovaries. Prochloraz induced the loss of cyclicity in the sexual cycle and decreased plasma levels of E2 and testosterone. D5 increased E2 levels and shortened the estrous cycle in a dose-dependent manner; however, potential endocrine disruption was not detected in the H295R steroidogenesis assay. These results demonstrate the importance of comprehensively assessing the endocrine-disrupting effects of chemicals on steroidogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Ogawa
- Life Science Research Institute, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Junya Kitamoto
- Life Science Research Institute, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takeo Takeda
- Life Science Research Institute, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masami Hori
- Life Science Research Institute, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kisako Shikano
- Life Science Research Institute, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Amami Yamanaka-Tanaka
- Life Science Research Institute, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoki Tanaka
- Life Science Research Institute, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kawaguchi
- Life Science Research Institute, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Megumi Terada
- Life Science Research Institute, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Taku Tanaka
- Life Science Research Institute, Kumiai Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
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11
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Unger CA, Hope MC, Aladhami AK, Cotham WE, Socia CE, Rice BC, Clegg DJ, Velázquez KT, LaVoie HA, Hollis F, Enos RT. A Novel Tissue-Specific Insight into Sex Steroid Fluctuations Throughout the Murine Estrous Cycle. Endocrinology 2023; 165:bqad175. [PMID: 37967240 PMCID: PMC11032246 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad175] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Serum sex steroid levels fluctuate throughout the reproductive cycle. However, the degree to which sex steroid tissue content mimics circulating content is unknown. Understanding the flux and physiological quantity of tissue steroid content is imperative for targeted hormonal therapy development. Utilizing a gold-standard ultrasensitive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS) method we determined sex steroid (17β-estradiol [E2], testosterone, androstenedione, and progesterone) fluctuations in serum and in 15 tissues throughout the murine estrous cycle (proestrus, estrus, and diestrus I) and in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. We observed dynamic fluctuations in serum and tissue steroid content throughout the estrous cycle with proestrus generally presenting the highest content of E2, testosterone, and androstenedione, and lowest content of progesterone. In general, the trend in circulating steroid content between the stages of the estrous cycle was mimicked in tissue. However, the absolute amounts of steroid levels when normalized to tissue weight were found to be significantly different between the tissues with the serum steroid quantity often being significantly lower than the tissue quantity. Additionally, we found that OVX mice generally displayed a depletion of all steroids in the various tissues assessed, except in the adrenal glands which were determined to be the main site of peripheral E2 production after ovary removal. This investigation provides a comprehensive analysis of steroid content throughout the estrous cycle in a multitude of tissues and serum. We believe this information will help serve as the basis for the development of physiologically relevant, tissue-specific hormonal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Unger
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina-School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Marion C Hope
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina-School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Ahmed K Aladhami
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina-School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - William E Cotham
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Science, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Cassidy E Socia
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina-School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Barton C Rice
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina-School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Deborah J Clegg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 7995, USA
| | - Kandy T Velázquez
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina-School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Holly A LaVoie
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Fiona Hollis
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
| | - Reilly T Enos
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of South Carolina-School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, USA
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12
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Pagliarani S, Palmieri C, McGowan M, Carrick F, Boyd J, Johnston SD. Anatomy of the Female Koala Reproductive Tract. Biology (Basel) 2023; 12:1445. [PMID: 37998044 PMCID: PMC10669549 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111445] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), while being an iconic Australian marsupial, has recently been listed as endangered. To establish an improved understanding of normal reproductive anatomy, this paper brings together unpublished research which has approached the topic from two perspectives: (1) the establishment of an artificial insemination program, and (2) the definition of Chlamydia spp.-derived histopathological changes of the female koala urogenital system. Based on the presentation and histological processing of over 70 opportunistic specimens, recovered from wildlife hospitals in Southeast Queensland (Australia), we describe the gross and microanatomy of the koala ovary, oviduct, uteri, vaginal complex, and urogenital sinus during the interestrous, proliferative, and luteal phases of the reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Pagliarani
- Ontario Veterinary College, The University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - Chiara Palmieri
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - Michael McGowan
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - Frank Carrick
- School of Environment, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
- Sustainable Minerals Institute, Koala Study Program, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia 4072, Australia
| | - Jackson Boyd
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
- School of Environment, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
| | - Stephen D. Johnston
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
- School of Environment, The University of Queensland, Gatton 4343, Australia
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13
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Costa BY, Santos LG, Marianno P, Rae M, de Almeida MG, de Brito MC, Eichler R, Camarini R. Carbetocin Inhibits Behavioral Sensitization to Ethanol in Male and Female Mice, Independent of Corticosterone Levels. Toxics 2023; 11:893. [PMID: 37999545 PMCID: PMC10674331 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110893] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT), a pro-social peptide, is increasingly recognized as a potential protective substance against drug addiction. In the context of ethanol, previous research has shown OXT's properties in reducing self-administration, alleviating motor impairment in rodents, and reducing craving in humans. However, its role in behavioral sensitization, a neuroadaptive response resulting from repeated drug exposure linked to an increased drug incentive, remains unexplored. OXT is recognized for its role in regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, in which corticosterone is acknowledged as a significant factor in the development of behavioral sensitization. This study aimed to investigate the effects of carbetocin (CBT), an analogue of OXT, on the expression of behavioral sensitization to ethanol and the concurrent alterations in plasma corticosterone levels in male and female Swiss mice. We also aimed to confirm previous studies on OXT's impact on ethanol consumption in male mice, but with a focus on CBT, using the two-bottle choice model and the drinking in the dark (DID) methodology. For the sensitization study, the mice received either ethanol (1.8 g/kg, i.p.) or saline treatments daily for 15 consecutive days, followed by treatment with carbetocin (0.64 mg/kg, i.p.) or a vehicle for 6 days. Subsequently, on day 22, all the animals underwent an ethanol challenge to assess the expression of behavioral sensitization. The plasma corticosterone levels were measured on days 21 and 22. The CBT effectively prevented the expression of ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization in both male and female subjects, with no alterations having been detected in their corticosterone levels. In the ethanol consumption study, following an initial phase of ethanol acquisition, the male mice underwent a 6-day treatment with CBT i.p. or saline before being re-exposed to ethanol. We also found a reduction in their ethanol consumption due to the CBT treatment. In conclusion, carbetocin emerges as a promising and effective intervention for mitigating ethanol-induced behavioral sensitization and reducing ethanol intake, highlighting its potential significance in alcohol addiction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Yamada Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
| | - Luana Gasparini Santos
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil;
| | - Priscila Marianno
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
| | - Mariana Rae
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
| | - Marina Gomes de Almeida
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
| | - Malcon Carneiro de Brito
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
| | - Rosângela Eichler
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (B.Y.C.); (P.M.); (M.R.); (M.C.d.B.); (R.E.)
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14
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Truckenbrod LM, Cooper EM, Wheeler AR, Orsini CA. Cocaine intake correlates with risk-taking behavior and affects estrous cycling in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1293226. [PMID: 37965568 PMCID: PMC10641408 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1293226] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Navigating complex decisions and considering their relative risks and rewards is an important cognitive ability necessary for survival. However, use of and dependence on illicit drugs can result in long-lasting changes to this risk/reward calculus in individuals with substance use disorder. Recent work has shown that chronic exposure to cocaine causes long-lasting increases in risk taking in male and female rats, but there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the relationship between cocaine use and changes in risk taking. For example, it is unclear whether the magnitude of cocaine intake dictates the extent to which risk taking is altered. To address this, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats underwent cocaine (or sucrose) self-administration and, following a period of abstinence, were trained and tested in a rodent model of risky decision making. In this behavioral task, rats made discrete-trial choices between a lever associated with a small food reward (i.e., "safe" option) and a lever associated with a larger food reward accompanied by a variable risk of footshock delivery (i.e., "risky" option). Surprisingly, and in contrast to prior work in Long-Evans rats, there were no effects of cocaine self-administration on choice of the large, risky reward (i.e., risk taking) during abstinence in males or females. There was, however, a significant relationship between cocaine intake and risk taking in female rats, with greater intake associated with greater preference for the large, risky reward. Relative to their sucrose counterparts, female rats in the cocaine group also exhibited irregular estrous cycles, characterized by prolonged estrus and/or diestrus phases. Collectively, these data suggest that there may be strain differences in the effects of cocaine on risk taking and highlight the impact that chronic cocaine exposure has on hormonal cyclicity in females. Future work will focus on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying cocaine's intake-dependent effects on risk taking in females, and whether this is directly related to cocaine-induced alterations in neuroendocrine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M. Truckenbrod
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Emily M. Cooper
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Alexa-Rae Wheeler
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Caitlin A. Orsini
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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15
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Mansano NDS, Vieira HR, Araujo-Lopes R, Szawka RE, Donato J, Frazao R. Fasting Modulates GABAergic Synaptic Transmission to Arcuate Kisspeptin Neurons in Female Mice. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad150. [PMID: 37793082 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad150] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
It is well-established that the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis is suppressed due to negative energy balance. However, less information is available on whether kisspeptin neuronal activity contributes to fasting-induced responses. In the present study, female and male mice were fasted for 24 hours or provided food ad libitum (fed group) to determine whether acute fasting is sufficient to modulate kisspeptin neuronal activity. In female mice, fasting attenuated luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (PRL) serum levels and increased follicle-stimulating hormone levels compared with the fed group. In contrast, fasting did not affect gonadotropin or PRL secretion in male mice. By measuring genes related to LH pulse generation in micropunches obtained from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH), we observed that fasting reduced Kiss1 mRNA levels in female and male mice. In contrast, Pdyn expression was upregulated only in fasted female mice, whereas no changes in the Tac2 mRNA levels were observed in both sexes. Interestingly, the frequency and amplitude of the GABAergic postsynaptic currents recorded from ARH kisspeptin neurons (ARHKisspeptin) were reduced in 24-hour fasted female mice but not in males. Additionally, neuropeptide Y induced a hyperpolarization in the resting membrane potential of ARHKisspeptin neurons of fed female mice but not in males. Thus, the response of ARHKisspeptin neurons to fasting is sexually dependent with a female bias, associated with changes in gonadotropins and PRL secretion. Our findings suggest that GABAergic transmission to ARHKisspeptin neurons modulates the activity of the HPG axis during situations of negative energy balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naira da Silva Mansano
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Anatomia, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Henrique Rodrigues Vieira
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Anatomia, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Roberta Araujo-Lopes
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Raphael Escorsim Szawka
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Renata Frazao
- Universidade de Sao Paulo, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Departamento de Anatomia, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
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16
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Laoharatchatathanin T, Rieanrakwong D, Hatsugai Y, Terashima R, Yonezawa T, Kurusu S, Kawaminami M. Mast Cell Dynamics in the Ovary Are Governed by GnRH and Prolactin. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad144. [PMID: 37797313 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad144] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) facilitates the migration of mast cells (MCs) into the involuting mammary gland. As GnRH is also expressed in the ovary, we examined changes in ovarian MCs. MCs in the ovary were mainly in interstitial tissue and their number increased during the estrous cycle to produce 2 peaks, one at diestrus 2 (20:00 hours) and another at proestrus (17:00 hours). Laser microdissection demonstrated that GnRH mRNA is expressed throughout ovarian tissues (corpora lutea, follicles, and interstitial tissues). GnRH immunoreactivity was also ubiquitous, but MCs were the most strongly immunostained. Analysis of GnRH mRNA in the ovary showed it to fluctuate similarly to the variation in MC number during the estrous cycle, and MCs also expressed GnRH. Local administration of a GnRH agonist (GnRHa) into the hemilateral ovarian bursa increased MCs in the administered ovary. MC number and GnRH mRNA were significantly lowered in the pregnant ovary. Prolactin administration suppressed the normal peaks in MC number in the ovary at both diestrus and proestrus. By contrast, a dopamine agonist, administered when prolactin was elevated during pseudopregnancy, increased ovarian MC number. Furthermore, prolactin inhibited GnRHa-induced peritoneal MC migration in a Transwell assay. These data clearly demonstrate that ovarian MC number is regulated positively by local GnRH expression and negatively by prolactin. The suppressive effect of prolactin on GnRH and MCs would be part of its luteotrophic action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Titaree Laoharatchatathanin
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada 034-8628, Japan
- Clinic for Small Domestic Animals and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mahanakorn University of Technology, Bangkok 10530, Thailand
| | - Duangjai Rieanrakwong
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada 034-8628, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hatsugai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada 034-8628, Japan
| | - Ryota Terashima
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada 034-8628, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Yonezawa
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Pathobiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Shiro Kurusu
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada 034-8628, Japan
| | - Mitsumori Kawaminami
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Towada 034-8628, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari 794-8885, Japan
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17
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Newton MG, Stenhouse C, Halloran KM, Sah N, Moses RM, He W, Wu G, Bazer FW. Regulation of synthesis of polyamines by progesterone, estradiol, and their receptors in uteri of cyclic ewes†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:309-318. [PMID: 37418162 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad073] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), and expression of their receptors (PGR and ESR1, respectively) by cells of the uterus regulate reproductive performance of mammals through effects on secretion and transport of nutrients into the uterine lumen. This study investigated the effect of changes in P4, E2, PGR, and ESR1 on expression of enzymes for the synthesis and secretion of polyamines. Suffolk ewes (n = 13) were synchronized to estrus (Day 0) and then, on either Day 1 (early metestrus), Day 9 (early diestrus), or Day 14 (late diestrus) of the estrous cycle, maternal blood samples were collected, and ewes were euthanized before obtaining uterine samples and uterine flushings. Endometrial expression of MAT2B and SMS mRNAs increased in late diestrus (P < 0.05). Expression of ODC1 and SMOX mRNAs decreased from early metestrus to early diestrus, and expression of ASL mRNA was lower in late diestrus than in early metestrus (P < 0.05). Immunoreactive PAOX, SAT1, and SMS proteins were localized to uterine luminal, superficial glandular, and glandular epithelia, stromal cells, myometrium, and blood vessels. Concentrations of spermidine and spermine in maternal plasma decreased from early metestrus to early diestrus and decreased further in late diestrus (P < 0.05). The abundances of spermidine and spermine in uterine flushings were less in late diestrus than early metestrus (P < 0.05). These results indicate that synthesis and secretion of polyamines are affected by P4 and E2, as well as the expression of PGR and ESR1 in the endometria of cyclic ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makenzie G Newton
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | | | - Nirvay Sah
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Robyn M Moses
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Wenliang He
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Kleberg Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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18
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Quignon C. Collection and Analysis of Vaginal Smears to Assess Reproductive Stage in Mice. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e887. [PMID: 37725703 PMCID: PMC10516510 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of scientific studies include female mice to assess possible sex differences. As such, for reproducibility by others, it is important to consider hormonal levels, i.e., report the reproductive status of the female mice used. The mouse estrous cycle can be divided in 4 stages, all characterized by a different proportion of 3 cell types found in vaginal secretions. Observation of the mouse vaginal opening and collection of vaginal smears for analysis of cytology can be done in order to determine puberty onset and estrus stage. This protocol describes the characteristics of each estrus stage and details a quick and low-invasive method for collection of vaginal secretions. Examples of estrous cycle stages are included to help the investigator visualize patterns of cyclicity, which can provide important information about the reproductive health of the mice. Published 2023. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Basic Protocol 1: Visual assessment of vaginal opening Basic Protocol 2: Collection of vaginal secretion (smears).
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Quignon
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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19
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Moreira ARS, Lim J, Urbaniak A, Banik J, Bronson K, Lagasse A, Hardy L, Haney A, Allensworth M, Miles TK, Gies A, Byrum SD, Wilczynska A, Boehm U, Kharas M, Lengner C, MacNicol MC, Childs GV, MacNicol AM, Odle AK. Musashi Exerts Control of Gonadotrope Target mRNA Translation During the Mouse Estrous Cycle. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad113. [PMID: 37477898 PMCID: PMC10402870 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad113] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The anterior pituitary controls key biological processes, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress responses through distinct cell types that each secrete specific hormones. The anterior pituitary cells show a remarkable level of cell type plasticity that mediates the shifts in hormone-producing cell populations that are required to meet organismal needs. The molecular mechanisms underlying pituitary cell plasticity are not well understood. Recent work has implicated the pituitary stem cell populations and specifically, the mRNA binding proteins of the Musashi family in control of pituitary cell type identity. In this study we have identified the target mRNAs that mediate Musashi function in the adult mouse pituitary and demonstrate the requirement for Musashi function in vivo. Using Musashi RNA immunoprecipitation, we identify a cohort of 1184 mRNAs that show specific Musashi binding. Identified Musashi targets include the Gnrhr mRNA, which encodes the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), and the Fshb mRNA, encoding follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Reporter assays reveal that Musashi functions to exert repression of translation of the Fshb mRNA, in addition to the previously observed repression of the Gnrhr mRNA. Importantly, mice engineered to lack Musashi in gonadotropes demonstrate a failure to repress translation of the endogenous Gnrhr and Fshb mRNAs during the estrous cycle and display a significant heterogeneity in litter sizes. The range of identified target mRNAs suggests that, in addition to these key gonadotrope proteins, Musashi may exert broad regulatory control over the pituitary proteome in a cell type-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Silva Moreira
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Juchan Lim
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Alicja Urbaniak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Jewel Banik
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Katherine Bronson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Alex Lagasse
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Linda Hardy
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Anessa Haney
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Melody Allensworth
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Tiffany K Miles
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Allen Gies
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Stephanie D Byrum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
| | - Ania Wilczynska
- Bit.bio, The Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge CB22 3FH, UK
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling, Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg 66421, Germany
| | - Michael Kharas
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Christopher Lengner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA
| | - Melanie C MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Gwen V Childs
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Angus M MacNicol
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Angela K Odle
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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Lewitus VJ, Blackwell KT. Estradiol Receptors Inhibit Long-Term Potentiation in the Dorsomedial Striatum. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0071-23.2023. [PMID: 37487741 PMCID: PMC10405883 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0071-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Estradiol, a female sex hormone and the predominant form of estrogen, has diverse effects throughout the brain including in learning and memory. Estradiol modulates several types of learning that depend on the dorsomedial striatum (DMS), a subregion of the basal ganglia involved in goal-directed learning, cued action-selection, and motor skills. A cellular basis of learning is synaptic plasticity, and the presence of extranuclear estradiol receptors ERα, ERβ, and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) throughout the DMS suggests that estradiol may influence rapid cellular actions including those involved in plasticity. To test whether estradiol affects synaptic plasticity in the DMS, corticostriatal long-term potentiation (LTP) was induced using theta-burst stimulation (TBS) in ex vivo brain slices from intact male and female C57BL/6 mice. Extracellular field recordings showed that female mice in the diestrous stage of the estrous cycle exhibited LTP similar to male mice, while female mice in estrus did not exhibit LTP. Furthermore, antagonists of ERα or GPER rescued LTP in estrous females and agonists of ERα or GPER reduced LTP in diestrous females. In males, activating ERα but not GPER reduced LTP. These results uncover an inhibitory action of estradiol receptors on cellular learning in the DMS and suggest a cellular mechanism underlying the impairment in certain types of DMS-based learning observed in the presence of high estradiol. Because of the dorsal striatum's role in substance use disorders, these findings may provide a mechanism underlying an estradiol-mediated progression from goal-directed to habitual drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim T Blackwell
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience PhD Program
- Department of Bioengineering, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030
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21
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Hilz EN, Agee LA, Jun D, Monfils MH, Lee HJ. Estrous cycle state-dependent renewal of appetitive behavior recruits unique patterns of Arc mRNA in female rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1210631. [PMID: 37521726 PMCID: PMC10372431 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1210631] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Renewal is a behavioral phenomenon wherein extinction learning fails to generalize between different contextual environments, thereby representing a significant challenge to extinction-based rehabilitative therapies. Previously, we have shown that renewal of extinguished appetitive behavior differs across the estrous cycle of the female rat. In this experiment that effect is replicated and extended upon to understand how the estrous cycle may modulate contextual representation at the neuronal population level to drive renewal. Methods Estrous cycle stage [i.e., proestrus (P, high hormone) or metestrus/diestrus (M/D, low hormone)] was considered during two important learning and behavioral expression windows: at extinction training and during long-term memory (LTM)/renewal testing. Cellular compartment analysis of temporal activity using fluorescence in situ hybridization (catFISH) for Arc mRNA was conducted after the distinct context-stimulus exposures. Results Rats in P during context-dependent extinction training but in a different stage of the estrous cycle during LTM and renewal testing (P-different) were shown to exhibit more renewal of conditioned foodcup (but not conditioned orienting) behavior compared to rats in other estrous cycle groups. Importantly, we discovered this depends on the order of tests. P-different rats showed differential Arc mRNA expression in regions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC), amygdala, and hippocampus (HPC). For each case P-different rats had more co-expression (i.e., expression of both nuclear and cytoplasmic) of Arc mRNA compared to other groups; specific to the dorsal HPC, P-different rats also had a more robust Arc mRNA response to the extinction context exposure. Conclusion These data suggest female rats show estrous cycle state-dependent renewal of appetitive behavior, and differences in context and conditioned stimulus representation at the neuronal level may drive this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily N. Hilz
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Laura A. Agee
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Donyun Jun
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Marie-H. Monfils
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Hongjoo J. Lee
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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22
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Cao Y, Yang M, Song J, Jiang X, Xu S, Che L, Fang Z, Lin Y, Jin C, Feng B, Wu D, Hua L, Zhuo Y. Dietary Protein Regulates Female Estrous Cyclicity Partially via Fibroblast Growth Factor 21. Nutrients 2023; 15:3049. [PMID: 37447375 DOI: 10.3390/nu15133049] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a hormone predominantly released in the liver, has emerged as a critical endocrine signal of dietary protein intake, but its role in the control of estrous cyclicity by dietary protein remains uncertain. To investigated the role of FGF21 and hypothalamic changes in the regulation of estrous cyclicity by dietary protein intake, female adult Sprague-Dawley rats with normal estrous cycles were fed diets with protein contents of 4% (P4), 8% (P8), 13% (P13), 18% (P18), and 23% (P23). FGF21 liver-specific knockout or wild-type mice were fed P18 or P4 diets to examine the role of liver FGF21 in the control of estrous cyclicity. Dietary protein restriction resulted in no negative effects on estrous cyclicity or ovarian follicular development when the protein content was greater than 8%. Protein restriction at 4% resulted in decreased bodyweight, compromised Kiss-1 expression in the hypothalamus, disturbed estrous cyclicity, and inhibited uterine and ovarian follicular development. The disturbed estrous cyclicity in rats that received the P4 diet was reversed after feeding with the P18 diet. Liver Fgf21 mRNA expressions and serum FGF21 levels were significantly increased as dietary protein content decreased, and loss of hepatic FGF21 delayed the onset of cyclicity disruption in rats fed with the P4 diet, possibly due to the regulation of insulin-like growth factor-1. Collectively, severe dietary protein restriction results in the cessation of estrous cyclicity and ovarian follicle development, and hepatic FGF21 and hypothalamic Kiss-1 were partially required for this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxue Cao
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Min Yang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
- Pet Nutrition and Health Research Center, Chengdu Agricultural College, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Jie Song
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Xuemei Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Shengyu Xu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lianqiang Che
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Zhengfeng Fang
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yan Lin
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Chao Jin
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Bin Feng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - De Wu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Lun Hua
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Yong Zhuo
- Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Resistant Nutrition of the Ministry of Education, Animal Nutrition Institute, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
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23
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Zeng PY, Tsai YH, Lee CL, Ma YK, Kuo TH. Minimal influence of estrous cycle on studies of female mouse behaviors. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1146109. [PMID: 37470056 PMCID: PMC10352621 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1146109] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sex bias has been an issue in many biomedical fields, especially in neuroscience. In rodent research, many scientists only focused on male animals due to the belief that female estrous cycle gives rise to unacceptable, high levels of variance in the experiments. However, even though female sexual behaviors are well known to be regulated by estrous cycle, which effects on other non-sexual behaviors were not always consistent in previous reports. Recent reviews analyzing published literature even suggested that there is no evidence for larger variation in female than male in several phenotypes. Methods To further investigate the impact of estrous cycle on the variability of female behaviors, we conducted multiple behavioral assays, including the open field test, forced swimming test, and resident-intruder assay to assess anxiety-, depression-like behaviors, as well as social interaction respectively. We compared females in the estrus and diestrus stages across four different mouse strains: C57BL/6, BALB/c, C3H, and DBA/2. Results Our results found no significant difference in most behavioral parameters between females in these two stages. On the other hand, the differences in behaviors among certain strains are relatively consistent in both stages, suggesting a very minimal effect of estrous cycle for detecting the behavioral difference. Last, we compared the behavioral variation between male and female and found very similar variations in most behaviors between the two sexes. Discussion While our study successfully identified behavioral differences among strains and between the sexes, we did not find solid evidence to support the notion that female behaviors are influenced by the estrous cycle. Additionally, we observed similar levels of behavioral variability between males and females. Female mice, therefore, have no reason to be excluded in future behavioral research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yun Zeng
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Hsuan Tsai
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Lin Lee
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Kai Ma
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Han Kuo
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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24
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Ng TT, Fascetti AJ, Larsen JA. Reproduction of Domestic Cats in Laboratories, Catteries, and Feral Colonies: A Review. Top Companion Anim Med 2023; 55:100780. [PMID: 37225041 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2023.100780] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Cat reproduction is important for research and commercial cat breeding operations, as well as the control of feral cat populations. This review describes studies examining reproductive performance in laboratory cats, privately-owned breeding cats, and feral cats, including sexual maturity, the estrous cycle (timing, behavior, and hormonal changes), seasonal effects, gestation length, parturition (litter size, litter weight, and parity effects), mortality, and stillbirth. Because the studies highlighted in this review vary in the location where they were conducted and the region's management practices, these factors should be considered depending on the goal of the reader when interpreting these data. Furthermore, standard practices were lacking in some earlier studies of cat reproduction, so they should be considered for historical context only and may not reflect the actual reproductive potential of cats as described in the new studies due to advancements in husbandry practices and nutrition. The objective of this manuscript is to review scientific studies examining reproductive performance in laboratory cats, privately-owned breeding cats, and feral cats. The data sources for this manuscript included original research publications and scientific reviews from the veterinary literature. All reviews or studies that augmented the knowledge of the reproduction of domestic cats in laboratories, catteries, and feral colonies were included. Most studies on laboratory cats have been conducted under the conditions of controlled light cycles, temperature, and diet. The environmental effects on reproductive behavior are subtler than those in feral cat studies, but the effects are still distinguishable. Cat breeding studies focus on genetic effects and rely heavily on surveys or questionnaires from cat breeders. However, the reliability of these data can be variable, in part because the methodology of record-keeping and other protocols are generally not reported. In addition, laboratory animal management standards, specific pathogen-free cat colonies, and nutritional requirements for cats were not fully established until the 1970s. Reproductive outcomes of earlier studies may not be a true representation of the modern cat due to more advanced, regulated husbandry practices, including improvements in nutrition, resulting in diets formulated to meet feline requirements for every life stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theros T Ng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA.
| | - Andrea J Fascetti
- Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer A Larsen
- Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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Rosa-Caldwell ME, Mortreux M, Wadhwa A, Kaiser UB, Sung DM, Bouxsein ML, Rutkove SB. Influence of gonadectomy on muscle health in micro- and partial-gravity environments in rats. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 134:1438-1449. [PMID: 37102698 PMCID: PMC10228673 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00023.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadal hormones, such as testosterone and estradiol, modulate muscle size and strength in males and females. However, the influence of sex hormones on muscle strength in micro- and partial-gravity environments (e.g., the Moon or Mars) is not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of gonadectomy (castration/ovariectomy) on progression of muscle atrophy in both micro- and partial-gravity environments in male and female rats. Male and female Fischer rats (n = 120) underwent castration/ovariectomy (CAST/OVX) or sham surgery (SHAM) at 11 wk of age. After 2 wk of recovery, rats were exposed to hindlimb unloading (0 g), partial weight bearing at 40% of normal loading (0.4 g, Martian gravity), or normal loading (1.0 g) for 28 days. In males, CAST did not exacerbate body weight loss or other metrics of musculoskeletal health. In females, OVX animals tended to have greater body weight loss and greater gastrocnemius loss. Within 7 days of exposure to either microgravity or partial gravity, females had detectable changes to estrous cycle, with greater time spent in low-estradiol phases diestrus and metestrus (∼47% in 1 g vs. 58% in 0 g and 72% in 0.4 g animals, P = 0.005). We conclude that in males testosterone deficiency at the initiation of unloading has little effect on the trajectory of muscle loss. In females, initial low estradiol status may result in greater musculoskeletal losses.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We find that removal of gonadal hormones does not exacerbate muscle loss in males or females during exposure to either simulated microgravity or partial-gravity environments. However, simulated micro- and partial gravity did affect females' estrous cycles, with more time spent in low-estrogen phases. Our findings provide important data on the influence of gonadal hormones on the trajectory of muscle loss during unloading and will help inform NASA for future crewed missions to space and other planets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Rosa-Caldwell
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Marie Mortreux
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Anna Wadhwa
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Dong-Min Sung
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Mary L Bouxsein
- Center for Advanced Orthopedic Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Seward B Rutkove
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
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26
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Noubouossie Pouegue J, Mvondo MA. Milicia excelsa (Moraceae) reversed the effects of letrozole-induced aromatase inhibition in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Complement Integr Med 2023; 20:379-386. [PMID: 36617954 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2022-0352] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy affecting 5-20% of women of childbearing age. There is no single drug for the treatment of PCOS and current therapies have significant side effects. This study evaluated the ability of Milica excelsa to improve PCOS symptoms in rats. METHODS Induction of PCOS was achieved using letrozole (a reversible aromatase inhibitor; 1 mg/kg; given orally for 21 days). From day 22, PCOS rats received the aqueous extract of M. excelsa roots (14 and 140 mg/kg). Clomiphene citrate (1 mg/kg) was administered to the positive control. The negative and the normal controls received the vehicle (5% DMSO). Treatments were given orally for 7 or 14 days. Vaginal smears were scrutinized daily during the experiment. Body weight was measured hebdomadal. Animals were sacrificed after the two treatment periods for biochemical and histological analyses. RESULTS Aromatase inhibition caused hyperandrogenism (p<0.001), overweight (p<0.001) and fat accumulation (p<0.001). It also blocked the estrous cycle at the diestrus phase and altered ovarian dynamics as evidenced by the accumulation of cystic (p<0.001) and atretic (p<0.001) follicles. In contrast, M. excelsa induced weight loss (p<0.001), reduction in fat weight (p<0001), and lower serum androgen and LH levels (p<0.001). It also restored the estrous cycle and improved ovarian dynamics by increasing the amount of Graafian follicles (p<0.001) and corpora lutea (p<0.001), and decreasing that of cystic and atretic follicles (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Milica excelsa corrected hyperandrogenism and overweight in PCOS animals, and reduced cyst formation and follicle atresia in their ovaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Noubouossie Pouegue
- Department of Animal Biology, Animal Physiology and Phytopharmacology Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Marie Alfrede Mvondo
- Department of Animal Biology, Animal Physiology and Phytopharmacology Research Unit, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon
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Wang X, Li T, Bai X, Zhu Y, Zhang M, Wang L. Therapeutic prospect on umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in animal model with primary ovarian insufficiency: a meta-analysis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1211070. [PMID: 37324123 PMCID: PMC10264577 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1211070] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) leads to not only infertile but several adverse health events to women. Traditional treatment methods have their own set of limitations and drawbacks that vary in degree. Application of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUCMSC) is a promising strategy for POI. However, there is a lack of literatures on application of hUCMSC in human. Animal experimental model, however, can reflect the potential effectiveness of this employment. This study aimed to evaluate the curative effect of hUCMSC on animals with POI on a larger scale. Methods To gather data, Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies published up to April 2022. Various indices, including the animals' estrous cycle, serum sex hormone levels, and follicle number in the ovary, were compared between the experimental group and those with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Results The administration of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSC) has been shown to significantly improve the estrous cycle (RR: 3.32, 95% CI: [1.80, 6.12], I2 = 0%, P = 0.0001), but robustly decrease its length (SMD: -1.97, 95% CI: [-2.58, -1.36], I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001). It can also strikingly increase levels of serum estradiol (SMD: 5.34, 95% CI: [3.11, 7.57], I2 = 93%, P < 0.00001) and anti-müllerian hormone (SMD: 1.92, 95% CI: [0.60, 3.25], I2 = 68%, P = 0.004). Besides, it lowers levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (SMD: -3.02, 95% CI: [-4.88, -1.16], I2 = 93%, P = 0.001) and luteinising hormone (SMD: -2.22, 95% CI: [-3.67, -0.76], I2 = 78%, P = 0.003), and thus collectively promotes folliculogenesis (SMD: 4.90, 95% CI: [3.92, 5.88], I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001). Conclusions Based on the presented findings, it is concluded that the administration of hUCMSC in animal models with POI can result in significant improvements in several key indicators, including estrous cycle recovery, hormone level modulation, and promotion of folliculogenesis. These positive outcomes suggest that hUCMSC may have potential as a treatment for POI in humans. However, further research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of hUCMSC in humans before their clinical application. Systematic review registration https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2023-5-0075/, identifier: INPLASY202350075.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrun Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuechai Bai
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Gynecology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yun Zhu
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meiliang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yiwu Maternity and Children Hosptial, Yiwu Branch of Children's Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Młotkowska P, Marciniak E, Misztal A, Misztal T. Effect of Neurosteroids on Basal and Stress-Induced Oxytocin Secretion in Luteal-Phase and Pregnant Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101658. [PMID: 37238088 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101658] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide synthesized in the hypothalamic nuclei that modulates both behavioral and reproductive functions, associated with the increased neurosteroid synthesis in the brain. Therefore, the present study tested the hypothesis that manipulation of central neurosteroid levels could affect oxytocin synthesis and release in non-pregnant and pregnant sheep under both basal and stressful conditions. In Experiment 1, luteal-phase sheep were subjected to a series of intracerebroventricular (icv.) infusions of allopregnanolone (AL, 4 × 15 μg/60 μL/30 min) for 3 days. In Experiment 2, pregnant animals (4th month) received a series of infusions of the neurosteroid synthesis blocker, finasteride (4 × 25 μg/60 μL/30 min), conducted for 3 days. In non-pregnant sheep AL alone was shown to differentially modulate OT synthesis in basal conditions, and strongly inhibit OT response to stress (p < 0.001). In contrast, in pregnant animals, basal and stress-induced OT secretion was significantly (p < 0.001) increased during finasteride infusion compared to controls. In conclusion, we showed that neurosteroids were involved in the control of OT secretion in sheep, particularly under stress and pregnancy conditions and are part of an adaptive mechanism which is responsible for protecting and maintaining pregnancy in harmful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Młotkowska
- Department of Animal Physiology, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Marciniak
- Department of Animal Physiology, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Anna Misztal
- Department of Animal Physiology, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
| | - Tomasz Misztal
- Department of Animal Physiology, The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland
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Beeson ALS, Meitzen J. Estrous cycle impacts on dendritic spine plasticity in rat nucleus accumbens core and shell and caudate-putamen. J Comp Neurol 2023; 531:759-774. [PMID: 36756791 PMCID: PMC10994586 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
An important factor that can modulate neuron properties is sex-specific hormone fluctuations, including the human menstrual cycle and rat estrous cycle in adult females. Considering the striatal brain regions, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) core, NAc shell, and caudate-putamen (CPu), the estrous cycle has previously been shown to impact relevant behaviors and disorders, neuromodulator action, and medium spiny neuron (MSN) electrophysiology. Whether the estrous cycle impacts MSN dendritic spine attributes has not yet been examined, even though MSN spines and glutamatergic synapse properties are sensitive to exogenously applied estradiol. Thus, we hypothesized that MSN dendritic spine attributes would differ by estrous cycle phase. To test this hypothesis, brains from adult male rats and female rats in diestrus, proestrus AM, proestrus PM, and estrus were processed for Rapid Golgi-Cox staining. MSN dendritic spine density, size, and type were analyzed in the NAc core, NAc shell, and CPu. Overall spine size differed across estrous cycle phases in female NAc core and NAc shell, and spine length differed across estrous cycle phase in NAc shell and CPu. Consistent with previous work, dendritic spine density was increased in the NAc core compared to the NAc shell and CPu, independent of sex and estrous cycle. Spine attributes in all striatal regions did not differ by sex when estrous cycle was disregarded. These results indicate, for the first time, that estrous cycle phase impacts dendritic spine plasticity in striatal regions, providing a neuroanatomical avenue by which sex-specific hormone fluctuations can impact striatal function and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna LS Beeson
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, USA
- Graduate Program in Biology, NC State University, Raleigh, USA
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State University, Raleigh, USA
- Comparative Medicine Institute, NC State University, Raleigh, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, USA
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Saavedra-Peña RDM, Taylor N, Flannery C, Rodeheffer MS. Estradiol cycling drives female obesogenic adipocyte hyperplasia. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112390. [PMID: 37053070 PMCID: PMC10567995 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
White adipose tissue (WAT) distribution is sex dependent. Adipocyte hyperplasia contributes to WAT distribution in mice driven by cues in the tissue microenvironment, with females displaying hyperplasia in subcutaneous and visceral WAT, while males and ovariectomized females have visceral WAT (VWAT)-specific hyperplasia. However, the mechanism underlying sex-specific hyperplasia remains elusive. Here, transcriptome analysis in female mice shows that high-fat diet (HFD) induces estrogen signaling in adipocyte precursor cells (APCs). Analysis of APCs throughout the estrous cycle demonstrates increased proliferation only when proestrus (high estrogen) coincides with the onset of HFD feeding. We further show that estrogen receptor α (ERα) is required for this proliferation and that estradiol treatment at the onset of HFD feeding is sufficient to drive it. This estrous influence on APC proliferation leads to increased obesity driven by adipocyte hyperplasia. These data indicate that estrogen drives ERα-dependent obesogenic adipocyte hyperplasia in females, exacerbating obesity and contributing to the differential fat distribution between the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Del M Saavedra-Peña
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Natalia Taylor
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Clare Flannery
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Matthew S Rodeheffer
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Center for Molecular and Systems Metabolism, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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Raimondi GM, Tripp R, Ostroff LE. The Track-by-Day Method for Monitoring the Rodent Estrous Cycle. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e747. [PMID: 37039442 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.747] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
The exclusion of female subjects from preclinical neuroscience research has traditionally been justified in part by concerns about potential effects of cycling ovarian hormones on brain function. There is evidence that some behavioral and neurobiological measures do change over the estrous cycle and, as the use of female subjects becomes increasingly routine, there is a greater demand for accessible cycle-tracking methods. Conventional estrous cycle staging requires expert training in the qualitative interpretation of vaginal cytology smears, which serves as a barrier for novice researchers. In addition, definitions and reporting practices are not standardized across laboratories, which makes it difficult to compare results across studies and likely contributes to a false perception of the cycle as ephemeral and inconsistent. Here, we describe a streamlined method for monitoring the estrous cycle in rats, which we term Track-by-Day. It is simple to implement and inherently produces consistent reporting. Our protocol should serve to demystify and facilitate adoption of cycle tracking for those new to the practice. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Collection and staining of vaginal smears Basic Protocol 2: Track-by-Day classification of vaginal smears Support Protocol: Preparation of gelatin-subbed slides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianna M Raimondi
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Rebecca Tripp
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
| | - Linnaea E Ostroff
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Connecticut Institute for the Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
- Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut
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Yang Y, Tummaruk P, Angkawanish T, Langkaphin W, Chatdarong K. Seasonal Effects on Body Condition and Characteristics of the Estrous Cycle in Captive Asian Elephants ( Elephas maximus) in Thailand: A Retrospective Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13071133. [PMID: 37048389 PMCID: PMC10093222 DOI: 10.3390/ani13071133] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of season on the body condition score (BCS), the characteristics of the estrous cycle (luteal phase [LPL], follicular phase [FPL], estrous cycle [ECL] lengths, and the start of the luteal phase [SLP] and follicular phase [SFP]), and progesterone levels (baseline and peak) of eight captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand. From 2014 to 2019, blood samples were collected weekly for serum progesterone enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Estrous cycles (n = 70), including the luteal and follicular phases, and BCS (n = 70) were recorded. Based on the BCS, the LPL, FPL, and ECL were assigned to the following two groups: normal (BCS = 3.0-4.0, n = 38) and overweight (BCS = 4.5-5.0, n = 32). The findings demonstrated that there was no difference in LPL between the groups. However, in the normal group, the ECL was one week longer (14.9 ± 1.7 vs. 13.9 ± 1.7 weeks; p < 0.05), and the FPL also tended to be one week longer (7.2 ± 1.7 vs. 6.4 ± 1.5 weeks; p = 0.06) than in the overweight group. The mean progesterone level during the rainy, hot, and cool seasons was not statistically different. Based on the yearly averaged BCS from three seasons, the baseline and peak levels of progesterone were classified into the normal (n = 16) and overweight (n = 12) groups. Females with a normal BCS tended to exhibit higher progesterone peak levels (p = 0.08). The majority of peaks appeared during the rainy season (53.57%). The BCS was highest during the hot (4.47) and rainy (4.38) seasons, but not during the cool (4.12) season. The LPL, FPL, and ECL were not affected by the season in which the luteal phase occurred. On the other hand, the rainy season had a significant effect on the SFP, resulting in a longer LPL (p < 0.05) and ECL (p = 0.01); both were the longest during the rainy season. In conclusion, the effects of season on BCS may be related to characteristics of the estrous cycle and peak progesterone levels. Ultimately, these findings provide ground knowledge to assist elephant managers and owners in planning breeding activities using seasonal effects and BCS measurements in tropical climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Yang
- Research Unit of Obstetrics and Reproduction in Animals, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Padet Tummaruk
- Research Unit of Obstetrics and Reproduction in Animals, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Taweepoke Angkawanish
- The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, National Elephant Institute of Thailand, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | - Warangkhana Langkaphin
- The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, National Elephant Institute of Thailand, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang 52190, Thailand
| | - Kaywalee Chatdarong
- Research Unit of Obstetrics and Reproduction in Animals, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
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Shanley MR, Miura Y, Guevara CA, Onoichenco A, Kore R, Ustundag E, Darwish R, Renzoni L, Urbaez A, Blicker E, Seidenberg A, Milner TA, Friedman AK. Estrous Cycle Mediates Midbrain Neuron Excitability Altering Social Behavior upon Stress. J Neurosci 2023; 43:736-48. [PMID: 36549906 DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1504-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The estrous cycle is a potent modulator of neuron physiology. In rodents, in vivo ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) activity has been shown to fluctuate across the estrous cycle. Although the behavioral effect of fluctuating sex steroids on the reward circuit is well studied in response to drugs of abuse, few studies have focused on the molecular adaptations in the context of stress and motivated social behaviors. We hypothesized that estradiol fluctuations across the estrous cycle acts on the dopaminergic activity of the VTA to alter excitability and stress response. We used whole-cell slice electrophysiology of VTA DA neurons in naturally cycling, adult female C57BL/6J mice to characterize the effects of the estrous cycle and the role of 17β-estradiol on neuronal activity. We show that the estrous phase alters the effect of 17β-estradiol on excitability in the VTA. Behaviorally, the estrous phase during a series of acute variable social stressors modulates subsequent reward-related behaviors. Pharmacological inhibition of estrogen receptors in the VTA before stress during diestrus mimics the stress susceptibility found during estrus, whereas increased potassium channel activity in the VTA before stress reverses stress susceptibility found during estrus as assessed by social interaction behavior. This study identifies one possible potassium channel mechanism underlying the increased DA activity during estrus and reveals estrogen-dependent changes in neuronal function. Our findings demonstrate that the estrous cycle and estrogen signaling changes the physiology of DA neurons resulting in behavioral differences when the reward circuit is challenged with stress.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The activity of the ventral tegmental area encodes signals of stress and reward. Dopaminergic activity has been found to be regulated by both local synaptic inputs as well as inputs from other brain regions. Here, we provide evidence that cycling sex steroids also play a role in modulating stress sensitivity of dopaminergic reward behavior. Specifically, we reveal a correlation of ionic activity with estrous phase, which influences the behavioral response to stress. These findings shed new light on how estrous cycle may influence dopaminergic activity primarily during times of stress perturbation.
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Rocks D, Kundakovic M. Hippocampus-based behavioral, structural, and molecular dynamics across the estrous cycle. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13216. [PMID: 36580348 PMCID: PMC10050126 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The activity of neurons in the rodent hippocampus contributes to diverse behaviors, with the activity of ventral hippocampal neurons affecting behaviors related to anxiety and emotion regulation, and the activity of dorsal hippocampal neurons affecting performance in learning- and memory-related tasks. Hippocampal cells also express receptors for ovarian hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and are therefore affected by physiological fluctuations of those hormones that occur over the rodent estrous cycle. In this review, we discuss the effects of cycling ovarian hormones on hippocampal physiology. Starting with behavior, we explore the role of the estrous cycle in regulating hippocampus-dependent behaviors. We go on to detail the cellular mechanisms through which cycling estrogen and progesterone, through changes in the structural and functional properties of hippocampal neurons, may be eliciting these changes in behavior. Then, providing a basis for these cellular changes, we outline the epigenetic, chromatin regulatory mechanisms through which ovarian hormones, by binding to their receptors, can affect the regulation of behavior- and synaptic plasticity-related genes in hippocampal neurons. We also highlight an unconventional role that chromatin dynamics may have in regulating neuronal function across the estrous cycle, including in sex hormone-driven X chromosome plasticity and hormonally-induced epigenetic priming. Finally, we discuss directions for future studies and the translational value of the rodent estrous cycle for understanding the effects of the human menstrual cycle on hippocampal physiology and brain disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin Rocks
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University; Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Marija Kundakovic
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University; Bronx, NY, USA
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35
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Cara AL, Burger LL, Beekly BG, Allen SJ, Henson EL, Auchus RJ, Myers MG, Moenter SM, Elias CF. Deletion of Androgen Receptor in LepRb Cells Improves Estrous Cycles in Prenatally Androgenized Mice. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad015. [PMID: 36683455 PMCID: PMC10091504 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad015] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Androgens are steroid hormones crucial for sexual differentiation of the brain and reproductive function. In excess, however, androgens may decrease fertility as observed in polycystic ovary syndrome, a common endocrine disorder characterized by oligo/anovulation and/or polycystic ovaries. Hyperandrogenism may also disrupt energy homeostasis, inducing higher central adiposity, insulin resistance, and glucose intolerance, which may exacerbate reproductive dysfunction. Androgens bind to androgen receptors (ARs), which are expressed in many reproductive and metabolic tissues, including brain sites that regulate the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis and energy homeostasis. The neuronal populations affected by androgen excess, however, have not been defined. We and others have shown that, in mice, AR is highly expressed in leptin receptor (LepRb) neurons, particularly in the arcuate (ARH) and the ventral premammillary nuclei (PMv). Here, we assessed if LepRb neurons, which are critical in the central regulation of energy homeostasis and exert permissive actions on puberty and fertility, have a role in the pathogenesis of female hyperandrogenism. Prenatally androgenized (PNA) mice lacking AR in LepRb cells (LepRbΔAR) show no changes in body mass, body composition, glucose homeostasis, or sexual maturation. They do show, however, a remarkable improvement of estrous cycles combined with normalization of ovary morphology compared to PNA controls. Our findings indicate that the prenatal androgenization effects on adult reproductive physiology (ie, anestrus and anovulation) are mediated by a subpopulation of LepRb neurons directly sensitive to androgens. They also suggest that the effects of hyperandrogenism on sexual maturation and reproductive function in adult females are controlled by distinct neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Cara
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Laura L Burger
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Bethany G Beekly
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Susan J Allen
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Emily L Henson
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Martin G Myers
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Suzanne M Moenter
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Carol F Elias
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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Kishi H, Komatsu W, Uchiyama K, Takayama H, Udagawa T, Ohhira S, Kobashi G. Vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms are expressed in the uterus during estrous cycle of golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Anim Sci J 2023; 94:e13804. [PMID: 36617429 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13804] [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: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We investigated VEGF expression in the uterus during the estrous cycle in the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction of genes expressed in the uterus revealed the presence of at least three different VEGF isoforms (hamster VEGF188, VEGF164, and VEGF120). They were highly homologous to the respective mouse and human isoforms. Furthermore, VEGF164 and VEGF120 were predominantly expressed in the hamster uterus during the estrous cycle. In situ hybridization revealed that VEGF is expressed only in the luminal and glandular epithelium of the endometrium but not in the stromal cells or myometrium. The positive reaction of luminal and glandular epithelial cells on day 4 of the estrous cycle (day 1 = day of ovulation) was a little stronger than that of other days of the cycle. These findings suggest that VEGF molecules are secreted by endometrial epithelial cells and play an important role in the maintenance of blood vessels in the endometrial stroma. These results also suggest that uterine changes, such as edema, observed from day 4 to day 1 of the estrous cycle, are expected to occur primarily through the action of VEGF secreted by the uterine endometrial epithelium in preparation for subsequent embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Kishi
- Department of Public Health, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Wataru Komatsu
- Department of Public Health, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Koji Uchiyama
- Department of Public Health, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Hidehito Takayama
- Department of Public Health, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tomomi Udagawa
- Department of Public Health, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Shuji Ohhira
- Department of Public Health, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Gen Kobashi
- Department of Public Health, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Mibu, Tochigi, Japan
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Crouse MS, Freetly HC, Lindholm-Perry AK, Neville BW, Oliver WT, Lee RT, Syring JG, King LE, Reynolds LP, Dahlen CR, Caton JS, Ward AK, Cushman RA. One-carbon metabolite supplementation to heifers for the first 14 d of the estrous cycle alters the plasma and hepatic one-carbon metabolite pool and methionine-folate cycle enzyme transcript abundance in a dose-dependent manner. J Anim Sci 2022; 101:6960706. [PMID: 36566452 PMCID: PMC9890446 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac419] [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: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the dose of folate and vitamin B12 in beef heifers fed rumen protected methionine and choline required to maintain increased B12 levels and intermediates of the methionine-folate cycle in circulation. Angus heifers (n = 30; BW = 392.6 ± 12.6 kg) were individually fed and assigned to one of five treatments: 0XNEG: Total mixed ration (TMR) and saline injections at day 0 and 7 of the estrous cycle, 0XPOS: TMR, rumen protected methionine (MET) fed at 0.08% of the diet DM, rumen protected choline (CHOL) fed at 60 g/d, and saline injections at day 0 and 7, 0.5X: TMR, MET, CHOL, 5 mg B12, and 80 mg folate at day 0 and 7, 1X: TMR, MET CHOL, 10 mg vitamin B12, and 160 mg folate at day 0 and 7, and 2X: TMR, MET, CHOL, 20 mg B12, and 320 mg folate at day 0 and 7. All heifers were estrus synchronized but not bred, and blood was collected on day 0, 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 14 of a synchronized estrous cycle. Heifers were slaughtered on day 14 of the estrous cycle for liver collection. Serum B12 concentrations were greater in the 0.5X, 1X, and 2X, compared with 0XNEG and 0XPOS on all days after treatment initiation (P < 0.0001). Serum folate concentrations were greater for the 2X treatment at day 5, 7, and 9 of the cycle compared with all other treatments (P ≤ 0.05). There were no differences (P ≥ 0.19) in hepatic methionine-cycle or choline analyte concentrations by treatment. Concentrations of hepatic folate cycle intermediates were always greater (P ≤ 0.04) in the 2X treatment compared with the 0XNEG and 0XPOS heifers. Serum methionine was greater (P = 0.04) in the 0.5X and 2X heifers compared with 0XNEG, and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) tended (P = 0.06) to be greater in the 0.5X heifers and the S-adenosylmethionine (SAM):SAH ratio was decreased (P = 0.05) in the 0.5X treatment compared with the 0XNEG, 0XPOS, and 2X heifers. The hepatic transcript abundance of MAT2A and MAT2B were decreased (P ≤ 0.02) in the 0.5X heifers compared with the 0XNEG, 0XPOS, and 2X heifers. These data support that beef heifers fed rumen protected methionine and choline require 20 mg B12 and 320 mg folate once weekly to maintain increased concentrations of B12 and folate in serum. Furthermore, these data demonstrate that not all supplementation levels are equal in providing positive responses, and that some levels, such as the 0.5X, may result in a stoichiometric imbalance in the one-carbon metabolism pathway that results in a decreased SAM:SAH ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harvey C Freetly
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
| | | | - Bryan W Neville
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
| | - William T Oliver
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
| | - Robert T Lee
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
| | - Jessica G Syring
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Layla E King
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Lawrence P Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Carl R Dahlen
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Joel S Caton
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Alison K Ward
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA
| | - Robert A Cushman
- USDA, ARS, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE 68933, USA
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Segabinazzi LGTM, Gilbert RO, Ambrosia RL, Bergfelt DR, Samper JC, Peterson EW, French HM. Structural and Functional Dynamics of the Ovary and Uterus during the Estrous Cycle in Donkeys in the Eastern Caribbean. Animals (Basel) 2022; 13:ani13010074. [PMID: 36611684 PMCID: PMC9817998 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010074] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Eight non-bred, non-pregnant, regularly cycling Caribbean jennies were examined daily via transrectal ultrasound to define the ovarian and uterine dynamics during four consecutive estrous cycles. Blood samples were collected every other day for progesterone analysis. The mean (±SD) overall inter-ovulatory interval across all donkeys and cycles was 22.93 ± 1.99 days. The maximum follicular diameter was 34.6 ± 2.9 mm. A two-wave pattern was evident in 97% (30/31) of the cycles. The emergence of the future dominant follicle and the largest subordinate follicle of the major primary wave coincided on Day 5.7 ± 3.6 post-ovulation, whereas the secondary wave emerged on Day 19.8 ± 2.9 during estrus of the previous cycle or early diestrus. The secondary wave was often minor (93%, 28/30 cycles). Follicular deviation occurred 8.2 ± 1.4 days before the subsequent ovulation. Luteal volume increased for the first four days after ovulation and reached a maximum volume of 8.5 ± 2.7 mm3 at Day 5.4 ± 0.4, before gradually regressing after Day 15. Serum progesterone concentration increased from Day 1 after ovulation, peaking at 27.0 ± 9.6 ng/mL between 7 and 10 days after ovulation. Progesterone concentration dropped precipitously around Day 15 after ovulation and was below 2 ng/mL around Day 17 ± 2. A day effect (p < 0.0001) was observed for corpus luteum’s volume, progesterone concentration, and uterine tone, but not for endometrial edema (p > 0.05). This study helps to clarify and define normal estrous characteristics of jennies in the Eastern Caribbean.
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Meyer C, Schoettner K, Amir S. The effects of circadian desynchronization on alcohol consumption and affective behavior during alcohol abstinence in female rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1044783. [PMID: 36620855 PMCID: PMC9813852 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1044783] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of circadian rhythmicity distorts physiological and psychological processes and has major consequences on health and well-being. A chronic misalignment within the internal time-keeping system modulates alcohol consumption and contributes to stress-related psychiatric disorders which are known to trigger alcohol misuse and relapse. While there is growing evidence of the deleterious impact of circadian disruption on male physiology and behavior, knowledge about the effect in females remains limited. The present study aims to fill the gap by assessing the relationship between internal desynchronization and alcohol intake behavior in female rats. Female Wistar rats kept under standard 24-h, 22-h light-dark conditions, or chronic 6-h advanced phase shifts, were given intermittent access to 20% alcohol followed by an extended alcohol deprivation period. Alcohol consumption under altered light-dark (LD) conditions was assessed and emotional behavior during alcohol abstinence was evaluated. Internally desynchronization in female rats does not affect alcohol consumption but alters scores of emotionality during alcohol abstinence. Changes in affective-like behaviors were accompanied by reduced body weight gain and estrous irregularities under aberrant LD conditions. Our data suggest that internal desynchronization caused by environmental factors is not a major factor contributing to the onset and progression of alcohol abuse, but highlights the need of maintaining circadian hygiene as a supportive remedy during alcohol rehabilitation.
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Zhou Y, Yan H, Liu W, Hu C, Zhou Y, Sun R, Tang Y, Zheng C, Yang J, Cui Q. A multi-tissue transcriptomic landscape of female mice in estrus and diestrus provides clues for precision medicine. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:983712. [PMID: 36589755 PMCID: PMC9800588 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.983712] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Female reproductive cycle, also known as menstrual cycle or estrous cycle in primate or non-primate mammals, respectively, dominates the reproductive processes in non-pregnant state. However, in addition to reproductive tissues, reproductive cycle could also perform global regulation because the receptors of two major female hormones fluctuating throughout the cycle, estrogen and progesterone, are widely distributed. Therefore, a multi-tissue gene expression landscape is in continuous demand for better understanding the systemic changes during the reproductive cycle but remains largely undefined. Here we delineated a transcriptomic landscape covering 15 tissues of C57BL/6J female mice in two phases of estrous cycle, estrus and diestrus, by RNA-sequencing. Then, a number of genes, pathways, and transcription factors involved in the estrous cycle were revealed. We found the estrous cycle could widely regulate the neuro-functions, immuno-functions, blood coagulation and so on. And behind the transcriptomic alteration between estrus and diestrus, 13 transcription factors may play important roles. Next, bioinformatics modeling with 1,263 manually curated gene signatures of various physiological and pathophysiological states systematically characterized the beneficial/deleterious effects brought by estrus/diestrus on individual tissues. We revealed that the estrous cycle has a significant effect on cardiovascular system (aorta, heart, vein), in which the anti-hypertensive pattern in aorta induced by estrus is one of the most striking findings. Inspired by this point, we validated that two hypotensive drugs, felodipine and acebutolol, could exhibit significantly enhanced efficacy in estrus than diestrus by mouse and rat experiments. Together, this study provides a valuable data resource for investigating reproductive cycle from a transcriptomic perspective, and presents models and clues for investigating precision medicine associated with reproductive cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Han Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengqing Hu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruya Sun
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yida Tang
- Department of Cardiology, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Chao Zheng, ; Jichun Yang, ; Qinghua Cui,
| | - Jichun Yang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Chao Zheng, ; Jichun Yang, ; Qinghua Cui,
| | - Qinghua Cui
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Center for Noncoding RNA Medicine, MOE Key Lab of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Chao Zheng, ; Jichun Yang, ; Qinghua Cui,
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Leal DF, Viana CHC, Almond GW, Monteiro MS, Garbossa CAP, Carnevale RF, Muro BBD, Poor AP, Pugliesi G, Nichi M, Watanabe TTN, Marques MG. Estrus Synchronization of Replacement Gilts Using Estradiol Cipionate and PGF 2α and Its Effects on Reproductive Outcomes. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12233393. [PMID: 36496915 PMCID: PMC9741136 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233393] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of using estrogen-induced prolonged luteal function followed by prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) treatment to synchronize estrus in gilts. On day12 of the estrus cycle (D0 = first day of standing estrus), 52 gilts were assigned at random to two experimental groups: non-treated gilts (CON, n = 22), serving as controls, and prolonged luteal function group (CYP, n = 30), receiving a single treatment with 10 mg of estradiol cypionate intramuscularly Starting on day 12, blood samples were collected for estradiol and progesterone assays. Estrus detection started on day 17. Gilts from the CON group were inseminated at the onset of natural estrus. On day 28 CYP gilts were treated with PGF2α to induce luteolysis and inseminated at the onset of estrus. Gilts were slaughtered 5 d after the last insemination. A single treatment with estradiol cypionate prolonged luteal function in 90% of treated gilts. The duration of the estrous cycle was longer (p < 0.0001) for CYP gilts compared to CON gilts. CYP gilts showed synchronized estrus 3.96 ± 0.19 d after induction of luteolysis. The conception rate was similar (p = 0.10) for CON and CYP gilts. No difference was observed in the embryo recovery rate (p = 0.18) and total number of embryos per female (p = 0.06). The percentage of unfertilized oocytes, fragmented embryos and viable embryos was similar among females from CON and CYP groups (p > 0.05). The treatment of gilts with a single application of 10 mg of estradiol cypionate on day 12 of the estrous cycle was effective in prolonging luteal function and treatment with PGF2α resulted in synchronized estrus. Additionally, the synchronization protocol had no deleterious effect on fertility and embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Feitosa Leal
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Glen William Almond
- Department of Population Health & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Matheus Saliba Monteiro
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Cesar Augusto Pospissil Garbossa
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Rafaella Fernandes Carnevale
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno Bracco Donatelli Muro
- Department of Nutrition and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
| | - André Pegoraro Poor
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Marcílio Nichi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), Pirassununga 13635-900, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Terumi Negrão Watanabe
- Department of Population Health & Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Mariana Groke Marques
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Concórdia 89715-899, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Production and Health, Instituto Federal Catarinense, Concórdia 89703-720, Brazil
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42
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Varol AB, Esen EC, Koçak EE. Repeated Collection of Vaginal Smear Causes Stress in Mice. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2022; 59:325-329. [PMID: 36514521 PMCID: PMC9723840 DOI: 10.29399/npa.28099] [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: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Women are more likely to be misdiagnosed in many neuropsychiatric disorders than men. One of the possible underlying reasons for this disparity may be more frequent use of male mice than female mice in neuroscience studies. With the increasing realization of the shortcomings of this approach in understanding the neurobiological basis of these disorders, many funding agencies mandate the inclusion of both male and female subjects in study design. As the behaviors vary with the stage of the estrous cycle, the collection of vaginal smears to identify the estrous stage becomes a widely used procedure. Here we tested whether vaginal smear collection causes similar effects to that of stress by evaluating an increase in depression-like behavior and impairment in memory. Method Vaginal smear was collected from Swiss albino mice twice a day for 10 days. In order to test depression-like behavior tail suspension, sucrose preference and splash tests were conducted. Novel object recognition and novel object location tests were performed 1 hour and 24 hours after training to evaluate short-and long-term memory respectively. Results The female mice whose vaginal smears were collected demonstrated increased behavioral despair and anhedonia. Vaginal smear group showed deficits in both short-term and long-term memory when compared to the control group. Conclusion Our results indicate that the collection of vaginal smear not only increased depression-like behaviors in mice, but also impaired short-term and long-term memory, indicating that the procedure of vaginal smear collection was stressful. We recommend to consider other ways of estrous cycle staging when studying behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aslıhan Bahadır Varol
- Hacettepe University, Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emre Cem Esen
- Hacettepe University, Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Emine Eren Koçak
- Hacettepe University, Institute of Neurological Sciences and Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey,Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Ankara, Turkey,Correspondence Address: Emine Eren Koçak, Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Psikiyatri Anabilim Dalı, Ankara,Turkey • E-mail:
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Morris ME, Meinsohn MC, Chauvin M, Saatcioglu HD, Kashiwagi A, Sicher NA, Nguyen N, Yuan S, Stavely R, Hyun M, Donahoe PK, Sabatini BL, Pépin D. A single-cell atlas of the cycling murine ovary. eLife 2022; 11:77239. [PMID: 36205477 PMCID: PMC9545525 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The estrous cycle is regulated by rhythmic endocrine interactions of the nervous and reproductive systems, which coordinate the hormonal and ovulatory functions of the ovary. Folliculogenesis and follicle progression require the orchestrated response of a variety of cell types to allow the maturation of the follicle and its sequela, ovulation, corpus luteum formation, and ovulatory wound repair. Little is known about the cell state dynamics of the ovary during the estrous cycle and the paracrine factors that help coordinate this process. Herein, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to evaluate the transcriptome of >34,000 cells of the adult mouse ovary and describe the transcriptional changes that occur across the normal estrous cycle and other reproductive states to build a comprehensive dynamic atlas of murine ovarian cell types and states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Morris
- Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States
| | - Marie-Charlotte Meinsohn
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Maeva Chauvin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Hatice D Saatcioglu
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Aki Kashiwagi
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Natalie A Sicher
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Ngoc Nguyen
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Selena Yuan
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Rhian Stavely
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Minsuk Hyun
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Patricia K Donahoe
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Bernardo L Sabatini
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - David Pépin
- Pediatric Surgical Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, United States.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
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Marouf BH, Ismaeel DO, Hassan AH, Ali OJ. Therapeutic Effects of Silibinin Against Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Induced by Letrozole in Rats via Its Potential Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Activities. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:5185-5199. [PMID: 36110507 PMCID: PMC9469941 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s379725] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current therapies for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are accompanied by unwanted effects. Silibinin; a flavonolignan has pleiotropic activities and favorable safety profile. Purpose To investigate the efficacy of silibinin on estrous cyclicity, inflammation, oxidative stress and ovarian morphology in letrozole-induced PCOS in rats. Methods Forty-eight female Wistar albino rats were divided into 2 sets. Rats of the first set (n = 12), assigned as a negative control (NC) received only the vehicle, rats of the second set (n = 36), assigned as PCOS rats, were given letrozole 1mg/Kg orally for 21 days. On day 21, six rats from the first set and six rats from the second set were euthanized for confirmation of PCOS-induction. The remaining animals from the first set assigned as group 1, those in the second set (n = 30) were equally divided into 5 groups and treated daily for 19 days as follows: group 2 (positive control) received only the vehicle, group 3 treated with metformin 300mg/Kg orally, groups 4 and 5 treated respectively with 100 and 200 mg/Kg silibinin intraperitoneally (IP), and group 6 treated with a combination of metformin 300mg/Kg orally and silibinin 100mg/Kg IP. On day 40, blood samples were examined for luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (TS) and estradiol (EST) levels, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant parameters, ovarian and uterine morphology. Results Silibinin alone or in combination with metformin was found to be effective in restoring the regularity of estrous cycle by ameliorating the abnormal alterations of LH, TS, EST, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and oxidative status and by resuming the appearance of corpora lutea and decreasing or even total absence of cystic follicles in the ovaries. Conclusion Silibinin was effective in restoring estrous regularities and alleviating hormonal and histomorphological abnormalities of the ovarian and uterine tissues, this could be due to its anti-androgenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bushra Hassan Marouf
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology- College of Pharmacy, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Dana Omer Ismaeel
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Ali Hussein Hassan
- Department of Basic Sciences- College of Dentistry, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.,Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences- Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Othman Jalal Ali
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology- College of Veterinary Medicine- University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.,Department of Anaesthesia, College of Health Science, Cihan University of Sulaimaniya, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
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Castillo LY, Ríos-Carrillo J, González-Orozco JC, Camacho-Arroyo I, Morin JP, Zepeda RC, Roldán-Roldán G. Juvenile Exposure to BPA Alters the Estrous Cycle and Differentially Increases Anxiety-like Behavior and Brain Gene Expression in Adult Male and Female Rats. Toxics 2022; 10:513. [PMID: 36136478 PMCID: PMC9505797 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10090513] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) in murine models has been reported to affect social behavior and increase anxiety. However, there is little information about the effects of BPA exposure during puberty, a period in which sex hormones influence the maturation and differentiation of the brain. In this work, we evaluated the effect of BPA administration during the juvenile stage (PND 21-50) on anxiety in male and female rats. Newly weaned Wistar rats were treated with BPA (0, 50, or 500 µg/kg/day) for 30 days. To compare the intra- and inter-sex behavioral profiles, rats were evaluated using four different anxiety models: the Open field test (OFT), the Elevated plus maze (EPM), the Light-dark box test (LDBT), and the Defensive burying test (DBT). Males exhibited a clear-cut anxious profile at both doses in all four tests, while no clear behavioral effect of BPA exposure was observed in female rats. The latter showed an altered estrous cycle that initiated earlier in life and had a shorter duration, with the estrous phase predominating. Moreover, the expression of ESR1, ESR2, GABRA1, GRIN1, GR, MR, and AR genes increased in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of male rats treated with 50 µg/kg, but not in females. Our results indicate that BPA consistently induces a higher anxiety profile in male than in female rats, as evidenced predominantly by an increase in passive-coping behaviors and changes in brain gene expression, highlighting the importance of sex in peripubertal behavioral toxicology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Yesenia Castillo
- Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
- Comprehensive Biomedicine and Health Laboratory, Biomedical Research Center, Veracruzana University, Xalapa 91190, Mexico
| | - Jorge Ríos-Carrillo
- Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos González-Orozco
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CDMX, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Jean-Pascal Morin
- Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Rossana C. Zepeda
- Comprehensive Biomedicine and Health Laboratory, Biomedical Research Center, Veracruzana University, Xalapa 91190, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Roldán-Roldán
- Behavioral Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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Cunha TO, Martins JPN. Graduate Student Literature Review: Effects of human chorionic gonadotropin on follicular and luteal dynamics and fertility in cattle. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:8401-8410. [PMID: 35965118 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21991] [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: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Circulating progesterone concentrations during the growth of the ovulatory follicle and early embryo development have been positively associated with embryo quality and survival and pregnancy success. As a potent luteotropic agent with LH-like activity, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has been tested in different studies to improve pregnancy outcomes by increasing circulating progesterone concentrations during the growth of the ovulatory follicle or early embryonic development. Nevertheless, hCG has produced inconsistent, contradictory, and intriguing results. Furthermore, recent research indicates that hCG, when used before artificial insemination, may affect physiological events necessary for the ovulation of a viable oocyte. In addition, the use of hCG-inducing accessory corpus luteum during the estrous cycle seems to disturb luteolysis and follicle and luteal dynamics during the estrous cycle. This literature review discusses past and current research exploring the effects of hCG on the estrous cycle characteristics and pregnancy per artificial insemination and embryo transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- T O Cunha
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706; Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706.
| | - J P N Martins
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison 53706
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47
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Murata T, Chiba S, Kawaminami M. Changes in the expressions of annexin A1, annexin A5, inhibin/activin subunits, and vitamin D receptor mRNAs in pituitary glands of female rats during the estrous cycle: correlation analyses among these factors. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:1065-1073. [PMID: 35705304 PMCID: PMC9412066 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0141] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary gonadotropin secretion is regulated by several pituitary factors as well as
GnRH and ovarian hormones. To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of pituitary
gonadotropin secretions, we observed changes in the mRNA levels of pituitary factors,
namely annexin A1 (Anxa1) and Anxa5, inhibin/activin
subunits, follistatin (Fst), and vitamin D receptor
(Vdr), in female rat pituitary glands during the estrous cycle.
Additionally, levels of LHβ subunit (Lhb), FSHβ subunit
(Fshb), and GnRH receptor (Gnrh-r) mRNA were examined.
During proestrus, Anxa1, Anxa5, Vdr, and inhibin α-subunit
(Inha) exhibited the lowest levels, while during estrus, activin
βB-subunit (Actbb), Lhb, and Gnrh-r
were the lowest. Moreover, Fshb exhibited the highest value during
metestrus, whereas Fst did not differ significantly. Correlation analyses
revealed 16 statistically significant gene combinations. In particular, four combinations,
namely Anxa5 and Inha, Anxa5 and Actbb,
Inha and Vdr, and Inha and Actbb, were highly
significant (P<0.0001), while four combinations,
Anxa1 and Anxa5, Anxa1 and Vdr,
Anxa5 and Vdr, and Lhb and
Gnrh-r, were moderately significant (P<0.001). The
remaining eight combinations that exhibited statistical significance were
Anxa1 and Inha, Anxa1 and Actbb,
Vdr and Actbb, Anxa1 and
Fshb, Inha and Lhb, Actbb and
Fshb, Actbb and Lhb, and
Fst and Fshb (P<0.05). These
results highlight strong correlations among Anxa1, Anxa5, Vdr, Inha, and
Actbb, thereby suggesting that an interaction among ANXA1, ANXA5, and
VDR may lead to further communications with inhibin and/or activin in the pituitary
gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Murata
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science
| | - Shuichi Chiba
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science
| | - Mitsumori Kawaminami
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science
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48
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Krentzel AA, Proaño SB, Dorris DM, Setzer B, Meitzen J. The estrous cycle and 17β-estradiol modulate the electrophysiological properties of rat nucleus accumbens core medium spiny neurons. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13122. [PMID: 35365910 PMCID: PMC9250601 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13122] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The nucleus accumbens core is a key nexus within the mammalian brain for integrating the premotor and limbic systems and regulating important cognitive functions such as motivated behaviors. Nucleus accumbens core functions show sex differences and are sensitive to the presence of hormones such as 17β-estradiol (estradiol) in normal and pathological contexts. The primary neuron type of the nucleus accumbens core, the medium spiny neuron (MSN), exhibits sex differences in both intrinsic excitability and glutamatergic excitatory synapse electrophysiological properties. Here, we provide a review of recent literature showing how estradiol modulates rat nucleus accumbens core MSN electrophysiology within the context of the estrous cycle. We review the changes in MSN electrophysiological properties across the estrous cycle and how these changes can be mimicked in response to exogenous estradiol exposure. We discuss in detail recent findings regarding how acute estradiol exposure rapidly modulates excitatory synapse properties in nucleus accumbens core but not caudate-putamen MSNs, which mirror the natural changes seen across estrous cycle phases. These recent insights demonstrate the strong impact of sex-specific estradiol action upon nucleus accumbens core neuron electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A. Krentzel
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - Stephanie B. Proaño
- Neurobiology LaboratoryNational Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIHResearch Triangle ParkNCUSA
| | - David M. Dorris
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - Beverly Setzer
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience and Department of Biomedical EngineeringBoston UniversityBostonMAUSA
| | - John Meitzen
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
- Comparative Medicine InstituteNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
- Center for Human Health and the EnvironmentNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
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49
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Zhuang C, Yi G, Wang W, Sun R, Qi M, Yu J. Sacubitril/Valsartan Improves Sexual Function and Fibrosis of the Clitoral and Vaginal Tissues in Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2022; 79:858-872. [PMID: 35266909 PMCID: PMC9162275 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Female sexual dysfunction is common in hypertension. The effects of sacubitril/valsartan (SAC/VAL) as a potential therapy for hypertension and heart failure have not been studied in relation to sexual function and genital fibrosis in female spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Thirty female SHRs were administered VAL, SAC/VAL, or saline. Ten normotensive female Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were included in the control group. We assessed estrous cyclicity and sexual behavior in the female rats. In addition, the morphology of clitoral and vaginal tissues was evaluated by histological analyses. Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to assess the levels of fibrotic markers in vaginal and clitoral tissues. Furthermore, the protein levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (PTEN), phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), and AKT expression were measured by Western blotting. SAC/VAL treatment improved hypertension-induced sexual dysfunction, exhibited as a prolonged estrus phase, increased receptivity and proceptive events, and decreased aggressive events, compared with those of VAL treatment and control SHRs without treatments. In addition, SAC/VAL-treated SHRs had lower levels of fibrotic markers, estradiol, and estrogen receptor α/β than the levels of VAL-treated SHRs or SHRs without treatment. Moreover, SAC/VAL decreased p-PTEN expression and increased p-PI3K and p-AKT expression at the protein level compared with those in VAL treatment alone. VAL and SAC/VAL treatments have significantly increased sexual receptivity and proceptivity, decreased aggressiveness, and improved the fibrosis of vaginal and clitoral tissues in female SHRs. However, SAC/VAL treatment shows more effective results compared with VAL treatment, which may be related to the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Zhuang
- Hypertension Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; and
| | - Guozi Yi
- School of Chemical Engineering, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Hypertension Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; and
| | - Runmin Sun
- Hypertension Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; and
| | - Miaomiao Qi
- Hypertension Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; and
| | - Jing Yu
- Hypertension Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; and
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50
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Ludwig CLM, Bohleber S, Rebl A, Wirth EK, Venuto MT, Langhammer M, Schweizer U, Weitzel JM, Michaelis M. Endocrine and molecular factors of increased female reproductive performance in the Dummerstorf high-fertility mouse line FL1. J Mol Endocrinol 2022; 69:285-298. [PMID: 35388794 PMCID: PMC9175557 DOI: 10.1530/jme-22-0012] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Dummerstorf high-fertility mouse line FL1 is a worldwide unique selection experiment for increased female reproductive performance. After more than 190 generations of selection, these mice doubled the amount of offspring per litter compared to the unselected control line. FL1 females have a superior lifetime fecundity and the highest Silver fecundity index that has been described in mice, while their offspring show no signs of growth retardation. The reasons for the increased reproductive performance remained unclear. Thus, this study aims to characterize the Dummerstorf high-fertility mouse line FL1 on endocrine and molecular levels on the female side. We analyzed parameters of the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis on both hormonal and transcriptional levels. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were decreased in FL1 throughout the whole estrous cycle. Luteinizing hormone (LH) was increased in FL1 mice in estrus. Progesterone concentrations were decreased in estrus in FL1 mice and not affected in diestrus. We used a holistic gene expression approach in the ovary to obtain a global picture of how the high-fertility phenotype is achieved. We found several differentially expressed genes in the ovaries of FL1 mice that are associated with different female fertility traits. Our results indicate that ovulation rates in mice can be increased despite decreased FSH levels. Cycle-related alterations of progesterone and LH levels have the potential to improve follicular maturation, and interactions of endocrine and molecular factors lead to enhanced follicular survival, more successful folliculogenesis and therefore higher ovulation rates in female FL1 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon Bohleber
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie (IBMB), Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexander Rebl
- Institute of Genome Biology, Fish Genetics Unit, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Eva Katrin Wirth
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marzia Tindara Venuto
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Martina Langhammer
- Institute of Genetics and Biometry, Service Group Model Laboratory Animals, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Ulrich Schweizer
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie (IBMB), Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Joachim M Weitzel
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
- Correspondence should be addressed to J M Weitzel or M Michaelis: or
| | - Marten Michaelis
- Institute of Reproductive Biology, Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN), Dummerstorf, Germany
- Correspondence should be addressed to J M Weitzel or M Michaelis: or
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