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Bukanova JV, Solntseva EI, Skrebitsky VG. Factors promoting the release of picrotoxin from the trap in the GABA(A) receptor pore. Neurochem Int 2024; 175:105703. [PMID: 38395151 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105703] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Picrotoxin (PTX), a convulsant of plant origin, has been used in many studies as research tool. PTX is the open channel blocker of the GABAA receptor (GABAAR). Being in the pore, PTX initiates transfer of the channel to the closed state and thus it falls into the "trap". The consequence of this PTX trapping is so-called aftereffect, i.e. continuation of the blockade of the GABA-induced chloride current (IGABA) after removal of PTX from the external solution. The present work shows that the positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the GABAA receptor, allopregnanolone (Allo) and zolpidem (Zolp) as well as a high concentration of GABA shortened the PTX aftereffect. Experiments were carried out on isolated Purkinje neurons of the rat cerebellum using the whole-cell patch-clamp method. IGABA was induced by applications of 5 μM GABA (EC30) for 1 s with 30 s intervals. 50 μM PTX completely blocked IGABA, and recovery upon PTX washout occurred with a time constant (τrec) of 20.2 min. 1 μM Allo reduced the blocking effect of PTX by 30% and accelerated the recovery of IGABA by almost 10 times (τrec = 2.4 min). 0.5 μM Zolp did not change the IGABA block in the presence of PTX but accelerated the recovery of IGABA by more than 3 times (τrec = 5.6 min). Increasing the GABA concentration to 20 μM did not change the blocking effect of PTX, but accelerated recovery by 6 times (τrec = 3.3 min). The mechanism of the shortening of the PTX aftereffect is presumably the expansion of the GABAAR pore in the presence of PAMs and a high concentration of the agonist and, as a consequence, the escape of PTX from the "trap". The work describes new pharmacological properties of Allo and Zolp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia V Bukanova
- Brain Research Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena I Solntseva
- Brain Research Institute, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, Russia.
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Branca C, Bortolato M. The role of neuroactive steroids in tic disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 160:105637. [PMID: 38519023 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105637] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or vocalizations. Tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome (TS), are contributed by the interplay of genetic risk factors and environmental variables, leading to abnormalities in the functioning of the cortico-striatal-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuitry. Various neurotransmitter systems, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine, are implicated in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Building on the evidence that tic disorders are predominant in males and exacerbated by stress, emerging research is focusing on the involvement of neuroactive steroids, including dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and allopregnanolone, in the ontogeny of tics and other phenotypes associated with TS. Emerging evidence indicates that DHEAS levels are significantly elevated in the plasma of TS-affected boys, and the clinical onset of this disorder coincides with the period of adrenarche, the developmental stage characterized by a surge in DHEAS synthesis. On the other hand, allopregnanolone has garnered particular attention for its potential to mediate the adverse effects of acute stress on the exacerbation of tic severity and frequency. Notably, both neurosteroids act as key modulators of GABA-A receptors, suggesting a pivotal role of these targets in the pathophysiology of various clinical manifestations of tic disorders. This review explores the potential mechanisms by which these and other neuroactive steroids may influence tic disorders and discusses the emerging therapeutic strategies that target neuroactive steroids for the management of tic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Branca
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Mitchell SJ, Phillips GD, Tench B, Li Y, Belelli D, Martin SJ, Swinny JD, Kelly L, Atack JR, Paradowski M, Lambert JJ. Neurosteroid Modulation of Synaptic and Extrasynaptic GABA A Receptors of the Mouse Nucleus Accumbens. Biomolecules 2024; 14:460. [PMID: 38672476 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040460] [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: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The recent approval of formulations of the endogenous neurosteroid allopregnanolone (brexanolone) and the synthetic neuroactive steroid SAGE-217 (zuranolone) to treat postpartum depression (PPD) has encouraged further research to elucidate why these potent enhancers of GABAAR function are clinically effective in this condition. Dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to the nucleus accumbens are associated with reward/motivation and brain imaging studies report that individuals with PPD show reduced activity of this pathway in response to reward and infant engagement. However, the influence of neurosteroids on GABA-ergic transmission in the nucleus accumbens has received limited attention. Here, we investigate, in the medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the mouse nucleus accumbens core, the effect of allopregnanolone, SAGE-217 and other endogenous and synthetic steroids of interest on fast phasic and tonic inhibition mediated by synaptic (α1/2βγ2) and extrasynaptic (α4βδ) GABAARs, respectively. We present evidence suggesting the resident tonic current results from the spontaneous opening of δ-GABAARs, where the steroid-enhanced tonic current is GABA-dependent. Furthermore, we demonstrate local neurosteroid synthesis in the accumbal slice preparation and reveal that GABA-ergic neurotransmission of MSNs is influenced by an endogenous neurosteroid tone. Given the dramatic fluctuations in allopregnanolone levels during pregnancy and postpartum, this neurosteroid-mediated local fine-tuning of GABAergic transmission in the MSNs will probably be perturbed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott J Mitchell
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK
| | - Grant D Phillips
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK
| | - Becks Tench
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK
| | - Yunkai Li
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK
| | - Delia Belelli
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK
| | - Stephen J Martin
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK
| | - Jerome D Swinny
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, St. Michael's Building, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Louise Kelly
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, St. Michael's Building, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, UK
| | - John R Atack
- Main Building, Medicines Discovery Institute, Park Place, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Michael Paradowski
- Main Building, Medicines Discovery Institute, Park Place, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Jeremy J Lambert
- Division of Cellular & Systems Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Institute, Dundee University, Dow Street, Dundee DD1 5HL, UK
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Tateiwa H, Evers AS. Neurosteroids and their potential as a safer class of general anesthetics. J Anesth 2024; 38:261-274. [PMID: 38252143 PMCID: PMC10954990 DOI: 10.1007/s00540-023-03291-4] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Neurosteroids (NS) are a class of steroids that are synthesized within the central nervous system (CNS). Various NS can either enhance or inhibit CNS excitability and they play important biological roles in brain development, brain function and as mediators of mood. One class of NS, 3α-hydroxy-pregnane steroids such as allopregnanolone (AlloP) or pregnanolone (Preg), inhibits neuronal excitability; these endogenous NS and their analogues have been therapeutically applied as anti-depressants, anti-epileptics and general anesthetics. While NS have many favorable properties as anesthetics (e.g. rapid onset, rapid recovery, minimal cardiorespiratory depression, neuroprotection), they are not currently in clinical use, largely due to problems with formulation. Recent advances in understanding NS mechanisms of action and improved formulations have rekindled interest in development of NS as sedatives and anesthetics. In this review, the synthesis of NS, and their mechanism of action will be reviewed with specific emphasis on their binding sites and actions on γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors. The potential advantages of NS analogues as sedative and anesthetic agents will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Tateiwa
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi, Japan
| | - Alex S Evers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Pan S, Bruun DA, Lein PJ, Chen CY. Cardiovascular responses of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats following acute organophosphate intoxication and post-exposure treatment with midazolam with or without allopregnanolone. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1177-1189. [PMID: 38305864 PMCID: PMC10944447 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03679-x] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Recent experimental evidence suggests combined treatment with midazolam and allopregnanolone is more effective than midazolam alone in terminating seizures triggered by acute organophosphate (OP) intoxication. However, there are concerns that combined midazolam and allopregnanolone increases risk of adverse cardiovascular events. To address this, we used telemetry devices to record cardiovascular responses in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats acutely intoxicated with diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP). Animals were administered DFP (4 mg/kg, sc), followed immediately by atropine (2 mg/kg, i.m.) and 2-PAM (25 mg/kg, i.m.). At 40 min post-exposure, a subset of animals received midazolam (0.65 mg/kg, im); at 50 min, these rats received a second dose of midazolam or allopregnanolone (12 mg/kg, im). DFP significantly increased blood pressure by ~ 80 mmHg and pulse pressure by ~ 34 mmHg that peaked within 12 min. DFP also increased core temperature by ~ 3.5 °C and heart rate by ~ 250 bpm that peaked at ~ 2 h. Heart rate variability (HRV), an index of autonomic function, was reduced by ~ 80%. All acute (within 15 min of exposure) and two-thirds of delayed (hours after exposure) mortalities were associated with non-ventricular cardiac events within 10 min of cardiovascular collapse, suggesting that non-ventricular events should be closely monitored in OP-poisoned patients. Compared to rats that survived DFP intoxication without treatment, midazolam significantly improved recovery of cardiovascular parameters and HRV, an effect enhanced by allopregnanolone. These data demonstrate that midazolam improved recovery of cardiovascular and autonomic function and that the combination of midazolam and allopregnanolone may be a better therapeutic strategy than midazolam alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyue Pan
- Department of Pharmacology, Davis, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Donald A Bruun
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Pamela J Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Davis, School of Medicine, MIND Institute, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Chao-Yin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Davis, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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Cáceres ARR, Cardone DA, Sanhueza MDLÁ, Bosch IM, Cuello-Carrión FD, Rodriguez GB, Scotti L, Parborell F, Halperin J, Laconi MR. Local effect of allopregnanolone in rat ovarian steroidogenesis, follicular and corpora lutea development. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6402. [PMID: 38493224 PMCID: PMC10944484 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57102-1] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (ALLO) is a known neurosteroid and a progesterone metabolite synthesized in the ovary, CNS, PNS, adrenals and placenta. Its role in the neuroendocrine control of ovarian physiology has been studied, but its in situ ovarian effects are still largely unknown. The aims of this work were to characterize the effects of intrabursal ALLO administration on different ovarian parameters, and the probable mechanism of action. ALLO administration increased serum progesterone concentration and ovarian 3β-HSD2 while decreasing 20α-HSD mRNA expression. ALLO increased the number of atretic follicles and the number of positive TUNEL granulosa and theca cells, while decreasing positive PCNA immunostaining. On the other hand, there was an increase in corpora lutea diameter and PCNA immunostaining, whereas the count of TUNEL-positive luteal cells decreased. Ovarian angiogenesis and the immunohistochemical expression of GABAA receptor increased after ALLO treatment. To evaluate if the ovarian GABAA receptor was involved in these effects, we conducted a functional experiment with a specific antagonist, bicuculline. The administration of bicuculline restored the number of atretic follicles and the diameter of corpora lutea to normal values. These results show the actions of ALLO on the ovarian physiology of the female rat during the follicular phase, some of them through the GABAA receptor. Intrabursal ALLO administration alters several processes of the ovarian morpho-physiology of the female rat, related to fertility and oocyte quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosario Ramona Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Av. Ruiz Leal s/n Parque General San Martín, CP 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Daniela Alejandra Cardone
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Av. Ruiz Leal s/n Parque General San Martín, CP 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María de Los Ángeles Sanhueza
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Av. Ruiz Leal s/n Parque General San Martín, CP 5500, Mendoza, Argentina
| | | | - Fernando Darío Cuello-Carrión
- Laboratorio de Oncología, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
| | | | - Leopoldina Scotti
- Ovarian Pathophysiology Studies Laboratory, Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine (IByME) - CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernanda Parborell
- Ovarian Pathophysiology Studies Laboratory, Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine (IByME) - CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia Halperin
- Centro de Estudios Biomédicos Básicos, Aplicados y Desarrollo (CEBBAD), Universidad Maimónides, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Myriam Raquel Laconi
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Av. Ruiz Leal s/n Parque General San Martín, CP 5500, Mendoza, Argentina.
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina.
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Gol M, Costa AM, Biagini G, Lucchi C. Seizure progression is slowed by enhancing neurosteroid availability in the brain of epileptic rats. Epilepsia 2024; 65:e41-e46. [PMID: 38243753 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17887] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Trilostane is a 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-4 isomerase inhibitor able to produce a manyfold increase in brain levels of various neurosteroids, including allopregnanolone. We previously found that treatment with trilostane can slow down epileptogenesis in the kainic acid (KA) model of temporal lobe epilepsy. It is unknown whether trilostane may have a similar effect on the progression of epilepsy severity, as observed in KA-treated rats. Consequently, we investigated the effects of trilostane (50 mg/kg/day, 1 week) in epileptic rats, given 64 days after KA administration. Seizures were monitored by video-electrocorticographic recordings before and during the treatment with trilostane or vehicle (sesame oil), and neurosteroid levels were measured in serum and cerebral tissue using liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry after treatment. Pregnenolone sulfate, pregnenolone, progesterone, 5α-dihydroprogesterone, and allopregnanolone peripheral levels were massively increased by trilostane. With the only exception of hippocampal pregnenolone sulfate, the other neurosteroids augmented in both the neocortex and hippocampus. Only pregnanolone levels were not upregulated by trilostane. As expected, a significant increase in the seizure occurrence was observed in rats receiving the vehicle, but not in the trilostane group. This suggests that the increased availability of neurosteroids produced a disease-modifying effect in the brain of epileptic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Gol
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Costa
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Lucchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Morrow AL, Boero G, Balan I. Emerging evidence for endogenous neurosteroid modulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory pathways that impact neuropsychiatric disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105558. [PMID: 38244954 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105558] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
This mini-review presents emerging evidence that endogenous neurosteroids modulate both pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling by immune cells and brain cells that contribute to depression, alcohol use disorders, and other inflammatory conditions. We first review the literature on pregnenolone and allopregnanolone inhibition of proinflammatory neuroimmune pathways in the periphery and the brain - effects that are independent of GABAergic mechanisms. We follow with evidence for neurosteroid enhancement of anti-inflammatory and protective pathways in brain and immune cells. These studies draw clinical relevance from a large body of evidence that pro-inflammatory immune signaling is dysregulated in many brain disorders and the fact that neurosteroids inhibit the same inflammatory pathways that are activated in depression, alcohol use disorders and other inflammatory conditions. Thus, we describe evidence that neurosteroid levels are decreased and neurosteroid supplementation has therapeutic efficacy in these neuropsychiatric conditions. We conclude with a perspective that endogenous regulation of immune balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways by neurosteroid signaling is essential to prevent the onset of disease. Deficits in neurosteroids may unleash excessive pro-inflammatory activation which progresses in a feed-forward manner to disrupt brain networks that regulate stress, emotion and motivation. Neurosteroids can block various inflammatory pathways in mouse and human macrophages, rat brain and human blood and therefore provide new hope for treatment of intractable conditions that involve excessive inflammatory signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Leslie Morrow
- Department of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
| | - Giorgia Boero
- Department of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Irina Balan
- Department of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Wang T, Chen S, Mao Z, Shang Y, Brinton RD. Allopregnanolone pleiotropic action in neurons and astrocytes: calcium signaling as a unifying mechanism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1286931. [PMID: 38189047 PMCID: PMC10771836 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1286931] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Allopregnanolone (Allo) is a neurosteroid with pleiotropic action in the brain that includes neurogenesis, oligogenesis, human and rodent neural stem cell regeneration, increased glucose metabolism, mitochondrial respiration and biogenesis, improved cognitive function, and reduction of both inflammation and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. Because the breadth of Allo-induced responses requires activation of multiple systems of biology in the absence of an Allo-specific nuclear receptor, analyses were conducted in both neurons and astrocytes to identify unifying systems and signaling pathways. Methods Mechanisms of Allo action were investigated in embryonic hippocampal neurons and astrocytes cultured in an Aging Model (AM) media. Cellular morphology, mitochondrial function, and transcriptomics were investigated followed by mechanistic pathway analyses. Results In hippocampal neurons, Allo significantly increased neurite outgrowth and synaptic protein expression, which were paralleled by upregulated synaptogenesis and long-term potentiation gene expression profiles. Mechanistically, Allo induced Ca2+/CREB signaling cascades. In parallel, Allo significantly increased maximal mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and Complex IV activity while reducing oxidative stress, which required both the GABAA and L-type Ca2+ channels. In astrocytes, Allo increased ATP generation, mitochondrial function and dynamics while reducing oxidative stress, inflammasome indicators, and apoptotic signaling. Mechanistically, Allo regulation of astrocytic mitochondrial function required both the GABAA and L-type Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, Allo activated NRF1-TFAM signaling and increased the DRP1/OPA1 protein ratio, which led to increased mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics. Conclusion Collectively, the cellular, mitochondrial, transcriptional, and pharmacological profiles provide evidence in support of calcium signaling as a unifying mechanism for Allo pleiotropic actions in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Wang
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Shuhua Chen
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Zisu Mao
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Yuan Shang
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine Tucson, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Pestana JE, Graham BM. Reproductive experience alters the effects of diazepam and fluoxetine on anxiety-like behaviour, fear extinction, and corticosterone levels in female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:2515-2528. [PMID: 37581635 PMCID: PMC10640474 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06446-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
OVERVIEW Reproductive experience (pregnancy and motherhood) leads to long-term changes in the neurobiological and hormonal features of anxiety in rats and humans. The aim of this study was to examine whether reproductive experience alters the effects of two pharmacological treatments for anxiety, a benzodiazepine (diazepam) and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (fluoxetine), on animal models of anxiety. METHODS In Experiment 1, virgin (n = 47) and age-matched mother (n = 50) rats at 1-month post-weaning were injected with diazepam (1.3 mg/kg or 1.7 mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle, in the proestrus (high estradiol/progesterone/allopregnanolone) or metestrus (low estradiol/progesterone/allopregnanolone) phase of the estrous cycle 30 min prior to the elevated plus maze (EPM). In Experiment 2, virgin (n = 25) and mother rats (n = 20) were administered fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) or vehicle for 2 weeks prior to being tested on a Pavlovian fear conditioning and extinction protocol, and the EPM. RESULTS Replicating past research, in virgin rats, the low dose of diazepam produced anxiolytic-like effects in proestrus, but only the high dose was anxiolytic-like in metestrus. In contrast, in mother rats, both doses of diazepam were anxiolytic-like irrespective of estrous phase. Fluoxetine produced anxiogenic-like effects in virgin rats during fear extinction and the EPM, but had no behavioural effects in mothers. In contrast, fluoxetine increased plasma corticosterone levels measured 30-min post-EPM in mothers, but not virgin rats. CONCLUSIONS Reproductive experience alters the dose responsivity and efficacy of common anti-anxiety medications in female rats. These findings highlight the importance of considering reproductive status in studies on anxiety and its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodie E Pestana
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Bronwyn M Graham
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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Abstract
Zuranolone (ZURZUVAE™) is an oral neuroactive steroid and a positive allosteric modulator of the gamma aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor being developed by Sage Therapeutics and Biogen for the treatment of mood disorders. In August 2023, zuranolone received its first approval in the USA for the treatment of adults with postpartum depression [pending scheduling by the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)]. This article summarizes the milestones in the development of zuranolone leading to this first approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-A Heo
- Springer Nature, Mairangi Bay, Private Bag 65901, Auckland, 0754, New Zealand.
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Bengtsson SKS, Sjöstedt J, Malinina E, Das R, Doverskog M, Johansson M, Haage D, Bäckström T. Extra-Synaptic GABA A Receptor Potentiation and Neurosteroid-Induced Learning Deficits Are Inhibited by GR3027, a GABA A Modulating Steroid Antagonist. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1496. [PMID: 37892178 PMCID: PMC10604444 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101496] [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: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives In Vitro: To study the effects of GR3027 (golexanolone) on neurosteroid-induced GABA-mediated current responses under physiological GABAergic conditions with recombinant human α5β3γ2L and α1β2γ2L GABAA receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney cells, using the response patch clamp technique combined with the Dynaflow™ application system. With α5β3γ2L receptors, 0.01-3 μM GR3027, in a concentration-dependent manner, reduced the current response induced by 200 nM THDOC + 0.3 µM GABA, as well as the THDOC-induced direct gated effect. GR3027 (1 μM) alone had no effect on the GABA-mediated current response or current in the absence of GABA. With α1β2γ2L receptors, GR3027 alone had no effect on the GABA-mediated current response or did not affect the receptor by itself. Meanwhile, 1-3 µM GR3027 reduced the current response induced by 200 nM THDOC + 30 µM GABA and 3 µM GR3027 that induced by 200 nM THDOC when GABA was not present. Objectives In Vivo: GR3027 reduces allopregnanolone (AP)-induced decreased learning and anesthesia in male Wistar rats. Rats treated i.v. with AP (2.2 mg/kg) or vehicle were given GR3027 in ratios of 1:0.5 to 1:5 dissolved in 10% 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin. A dose ratio of AP:GR3027 of at least 1:2.5 antagonized the AP-induced decreased learning in the Morris Water Mase (MWM) and 1:7.5 antagonized the loss of righting reflex (LoR). GR3027 treatment did not change other functions in the rat compared to the vehicle group. Conclusions: GR3027 functions in vitro as an inhibitor of GABAA receptors holding α5β3γ2L and α1β2γ2L, in vivo, in the rat, as a dose-dependent inhibitor toward AP's negative effects on LoR and learning in the MWM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K. S. Bengtsson
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jessica Sjöstedt
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Evgenya Malinina
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Roshni Das
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Umecrine Cognition AB, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | | | - Maja Johansson
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
- Umecrine Cognition AB, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden
| | - David Haage
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Mid Sweden University, AE-851 70 Sundsvall, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Umeå University, SE-901 85 Umeå, Sweden
- Umecrine Cognition AB, SE-171 65 Solna, Sweden
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Nishimoto-Kusunose S, Hirakawa A, Tanaka A, Yoshizawa K, Makino K, Takahashi H, Higashi T. Drugs possessing aryloxypropanamine pharmacophore, duloxetine, dapoxetine and propranolol, increase allopregnanolone in rat brain: Possible involvement of allopregnanolone in their central nervous system effects. Steroids 2023; 198:109272. [PMID: 37468115 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109272] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (AP) is a neurosteroid synthesized in the brain and a positive allosteric modulator of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors. Some drugs possessing the aryloxypropanamine (AOPA) pharmacophore, such as fluoxetine, exert their central nervous system (CNS) effects by increasing the brain AP. Although duloxetine (DLX), dapoxetine (DPX), atomoxetine (ATX) and propranolol (PRL) also possess the AOPA pharmacophore and are used to treat some psychiatric disorders, the capabilities of these drugs to increase the brain AP and the possible involvement of AP in their CNS effects remain to be fully elucidated. To clarify these points, we first developed a method for quantifying AP in the rat brain by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Analysis of the changes in the brain AP levels using this method revealed that the intraperitoneal administration of DLX (10 mg/kg), DPX (10 mg/kg) and PRL (20 mg/kg) significantly increased the brain AP (DLX: < 0.40-2.74 ng/g tissue, DPX: 1.48-3.83 ng/g tissue and PRL: < 0.40-2.09 ng/g tissue) compared to the saline administration (<0.40 ng/g tissue). These results suggested the possible involvement of the GABAergic neurosteroid, AP, in the central actions of DLX, DPX and PRL. In contrast, ATX (10 mg/kg) did not affect the AP levels in the brain. In addition, the brain and serum AP levels had a remarkably high positive correlation after the administration of DLX, DPX and PRL. Thus, this study proposed the AP-related novel mechanism of actions of DLX, DPX and PRL in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoichi Nishimoto-Kusunose
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Ayaka Hirakawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Asuka Tanaka
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Kazumi Yoshizawa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Kosho Makino
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; Faculty of Pharmacy, Musashino University, 1-1-20 Shin-machi, Nishitokyo, Tokyo 202-8585, Japan
| | - Hideyo Takahashi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Higashi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan.
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14
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Abstract
Type A γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAARs) are the principal inhibitory receptors in the brain and the target of a wide range of clinical agents, including anaesthetics, sedatives, hypnotics and antidepressants1-3. However, our understanding of GABAAR pharmacology has been hindered by the vast number of pentameric assemblies that can be derived from 19 different subunits4 and the lack of structural knowledge of clinically relevant receptors. Here, we isolate native murine GABAAR assemblies containing the widely expressed α1 subunit and elucidate their structures in complex with drugs used to treat insomnia (zolpidem (ZOL) and flurazepam) and postpartum depression (the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (APG)). Using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) analysis and single-molecule photobleaching experiments, we uncover three major structural populations in the brain: the canonical α1β2γ2 receptor containing two α1 subunits, and two assemblies containing one α1 and either an α2 or α3 subunit, in which the single α1-containing receptors feature a more compact arrangement between the transmembrane and extracellular domains. Interestingly, APG is bound at the transmembrane α/β subunit interface, even when not added to the sample, revealing an important role for endogenous neurosteroids in modulating native GABAARs. Together with structurally engaged lipids, neurosteroids produce global conformational changes throughout the receptor that modify the ion channel pore and the binding sites for GABA and insomnia medications. Our data reveal the major α1-containing GABAAR assemblies, bound with endogenous neurosteroid, thus defining a structural landscape from which subtype-specific drugs can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Sun
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Hongtao Zhu
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sarah Clark
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Eric Gouaux
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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Rupprecht R, Pradhan AK, Kufner M, Brunner LM, Nothdurfter C, Wein S, Schwarzbach J, Puig X, Rupprecht C, Rammes G. Neurosteroids and translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) in depression: implications for synaptic plasticity, cognition, and treatment options. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1477-1487. [PMID: 36574032 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01532-3] [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: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
There is need for novel fast acting treatment options in affective disorders. 3α-reduced neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone are powerful positive allosteric modulators of GABAA receptors and target also extrasynaptic receptors. Their synthesis is mediated by the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO). TSPO ligands not only promote endogenous neurosteroidogenesis, but also exert a broad spectrum of functions involving modulation of mitochondrial activity and acting as anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative agents. Besides affective symptoms, in depression cognitive impairment can be frequently observed, which may be ameliorated through targeting of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors either via TSPO ligands or exogenously administered 3α-reduced neurosteroids. Interestingly, recent findings indicate an enhanced activation of the complement system, e.g., enhanced expression of C1q, both in depression and dementia. It is of note that benzodiazepines have been shown to reduce long-term potentiation and to cause cognitive decline. Intriguingly, TSPO may be crucial in mediating the effects of benzodiazepines on synaptic pruning. Here, we discuss how benzodiazepines and TSPO may interfere with synaptic pruning. Moreover, we highlight recent developments of TSPO ligands and 3α-reduced neurosteroids as therapeutic agents. Etifoxine is the only clinically available TSPO ligand so far and has been studied in anxiety disorders. Regarding 3α-reduced neurosteroids, brexanolone, an intravenous formulation of allopregnanolone, has been approved for the treatment of postpartum depression and zuranolone, an orally available 3α-reduced neurosteroid, is currently being studied in major depressive disorder and postpartum depression. As such, 3α-reduced neurosteroids and TSPO ligands may constitute promising treatment approaches for affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Arpit Kumar Pradhan
- Experimental Neuropharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marco Kufner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Marie Brunner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Caroline Nothdurfter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Simon Wein
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Jens Schwarzbach
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Xenia Puig
- Experimental Neuropharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Rupprecht
- Experimental Neuropharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Rammes
- Experimental Neuropharmacology, Department of Anesthesiology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
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16
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Bäckström T, Turkmen S, Das R, Doverskog M, Blackburn TP. The GABA system, a new target for medications against cognitive impairment-Associated with neuroactive steroids. J Intern Med 2023; 294:281-294. [PMID: 37518841 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13705] [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] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of cognitive dysfunction, dementia, and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing in parallel with an aging population. Distinct types of chronic stress are thought to be instrumental in the development of cognitive impairment in central nervous system (CNS) disorders where cognitive impairment is a major unmet medical need. Increased GABAergic tone is a mediator of stress effects but is also a result of other factors in CNS disorders. Positive GABA-A receptor modulating stress and sex steroids (steroid-PAMs) such as allopregnanolone (ALLO) and medroxyprogesterone acetate can provoke impaired cognition. As such, ALLO impairs memory and learning in both animals and humans. In transgenic AD animal studies, continuous exposure to ALLO at physiological levels impairs cognition and increases degenerative AD pathology, whereas intermittent ALLO injections enhance cognition, indicating pleiotropic functions of ALLO. We have shown that GABA-A receptor modulating steroid antagonists (GAMSAs) can block the acute negative cognitive impairment of ALLO on memory in animal studies and in patients with cognitive impairment due to hepatic encephalopathy. Here we describe disorders affected by steroid-PAMs and opportunities to treat these adverse effects of steroid-PAMs with novel GAMSAs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sahruh Turkmen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Roshni Das
- Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden
- Umecrine Cognition AB, Solna, Sweden
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17
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Legesse DH, Fan C, Teng J, Zhuang Y, Howard RJ, Noviello CM, Lindahl E, Hibbs RE. Structural insights into opposing actions of neurosteroids on GABA A receptors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5091. [PMID: 37607940 PMCID: PMC10444788 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40800-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors mediate fast inhibitory signaling in the brain and are targets of numerous drugs and endogenous neurosteroids. A subset of neurosteroids are GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators; one of these, allopregnanolone, is the only drug approved specifically for treating postpartum depression. There is a consensus emerging from structural, physiological and photolabeling studies as to where positive modulators bind, but how they potentiate GABA activation remains unclear. Other neurosteroids are negative modulators of GABAA receptors, but their binding sites remain debated. Here we present structures of a synaptic GABAA receptor bound to allopregnanolone and two inhibitory sulfated neurosteroids. Allopregnanolone binds at the receptor-bilayer interface, in the consensus potentiator site. In contrast, inhibitory neurosteroids bind in the pore. MD simulations and electrophysiology support a mechanism by which allopregnanolone potentiates channel activity and suggest the dominant mechanism for sulfated neurosteroid inhibition is through pore block.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chen Fan
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Jinfeng Teng
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yuxuan Zhuang
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Rebecca J Howard
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Colleen M Noviello
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Erik Lindahl
- Dept. of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden.
- Dept. of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Solna, Sweden.
| | - Ryan E Hibbs
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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18
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Boero G, McFarland MH, Tyler RE, O’Buckley TK, Chéry SL, Robinson DL, Besheer J, Morrow AL. Deleterious Interaction between the Neurosteroid (3α,5α)3-Hydroxypregnan-20-One (3α,5α-THP) and the Mu-Opioid System Activation during Forced Swim Stress in Rats. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1205. [PMID: 37627270 PMCID: PMC10452864 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081205] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurosteroid 3α,5α-THP is a potent GABAA receptor-positive modulator and its regulatory action on the HPA axis stress response has been reported in numerous preclinical and clinical studies. We previously demonstrated that 3α,5α-THP down-regulation of HPA axis activity during stress is sex-, brain region- and stressor-dependent. In this study, we observed a deleterious submersion behavior in response to 3α,5α-THP (15 mg/kg) during forced swim stress (FSS) that led us to investigate how 3α,5α-THP might affect behavioral coping strategies engaged in by the animal. Given the well-established involvement of the opioid system in HPA axis activation and its interaction with GABAergic neurosteroids, we explored the synergic effects of 3α,5α-THP/opiate system activation in this behavior. Serum β-endorphin (β-EP) was elevated by FSS and enhanced by 3α,5α-THP + FSS. Hypothalamic Mu-opiate receptors (MOP) were increased in female rats by 3α,5α-THP + FSS. Pretreatment with the MOP antagonist D-Phe-Cys-Tyr-D-Trp-Arg-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2 (CTAP; 2 mg/kg, IP) reversed submersion behavior in males. Moreover, in both males and females, CTAP pretreatment decreased immobility episodes while increasing immobility duration but did not alter swimming duration. This interaction between 3α,5α-THP and the opioid system in the context of FSS might be important in the development of treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders involving HPA axis activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Boero
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3027 Thurston Bowles Bldg., CB 7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (G.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Minna H. McFarland
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3027 Thurston Bowles Bldg., CB 7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (G.B.)
| | - Ryan E. Tyler
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3027 Thurston Bowles Bldg., CB 7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (G.B.)
| | - Todd K. O’Buckley
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3027 Thurston Bowles Bldg., CB 7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (G.B.)
| | - Samantha L. Chéry
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3027 Thurston Bowles Bldg., CB 7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (G.B.)
| | - Donita L. Robinson
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3027 Thurston Bowles Bldg., CB 7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (G.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Joyce Besheer
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3027 Thurston Bowles Bldg., CB 7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (G.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - A. Leslie Morrow
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 3027 Thurston Bowles Bldg., CB 7178, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (G.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Cadeddu R, Van Zandt M, Santovito LS, Odeh K, Anderson CJ, Flanagan D, Nordkild P, Pinna G, Pittenger C, Bortolato M. Prefrontal allopregnanolone mediates the adverse effects of acute stress in a mouse model of tic pathophysiology. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:1288-1299. [PMID: 37198434 PMCID: PMC10354086 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01603-6] [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: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Ample evidence suggests that acute stress can worsen symptom severity in Tourette syndrome (TS); however, the neurobiological underpinnings of this phenomenon remain poorly understood. We previously showed that acute stress exacerbates tic-like and other TS-associated responses via the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP) in an animal model of repetitive behavioral pathology. To verify the relevance of this mechanism to tic pathophysiology, here we tested the effects of AP in a mouse model recapitulating the partial depletion of dorsolateral cholinergic interneurons (CINs) seen in post-mortem studies of TS. Mice underwent targeted depletion of striatal CINs during adolescence and were tested in young adulthood. Compared with controls, partially CIN-depleted male mice exhibited several TS-relevant abnormalities, including deficient prepulse inhibition (PPI) and increased grooming stereotypies after a 30-min session of spatial confinement - a mild acute stressor that increases AP levels in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). These effects were not seen in females. Systemic and intra-PFC AP administration dose-dependently worsened grooming stereotypies and PPI deficits in partially CIN-depleted males. Conversely, both AP synthesis inhibition and pharmacological antagonism reduced the effects of stress. These results further suggest that AP in the PFC mediates the adverse effects of stress on the severity of tics and other TS-related manifestations. Future studies will be necessary to confirm these mechanisms in patients and define the circuitry responsible for the effects of AP on tics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cadeddu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Meghan Van Zandt
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Luca Spiro Santovito
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karen Odeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Collin J Anderson
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia
| | - Deirdre Flanagan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- UI Center on Depression and Resilience (UICDR), Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Alcohol Research in Epigenetics (CARE), Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christopher Pittenger
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Sciences, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Center for Brain and Mind Health, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Cáceres ARR, Campo Verde Arboccó F, Sanhueza MDLÁ, Cardone DA, Rodriguez GB, Casais M, Vega Orozco AS, Laconi MR. Effect of peripheral neural stimulation with allopregnanolone on ovarian physiology. J Endocrinol 2023; 258:e230026. [PMID: 37115241 DOI: 10.1530/joe-23-0026] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids can rapidly regulate multiple physiological functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The aims of the present study were to determine whether allopregnanolone (ALLO), administered in low nanomolar and high micromolar concentrations, can: (i) induce changes in the ovarian progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) release; (ii) modify the ovarian mRNA expression of Hsd3b1 (3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 3β-HSD)3β-, Akr1c3 (20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 20α-HSD), and Akr1c14 (3α-hydroxy steroid oxidoreductase, 3α-HSOR)); and (iii) modulate the ovarian expression of progesterone receptors A and B, α and β estrogenic receptors, luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). To further characterize ALLO peripheral actions, the effects were evaluated using a superior mesenteric ganglion-ovarian nervous plexus-ovary (SMG-ONP-O) and a denervated ovary (DO) systems. ALLO SMG administration increased P4 concentration in the incubation liquid by decreasing ovarian 20α-HSD mRNA, and it also increased ovarian 3α-HSOR mRNA expression. In addition, ALLO neural peripheral modulation induced an increase in the expression of ovarian LHR, PRA, PRB, and ERα. Direct ALLO administration to the DO decreased E2 and increased P4 concentration in the incubation liquid. The mRNA expression of 3β-HSD decreased and 20α-HSD increased. Further, ALLO in the OD significantly changed ovarian FSHR and PRA expression. This is the first evidence of ALLO's direct effect on ovarian steroidogenesis. Our results provide important insights about how this neuroactive steroid interacts both with the PNS and the ovary, and these findings might help devise some of the pleiotropic effects of neuroactive steroids on female reproduction. Moreover, ALLO modulation of ovarian physiology might help uncover novel treatment approaches for reproductive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosario Ramona Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Fiorella Campo Verde Arboccó
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María de Los Ángeles Sanhueza
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Daniela Alejandra Cardone
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
| | | | - Marilina Casais
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | | | - Myriam Raquel Laconi
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
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21
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Lu X, Lambert P, Benz A, Zorumski CF, Mennerick SJ. Allopregnanolone Effects on Inhibition in Hippocampal Parvalbumin Interneurons. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0392-22.2023. [PMID: 36725341 PMCID: PMC10012327 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0392-22.2023] [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: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (AlloP) is a neurosteroid that potentiates ionotropic GABAergic (GABAA) inhibition and is approved for treating postpartum depression in women. Although the antidepressant mechanism of AlloP is largely unknown, it could involve selective action at GABAA receptors containing the δ subunit. Despite previous evidence for selective effects of AlloP on α4/δ-containing receptors of hippocampal dentate granule cells (DGCs), other recent results failed to demonstrate selectivity at these receptors (Lu et al., 2020). In contrast to DGCs, hippocampal fast-spiking parvalbumin (PV) interneurons express an unusual variant partnership of δ subunits with α1 subunits. Here, we hypothesized that native α1/δ receptors in hippocampal fast-spiking interneurons may provide a preferred substrate for AlloP. Contrary to the hypothesis, electrophysiology from genetically tagged PV interneurons in hippocampal slices from male mice showed that 100 nm AlloP promoted phasic inhibition by increasing the sIPSC decay, but tonic inhibition was not detectably altered. Co-application of AlloP with 5 μm GABA did augment tonic current, which was not primarily through δ-containing receptors. Furthermore, AlloP decreased the membrane resistance and the number of action potentials of DGCs, but the impact on PV interneurons was weaker than on DGCs. Thus, our results indicate that hippocampal PV interneurons possess low sensitivity to AlloP and suggest they are unlikely contributors to mood-altering effects of neurosteroids through GABA effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinguo Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Peter Lambert
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Ann Benz
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
| | - Steven J Mennerick
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110
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22
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Tateiwa H, Chintala SM, Chen Z, Wang L, Amtashar F, Bracamontes J, Germann AL, Pierce SR, Covey DF, Akk G, Evers AS. The Mechanism of Enantioselective Neurosteroid Actions on GABA A Receptors. Biomolecules 2023; 13:341. [PMID: 36830708 PMCID: PMC9953308 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) and pregnanolone (PREG), are equally effective positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptors. Interestingly, the PAM effects of ALLO are strongly enantioselective, whereas those of PREG are not. This study was aimed at determining the basis for this difference in enantioselectivity. The oocyte electrophysiology studies showed that ent-ALLO potentiates GABA-elicited currents in α1β3 GABAA receptors with lower potency and efficacy than ALLO, PREG or ent-PREG. The small PAM effect of ent-ALLO was prevented by the α1(Q242L) mutation in the intersubunit neurosteroid binding site between the β3 and α1 subunits. Consistent with this result, neurosteroid analogue photolabeling with mass spectrometric readout, showed that ent-ALLO binds weakly to the β3-α1 intersubunit binding site in comparison to ALLO, PREG and ent-PREG. Rigid body docking predicted that ent-ALLO binds in the intersubunit site with a preferred orientation 180° different than ALLO, PREG or ent-PREG, potentially explaining its weak binding and effect. Photolabeling studies did not identify differences between ALLO and ent-ALLO binding to the α1 or β3 intrasubunit binding sites that also mediate neurosteroid modulation of GABAA receptors. The results demonstrate that differential binding of ent-ALLO and ent-PREG to the β3-α1 intersubunit site accounts for the difference in enantioselectivity between ALLO and PREG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Tateiwa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Kochi Medical School, Kochi 7838505, Japan
| | | | - Ziwei Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Taylor Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Fatima Amtashar
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - John Bracamontes
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Allison L. Germann
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Spencer R. Pierce
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Douglas F. Covey
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Taylor Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology (Pharmacology), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Gustav Akk
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Taylor Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Alex S. Evers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Taylor Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology (Pharmacology), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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23
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Zamora-Sánchez CJ, Camacho-Arroyo I. Allopregnanolone: Metabolism, Mechanisms of Action, and Its Role in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010560. [PMID: 36614002 PMCID: PMC9820109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010560] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (3α-THP) has been one of the most studied progesterone metabolites for decades. 3α-THP and its synthetic analogs have been evaluated as therapeutic agents for pathologies such as anxiety and depression. Enzymes involved in the metabolism of 3α-THP are expressed in classical and nonclassical steroidogenic tissues. Additionally, due to its chemical structure, 3α-THP presents high affinity and agonist activity for nuclear and membrane receptors of neuroactive steroids and neurotransmitters, such as the Pregnane X Receptor (PXR), membrane progesterone receptors (mPR) and the ionotropic GABAA receptor, among others. 3α-THP has immunomodulator and antiapoptotic properties. It also induces cell proliferation and migration, all of which are critical processes involved in cancer progression. Recently the study of 3α-THP has indicated that low physiological concentrations of this metabolite induce the progression of several types of cancer, such as breast, ovarian, and glioblastoma, while high concentrations inhibit it. In this review, we explore current knowledge on the metabolism and mechanisms of action of 3α-THP in normal and tumor cells.
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24
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Bukanova JV, Kondratenko RV, Solntseva EI. Positive allosteric modulators of GABA A receptor restore chloride current from blockade by competitive antagonists in a ligand-dependent manner. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 224:106158. [PMID: 35931327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106158] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABA receptor type A (GABAAR) possesses binding sites for a large group of pharmacological agents which are supposed to interact allosterically with each other. The aim of this work was to study the interaction between the positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) and the competitive antagonists of GABAARs. The GABA-induced chloride current (IGABA) was measured in isolated Purkinje cells of rat cerebellum using the patch-clamp technique. PAMs, neurosteroid allopregnanolone (Allo) and zolpidem (Zolp), a drug that positively modulates the GABAAR through interaction with the benzodiazepine (BDZ) site, doubled the IGABA amplitude in the control solution. Competitive antagonist of GABAARs, bicuculline (Bic, 5 µM) blocked the IGABA by 90%. The addition of 1 μM Allo or 0.5 µM Zolp to the Bic solution caused an unblocking effect, so that the IGABA amplitude increased 10 and 4 times from control value, correspondingly. This unblocking effect developed slowly, as evidenced by a threefold increase in the current rise time. Competitive antagonist of GABAARs, gabazine (GBZ, 0.5 µM) blocked the IGABA by 87%. The addition of 1 μM Allo to the GBZ solution caused an unblocking effect, so that the IGABA amplitude increased 7-fold. However, the addition of 0.5 µM Zolp to the GBZ solution did not cause an unblocking effect. So, Allo appeared to have a stronger unblocking potential than Zolp, and Bic binding site showed a higher sensitivity to the action of unblocking PAMs than GBZ binding site. The results indicate for the first time the existence of an allosteric relationship between the sites binding PAMs and the competitive antagonists of GABAAR.
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Diviccaro S, Giatti S, Cioffi L, Falvo E, Herian M, Caruso D, Melcangi RC. Gut Inflammation Induced by Finasteride Withdrawal: Therapeutic Effect of Allopregnanolone in Adult Male Rats. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1567. [PMID: 36358917 PMCID: PMC9687671 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment with finasteride (i.e., an inhibitor of 5α-reductase) may be associated with different side effects (i.e., depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment and sexual dysfunction) inducing the so-called post finasteride syndrome (PFS). Moreover, previous observations in PFS patients and an experimental model showed alterations in gut microbiota populations, suggesting an inflammatory environment. To confirm this hypothesis, we have explored the effect of chronic treatment with finasteride (i.e., for 20 days) and its withdrawal (i.e., for 1 month) on the levels of steroids, neurotransmitters, pro-inflammatory cytokines and gut permeability markers in the colon of adult male rat. The obtained data demonstrate that the levels of allopregnanolone (ALLO) decreased after finasteride treatment and after its withdrawal. Following the drug suspension, the decrease in ALLO levels correlates with an increase in IL-1β and TNF-α, serotonin and a decrease in dopamine. Importantly, ALLO treatment is able to counteract some of these alterations. The relation between ALLO and GABA-A receptors and/or pregnenolone (ALLO precursor) could be crucial in their mode of action. These observations provide an important background to explore further the protective effect of ALLO in the PFS experimental model and the possibility of its translation into clinical therapy.
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26
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Novick AM, Duffy KA, Johnson RL, Sammel MD, Cao W, Strasser AA, Sofuoglu M, Kuzma A, Loughead J, Morrow AL, Epperson CN. Effect of progesterone administration in male and female smokers on nicotine withdrawal and neural response to smoking cues: role of progesterone conversion to allopregnanolone. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:60. [PMID: 36274158 PMCID: PMC9590190 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00472-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progesterone administration has therapeutic effects in tobacco use disorder (TUD), with females benefiting more than males. Conversion of progesterone to the neurosteroid allopregnanolone is hypothesized to partly underlie the therapeutic effects of progesterone; however, this has not been investigated clinically. METHODS Smokers (n = 18 males, n = 21 females) participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study of 200 mg progesterone daily across 4 days of abstinence. The ratio of allopregnanolone:progesterone was analyzed in relationship to nicotine withdrawal, smoking urges, mood states, subjective nicotine effects, and neural response to smoking cues. RESULTS Allopregnanolone:progesterone ratio interacted with sex to predict withdrawal symptoms (p = 0.047), such that females with higher allopregnanolone:progesterone ratios reported lower withdrawal severity (b = - 0.98 [- 1.95, - 0.01]; p = 0.048). In addition, allopregnanolone:progesterone ratio interacted with sex to predict confusion (p = 0.014) and fatigue (p = 0.034), such that females with higher allopregnanolone:progesterone ratios reported less confusion (b = - 0.45 [- 0.78, - 0.12]; p = 0.008) and marginally lower fatigue (b = - 0.50 [- 1.03, 0.02]; p = 0.062. Irrespective of sex, higher ratios of allopregnanolone:progesterone were associated with stronger "good effects" of nicotine (b = 8.39 [2.58, 14.20]); p = 0.005) and weaker "bad effects" of nicotine (b = - 7.13 [- 13.53, - 0.73]; p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS Conversion of progesterone to allopregnanolone correlated with smoking-related outcomes in both sex-dependent and sex-independent ways. Sex-dependent effects suggest that conversion of progesterone to allopregnanolone may contribute to greater therapeutic benefits in females but not males with TUD. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov registration, retrospectively registered: NCT01954966; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01954966 \.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Novick
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of CO-Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Korrina A Duffy
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of CO-Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Rachel L Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of CO-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of CO-Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of CO-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Wen Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Andrew A Strasser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mehmet Sofuoglu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Alexandra Kuzma
- Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VM, 05405, USA
| | - James Loughead
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - A Leslie Morrow
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology and the Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of CO-Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of CO-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Balan I, Aurelian L, Williams KS, Campbell B, Meeker RB, Morrow AL. Inhibition of human macrophage activation via pregnane neurosteroid interactions with toll-like receptors: Sex differences and structural requirements. Front Immunol 2022; 13:940095. [PMID: 35967446 PMCID: PMC9373802 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.940095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently discovered that (3α,5α)3-hydroxypregnan-20-one (allopregnanolone) inhibits pro-inflammatory toll-like receptor (TLR) activation and cytokine/chemokine production in mouse macrophage RAW264.7 cells. The present studies evaluate neurosteroid actions upon TLR activation in human macrophages from male and female healthy donors. Buffy coat leukocytes were obtained from donors at the New York Blood Center (http://nybloodcenter.org/), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and cultured to achieve macrophage differentiation. TLR4 and TLR7 were activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or imiquimod in the presence/absence of allopregnanolone or related neurosteroids and pro-inflammatory markers were detected by ELISA or western blotting. Cultured human monocyte-derived-macrophages exhibited typical morphology, a mixed immune profile of both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers, with no sex difference at baseline. Allopregnanolone inhibited TLR4 activation in male and female donors, preventing LPS-induced elevations of TNF-α, MCP-1, pCREB and pSTAT1. In contrast, 3α,5α-THDOC and SGE-516 inhibited the TLR4 pathway activation in female, but not male donors. Allopregnanolone completely inhibited TLR7 activation by imiquimod, blocking IL-1-β, IL-6, pSTAT1 and pIRF7 elevations in females only. 3α,5α-THDOC and SGE-516 partially inhibited TLR7 activation, only in female donors. The results indicate that allopregnanolone inhibits TLR4 and TLR7 activation in cultured human macrophages resulting in diminished cytokine/chemokine production. Allopregnanolone inhibition of TLR4 activation was found in males and females, but inhibition of TLR7 signals exhibited specificity for female donors. 3α,5α-THDOC and SGE-516 inhibited TLR4 and TLR7 pathways only in females. These studies demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects of allopregnanolone in human macrophages for the first time and suggest that inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines may contribute to its therapeutic actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Balan
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Laure Aurelian
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Kimberly S. Williams
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Brian Campbell
- Translational Sciences, Sage Therapeutics Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Rick B. Meeker
- Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - A. Leslie Morrow
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacology, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: A. Leslie Morrow,
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Feng YH, Lim SW, Lin HY, Wang SA, Hsu SP, Kao TJ, Ko CY, Hsu TI. Allopregnanolone suppresses glioblastoma survival through decreasing DPYSL3 and S100A11 expression. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2022; 219:106067. [PMID: 35114375 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2022.106067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (allo) is a physiological regulator of neuronal activity that treats multiple neurological disorders. Allo penetrates the blood-brain barrier with very high efficiency, implying that allo can treat CNS-related diseases, including glioblastoma (GBM), which always recurs after standard therapy. Hence, this study aimed to determine whether allo has a therapeutic effect on GBM. We found that allo enhanced temozolomide (TMZ)-suppressed cell survival and proliferation of TMZ-resistant cells. In particular, allo enhanced TMZ-inhibited cell migration and TMZ-induced apoptosis. Additionally, allo strongly induced DNA damage characterized by γH2Ax. Furthermore, quantitative proteomic analysis, iTRAQ, showed that allo significantly decreased the levels of DPYSL3, S100A11, and S100A4, reflecting the poor prognosis of patients with GBM confirmed by differential gene expression and survival analysis. Moreover, single-cell RNA-Seq revealed that S100A11, expressed in malignant cells, oligodendrocytes, and macrophages, was significantly associated with immune cell infiltration. Furthermore, overexpression of DPYSL3 or S100A11 prevented allo-induced cell death. In conclusion, allo suppresses GBM cell survival by decreasing DPYSL3/S100A11 expression and inducing DNA damage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sher-Wei Lim
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan; Department of Neurosurgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 722, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Min-Hwei College of Health Care Management, Tainan 736, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yi Lin
- Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; The Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Shao-An Wang
- School of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Po Hsu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Jen Kao
- Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; The Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan; International Master Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Neuroscience, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Yuan Ko
- Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; The Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan; International Master Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Neuroscience, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
| | - Tsung-I Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; The Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan; Ph.D. Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan; International Master Program in Medical Neuroscience, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei 110, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Neuroscience, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei 110, Taiwan.
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Sheibani V, Rajizadeh MA, Bejeshk MA, Haghparast E, Nozari M, Esmaeili-Mahani S, Nezhadi A. The effects of neurosteroid allopregnanolone on synaptic dysfunction in the hippocampus in experimental parkinsonism rats: An electrophysiological and molecular study. Neuropeptides 2022; 92:102229. [PMID: 35158223 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2022.102229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The dopaminergic system is a powerful candidate targeted for changes of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Higher incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) in men than women indicates the influence of sex hormones on the PD development. Previous studies have shown that neurodegenerative diseases such as PD are related to the decline of Allopregnanolon (Allo), a metabolite of progesterone; it is also well known that learning and memory are influenced by oscillations in steroidal hormones. Although abnormalities in hippocampal plasticity have been observed in the toxic models of PD, effects of Allo on hippocampal LTP and hippocampal synaptic protein levels, which play an important role in maintaining the integrity of neural connections, have never been analyzed thus far. Experimental groups subjected to the long-term potentiation (LTP) were studied in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. In addition, the levels of hippocampal postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), neurexin-1 (Nrxn1) and neuroligin (Nlgn) as synaptic molecular components were determined by immunoblotting. Although dopamine denervation did not alter basal synaptic transmission and pair-pulse facilitation of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs), the induction and maintenance of LTP were impaired in the CA1 region. In addition, the levels of PSD-95, Nrxn1 and Nlgn were significantly decreased in the hippocampus of 6-OHDA-treated animals. Such abnormalities in synaptic electrophysiological aspects and protein levels were abolished by the treatment with Allo. These findings showed that partial dopamine depletion led to unusual synaptic plasticity in the CA1 as well as the decrease in synaptic proteins in the hippocampus. Our results demonstrated that Allo ameliorated these deficits and preserved pre- and post-synaptic proteins. Therefore, Allo may be an effective factor in maintaining synaptic integrity in the mesolimbic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Rajizadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Abbas Bejeshk
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Elham Haghparast
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nozari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeed Esmaeili-Mahani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Akram Nezhadi
- Trauma Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Lambert PM, Lu X, Zorumski CF, Mennerick S. Physiological markers of rapid antidepressant effects of allopregnanolone. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13023. [PMID: 34423498 PMCID: PMC8807818 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The rise of ketamine and brexanolone as rapid antidepressant treatments raises the question of common mechanisms. Both drugs act without the long onset time of traditional antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The drugs also share the interesting feature of benefit that persists beyond the initial drug lifetime. Here, we briefly review literature on functional changes that may mark the triggering mechanism of rapid antidepressant actions. Because ketamine has a longer history of study as a rapid antidepressant, we use this literature as a template to guide hypotheses about common action. Brexanolone has the complication of being a formulation of a naturally occurring neurosteroid; thus, endogenous levels need to be considered when studying the impact of exogenous administration. We conclude that network disinhibition and increased high-frequency oscillations are candidates to mediate acute triggering effects of rapid antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Lambert
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Xinguo Lu
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Steven Mennerick
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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Cáceres ARR, Campo Verde Arboccó F, Cardone DA, Sanhueza MDLÁ, Casais M, Vega Orozco AS, Laconi MR. Superior mesenteric ganglion neural modulation of ovarian angiogenesis, apoptosis and proliferation by the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13056. [PMID: 34739183 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (ALLO), a potent neuroactive steroid, is synthesized and active in the peripheral nervous system. Previous studies have shown that ALLO participates in the central regulation of reproduction with effects on ovarian physiology, although there is little evidence for its ability to modulate peripheral tissues. The present study aimed to determine whether ALLO, administered to an ex vivo system that comprises the superior mesenteric ganglion (SMG), the ovarian nervous plexus (ONP) and the ovary (O), or to the denervated ovary (DO), was able to modify ovarian apoptosis, proliferation and angiogenesis. For this purpose, the SMG-ONP-O system and DO were incubated during 120 min at 37°C, in the presence of two ALLO doses (0.06 µm and 6 µm). The intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of apoptosis were analyzed. Incubation of the SMG-ONP-O system with ALLO 0.06 µm led to an increase in the BAX/BCL-2 ratio and a reduction of FAS-L mRNA levels. ALLO 6 µm induced a decrease of FAS-L levels. Incubation of DO with ALLO 0.06 µm reduced FAS-L, whereas ALLO 6 µm significantly increased it. Cyclin D1 mRNA was measured to evaluate proliferation. Treatment with ALLO 6 µm increased proliferation in both SMG-ONP-O and DO. ALLO 0.06 µm produced an increase of Cyclin D1 in DO only. Administration of either ALLO dose led to a higher ovarian expression of vascular endothelial growth factor in the SMG-ONP-O system, but a lower one in the DO system. ALLO 6 µm induced ovarian sensitization to GABA by increasing GABAA receptor expression. In conclusion, ALLO participates in the peripheral neural modulation of ovarian physiology. It can also interact directly with the ovarian tissue, modulating key mechanisms involved in normal and pathological processes in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Rosario Ramona Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Fiorella Campo Verde Arboccó
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Daniela Alejandra Cardone
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María de Los Ángeles Sanhueza
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Marilina Casais
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Adriana Soledad Vega Orozco
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción (LABIR), Facultad de Química, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional de San Luis, San Luis, Argentina
| | - Myriam Raquel Laconi
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET Mendoza), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina
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Smejkalova T, Korinek M, Krusek J, Hrcka Krausova B, Candelas Serra M, Hajdukovic D, Kudova E, Chodounska H, Vyklicky L. Endogenous neurosteroids pregnanolone and pregnanolone sulfate potentiate presynaptic glutamate release through distinct mechanisms. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3888-3904. [PMID: 33988248 PMCID: PMC8518729 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neurosteroids influence neuronal function and have multiple promising clinical applications. Direct modulation of postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptors by neurosteroids is well characterized, but presynaptic effects remain poorly understood. Here, we report presynaptic glutamate release potentiation by neurosteroids pregnanolone and pregnanolone sulfate and compare their mechanisms of action to phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), a mimic of the second messenger DAG. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We use whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology and pharmacology in rat hippocampal microisland cultures and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy in HEK293 cells expressing GFP-tagged vesicle priming protein Munc13-1, to explore the mechanisms of neurosteroid presynaptic modulation. KEY RESULTS Pregnanolone sulfate and pregnanolone potentiate glutamate release downstream of presynaptic Ca2+ influx, resembling the action of a phorbol ester PDBu. PDBu partially occludes the effect of pregnanolone, but not of pregnanolone sulfate. Calphostin C, an inhibitor that disrupts DAG binding to its targets, reduces the effect PDBu and pregnanolone, but not of pregnanolone sulfate, suggesting that pregnanolone might interact with a well-known DAG/phorbol ester target Munc13-1. However, TIRF microscopy experiments found no evidence of pregnanolone-induced membrane translocation of GFP-tagged Munc13-1, suggesting that pregnanolone may regulate Munc13-1 indirectly or interact with other DAG targets. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS We describe a novel presynaptic effect of neurosteroids pregnanolone and pregnanolone sulfate to potentiate glutamate release downstream of presynaptic Ca2+ influx. The mechanism of action of pregnanolone, but not of pregnanolone sulfate, partly overlaps with that of PDBu. Presynaptic effects of neurosteroids may contribute to their therapeutic potential in the treatment of disorders of the glutamate system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tereza Smejkalova
- Institute of PhysiologyCzech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Miloslav Korinek
- Institute of PhysiologyCzech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jan Krusek
- Institute of PhysiologyCzech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | | | | | | | - Eva Kudova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Hana Chodounska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and BiochemistryCzech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Ladislav Vyklicky
- Institute of PhysiologyCzech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
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Sparrow EL, James S, Hussain K, Beers SA, Cragg MS, Bogdanov YD. Activation of GABA(A) receptors inhibits T cell proliferation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251632. [PMID: 34014994 PMCID: PMC8136847 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The major sites for fast synaptic inhibition in the central nervous system (CNS) are ion channels activated by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). These receptors are referred as GABA(A) receptors (GABA(A)R). Recent evidence indicates a role of GABA(A)R in modulating the immune response. This work aimed to discern the role of GABA and GABA(A)Rs in human and mouse T cell activity. METHODS Mouse splenocytes or human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were activated with anti-CD3 antibodies and the proliferation of both CD8+ and CD4+ T cells assessed through flow cytometry. Subsequently, the effects on T cell proliferation of either GABA(A)R modulation by diazepam that is also capable of activating mitochondrial based translocator protein (TSPO), alprazolam and allopregnanolone or inhibition by bicucculine methiodide (BMI) and (1,2,5,6-Tetrahydropyridin-4-yl)methylphosphinic acid (TPMPA) were assessed. RESULTS Positive modulation of GABA(A)Rs either by benzodiazepines or the neurosteroid allopregnanolone inhibits both mouse and human T cell proliferation. GABAergic inhibition of T cell proliferation by benzodiazepines could be rescued by GABA(A)R blocking. Our data suggest that benzodiazepines influence T cell proliferation through both TSPO and GABA(A)Rs activation. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that activation of GABA(A)Rs provides immunosuppression by inhibiting T cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Sparrow
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, MP127, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, Hants, United Kingdom
| | - Sonya James
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, MP127, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, Hants, United Kingdom
| | - Khiyam Hussain
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, MP127, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, Hants, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen A. Beers
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, MP127, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, Hants, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S. Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, MP127, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, Hants, United Kingdom
| | - Yury D. Bogdanov
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, MP127, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, Hants, United Kingdom
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Abstract
The neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) is an endogenous positive allosteric modulator of GABA type A receptor (GABAAR), and the down-regulation of its biosynthesis have been attributed to the development of mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). ALLO mediated depression/anxiety involves GABAergic mechanisms and appears to be related to brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine receptor, glutamate neurotransmission, and Ca2+ channel. In the clinical, brexanolone, as a newly developed intravenous ALLO preparation, has been approved for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). In addition, traditional antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) could reverse ALLO decline. Recently, the translocation protein (TSPO, 18 kDa), which involves in the speed-limiting step of ALLO synthesis, and ALLO derivatization have been identified as new directions for antidepressant therapy. This review provides an overview of ALLO researches in animal model and patients, discusses its role in the development and treatment of depression/anxiety, and directs its therapeutic potential in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lijuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yiping Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College (Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Drug Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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Holzmann C, Witt M, Rolfs A, Antipova V, Wree A. Gender-Specific Effects of Two Treatment Strategies in a Mouse Model of Niemann-Pick Disease Type C1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052539. [PMID: 33802605 PMCID: PMC7962008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In a mouse model of Niemann-Pick disease type C1 (NPC1), a combination therapy (COMBI) of miglustat (MIGLU), the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) and the cyclic oligosaccharide 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPßCD) has previously resulted in, among other things, significantly improved motor function. The present study was designed to compare the therapeutic effects of the COMBI therapy with that of MIGLU or HPßCD alone on body and brain weight and the behavior of NPC1−/− mice in a larger cohort, with special reference to gender differences. A total of 117 NPC1−/− and 123 NPC1+/+ mice underwent either COMBI, MIGLU only, HPßCD only, or vehicle treatment (Sham), or received no treatment at all (None). In male and female NPC1−/− mice, all treatments led to decreased loss of body weight and, partly, brain weight. Concerning motor coordination, as revealed by the accelerod test, male NPC1−/− mice benefited from COMBI treatment, whereas female mice benefited from COMBI, MIGLU, and HPßCD treatment. As seen in the open field test, the reduced locomotor activity of male and female NPC1−/− mice was not significantly ameliorated in either treatment group. Our results suggest that in NPC1−/− mice, each drug treatment scheme had a beneficial effect on at least some of the parameters evaluated compared with Sham-treated mice. Only in COMBI-treated male and female NPC+/+ mice were drug effects seen in reduced body and brain weights. Upon COMBI treatment, the increased dosage of drugs necessary for anesthesia in Sham-treated male and female NPC1−/− mice was almost completely reduced only in the female groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Holzmann
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Martin Witt
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany;
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Arndt Rolfs
- Centogene AG, Rostock, Am Strande 7, 18055 Rostock, Germany;
- University of Rostock, 18055 Rostock, Germany
| | - Veronica Antipova
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Macroscopic and Clinical Anatomy, Medical University of Graz, A-8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Andreas Wree
- Centre of Transdisciplinary Neuroscience Rostock, D-18147 Rostock, Germany;
- Institute of Anatomy, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-381-494-8429
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Ziolkowski L, Mordukhovich I, Chen DM, Chisari M, Shu HJ, Lambert PM, Qian M, Zorumski CF, Covey DF, Mennerick S. A neuroactive steroid with a therapeutically interesting constellation of actions at GABA A and NMDA receptors. Neuropharmacology 2021; 183:108358. [PMID: 33115614 PMCID: PMC7736525 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are an ascendant class of treatment for neuropsychiatric illness. Effects on ligand-gated neurotransmitter receptors appear to be a major mechanism of action. Here we describe a neuroactive steroid with a unique constellation of receptor actions. MQ-221 is a sulfated, 3β-hydroxy neurosteroid analogue that inhibits NMDAR function but also potentiates GABAAR function, thereby exhibiting unusual but potentially clinically desirable effects. Although the compound also exhibited features of other sulfated steroids, namely activation-dependent inhibition of GABAAR function, net potentiation dominated under physiological conditions. Potentiation of GABAAR function was distinct from the mechanism governing potentiation by anesthetic neurosteroids. Inhibition of NMDAR function showed weaker channel activation dependence than pregnanolone sulfate (3α5βPS). MQ-221 was unique among four stereoisomers explored in the pattern of effects at GABAA and NMDARs. Taken together, MQ-221 may represent a new class of compound with unique psychoactive effects and beneficial prospects for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Ziolkowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Isaac Mordukhovich
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Daniel M Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Mariangela Chisari
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Hong-Jin Shu
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Peter M Lambert
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Mingxing Qian
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Douglas F Covey
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Steven Mennerick
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Dhir A, Bruun DA, Guignet M, Tsai Y, González E, Calsbeek J, Vu J, Saito N, Tancredi DJ, Harvey DJ, Lein PJ, Rogawski MA. Allopregnanolone and perampanel as adjuncts to midazolam for treating diisopropylfluorophosphate-induced status epilepticus in rats. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2020; 1480:183-206. [PMID: 32915470 PMCID: PMC7756871 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Combinations of midazolam, allopregnanolone, and perampanel were assessed for antiseizure activity in a rat diisopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) status epilepticus model. Animals receiving DFP followed by atropine and pralidoxime exhibited continuous high-amplitude rhythmical electroencephalography (EEG) spike activity and behavioral seizures for more than 5 hours. Treatments were administered intramuscularly 40 min after DFP. Seizures persisted following midazolam (1.8 mg/kg). The combination of midazolam with either allopregnanolone (6 mg/kg) or perampanel (2 mg/kg) terminated EEG and behavioral status epilepticus, but the onset of the perampanel effect was slow. The combination of midazolam, allopregnanolone, and perampanel caused rapid and complete suppression of EEG and behavioral seizures. In the absence of DFP, animals treated with the three-drug combination were sedated but not anesthetized. Animals that received midazolam alone exhibited spontaneous recurrent EEG seizures, whereas those that received the three-drug combination did not, demonstrating antiepileptogenic activity. All combination treatments reduced neurodegeneration as assessed with Fluoro-Jade C staining to a greater extent than midazolam alone, and most reduced astrogliosis as assessed by GFAP immunoreactivity but had mixed effects on markers of microglial activation. We conclude that allopregnanolone, a positive modulator of the GABAA receptor, and perampanel, an AMPA receptor antagonist, are potential adjuncts to midazolam in the treatment of benzodiazepine-refractory organophosphate nerve agent-induced status epilepticus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Dhir
- Department of Neurology, School of MedicineUniversity of California, DavisSacramentoCalifornia
| | - Donald A. Bruun
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia
| | - Michelle Guignet
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia
| | - Yi‐Hua Tsai
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia
| | - Eduardo González
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia
| | - Jonas Calsbeek
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia
| | - Joan Vu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia
| | - Naomi Saito
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of MedicineUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia
| | - Daniel J. Tancredi
- Department of Pediatrics, School of MedicineUniversity of California, DavisSacramentoCalifornia
| | - Danielle J. Harvey
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of MedicineUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia
| | - Pamela J. Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of California, DavisDavisCalifornia
| | - Michael A. Rogawski
- Department of Neurology, School of MedicineUniversity of California, DavisSacramentoCalifornia
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Misztal T, Kowalczyk P, Młotkowska P, Marciniak E. The Effect of Allopregnanolone on Enzymatic Activity of the DNA Base Excision Repair Pathway in the Sheep Hippocampus and Amygdala under Natural and Stressful Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7762. [PMID: 33092287 PMCID: PMC7589085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AL) has many beneficial functions in the brain. This study tested the hypothesis that AL administered for three days into the third brain ventricle would affect the enzymatic activity of the DNA base excision repair (BER) pathway in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 fields and the central amygdala in luteal-phase sheep under both natural and stressful conditions. Acute stressful stimuli, including isolation and partial movement restriction, were used on the last day of infusion. The results showed that stressful stimuli increased N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase (MPG), thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG), 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1), and AP-endonuclease 1 (APE1) mRNA expression, as well as repair activities for 1,N6-ethenoadenine (εA), 3,N4-ethenocytosine (εC), and 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) compared to controls. The stimulated events were lower in stressed and AL-treated sheep compared to sheep that were only stressed (except MPG mRNA expression in the CA1 and amygdala, as well as TDG mRNA expression in the CA1). AL alone reduced mRNA expression of all DNA repair enzymes (except TDG in the amygdala) relative to controls and other groups. DNA repair activities varied depending on the tissue-AL alone stimulated the excision of εA in the amygdala, εC in the CA3 and amygdala, and 8-oxoG in all tissues studied compared to controls. However, the excision efficiency of lesioned bases in the AL group was lower than in the stressed and stressed and AL-treated groups, with the exception of εA in the amygdala. In conclusion, the presented modulating effect of AL on the synthesis of BER pathway enzymes and their repair capacity, both under natural and stressful conditions, indicates another functional role of this neurosteroid in brain structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Misztal
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland; (P.K.); (P.M.); (E.M.)
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Drexler B, Grenz J, Grasshoff C, Antkowiak B. Allopregnanolone Enhances GABAergic Inhibition in Spinal Motor Networks. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197399. [PMID: 33036451 PMCID: PMC7582554 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197399] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO) causes unconsciousness by allosteric modulation of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors, but its actions on the spinal motor networks are unknown. We are therefore testing the hypothesis that ALLO attenuates the action potential firing of spinal interneurons and motoneurons predominantly via enhancing tonic, but not synaptic GABAergic inhibition. We used video microscopy to assess motoneuron-evoked muscle activity in organotypic slice cultures prepared from the spinal cord and muscle tissue. Furthermore, we monitored GABAA receptor-mediated currents by performing whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings. We found that ALLO (100 nM) reduced the action potential firing of spinal interneurons by 27% and that of α-motoneurons by 33%. The inhibitory effects of the combination of propofol (1 µM) and ALLO on motoneuron-induced muscle contractions were additive. Moreover, ALLO evoked a tonic, GABAA receptor-mediated current (amplitude: 41 pA), without increasing phasic GABAergic transmission. Since we previously showed that at a clinically relevant concentration of 1 µM propofol enhanced phasic, but not tonic GABAergic inhibition, we conclude that ALLO and propofol target distinct subpopulations of GABAA receptors. These findings provide first evidence that the combined application of ALLO and propofol may help to reduce intraoperative movements and undesired side effects that are frequently observed under total intravenous anesthesia.
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Chen S, Wang T, Yao J, Brinton RD. Allopregnanolone Promotes Neuronal and Oligodendrocyte Differentiation In Vitro and In Vivo: Therapeutic Implication for Alzheimer's Disease. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:1813-1824. [PMID: 32632771 PMCID: PMC7851314 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated that the endogenous neurosteroid allopregnanolone (Allo) promotes regeneration of rodent and human neural progenitor/neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro and in vivo, and restores neurogenesis and cognitive function in the male triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (3xTgAD). In this study, we investigated Allo regulation of neuronal differentiation of adult mouse neural stem cells from both sexes. Outcomes indicated that the age-dependent shift from neuronal to glial differentiation was accelerated and magnified in 3xTgAD adult NSCs compared to that in age-matched non-Tg NSCs. Coincident with the decline in neuronal differentiation, the number of immature neurons declined earlier in 3xTgAD mice, which was consistent with observations in the aged Alzheimer's human brain. Allo treatment restored the neuron/astrocyte ratio derived from adult 3xTgAD NSCs and increased both NSC proliferation and differentiation in the 3xTgAD brain. Allo treatment also significantly increased expression of Olig2, an oligodendrocyte precursor cell marker, as well as Olig2-positive cells in the corpus callosum of 3xTgAD mice. Increased neuronal and oligodendrocyte differentiation was paralleled by an increase in the expression levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R). Collectively, these findings are consistent with Allo acting as a pleiotropic therapeutic to promote regeneration of gray and white matter in the Alzheimer's brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhua Chen
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, 1230 N Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Tian Wang
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, 1230 N Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Jia Yao
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Center for Innovation in Brain Science, University of Arizona, 1230 N Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Akk G, Germann AL, Sugasawa Y, Pierce SR, Evers AS, Steinbach JH. Enhancement of Muscimol Binding and Gating by Allosteric Modulators of the GABA A Receptor: Relating Occupancy to State Functions. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:303-313. [PMID: 32873746 PMCID: PMC7472144 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscimol is a psychoactive isoxazole derived from the mushroom Amanita muscaria and a potent orthosteric agonist of the GABAA receptor. The binding of [3H]muscimol has been used to evaluate the distribution of GABAA receptors in the brain, and studies of modulation of [3H]muscimol binding by allosteric GABAergic modulators such as barbiturates and steroid anesthetics have provided insight into the modes of action of these drugs on the GABAA receptor. It has, however, not been feasible to directly apply interaction parameters derived from functional studies to describe the binding of muscimol to the receptor. Here, we employed the Monod-Wyman-Changeux concerted transition model to analyze muscimol binding isotherms. We show that the binding isotherms from recombinant α1β3 GABAA receptors can be qualitatively predicted using electrophysiological data pertaining to properties of receptor activation and desensitization in the presence of muscimol. The model predicts enhancement of [3H]muscimol binding in the presence of the steroids allopregnanolone and pregnenolone sulfate, although the steroids interact with distinct sites and either enhance (allopregnanolone) or reduce (pregnenolone sulfate) receptor function. We infer that the concerted transition model can be used to link radioligand binding and electrophysiological data. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The study employs a three-state resting-active-desensitized model to link radioligand binding and electrophysiological data. We show that the binding isotherms can be qualitatively predicted using parameters estimated in electrophysiological experiments and that the model accurately predicts the enhancement of [3H]muscimol binding in the presence of the potentiating steroid allopregnanolone and the inhibitory steroid pregnenolone sulfate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Akk
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., A.L.G., Y.S., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., A.S.E., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Allison L Germann
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., A.L.G., Y.S., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., A.S.E., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Yusuke Sugasawa
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., A.L.G., Y.S., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., A.S.E., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Spencer R Pierce
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., A.L.G., Y.S., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., A.S.E., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alex S Evers
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., A.L.G., Y.S., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., A.S.E., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joe Henry Steinbach
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., A.L.G., Y.S., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., A.S.E., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Joshi S, Roden WH, Kapur J, Jansen LA. Reduced neurosteroid potentiation of GABA A receptors in epilepsy and depolarized hippocampal neurons. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:527-542. [PMID: 32243088 PMCID: PMC7187710 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurosteroids regulate neuronal excitability by potentiating γ-aminobutyric acid type-A receptors (GABARs). In animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy, the neurosteroid sensitivity of GABARs is diminished and GABAR subunit composition is altered. We tested whether similar changes occur in patients with epilepsy and if depolarization-induced increases in neuronal activity can replicate this effect. METHODS We determined GABAR α4 subunit expression in cortical tissue resected from pediatric epilepsy patients. Modulation of human GABARs by allopregnanolone and Ro15-4513 was measured in Xenopus oocytes using whole-cell patch clamp. To extend the findings obtained using tissue from epilepsy patients, we evaluated GABAR expression and modulation by allopregnanolone and Ro15-4513 in cultured rat hippocampal neurons exposed to high extracellular potassium (HK) to increase neuronal activity. RESULTS Expression of α4 subunits was increased in pediatric cortical epilepsy specimens encompassing multiple pathologies. The potentiation of GABA-evoked currents by the neurosteroid allopregnanolone was decreased in Xenopus oocytes expressing GABARs isolated from epilepsy patients. Furthermore, receptors isolated from epilepsy but not control tissue were sensitive to potentiation by Ro15-4513, indicating higher expression of α4 βx γ2 subunit-containing receptors. Correspondingly, increasing the activity of cultured rat hippocampal neurons reduced allopregnanolone potentiation of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), increased modulation of tonic GABAR current by Ro15-4513, upregulated the surface expression of α4 and γ2 subunits, and increased the colocalization of α4 and γ2 subunit immunoreactivity. INTERPRETATION These findings suggest that seizure activity-induced upregulation of α4 βx γ2 subunit-containing GABARs could affect the anticonvulsant actions of neurosteroids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchitra Joshi
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia
| | | | - Jaideep Kapur
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia
- Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia
- UVA Brain InstituteUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia
| | - Laura A. Jansen
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVirginia
- Seattle Children’s Research InstituteSeattleWashington
- Department of NeurologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisWashington
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Pelegrina LT, de Los Ángeles Sanhueza M, Ramona Cáceres AR, Cuello-Carrión D, Rodriguez CE, Laconi MR. Effect of progesterone and first evidence about allopregnanolone action on the progression of epithelial human ovarian cancer cell lines. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 196:105492. [PMID: 31614205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian carcinoma is one of the most common cause of death by gynecologic cancer. Several epidemiological and in vitro studies have shown controversial data about progesterone effects in ovarian cancer. Progesterone can be converted in its active metabolite, allopregnanolone, its effects in ovarian cancer are still unknown. Previously, we demonstrated that allopregnanolone modifies ovarian morphophysiology, being able to alter critical process of tumor development such as proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Taking into account these antecedents, we investigated the effect of progesterone and allopregnanolone on proliferation, apoptosis, clonogenic capacity and migration on two epithelial human ovarian cancer cell lines, IGROV-1 and SKOV-3. To this end, IGROV-1 and SKOV-3 cells were exposed to a range of progesterone and allopregnanolone concentrations (10-11 to 10-5 M) for 72 h. Proliferation was analyzed by MTT and Ki67 expression. Apoptosis was measured by immunocytochemistry of cleaved caspase 3. Clonogenic capacity was evaluated by counting colonies. Migration was analyzed by wound assay. We found that allopregnanolone increased proliferation and Ki67 expression respect to control on IGROV-1 cells, while expression of cleaved caspase 3 did not change in any cell line studied. IGROV-1 clonogenic capacity was also increased by allopregnanolone treatment. Both steroids, progesterone and allopregnanolone, increased IGROV-1 migration in a concentration dependent manner. None of the steroids tested modified SKOV-3 biological behavior analized. This is the first evidence that allopregnanolone, a progesterone metabolite, affects critical events in tumor development of human epithelial ovarian cancer. These results could have an impact in the future in clinic diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of ovarian cancer patients. The regulation of progesterone and allopregnanolone steroideogenesis and their molecular mechanisms might be considered as potential therapeutic tool in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tatiana Pelegrina
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental (IMBECU)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina; Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Mendoza, Argentina.d- Hospital de Oncología Angel Roffo. CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María de Los Ángeles Sanhueza
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental (IMBECU)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Antonella Rosario Ramona Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental (IMBECU)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina; Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Mendoza, Argentina.d- Hospital de Oncología Angel Roffo. CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Dario Cuello-Carrión
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental (IMBECU)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Cristina Elisa Rodriguez
- Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Mendoza, Argentina.d- Hospital de Oncología Angel Roffo. CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Myriam Raquel Laconi
- Laboratorio de Fisio-patología ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental (IMBECU)- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Médicas y Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina.
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Thomas P, Pang Y. Anti-apoptotic Actions of Allopregnanolone and Ganaxolone Mediated Through Membrane Progesterone Receptors (PAQRs) in Neuronal Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:417. [PMID: 32670200 PMCID: PMC7331777 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [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: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurosteroids progesterone and allopregnanolone regulate numerous neuroprotective functions in neural tissues including inhibition of epileptic seizures and cell death. Many of progesterone's actions are mediated through the nuclear progesterone receptor (PR), while allopregnanolone is widely considered to be devoid of hormonal activity and instead acts through modulation of GABA-A receptor activity. However, allopregnanolone can also exert hormonal actions in neuronal cells through binding and activating membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs) belonging to the progestin and adipoQ receptor (PAQR) family. The distribution and functions of the five mPR subtypes (α, β, γ, δ, ε) in neural tissues are briefly reviewed. mPRδ has the highest binding affinity for allopregnanolone and is highly expressed throughout the human brain. Low concentrations (20 nM) of allopregnanolone act through mPRδ to stimulate G protein (Gs)-dependent signaling pathways resulting in reduced cell death and apoptosis in mPRδ-transfected cells. The 3-methylated synthetic analog of allopregnanolone, ganaxolone, is currently undergoing clinical trials as a promising GABA-A receptor-selective antiepileptic drug (AED). New data show that low concentrations (20 nM) of ganaxolone also activate mPRδ signaling and exert anti-apoptotic actions through this receptor. Preliminary evidence suggests that ganaxolone can also exert neuroprotective effects by activating inhibitory G protein (Gi)-dependent signaling through mPRα and/or mPRβ in neuronal cells. The results indicate that mPRs are likely intermediaries in multiple actions of natural and synthetic neurosteroids in the brain. Potential off-target effects of ganaxolone through activation of mPRs in patients receiving long-term treatment for epilepsy and other disorders should be considered and warrant further investigation.
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Brexanolone (Zulresso) for postpartum depression. Med Lett Drugs Ther 2019; 61:68-70. [PMID: 31169804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
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Napoli E, Schneider A, Wang JY, Trivedi A, Carrillo NR, Tassone F, Rogawski M, Hagerman RJ, Giulivi C. Allopregnanolone Treatment Improves Plasma Metabolomic Profile Associated with GABA Metabolism in Fragile X-Associated Tremor/Ataxia Syndrome: a Pilot Study. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:3702-3713. [PMID: 30187385 PMCID: PMC6401336 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1330-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [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: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there is no effective treatment for the fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a late-onset neurodegenerative disorder. In this pilot study, we evaluated whether allopregnanolone, a natural neurosteroid that exerts beneficial effects in neurodegenerative diseases, nervous system injury, and peripheral neuropathies, could improve lymphocytic bioenergetics and plasma pharmacometabolomics in six males with FXTAS (68 ± 3 years old; FMR1 CGG repeats 94 ± 4; FXTAS stages ranging from 3 to 5) enrolled in a 12-week open-label intervention study conducted at the University of California Davis from December 2015 through July 2016. Plasma pharmacometabolomics and lymphocytic mitochondria function were assessed at baseline (on the day of the first infusion) and at follow-up (within 48 h from the last infusion). In parallel, quantitative measurements of tremor and ataxia and neuropsychological evaluations of mental state, executive function, learning, memory, and psychological symptoms were assessed at the same time points. Allopregnanolone treatment impacted significantly GABA metabolism, oxidative stress, and some of the mitochondria-related outcomes. Notably, the magnitude of the individual metabolic response, as well as the correlation with some of the behavioral tests, was overwhelmingly carrier-specific. Based on this pilot study, allopregnanolone treatment has the potential for improving cognitive and GABA metabolism in FXTAS aligned with the concept of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Napoli
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Andrea Schneider
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- UC Davis Health, UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jun Yi Wang
- UC Davis Health, UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Aditi Trivedi
- School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Nika Roa Carrillo
- School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Flora Tassone
- UC Davis Health, UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Michael Rogawski
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
- UC Davis Health, UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Cecilia Giulivi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- UC Davis Health, UC Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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Keating N, Zeak N, Smith SS. Pubertal hormones increase hippocampal expression of α4βδ GABA A receptors. Neurosci Lett 2019; 701:65-70. [PMID: 30742936 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CA1 hippocampal expression of α4βδ GABAA receptors (GABARs) increases at the onset of puberty in female mice, an effect dependent upon the decline in hippocampal levels of the neurosteroid THP (3α-OH-5α-pregnan-20-one) which occurs at this time. The present study further characterized the mechanisms underlying α4βδ expression, assessed in vivo. Blockade of pubertal levels of 17β-estradiol (E2) (formestane, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p. 3 d) reduced α4 and δ expression by 75-80% (P < 0.05) in CA1 hippocampus of female mice, assessed using Western blot techniques. Conversely, E2 administration increased α4 and δ expression by 50-100% in adults, an effect enhanced by more than 2-fold by concomitant administration of the 5α-reductase blocker finasteride (50 mg/kg, i.p., 3d, P < 0.05), suggesting that both declining THP levels and increasing E2 levels before puberty trigger α4βδ expression. This effect was blocked by ICI 182,780 (20 mg/kg, s.c., 3 d), a selective blocker of E2 receptor-α (ER-α). These results suggest that both the rise in circulating levels of E2 and the decline in hippocampal THP levels at the onset of puberty trigger maximal levels of α4βδ expression in the CA1 hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Keating
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Nicole Zeak
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Sheryl S Smith
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave., Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA.
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Abstract
The female reproductive hormones progesterone and estrogen regulate network excitability. Fluctuations in the circulating levels of these hormones during the menstrual cycle cause frequent seizures during certain phases of the cycle in women with epilepsy. This seizure exacerbation, called catamenial epilepsy, is a dominant form of drug-refractory epilepsy in women of reproductive age. Progesterone, through its neurosteroid derivative allopregnanolone, increases γ-aminobutyric acid type-A receptor (GABAR)-mediated inhibition in the brain and keeps seizures under control. Catamenial seizures are believed to be a neurosteroid withdrawal symptom, and it was hypothesized that exogenous administration of progesterone to maintain its levels high during luteal phase will treat catamenial seizures. However, in a multicenter, double-blind, phase III clinical trial, progesterone treatment did not suppress catamenial seizures. The expression of GABARs with reduced neurosteroid sensitivity in epileptic animals may explain the failure of the progesterone clinical trial. The expression of neurosteroid-sensitive δ subunit-containing GABARs is reduced, and the expression of α4γ2 subunit-containing GABARs is upregulated, which alters the inhibition of dentate granule cells in epilepsy. These changes reduce the endogenous neurosteroid control of seizures and contribute to catamenial seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchitra Joshi
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States.
| | - Jaideep Kapur
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States; Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
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Asensio JA, Cáceres ARR, Pelegrina LT, Sanhueza MDLÁ, Scotti L, Parborell F, Laconi MR. Allopregnanolone alters follicular and luteal dynamics during the estrous cycle. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:35. [PMID: 29636114 PMCID: PMC5894215 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0353-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allopregnanolone is a neurosteroid synthesized in the central nervous system independently of steroidogenic glands; it influences sexual behavior and anxiety. The aim of this work is to evaluate the indirect effect of a single pharmacological dose of allopregnanolone on important processes related to normal ovarian function, such as folliculogenesis, angiogenesis and luteolysis, and to study the corresponding changes in endocrine profile and enzymatic activity over 4 days of the rat estrous cycle. We test the hypothesis that allopregnanolone may trigger hypothalamus - hypophysis - ovarian axis dysregulation and cause ovarian failure which affects the next estrous cycle stages. METHODS Allopregnanolone was injected during the proestrous morning and then, the animals were sacrificed at each stage of the estrous cycle. Ovarian sections were processed to determine the number and diameter of different ovarian structures. Cleaved caspase 3, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, α-actin and Von Willebrand factor expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Luteinizing hormone, prolactin, estrogen and progesterone serum levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The enzymatic activities of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 3α-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase and 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase were determined by spectrophotometric assays. Two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni was performed to determine statistical differences between control and treated groups along the four stages of the cycle. RESULTS The results indicate that allopregnanolone allopregnanolone decreased the number of developing follicles, while atretic follicles and cysts increased with no effects on normal cyclicity. Some cysts in treated ovaries showed morphological characteristics similar to luteinized unruptured follicles. The apoptosis/proliferation balance increased in follicles from treated rats. The endocrine profile was altered at different stages of the estrous cycle of treated rats. The angiogenic markers expression increased in treated ovaries. As regards corpora lutea, the apoptosis/proliferation balance and 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymatic activity decreased significantly. Progesterone levels and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzymatic activity increased in treated rats. These data suggest that allopregnanolone interferes with steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis at different stages of the cycle. CONCLUSION Allopregnanolone interferes with corpora lutea regression, which might indicate that this neurosteroid exerts a protective role over the luteal cells and prevents them from luteolysis. Allopregnanolone plays an important role in the ovarian pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Antonela Asensio
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Antonella Rosario Ramona Cáceres
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Ambientales, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Laura Tatiana Pelegrina
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Ambientales, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - María de Los Ángeles Sanhueza
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Leopoldina Scotti
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología del Ovario, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernanda Parborell
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología del Ovario, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IByME - CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Myriam Raquel Laconi
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología Ovárica, Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo (IMBECU - CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina.
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Ambientales, Universidad Juan Agustín Maza, Mendoza, Argentina.
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Mendoza, Mendoza, Argentina.
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Zamora-Sánchez CJ, Del Moral-Morales A, Hernández-Vega AM, Hansberg-Pastor V, Salido-Guadarrama I, Rodríguez-Dorantes M, Camacho-Arroyo I. Allopregnanolone Alters the Gene Expression Profile of Human Glioblastoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030864. [PMID: 29543748 PMCID: PMC5877725 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBM) are the most frequent and aggressive brain tumors. In these malignancies, progesterone (P4) promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion. The P4 metabolite allopregnanolone (3α-THP) similarly promotes cell proliferation in the U87 human GBM cell line. Here, we evaluated global changes in gene expression of U87 cells treated with 3α-THP, P4, and the 5α-reductase inhibitor, finasteride (F). 3α-THP modified the expression of 137 genes, while F changed 90. Besides, both steroids regulated the expression of 69 genes. After performing an over-representation analysis of gene ontology terms, we selected 10 genes whose products are cytoskeleton components, transcription factors, and proteins involved in the maintenance of DNA stability and replication to validate their expression changes by RT-qPCR. 3α-THP up-regulated six genes, two of them were also up-regulated by F. Two genes were up-regulated by P4 alone, however, such an effect was blocked by F when cells were treated with both steroids. The remaining genes were regulated by the combined treatments of 3α-THP + F or P4 + F. An in-silico analysis revealed that promoters of the six up-regulated genes by 3α-THP possess cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responsive elements along with CCAAT/Enhancer binding protein alpha (CEBPα) binding sites. These findings suggest that P4 and 3α-THP regulate different sets of genes that participate in the growth of GBMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen J Zamora-Sánchez
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 04510 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Aylin Del Moral-Morales
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 04510 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Ana M Hernández-Vega
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 04510 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Valeria Hansberg-Pastor
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 04510 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | | | | | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 04510 Mexico City, Mexico.
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