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Kawka-Paciorkowska K, Bręborowicz GH. The role of corticoliberin concentration levels and placental CRH receptors 1 and 2 in the prolongation of pregnancy. Gynecol Endocrinol 2022; 38:478-482. [PMID: 35475389 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2022.2068521] [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: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the changes in CRH concentrations in the blood serum of pregnant women and in the placenta of patients after the 41st week of gestation, and to determine its influence on the effectiveness of inducing labor and its progress. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study group comprised pregnant patients who did not deliver until the 41 week of gestation (n = 114). The control group was divided into two subgroups: patients in whom delivery started spontaneously before the 41st week of gestation (n = 24) and pregnant patients in whom delivery started spontaneously after the 41st week of gestation (n = 23). Blood serum and placenta were obtained from the patients. Corticoliberin originating from blood serum was assessed with the use of ELISA Kit. Parts of the placenta were stained with monoclonal antibodies for the presence of corticoliberin, corticoliberin receptors 1 and 2. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were found with regard to corticoliberin concentrations in the blood or during a qualitative assessment of the number of CRH R1 in the placenta between the research groups. However, corticoliberin receptor 2 had a statistically higher expression rate in the control group in which the delivery started spontaneously before the 41st week of gestation. CONCLUSION In post-term pregnancy, the up-regulation of CRH R2 receptor is disturbed with no change in CRH R1 expression, which complicates the initiation of labor despite correct corticoliberin levels in both blood serum and the placenta. Pregnancy duration over 41 weeks and the effectiveness of preinducing or inducing labor do not depend on corticoliberin concentrations.
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Walia R, Gupta R, Bhansali A, Pivonello R, Kumar R, Singh H, Ahuja C, Chhabra R, Singh A, Dhandapani S, Sahoo S, Rana N, Vatsa R, Dutta P, Kumar Bhadada S, Sachdeva N, Mittal BR, Nahar U, Shukla J. Molecular Imaging Targeting Corticotropin-releasing Hormone Receptor for Corticotropinoma: A Changing Paradigm. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:e1816-e1826. [PMID: 33079979 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) is the major regulator of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion from the anterior pituitary and acts via CRH-1 receptors (CRH-1R). Corticotropinoma though autonomous, still retain their responsiveness to CRH and hence, we hypothesize that in vivo detection of CRH-1 receptors on pituitary adenoma using Gallium-68 (68Ga)-tagged CRH can indicate the functionality of adenoma, and combining it with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) can provide requisite anatomical information. METHODS Subjects with ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS) (n = 27, 24 with Cushing's disease [CD], 3 with ectopic CS [ECS]) underwent 68Ga CRH PET-CT. Two nuclear medicine physicians read these images for adenoma delineation and superimposed them on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sella. The information provided was used for intraoperative navigation and compared with operative and histopathological findings. FINDINGS 68Ga CRH PET-CT correctly delineated corticotropinoma in all the 24 cases of CD, including the 10 cases with adenoma size < 6mm (4 cases were negative on MRI). Corticotropinoma location on 68Ga CRH PET fusion images with MRI were concordant with operative findings and were further confirmed on histopathology. There was no tracer uptake in the pituitary in 2 patients with ECS, while, in another, the diffuse uptake in pituitary suggested ectopic CRH production. CONCLUSION 68Ga CRH PET-CT represents a novel, noninvasive molecular imaging, targeting CRH receptors that not only delineate corticotropinoma and provides the surgeon with valuable information for intraoperative tumor navigation, but also helps in differentiating a pituitary from an extra-pituitary source of ACTH-dependent CS. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Walia
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rahul Gupta
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Anil Bhansali
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rajender Kumar
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Harmandeep Singh
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Chirag Ahuja
- Department of Radio-diagnosis, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rajesh Chhabra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Apinderpreet Singh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sivashanmugam Dhandapani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sushant Sahoo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Nivedita Rana
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rakhee Vatsa
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pinaki Dutta
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sanjay Kumar Bhadada
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Naresh Sachdeva
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - B R Mittal
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Uma Nahar
- Department of Histopathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Jaya Shukla
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
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Sabzevari S, Rohbani K, Sadat-Shirazi MS, Babhadi-Ashar N, Shakeri A, Ashabi G, Khalifeh S, Ale-Ebrahim M, Zarrindast MR. Morphine exposure before conception affects anxiety-like behavior and CRF level (in the CSF and plasma) in the adult male offspring. Brain Res Bull 2018; 144:122-131. [PMID: 30503221 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 08/08/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
It has been proven that exposure to some drugs even before gestation had transgenerational effects. To investigate the changes which induced by parental morphine exposure before gestation; mainly the anxiety-like behavior, Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) level in the CSF and plasma, CRF Receptor 1 (CRFR1), and the level of protein kinase C (PKC-α) were evaluated in the male offspring. Male and female Wistar rats were exposed to morphine for 21 following days. Ten days after last drug exposure, animals were prepared for mating in 4 distinct groups as follow: drug-naïve female and male (used as control), drug-naïve female and morphine-abstinent male, drug-naïve male and morphine-abstinent female, and morphine abstinent male and female. Offspring were subjected to assess anxiety-like behavior (using elevated plus maze test). CSF and plasma were gathered, and the CRF level was evaluated by ELISA. Using real-time PCR, the CRFR1 level in the brain was evaluated. Results showed that anxiety-like behavior increased in the offspring of morphine-abstinent parent(s) compared with the control group. CRF level in the plasma and CSF also increased in the litter of morphine-abstinent parent(s). CRFR1 mRNA level was upregulated in the brain of offspring with one and/or two morphine-abstinent parent(s). Furthermore, the level of PKC-α was decreased in the brain of offspring which had one and/or two morphine-abstinent parent(s). Taken together, our findings indicated that morphine exposure even before gestation induced transgenerational effects via dysregulation of HPA axis which results in anxiety in the adult male offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Sabzevari
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiyana Rohbani
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra-Sadat Sadat-Shirazi
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Babhadi-Ashar
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atena Shakeri
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghorbangol Ashabi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Solmaz Khalifeh
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Ale-Ebrahim
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
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Chouridou E, Lambropoulou M, Koureta M, Balgouranidou I, Nena E, Simopoulou M, Papadopoulos N, Kortsaris A, Chatzaki E. A complete corticotropin releasing factor system localized in human fetal lung. Hormones (Athens) 2014; 13:229-43. [PMID: 24776623 DOI: 10.1007/bf03401337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Corticotropin Releasing Factor (CRF) system (neuropeptides CRF, Ucn I, II, III and binding sites CRFR1, CRFR2, CRF-BP) is responsible for stress regulation and the homeostasis of an organism. Herein we study the CRF system in human normal and pathological fetal lungs. DESIGN Lung tissues from 46 archival human fetuses were divided into Group A (normal), Group B (chromosomal abnormalities) and Group C (congenital disorders). Presence of elements of the CRF system was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and was correlated to pathology, lung developmental stage and clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS Immunoreactivity for all antigens was found in both epithelial and mesenchymal lung cells of the bronchi and alveoli. Ucn I and CRFR1 were more frequently present in Group A. Ucns were more frequently localized at the pseudoglandular stage. There was a positive correlation between the presence of the CRF neuropeptides and between CRFR1 and CRF. Two fetuses with lung malformations showed low or no detectable presence of the CRF system. CONCLUSIONS We report the presence of a complete CRF system in human fetal lungs correlating its developmental stage and several pathologies. Our results are in agreement with findings in experimental animal models, implicating the CRF system in fetal lung development, its action being more significant in the early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efterpi Chouridou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine; Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis; Greece
| | - Maria Lambropoulou
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine; Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis; Greece
| | - Maria Koureta
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine; Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis; Greece
| | - Ioanna Balgouranidou
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine; Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis; Greece
| | - Evangelia Nena
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Faculty of Medicine; Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis; Greece
| | - Maria Simopoulou
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kapodistriako University of Athens; Greece
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine; Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis; Greece
| | - Alexandros Kortsaris
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis; Greece
| | - Ekaterini Chatzaki
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine; Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis; Greece
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Abstract
Psychological stress and atopic dermatitis (AD) symptoms appear to form a vicious cycle. This study compared the degree of stress and impairment of dermatology life quality between patients with AD and healthy controls, and examined for neuropeptides and neurotrophins associated with stress in AD. Questionnaires, comprising five tests evaluating depression, anxiety, interaction anxiousness, private body consciousness, and dermatology life quality, were examined in age- and sex-matched patients with AD (n = 28) and healthy controls (n = 28). Immunohistochemical staining of nerve growth factor, substance P, corticotrophin-releasing factor receptor and neuropeptide Y was performed in the AD-involved and normal skin. Patients with AD showed high scores on all of the questionnaires, including Beck Depression Inventory, state anxiety, trait anxiety, Interaction Anxiousness Scale, Private Body Consciousness subscale, and Dermatology Life Quality Index. All of the parameters, except for Beck Depression Inventory, showed higher values in AD than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Statistically significant correlations were observed between each psychological parameter and Dermatology Life Quality Index. Among the clinical parameters, only pruritus was positively correlated with state anxiety (R = 0.573, p < 0.05) and trait anxiety (R = 0.525, p < 0.05). The Eczema Area and Severity Index score did not show any significant correlations with psychological parameters. Nerve growth factor-reactive cells were observed more abundantly and intensely in both epidermis and dermis of AD involved skin (n = 4) than in healthy controls (n = 3) (p = 0.022 and 0.029, respectively). Also, the number and intensity of neuropeptide Y-positive cells was significantly greater in the entire epidermis of patients with AD than in healthy controls (n = 3) (p = 0.029 and 0.026, respectively). We conclude that anxiety may be associated with the induction of pruritus through neuro-peptide Y and nerve growth factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Ho Oh
- Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seodaemoon-gu, Seoul, Korea
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Neigh GN, Karelina K, Zhang N, Glasper ER, Owens MJ, Plotsky PM, Nemeroff CB, Devries AC. Cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation dysregulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2009; 29:1673-82. [PMID: 19553908 PMCID: PMC3815600 DOI: 10.1038/jcbfm.2009.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [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] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR) increase the risk for affective disorders in human survivors. Postischemic anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors have been documented in animal models of CA/CPR; however, the stability of post-CA/CPR anxiety-like behavior over time and the underlying physiologic mechanisms remain unknown. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system may mediate the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression; therefore, this study measured CA/CPR-induced changes in CRF receptor binding and HPA axis negative feedback. Mice were exposed to CA/CPR or SHAM surgery and assessed 7 or 21 days later. Consistent with earlier demonstrations of anxiety-like behavior 7 days after CA/CPR, increased anxiety-like behavior in the open field was also present 21 days after CA/CPR. On postoperative day 7, CA/CPR was associated with an increase in basal serum corticosterone concentration relative to SHAM, but this difference resolved by postoperative day 21. The Dexamethasone Suppression Test showed that the CA/CPR group had enhanced negative feedback compared with SHAM controls at postoperative day 21. Furthermore, there was a gradual increase in CRF(1) receptor binding in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, as well as a transient decrease of both CRF(1) and CRF(2A) receptors in the dorsal hippocampus. Therefore, sustained changes in activity of the HPA axis and the CRF system after CA/CPR may contribute to the postischemic increase in affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen N Neigh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
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Miceli F, Ranelletti FO, Martinelli E, Petrillo M, Scambia G, Navarra P, Ferrandina G. Expression and subcellular localization of CRH and its receptors in human endometrial cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2009; 305:6-11. [PMID: 19433256 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2008] [Revised: 01/07/2009] [Accepted: 02/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CRH and its receptors are expressed in human normal endometrial cells, where they are associated to anti-proliferative progesterone-like activity. We aimed to investigate CRH, CRH-R1 and CRH-R2 expression and intracellular localization in human endometrial cancers and their relationships with tumor biological parameters. Surgical specimens were obtained from 51 untreated endometrial cancer patients and immunohistochemistry for CRH, CRH receptors, ER, PR and Ki-67 was performed. We found a diffuse cytoplasmic staining in 100%, 92 % and 60.7 % of tumor specimens for CRH, CRH-R1 and CRH-R2, respectively. At variance with tumor tissues, the surrounding normal endometrial glands exhibit a typical paranuclear/apical pattern for CRH and stained for CRH-R2 at the nuclear level, whereas CRH-R1 staining was similar to that observed in tumor area. Positive correlations were found between CRH-R1 and PR expression, as well as between CRH-R2 cytoplasmic pattern and more advanced FIGO stage disease, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Miceli
- Institute of Pharmacology, Catholic University School of Medicine, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Kimura T, Amano T, Uehara H, Ariga H, Ishida T, Torii A, Tajiri H, Matsueda K, Yamato S. Urocortin I is present in the enteric nervous system and exerts an excitatory effect via cholinergic and serotonergic pathways in the rat colon. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2007; 293:G903-10. [PMID: 17717045 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00066.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and urocortin I (UcnI) have been shown to accelerate colonic transit after central nervous system (CNS) or peripheral administration, but the mechanism of their peripheral effect on colonic motor function has not been fully investigated. Furthermore, the localization of UcnI in the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the colon is unknown. We investigated the effect of CRF and UcnI on colonic motor function and examined the localization of CRF, UcnI, CRF receptors, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), and 5-HT. Isometric tension of rat colonic muscle strips was measured. The effect of CRF, UcnI on phasic contractions, and electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced off-contractions were examined. The effects of UcnI on both types of contraction were also studied in the presence of antalarmin, astressin2-B, tetrodotoxin (TTX), atropine, and 5-HT antagonists. The localizations of CRF, UcnI, CRF receptors, ChAT, and 5-HT in the colon were investigated by immunohistochemistry. CRF and UcnI increased both contractions dose dependently. UcnI exerted a more potent effect than CRF. Antalarmin, TTX, atropine, and 5-HT antagonists abolished the contractile effects of UcnI. CRF and UcnI were observed in the neuronal cells of the myenteric plexus. UcnI and ChAT, as well as UcnI and 5-HT, were colocalized in some of the neuronal cells of the myenteric plexus. This study demonstrated that CRF and UcnI act on the ENS and increase colonic contractility by enhancing cholinergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. These peptides are present in myenteric neurons. CRF and, perhaps, to a greater extent, UcnI appear to act as neuromodulators in the ENS of the rat colon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takazumi Kimura
- Division of Gastroenterology, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kohnodai Hospital, Chiba 272-8516, Japan
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Huising MO, van der Aa LM, Metz JR, de Fátima Mazon A, Kemenade BMLVV, Flik G. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF-binding protein expression in and release from the head kidney of common carp: evolutionary conservation of the adrenal CRF system. J Endocrinol 2007; 193:349-57. [PMID: 17535873 DOI: 10.1677/joe-07-0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a central role in the regulation of the stress axis. In mammals, CRF as well as its receptors and its CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP) are expressed in a variety of organs and tissues outside the central nervous system. One of these extrahypothalamic sites is the adrenal gland, where the paracrine actions of adrenal CRF influence cortical steroidogenesis and adrenal blood flow. Although the central role of CRF signaling in the initiation and regulation of the stress response has now been established throughout vertebrates, information about the possible peripheral presence of CRF in earlier vertebrate lineages is scant. We established the expression of CRF, CRF-BP, and the CRF receptor 1 in a panel of peripheral organs of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Out of all the peripheral organs tested, CRF and CRF-BP are most abundantly expressed in the carp head kidney, the fish equivalent of the mammalian adrenal gland. This expression localizes to chromaffin cells. Furthermore, detectable quantities of CRF are released from the intact head kidney following in vitro stimulation with 8-bromo-cAMP in a superfusion setup. The presence of CRF and CRF-BP within the chromaffin compartment of the head kidney suggests that a pathway homologous to the mammalian intra-adrenal CRF system is present in the head kidney of fish. It follows that such a system to locally fine-tune the outcome of the centrally initiated stress response has been an integral part of the vertebrate endocrine system since the common ancestor of teleostean fishes and mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark O Huising
- Department of Animal Physiology, Radboud University Nijmegen, Toernooiveld 1, 6525 ED Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Gounko NV, Kalicharan D, Rybakin V, Gramsbergen A, van der Want JJL. The dynamic developmental localization of the full-length corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type 2 in rat cerebellum. Eur J Neurosci 2007; 23:3217-24. [PMID: 16820012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.04869.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin releasing factor receptor 2 (CRF-R2) is strongly expressed in the cerebellum and plays an important role in the development of the cerebellar circuitry, particularly in the development of the dendritic trees and afferent input to Purkinje cells. However, the mechanisms responsible for the distribution and stabilization of CRF-R2 in the cerebellum are not well understood. Here, we provide the first detailed analysis of the cellular localization of the full-length form of CRF-R2 in rat cerebellum during early postnatal development. We document unique and developmentally regulated subcellular distributions of CRF-R2 in cerebellar cell types, e.g. granule cells after postnatal day 15. The presence of one or both receptor isoforms in the same cell may provide a molecular basis for distinct developmental processes. The full-length form of CRF-R2 may be involved in the regulation of the first stage of dendritic growth and at later stages in the controlling of the structural arrangement of immature cerebellar circuits and in the autoregulatory pathway of the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia V Gounko
- Department of Cell Biology, Laboratory for Electron Microscopy, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
We have investigated expression of molecular elements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. The presence of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF); urocortins I, II and III; CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1); POMC and prohormone convertases 1 and 2 (PC1 and PC2) mRNAs were shown by RT-PCR; the protein products were detected by ELISA, western blot or immunocytochemical methods in an ARPE-19 cell line derived from an adult human donor. CRFR2 was below the level of detectability. The CRFR1 was functional as evidenced by CRF stimulation of cAMP and inositol triphosphate production as well as by ligand induction of transcriptional activity of inducible cis-elements cAMP responsive element (CRE), activator protein 1 responsive element (AP-1) and POMC promoter) in ARPE-19 using luciferase reporter assay. Immunoreactivities representative of CRF, pre-urocortin, CRFR1 receptor and ACTH were also detected in mouse retina by in situ immunocytochemistry. Finally, using RT-PCR, we detected expression of genes encoding four key enzymes participating in steroids synthesis (CYP11A1, CYP11B1, CYP17 and CYP21A2) and showed transformation of progesterone into cortisol-immunoreactivity in cultured ARPE-19 cells. Therefore, we suggest that ocular tissue expresses CRF-driven signalling system that follows organisational structure of the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal A Zmijewski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 930 Madison Avenue, RM525, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA
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Meczekalski B. [Placental corticotropin releasing-hormone and urocortin--possible role in mechanism of preterm labor]. Pol Merkur Lekarski 2006; 21:398-400. [PMID: 17205787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The preterm labor is a very important clinical problem, both in the diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic aspect. It is the leading cause of prenatal morbidity and mortality. Despite of numerous studies and hypotheses mechanisms responsible for human parturition and pre-term labor are unclear. More than 30 years ago it was documented, that placenta is the important source of hormones, cytokins and growth factors. Corticotropin-relasing hormone (CRH) and urocortin (new ligand of CRH receptor) secreted during pregnancy by placenta, chorion, amnion and uterine decidua probably plays important role in human parturition and preterm labor. Possibly the combined hormonal markers profile to predict preterm labor can be used in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błazej Meczekalski
- Akademia Medyczna w Poznaniu, Katedra i Klinika Endokrynologii Ginekologicznej.
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Punn A, Levine MA, Grammatopoulos DK. Identification of signaling molecules mediating corticotropin-releasing hormone-R1alpha-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) interactions: the critical role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in regulating ERK1/2 but not p38 MAPK activation. Mol Endocrinol 2006; 20:3179-95. [PMID: 16959871 DOI: 10.1210/me.2006-0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In most target cells, activation of the type 1 CRH receptor (CRH-R1) by CRH or urocortin (UCN I) leads to stimulation of the Gs-protein/adenylyl cyclase/protein kinase A cascade. Signal transduction of CRH-R1 also involves alternative pathways such as phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK, two members of the MAPK family that mediate important pathophysiological responses. The intracellular pathways by which CRH-R1 activates these MAPK are only partially understood; here we characterized further signaling mechanisms and molecules involved in CRH-R1-mediated ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation. In human embryonic kidney 293 cells overexpressing recombinant CRH-R1alpha, UCN I induced ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activation was dependent on signaling molecules involved in agonist-induced CRH-R1alpha trafficking and endocytosis. Furthermore, time course studies and use of selective inhibitors demonstrated that ERK1/2 activation occured within 5 min, was sustained for at least 60 min, and was dependent on both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K)/Akt activation and epidermoid growth factor receptor transactivation involving matrix metelloproteinases. UCN I effect on p38 MAPK phosphorylation was more transient, returned to basal within 40 min and was dependent on epidermoid growth factor receptor transactivation, but not PI3-K/Akt activation. Overexpression of G(alpha-)transducin, showed that G(betagamma)-subunit activation is only partially required for ERK1/2 phosphorylation and does not play a role in p38 MAPK phosphorylation, whereas overexpression of a dominant-negative Ras (Ras N17) attenuated both ERK and p38 MAPK activation. In conclusion, a complex signaling network appears to mediate CRH-R1alpha-MAPK interactions; PI3-K might play a critical role in the regulation of CRH-R1alpha signaling selectivity and cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Punn
- Endocrinology and Metabolism, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
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14
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Abstract
Understanding the many roles that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays in facilitating the ordinary and extraordinary events that an individual faces during a lifetime is a complex task, and yet this knowledge is fundamental to understanding our own behaviour and physiology. During the past 25 years, the study of CRH in nonhuman primates, our closest genetic relatives, has grown rapidly. The intention of this review is to provide a broad overview of the research areas in which CRH has been investigated in monkeys and apes. The review begins with a detailed description of what we know about CRH, CRH receptors, and their distribution in the brain and periphery. The narrative then follows the life cycle, from the role of CRH in fertility, pregnancy and parturition, to the shaping of behaviour and neural processes by stressful experiences early in life. CRH is also examined in the context of its other regulatory roles, including appetitive behaviour and immune responses. Finally, the review examines the insights that nonhuman primate research offers us as to how CRH helps to shape our behaviour, whether it be our ability to socialize with our peers or to be a good parent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian H Broadbear
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Monash University, Victoria 3800, Australia.
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15
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Donelan J, Marchand JE, Kempuraj D, Papadopoulou N, Papaliodis D, Theoharides TC. Perifollicular and perivascular mouse skin mast cells express corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor. J Invest Dermatol 2006; 126:929-32. [PMID: 16439966 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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16
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Weitemier AZ, Ryabinin AE. Brain Region-Specific Regulation of Urocortin 1 Innervation and Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor Type 2 Binding by Ethanol Exposure. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2006; 29:1610-20. [PMID: 16205361 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000179363.44542.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol administration and consumption selectively activates the urocortin 1 (Ucn1)-expressing neurons of the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. We investigated whether repeated ethanol exposure affects Ucn1 and Ucn1-responsive corticotropin-releasing factor type-2 receptors (CRF2). METHODS Male C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice were exposed to 2 g/kg ethanol via intraperitoneal injection once per day for 14, seven, or zero days. Ucn1 immunoreactivity was measured in the lateral septum, dorsal raphe, and Edinger-Westphal nucleus. In a separate experiment, C57BL/6J mice were exposed to ethanol for seven, one, or zero days, and CRF2 receptor binding was measured in the lateral septum and dorsal raphe by receptor autoradiography. RESULTS Ethanol exposure induced parallel changes in Ucn1 immunoreactive terminal fibers in the lateral septum and dorsal raphe of both strains. Seven ethanol exposures but not one ethanol exposure significantly increased CRF2 receptor binding in the dorsal raphe and slightly increased CRF2 receptor binding in the lateral septum. CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence that the Ucn1/CRF2 receptor system can be modified by ethanol exposure. They additionally suggest that this system may be involved in behavioral changes during alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Z Weitemier
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University and Portland Alcohol Research Center, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA.
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17
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De Groef B, Grommen SVH, Darras VM. Increasing plasma thyroxine levels during late embryogenesis and hatching in the chicken are not caused by an increased sensitivity of the thyrotropes to hypothalamic stimulation. J Endocrinol 2006; 189:271-8. [PMID: 16648294 DOI: 10.1677/joe.1.06492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The hatching process in the chicken is accompanied by dramatic changes in plasma thyroid hormones. The cause of these changes, though crucial for hatching and the onset of endothermy, is not known. One hypothesis is that the pituitary gland becomes more sensitive to hypothalamic stimulation during this period. We have tested whether the responsiveness of the thyrotropes to hypothalamic stimuli changes throughout the last week of embryonic development and hatching by studying the mRNA expression of receptors involved in the control of the secretory activity of this cell type. We used a real-time PCR set-up to quantify whole pituitary mRNA expression of the beta subunit of thyrotrophin (TSH-beta), type 1 thyrotrophin-releasing hormone receptor (TRH-R1), corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptors (CRH-R1 and CRH-R2) and somatostatin subtype receptor 2 (SSTR2) on every day of the last week of embryonic development, including the day of hatch and the first day of posthatch life. The thyrotrope-specific expression was investigated by a combination of in situ hybridization with immunohistochemistry at selected ages. Although TSH-beta mRNA levels increased towards day 19 of incubation (E19), the expression of CRH-R2 and TRH-R1 mRNA by the thyrotropes tended to decrease during this period, suggesting a lower sensitivity of the thyrotropes to the stimulatory factors CRH and TRH. CRH-R1, which is not involved in the control of TSH secretion, increased steadily throughout the period tested. The expression of SSTR2 mRNA by the thyrotropes was low during embryonic development and increased just before hatching. We have concluded that the sensitivity of the pituitary thyrotropes to hypothalamic stimulation decreases throughout the last week of embryonic development, so that the higher expression of TSH-beta mRNA around E16-E19, and hence the increasing plasma thyroxine level, is unlikely to be the result of an increased stimulation by either TRH or CRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bert De Groef
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, K.U. Leuven, Naamsestraat 61, B3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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18
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Sehringer B, Zahradnik HP, Deppert WR, Simon M, Noethling C, Schaefer WR. Evaluation of different strategies for real-time RT-PCR expression analysis of corticotropin-releasing hormone and related proteins in human gestational tissues. Anal Bioanal Chem 2005; 383:768-75. [PMID: 16189679 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-005-0067-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2004] [Revised: 08/03/2005] [Accepted: 08/09/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In this article real-time quantitative RT-PCR strategies for investigation of mRNA distribution in stress-related corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), CRH-binding protein (CRH-BP), and CRH receptors (CRH-R1, CRH-R2) in human gestational tissues are described. The effect of sample and RNA preparation, reverse transcription, and the quantitation strategy were investigated. Both thawing of the sample before homogenization and the RT reaction were identified as critical steps. In contrast, the time-lag from the biopsy until snap-freezing and the homogenization procedure had little effect. The "housekeeping" gene cyclophilin was found to be differently expressed in gestational tissues, compromising its use as internal reference. For relative quantitation of mRNA levels by TaqMan PCR the standard curve method and the comparative C (T) method (DeltaDeltaC (T) or DeltaC (T)' method) were compared. Both calculation strategies delivered similar relative mRNA amounts in identifying the placenta as the main source of CRH and CRH-BP mRNA compared with myometrium and decidua. Consistent results were also obtained for CRH-R1 and CRH-R2 by both methods of calculation. We conclude that the simpler comparative C (T) method is adequate for assessing the mRNA levels of CRH, CRH-BP, and CRH receptors in human gestational tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Sehringer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Endocrinology Laboratory, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
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19
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Ware CB, Kariagina A, Zonis S, Alon D, Chesnokova V. Leukemia inhibitory factor signaling is implicated in embrionic development of the HPA axis. FEBS Lett 2005; 579:4465-9. [PMID: 16081071 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2005.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 03/29/2005] [Revised: 07/08/2005] [Accepted: 07/11/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is expressed in the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and stimulates pituitary POMC transcription. The role of LIF receptor signaling in HPA axis development was examined. Lifr -/- and Lifr +/+ fetuses were obtained by Cesarean section on E18.5. Despite a 3-fold induction of hypothalamic CRH mRNA, pituitary POMC mRNA and RU486-induced ACTH levels were decreased in Lifr -/- mice. High CRH may be caused by increased central TNFalpha and IL-6 expression. Lifr -/- mice demonstrate elevated pituitary glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptor mRNA and protein levels, indicating the importance of LIF signaling for HPA axis development.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/analysis
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/metabolism
- Animals
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/genetics
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/embryology
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism
- Interleukin-6/metabolism
- Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
- Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Receptor alpha Subunit
- Mice
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Mifepristone/pharmacology
- Mutation
- Pituitary Gland, Anterior/immunology
- Pituitary-Adrenal System/embryology
- Pituitary-Adrenal System/metabolism
- Pro-Opiomelanocortin/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/analysis
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Receptors, Cytokine/genetics
- Receptors, Cytokine/physiology
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/metabolism
- Receptors, Mineralocorticoid/metabolism
- Receptors, OSM-LIF
- Signal Transduction
- Transcription, Genetic
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
- Up-Regulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol B Ware
- Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7190, USA
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20
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Ito N, Ito T, Kromminga A, Bettermann A, Takigawa M, Kees F, Straub RH, Paus R. Human hair follicles display a functional equivalent of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and synthesize cortisol. FASEB J 2005; 19:1332-4. [PMID: 15946990 DOI: 10.1096/fj.04-1968fje] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The skin and its major appendages are prominent target organs and potent sources of key players along the classical hypothalamic-pituitary axis, such as corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), and even express key steroidogenic enzymes. Therefore, it may have established local stress response systems that resemble the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, functional evidence that this is indeed the case in normal human skin in situ has still been missing. We show that microdissected, organ-cultured human scalp hair follicles respond to CRH stimulation by up-regulating proopiomelanocortin (POMC) transcription and immunoreactivity (IR) for ACTH and alpha-MSH, which must have been processed from POMC. CRH, alpha-MSH, and ACTH also modulate expression of their cognate receptors (CRH-R1, MC1-R, MC2-R). In addition, the strongest stimulus for adrenal cortisol production, ACTH, also up-regulates cortisol-IR in the hair follicles. Isolated human hair follicles secrete substantial levels of cortisol into the culture medium, and this activity is further up-regulated by CRH. CRH also modulates important functional hair growth parameters in vitro (hair shaft elongation, catagen induction, hair keratinocyte proliferation, melanin production). Finally, human hair follicles display HPA axis-like regulatory feedback systems, since the glucocorticoid receptor agonist hydrocortisone down-regulates follicular CRH expression. Thus, even in the absence of endocrine, neural, or vascular systemic connections, normal human scalp hair follicles directly respond to CRH stimulation in a strikingly similar manner to what is seen in the classical HPA axis, including synthesis and secretion of cortisol and activation of prototypic neuroendocrine feedback loops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuho Ito
- Department of Dermatology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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21
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Hishinuma T, Asakura M, Nagashima H, Sasuga Y, Fujii S, Tanaka D, Kanai S. [Effect of chronic variable stress on limbic corticotrapin-releasing hormone receptor]. Nihon Shinkei Seishin Yakurigaku Zasshi 2005; 25:19-24. [PMID: 15796066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a key mediator in the stress response. Two CRH-receptor subtypes have been identified in the brain, CRH-receptor 1 (CRH-R1) and CRH-receptor 2, and stress responses are mediated by the CRH-R1. In this study we have examined the effect of chronic variable stress (CVS) on the CRH-R1 immunoreactivity in the hypothalamic and limbic brain regions of the rat. For CVS we selected the six stressors described in previous reports. Male Wistar rats were randomly exposed to one stressor per a day during 13 days and finally exposed to a novel stressor (footshock). There was a significant increase of the CRH-R1 immunoreactivity 24 hours after CVS in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) and basolateral amygdala (BLA), whereas a single footshock had no influence on the immunoreactivity in any of the regions. A novel stressor after CVS suppressed within 24 hours the CVS-induced increase in the CRH-R1 immuoreactivity in the BNST and BLA. Our results suggest that an up-regulation of the limbic CRH-R1 may contribute to stress sensitization (vulnerability) such as an anxiety, arousal and hypersympathetic autonomic symptoms under stressful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuji Hishinuma
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, 2-16-1 Sugao, Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, 216-8511, Japan.
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22
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Willenberg HS, Haase M, Papewalis C, Schott M, Scherbaum WA, Bornstein SR. Corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor expression on normal and tumorous human adrenocortical cells. Neuroendocrinology 2005; 82:274-81. [PMID: 16721033 DOI: 10.1159/000093126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2005] [Accepted: 02/28/2006] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is not only the principal regulator of the central hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis but also exerts direct actions on peripheral tissues. We analyzed the expression of CRH receptors in microdissected preparations of normal human adrenal glands and in adrenocortical and adrenomedullary tumors, employing immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR of microdissected adrenal tissues, and in situ hybridization. The effect of CRH on adrenal steroidogenesis was tested in adrenal cells. Immunoreactive CRH1R was found primarily within the zona reticularis. In addition, we found a higher expression of CRH type-1 and 2 receptors mRNAs in preparations of adrenal cortices as compared to pheochromocytomas, a 6-fold increase in preparations of clinically unapparent adrenocortical adenomas, and a 10- to 60-fold increase in cortisol-producing adrenal adenomas. Stimulation of the adrenal tumor cell line NCI-H295R with CRH elicited a 1.4-fold increase in DHEA secretion. This result could be reproduced in a culture of primary human adrenocortical cells. We conclude that adrenocortical cells exhibit a higher expression of functional CRH receptors than chromaffin cells and that CRH acts on adrenal DHEA production. The data support the assertion of a direct action of CRH on human adrenocortical cells in addition to an intra-adrenal CRH receptor/adrenocorticotropin system. Enhanced CRH1R expression may be involved in adrenocortical tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger S Willenberg
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Rheumatology, University of Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Germany.
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23
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Aguilar-Valles A, Sánchez E, de Gortari P, Balderas I, Ramírez-Amaya V, Bermúdez-Rattoni F, Joseph-Bravo P. Analysis of the stress response in rats trained in the water-maze: differential expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone, CRH-R1, glucocorticoid receptors and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in limbic regions. Neuroendocrinology 2005; 82:306-19. [PMID: 16721035 DOI: 10.1159/000093129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2005] [Accepted: 03/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) are key regulators of stress responses. Different types of stress activate the CRH system; in hypothalamus, CRH expression and release are increased by physical or psychological stressors while in amygdala, preferentially by psychological stress. Learning and memory processes are modulated by glucocorticoids and stress at different levels. To characterize the kind of stress provoked by a hippocampal-dependent task such as spatial learning, we compared the expression profile of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), pro-CRH and CRH-R1 mRNAs (analyzed by RT-PCR), in amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus and quantified serum corticosterone levels by radioimmunoassay at different stages of training. mRNA levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were also quantified due to its prominent role in learning and memory processes. Male Wistar rats trained for 1, 3 or 5 days in the Morris water-maze (10 trials/day) were sacrificed 5-60 min the after last trial. A strong stress response occurred at day one in both yoked and trained animals (increased corticosterone and hypothalamic pro-CRH and CRH-R1 mRNA levels); changes gradually diminished as the test progressed. In amygdala, pro-CRH mRNA levels decreased while those of BDNF augmented when stress was highest, in yoked and trained animals. Hippocampi, of both yoked and trained groups, had decreased levels of GR mRNA on days 1 and 3, normalizing by day 5, while those of pro-CRH and CRH-R1 increased after the 3rd day. Increased gene expression, specifically due to spatial learning, occurred only for hippocampal BDNF since day 3. These results show that the Morris water-maze paradigm induces a strong stress response that is gradually attenuated. Inhibition of CRH expression in amygdala suggests that the stress inflicted is of physical but not of psychological nature and could lead to reduced fear or anxiety.
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MESH Headings
- Amygdala/chemistry
- Amygdala/physiology
- Animals
- Anxiety/physiopathology
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/analysis
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/physiology
- Corticosterone/blood
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/analysis
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/genetics
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/physiology
- Gene Expression Regulation/physiology
- Hippocampus/chemistry
- Hippocampus/physiology
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiology
- Hypothalamus/chemistry
- Hypothalamus/physiology
- In Situ Hybridization
- Limbic System/chemistry
- Limbic System/physiology
- Male
- Maze Learning/physiology
- Pituitary-Adrenal System/physiology
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/analysis
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/genetics
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/physiology
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/analysis
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/genetics
- Receptors, Glucocorticoid/physiology
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Spatial Behavior/physiology
- Stress, Physiological/etiology
- Stress, Physiological/physiopathology
- Time Factors
- Water
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Affiliation(s)
- Argel Aguilar-Valles
- Departamento de Genética del Desarrollo y Fisiología Molecular, Instituto de Biotecnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México
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24
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Jasoni CL, Todman MG, Han SK, Herbison AE. Expression of mRNAs encoding receptors that mediate stress signals in gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons of the mouse. Neuroendocrinology 2005; 82:320-8. [PMID: 16721036 DOI: 10.1159/000093155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2005] [Accepted: 02/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurons that synthesize and secrete gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) represent the neural control point for fertility modulation in vertebrates. As such GnRH neurons are ideally situated to integrate stress responses on reproduction. By isolating individual GnRH neurons from acute brain slices of adult female GnRH-EGFP transgenic mice and using microarray analyses, we have identified a range of transcripts encoding receptors known to be involved in stress responses in GnRH neurons. Prominent among these were receptors for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), vasopressin, interleukins, prostaglandins, tumor necrosis factor alpha and other inflammatory mediators. We selected 4 of these targets [interleukin 1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1Racc), prostaglandin E(2) receptor subtype EP2 (PGER2), CRH receptor type 1 (CRH-R1), and arginine-vasopressin receptor type 1b (AVP-R1b)] for validation using single-cell RT-PCR from individual GnRH neurons. In total, 54% of GnRH neurons (n = 26) were found to express at least 1 of these transcripts. The IL-1Racc, PGER2 and CRH-R1 mRNAs were each detected in approximately 25% of the GnRH neurons tested, but no evidence was found for AVP-R1b transcripts. Overlap was found between the expression of CRH-R1 and PGER2, and IL-1Racc and PGER2 in individual GnRH neurons. Dual immunofluorescence experiments confirmed the expression of CRH-R1/2 in a subpopulation ( approximately 30%) of GnRH neurons. These observations indicate that a variety of different stressors and stress pathways have the capacity to have an impact directly upon a subpopulation of GnRH neurons to influence the reproductive axis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Female
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/analysis
- Immunohistochemistry
- Interleukin-1 Receptor Accessory Protein
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Neurons/chemistry
- Neurons/cytology
- Neurons/physiology
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/analysis
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/physiology
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/analysis
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/genetics
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/physiology
- Receptors, Interleukin-1/analysis
- Receptors, Interleukin-1/genetics
- Receptors, Interleukin-1/physiology
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E/analysis
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E/genetics
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E/physiology
- Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP2 Subtype
- Receptors, Vasopressin/analysis
- Receptors, Vasopressin/genetics
- Receptors, Vasopressin/physiology
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Stress, Physiological/genetics
- Stress, Physiological/physiopathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Jasoni
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Department of Physiology, University of Otago School of Medical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
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25
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Jirecek S, Tringler B, Knöfler M, Bauer S, Topcuoglu A, Egarter C. Detection of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors R1 and R2 (CRH-R1, CRH-R2) using fluorescence immunohistochemistry in the myometrium of women delivering preterm or at term. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2004; 115:724-7. [PMID: 14650949 DOI: 10.1007/bf03040890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine differences in expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors R1 and R2 in the myometrium of women delivering preterm or at term, with or without labor. MATERIAL AND METHODS Small pieces of myometrial smooth muscle were taken from forty patients undergoing caesarian section. One sample each was taken from all preterm and term patients, with and without labor. Antibodies against CRH-R1/2 and CRH-R2 were used for localization by conventional fluorescence immunohistochemistry. The evaluation of staining was based on examination of the entire histologic section by three independent observers. RESULTS In women at term, CRH-R2 levels were elevated before labor and decreased with the onset of labor. In eight of 10 term samples from women in labor, no staining was detected. In preterm patients we found no difference in CRH-R2 staining between women with and without labor. The intensity of staining for CRH-R1/2 was generally uniform in all four groups. CONCLUSION The high level of CRH-R2 expression in term patients without labor, together with the subsequent decrease of CRH-R2 in the myometrium during progression of labor, is consistent with the possibility that CRH may have autocrine/paracrine effects on myometrial contractility in the lower segment of the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Jirecek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vienna School of Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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Abstract
We completed the mapping of a cutaneous CRH signaling system in two species with widely different determinants of skin functions, humans and mice. In human skin, the CRH receptor (CRH-R) 1 was expressed in all major cellular populations of epidermis, dermis, and subcutis with CRH-R1alpha being the most prevalent isoform. The CRH-R2 gene was expressed solely in hair follicle keratinocytes and papilla fibroblasts, whereas CRH-R2 antigen was localized predominantly in hair follicles, sebaceous and eccrine glands, muscle and blood vessels. In mouse skin, the CRH-R2 gene and protein were widely expressed in all cutaneous compartments and in cultured normal and malignant melanocytes. CRH-binding protein mRNA was present in dermal fibroblasts, melanoma cells, and sc fat of human skin and undetectable in mouse skin. The urocortin II gene was expressed equally in mouse and human skin. Taken together with our previous investigations, the present studies document the preferential expression of CRH-R1 in human skin, which mirrors CRH-R2 expression patterns in human and mouse skin. They are likely reflecting different functional activities of human and mouse skin. The adnexal location of CRH-R2 suggests a role for the receptor in hair growth. The differential interspecies CRH signaling expression pattern probably reflects adaptation to species-specific skin function determinants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Slominski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 930 Madison Avenue, 5th Floor, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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Makrigiannakis A, Zoumakis E, Kalantaridou S, Chrousos G, Gravanis A. Uterine and embryonic trophoblast CRH promotes implantation and maintenance of early pregnancy. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2004; 997:85-92. [PMID: 14644813 DOI: 10.1196/annals.1290.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cells of human endometrium and differentiated endometrial stromal cells express the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) gene. CRH is also produced by the human placental cytotrophoblast. Endometrial and placental CRH is under the endocrine control of gonadal steroids as well as under an autocrine/paracrine regulation by prostanoids and interleukins. Human endometrium, myometrium and placenta also express the relevant receptors. Invasive trophoblasts promote apoptosis of activated Fas-expressing human T lymphocytes, an effect potentiated by CRH and inhibited by the CRH type 1 antagonist, antalarmin. Female rats treated with antalarmin during the first 6 days of gestation had a dose-dependent decrease of implantation sites and live embryos, and significantly decreased endometrial FasL expression. Our data suggest important physiological roles of endometrial and placental CRH in the regulation of decidualization, blastocyst implantation, and early maternal tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Makrigiannakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.
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28
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Abstract
Overexpressed peptide receptors in human tumors represent clinically relevant targets for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its receptors have not been known to be involved in human cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate such possibility by evaluating the expression of CRF(1) and CRF(2) receptors using in vitro autoradiography with subtype-selective CRF analogs in more than 200 primary human cancer samples. We show that a majority of pituitary adenomas express CRF receptors, often in high amounts. Whereas ACTH-producing adenomas preferentially express CRF(1) receptors, nonfunctioning adenomas (gonadotropin-producing and null-cell adenomas) and GH- and TSH-producing adenomas express CRF(2) receptors. Furthermore, several central and peripheral nervous system tumors express CRF receptors: medulloblastomas, paragangliomas, neuroblastomas, and some meningiomas express CRF(1) receptors, but ependymomas or Ewing sarcomas do not. Insulinomas can also express CRF receptors, whereas ductal pancreatic cancers or prostatic, colorectal, and non-small cell lung cancers lack CRF receptors. In all receptor-positive tumors, the receptors were located on tumor cells. The high incidence of CRF(1) or CRF(2) receptors in selected human tumors suggests that unlabeled CRF agonists may be evaluated as inhibitors of tumor cell proliferation in cancer therapy, and radiolabeled CRF analogs may be used for cancer diagnosis and/or radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Claude Reubi
- Division of Cell Biology and Experimental Cancer Research, Institute of Pathology, University of Berne, CH-3010 Berne, Switzerland.
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29
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De Groef B, Geris KL, Manzano J, Bernal J, Millar RP, Abou-Samra AB, Porter TE, Iwasawa A, Kühn ER, Darras VM. Involvement of thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor, somatostatin receptor subtype 2 and corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor type 1 in the control of chicken thyrotropin secretion. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2003; 203:33-9. [PMID: 12782401 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(03)00120-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Thyrotropin or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion in the chicken is controlled by several hypothalamic hormones. It is stimulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), whereas somatostatin (SRIH) exerts an inhibitory effect. In order to determine the mechanism by which these hypothalamic hormones modulate chicken TSH release, we examined the cellular localization of TRH receptors (TRH-R), CRH receptors type 1 (CRH-R1) and somatostatin subtype 2 receptors (SSTR2) in the chicken pars distalis by in situ hybridization (ISH), combined with immunological staining of thyrotropes. We show that thyrotropes express TRH-Rs and SSTR2s, allowing a direct action of TRH and SRIH at the level of the thyrotropes. CRH-R1 expression is virtually confined to corticotropes, suggesting that CRH-induced adrenocorticotropin release is the result of a direct stimulation of corticotropes, whereas CRH-stimulated TSH release is not directly mediated by the known chicken CRH-R1. Possibly CRH-induced TSH secretion is mediated by a yet unknown type of CRH-R in the chicken. Alternatively, a pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptide, secreted by the corticotropes following CRH stimulation, could act as an activator of TSH secretion in a paracrine way.
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Affiliation(s)
- B De Groef
- Laboratory of Comparative Endocrinology, Naamsestraat 61, K.U. Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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30
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Roche M, Commons KG, Peoples A, Valentino RJ. Circuitry underlying regulation of the serotonergic system by swim stress. J Neurosci 2003; 23:970-7. [PMID: 12574426 PMCID: PMC6741925] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The dorsal raphe nucleus (DR)-serotonin (5-HT) system has been implicated in depression and is dramatically affected by swim stress, an animal model with predictive value for antidepressants. Accumulating evidence implicates the stress-related neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the effect of swim stress on this system. This study investigated neural circuits within the DR that are activated by swim stress as revealed by neuronal expression of the immediate early gene, c-fos. Swim stress increased c-fos expression in the dorsolateral subregion of the DR. The majority of c-fos-expressing neurons were doubly labeled for GABA (85 +/- 5%), whereas relatively few were immunolabeled for 5-HT (4 +/- 1%), glutamate (0.5 +/- 0.3%) or calbindin (1.5 +/- 0.3%). Dual immunohistochemical labeling revealed that c-fos-expressing neurons in the dorsolateral DR were enveloped by dense clusters of CRF-immunoreactive fibers and also contained immunolabeling for CRF receptor, suggesting that c-fos-expressing neurons in the DR were specifically targeted by CRF. Consistent with this, the CRF receptor 1 antagonist, antalarmin, prevented swim-stress-elicited c-fos expression in the dorsolateral DR. Together with previous findings that both swim stress and CRF decrease 5-HT release in certain forebrain regions, these results suggest that swim stress engages CRF inputs to GABA neurons in the dorsolateral DR that function to inhibit 5-HT neurons and 5-HT release in the forebrain. This circuitry may underlie some of the acute behavioral responses to swim stress as well as the neuronal plasticity involved in long-term behavioral changes produced by this stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Roche
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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31
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Abstract
The distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), the development of CRF-binding sites, and the age at which application of CRF elicits a physiological response have been described previously in the postnatal mouse cerebellum. The intent of the present study was to determine the cellular and subcellular distribution of the CRF type 1 receptor (CRF-R1) in the vermis of the postnatal mouse cerebellum and to correlate these data with those presented in previous studies. On P0, CRF-R1 is present in the apical processes of migrating Purkinje cells. Between P0 and P8, CRF-R1 immunostaining is confined to a supranuclear position in Purkinje cell bodies. Between P9 and P14, the receptor immunolabeling circumscribes Purkinje cell nuclei and extends into their primary dendrites. An adult-like distribution is achieved between P16 and P21. Between P0 and P14, the CRF-R1 antibody also labels processes of migrating GABAergic interneurons that are directed toward the pial surface. By P12, labeling begins to circumscribe the nucleus of GABAergic cells in the internal granule cell layer. Finally, astrocytic processes in the white matter, as well as radial glial processes, show focal labeling with the CRF-R1 antibody beginning at P3 and throughout postnatal development. A previous study demonstrated that CRF does not elicit a physiological response in Purkinje cells until P9. This observation, together with the data presented in this study, suggests that the binding of CRF to the type 1 receptor may be involved in regulating the development of cerebellar neurons and glia immediately after birth, before CRF assumes its function as a neuromodulator later in postnatal development and in the adult.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S King
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, 43210, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Fatigue is a common complaint of patients with cholestatic liver disease. Defective central corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) release has been postulated as playing a role in the genesis of fatigue and decreased hypothalamic CRH expression has been identified in an animal model of cholestatic liver injury. Therefore, we hypothesized that reduced central CRH release contributes to fatigue associated with cholestatic liver disease and tested this hypothesis in cholestatic rats. METHODS Locomotor activity during prolonged observation, measured by using an infrared beam activity monitor, was used as a surrogate marker of fatigue or fatigability. Rats with cholestasis secondary to bile duct resection (BDR) had significantly lower basal locomotor activity compared with sham controls. RESULTS Intracerebroventricular injections of CRH (0.05, 0.1, 1.0 microg/rat) caused significantly greater locomotor activation in BDR animals than controls. In BDR rats, this locomotor activation was blocked by the coadministration of the nonspecific CRH-receptor antagonist astressin (25 microg/rat) and the specific CRH type 1-receptor antagonist NBI-27941 (10 microg/rat). Immunoblotting showed a dramatic increase in hypothalamic CRH type 1-receptor expression in BDR rats compared with controls, which was paralleled by a striking reduction in hypothalamic CRH levels. CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with defective central CRH neurotransmission contributing to decreased locomotor activity in cholestatic rats and have direct implications for cholestasis-associated fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly W Burak
- Gastrointestinal Research Group, Liver Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Slominski A, Wortsman J, Pisarchik A, Zbytek B, Linton EA, Mazurkiewicz JE, Wei ET. Cutaneous expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), urocortin, and CRH receptors. FASEB J 2001; 15:1678-93. [PMID: 11481215 DOI: 10.1096/fj.00-0850rev] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Studies in mammalian skin have shown expression of the genes for corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and the related urocortin peptide, with subsequent production of the respective peptides. Recent molecular and biochemical analyses have further revealed the presence of CRH receptors (CRH-Rs). These CRH-Rs are functional, responding to CRH and urocortin peptides (exogenous or produced locally) through activation of receptor(s)-mediated pathways to modify skin cell phenotype. Thus, when taken together with the previous findings of cutaneous expression of POMC and its receptors, these observations extend the range of regulatory elements of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis expressed in mammalian skin. Overall, the cutaneous CRH/POMC expression is highly reactive to common stressors such as immune cytokines, ultraviolet radiation, cutaneous pathology, or even the physiological changes associated with the hair cycle phase. Therefore, similar to its central analog, the local expression and action of CRH/POMC elements appear to be highly organized and entrained, representing general mechanism of cutaneous response to stressful stimuli. In such a CRH/POMC system, the CRH-Rs may be a central element.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Slominski
- Department of Pathology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, USA.
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34
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Muramatsu Y, Sugino N, Suzuki T, Totsune K, Takahashi K, Tashiro A, Hongo M, Oki Y, Sasano H. Urocortin and corticotropin-releasing factor receptor expression in normal cycling human ovaries. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001; 86:1362-9. [PMID: 11238533 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.86.3.7299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Urocortin is a member of the CRF neuropeptide family and has a 43% homology to CRF in amino acid sequence. Urocortin has been found to bind with high affinity to CRF receptors. CRF has been detected in the human ovary and has been demonstrated to suppress ovarian steroidogenesis in vitro. In this study we examined urocortin and CRF receptor expression in normal cycling human ovaries, using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Normal cycling human ovaries were obtained at oophorectomy and hysterectomy from patients who underwent surgery for cervical cancer or myoma uteri. Intense urocortin immunoreactivity was detected in luteinized thecal cells of regressing corpora lutea, in which only luteinized thecal cells have the capacity for steroidogenesis. Immunoreactive urocortin was also detected in luteinized granulosa and thecal cells of functioning corpora lutea, in which both cell components are capable of producing steroids. RT-PCR analyses revealed that messenger ribonucleic acid levels for urocortin, CRF, and CRF receptor type 1 and type 2alpha were significantly higher in the regressing corpus luteum than in the functioning corpus luteum. The spatial and temporal immunolocalization patterns of CRF receptor were similar to those of urocortin. These results suggest that urocortin is locally synthesized in steroidogenic luteal cells and acts on them as an autocrine and/or paracrine regulator of ovarian steroidogenesis, especially during luteal regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Muramatsu
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
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35
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Martarello L, Kilts CD, Ely T, Owens MJ, Nemeroff CB, Camp M, Goodman MM. Synthesis and characterization of fluorinated and iodinated pyrrolopyrimidines as PET/SPECT ligands for the CRF1 receptor. Nucl Med Biol 2001; 28:187-95. [PMID: 11295429 DOI: 10.1016/s0969-8051(00)00199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Fluorine-18 labeled fluorobutyl[2,5-dimethyl-7-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-7H-pyrrolo [2,3-d] pyrimidin-4-yl]ethylamine (FBPPA) and iodine-123 labeled butyl[2,5-dimethyl-7-(4-iodo-2,6-dimethylphenyl)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl]ethyl-amine (IBPPA) were synthesized in the development of a CRF receptor ligand. The methods of synthesis, in vitro binding assays, radiolabeling and in vivo tissue distribution in rats are described. Fluorine-18 labeled FBPPA was prepared with high specific activity (3 x 10(4) Ci/mmol) by nucleophilic displacement with an average radiochemical yield of 6% (EOB). Iodine-123 labeled IBPPA was prepared by electrophilic iododestannylation with good yield (60%) and high specific activity (3.3 x 10(3) Ci/mmol). The retention of FBPPA and IBPPA in the pituitary was good (1.16% i.d./g and 2.35% i.d./g respectively at 60 min). However, the accumulation of radioactivity in the brain for both radiotracers was very low at all time points of the study, which demonstrated the difficulties for these radiopharmaceuticals to penetrate the blood brain barrier (BBB).
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Affiliation(s)
- L Martarello
- Department of Radiology, Emory Center for Positron Emission Tomography, Emory University School of Medicine, 1634 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
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Keck ME, Welt T, Wigger A, Renner U, Engelmann M, Holsboer F, Landgraf R. The anxiolytic effect of the CRH(1) receptor antagonist R121919 depends on innate emotionality in rats. Eur J Neurosci 2001; 13:373-80. [PMID: 11168542 DOI: 10.1046/j.0953-816x.2000.01383.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hyperactivity of central corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) circuits appears to contribute to the symptomatology of affective and anxiety disorders and therefore CRH receptor antagonists have attracted attention as potential therapeutic agents. R121919, a novel high-affinity nonpeptide CRH(1) receptor antagonist, displaced (125)I-oCRH in rat pituitary, cortex and amygdala, but not in choroid plexus or cerebral blood vessels in vitro and in vivo, which is consistent with CRH(1) receptor antagonism. In vivo, R121919 significantly inhibited stress-induced corticotropin release in rats selectively bred for high- and low-anxiety-related behaviour but displayed anxiolytic effects in high-anxiety rats only. These data, corroborated by ex vivo receptor occupancy studies, suggest that this animal model is appropriate for the evaluation of CRH(1) receptor antagonists and that compounds such as R121919 will be beneficial whenever the central stress hormone system is hyperactive.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/blood
- Animals
- Anti-Anxiety Agents/pharmacology
- Anxiety/drug therapy
- Autoradiography
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Behavior, Animal/physiology
- Brain Chemistry/drug effects
- Breeding
- Cells, Cultured
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/pharmacology
- Exploratory Behavior/drug effects
- Hyperkinesis/drug therapy
- Iodine Radioisotopes
- Male
- Neurons/chemistry
- Neurons/metabolism
- Pituitary Gland, Posterior/chemistry
- Pituitary Gland, Posterior/cytology
- Pituitary Gland, Posterior/metabolism
- Pyrimidines/pharmacology
- Rats
- Rats, Inbred Strains
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/analysis
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism
- Transfection
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Keck
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, D-80804 Munich, Germany.
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37
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Chen Y, Brunson KL, Müller MB, Cariaga W, Baram TZ. Immunocytochemical distribution of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor type-1 (CRF(1))-like immunoreactivity in the mouse brain: light microscopy analysis using an antibody directed against the C-terminus. J Comp Neurol 2000; 420:305-23. [PMID: 10754504 PMCID: PMC3119344 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9861(20000508)420:3<305::aid-cne3>3.0.co;2-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptor type 1 (CRF(1)) is a member of the receptor family mediating the effects of CRH, a critical neuromediator of stress-related endocrine, autonomic, and behavioral responses. The detailed organization and fine localization of CRF(1)-like immunoreactivity (CRF(1)-LI) containing neurons in the rodent have not been described, and is important to better define the functions of this receptor. Here we characterize in detail the neuroanatomical distribution of CRF(1)-immunoreactive (CRF(1)-ir) neurons in the mouse brain, using an antiserum directed against the C-terminus of the receptor. We show that CRF(1)-LI is abundantly yet selectively expressed, and its localization generally overlaps the target regions of CRH-expressing projections and the established distribution of CRF(1) mRNA, with several intriguing exceptions. The most intensely CRF(1)-LI-labeled neurons are found in discrete neuronal systems, i.e., hypothalamic nuclei (paraventricular, supraoptic, and arcuate), major cholinergic and monoaminergic cell groups, and specific sensory relay and association thalamic nuclei. Pyramidal neurons in neocortex and magnocellular cells in basal amygdaloid nucleus are also intensely CRF(1)-ir. Finally, intense CRF(1)-LI is evident in brainstem auditory associated nuclei and several cranial nerves nuclei, as well as in cerebellar Purkinje cells. In addition to their regional specificity, CRF(1)-LI-labeled neurons are characterized by discrete patterns of the intracellular distribution of the immunoreaction product. While generally membrane associated, CRF(1)-LI may be classified as granular, punctate, or homogenous deposits, consistent with differential membrane localization. The selective distribution and morphological diversity of CRF(1)-ir neurons suggest that CRF(1) may mediate distinct functions in different regions of the mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuncai Chen
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475
| | - Kristen L. Brunson
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475
| | | | - Wayna Cariaga
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Departments of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, California 92697-4475
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Grammatopoulos DK, Dai Y, Randeva HS, Levine MA, Karteris E, Easton AJ, Hillhouse EW. A novel spliced variant of the type 1 corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor with a deletion in the seventh transmembrane domain present in the human pregnant term myometrium and fetal membranes. Mol Endocrinol 1999; 13:2189-202. [PMID: 10598591 DOI: 10.1210/mend.13.12.0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CRH exerts its actions via activation of specific G protein-coupled receptors, which exist in two types, CRH-R1 and CRH-R2, and arise from different genes with multiple spliced variants. RT-PCR amplification of CRH receptor sequences from human myometrium and fetal membranes yielded cDNAs that encode a novel CRH-R type 1 spliced variant. This variant (CRH-R1d) is present in the human pregnant myometrium at term only, which suggests a physiologically important role at the end of human pregnancy and labor. The amino acid sequence of CRH-R1d is identical to the CRH-R1alpha receptor except that it contains an exon deletion resulting in the absence of 14 amino acids in the predicted seventh transmembrane domain. Binding studies in HEK-293 cells stably expressing the CRH-R1d or CRH-R1alpha receptors revealed that the deletion does not change the binding characteristics of the variant receptor. In contrast, studies on the G protein activation demonstrated that CRH-R1d is not well coupled to the four subtypes of G proteins (G(s), G(i), G(o), G(q)) that CRH-R1alpha can activate. These data suggest that although the deleted segment is not important for CRH binding, it plays a crucial role in CRH receptor signal transduction. Second messenger studies of the variant receptor showed that CRH and CRH-like peptides can stimulate the adenylate cyclase system, with reduced sensitivity and potency by 10-fold compared with the CRH-R1alpha. Furthermore, CRH failed to stimulate inositol trisphosphate production. Coexpression studies between the CRH-R1d or CRH-R1alpha showed that this receptor does not play a role as a dominant negative receptor for CRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Grammatopoulos
- Sir Quinton Hazell Molecular Medicine Research Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.
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Sánchez MM, Young LJ, Plotsky PM, Insel TR. Autoradiographic and in situ hybridization localization of corticotropin-releasing factor 1 and 2 receptors in nonhuman primate brain. J Comp Neurol 1999; 408:365-77. [PMID: 10340512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Two different corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptors, CRF1 and CRF2, have been identified in rat and human brain. Although the two receptor subtypes show a markedly different distribution in the rat brain, their distribution in the primate brain has not been described previously. In this study, the neuroanatomic distribution of CRF1 and CRF2 receptor binding sites in rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) was assessed by using iodine 125 ([125I)-Tyr0]-sauvagine with or without the selective CRF1 receptor antagonist CP-154,526-1. Radiolabeled human cRNA probes were used to map the distribution of the two receptor mRNAs with in situ hybridization. Both CRF1 and CRF2 receptors were found in the pituitary and throughout the neocortex (especially, in prefrontal, cingulate, striate, and insular cortices), amygdala, and hippocampal formation of the monkey brain. This is in contrast to the distribution of these receptors reported in the rat brain, in which generally only the CRF1 receptor is found in the pituitary and neocortex. These results suggest that, in primates, both CRF1 and CRF2 receptors may be involved in mediating the effects of CRF on cognition, behavior, and pituitary-adrenal function. The presence of CRF1 (but not CRF2) receptors within the locus coeruleus, cerebellar cortex, nucleus of the solitary tract, thalamus, and striatum and of CRF2 (but not CRF1) receptors in the choroid plexus, certain hypothalamic nuclei, the nucleus prepositus, and the nucleus of the stria terminalis suggests that each receptor subtype also may have distinct functional roles within the primate central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Sánchez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
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40
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Abstract
This study describes the distribution and relative level of labeling of binding sites for corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) in the postnatal mouse cerebellum. At birth low levels of labeling are present throughout the cerebellum. However, this labeling is most densely distributed in the caudal and lateral aspects of the cerebellum. By P3 CRF binding sites are present throughout the cerebellum, although the greatest level of labeling is in the posterior lobe of the vermis, especially lobules IX and X; this correlates with the early differential pattern of CRF distribution in cerebellar afferents within these same lobules. At P10, the adult pattern of distribution and level of labeling begins to emerge. The presence of CRF and CRF binding sites at birth, and during postnatal growth, suggests that this peptide could play a role in the regulation of developmental events within the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Madtes
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA
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Radulovic M, Dautzenberg FM, Sydow S, Radulovic J, Spiess J. Corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 in mouse spleen: expression after immune stimulation and identification of receptor-bearing cells. J Immunol 1999; 162:3013-21. [PMID: 10072553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
A specific polyclonal Ab against the N-terminal domain of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) receptor, type 1 (CRF-R1), was employed to an immunohistochemical analysis of the spleen from naive mice and mice exposed to an immune challenge. Cell types stained with anti-CRF-R1 Ab were identified by their nuclear shapes and colocalization with the cell type-specific markers ER-MP58, ER-MP20, Moma-1, Moma 2, anti-CD3e mAbs, and anti-Ig Ab. Only a few clusters of CRF-R1+ cells were found in spleen sections of naive mice at sites typical for granulopoietic islands. However, a 17-fold increase in the mean number of CRF-R1+ cells was noted within hours following a challenge of acute systemic inflammation induced by i.p. administration of LPS. The majority of these cells were identified as mature neutrophils. CRF-R1 was shown to mediate suppression of the IL-1beta secretion by these cells. However, at later time points a large number of granulocyte-macrophage precursors was strongly labeled with anti-CRF-R1 Ab. Western blot analysis of splenic membranes from animals treated with LPS revealed a m.w. of approximately 70,000 for CRF-R1. Subcellular staining patterns were suggestive for the predominant localization of CRF-R1 on granule membranes. CRF-R1 mRNA was detected in spleen but not in bone marrow and peripheral blood leukocytes from naive mice. Thus, it was indicated that CRF-R1 was not produced constitutively by mature or immature neutrophils. Its production was rather triggered by inflammatory stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Radulovic
- Department of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Goettingen, Germany.
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42
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Abstract
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), the most important regulator of various responses to stress, acts through CRF receptors (CRFR). For their characterization in brain tissue of Sprague-Dawley rats and C57BL/6J mice, a recently described polyclonal antibody directed against the N-terminus of rat CRFR1 (rCRFR1) was used. The molecular weights of rat and mouse brain receptors were determined by Western blot analysis to be 80,000-76,000 and 83,000-79,000, respectively, whereas molecular weights of 72,000-59,000 were observed for CRFR1 from rat and mouse pituitary. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed with brain sections of naive rats and mice. Strong CRFR1 staining was detected in the cortex, cerebellum, mesencephalon and pons of both species, whereas weak staining was observed in amygdala and hippocampus. The striatum did not show immunoreactivity. The density of immunostaining was significantly lower in murine than in rat cortex. In contrast, in the pons and mesencephalon of mice, higher density of immunostaining was observed than in the same brain structures of rats. On the basis of the observed differences, it is suggested that CRFR1 is differentially processed in rats and mice. In addition, the density of CRFR1 staining differed between both species.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Radulovic
- Department of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, Goettingen, Germany
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Peng Ho S, Livanov V, Zhang W, Li J, Lesher T. Modification of phosphorothioate oligonucleotides yields potent analogs with minimal toxicity for antisense experiments in the CNS. Brain Res Mol Brain Res 1998; 62:1-11. [PMID: 9795101 DOI: 10.1016/s0169-328x(98)00185-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that phosphorothioate oligonucleotides infused into the brain can cause a host of undesired side effects which compromise the antisense experiment. In studies on the corticotropin releasing factor type-2 receptor, several phosphorothioate oligonucleotides administered intraventricularly produced significant weight loss in rats. Four different phosphodiester and phosphorothioate oligonucleotide analogs were examined to identify molecules which could eliminate these side effects while maintaining good potency for antisense inhibition. Of these, chimeric oligonucleotides consisting of a mixed phosphodiester-phosphorothioate backbone, and having 2'-methoxyribonucleotide modifications in 60% of the oligonucleotide were the most optimal. Rats treated with these chimeric oligonucleotides gained weight at rates identical to that of saline-treated controls. In addition, the antisense oligonucleotide but not the mismatch control sequence reduced corticotropin releasing factor type-2 receptor binding of 125iodo-sauvagine in the lateral septum by 40-60% after 5 daily injections. Increasing the dosing period to 9 days reduced receptor binding by 78%. Reductions in protein binding were accompanied by comparable reductions in the in situ hybridization signal of the corticotropin releasing factor type-2 receptor mRNA. However, when an oligonucleotide analog incapable of supporting ribonuclease H activity was used, neither protein nor RNA binding levels were changed compared to saline-treated controls. These results suggest that ribonuclease H or enzymes with similar activity are critical to the antisense inhibition observed in the lateral septum.
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MESH Headings
- Amphibian Proteins
- Animals
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/pathology
- Central Nervous System/drug effects
- Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions/prevention & control
- Fever/prevention & control
- In Situ Hybridization
- Injections, Intraventricular
- Iodine Radioisotopes
- Male
- Molecular Structure
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/administration & dosage
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/chemistry
- Oligonucleotides, Antisense/pharmacology
- Peptide Hormones
- Peptides/analysis
- Peptides/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/analysis
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/genetics
- Ribonuclease H/metabolism
- Thionucleotides/adverse effects
- Thionucleotides/chemistry
- Thionucleotides/pharmacology
- Weight Loss/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- S Peng Ho
- CNS Department, DuPont Pharmaceuticals Research Laboratories, PO Box 80400 Experimental Station, Wilmington, DE 19880-0400, USA.
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Rominger DH, Rominger CM, Fitzgerald LW, Grzanna R, Largent BL, Zaczek R. Characterization of [125I]sauvagine binding to CRH2 receptors: membrane homogenate and autoradiographic studies. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1998; 286:459-68. [PMID: 9655891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe the binding of [125I]tyr(o)sauvagine to membranes of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH2) receptor expressing HEK293/EBNA (293ECRH2 alpha) cells. The binding of [125I]tyr(o)sauvagine to CRH2 receptors was temperature, time and tissue dependent. Equilibrium was reached in 2 hr at 23 degrees C. Saturation data best fit a two-site model with affinity constants of 44 pM and 4.1 nM for high and low affinity states, respectively. The high affinity [125I]tyr(o)sauvagine binding sites were eliminated with 200 microM Gpp (NH) p, indicating coupling to G proteins. The rank order potency of peptide analogs of CRH to inhibit [125I]tyr(o)sauvagine binding to CRH2 alpha receptors was: urotensin > sauvagine = urocortin > alpha-helical CRH9-41 > rh-CRH >> o-CRH. This was in contrast to the rank order potency of the peptides at inhibiting [125I]tyr(o)oCRH binding to CRH, receptors: urotensin > urocortin > r/h-CRH > o-CRH = sauvagine > alpha-helical CRH9-41. We show that two recently identified small molecule CRH antagonists with nanomolar potency at the CRH1 receptor, have little or no affinity for CRH2 alpha receptors as labeled by [125I]tyr(o)sauvagine. Two selective CRH1 receptor antagonists enabled us to examine comparative densities of CRH1 and CRH2 receptors in several brain areas. We also used [125I]tyr(o)sauvagine in combination with a specific CRH1 antagonist to examine the anatomic distribution of CRH2 receptors using receptor autoradiography. With a few notable exceptions the CRH2 receptors demonstrated autoradiographically in this study match the data obtained by in situ hybridization studies on the localization of CRH2 mRNA. The anatomic overlap of the autoradiographic and in situ hybridization data suggest that CRH2 receptors are postsynaptic. This study demonstrates the utility of using [125I]tyr(o)sauvagine to study cloned CRH2 receptors expressed in cell lines. In addition, [125I]tyr(o)sauvagine used in conjunction with saturating concentrations of a specific CRH1 receptor antagonist allows the study of CRH2 receptors in brain tissues using both in vitro homogenate binding and receptor autoradiography techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- D H Rominger
- CNS Diseases Research, DuPont Merck Research Laboratories, Wilmington Delaware, USA
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Roloff B, Fechner K, Slominski A, Furkert J, Botchkarev VA, Bulfone-Paus S, Zipper J, Krause E, Paus R. Hair cycle-dependent expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF receptors in murine skin. FASEB J 1998; 12:287-97. [PMID: 9506472 DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.12.3.287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate the presence and hair cycle-dependent expression of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF receptors (CRF-R) in C57BL/6 mouse skin. To correlate this with a physiological, developmentally controlled tissue remodeling process, we have analyzed CRF and CRF-R expression during defined stages of the murine hair cycle with its rhythmic changes between growth (anagen), regression (catagen), and resting (telogen). Using reversed-phase HPLC combined with two independent anti-CRF radioimmunoassays, we have identified CRF in murine skin. Maximal CRF levels were found in anagen III-IV skin, and minimal values were detected in catagen and telogen skin. By immunofluorescence, maximal CRF immunoreactivity (CRF-IR) was seen in the basal epidermis, nerve bundles of skin, the outer root sheath and matrix region of anagen IV-VI follicles, and in defined sections of their perifollicular neural network, whereas catagen and telogen skin displayed minimal CRF-IR. Using quantitative autoradiography and 125I-CRF as a tracer, high-affinity binding sites for CRF were detected in murine skin. The highest density of specific binding sites was detected in the panniculus carnosus, the epidermis, and the hair follicle. CRF-R type 1 (CRF-R1) IR was detected by immunohistology mainly in the outer root sheath, hair matrix, and dermal papilla of anagen VI follicles, as well as in the inner and outer root sheaths of early catagen follicles. CRF-R1 expression was also hair cycle dependent. Therefore, in normal murine skin, the CRF-CRF-R signaling system may operate as an additional neuroendocrine pathway regulating skin functions, possibly in the context of cutaneous stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Roloff
- Institute of Molecular Pharmacology, Berlin, Germany
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46
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Abstract
Urocortin was recently cloned from the rat midbrain. Urocortin is a member of the corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) peptide family and shows 45% sequence identity to CRF and 63% sequence identity to urotensin. It binds with a high affinity to CRF1 and CRF2 receptors, resulting in the stimulation of their adenylate cyclase activity. We used a polyclonal antibody against rat urocortin to define the distribution of urocortin-like immunoreactivity in the rat central nervous system. Several immunostained cell bodies were found in the supraoptic, paraventricular, and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei. A large number of neurons with urocortin-like immunoreactivity were seen in the dorsolateral tegmental nucleus, in the linear and dorsal raphe nuclei, and in the substantia nigra. The most abundant immunoreactive (ir) perikarya were found in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. Some neurons showed immunoreactivity in the interstitial nucleus of Cajal, the nucleus of Darkeschewitsch, and the periaqueductal gray. A dense immunoreactive fiber network was found in the lateral septal area. Some faintly stained axon terminals were observed among urocortin-ir perikarya in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, in the central and periaqueductal gray, and in the Edinger-Westphal nucleus. No fibers with urocortin-ir were seen in the median eminence or the posterior pituitary. The distribution of urocortin-ir overlapped with the expression of the mRNA for the CRF2 receptor in several brain areas. These data support the hypothesis that this peptide is the endogenous ligand for the CRF2 receptor. Urocortin has been implicated in various endocrine responses, such as blood pressure regulation, as well as in higher cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Kozicz
- U.S.-Japan Biomedical Research Laboratories, Tulane University Hebert Center, Belle Chasse, Louisiana 70037, USA.
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47
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Abstract
The reported effects of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) on human myometrium support the existence of specific receptors for the hormone in this tissue. We have used the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique to study the expression of mRNA coding for the CRH R1 and R2 receptors. RT-PCR of total RNA from both nonpregnant and pregnant myometrium using specific primers resulted in amplification products of the expected sizes for the R1 alpha and R2 alpha CRH receptors. The identity of these amplification products was confirmed by specific restriction digests and sequencing. Immunohistochemistry using a rabbit antibody raised against a specific domain of the CRH R1 receptor demonstrated that the R1 mRNA is translated into protein and confirmed that it is the uterine smooth muscle cells from both nonpregnant and pregnant women that bear this receptor. Our results suggest that CRH may play a role in human pregnancy at the myometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Rodríguez-Liñares
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, UK
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48
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Abstract
The regional distribution of corticotropin-releasing factor1 (CRF1) and CRF2 binding sites was assessed autoradiographically in adult rat brain. The differential pharmacological profiles of the CRF1 and CRF2 receptor subtypes were used for the discrimination of the CRF1 and CRF2 receptor subtypes in rat brain. Pharmacological characterization at the human CRF1 receptor subtype, expressed in baculovirus-infected Sf9 cells, showed high affinity binding (Ki < or = 10.0 nM) for the peptide agonists sauvagine, urotensin I, rat/human CRF, and ovine CRF. Pharmacological characterization at the rat CRF2 receptor subtype expressed in CHO cells showed a rank order affinity for the peptide agonists such that sauvagine, urotensin I and rat/human CRF showed high affinity binding whereas ovine CRF had a Ki value of 300 nM. Based on this differential binding affinity for ovine CRF, [125I]sauvagine binding in the presence of increasing concentrations of ovine CRF was used to discriminate CRF1 from CRF2 receptor subtypes in rat brain. The CRF1 receptor subtype was found to be localized to various regions of the cerebellum, as well as to several cortical areas. The CRF2 receptor subtype was shown to be localized to the lateral septal nucleus, entorhinal cortex, and to amygdaloid and hypothalamic regions. The present autoradiographic findings provide evidence that each subtype has a distinct regional distribution, thus strengthening the suggestion that CRF1 and CRF2 receptors serve different roles in mediating CRF function. Such data suggest that the development of CRF receptor subtype selective antagonists should help to delineate the role of CRF1 and CRF2 receptor subtypes in central nervous system function.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Primus
- Neurogen Corporation, Branford, CT 06405, USA
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49
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Asakura H, Zwain IH, Yen SS. Expression of genes encoding corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), type 1 CRF receptor, and CRF-binding protein and localization of the gene products in the human ovary. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997; 82:2720-5. [PMID: 9253360 DOI: 10.1210/jcem.82.8.4119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Recently, the presence of immunoreactive corticotropin-releasing factor (IrCRF) in the thecal-stromal cells of the human ovary and the ability of CRF to suppress estrogen production by human granulosa cells in vitro have been reported. To understand the functional role of ovarian CRF requires characterization of the human ovarian CRF system, which includes CRF, type 1 CRF receptor (CRF-R1), and the high affinity CRF-binding protein (CRF-BP). Accordingly, we have examined the ovarian CRF system and the cellular distribution of these proteins and their messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, respectively. Normal ovaries from 10 premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy with ovariectomy were used in the analyses. IrCRF and its mRNA were localized in thecal cells of small antral and mature follicles. A low abundance of IrCRF and mRNA was also detected in stromal cells of both stages of follicles. Expression of the gene encoding CRF was more prominent in mature follicles than in small antral follicles. CRF-R1 mRNA signal was found exclusively in thecal cells of mature follicles and moderately in small antral follicles. Granulosa cells were devoid of CRF and CRF-R1 mRNAs and proteins. The IrCRF-BP, but not its transcript, was detected in thecal cells and luman of capillary vessels of the thecal/stromal compartment of mature follicles. The absence of CRF-BP gene transcript in human ovarian follicles was confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR, indicating that the IrCRF-BP detected is not derived from the ovarian transcript and suggesting that the presence of IrCRF-BP and luman of capillary vessels in the thecal compartment originates from the peripheral circulation. Thecal cells of mature follicles, relative to those of small antral follicles, exhibited an intensive immunostaining and mRNA signal for 17 alpha-hydroxylase (P450c17) indicative of androgen biosynthesis. We conclude that the thecal compartment of the human ovary contains a CRF system endowed with CRF and CRF-R1 and the blood-derived CRF-BP. Granulosa cells are devoid of the CRF system. The parallel increases in intensity of CRF, CRF-R1, and 17 alpha-hydroxylase proteins and gene expression with follicular maturation suggest that the intraovarian CRF system may play an autocrine role in androgen biosynthesis with a downstream effect on estrogen production by the granulosa cells. The functionality of the ovarian CRF system may be conditioned by the relative presence of circulating CRF-BP by virtue of its ability to compete with CRF for the CRF receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Asakura
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California-San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla 92093-0633, USA
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50
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Abstract
The human placenta synthesizes and secretes large amounts of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) which has been implicated in the triggering of parturition. The placental CRH was found to act in a paracrine manner to stimulate secretion of ACTH and beta-endorphin. In view of this we sought to characterize CRH binding sites in the human placenta. The specific binding of 125I-tyrosyl-ovine CRH (125I-oCRH) to placental membranes was dependent on time, temperature, pH, divalent cations and was reversible on addition of excess oCRH. Scatchard analysis revealed a high afinity binding site with a dissociation constant of approximately 0.7 nmol/L and maximum number of binding sites approximately 44 fmol/mg protein. Disuccinimidyl suberate, a chemical cross-linker, was used to covalently attach 125I-oCRH to placental membranes. The labelled placental membranes were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and autoradiography. A major radioactively labelled band with a molecular weight of 55,000 Da was identified. In this study we have identified placental binding sites for CRH with properties similar to CRH receptors described in a number of human and animal tissues and with a molecular weight similar to that of the brain CRH receptor. These binding sites may be involved in the regulation of the placental CRH/ACTH-beta-endorphin axis during pregnancy and parturition.
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Affiliation(s)
- B O Saeed
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Medical School, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England
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