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Condés-Lara M, Martínez-Lorenzana G, Espinosa de Los Monteros-Zúñiga A, López-Córdoba G, Córdova-Quiroga A, Flores-Bojórquez SA, González-Hernández A. Hypothalamic Paraventricular Stimulation Inhibits Nociceptive Wide Dynamic Range Trigeminocervical Complex Cells via Oxytocinergic Transmission. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1501232024. [PMID: 38438259 PMCID: PMC11044117 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1501-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxytocinergic transmission blocks nociception at the peripheral, spinal, and supraspinal levels through the oxytocin receptor (OTR). Indeed, a neuronal pathway from the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) to the spinal cord and trigeminal nucleus caudalis (Sp5c) has been described. Hence, although the trigeminocervical complex (TCC), an anatomical area spanning the Sp5c, C1, and C2 regions, plays a role in some pain disorders associated with craniofacial structures (e.g., migraine), the role of oxytocinergic transmission in modulating nociception at this level has been poorly explored. Hence, in vivo electrophysiological recordings of TCC wide dynamic range (WDR) cells sensitive to stimulation of the periorbital or meningeal region were performed in male Wistar rats. PVN electrical stimulation diminished the neuronal firing evoked by periorbital or meningeal electrical stimulation; this inhibition was reversed by OTR antagonists administered locally. Accordingly, neuronal projections (using Fluoro-Ruby) from the PVN to the WDR cells filled with Neurobiotin were observed. Moreover, colocalization between OTR and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or OTR and GABA was found near Neurobiotin-filled WDR cells. Retrograde neuronal tracers deposited at the meningeal (True-Blue, TB) and infraorbital nerves (Fluoro-Gold, FG) showed that at the trigeminal ganglion (TG), some cells were immunopositive to both fluorophores, suggesting that some TG cells send projections via the V1 and V2 trigeminal branches. Together, these data may imply that endogenous oxytocinergic transmission inhibits the nociceptive activity of second-order neurons via OTR activation in CGRPergic (primary afferent fibers) and GABAergic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Condés-Lara
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro CP 76230, México
| | | | | | - Gustavo López-Córdoba
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro CP 76230, México
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Kavaliers M, Wah DTO, Bishnoi IR, Ossenkopp KP, Choleris E. Disgusted snails, oxytocin, and the avoidance of infection threat. Horm Behav 2023; 155:105424. [PMID: 37678092 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Disgust is considered to be a fundamental affective state associated with triggering the behavioral avoidance of infection and parasite/pathogen threat. In humans, and other vertebrates, disgust affects how individuals interact with, and respond to, parasites, pathogens and potentially infected conspecifics and their sensory cues. Here we show that the land snail, Cepaea nemoralis, displays a similar "disgust-like" state eliciting behavioral avoidance responses to the mucus associated cues of infected and potentially infected snails. Brief exposure to the mucus of snails treated with the Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), elicited dose-related behavioral avoidance, including acute antinociceptive responses, similar to those expressed by mammals. In addition, exposure to the mucus cues of LPS treated snails led to a subsequent avoidance of unfamiliar individuals, paralleling the recognition of and avoidance responses exhibited by vertebrates exposed to potential pathogen risk. Further, the avoidance of, and antinociceptive responses to, the mucus of LPS treated snails were attenuated in a dose-related manner by the oxytocin (OT) receptor antagonist, L-368,899. This supports the involvement of OT and OT receptor homologs in the expression of infection avoidance, and consistent with the roles of OT in the modulation of responses to salient social and infection threats by rodents and other vertebrates. These findings with land snails are indicative of evolutionarily conserved disgust-like states associated with OT/OT receptor homolog modulated behavioral avoidance responses to infection and pathogen threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kavaliers
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada.
| | - Deanne T O Wah
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Indra R Bishnoi
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Klaus-Peter Ossenkopp
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
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Nunes AR, Gliksberg M, Varela SAM, Teles M, Wircer E, Blechman J, Petri G, Levkowitz G, Oliveira RF. Developmental Effects of Oxytocin Neurons on Social Affiliation and Processing of Social Information. J Neurosci 2021; 41:8742-8760. [PMID: 34470805 PMCID: PMC8528494 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2939-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormones regulate behavior either through activational effects that facilitate the acute expression of specific behaviors or through organizational effects that shape the development of the nervous system thereby altering adult behavior. Much research has implicated the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) in acute modulation of various aspects of social behaviors across vertebrate species, and OXT signaling is associated with the developmental social deficits observed in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); however, little is known about the role of OXT in the neurodevelopment of the social brain. We show that perturbation of OXT neurons during early zebrafish development led to a loss of dopaminergic neurons, associated with visual processing and reward, and blunted the neuronal response to social stimuli in the adult brain. Ultimately, adult fish whose OXT neurons were ablated in early life, displayed altered functional connectivity within social decision-making brain nuclei both in naive state and in response to social stimulus and became less social. We propose that OXT neurons have an organizational role, namely, to shape forebrain neuroarchitecture during development and to acquire an affiliative response toward conspecifics.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Social behavior is developed over the lifetime of an organism and the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) modulates social behaviors across vertebrate species, and is associated with neuro-developmental social deficits such as autism. However, whether OXT plays a role in the developmental maturation of neural systems that are necessary for social behavior remains poorly explored. We show that proper behavioral and neural response to social stimuli depends on a developmental process orchestrated by OXT neurons. Animals whose OXT system is ablated in early life show blunted neuronal and behavioral responses to social stimuli as well as wide ranging disruptions in the functional connectivity of the social brain. We provide a window into the mechanisms underlying OXT-dependent developmental processes that implement adult sociality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Nunes
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Michael Gliksberg
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Susana A M Varela
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
- ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisboa 1149-041, Portugal
| | - Magda Teles
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
| | - Einav Wircer
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Janna Blechman
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Giovanni Petri
- Institute for Scientific Interchange (ISI) Foundation and ISI Global Science Foundation, Torino 10126, Italy
| | - Gil Levkowitz
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 7610001, Israel
| | - Rui F Oliveira
- Integrative Behavioural Biology Lab, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
- ISPA-Instituto Universitário, Lisboa 1149-041, Portugal
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon 1400-038, Portugal
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Stadler B, Whittaker MR, Exintaris B, Middendorff R. Oxytocin in the Male Reproductive Tract; The Therapeutic Potential of Oxytocin-Agonists and-Antagonists. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:565731. [PMID: 33193084 PMCID: PMC7642622 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.565731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, the role of oxytocin and oxytocin-like agents (acting via the oxytocin receptor and belonging to the oxytocin-family) in the male reproductive tract is considered. Previous research (dating back over 60 years) is revised and connected with recently found aspects of the role oxytocin plays in male reproductive health. The local expression of oxytocin and its receptor in the male reproductive tract of different species is summarized. Colocalization and possible crosstalk to other agents and receptors and their resulting effects are discussed. The role of the newly reported oxytocin focused signaling pathways in the male reproductive tract, other than mediating contractility, is critically examined. The structure and effect of the most promising oxytocin-agonists and -antagonists are reviewed for their potential in treating male disorders with origins in the male reproductive tract such as prostate diseases and ejaculatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrix Stadler
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Michael R. Whittaker
- Drug Discovery Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Betty Exintaris
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ralf Middendorff
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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McMahon C, Althof S, Rosen R, Giuliano F, Miner M, Osterloh IH, Muirhead GJ, Harty B. The Oxytocin Antagonist Cligosiban Prolongs Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency and Improves Patient-Reported Outcomes in Men with Lifelong Premature Ejaculation: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Proof-of-Concept Trial (PEPIX). J Sex Med 2020; 16:1178-1187. [PMID: 31351659 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cligosiban is an orally administered oxytocin receptor antagonist being developed to treat premature ejaculation (PE). AIM To determine the safety and efficacy of cligosiban capsules (dose range 400-800 mg) to improve intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) and patient-reported outcomes in men with severe lifelong PE. METHODS Patients recorded details of at least 4 sexual intercourse events during a 4-week run-in period, after which they underwent baseline assessments. Patients were eligible for the study if they rated their control of ejaculation as poor/very poor and their stopwatch-assessed IELT was ≤1 minute in ≥75% of intercourse attempts. Eligible patients were randomized to an 8-week treatment period with double-blind cligosiban or placebo (to be taken 1 to 6 hours prior to sexual activity). The starting dose was 400 mg (not more than 1 dose per day) which could be increased to 800 mg after 2 and/or 4 weeks of treatment. Assessments were conducted at 2, 4, and 8 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Efficacy measures were comprised of IELT, self-rating of ejaculation control and ejaculation-related distress (recorded in an electronic diary after each intercourse attempt), premature ejaculation profile, and the Clinical Global Impression of Change. RESULTS The mean ratio of fold change from baseline in IELT to the last 4 weeks of treatment (cligosiban/placebo) was 1.9 compared to a baseline of 1.0 (P = .0079). The mean increase in IELT from baseline to the last 4 weeks of treatment was 61.0 seconds for cligosiban, which was significantly different from (and 3.6-fold greater than) the mean increase of 16.4 seconds for placebo (P = .0086). Statistically significant improvements in ejaculation control and ejaculation-related personal distress scores were also observed for cligosiban compared to little or no change with placebo. Cligosiban was generally well tolerated, with no serious or severe adverse events or other safety parameters. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This proof-of-concept study demonstrated the potential for cligosiban, an oxytocin antagonist, to successfully treat symptoms of severe lifelong PE. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS This was a Phase II, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that was adequately powered to detect a clinically meaningful difference in change in IELT between cligosiban and placebo. Larger studies will be needed to confirm these findings, determine the optimal dose of cligosiban and assess efficacy in men with acquired PE. CONCLUSIONS Cligosiban was well tolerated, and resulted in significant benefits in both objective and subjective measures of ejaculatory control in men with lifelong PE and therefore offers significant potential as an on-demand, orally administered agent for the treatment of PE. McMahon C, Althof S, Rosen R, et al. The Oxytocin Antagonist Cligosiban Prolongs Intravaginal Ejaculatory Latency and Improves Patient-Reported Outcomes in Men with Lifelong Premature Ejaculation: Results of a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Proof-of-Concept Trial (PEPIX). J Sex Med 2019; 16:1178-1187.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher McMahon
- Australian Centre for Sexual Health, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Stanley Althof
- Center for Marital and Sexual Health of South Florida, West Palm Beach, FL, USA
| | | | - Francois Giuliano
- AP-HP, Neuro-Uro-Andrology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Garches, France; UMR1179 Inserm-Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines University, Versailles, France
| | - Martin Miner
- Departments of Family Medicine and Urology, Men's Health Center, Miriam Hospital, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | - Brian Harty
- New England Research Institutes, Watertown, MA, USA
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Haskal de la Zerda S, Netser S, Magalnik H, Wagner S. Impaired sex preference, but not social and social novelty preferences, following systemic blockade of oxytocin receptors in adult male mice. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 116:104676. [PMID: 32361188 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is a powerful modulator of mammalian social behavior and its administration was shown to affect various types of social interactions. However, systematic examinations of the role of endogenous OT release in social behavior have heretofore been done only using genetically modified animal models in which the genes encoding either OT or the OT receptor (OTR) were mutated. While such genetic manipulations revealed various behavioral deficits, these deficits may involve developmental or long-term processes and do not prove the participation of acute OT release in the impaired behavior. Here we used a battery of social discrimination tasks to evaluate the effects of acute systemic OTR blockade, using a non-peptide, orally active OTR antagonist (L368,899), on social behavior of adult male C57BL/6 J mice. We found no effect of the pharmacological manipulation on the social preference and social novelty preference behaviors. However, the preference of a male mouse for investigating a female conspecific more than a male (sex preference behavior), was lost by administration of the OTR antagonist. Finally, we found that blocking OTR activity before social defeat prevented the consequent loss of social preference, suggesting a role for OT in the acquisition of aversive social memory. Overall, our results suggest that OT plays a role in modulating the salience of social stimuli and facilitating their memory, as predicted by the social salience theory, rather than in regulating the internal motivation of the subject for social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Haskal de la Zerda
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Shai Netser
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Hen Magalnik
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Shlomo Wagner
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel.
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Rahimian R, Khoshneviszadeh M, Bahremand T, Zirak MR, Dehpour AR, Mousavizadeh K. Oxytocinergic system mediates the proconvulsant effects of sildenafil: The role of calcineurin. Horm Behav 2020; 122:104753. [PMID: 32302594 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor used to treat male erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. A potential side effect of sildenafil is a noticeable decrease in seizure threshold. Oxytocin (OXT) secretion and the subsequent cAMP-responsive element-binding (CREB) phosphorylation are involved in proconvulsant effects of sildenafil in experimental models. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential role of OXT receptors and their downstream calcineurin (CN)/inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) pathways in proconvulsant effects of sildenafil. The pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure was used as a standard convulsion model in this study. Cortical CN activity, hippocampal nitrite levels, and proinflammatory cytokine content were measured. Our results indicated that following PTZ administration, sildenafil significantly increased CN activity at 40 mg/kg, respectively, in the control group. The combination of sildenafil and OXT receptor antagonist, atosiban (10 μg/kg, i.c.v) 30 min before sildenafil administration significantly reduced the CN activity. Also, the subeffective dose of CN inhibitor cyclosporine (5 mg/kg) 30 min before the administration of effective dose of sildenafil (40 mg/kg) reversed proconvulsant actions of sildenafil. This effect was iNOS-dependent because pretreatment of a low dose of aminoguanidine (20 mg/kg) 15 min before the administration of a low dose of cyclosporine (1 mg/kg) reversed the proconvulsant action of sildenafil (40 mg/kg). Finally, sildenafil induced the elevation of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and the nitrite level was blocked by the administration of cyclosporine in PTZ-treated mice. Collectively, our data provide insights into the role of OXT receptor/CN/iNOS pathway in the proconvulsant aspect of sildenafil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Rahimian
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mahsima Khoshneviszadeh
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taraneh Bahremand
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zirak
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kazem Mousavizadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center and Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Abstract
Parental care represents a suite of distinct behaviors performed by parents to maximize fitness. Dynamic shifts in parental care behaviors, such as between nest defense and direct provisioning of the offspring, are required in response to environmental variation. However, the neural mechanisms which mediate such behavioral shifts remain a mystery. The anemonefish, Amphiprion ocellaris, represents an experimentally valuable model in social neuroscience which is conducive to manipulating the environment while simultaneously measuring parental care. The goal of this study was to determine the extent to which arginine vasotocin (AVT) and isotocin (IT) signaling are necessary for males to shift between direct egg care and aggressive nest defense in the presence of intruders, Domino damselfish (Dascyllus trimaculatus). The IT receptor antagonist desGly-NH2-d(CH2)5[D-Tyr2,Thr4]OVT, significantly reduced direct egg care, while at the same time increased levels of aggressive nest defense relative to vehicle. Conversely, blockade of AVT using the antagonist d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)2]AVP, reduced aggression and tended to increase egg care. Results demonstrate that male anemonefish alter their parental strategy in response to allospecific intruders, and that IT and AVT signaling oppositely regulate parental care displays of aggression versus egg care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross DeAngelis
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America; Program for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America.
| | - Logan Dodd
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
| | - Justin Rhodes
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America; Program for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, United States of America
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9
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Hirota Y, Arai A, Young LJ, Osako Y, Yuri K, Mitsui S. Oxytocin receptor antagonist reverses the blunting effect of pair bonding on fear learning in monogamous prairie voles. Horm Behav 2020; 120:104685. [PMID: 31935400 PMCID: PMC7117995 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Social relationships among spouses, family members, and friends are known to affect physical and mental health. In particular, long-lasting bonds between socio-sexual partners have profound effects on cognitive, social, emotional, and physical well-being. We have previously reported that pair bonding in monogamous prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) is prevented by a single prolonged stress (SPS) paradigm, which causes behavioral and endocrine symptoms resembling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients in rats (Arai et al., 2016). Since fear memory function is crucial for anxiety-related disorders such as PTSD, we investigated the effects of pair bonding on fear learning in prairie voles. We applied an SPS paradigm to male prairie voles after the cohabitation with a male (cage-mate group) or female (pair-bonded group). The cage-mate group, but not the pair-bonded group, showed enhanced fear response in a contextual fear conditioning test following the SPS treatment. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that cFos-positive cells in the central amygdala were increased in the pair-bonded group after the contextual fear conditioning test and that oxytocin immunoreactivity in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus was significantly higher in the pair-bonded group than the cage-mate group. This pair-bonding dependent blunting of fear memory response was confirmed by a passive avoidance test, another fear-based learning test. Interestingly, intracerebroventricular injection of an oxytocin receptor antagonist 30 min before the passive avoidance test blocked the blunting effect of pair bonding on fear learning. Thus, pair bonding between socio-sexual partners results in social buffering in the absence of the partner, blunting fear learning, which may be mediated by oxytocin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hirota
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22 Showa, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8514, Japan
| | - Aki Arai
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22 Showa, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8514, Japan
| | - Larry J Young
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Center, Emory University School of Medicine, 954 Gatewood Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Center for Social Neural Networks, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Yoji Osako
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Oko-cho, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Kazunari Yuri
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Oko-cho, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Shinichi Mitsui
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22 Showa, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8514, Japan.
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Brighton PJ, Fossler MJ, Quenby S, Blanks AM. Functionally Selective Inhibition of the Oxytocin Receptor by Retosiban in Human Myometrial Smooth Muscle. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5697361. [PMID: 31907536 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqz043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Novel small molecule inhibitors of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) may have distinct pharmacology and mode of action when compared with first-generation oxytocin antagonists when used for the prevention of preterm birth. The aim was to determine the mechanism of action of small molecule OTR antagonists retosiban and epelsiban compared with the currently used peptide-based compound atosiban. Human myometrial samples were obtained at cesarean section and subjected to pharmacological manipulations to establish the effect of antagonist binding to OTR on downstream signaling. Retosiban antagonism of oxytocin action in human myometrium was potent, rapid, and reversible. Inhibition of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) production followed single-site competitive binding kinetics for epelsiban, retosiban, and atosiban. Retosiban inhibited basal production of IP3 in the absence of oxytocin. Oxytocin and atosiban but not retosiban inhibited forskolin, and calcitonin stimulated 3',5'-cyclic adenosine 5'-mono-phosphate (cAMP) production. Inhibition of cAMP was reversed by pertussis toxin. Oxytocin and atosiban, but not retosiban and epelsiban, stimulated extracellular regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 activity in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Oxytocin and atosiban stimulated cyclo-oxygenase 2 activity and subsequent production of prostaglandin E2 and F2α. Prostaglandin production was inhibited by rofecoxib, pertussin toxin, and ERK inhibitor U0126. Oxytocin but not retosiban or atosiban stimulated coupling of the OTR to Gα q G-proteins. Oxytocin and atosiban but not retosiban stimulated coupling of the OTR to Gα i G-proteins. Retosiban and epelsiban demonstrate distinct pharmacology when compared with atosiban in human myometrial smooth muscle. Atosiban displays agonist activity at micromolar concentrations leading to stimulation of prostaglandin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Brighton
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Michael J Fossler
- Clinical Pharmacology Modeling and Simulation, GlaxoSmithKline, Upper Merion West, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania
| | - Siobhan Quenby
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick CV2 2DX, UK
- Maternity Directorate, University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Andrew M Blanks
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick CV2 2DX, UK
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11
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Fujitani T, Matsuura T, Kawasaki M, Suzuki H, Nishimura H, Baba K, Yamanaka Y, Ohnishi H, Ueta Y, Sakai A. Presynaptic glutamatergic transmission and feedback system of oxytocinergic neurons in the hypothalamus of a rat model of adjuvant arthritis. Mol Pain 2020; 16:1744806920943334. [PMID: 32686583 PMCID: PMC7372626 DOI: 10.1177/1744806920943334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurohypophysial hormone oxytocin (OXT) is synthesized in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. Recently, some studies have considered OXT to be important in sensory modulation and that the OXT protein is upregulated by acute and chronic nociception. However, the mechanism by which OXT is upregulated in neurons is unknown. In this study, we examined the resting membrane potentials and excitatory postsynaptic currents in OXT-ergic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus in adjuvant arthritis rat model, a model of chronic inflammation, using whole-cell patch-clamping. Transgenic rats expressing OXT and monomeric red fluorescent protein 1 (mRFP1) fusion protein to visualize the OXT-ergic neurons were used, and the OXT-mRFP1 transgenic rat model of adjuvant arthritis was developed by injection of heat-killed Mycobacterium butyricum. Furthermore, the feedback system of synthesized OXT was also examined using the OXT receptor antagonist L-368,899. We found that the resting membrane potentials and frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in OXT-monomeric red fluorescent protein 1 neurons in the paraventricular nucleus were significantly increased in adjuvant arthritis rats. Furthermore, L-368,899 dose-dependently increased the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents and spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in OXT-ergic neurons. Following bath application of the GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin and the cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonist AM 251, L-368,899 still increased the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents. However, following bath application of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, L-368,899 did not alter the miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency. Thus, it is suggested that OXT-ergic neuron activity is upregulated via an increase in glutamate release, and that the upregulated OXT neurons have a feedback system with released endogenous OXT. It is possible that nitric oxide, but not GABA, may contribute to the feedback system of OXT neurons in chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruaki Fujitani
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine,
University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Takanori Matsuura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine,
University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of
Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Makoto Kawasaki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine,
University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Suzuki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine,
University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Haruki Nishimura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine,
University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Baba
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine,
University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Yamanaka
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine,
University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Hideo Ohnishi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine,
University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yoichi Ueta
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of
Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Akinori Sakai
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine,
University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
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12
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Genital endometriosis (GE) is a widespread gynecological disease which requires its further pathogenesis investigation and search for new effective treatments. The known data of oxytocin receptor presence in endometrioid heterotopy smooth muscle cells give some grounds to assume oxytocin participation in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. The present study objective was to evaluate oxytocin level in peripheral blood (PB) in patients with endometriosis associated pain syndrome and to estimate the efficacy of oxytocin receptor inhibitors (IOXTR) administration based on animal endometriosis model. MATERIALS AND METHODS The basic group comprised 61 patients with endometriosis associated pain syndrome, while 21 patients formed the control group. VAS, MPQ, and BBS objective tests were applied for pain syndrome evaluation. Oxytocin level in PB was measured by immunoenzyme method. After confirmation of endometriosis experimental model formation in rats and further randomization, a daily IOXTR intra-abdominal injection was performed in a dose of 0.35 mg/kg/24 h in the basic group (n = 12) or saline solution administration in the control (n = 12). On the final stage, endometrioid heterotopy size measuring was performed along with histological examination. RESULTS Oxytocin level in PB was authentically higher in patients with GE compared to the control: 51.45 (35.54-62.76) pg/mL and 27.64 (23.23-34.12) pg/mL, respectively (p<.001). Positive correlation between oxytocin PB level and pain syndrome expression was established in patients with GE: VAS (r = 0.76; p<.001), MPQ (r = 0.52; p<.001), and BBS (r = 0.57; p<.001). Based on the experimental disease model authentical decrease of endometrioid heterotopy average area was observed after IOXTR therapy compared to the control (7.3 ± 1.8 mm2 and 22.2 ± 1.2 mm2, respectively, p<.05). CONCLUSIONS The obtained results confirm the oxytocin role in the pathogenesis of endometrioid associated pain syndrome. The high efficacy of IOXTR administration based on animal model of surgically induced endometriosis allows viewing this method as a perspective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Yarmolinskaya
- Department of Gynecology and Endocrinology, FSBSI "The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O.Ott", Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vladislav Khobets
- Department of Gynecology and Endocrinology, FSBSI "The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O.Ott", Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatyana Tral
- Department of Pathomorphology, FSBSI "The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O.Ott", Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia Tkachenko
- Department of Gynecology and Endocrinology, FSBSI "The Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O.Ott", Saint Petersburg, Russia
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13
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Hodges TE, Eltahir AM, Patel S, Bredewold R, Veenema AH, McCormick CM. Effects of oxytocin receptor antagonism on social function and corticosterone release after adolescent social instability in male rats. Horm Behav 2019; 116:104579. [PMID: 31449812 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin influences social behaviour and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) function. We previously found that social instability stress (SS) from postnatal day 30 to 45 increased oxytocin receptor (OTR) densities in the lateral septum and nucleus accumbens of adolescent male rats. Here, we investigated social behaviour and HPA function in adolescent male SS rats compared with age- and sex-matched controls after intraperitoneal treatment with an OTR antagonist L-368,899 (OTR-A). Regardless of OTR antagonism, adolescent SS rats spent more time in social approach (investigation through wire mesh) but less time in social interaction (physical interaction) with unfamiliar same-sex and same-age peers than did controls. However, OTR-A-treatment caused SS rats to be more socially avoidant than OTR-A-treated controls and saline-treated rats of the same condition. Additionally, the predicted rise in plasma corticosterone in response to OTR-A treatment was blunted in SS rats. Fos immunoreactivity (IR) was used as a marker of neural activation in social brain regions and oxytocin-IR was examined in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) in response to interacting with unfamiliar peers in SS and control rats after OTR-A treatment. OTR-A treatment had little effect on Fos-IR and oxytocin-IR in the analyzed brain regions, but SS rats had lower Fos-IR and oxytocin-IR in the PVN and greater Fos-IR in subregions of the prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus, and lateral septum than did controls. Finally, binding density of OTR was measured in the PVN and hippocampus, and greater OTR binding density was found in the PVN of SS rats. Together, these data demonstrate a greater influence of OTR antagonism on social behaviour and a reduced influence of OTR antagonism on HPA responses after adolescent SS in male rats. The results also suggest that differences in neural functioning in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and lateral septum of adolescent SS rats may be involved in their altered social behaviour relative to that of controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis E Hodges
- Department of Psychology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Akif M Eltahir
- Centre for Neuroscience, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Smit Patel
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Remco Bredewold
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Alexa H Veenema
- Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology & Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, United States
| | - Cheryl M McCormick
- Department of Psychology, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada; Centre for Neuroscience, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada.
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14
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Vestlund J, Kalafateli AL, Studer E, Westberg L, Jerlhag E. Neuromedin U induces self-grooming in socially-stimulated mice. Neuropharmacology 2019; 162:107818. [PMID: 31647973 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggest that appetite-regulating peptides modulate social behaviors. We here investigate whether the anorexigenic peptide neuromedin U (NMU) modulates sexual behavior in male mice. However, instead of modulating sexual behaviors, NMU administered into the third ventricle increased self-grooming behavior. In addition, NMU-treatment increased self-grooming behavior when exposed to other mice or olfactory social-cues, but not when exposed to non-social environments. As the neuropeptide oxytocin is released during social investigation and exogenous oxytocin induces self-grooming, its role in NMU-induced self-grooming behavior was investigated. In line with our hypothesis, the oxytocin receptor antagonist inhibited NMU-induced self-grooming behavior in mice exposed to olfactory social-cues. Moreover, dopamine in the mesocorticolimbic system is known to be a key regulator of self-grooming behavior. In line with this, we proved that infusion of NMU into nucleus accumbens increased self-grooming behavior in mice confronted with an olfactory social-cue and that this behavior was inhibited by antagonism of dopamine D2, but not D1/D5, receptors. Moreover repeated NMU treatment enhanced ex vivo dopamine levels and decreased the expression of dopamine D2 receptors in nucleus accumbens in socially housed mice. On the other hand, the olfactory stimuli-dependent NMU-induced self-grooming was not affected by a corticotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist, and NMU-treatment did not influence repetitive behaviors in the marble burying test. In conclusion, our results suggest that NMU treatment and, social cues - potentially triggering oxytocin release - together induce excessive grooming behavior in male mice. The mesolimbic dopamine system, including accumbal dopamine D2 receptors, was identified as a crucial downstream mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesper Vestlund
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Aimilia Lydia Kalafateli
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Erik Studer
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lars Westberg
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Jerlhag
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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15
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Yuan W, He Z, Hou W, Wang L, Li L, Zhang J, Yang Y, Jia R, Qiao H, Tai F. Role of oxytocin in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) in the modulation of paternal behavior in mandarin voles. Horm Behav 2019; 110:46-55. [PMID: 30836063 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Parental care plays an important role in individual survival and development in mammals. Many studies have focused on the mechanisms underlying maternal behavior. However, the underlying neural mechanisms of paternal behavior are less understood. Using monogamous mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus), the present study found that fathers initiated more paternal behavior and the virgin male showed more infanticide. Moreover fathers had shorter latency to approach a pup at the postnatal day (PND) 10 than PND1, PND20 than nonfathers. Fathers had a shorter latency to take care of unfamiliar pups than nonfathers. They had higher levels of paternal behavior at PND 10 than PND1 and PND20 toward the mandarin vole pups. Fathers had a significantly higher serum concentration of oxytocin (OT) than virgin males. Both RT-PCR and Western blot results indicated that the levels of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of fathers were significantly higher than in virgin males, but the levels of vasopressin 1a receptor (V1AR) mRNA and protein expression in the MPOA did not show significant differences. Microinjection of an oxytocin receptor antagonist into the MPOA significantly reduced the total duration of paternal behavior and increased the latency to approach the pup and initiate paternal behavior. Our results indicated that OT plays a key role in the modulation of paternal behavior via the MPOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yuan
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Zhixiong He
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Wenjuan Hou
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Limin Wang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Laifu Li
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Hui Qiao
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China
| | - Fadao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China.
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16
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Gómora-Arrati P, Gonzalez-Flores O, Galicia-Aguas YL, Hoffman KL, Komisaruk B. Copulation-induced antinociception in female rats is blocked by atosiban, an oxytocin receptor antagonist. Horm Behav 2019; 107:76-79. [PMID: 30529271 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We hypothesized that copulation-induced temporary anti-nociception in female rats is mediated by the activation of central and/or peripheral oxytocin receptors. To test this hypothesis, we assessed the effects of intraperitoneal (ip), intrathecal (it), and intra-cerebroventricular (icv) administration of an oxytocin receptor antagonist (atosiban), on copulation-induced temporary anti-nociception in estrous rats. MAIN METHODS The treatment groups were ovariectomized rats pre-treated subcutaneously (sc) with 10 μg of estradiol benzoate (EB) followed 24 h later by an sc injection of 5 μg EB, and 4 h later, by an sc injection of 2 mg progesterone (P4). Rats were then administered saline vehicle (ip, it, or icv: control groups) or atosiban (500 μg/kg ip; 500 ng it; or 500 ng icv: experimental groups). Thirty minutes after drug or saline administration, their sexual behavior was tested by pairing with a sexually-experienced male rat. Brief pulse trains of 50 Hz, 300 ms duration, supra-threshold tail electrical shocks (STS) were delivered before and during copulatory activity i.e., while the female was receiving mounts, intromissions, or ejaculations, and we recorded whether vocalization occurred in response to each STS. KEY FINDINGS Replicating our previous findings, the vocalization response to STS in control rats was significantly attenuated during intromissions and ejaculations, compared to their baseline (pre-mating) response, indicative of anti-nociception. By contrast, rats pre-treated with atosiban (each route of administration) failed to show an attenuation of the vocalization response to shock. SIGNIFICANCE These findings provide evidence that the temporary anti-nociceptive effect of copulation in female rats is mediated by copulation-induced release of endogenous oxytocin in brain, spinal cord and periphery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Porfirio Gómora-Arrati
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Carlos Beyer, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Panotla 90140, Apdo Postal 62, Mexico.
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Flores
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Carlos Beyer, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Panotla 90140, Apdo Postal 62, Mexico
| | - Yadira Leticia Galicia-Aguas
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Carlos Beyer, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Panotla 90140, Apdo Postal 62, Mexico
| | - Kurt Leroy Hoffman
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Carlos Beyer, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, Panotla 90140, Apdo Postal 62, Mexico
| | - Barry Komisaruk
- Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, 101 Warren St., Newark, NJ 07102, USA
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17
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Abstract
The neurohypophyseal hormone oxytocin (OT) and related modulators of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) have been the subject of intensive research for nearly seven decades. Despite having rather poor drug-like properties, OT is used as a treatment for labor induction, postpartum hemorrhage, and lactation support. The potential use of OT in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS)-related diseases has recently renewed interest in the pharmacology of OT. Oxytocin is one of the most extensively studied cyclic peptides and since the elucidation of its structure in 1953 thousands of peptidic OT analogs with antagonistic and agonistic properties have been synthesized and biologically evaluated. Among them are atosiban, a mixed oxytocin receptor (OTR)/vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR) antagonist used as a tocolytic agent approved (in certain countries), and carbetocin, a longer acting OTR agonist on the market for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. Many other OT analogs with improved pharmacological properties (e.g., barusiban, Antag III) have been identified. These peptides have been tested in clinical trials and/or used as pharmacological tools. In this chapter, the modifications of the OT molecule that led to the discovery of these compounds are reviewed.
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18
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Zhang Z, Zhao LD, Johnson SE, Rhoads ML, Jiang H, Rhoads RP. Oxytocin is involved in steroid hormone-stimulated bovine satellite cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2019; 66:1-13. [PMID: 30195176 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones are used in the meat industry due to their ability to regulate muscle hypertrophy. However, the mechanisms underlying their action are not fully elucidated. Recent reports demonstrate that steroid hormones increase oxytocin (OXT) expression in skeletal muscle, indicating that OXT may play a role in satellite cell activity. This hypothesis was tested using steroid hormones (17β-estradiol [E2]; trenbolone acetate [TBA]), tamoxifen (TAM), OXT, and atosiban (A: OXT receptor inhibitor) applied to bovine satellite cells (BSCs) to investigate BSC regulation by OXT. Oxytocin alone increased fusion index (P < 0.05) but not BSC proliferation. Oxytocin reduced (P < 0.05) apoptotic nuclei and stimulated migration rate (P < 0.05). Similarly, E2 and TBA increased (P < 0.05) BSC proliferation rate, fusion index, and migration and decreased (P < 0.05) apoptotic nuclei. 17β-Estradiol or TBA supplemented with A had lower (P < 0.05) BSC proliferation rate, fusion index, and migration and more (P < 0.05) apoptotic nuclei compared with E2 or TBA alone. Furthermore, OXT expression increased (P < 0.05) in E2 or TBA-treated proliferating BSC. Oxytocin, E2, and TBA increased (P < 0.05) MyoD and MyoG expression in proliferating BSC. During BSC differentiation, OXT expression increased (P < 0.05) with E2 or TBA treatments. MyoG expression increased (P < 0.05) in OXT, E2, and TBA compared with control. However, A, OXT + A, TAM, TAM + OXT, E2 + TAM, E2 + A, and TBA + A decreased (P < 0.05) MyoG expression during BSC differentiation. These results indicate that OXT is involved in steroid hormone-stimulated BSC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhe Zhang
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Lidan D Zhao
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Sally E Johnson
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Michelle L Rhoads
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Honglin Jiang
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Robert P Rhoads
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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Abstract
In socially-monogamous species, intolerance of interactions between a pairmate and a sexual rival (i.e., mate-guarding) promotes the preservation of long-lasting partnerships. One promising neurobiological candidate for the regulation of mate-guarding behavior in monogamous primates is the oxytocin (OT) system, given its established role in both the development of monogamous bonds and the behavioral processes that facilitate the preservation of those bonds. In this study, male and female marmosets were exposed to a same-sex intruder in their home environment during conditions when their pairmate was present and absent, and across three treatment conditions (OT receptor agonist; saline control; OT receptor antagonist). Saline-treated marmosets spent significantly more time in proximity to the intruder, relative to the empty pairmate enclosure, when their pairmate was absent. However, when marmosets received OT they spent less time in proximity to the intruder, indicating that OT may reduce interest in a same-sex stranger in a territorial context. When their pairmate was present, saline-treated marmosets spent equal time in proximity to both intruder and pairmate; yet when they received OT they spent significantly more time in proximity to the intruder, indicating that OT may increase interest in a same-sex stranger in a mate-guarding context. While OT treatment did not directly influence the expression of aggression, OT system manipulations impacted the expression of selective social interest during an intruder challenge, suggesting that OT may enhance adaptive responses to social challenges. Moreover, these findings add to the converging evidence that the OT system regulates behavioral processes that underlie the preservation of established relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Cavanaugh
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States of America.
| | - Aaryn Mustoe
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States of America
| | - Stephanie L Womack
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A French
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States of America; Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, United States of America
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20
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Abstract
Multiple stimulatory and inhibitory neural circuits control eating, and these circuits are influenced by an array of hormonal, neuropeptide, and neurotransmitter signals. For example, estrogen and oxytocin (OT) both are known to decrease food intake, but the mechanisms by which these signal molecules influence eating are not fully understood. These studies investigated the interaction between estrogen and OT in the control of food intake. RT-qPCR studies revealed that 17β-estradiol benzoate (EB)-treated rats showed a two-fold increase in OT mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) compared to Oil-treated controls. Increased OT mRNA expression may increase OT protein levels, and immunohistochemistry studies showed that EB-treated rats had more intense OT labeling in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), a region known to integrate signals for food intake. Food intake measurements showed that EB treatment reduced food intake, as expected. EB-treated rats lost weight over the course of the experiment, as expected, and EB-treated rats that received the highest dose of OT lost more weight than EB-treated rats that did not receive OT. Finally, OT antagonist administered to EB-treated rats reversed the effect of EB on food intake, suggesting that estrogen effects to decrease food intake may involve the oxytocinergic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dusti K Sloan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK 74107, USA; Department of Science and Mathematics, Tulsa Community College, Tulsa, OK 74133, USA.
| | - Diana S Spencer
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Tulsa Community College, Tulsa, OK 74133, USA
| | - Kathleen S Curtis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK 74107, USA
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21
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Severino AL, Chen R, Hayashida K, Aschenbrenner CA, Sun H, Peters CM, Gutierrez S, Pan B, Eisenach JC. Plasticity and Function of Spinal Oxytocin and Vasopressin Signaling during Recovery from Surgery with Nerve Injury. Anesthesiology 2018; 129:544-556. [PMID: 29912007 PMCID: PMC6092206 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000002290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [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: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS TOPIC WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: Recovery from pain after surgery is faster after cesarean delivery than after other abdominal procedures. The authors hypothesized that recovery in rats after surgery could be reversed by antagonism of spinal oxytocin or vasopressin receptors, that there may be a sex difference, and that spinal oxytocin innervation could change after surgery. METHODS Male and female rats underwent partial spinal nerve ligation surgery. Effects of nonselective and selective oxytocin and vasopressin 1A receptor antagonists on mechanical hypersensitivity during partial recovery were assessed (n = 8 to 14/group). Oxytocin immunoreactivity in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (n = 7 to 8/group) and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression for oxytocin-binding receptors in dorsal root ganglia and spinal cord (n = 8/group) were measured. RESULTS Intrathecal injection of oxytocin and vasopressin receptor antagonists were similarly effective at reducing withdrawal threshold (in all experiments from 22 [19, 26] median [first quartile, third quartile]) g to 8.3 [6.4, 12] g after injection) in both sexes, while having no or minimal effects in animals without surgery. Oxytocin fiber immunoreactivity was 3- to 5-fold greater in lumbar than other regions of the spinal cord and was increased more than 2-fold in lumbar cord ipsilateral to surgery. Injury was also associated with a 6.5-fold increase in oxytocin receptor and a 2-fold increase in vasopressin 1A receptor messenger RNA expression in the L4 dorsal root ganglion ipsilateral to surgery. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that the capacity for oxytocin signaling in the spinal cord increases after surgery and that spinal oxytocin signaling plays ongoing roles in both sexes in recovery from mechanical hypersensitivity after surgery with known nerve injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amie L. Severino
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kenichiro Hayashida
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | - Haiguo Sun
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Christopher M. Peters
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Silvia Gutierrez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Bethany Pan
- Department of School of Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - James C. Eisenach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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22
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Wolfe M, Wisniewska H, Tariga H, Ibanez G, Collins JC, Wisniewski K, Qi S, Srinivasan K, Hargrove D, Lindstrom BF. Selective and non-selective OT receptor agonists induce different locomotor behaviors in male rats via central OT receptors and peripheral V1a receptors. Neuropeptides 2018; 70:64-75. [PMID: 29807652 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2018.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) continues to inspire much research due to its diverse physiological effects. While the best-understood actions of OT are uterine contraction and milk ejection, OT is also implicated in maternal and bonding behaviors, and potentially in CNS disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and pain. The dissection of the mechanism of action of OT is complicated by the fact that this peptide activates not only its cognate receptor but also vasopressin type 1a (V1a) receptors. In this study, we evaluated OT and a selective OT receptor (OTR) agonist, FE 204409, in an automated assay that measures rat locomotor activity. The results showed: 1) Subcutaneous (sc) administration of OT decreased locomotor behavior (distance traveled, stereotypy, and rearing). This effect was reversed by a V1a receptor (V1aR) antagonist ([Pmp1,Tyr(ME)2]AVP, sc), suggesting that OT acts through peripheral V1aR to inhibit locomotor activity. 2) A selective OTR agonist (FE 204409, sc) increased stereotypy. This effect was reversed by an OTR antagonist dosed icv, suggesting a central OTR site of action. Our findings identify distinct behavioral effects for OT and the selective agonist FE 204409, adding to the growing body of evidence that the V1aR mediates many effects attributed to OT and that peptides administered systemically at supra-physiological doses may activate receptors in the brain. Our studies further emphasize the importance of utilizing selective agonists and antagonists to assess therapeutic indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Wolfe
- Ferring Research Institute, Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Hiroe Tariga
- Ferring Research Institute, Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Gerardo Ibanez
- Ferring Research Institute, Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - James C Collins
- Ferring Research Institute, Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Steve Qi
- Ferring Research Institute, Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Diane Hargrove
- Ferring Research Institute, Inc, San Diego, CA, United States
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23
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Arase K, Hashimoto H, Sonoda S, Ueno H, Saito R, Motojima Y, Yoshimura M, Maruyama T, Hirata K, Uezono Y, Ueta Y. Possible involvement of central oxytocin in cisplatin-induced anorexia in rats. J Physiol Sci 2018; 68:471-482. [PMID: 28616820 PMCID: PMC10717369 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-017-0550-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
During cancer chemotherapy, drugs such as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists have typically been used to control vomiting and anorexia. We examined the effects of oxytocin (OXT), which has been linked to appetite, on cisplatin-induced anorexia in rats. Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-LI) expressed in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), the area postrema and the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) after intraperitoneal (ip) administration of cisplatin. We also examined the fluorescence intensity of OXT-mRFP1 after ip administration of cisplatin in OXT-mRFP1 transgenic rats. The mRFP1 fluorescence intensity was significantly increased in the SON, the PVN, and the NTS after administration of cisplatin. The cisplatin-induced anorexia was abolished by OXT receptor antagonist (OXTR-A) pretreatment. In the OXT-LI cells, cisplatin-induced Fos expression in the SON and the PVN was also suppressed by OXTR-A pretreatment. These results suggested that central OXT may be involved in cisplatin-induced anorexia in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Arase
- Department of Surgery 1, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Hashimoto
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Satomi Sonoda
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Ueno
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Reiko Saito
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Motojima
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Yoshimura
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Takashi Maruyama
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Keiji Hirata
- Department of Surgery 1, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Uezono
- Division of Cancer Pathophysiology, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Yoichi Ueta
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
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24
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Duque-Wilckens N, Steinman MQ, Busnelli M, Chini B, Yokoyama S, Pham M, Laredo SA, Hao R, Perkeybile AM, Minie VA, Tan PB, Bales KL, Trainor BC. Oxytocin Receptors in the Anteromedial Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Promote Stress-Induced Social Avoidance in Female California Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:203-213. [PMID: 29066224 PMCID: PMC5743604 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is a key regulator of social and emotional behaviors. The effects of OT are context dependent, and it has been proposed that OT increases the salience of both positive and negative social cues. Here we tested whether the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) mediates anxiogenic effects of OT. METHODS First, we studied the effects of systemic administration of an OT receptor (OTR) antagonist L-368,899 on social behavior in male and female California mice exposed to social defeat. We examined the effect of L-368,899 on G protein activation and used early growth response factor 1 immunohistochemistry to identify potential sites of OTR action. Finally, we examined the effects of L-368,899 infused in the BNST on behavior. RESULTS A single dose of systemic L-368,899 increased social approach in stressed female mice and decreased social approach in male mice naïve to defeat. L-368,899 prevented OT activation of G proteins and did not activate G proteins in the absence of OT. Intranasal OT, which reduces social approach in female mice but not male mice, increased early growth response factor 1 immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens core and anteromedial BNST in female mice but not in male mice. Stressed female mice that received an infusion of L-368,899 into the anteromedial BNST but not the nucleus accumbens core increased social approach and decreased social vigilance responses. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that OTR activation in anteromedial BNST induces a vigilance response in which individuals avoid, yet attend to, unfamiliar social contexts. Our results suggest that OTR antagonists may have unappreciated therapeutic potential for stress-induced psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Q Steinman
- Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Marta Busnelli
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Bice Chini
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano Milan, and Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Sae Yokoyama
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Mary Pham
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Sarah A Laredo
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Rebecca Hao
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | | | - Vanessa A Minie
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Phillip B Tan
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Karen L Bales
- Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Brian C Trainor
- Animal Behavior Graduate Group, University of California, Davis, Davis, California; Psychology Department, University of California, Davis, Davis, California.
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25
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Abstract
This paper explores the ethical implications of a randomized double-blind clinical trial aimed to determine effectiveness and safety of an oxytocin receptor antagonist versus a betamimetic in the treatment of preterm labor, presented to a teaching hospital affiliated with a private university in Santiago, Chile. Though this trial protocol fulfills one of the conditions under which pregnant women could be enrolled in a clinical trial-the intervention has the potential to benefit the pregnant woman (by reducing adverse effects associated to salbutamol administration) and her fetus (if the new drug prolongs pregnancy)-there are some specific ethical issues raised. First, when to obtain consent is an important issue for clinical trials involving acute and unforeseen conditions that affect pregnant woman, e.g. preterm labor. Second, research must address the risk/benefit ratio for these two interdependent individuals, providing a good prospect of low risk and adequate benefit for both of them. Thirdly, specifically when a study is sponsored by a high-income country and conducted in a low- or middle-income country, decisions regarding ancillary care provisions for research participants should be made in advance. Lastly, researchers must consider the requirements for paternal consent based on cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía P Salas
- Program of Ethics and Public Policies in Human Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago, Chile.
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26
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Grund T, Goyon S, Li Y, Eliava M, Liu H, Charlet A, Grinevich V, Neumann ID. Neuropeptide S Activates Paraventricular Oxytocin Neurons to Induce Anxiolysis. J Neurosci 2017; 37:12214-12225. [PMID: 29118105 PMCID: PMC6596824 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2161-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides, such as neuropeptide S (NPS) and oxytocin (OXT), represent potential options for the treatment of anxiety disorders due to their potent anxiolytic profile. In this study, we aimed to reveal the mechanisms underlying the behavioral action of NPS, and present a chain of evidence that the effects of NPS within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) are mediated via actions on local OXT neurons in male Wistar rats. First, retrograde studies identified NPS fibers originating in the brainstem locus coeruleus, and projecting to the PVN. FACS identified prominent NPS receptor expression in PVN-OXT neurons. Using genetically encoded calcium indicators, we further demonstrated that NPS reliably induces a transient increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration in a subpopulation of OXT neurons, an effect mediated by NPS receptor. In addition, intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) NPS evoked a significant somatodendritic release of OXT within the PVN as assessed by microdialysis in combination with a highly sensitive radioimmunoassay. Finally, we could show that the anxiolytic effect of NPS seen after i.c.v. or intra-PVN infusion requires responsive OXT neurons of the PVN and locally released OXT. Thus, pharmacological blockade of OXT receptors as well as chemogenetic silencing of OXT neurons within the PVN prevented the effect of synthetic NPS. In conclusion, our results indicate a significant role of the OXT system in mediating the effects of NPS on anxiety, and fill an important gap in our understanding of brain neuropeptide interactions in the context of regulation of emotional behavior within the hypothalamus.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Given the rising scientific interest in neuropeptide research in the context of emotional and stress-related behaviors, our findings demonstrate a novel intrahypothalamic mechanism involving paraventricular oxytocin neurons that express the neuropeptide S receptor. These neurons respond with transient Ca2+ increase and somatodendritic oxytocin release following neuropeptide S stimulation. Thereby, oxytocin neurons seem essential for neuropeptide S-induced anxiolysis, as this effect was blocked by pharmacological and chemogenetic inhibition of the oxytocin system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grund
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Goyon
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences UPR3212, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Yuting Li
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Marina Eliava
- Division of Neuropeptides (V078), German Cancer Research Center, Central Institute of Mental Health, CellNetwork Cluster of Excellence, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany, and
| | - Haikun Liu
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, Heidelberg 69120, Germany
| | - Alexandre Charlet
- Institute of Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences UPR3212, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, University of Strasbourg, 67084 Strasbourg, France
- University of Strasbourg, Institute for Advanced Study, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Division of Neuropeptides (V078), German Cancer Research Center, Central Institute of Mental Health, CellNetwork Cluster of Excellence, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany, and
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, 93040 Regensburg, Germany,
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27
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da Cruz KR, Turones LC, Camargo-Silva G, Gomes KP, Mendonça MM, Galdino P, Rodrigues-Silva C, Santos RAS, Costa EA, Ghedini PC, Ianzer D, Xavier CH. The hemoglobin derived peptide LVV-hemorphin-7 evokes behavioral effects mediated by oxytocin receptors. Neuropeptides 2017; 66:59-68. [PMID: 28985964 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
LVV-hemorphin-7 (LVV-h7) is bioactive peptide resulting from degradation of hemoglobin β-globin chain. LVV-h7 is a specific agonist of angiotensin IV receptor. This receptor belongs to the class of insulin-regulated aminopeptidases (IRAP), which displays oxytocinase activity. Herein, our aims were to assess whether: i) LVV-h7 modifies centrally organized behavior and cardiovascular responses to stress and ii) mechanisms underlying LVV-h7 effects involve activation of oxytocin (OT) receptors, probably as result of reduction of IRAP proteolytic activity upon OT. Adult male Wistar rats (270-370g) received (i.p.) injections of LVV-h7 (153nmol/kg), or vehicle (0.1ml). Different protocols were used: i) open field (OP) test for locomotor/exploratory activities; ii) Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) for anxiety-like behavior; iii) forced swimming test (FST) test for depression-like behavior and iv) air jet for cardiovascular reactivity to acute stress exposure. Diazepam (2mg/kg) and imipramine (15mg/kg) were used as positive control for EPM and FST, respectively. The antagonist of OT receptors (OTr), atosiban (1 and 0,1mg/kg), was used to determine the involvement of oxytocinergic paths. We found that LVV-h7: i) increased the number of entries and the time spent in open arms of the maze, an indicative of anxiolysis; ii) provoked antidepressant effect in the FS test; and iii) increased the exploration and locomotion; iv) did not change the cardiovascular reactivity and neuroendocrine responses to acute stress. Also, increases in locomotion and the antidepressant effects evoked by LVV-h7 were reverted by OTr antagonist. We conclude that LVV-h7 modulates behavior, displays antidepressant and anxiolytic effects that are mediated in part by oxytocin receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellen Rosa da Cruz
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Larissa Córdova Turones
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Camargo-Silva
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Karina Pereira Gomes
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Michelle Mendanha Mendonça
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Pablinny Galdino
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Christielly Rodrigues-Silva
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Biochemistry, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Robson Augusto Souza Santos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Biological Sciences Institute, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Elson Alves Costa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Natural Products, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Paulo Cesar Ghedini
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Molecular Biochemistry, Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Danielle Ianzer
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Xavier
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology and Therapeutics, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil.
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28
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Dong N, Du P, Hao X, He Z, Hou W, Wang L, Yuan W, Yang J, Jia R, Tai F. Involvement of GABA A receptors in the regulation of social preference and emotional behaviors by oxytocin in the central amygdala of female mandarin voles. Neuropeptides 2017; 66:8-17. [PMID: 28764883 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2017.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is the main output of the amygdala and plays an important role in behavioral and neuroendocrine responses to stress. Receptors for the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) and GABAA are found in high concentration in the CeA. The mechanisms underlying regulation of CeA OT in emotional and social behavior remain unclear. In this study we evaluated the effects of intra-CeA OT administration of different doses (0.1, 1 and 10ng/side), OT receptor antagonist (OTR-A) (1, 10 and 100ng/side) and OT plus OTR-A on social and emotional behavior using a social preference paradigm, open field test and elevated plus maze test in female monogamous mandarin voles (Microtus mandarinus). We then examined whether different doses of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline (5, 10 and 100ng/side) affected the behavioral changes induced by intra-CeA microinjection of OT (1ng/side). We found that administration of OT to the CeA increased social preference, central area investigation times in the open field test, and visits, transitions and time spent in the open arms in the elevated plus maze test; all responses were dose-dependent. Administration of OT plus OTR-A to the CeA produced no effects. Administration of bicuculline in combination with OT to the CeA decreased social preference, central area investigation times in the open field test, and visits, transitions and time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze test. These data suggest that OT in the CeA facilitates sociality and reduces levels of anxiety by interacting with local GABAA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Dong
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Peirong Du
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Xin Hao
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Zhixiong He
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Wenjuan Hou
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Limin Wang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Rui Jia
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China.
| | - Fadao Tai
- Institute of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China.
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29
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Jorgensen WT, Gulliver DW, Katte TA, Werry EL, Reekie TA, Connor M, Kassiou M. Conformationally rigid derivatives of WAY-267,464: Synthesis and pharmacology at the human oxytocin and vasopressin-1a receptors. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 143:1644-1656. [PMID: 29126725 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.10.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
WAY-267,464 (1) and twelve conformationally rigid analogues (3a-f-4a-f) were synthesised, characterised and evaluated in cellular assays with the aim of systematically exploring interactions with the oxytocin receptor (OTR). Each analogue was evaluated in radioligand binding displacement assays at both human OTR and arginine vasopressin 1a receptors (V1aR). Physiological characterisation was determined by whole cell IP1 accumulation assays on stably transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. Incorporation of the rigid, optionally substituted benzene ring abolished OTR activity and diminished V1aR pharmacology when compared to 1. A general trend was observed in V1aR affinity for the propyl analogues (3d-3f) which identified the ortho-substituted analogue as the best in series (Ki = 251 nM) followed by a decrease in affinity through the meta and para-derivatives (3e; Ki = 874 nM and 3f; Ki = 1756 nM respectively). This study confirms the importance of the central pharmacophoric motifs of WAY-267,464 and illuminates the differences in the binding pocket of the highly conserved OTR and V1aR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damien W Gulliver
- Faculty of Health Sciences and School of Medical Sciences (Pharmacology), Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Timothy A Katte
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Eryn L Werry
- Faculty of Health Sciences and School of Medical Sciences (Pharmacology), Bosch Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Tristan A Reekie
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Mark Connor
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Michael Kassiou
- School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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30
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Blitzer DS, Wells TE, Hawley WR. Administration of an oxytocin receptor antagonist attenuates sexual motivation in male rats. Horm Behav 2017; 94:33-39. [PMID: 28596135 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
In male rats, oxytocin impacts both sexual arousal and certain types of consummatory sexual behaviors. However, the role of oxytocin in the motivational aspects of sexual behavior has received limited attention. Given the role that oxytocin signaling plays in consummatory sexual behaviors, it was hypothesized that pharmacological attenuation of oxytocin signaling would reduce sexual motivation in male rats. Sexually experienced Long-Evans male rats were administered either an oxytocin receptor antagonist (L368,899 hydrochloride; 1mg/kg) or vehicle control into the intraperitoneal cavity 40min prior to placement into the center chamber of a three-chambered arena designed to assess sexual motivation. During the 20-minute test, a sexually experienced stimulus male rat and a sexually receptive stimulus female rat were separately confined to smaller chambers that were attached to the larger end chambers of the arena. However, physical contact between test and stimulus rats was prevented by perforated dividers. Immediately following the sexual motivation test, test male rats were placed with a sexually receptive female to examine consummatory sexual behaviors. Although both drug and vehicle treated rats exhibited a preference for the female, treatment with an oxytocin receptor antagonist decreased the amount of time spent with the female. There were no differences between drug and vehicle treated rats in either general activity, exploratory behaviors, the amount of time spent near the stimulus male rat, or consummatory sexual behaviors. Extending previous findings, these results indicate that oxytocin receptors are involved in sexual motivation in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Blitzer
- Franklin and Marshall College, Department of Psychology, United States
| | - T E Wells
- Franklin and Marshall College, Department of Psychology, United States
| | - W R Hawley
- Franklin and Marshall College, Department of Psychology, United States; Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Department of Psychology, United States.
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31
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Moaddab M, Dabrowska J. Oxytocin receptor neurotransmission in the dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis facilitates the acquisition of cued fear in the fear-potentiated startle paradigm in rats. Neuropharmacology 2017; 121:130-139. [PMID: 28456687 PMCID: PMC5553312 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [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] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that modulates fear and anxiety-like behaviors. Dorsolateral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSTdl) plays a critical role in the regulation of fear and anxiety, and expresses high levels of OT receptor (OTR). However, the role of OTR neurotransmission within the BNSTdl in mediating these behaviors is unknown. Here, we used adult male Sprague-Dawley rats to investigate the role of OTR neurotransmission in the BNSTdl in the modulation of the acoustic startle response, as well as in the acquisition and consolidation of conditioned fear using fear potentiated startle (FPS) paradigm. Bilateral intra-BNSTdl administration of OT (100 ng) did not affect the acquisition of conditioned fear response. However, intra-BNSTdl administration of specific OTR antagonist (OTA), (d(CH2)51, Tyr(Me)2, Thr4, Orn8, des-Gly-NH29)-vasotocin, (200 ng), prior to the fear conditioning session, impaired the acquisition of cued fear, without affecting a non-cued fear component of FPS. Neither OTA, nor OT affected baseline startle or shock reactivity during fear conditioning. Therefore, the observed impairment of cued fear after OTA infusion resulted from the specific effect on the formation of cued fear. In contrast to the acquisition, neither OTA nor OT affected the consolidation of FPS, when administered after the completion of fear conditioning session. Taken together, these results reveal the important role of OTR neurotransmission in the BNSTdl in the formation of conditioned fear to a discrete cue. This study also highlights the role of the BNSTdl in learning to discriminate between threatening and safe stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Moaddab
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | - Joanna Dabrowska
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA.
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32
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Bülbül M, Sinen O, Gemici B, İzgüt-Uysal VN. Opposite effects of central oxytocin and arginine vasopressin on changes in gastric motor function induced by chronic stress. Peptides 2017; 87:1-11. [PMID: 27829122 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Hypothalamic oxytocin (OXT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) are known to act oppositely on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, stress response and gastrointestinal (GI) motility. In rodents, exposure to restraint stress (RS) delays gastric emptying (GE), however, repeated exposure to the same stressor (chronic homotypic stress (CHS)), the delayed GE is restored to basal level, while hypothalamic OXT is upregulated. In contrast, when rats are exposed to chronic heterotypic stress (CHeS), these adaptive changes are not observed. Although the involvement of central OXT in gastric motor adaptation is partly investigated, the role of hypothalamic AVP in CHeS-induced maladaptive paradigm is poorly understood. Using in-vivo brain microdialysis in rats, the changes OXT and AVP release from hypothalamus were monitored under basal non-stressed (NS) conditions and in rats exposed to acute stress (AS), CHS and CHeS. To investigate the involvement of central endogenous OXT or AVP in CHS-induced habituation and CHeS-induced maladaptation, chronic central administration of selective OXT receptor antagonist L-371257 and selective AVP V1b receptor antagonist SSR-149415 was performed daily. OXT was measured higher in AS and CHS group, but not in CHeS-loaded rats, whereas AVP significantly increased in rats exposed to AS and CHeS. Additionally, the response of the hypothalamic OXT- and AVP-producing cells was amplified following CHS and CHeS, respectively. In rats exposed to AS for 90min solid GE significantly delayed. The delayed-GE was completely restored to the basal level following CHS, however, it remained delayed in CHeS-loaded rats. The CHS-induced restoration was prevented by L-371257, whereas SSR-149415 abolished the CHeS-induced impaired GE. A significant correlation was observed between GE and (i) OXT in CHS-loaded rats (rho=0.61, p<0.05, positively), (ii) AVP in CHeS-loaded rats (rho=0.69, p<0.05, negatively). Under long term stressed conditions, the release of AVP and OXT from hypothalamus may vary depending on the content of the stressors. Central AVP appears to act oppositely to OXT by mediating CHeS-induced gastric motor maladaptation. Long term central AVP antagonism might be a pharmacological approach for the treatment of stress-related gastric motility disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Bülbül
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Osman Sinen
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Burcu Gemici
- Yeditepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - V Nimet İzgüt-Uysal
- Akdeniz University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Antalya, Turkey
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Arrowsmith S, Neilson J, Wray S. The combination tocolytic effect of magnesium sulfate and an oxytocin receptor antagonist in myometrium from singleton and twin pregnancies. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 215:789.e1-789.e9. [PMID: 27555315 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth at <37 weeks of gestation is the most common and costly complication of pregnancy and remains the leading cause of neonatal morbidity, death, and reduced achievement in surviving infants. Magnesium sulfate is 1 class of tocolytics for threatened preterm labor; however, its clinical efficacy has been questioned. Twin pregnancies are at increased risk of preterm delivery compared with singleton gestations, which suggests that there is twin-specific risk to preterm delivery in twins. The prevention strategies that are applied to singleton pregnancies, however, have not been shown to be effective in twin pregnancies. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the relaxant effect of magnesium sulfate on spontaneous and oxytocin-augmented contractions of human myometrium from singleton and twin pregnancies and to examine whether the effect of oxytocin on magnesium sulfate's potency could be reversed with the use of the oxytocin receptor antagonist, atosiban. STUDY DESIGN Myometrium was obtained at the time of prelabor cesarean section (36-40 weeks of gestation) from women with singleton (n=23) or twin (n=12) pregnancy. Isometric tension recordings were made on myometrial strips that were mounted in organ baths that were superfused with physiologic saline solution. Strips were exposed to rising concentrations of magnesium sulfate, and the effect on spontaneous contractions or stimulated with oxytocin (0.5 nmol/L) and in the presence or absence of atosiban (100 nmol/L) was recorded. The contractile characteristics after each application of magnesium sulfate, which included amplitude of contraction and activity integral, were measured. Concentration-response curves were fitted with the use of nonlinear regression and comparison of the negative logarithm of the 50% reduction in activity values. RESULTS Magnesium sulfate exerted an equal concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on spontaneous myometrial contractions from both singleton and twin myometrium (P>.05). The application of oxytocin produced a significant rightward shift in the concentration-response curves (P<.0001), but no differences were found between pregnancy groups (P>.05). The addition of atosiban shifted concentration-response curves significantly back to the left for amplitude of contraction and activity integral in singletons (P<.0001). However, only activity integral was significantly reversed in twins (P<.01). CONCLUSION Magnesium sulfate is equipotent in suppressing contractions in singleton and twin myometrium. Oxytocin (0.5 nmol/L) significantly reduces the tocolytic potency of magnesium sulfate, which may explain, in part, magnesium sulfate's poor efficacy in vivo; however, this can be reversed partially by the use of an oxytocin receptor antagonist. Combination tocolysis that involves oxytocin receptor antagonists requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Arrowsmith
- Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Research Centre, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, the Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - James Neilson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, the Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Susan Wray
- Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Research Centre, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, the Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Godínez-Chaparro B, Martínez-Lorenzana G, Rodríguez-Jiménez J, Manzano-García A, Rojas-Piloni G, Condés-Lara M, González-Hernández A. The potential role of serotonergic mechanisms in the spinal oxytocin-induced antinociception. Neuropeptides 2016; 60:51-60. [PMID: 27449278 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The role of oxytocin (OXT) in pain modulation has been suggested. Indeed, hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei (PVN) electrical stimuli reduce the nociceptive neuronal activity (i.e., neuronal discharge associated with activation of Aδ- and C-fibers) of the spinal dorsal horn wide dynamic range (WDR) cells and nociceptive behavior. Furthermore, raphe magnus nuclei lesion reduces the PVN-induced antinociception, suggesting a functional interaction between the OXT and the serotoninergic system. The present study investigated in Wistar rats the potential role of spinal serotonergic mechanisms in the OXT- and PVN-induced antinociception. In long-term secondary mechanical allodynia and hyperalgesia induced by formalin or extracellular unitary recordings of the WDR cells we evaluated the role of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) effect on the OXT-induced antinociception. All drugs were given intrathecally (i.t.). OXT (1×10-5-1×10-4nmol) or 5-HT (1×10-3-1×10-1nmol) prevented the formalin-induced sensitization, an effect mimicked by PVN stimulation. Moreover, administration of OXT (1×10-5nmol) plus 5-HT (1×10-3nmol) at ineffective doses, produced antinociception. This effect was antagonized by: (i) d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Tyr-NH29]OVT (oxytocin receptor antagonist; 2×10-2nmol); or (ii) methiothepin (a non-specific 5-HT1/2/5/6/7 receptor antagonist; 80nmol). Similar results were obtained with PVN stimulation plus 5-HT (5×10-5nmol). In WDR cell recordings, the PVN-induced antinociception was enhanced by i.t. 5-HT and partly blocked when the spinal cord was pre-treated with methiothepin (80nmol). Taken together, these results suggest that serotonergic mechanisms at the spinal cord level are partly involved in the OXT-induced antinociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Godínez-Chaparro
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro. 76230, Mexico
| | - Guadalupe Martínez-Lorenzana
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro. 76230, Mexico
| | - Javier Rodríguez-Jiménez
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro. 76230, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Manzano-García
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro. 76230, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Rojas-Piloni
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro. 76230, Mexico
| | - Miguel Condés-Lara
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro. 76230, Mexico
| | - Abimael González-Hernández
- Departamento de Neurobiología del Desarrollo y Neurofisiología, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Campus UNAM-Juriquilla, Querétaro, Qro. 76230, Mexico.
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35
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Kornienko O, Lacson R, Kunapuli P, Schneeweis J, Hoffman I, Smith T, Alberts M, Inglese J, Strulovici B. Miniaturization of Whole Live Cell-Based GPCR Assays Using Microdispensing and Detection Systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 9:186-95. [PMID: 15140380 DOI: 10.1177/1087057103260070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based β-lactamase reporter gene assays designed to measure the functional responses of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) were miniaturized to less than 2 μL total assay volume in a 3456-well microplate. Studies were done to evaluate both receptor agonists and antagonists. The pharmacology of agonists and antagonists for target GPCRs originally developed in a 96-well format was recapitulated in a 3456-well microplate format without compromising data quality or EC50/IC50 precision. These assays were employed in high-throughput screening campaigns, allowing the testing of more than 150,000 compounds in 8 h. The instrumentation used and practical aspects of the assay development are discussed.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Biological Assay/instrumentation
- Biological Assay/methods
- Combinatorial Chemistry Techniques
- Cricetinae
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/instrumentation
- Drug Evaluation, Preclinical/methods
- Genes, Reporter
- Humans
- Inhibitory Concentration 50
- Nanotechnology/methods
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/agonists
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Neurotensin/drug effects
- Receptors, Neurotensin/genetics
- Receptors, Oxytocin/agonists
- Receptors, Oxytocin/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Oxytocin/genetics
- Reproducibility of Results
- Spectrometry, Fluorescence
- beta-Lactamases/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Kornienko
- Merck Research Laboratories, Department of Automated Biotechnology, North Wales, PA 19454, USA.
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Stabile AM, Moreto V, Batalhão ME, Rocha MJ, Antunes-Rodrigues J, Cárnio EC. Differential Role of Neurohypophysial Hormones in Hypotension and Nitric Oxide Production During Endotoxaemia. J Neuroendocrinol 2016; 28. [PMID: 27037598 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12391] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Besides their well-established endocrine roles, vasopressin and oxytocin are also important regulators of immune function, participating in a complex neuroendocrine-immune network. In the present study, we investigated whether and how vasopressin and oxytocin could modulate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in a well-established model of experimental endotoxaemia. Male Wistar rats were previously treated i.v. with vasopressin V1 or oxytocin receptor antagonists and then received either an i.v. LPS injection to induce endotoxaemia or a saline imjection as a control. The animals were divided into two groups: in the first group, blood was collected at 2, 4 and 6 h after LPS injection; in the second group, mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded over 6 h. Plasma vasopressin and oxytocin values were higher in LPS- compared to saline-injected animals at 2 and 4 h but returned to basal levels at 6 h. NO levels exhibited an opposite pattern, showing a progressive increase over the entire period. The previous administration of a vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist significantly reduced NO plasma concentrations at 2 and 4 h but not at 6 h. By contrast, oxytocin receptor agonist pre-treatment had no effect on the NO plasma concentration. In relation to MABP, previous treatment with vasopressin V1 receptor antagonist reversed the LPS-induced hypotension at 4 h, although this was not the case for oxytocin antagonist-treated animals. None of the antagonists affected HR. Our findings indicate that vasopressin (but not oxytocin) has effects on NO production during endotoxaemia in rats, although they do not lend support to the proposed anti-inflammatory actions of vasopressin during endotoxaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Stabile
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - V Moreto
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - M E Batalhão
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - M J Rocha
- School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - J Antunes-Rodrigues
- Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - E C Cárnio
- Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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Kim SH, MacIntyre DA, Hanyaloglu AC, Blanks AM, Thornton S, Bennett PR, Terzidou V. The oxytocin receptor antagonist, Atosiban, activates pro-inflammatory pathways in human amnion via G(αi) signalling. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 420:11-23. [PMID: 26586210 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in the onset of human labour by stimulating uterine contractions and promoting prostaglandin/inflammatory cytokine synthesis in amnion via oxytocin receptor (OTR) coupling. The OTR-antagonist, Atosiban, is widely used as a tocolytic for the management of acute preterm labour. We found that in primary human amniocytes, Atosiban (10 μM) signals via PTX-sensitive Gαi to activate transcription factor NF-κB p65, ERK1/2, and p38 which subsequently drives upregulation of the prostaglandin synthesis enzymes, COX-2 and phospho-cPLA2 and excretion of prostaglandins (PGE2) (n = 6; p < 0.05, ANOVA). Moreover, Atosiban treatment increased expression and excretion of the inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and CCL5. We also showed that OT-simulated activation of NF-κB, ERK1/2, and p38 and subsequent prostaglandin and inflammatory cytokine synthesis is via Gαi-2 and Gαi-3 but not Gαq, and is not inhibited by Atosiban. Activation or exacerbation of inflammation is not a desirable effect of tocolytics. Therefore therapeutic modulation of the OT/OTR system for clinical management of term/preterm labour should consider the effects of differential G-protein coupling of the OTR and the role of OT or selective OTR agonists/antagonists in activating proinflammatory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Hye Kim
- Imperial College London, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Dept. Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, East Acton, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - David A MacIntyre
- Imperial College London, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Dept. Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, East Acton, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Aylin C Hanyaloglu
- Imperial College London, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Dept. Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, East Acton, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Andrew M Blanks
- University of Warwick, Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, UHCW, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Steven Thornton
- The University of Exeter Medical School, Main Medical School Building, St Luke's Campus, Magdalen Road, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Phillip R Bennett
- Imperial College London, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Dept. Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, East Acton, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Vasso Terzidou
- Imperial College London, Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Dept. Surgery and Cancer, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, East Acton, London W12 0NN, UK; Academic Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Imperial College School of Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK.
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38
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Moraitis AA, Cordeaux Y, Charnock-Jones DS, Smith GCS. The Effect of an Oxytocin Receptor Antagonist (Retosiban, GSK221149A) on the Response of Human Myometrial Explants to Prolonged Mechanical Stretch. Endocrinology 2015. [PMID: 26207346 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Multiple pregnancy is a major cause of spontaneous preterm birth, which is related to uterine overdistention. The objective of this study was to determine whether an oxytocin receptor antagonist, retosiban (GSK221149A), inhibited the procontractile effect of stretch on human myometrium. Myometrial biopsies were obtained at term planned cesarean delivery (n = 12). Each biopsy specimen was dissected into 8 strips that were exposed in pairs to low or high stretch (0.6 or 2.4 g) in the presence of retosiban (1 μM) or vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide) for 24 hours. Subsequently, we analyzed the contractile responses to KCl and oxytocin in the absence of retosiban. We found that incubation under high stretch in vehicle alone increased the response of myometrial explants to both KCl (P = .007) and oxytocin (P = .01). However, there was no statistically significant effect of stretch when explants were incubated with retosiban (P = .3 and .2, respectively). Incubation with retosiban in low stretch had no statistically significant effect on the response to either KCl or oxytocin (P = .8 and >.9, respectively). Incubation with retosiban in high stretch resulted in a statistically significant reduction (median fold change, interquartile range, P) in the response to both KCl (0.74, 0.60-1.03, P = .046) and oxytocin (0.71, 0.53-0.91, P = .008). The greater the effect of stretch on explants from a given patient, the greater was the inhibitory effect of retosiban (r = -0.65, P = .02 for KCl and r= -0.73, P = .007 for oxytocin). These results suggest that retosiban prevented stretch-induced stimulation of human myometrial contractility. Retosiban treatment is a potential approach for preventing preterm birth in multiple pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros A Moraitis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, CB2 2SW, United Kingdom
| | - Yolande Cordeaux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, CB2 2SW, United Kingdom
| | - D Stephen Charnock-Jones
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, CB2 2SW, United Kingdom
| | - Gordon C S Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre, CB2 2SW, United Kingdom
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Hagen E, Shprung D, Minakova E, Washington J, Kumar U, Shin D, Sankar R, Mazarati A. Autism-Like Behavior in BTBR Mice Is Improved by Electroconvulsive Therapy. Neurotherapeutics 2015; 12:657-66. [PMID: 25916397 PMCID: PMC4489959 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-015-0357-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by impairments in social and communication abilities, as well as by restricted and repetitive behaviors. Incidence of autism is higher than earlier estimates, and treatments have limited efficacy and are costly. Limited clinical and experimental evidence suggest that patients with autism may benefit from electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We examined the therapeutic potential of ECT in BTBR T+ tf/j mice, which represent a validated model of autism. A series of 13 electroconvulsive shocks (ECS) delivered twice a day over 7 days reversed core autism-like behavioral abnormalities-impaired sociability, social novelty, and repetitive behavior-when the animals were tested 24 h after the last ECS. The effect lasted up to 2 weeks after ECT. Neither single ECS nor a series of 6 ECS modified animals' behavior. Chronic infusion into the lateral brain ventricle of a preferential oxytocin receptor blocker (2S)-2-Amino-N-[(1S,2S,4R)-7,7-dimethyl-1-[[[4-(2-methylphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]sulfonyl]methyl]bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl]-4-(methylsulfonyl)butanamide hydrochloride abolished ECT-induced improvement of sociability and mitigated improvement of social novelty but did not affect ECT-induced reversal of repetitive behavior. These proof-of-principle experiments suggest that ECT may, indeed, be useful in the treatment of autism, and that its therapeutic effects may be mediated, in part, by central oxytocin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Hagen
- />Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752 USA
| | - Dana Shprung
- />Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752 USA
| | - Elena Minakova
- />Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752 USA
| | - James Washington
- />Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752 USA
| | - Udaya Kumar
- />Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752 USA
| | - Don Shin
- />Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752 USA
| | - Raman Sankar
- />Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752 USA
- />Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752 USA
| | - Andrey Mazarati
- />Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1752 USA
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Song Z, McCann KE, McNeill JK, Larkin TE, Huhman KL, Albers HE. Oxytocin induces social communication by activating arginine-vasopressin V1a receptors and not oxytocin receptors. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 50:14-9. [PMID: 25173438 PMCID: PMC4252597 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) and their receptors are very similar in structure. As a result, at least some of the effects of these peptides may be the result of crosstalk between their canonical receptors. The present study investigated this hypothesis by determining whether the induction of flank marking, a form of social communication in Syrian hamsters, by OT is mediated by the OT receptor or the AVP V1a receptor. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of OT or AVP induced flank marking in a dose-dependent manner although the effects of AVP were approximately 100 times greater than those of OT. Injections of highly selective V1a receptor agonists but not OT receptor agonists induced flank marking, and V1a receptor antagonists but not OT receptor antagonists significantly inhibited the ability of OT to induce flank marking. Lastly, injection of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a peptide that stimulates OT but not AVP release, significantly increased odor-induced flank marking, and these effects were blocked by a V1a receptor antagonist. These data demonstrate that OT induces flank marking by activating AVP V1a and not OT receptors, suggesting that the V1a receptor should be considered to be an OT receptor as well as an AVP receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Song
- Neuroscience Institute, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Katharine E McCann
- Neuroscience Institute, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John K McNeill
- Neuroscience Institute, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tony E Larkin
- Neuroscience Institute, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kim L Huhman
- Neuroscience Institute, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Elliott Albers
- Neuroscience Institute, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Gur R, Tendler A, Wagner S. Long-term social recognition memory is mediated by oxytocin-dependent synaptic plasticity in the medial amygdala. Biol Psychiatry 2014; 76:377-86. [PMID: 24787950 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [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: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recognition of specific individuals is fundamental to mammalian social behavior and is mediated in most mammals by the main and accessory olfactory systems. Both these systems innervate the medial amygdala (MeA), where activity of the neuropeptide oxytocin is thought to mediate social recognition memory (SRM). The specific contribution of the MeA to SRM formation and the specific actions of oxytocin in the MeA are unknown. METHODS We used the social discrimination test to evaluate short-term and long-term SRM in adult Sprague-Dawley male rats (n = 38). The role of protein synthesis in the MeA was investigated by local application of the protein synthesis blocker anisomycin (n = 11). Synaptic plasticity was assessed in vivo by recording the MeA evoked field potential responses to stimulation of the main (n = 21) and accessory (n = 56) olfactory bulbs before and after theta burst stimulation. Intracerebroventricular administration of saline, oxytocin, or oxytocin receptor antagonist was used to measure the effect of oxytocin on synaptic plasticity. RESULTS Anisomycin application to the MeA prevented the formation of long-term SRM. In addition, the responses of MeA neurons underwent long-term depression (LTD) after theta burst stimulation of the accessory olfactory bulb, but not the main accessory bulb, in an oxytocin-dependent manner. No LTD was found in socially isolated rats, which are known to lack long-term SRM. Finally, accessory olfactory bulb stimulation before SRM acquisition blocked long-term SRM, supporting the involvement of LTD in the MeA in formation of long-term SRM. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that long-term SRM in rats involves protein synthesis and oxytocin-dependent LTD in the MeA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rotem Gur
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Alex Tendler
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shlomo Wagner
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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Yang X, Xi TF, Li YX, Wang HH, Qin Y, Zhang JP, Cai WT, Huang MT, Shen JQ, Fan XM, Shi XZ, Xie DP. Oxytocin decreases colonic motility of cold water stressed rats via oxytocin receptors. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:10886-10894. [PMID: 25152590 PMCID: PMC4138467 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i31.10886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate whether cold water intake into the stomach affects colonic motility and the involvement of the oxytocin-oxytocin receptor pathway in rats.
METHODS: Female Sprague Dawley rats were used and some of them were ovariectomized. The rats were subjected to gastric instillation with cold (0-4 °C, cold group) or room temperature (20-25 °C, control group) saline for 14 consecutive days. Colon transit was determined with a bead inserted into the colon. Colonic longitudinal muscle strips were prepared to investigate the response to oxytocin in vitro. Plasma concentration of oxytocin was detected by ELISA. Oxytocin receptor expression was investigated by Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry was used to locate oxytocin receptors.
RESULTS: Colon transit was slower in the cold group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Colonic smooth muscle contractile response to oxytocin decreased, and the inhibitory effect of oxytocin on muscle contractility was enhanced by cold water intake (0.69 ± 0.08 vs 0.88 ± 0.16, P < 0.05). Atosiban and tetrodotoxin inhibited the effect of oxytocin on colonic motility. Oxytocin receptors were located in the myenteric plexus, and their expression was up-regulated in the cold group (P < 0.05). Cold water intake increased blood concentration of oxytocin, but this effect was attenuated in ovariectomized rats (286.99 ± 83.72 pg/mL vs 100.56 ± 92.71 pg/mL, P < 0.05). However, in ovariectomized rats, estradiol treatment increased blood oxytocin, and the response of colonic muscle strips to oxytocin was attenuated.
CONCLUSION: Cold water intake inhibits colonic motility partially through oxytocin-oxytocin receptor signaling in the myenteric nervous system pathway, which is estrogen dependent.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cold Temperature
- Colon/innervation
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Drinking
- Estradiol/pharmacology
- Estrogen Replacement Therapy
- Female
- Gastrointestinal Motility/drug effects
- Hormone Antagonists/pharmacology
- Muscle, Smooth/innervation
- Myenteric Plexus/drug effects
- Myenteric Plexus/metabolism
- Myenteric Plexus/physiopathology
- Ovariectomy
- Oxytocin/blood
- Oxytocin/pharmacology
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptors, Oxytocin/agonists
- Receptors, Oxytocin/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Oxytocin/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Stress, Psychological/blood
- Stress, Psychological/drug therapy
- Stress, Psychological/physiopathology
- Stress, Psychological/psychology
- Time Factors
- Water
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Abstract
BACKGROUND While stressful life events can enhance the risk of mental disorders, positive social interactions can propagate good mental health and normal behavioral routines. Still, the neural systems that promote these benefits are undetermined. Oxytocin is a hormone involved in social behavior and stress; thus, we focus on the impact that social buffering has on the stress response and the governing effects of oxytocin. METHODS Female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) were exposed to 1 hour immobilization stress and then recovered alone or with their male partner to characterize the effect of social contact on the behavioral, physiological, and neuroendocrine stress response. In addition, we treated immobilized female voles recovering alone with oxytocin or vehicle and female voles recovering with their male partner with a selective oxytocin receptor antagonist or vehicle. Group sizes varied from 6 to 8 voles (N = 98 total). RESULTS We found that 1 hour immobilization increased anxiety-like behaviors and circulating levels of corticosterone, a stress hormone, in female prairie voles recovering alone but not the female prairie voles recovering with their male partner. This social buffering by the male partner on biobehavioral responses to stress was accompanied by increased oxytocin release in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Intra-paraventricular nucleus oxytocin injections reduced behavioral and corticosterone responses to immobilization, whereas injections of an oxytocin receptor antagonist blocked the effects of the social buffering. CONCLUSIONS Together, our data demonstrate that paraventricular nucleus oxytocin mediates the social buffering effects on the stress response and thus may be a target for treatment of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam S Smith
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida.
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth, defined as birth between 20 and 36 completed weeks, is a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality globally. Oxytocin receptor antagonists (ORA), such as atosiban, have been specially developed for the treatment of preterm labour. ORA have been proposed as effective tocolytic agents for women in preterm labour to prolong pregnancy with fewer side effects than other tocolytic agents. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes of tocolysis with ORA for women with preterm labour compared with placebo or any other tocolytic agent. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (1 December 2013). SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials (published and unpublished) of ORA for tocolysis of labour between 20 and 36 completed weeks' gestation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently evaluated methodological quality and extracted trial data. When required, we sought additional data from trial authors. Results are presented as risk ratio (RR) for categorical and mean difference (MD) for continuous data with the 95% confidence intervals (CI). Where appropriate, the number needed to treat for benefit (NNTB) and the number needed to treat for harm (NNTH) were calculated. MAIN RESULTS This review update includes eight additional studies (790 women), giving a total of 14 studies involving 2485 women.Four studies (854 women) compared ORA (three used atosiban and one barusiban) with placebo. Three studies were considered at low risk of bias in general (blinded allocation to treatment and intervention), the fourth study did not adequately blind the intervention. No difference was shown in birth less than 48 hours after trial entry (average RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.15 to 7.43; random-effects, (two studies, 152 women), perinatal mortality (RR 2.25, 95% CI 0.79 to 6.38; two studies, 729 infants), or major neonatal morbidity. ORA (atosiban) resulted in a small reduction in birthweight (MD -138.86 g, 95% CI -250.53 to -27.18; two studies with 676 infants). In one study, atosiban resulted in an increase in extremely preterm birth (before 28 weeks' gestation) (RR 3.11, 95% CI 1.02 to 9.51; NNTH 31, 95% CI 8 to 3188) and infant deaths (up to 12 months) (RR 6.13, 95% CI 1.38 to 27.13; NNTH 28, 95% CI 6 to 377). However, this finding may be confounded due to randomisation of more women with pregnancy less than 26 weeks' gestation to atosiban. ORA also resulted in an increase in maternal adverse drug reactions requiring cessation of treatment in comparison with placebo (RR 4.02, 95% CI 2.05 to 7.85; NNTH 12, 95% CI 5 to 33). No differences were shown in preterm birth less than 37 weeks' gestation or any other adverse neonatal outcomes. No differences were evident by type of ORA, although data were limited.Eight studies (1402 women) compared ORA (atosiban only) with betamimetics; four were considered of low risk of bias (blinded allocation to treatment and to intervention). No statistically significant difference was shown in birth less than 48 hours after trial entry (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.22; eight studies with 1389 women), very preterm birth (RR 1.70, 95% CI 0.89 to 3.23; one study with 145 women), extremely preterm birth (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.92; one study with 244 women) or perinatal mortality (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.48; three studies with 816 infants). One study (80 women), of unclear methodological quality, showed an increase in the interval between trial entry and birth (MD 22.90 days, 95% CI 18.03 to 27.77). No difference was shown in any reported measures of major neonatal morbidity (although numbers were small). ORA (atosiban) resulted in less maternal adverse effects requiring cessation of treatment (RR 0.05, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.11; NNTB 6, 95% CI 6 to 6; five studies with 1161 women).Two studies including (225 women) compared ORA (atosiban) with calcium channel blockers (CCB) (nifedipine only). The studies were considered as having high risk of bias as neither study blinded the intervention and in one study it was not known if allocation was blinded. No difference was shown in birth less than 48 hours after trial entry (average RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.44 to 2.73, random-effects; two studies, 225 women) and extremely preterm birth (RR 2.14, 95% CI 0.20 to 23.11; one study, 145 women). No data were available for the outcome of perinatal mortality. One small trial (145 women), which did not employ blinding of the intervention, showed an increase in the number of preterm births (before 37 weeks' gestation) (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.14; NNTH 5, 95% CI 3 to 19), a lower gestational age at birth (MD -1.20 weeks, 95% CI -2.15 to -0.25) and an increase in admission to neonatal intensive care unit (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.47; NNTH 5, 95% CI 3 to 20). ORA (atosiban) resulted in less maternal adverse effects (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.68; NNTB 6, 95% CI 5 to 12; two studies, 225 women) but not maternal adverse effects requiring cessation of treatment (RR 0.36, 95% CI 0.01 to 8.62; one study, 145 women). No longer-term outcome data were included. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review did not demonstrate superiority of ORA (largely atosiban) as a tocolytic agent compared with placebo, betamimetics or CCB (largely nifedipine) in terms of pregnancy prolongation or neonatal outcomes, although ORA was associated with less maternal adverse effects than treatment with the CCB or betamimetics. The finding of an increase in infant deaths and more births before completion of 28 weeks of gestation in one placebo-controlled study warrants caution. However, the number of women enrolled at very low gestations was small. Due to limitations of small numbers studied and methodological quality, further well-designed randomised controlled trials are needed. Further comparisons of ORA versus CCB (which has a better side-effect profile than betamimetics) are needed. Consideration of further placebo-controlled studies seems warranted. Future studies of tocolytic agents should measure all important short- and long-term outcomes for women and infants, and costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki Flenady
- Translating Research Into Practice (TRIP) Centre, Mater Research Institute - The University of Queensland (MRI-UQ), Level 2 Aubigny Place, Mater Health Services, Annerley Road, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 4102
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Mooney SJ, Douglas NR, Holmes MM. Peripheral administration of oxytocin increases social affiliation in the naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber). Horm Behav 2014; 65:380-5. [PMID: 24530845 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 09/11/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin regulates a wide variety of social behaviors across diverse species. However, the types of behaviors that are influenced by this hormone are constrained by the species in question and the social organization that a particular species exhibits. Therefore, the present experiments investigated behaviors regulated by oxytocin in a eusocial mammalian species by using the naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber). In Experiment 1, adult non-breeding mole-rats were given intraperitoneal injections of either oxytocin (1mg/kg or 10mg/kg) or saline on alternate days. Animals were then returned to their colony and behavior was recorded for minutes 15-30 post-injection. Both doses of oxytocin increased huddling behavior during this time period. In Experiment 2, animals received intraperitoneal injections of either oxytocin (1mg/kg), an oxytocin-receptor antagonist (0.1mg/kg), a cocktail of oxytocin and the antagonist, or saline across 4 testing days in a counterbalanced design. Animals were placed in either a 2-chamber arena with a familiar conspecific or in a small chamber with 1week old pups from their home colony and behaviors were recorded for minutes 15-30 post-injection. Oxytocin increased investigation of, and time spent in close proximity to, a familiar conspecific; these effects were blocked by the oxytocin antagonist. No effects were seen on pup-directed behavior. These data suggest that oxytocin is capable of modulating affiliative-like behavior in this eusocial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skyler J Mooney
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Psychology, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada.
| | - Natasha R Douglas
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Psychology, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Melissa M Holmes
- University of Toronto Mississauga, Department of Psychology, 3359 Mississauga Road, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 1C6, Canada; University of Toronto, Department of Cell & Systems Biology, 25 Harbord Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G5, Canada
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Calcagnoli F, Meyer N, de Boer SF, Althaus M, Koolhaas JM. Chronic enhancement of brain oxytocin levels causes enduring anti-aggressive and pro-social explorative behavioral effects in male rats. Horm Behav 2014; 65:427-33. [PMID: 24681215 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [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: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) has been implicated in the regulation of social behaviors, including intermale offensive aggression. Recently, we showed that acute enhancement of brain OXT levels markedly suppressed offensive aggression and increased social exploration in resident rats confronted with an intruder in their home territory. Moreover, a different responsivity to the exogenous OXTergic manipulation was observed among individuals based on their baseline aggression. In this study we aimed at evaluating the behavioral response to chronically enhancing or attenuating central OXT levels, and at scrutinizing whether the trait-aggression moderates the treatment-induced behavioral changes. To this end, resident male wild-type Groningen rats were continuously (via osmotic minipumps) intracerebroventricularly infused with synthetic OXT or a selective OXT receptor (OXTR) antagonist for 7days. Changes in behavior were assessed performing a resident-intruder test before and at the end of the treatment period, as well as after 7days of withdrawal. Chronic infusion of OXT was found to selectively suppress aggression and enhance social exploration. Chronic blockage of OXTRs instead increased introductory aggressive behavior (i.e. lateral threat), yet without affecting the total duration of the aggression. The magnitude of the anti-aggressive changes correlated positively with the level of baseline aggression. Interestingly, OXT-induced behavioral changes persisted 7days after cessation of the treatment. In conclusion, these findings provide further evidence that enhanced functional activity of the central OXTergic system decreases social offensive aggression while it increases social explorative behavior. The data also indicate that chronically enhancing brain OXT levels may cause enduring anti-aggressive and pro-social explorative behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Calcagnoli
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Neele Meyer
- Department of Behavioral Biology, University of Muenster, Badestr. 13, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Sietse F de Boer
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Monika Althaus
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap M Koolhaas
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 11103, 9700 CC Groningen, The Netherlands
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Wsol A, Szczepanska-Sadowska E, Kowalewski S, Puchalska L, Cudnoch-Jedrzejewska A. Oxytocin differently regulates pressor responses to stress in WKY and SHR rats: the role of central oxytocin and V1a receptors. Stress 2014; 17:117-25. [PMID: 24308490 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2013.872620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of central oxytocin in the regulation of cardiovascular parameters under resting conditions and during acute stress was investigated in male normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY; n = 40) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR; n = 28). In Experiment 1, mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded in WKY and SHR rats at rest and after an air-jet stressor during intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusions of vehicle, oxytocin or oxytocin receptor (OTR) antagonist. In Experiment 2, the effects of vehicle, oxytocin and OTR antagonist were determined in WKY rats after prior administration of a V1a vasopressin receptor (V1aR) antagonist. Resting MABP and HR were not affected by any of the ICV infusions either in WKY or in SHR rats. In control experiments (vehicle), the pressor response to stress was significantly higher in SHR. Oxytocin enhanced the pressor response to stress in the WKY rats but reduced it in SHR. During V1aR blockade, oxytocin infusion entirely abolished the pressor response to stress in WKY rats. Combined blockade of V1aR and OTR elicited a significantly greater MABP response to stress than infusion of V1a antagonist and vehicle. This study reveals significant differences in the regulation of blood pressure in WKY and SHR rats during alarming stress. Specifically, the augmentation of the pressor response to stress by exogenous oxytocin in WKY rats is caused by its interaction with V1aR, and endogenous oxytocin regulates the magnitude of the pressor response to stress in WKY rats by simultaneous interaction with OTR and V1aR.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Wsol
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw , Warsaw , Poland
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48
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Olszewski PK, Waas JR, Brooks LL, Herisson F, Levine AS. Oxytocin receptor blockade reduces acquisition but not retrieval of taste aversion and blunts responsiveness of amygdala neurons to an aversive stimulus. Peptides 2013; 50:36-41. [PMID: 24063812 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
When gastrointestinal sickness induced by toxin injection is associated with exposure to novel food, the animal acquires a conditioned taste aversion (CTA). Malaise is accompanied by a surge in oxytocin release and in oxytocin neuronal activity; however, it is unclear whether oxytocin is a key facilitator of aversion or merely its marker. Herein we investigated whether blockade of the oxytocin receptor with the blood-brain barrier penetrant oxytocin receptor antagonist L-368,899 is detrimental for the acquisition and/or retrieval of lithium chloride (LiCl)-dependent CTA to a saccharin solution in mice. We also examined whether L-368,899 given prior to LiCl affects neuronal activity defined through c-Fos immunohistochemistry in select brain sites facilitating CTA acquisition. L-368,899 given prior to LiCl caused a 30% increase in saccharin solution intake in a two-bottle test, but when the antagonist was administered before the two-bottle test, it failed to diminish the retrieval of an existing CTA. LiCl administration increased c-Fos expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, area postrema, nucleus of the solitary tract and basolateral and central (CNA) nuclei of the amygdala. L-368,899 injected before LiCl reduced the number of c-Fos positive CNA neurons and brought it down to levels similar to those observed in mice treated only with L-368,899. We conclude that oxytocin is one of the key components in acquisition of LiCl-induced CTA and the aversive response can be alleviated by the oxytocin receptor blockade. Oxytocin receptor antagonism blunts responsiveness of CNA to peripherally injected LiCl.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawel K Olszewski
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Waikato, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand; Minnesota Obesity Center, St. Paul, MN 55117, USA.
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Klatt JD, Goodson JL. Sex-specific activity and function of hypothalamic nonapeptide neurons during nest-building in zebra finches. Horm Behav 2013; 64:818-24. [PMID: 24126135 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate species from fish to humans engage in a complex set of preparatory behaviors referred to as nesting; yet despite its phylogenetic ubiquity, the physiological and neural mechanisms that underlie nesting are not well known. We here test the hypothesis that nesting behavior is influenced by the vasopressin-oxytocin (VP-OT) peptides, based upon the roles they play in parental behavior in mammals. We quantified nesting behavior in male and female zebra finches following both peripheral and central administrations of OT and V1a receptor (OTR and V1aR, respectively) antagonists. Peripheral injections of the OTR antagonist profoundly reduce nesting behavior in females, but not males, whereas comparable injections of V1aR antagonist produce relatively modest effects in both sexes. However, central antagonist infusions produce no effects on nesting, and OTR antagonist injections into the breast produce significantly weaker effects than those into the inguinal area, suggesting that antagonist effects are mediated peripherally, likely via the oviduct. Finally, immunocytochemistry was used to quantify nesting-induced Fos activation of nonapeptide neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus and the medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Nest-building induced Fos expression within paraventricular VP neurons of females but not males. Because the avian forms of OT (Ile(8)-OT; mesotocin) and VP (Ile(3)-VP; vasotocin) exhibit high affinity for the avian OTR, and because both peptide forms modulate uterine contractility, we hypothesize that nesting-related stimuli induce peptide release from paraventricular vasotocin neurons, which then promote female nesting via peripheral feedback from OTR binding in the oviduct uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Klatt
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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Veenema AH, Bredewold R, De Vries GJ. Sex-specific modulation of juvenile social play by vasopressin. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2013; 38:2554-61. [PMID: 23838102 PMCID: PMC3812261 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Social play activities among juveniles are thought to contribute to the development of social and emotional skills in humans and animals. Conversely, social play deficits are observed in developmental neuropsychiatric disorders. Importantly, many of these disorders show sex differences in incidence, course of the disease, and severity of symptoms. We hypothesized that sex differences in the neural systems controlling social behavior can contribute to these differences. We therefore studied the involvement of the sexually dimorphic vasopressin and oxytocin systems, which have been implicated in these disorders, in juvenile social play behavior. Single-housed 5-week-old juvenile male and female rats were exposed in their home cage to an age-and sex-matched novel conspecific for 10 min, and social play behaviors were recorded. We found no consistent sex differences in duration or elements of social play in vehicle-treated rats. However, intracerebroventricular injection of the specific vasopressin 1a receptor (V1aR) antagonist (CH2)5Tyr(Me(2))AVP significantly reduced social play behaviors in males while increasing them in females. Intracerebroventricular injection of the specific oxytocin receptor antagonist des-Gly-NH2,d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4)]OVT did not alter social play in either sex. To locate the effects of V1aR blockade on social play, we targeted the lateral septum, a sexually dimorphic brain region showing denser vasopressin fibers in males than in females and an abundant expression of V1aR in both sexes. Surprisingly, blockade of V1aR in the lateral septum increased social play behaviors in males, but decreased them in females. These findings suggest sex- and brain region-specific roles for vasopressin in the regulation of social play behavior in juvenile rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa H Veenema
- Center for Neuroendocrine Studies, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA; Neurobiology of Social Behavior Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA.
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