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Frontiers in Physiology 2023The medial preoptic area (mPOA) participates in thermoregulatory control and blood pressure modulation as shown by studies with electrical stimulation of this area or...
The medial preoptic area (mPOA) participates in thermoregulatory control and blood pressure modulation as shown by studies with electrical stimulation of this area or cobalt chloride injection, a non-selective synapse inhibitor. This study aimed to investigate whether angiotensin II (Ang II) and GABA could act or not in the mPOA to mediate the cardiovascular and micturition control pathways. Female Wistar rats were submitted to stereotaxic surgery for implantation of a guide cannula into the mPOA 7 days prior to the experiments. Afterwards, the animals were isoflurane- anesthetized and submitted to the catheterization of the femoral artery and vein and urinary bladder cannulation for mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and intravesical pressure (IP) recordings, respectively. After the baseline MAP, HR, and IP recordings for 15 min, Ang II (0.1 nM, 1 μL), losartan (AT-1 receptor antagonist, 100 nM, 1 μL), GABA (50 mM, 1 μL) or saline (1 μL) were injected into the mPOA, and the variables were measured for additional 30 min. In a different group of rats, the AT-1 receptor, angiotensin II converting enzyme (ACE), and GABAa receptor gene expression was evaluated in mPOA samples by qPCR. The data are as mean ± SEM and submitted to One-way ANOVA (Tukey posttest) or paired Student t-test (P <0.05). The injection of Ang II into the mPOA evoked a significant hypotension (-37±10 mmHg, n = 6, = 0.024) and bradycardia (-47 ± 20 bpm, = 0.030) compared to saline (+1 ± 1 mmHg and +6 ± 2 bpm, n = 6). A significant increase in IP was observed after Ang II injection into the mPOA (+72.25 ± 17.91%, = 0.015 vs. -1.80 ± 2.98%, n = 6, saline). No significant changes were observed in MAP, HR and IP after the losartan injection in the mPOA compared to saline injection. Injection of GABA into the mPOA evoked a significant fall in MAP and HR (-68 ± 2 mmHg, n = 6, < 0.0001 and -115 ± 14 bpm, n = 6, = 0.0002 vs. -1 ± 1 mmHg and +4 ± 2 bpm, n = 6, saline), but no significant changes were observed in IP. The AT-1 receptor, ACE and GABAa receptor mRNA expression was observed in all mPOA samples. Therefore, in female rats, Ang II mediated transmission in the mPOA is involved in the cardiovascular regulation and in the control of central micturition pathways. A phasic control dependent on AT-1 receptors in the mPOA seems to be involved in the regulation of those cardiovascular and intravesical 3 parameters. In contrast, GABAergic transmission in the mPOA participates in the pathways of cardiovascular control in anesthetized female rats, nevertheless, this neurotransmission is not involved in the micturition control.
PubMed: 37772054
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1224505 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Dec 2022Among the different species of mammals, the expression of maternal behavior varies considerably, although the end points of nurturance and protection are the same.... (Review)
Review
Among the different species of mammals, the expression of maternal behavior varies considerably, although the end points of nurturance and protection are the same. Females may display passive or active responses of acceptance, recognition, rejection/fear, or motivation to care for the offspring. Each type of response may indicate different levels of neural activation. Different natural stimuli can trigger the expression of maternal and paternal behavior in both pregnant or virgin females and males, such as hormone priming during pregnancy, vagino-cervical stimulation during parturition, mating, exposure to pups, previous experience, or environmental enrichment. Herein, we discuss how the olfactory pathways and the interconnections of the medial preoptic area (mPOA) with structures such as nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, amygdala, and bed nucleus of stria terminalis mediate maternal behavior. We also discuss how the triggering stimuli activate oxytocin, vasopressin, dopamine, galanin, and opioids in neurocircuitries that mediate acceptance, recognition, maternal motivation, and rejection/fear.
PubMed: 36552508
DOI: 10.3390/ani12243589 -
Current Opinion in Physiology Jun 2020Sleep-wake control is dependent upon multiple brain areas widely distributed throughout the neural axis. Historically, the monoaminergic and cholinergic neurons of the...
Sleep-wake control is dependent upon multiple brain areas widely distributed throughout the neural axis. Historically, the monoaminergic and cholinergic neurons of the ascending arousal system were the first to be discovered, and it was only relatively recently that GABAergic and glutamatergic wake- and sleep-promoting populations have been identified. Contemporary advances in molecular-genetic tools have revealed both the complexity and heterogeneity of GABAergic NREM sleep-promoting neurons as well as REM sleep-regulating populations in the brainstem such as glutamatergic neurons in the sublaterodorsal nucleus. The sleep-wake cycle progresses from periods of wakefulness to non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and subsequently rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Each vigilance stage is controlled by multiple neuronal populations, via a complex regulation that is still incompletely understood. In recent years the field has seen a proliferation in the identification and characterization of new neuronal populations involved in sleep-wake control thanks to newer, more powerful molecular genetic tools that are able to reveal neurophysiological functions via selective activation, inhibition and lesion of neuroanatomically defined sub-types of neurons that are widespread in the brain, such as GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons..
PubMed: 32647777
DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2019.12.012 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Feb 2024Rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMs) is characterized by activated electroencephalogram (EEG) and muscle atonia, accompanied by vivid dreams. REMs is homeostatically...
Rapid-eye-movement sleep (REMs) is characterized by activated electroencephalogram (EEG) and muscle atonia, accompanied by vivid dreams. REMs is homeostatically regulated, ensuring that any loss of REMs is compensated by a subsequent increase in its amount. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the homeostatic control of REMs are largely unknown. Here, we show that GABAergic neurons in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus projecting to the tuberomammillary nucleus (POA→TMN neurons) are crucial for the homeostatic regulation of REMs. POA→TMN neurons are most active during REMs, and inhibiting them specifically decreases REMs. REMs restriction leads to an increased number and amplitude of calcium transients in POA→TMN neurons, reflecting the accumulation of REMs pressure. Inhibiting POA→TMN neurons during REMs restriction blocked the subsequent rebound of REMs. Our findings reveal a hypothalamic circuit whose activity mirrors the buildup of homeostatic REMs pressure during restriction and that is required for the ensuing rebound in REMs.
PubMed: 37662417
DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.22.554341 -
BMC Genomics Oct 2022The importance of fathers' engagement in care and its critical role in the offspring's cognitive and emotional development is now well established. Yet, little is known...
BACKGROUND
The importance of fathers' engagement in care and its critical role in the offspring's cognitive and emotional development is now well established. Yet, little is known on the underlying neurobiology due to the lack of appropriate animal models. In the socially monogamous and bi-parental prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), while 60-80% of virgin males show spontaneous paternal behaviors (Paternal), others display pup-directed aggression (Attackers). Here we took advantage of this phenotypic dichotomy and used RNA-sequencing in three important brain areas to characterize gene expression associated with paternal behaviors of Paternal males and compare it to experienced Fathers and Mothers.
RESULTS
While Paternal males displayed the same range and extent of paternal behaviors as experienced Fathers, we observed structure-specific transcriptomic differences between parental behaviors phenotypes. Using differential expression, gene set expression, as well as co-expression network analyses, we found that phenotypic differences between Paternal males and Attackers were mainly reflected by the lateral septum (LS), and to a lower extent, the nucleus accumbens (NAc), transcriptomes. In the medial preoptic area (MPOA), the profiles of gene expression mainly reflected differences between females and males regardless of their parental behaviors phenotype. Functional enrichment analyses of those gene sets associated with Paternal males or Attackers in the LS and the NAc revealed the involvement of processes related to the mitochondria, RNA translation, protein degradation processes, as well as epigenetic regulation of gene expression.
CONCLUSIONS
By leveraging the natural phenotypic differences in parental behaviors in virgin male prairie voles alongside fathers and mothers, we identified a marked structure- and phenotype-specific pattern of gene expression associated with spontaneous paternal behaviors independently from fatherhood and pair-bonding. The LS transcriptome related to the mitochondria, RNA translation, and protein degradation processes was thus highlighted as a primary candidate associated with the spontaneous display of paternal behaviors. Altogether, our observations further characterize the behavioral and transcriptomic signature of parental behaviors in the socially monogamous prairie vole and lay the groundwork to further our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of paternal behavior.
Topics: Animals; Arvicolinae; Epigenesis, Genetic; Female; Grassland; Male; Paternal Behavior; RNA; Transcriptome
PubMed: 36183097
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08912-y -
Journal of the Endocrine Society May 2021All species, including humans, are exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Previous experiments have shown behavioral deficits caused by EDCs that have...
All species, including humans, are exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Previous experiments have shown behavioral deficits caused by EDCs that have implications for social competence and sexual selection. The neuromolecular mechanisms for these behavioral changes induced by EDCs have not been thoroughly explored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that EDCs administered to rats during a critical period of embryonic brain development would lead to the disruption of normal social preference behavior, and that this involves a network of underlying gene pathways in brain regions that regulate these behaviors. Rats were exposed prenatally to human-relevant concentrations of EDCs (polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], vinclozolin [VIN]), or vehicle. In adulthood, a sociosexual preference test was administered. We profiled gene expression of in preoptic area, medial amygdala, and ventromedial nucleus. Prenatal PCBs impaired sociosexual preference in both sexes, and VIN disrupted this behavior in males. Each brain region had unique sets of genes altered in a sex- and EDC-specific manner. The effects of EDCs on individual traits were typically small, but robust; EDC exposure changed the relationships between gene expression and behavior, a pattern we refer to as dis-integration and reconstitution. These findings underscore the effects that developmental exposure to EDCs can have on adult social behavior, highlight sex-specific and individual variation in responses, and provide a foundation for further work on the disruption of genes and behavior after prenatal exposure to EDCs.
PubMed: 33928200
DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab021 -
Comprehensive Physiology Sep 2019The major brain areas that control males' sexual motivation and performance include the amygdala, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), the medial preoptic...
The major brain areas that control males' sexual motivation and performance include the amygdala, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), the medial preoptic area (MPOA), and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, as well as the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system. The MPOA, PVN, and brain stem and spinal nuclei control the genital reflexes. Sensory and motor aspects are integrated and elicited by the amygdala, BNST, MPOA, PVN, and the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal DA tracts, which are integral for other social behaviors, as well. Developmental hormonal effects organize the network to elicit specific behaviors, which are activated by those hormones in adolescence and adulthood. Steroid hormones primarily work through slow genomic mechanisms that increase enzymes, receptors, or structural proteins, although they may also activate membrane receptors for rapid effects. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:1383-1410, 2019.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Genitalia, Male; Humans; Male; Mammals; Neurosecretory Systems; Orchiectomy; Sexual Behavior
PubMed: 31688968
DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c180018 -
Hormones and Behavior Sep 2021Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling through CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) regulates autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral responses to stress, as well as behavioral...
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling through CRF receptor 1 (CRFR1) regulates autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral responses to stress, as well as behavioral changes during the maternal period. Previous work in our lab reported higher levels of CRFR1 in female, compared to male, mice within the rostral anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV/PeN), a brain region involved in maternal behaviors. In this study, we used CRFR1-GFP reporter mice to investigate whether the reproductive status (postpartum vs. nulliparous) of acutely stressed females affects levels of CRFR1 in the AVPV/PeN and other regions involved in maternal functions. Compared to nulliparous, postpartum day 14 females showed increased AVPV/PeN CRFR1-GFP immunoreactivity and an elevated number of restraint stress-activated AVPV/PeN CRFR1 cells as assessed by immunohistochemical co-localization of CRFR1-GFP and phosphorylated CREB (pCREB). The medial preoptic area (MPOA) and paraventricular hypothalamus (PVN) of postpartum mice showed modest decreases in CRFR1-GFP immunoreactivity, while increased CRFR1-GFP/pCREB co-expressing cells were found in the PVN following restraint stress relative to nulliparous mice. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and CRFR1-GFP co-localization was also assessed in the AVPV/PeN and other regions and revealed a decrease in co-localized neurons in the AVPV/PeN and ventral tegmental area of postpartum mice. Corticosterone analysis of restrained mice revealed blunted peak, but elevated recovery, levels in postpartum compared to nulliparous mice. Finally, we investigated projection patterns of AVPV/PeN CRFR1 neurons using female CRFR1-Cre mice and revealed dense efferent projections to several preoptic, hypothalamic, and hindbrain regions known to control stress-associated and maternal functions. Together, these findings contribute to our understanding of the neurobiology that might underlie changes in stress-related functions during the postpartum period.
Topics: Animals; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Female; Humans; Hypothalamus; Male; Mice; Postpartum Period; Preoptic Area; Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
PubMed: 34507241
DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105044 -
Cell and Tissue Research Jan 2023The monoaminergic neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is known to be involved in several physiological, behavioural and neuroendocrine functions in vertebrates....
The monoaminergic neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is known to be involved in several physiological, behavioural and neuroendocrine functions in vertebrates. In this study, we investigated the distribution of 5-HT neuronal system in the central nervous system (CNS) of Sphaerotheca breviceps tadpoles at metamorphic climax stage. In the telencephalon, there was no 5-HT-immunoreactive (5-HT-ir) perikarya, but conspicuous fibres were observed in the olfactory bulb, pallium, subpallium and amygdala complexes. The preoptic area showed dense 5-HT-ir somata and cerebrospinal fluid contacting fibres, whereas a few varicose 5-HT-ir fibres were noticed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. 5-HT-ir cells and fibres were found in the ventral, lateral dorsal subdivisions of the hypothalamus and in the nucleus tuberculi posterioris, but only 5-HT-ir fibres were localised in the periventricular area and pituitary gland. Numerous 5-HT-ir cells and/or fibres were detected in the thalamus, entopeduncular area and mesencephalic subdivisions. In the rhombencephalon, although 5-HT-ir cells and fibres were noticed in the subdivisions of the raphe nucleus and reticular formation, a moderate plexus of fibres was observed in the cerebellum, parabrachial nucleus and solitary tract. Distinct 5-HT-ir fibres, but no perikarya, were observed in the rostral spinal cord. Overall, extensively labelled 5-HT-ir cells and fibres in the CNS of the metamorphic tadpole suggest possible roles for the involvement of 5-HT in various somatosensory, behavioural and neuroendocrine functions during final stages of development.
Topics: Animals; Larva; Brain; Mesencephalon; Rhombencephalon; Central Nervous System
PubMed: 36394669
DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03709-7 -
Annals of Anatomy = Anatomischer... Oct 2023Decreased estrogen levels can cause abnormal thermosensitivity of the preoptic area (POA) in the hypothalamus during menopause, which may cause hot flashes....
BACKGROUND
Decreased estrogen levels can cause abnormal thermosensitivity of the preoptic area (POA) in the hypothalamus during menopause, which may cause hot flashes. Thermosensitive transient receptors (ThermoTRPs) affect the thermosensitivity of neurons. It is worth exploring whether ThermoTRPs change under low estrogen state and participate in the abnormal thermoregulation of POA.
METHODS
Adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation (SHAM), ovariectomy (OVX) and estrogen treatment after ovariectomy (OVX+E) groups. Under 10 ℃, 18 ℃, 25 ℃, 37 ℃ and 45 ℃ incubations, their skin temperature was monitored and the expression of TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPM2, and TRPV1 in POA were investigated.
RESULTS
The skin temperature of ovariectomized rats changed faster and more dramatically under different incubation temperatures. The results at mRNA level show that only the expression of TRPM2 decreased in POA of OVX group compared with the other two groups at 25 ℃, TRPA1 expression in POA of the three groups increased at 10 ℃, TRPM8 increased at 10 ℃ and 18 ℃, TRPV1 increased at 10 ℃ and 45 ℃, while the expression of TRPM2 decreased at 10 ℃ and 18 ℃ and increased at 37 ℃ and 45 ℃. In all these cases, the magnitudes of the changes were less in the OVX group relative to the other two groups. The further immunohistochemical and Western blot results of TRPM2 and the activated TRPM2 positive cells labeled by c-Fos were consistent with the results of mRNA level.
CONCLUSIONS
The expression and thermosensitivity of TRPM2 in POA changed greatly under different incubation temperatures, but the changes in ovariectomized rats were less. This may be the key factor triggering thermoregulation dysfunction under low estrogen and may cause hot flashes.
Topics: Rats; Female; Animals; Humans; Preoptic Area; Hot Flashes; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Transient Receptor Potential Channels; TRPM Cation Channels; Estradiol; Hypothalamus; Menopause; Estrogens; Body Temperature Regulation; RNA, Messenger; Ovariectomy
PubMed: 37454827
DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152132