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Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... May 2008The lateral hypothalamus (LH) has long been known as a homeostasis center of the brain that modulates feeding behavior, arousal and reward. The hypocretins (Hcrts, also... (Review)
Review
The lateral hypothalamus (LH) has long been known as a homeostasis center of the brain that modulates feeding behavior, arousal and reward. The hypocretins (Hcrts, also called orexins) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) are neuropeptides produced in two intermingled populations of a few thousand neurons in the LH. The Hcrts have a prominent role in regulating the stability of arousal, since Hcrt system deficiency leads to narcolepsy. MCH is an important modulator of energy balance, as MCH system deficiency in mice leads to leanness and increased metabolism. Recently, MCH has been proposed to modulate rapid eye movement sleep in rodents. In this review, we propose a working model of the cross-talk between Hcrt and MCH circuits that may provide an arousal balance system to regulate complex goal-oriented behaviors.
Topics: Animals; Arousal; Behavior; Endocrine System; Humans; Hypothalamic Hormones; Hypothalamus; Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Melanins; Models, Biological; Neurons, Afferent; Neurons, Efferent; Neuropeptides; Orexin Receptors; Orexins; Pituitary Hormones; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; Receptors, Neuropeptide; Receptors, Pituitary Hormone
PubMed: 18351292
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-008-7521-8 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2021Parental behaviour is a comprehensive set of neural responses to social cues. The neural circuits that govern parental behaviour reside in several putative nuclei in the... (Review)
Review
Parental behaviour is a comprehensive set of neural responses to social cues. The neural circuits that govern parental behaviour reside in several putative nuclei in the brain. Melanin concentrating hormone (MCH), a neuromodulator that integrates physiological functions, has been confirmed to be involved in parental behaviour, particularly in crouching behaviour during nursing. Abolishing MCH neurons in innate MCH knockout males promotes infanticide in virgin male mice. To understand the mechanism and function of neural networks underlying parental care and aggression against pups, it is essential to understand the basic organisation and function of the involved nuclei. This review presents newly discovered aspects of neural circuits within the hypothalamus that regulate parental behaviours.
Topics: Aggression; Animals; Behavior, Animal; Hypothalamic Hormones; Hypothalamus; Male; Melanins; Mice; Mice, Knockout; Nerve Net; Nesting Behavior; Pituitary Hormones
PubMed: 34209728
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136998 -
Neurology India 2014To study the dynamic changes of pituitary hormones in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to correlate the severity and neurological outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To study the dynamic changes of pituitary hormones in traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to correlate the severity and neurological outcome.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Dynamic changes in the pituitary hormones were evaluated in 164 patients with TBI on day-1, day-7, day-14, day-21, and day-28 post injury. Admission TBI severity and long-term outcome were assessed with Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score. The pituitary hormonal changes were correlated with TBI severity and outcome.
RESULTS
Of the 164 patients included in the study, pituitary dysfunction was found in 84 patients and in the remaining 80 patients pituitary function was normal. Most of the pituitary hormone deficiencies observed resolved over time; however, a significant proportion of patients had pituitary dysfunction at one month post injury. The hormones associated with poor outcome included growth hormone, thyrotropic hormone, and gonadotropic hormone.
CONCLUSION
Dynamic changes of pituitary hormones in patients with TBI may reflect the severity of injury and also determine the outcome. Deficiency of growth hormone, gonadotropic hormone, and thyrotropic hormone can adversely affect neurological outcome.
Topics: Adult; Brain Injuries; Female; Glasgow Coma Scale; Glasgow Outcome Scale; Gonadotropins, Pituitary; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Hypopituitarism; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Outcome Assessment; Pituitary Diseases; Pituitary Hormones; Severity of Illness Index; Thyrotropin
PubMed: 25033850
DOI: 10.4103/0028-3886.136922 -
American Journal of Physiology.... Mar 2004Alpha-, beta-, and gamma-melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSHs) are melanotropin peptides that are derived from the ACTH/beta-endorphin prohormone proopiomelanocortin... (Review)
Review
Alpha-, beta-, and gamma-melanocyte stimulating hormones (MSHs) are melanotropin peptides that are derived from the ACTH/beta-endorphin prohormone proopiomelanocortin (POMC). They have been highly conserved through evolutionary development, although their functions in mammals have remained obscure. The identification in the last decade of a family of five membrane-spanning melanocortin receptors (MC-Rs), for which the melanotropins are the natural ligands, has permitted the characterization of a number of important actions of these peptides, although the physiological function(s) of gamma-MSH have remained elusive. Much evidence indicates that gamma-MSH stimulates sympathetic outflow and raises blood pressure through a central mechanism. However, this review focuses on newer cardiovascular and renal actions of the peptide, acting in most cases through the MC3-R. In rodents, a high-sodium diet (HSD) increases the pituitary abundance of POMC mRNA and of gamma-MSH content and results in a doubling of plasma gamma-MSH concentration. The peptide is natriuretic and acts through renal MC3-Rs, which are also upregulated by the HSD. Thus the system appears designed to participate in the integrated response to dietary sodium excess. Genetic or pharmacologic induction of gamma-MSH deficiency results in marked salt-sensitive hypertension that is corrected by the administration of the peptide, probably through a central site of action. Deletion of the MC3-R also produces salt-sensitive hypertension, which, however, is not corrected by infusion of the hormone. These observations in aggregate suggest the operation of a hormonal system important in blood pressure control and in the regulation of sodium excretion. The relationship of these two actions to each other and the significance of this system in humans are important questions for future research.
Topics: Animals; Hemodynamics; Humans; Hypertension; Natriuresis; Nephrectomy; Pro-Opiomelanocortin; Receptors, Pituitary Hormone; Sodium; Sodium Chloride; Structure-Activity Relationship; gamma-MSH
PubMed: 14761863
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00365.2003 -
Peptides Nov 2009Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) has attracted considerable attention because of its effects on food intake and body weight and the MCH receptor (MCHR1) remains one... (Review)
Review
Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) has attracted considerable attention because of its effects on food intake and body weight and the MCH receptor (MCHR1) remains one of the viable targets for obesity therapy. This review summarizes the literature examining the effects of MCH on body weight, food intake and energy expenditure in rodent models, and the central sites where MCH acts in regulating energy homeostasis. Emphasis is given on the discrepancies between the genetic and pharmacologic models of MCHR1 inactivation. We propose some solutions to resolve these discrepancies and discuss some future directions in MCH research.
Topics: Animals; Body Weight; Eating; Energy Metabolism; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Hypothalamic Hormones; Melanins; Mice; Models, Animal; Obesity; Pituitary Hormones; Receptors, Pituitary Hormone
PubMed: 19447150
DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2009.05.002 -
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone, ovariectomy, and silastic vaginal rings in the Rhesus monkey.Fertility and Sterility Aug 1977The interaction of estradiol and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LRH) may be a critical physiologic mechanism regulating the occurrence of ovulation in many...
The interaction of estradiol and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LRH) may be a critical physiologic mechanism regulating the occurrence of ovulation in many species. These studies were conducted to assess (1) the effects of intramuscular injections of LRH in the intact female rhesus monkey and (2) the effects of estradiol in a Silastic delivery system in ovariectomized female rhesus monkeys. No changes in blood levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) were detected in response to 200 micrograms of LRH. Ovulation did not occur 48 hours after treatment. Ovariectomy decreased estradiol, increased LH, and had no effect on prolactin concentrations in sera. Insertion of a vaginal ring containing 10% estradiol increased blood estradiol levels 100-fold. Serum prolactin levels were unaffected; however, LH concentrations were altered in a multiphasic fashion. After the ring had been in place for 15 days, vaginal blood similar to menstrual flow was observed following removal.
Topics: Animals; Castration; Estradiol; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Haplorhini; Injections, Intramuscular; Luteinizing Hormone; Macaca mulatta; Ovulation; Prolactin; Silicone Elastomers; Vagina
PubMed: 407108
DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)42741-x -
Obesity Research Nov 1995Many peptides have been shown to modulate nutrient intake. In most cases, these peptides decrease food intake, but in a few cases they have been demonstrated to... (Review)
Review
Many peptides have been shown to modulate nutrient intake. In most cases, these peptides decrease food intake, but in a few cases they have been demonstrated to stimulate feeding. Infusion of insulin peripherally will decrease food intake unless hypoglycemia occurs where the reduced glucose is a stimulus to feeding. Other pancreatic hormones including glucagon, amylin, pancreatic polypeptide, and enterostatin reduce food intake. Of the gastrointestinal hormones, cholecystokinin has been the most widely studied and reduces food intake in a number of species, including human beings. Gastrin-releasing peptide and its relative bombesin have been shown to decrease food intake in experimental animals and man. Somatostatin reduces food intake in experimental animals, but no clinical studies are available. Four pituitary peptides also modify food intake. Vasopressin decreases feeding. In contrast, injections of desacetyl melanocyte stimulating hormone (dMSH), growth hormone, and prolactin are associated with increased food intake. Finally, there are a group of miscellaneous peptides which modulate feeding. beta-casomorphin, a hepta peptide produced during the hydrolysis of casein, stimulates food intake in experimental animals. In contrast, the other peptides in this group including calcitonin, apolipoprotein A-IV, the cyclized form of histidyl-proline, several cytokines, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone decrease food intake. Many of these peptides act on gastrointestinal or hepatic receptors which relay messages to the brain via the afferent vagus nerve. As a group they provide a number of leads for potential drug development.
Topics: Animals; Eating; Gastrointestinal Hormones; Humans; Pancreatic Hormones; Peptides; Pituitary Hormones
PubMed: 8697060
DOI: 10.1002/j.1550-8528.1995.tb00229.x -
Hormone Research in Paediatrics 2022Ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP) is a malformation of the hypothalamic-pituitary region presented as a spectrum from isolated growth hormone deficiency (GHD) to...
INTRODUCTION
Ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP) is a malformation of the hypothalamic-pituitary region presented as a spectrum from isolated growth hormone deficiency (GHD) to multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPHDs). Our goal was to establish whether the FAST1.2 protocol, which combines the FAST1 protocol with 3D-T2 DRIVE images, could identify the pituitary stalk (PS) and the regional anatomy more accurately.
METHODS
A retrospective study of 36 individuals with EPP and hypopituitarism and a control group of 78 individuals with eutopic posterior pituitary was conducted. All individuals were submitted to FAST1.2. The position and size of the pituitary lobes were described, and the presence/absence of the PS was confirmed.
RESULTS
FAST1 identified the PS in 19% of individuals with EPP, while FAST1.2 identified the PS in 67% (p < 0.001). In the FAST1.2 protocol, the PS was visible in all control individuals. All EPP patients with isolated GHD had visible PS in FAST1.2, while only 58.6% of MPHD cases had visible PS. The size of the anterior lobe and the anteroposterior length of the posterior pituitary were smaller in the EPP group versus controls (p < 0.001). We noticed a reduced anterior pituitary lobe in both diameters in MPHD patients (p < 0.05). Six patients acquired new pituitary hormone deficiencies not recognized at the time of MRI; in this group, only 1 patient had a PS not visible in FAST1.2.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
The FAST1.2 protocol could prevent the misdiagnosis of idiopathic GHD in patients with short stature and could also be important in the progression to MPHD. The PS could be considered a predictor of hypopituitarism, but its use as an isolated indicator for the progression to MPHD is not recommended. Our results reinforce the use of the size of the anterior lobe as a predictor of hypopituitarism and a possible predictor of the degree of pituitary insufficiency. The FAST1.2 protocol could be used as an alternative to gadolinium administration, as a cheaper and faster method, while eliminating the potential risks associated with the administration of contrast media.
Topics: Dwarfism, Pituitary; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Hypopituitarism; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pituitary Diseases; Pituitary Gland; Pituitary Hormones; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 35500551
DOI: 10.1159/000524032 -
Fertility and Sterility Aug 1981Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of growth hormone, prolactin (PRL), adrenocorticotropin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing...
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of growth hormone, prolactin (PRL), adrenocorticotropin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and the glycoprotein hormone alpha subunit were determined in 30 patients with pituitary and parasellar tumors. Although many of the patients had elevated hormone levels, no differentiation between patients with intrasellar tumors and those with pituitary tumors with suprasellar extension or primary suprasellar tumors could be made based upon the absolute CSF hormone concentration. A highly significant correlation between serum and CSF PRL concentrations was found (r = 0.87; P less than 0.001), suggesting that CSF PRL is derived from the serum. No correlation was found between the serum and CSF concentrations of the other anterior pituitary hormones.
Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Adult; Aged; Brain Neoplasms; Child, Preschool; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Growth Hormone; Humans; Luteinizing Hormone; Male; Middle Aged; Pituitary Hormones, Anterior; Pituitary Neoplasms; Pneumoencephalography; Prolactin; Sella Turcica; Thyrotropin
PubMed: 6266883
DOI: 10.1016/s0015-0282(16)45673-6 -
Endocrinology Feb 2013Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) diseases result in severe outcomes for patients including short stature, developmental delays, and reproductive...
Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) diseases result in severe outcomes for patients including short stature, developmental delays, and reproductive deficiencies. Little is known about their etiology, especially the developmental profiles and the influences of genetic background on disease progression. Animal models for CPHD provide valuable tools to investigate disease mechanisms and inform diagnostic and treatment protocols. Here we examined hormone production during pituitary development and the influence of genetic background on phenotypic severity in the Lhx3(W227ter/W227ter) mouse model. Lhx3(W227ter/W227ter) embryos have deficiencies of ACTH, α-glycoprotein subunit, GH, PRL, TSHβ, and LHβ during prenatal development. Furthermore, mutant mice have significant reduction in the critical pituitary transcriptional activator-1 (PIT1). Through breeding, the Lhx3(W227ter/W227ter) genotype was placed onto the 129/Sv and C57BL/6 backgrounds. Intriguingly, the genetic background significantly affected viability: whereas Lhx3(W227ter/W227ter) animals were found in the expected frequencies in C57BL/6, homozygous animals were not viable in the 129/Sv genetic environment. The hormone marker and PIT1 reductions observed in Lhx3(W227ter/W227ter) mice on a mixed background were also seen in the separate strains but in some cases were more severe in 129/Sv. To further characterize the molecular changes in diseased mice, we conducted a quantitative proteomic analysis of pituitary proteins. This showed significantly lower levels of PRL, pro-opiomelanocortin (ACTH), and α-glycoprotein subunit proteins in Lhx3(W227ter/W227ter) mice. Together, these data show that hormone deficiency disease is apparent in early prenatal stages in this CPHD model system. Furthermore, as is noted in human disease, genetic background significantly impacts the phenotypic outcome of these monogenic endocrine diseases.
Topics: Animals; Disease Models, Animal; Hypopituitarism; LIM-Homeodomain Proteins; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Phenotype; Pituitary Gland; Pituitary Hormones, Anterior; Pro-Opiomelanocortin; Prolactin; Proteomics; Transcription Factor Pit-1; Transcription Factors
PubMed: 23288907
DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1790