Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mehwish Abbasi, Rachael A. Augustine, Karl J. Iremonger, Colin H. Brown
Summary: Oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus secrete oxytocin to induce uterine contractions during parturition. The activation of oxytocin neurons at parturition involves a network of afferent inputs. Kisspeptin, which increases during pregnancy, only excites oxytocin neurons in late pregnancy. However, the excitation of oxytocin neurons by kisspeptin does not appear to involve the ERK1/2-p38 signaling pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Anna Aulinas, Maged Muhammed, Kendra R. Becker, Elisa Asanza, Kristine Hauser, Casey Stern, Julia Gydus, Tara Holmes, Helen Burton Murray, Lauren Breithaupt, Nadia Micali, Madhusmita Misra, Kamryn T. Eddy, Jennifer J. Thomas, Elizabeth A. Lawson
Summary: This study examined the response of anorexigenic oxytocin to food intake in adolescents and young adults with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). It was found that individuals with ARFID had higher levels of oxytocin compared to healthy controls at all time points.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Marilena Marraudino, Beatriz Carrillo, Brigitta Bonaldo, Ricardo Llorente, Elia Campioli, Iciar Garate, Helena Pinos, Luis Miguel Garcia-Segura, Paloma Collado, Daniela Grassi
Summary: The study evaluated the distribution of GPER in the rat hypothalamus, showing that GPER immunoreactivity is expressed in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, with differences observed in different sexes, regions, and stages of the estrous cycle in females.
NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Shalini S. Kumar, Gregory T. Bouwer, Meliame K. Jackson, Michael R. Perkinson, Fiona J. McDonald, Colin H. Brown, Rachael A. Augustine
Summary: Oxytocin, synthesized in the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN), plays a crucial role in triggering uterine contractions during parturition. In mice, kisspeptin neurons from the periventricular nucleus (PeN) innervate oxytocin neurons and exhibit increased activity during late pregnancy. However, eliminating kisspeptin neuron projections to oxytocin neurons does not affect the duration or timing of delivery, suggesting that they are not necessary for parturition in mice.
BRAIN STRUCTURE & FUNCTION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Simona Sacchini, Cristiano Bombardi, Manuel Arbelo, Pedro Herraez
Summary: This study provides the first description of the hypothalamic structure in beaked whales and identifies the presence of the suprachiasmatic nucleus, a structure not previously observed in other marine mammals. These findings have important implications for understanding the neuroanatomy of beaked whales.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xin Wang, Joan B. Escobar, David Mendelowitz
Summary: This study explores the potential involvement of atypical activity in the locus coeruleus in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and investigates the neurotransmission from hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) oxytocin (OXT) neurons to LC NA neurons. The research demonstrates the release of oxytocin from PVN OXT fibers in the LC and shows that optogenetic excitation of PVN OXT fibers excites LC NA neurons through co-release of oxytocin and glutamate, with a greater effect observed in males. Additionally, chemogenetic activation of PVN OXT neurons increases attention to novel objects specifically in male animals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Neurosciences
Ping Wang, Stephani C. Wang, Xiaoyu Liu, Shuwei Jia, Xiaoran Wang, Tong Li, Jiawei Yu, Vladimir Parpura, Yu-Feng Wang
Summary: Oxytocin (OT) has neuromodulatory effects in the brain and spinal cord, regulating various functions such as social recognition, learning and memory, emotion, reward, and instinctive behaviors. It also regulates autonomic nervous system and specialized senses. Notably, OT can have different modulatory effects on the same function under different conditions.
Article
Neurosciences
Yu-Xiang Wen, Lin-Yao Fan, An -Yong Yang, Yan-Chufei Zhang, Chang Xu, Zi-Hui Wang, Wen-Jiong Xie, Yang Lu, Xiao-Yang Zhang, Jing-Ning Zhu, Anyang Sun, Liang Li, Qi-Peng Zhang
Summary: Cumulative evidence suggests that oxytocin is involved in male sexual behaviors, but knock-out mice lacking the oxytocin gene showed no significant sexual impairments, indicating that oxytocin is not necessary for sexual behavior in male mice. In order to better understand the role of oxytocin in male erection, two types of oxytocin gene KO mice were created and the results showed that disrupting the oxytocin gene at either the embryonic or adult stage did not affect erection, suggesting that oxytocin is not necessary for penile erection. However, activating oxytocinergic neurons strongly induced penile erection, while inhibiting these neurons blocked the erection responses, indicating that the activity of oxytocinergic neurons is required for male erection.
Article
Neurosciences
Qiying Ye, Jeremiah Nunez, Xiaobing Zhang
Summary: OTR-expressing PVT neurons play a significant role in regulating feeding behavior through modulation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in the posterior basolateral amygdala (pBLA), nucleus accumbens core (NAcC), and local PVT neurons.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Chi-Ying Chen, Yu-Chen Chiang, Tai-Chih Kuo, Ka-Wai Tam, El-Wui Loh
Summary: In non-psychiatric subjects, single-dose INOT significantly reduces food intake, but no significant effects were found in patients with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and schizophrenia. Further studies are needed to assess the long-term effects and safety of INOT in obese patients and whether it could be a treatment option for patients with eating disorders.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Zhiying Jiang, Chun Chen, Grant L. Weiss, Xin Fu, Claire E. Stelly, Brook L. W. Sweeten, Parker S. Tirrell, India Pursell, Carly R. Stevens, Marc O. Fisher, John C. Begley, Laura M. Harrison, Jeffrey G. Tasker
Summary: Noradrenergic signaling via a1 adrenoreceptor activation drives the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in response to stress, with somatic stimuli preferentially activating these pathways over psychological stress. Glucocorticoids provide negative feedback onto the hypothalamus to regulate the HPA axis and prevent overexposure and neuropathology. This study demonstrates that acute stress leads to rapid glucocorticoid regulation of adrenoreceptor trafficking in CRH neurons, specifically desensitizing the HPA axis to somatic stress. These findings reveal a stress modality-selective glucocorticoid negative feedback mechanism.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jin Tanaka, Fuka Ishikawa, Tomoki Jinno, Motoki Miyakita, Haruka Miyamori, Tsutomu Sasaki, Takumi Yokokawa, Tsuyoshi Goto, Kazuo Inoue, Shigenobu Matsumura
Summary: cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB)-regulated transcription coactivators (CRTCs) play important roles in energy metabolism, and CRTCs in Sim1 cells have critical regulatory functions in energy homeostasis, especially in female mice.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Carla L. Sanchez-Lafuente, Raquel Romay-Tallon, Josh Allen, Jenessa N. Johnston, Lisa E. Kalynchuk, Hector J. Caruncho
Summary: This study reveals the sexually dimorphic subpopulation of reelin-positive neurons in the paraventricular nucleus that can be differentially affected by chronic stress for the first time. Chronic corticosterone shows gender-specific effects on behavior and reelin expression in the paraventricular nucleus.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Hao-Hua Wei, Xiang-Shan Yuan, Ze-Ka Chen, Pei-Pei Chen, Zhe Xiang, Wei-Min Qu, Rui-Xi Li, Guo-Min Zhou, Zhi-Li Huang
Summary: The AVP neurons in SON and PVN receive similar input patterns from multiple brain regions, with PVNAVP neurons having broader and denser inputs compared to SONAVP neurons. Additionally, differentiated input sources were found, with SONAVP neurons receiving more projections from thermoregulatory nuclei and PVNAVP neurons receiving more afferent inputs from circadian rhythm-regulating nuclei. The study provides insights into the distinct afferent framework of AVP neurons in SON and PVN, laying the foundation for further research on their diverse roles.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Zahra S. Thirouin, Charles W. Bourque
Summary: Phasic firing is a unique pattern of action potential firing that optimizes vasopressin neurosecretion by promoting calcium-dependent frequency-facilitation while preventing secretory fatigue. Acute and chronic conditions that stimulate vasopressin release greatly enhance the number of magnocellular neurosecretory cells displaying phasic firing.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
R. C. Dos-Santos, T. Vilhena-Franco, L. C. Reis, L. L. K. Elias, J. Antunes-Rodrigues, A. S. Mecawi
Summary: Hypovolemia induced AVP secretion to maintain blood pressure. The experiment demonstrated that L-glutamate and angiotensin II regulated AVP secretion in response to hypovolemia through AMPA and AT1 receptors.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andressa Busetti Martins, Milene Lara Brownlow, Bruno Blanco Araujo, Marcela Cristina Garnica-Siqueira, Dimas Augusto Morozin Zaia, Cristiane Mota Leite, Cassia Thais Bussamra Vieira Zaia, Ernane Torres Uchoa
Summary: The study investigates the effects of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) in the arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus (ARC) on metabolic changes and food intake. Microinjection of VIP or PACAP in the ARC reduces hyperphagia and food intake, decreases total lipids, and increases free fatty acids plasma concentrations. It also induces hyperglycemia and decreases total cholesterol level (VIP) and reduces triglycerides concentration (PACAP). The intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinjection of VIP and PACAP enhances neuronal activation in the ARC, which is associated with lower hyperphagia and plasma metabolic changes (VIP only).
NEUROCHEMISTRY INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Antonio Alves Pereira Junior, Gabriel Estevam Santos De Amorim, Raphael Caio Tamborelli Garcia, Jessyca Milene Ribeiro, Alessandra Oliveira Silva, Carolina Aparecida De Faria Almeida, Carla Speroni Ceron, Silvia Graciela Ruginsk, Jose Antunes-Rodrigues, Lucila Leico Kagohara Elias, Marcos Vinicios Salles Dias, Tania Marcourakis, Larissa Helena Torres
Summary: Nicotine exposure during breastfeeding affects brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), synaptic proteins levels, and behavior in adult mice, highlighting the importance of further studies on nicotine exposure during development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Rui M. Patricio Da Silva-Junior, Ana Carolina Bueno, Clarissa Silva Martins, Fernanda Coelli-Lacchini, Jorge Guilherme Okanobo Ozaki, Danillo Cunha De Almeida-E-Silva, Junier Marrero-Gutierrez, Antonio Carlos dos Santos, Carlos Garcia-Peral, Helio Rubens Machado, Marcelo Volpon dos Santos, Paula Lamparelli Elias, Ayrton C. Moreira, Leandro M. Colli, Ricardo Z. N. Vencio, Sonir R. Antonini, Margaret de Castro
Summary: This study explored pituitary tumors in a heterogeneous ethnic population by evaluating methylome and transcriptome signatures. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis revealed three clusters associated with functioning, nonfunctioning, and ACTH-secreting tumors. Differential methylated and expressed genes were found to be associated with tumor clinical presentation and WHO classifications. The clustering of pituitary development/differentiation-related transcripts also supported the classification. Making the data publicly available enables further research on the pathogenesis and prognosis of pituitary tumors.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Aline Faccioli Bodoni, Fernanda Borchers Coeli-Lacchini, Juliana Lourenco Gebenlian, Lays Martin Sobral, Cristiana Bernadelli Garcia, Wilson Araujo Silva Junior, Kamila Chagas Peronni, Leandra Naira Zambelli Ramalho, Fernando Silva Ramalho, Ayrton C. Moreira, Margaret De Castro, Andreia Machado Leopoldino, Sonir Roberto Rauber Antonini
Summary: This study reveals the crucial role of NNT in adrenal steroidogenesis and highlights the association between NNT mutations and familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD).
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Ana Carolina Bueno, Candy Bellido More, Junier Marrero-Gutierrez, Danillo C. de Almeida E. Silva, Leticia Ferro Leal, Ana Paula Montaldi, Fernando Silva Ramalho, Ricardo Zorzetto Nicoliello Vencio, Margaret de Castro, Sonir Roberto R. Antonini
Summary: The therapeutic potential of vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) cells was evaluated. The study found that VDR was hypermethylated and underexpressed in ACC cells. Treatment with calcitriol and seocalcitol restored VDR signaling, resulting in antiproliferative effects and impaired Wnt/B-catenin signaling. In vivo experiments showed that seocalcitol constrained the growth of ACC xenografts and reduced tumor steroid secretion without side effects. These findings suggest that VDR signaling may be a potential therapeutic target for ACC.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Paula Conde Lamparelli Elias, Marcelo Volpon, Giovana de Gobbi Azevedo, Helio Machado, Gabriel Henrique Marques Goncalves, Antonio Carlos Santos, Livia M. Mermejo, Margaret de Castro, Ayrton C. Moreira
Summary: Postoperative complications after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) are rare, but can include partial hypopituitarism, meningitis, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, visual deficits, and cerebrovascular complications. This case report highlights an unexpected mesencephalic infarct following TSS, likely induced by cerebral vasospasm due to minor subarachnoid hemorrhage. Vigilance for vasospasm is important, especially for patients with significant suprasellar extension. It is essential to inform patients about this potential complication prior to TSS due to its significant neurological impact.
ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES AND METABOLISM CASE REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ana Luiza Machado Wunderlich, Andressa Busetti Martins, Camila Franciele de Souza, Larissa Rugila S. Stopa, Erica Cristina A. M. Monteiro, Danielly D. Aguiar, Rhauany P. Guergolette, Cassia Thais B. . V. Zala, Ernane Torres Uchoa
Summary: Metabolic programming in rodents can be affected by litter size, leading to over or undernutrition in neonates. Changes in neonatal nutrition can affect the anorexigenic function of cholecystokinin (CCK) in adulthood. The study found that neonatal overnutrition impaired the anorexigenic response and neuron activation in the nucleus of solitary tract (NTS) and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) induced by CCK, while neonatal undernutrition did not disrupt these responses. This suggests that excess or poor nutrient supply during lactation can have divergent effects on the programming of CCK satiation signaling in adult rats.
BRAIN RESEARCH BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacqueline Ferreira Faustino-Barros, Ariane Mirela Saranzo Sant'Ana, Lara Cristina Dias, Adriana de Andrade Batista Murashima, Lilian Eslaine Costa Mendes da Silva, Marina Zilio Fantucci, Denny Marcos Garcia, Eduardo Melani Rocha
Summary: Diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism are prevalent diseases that can lead to dry eye. This study investigates the impact of these diseases on the lacrimal functional unit and finds that they have distinct effects on tear secretion and gene expression.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Marina Lanciotti Campanini, Joao Paulo Almeida, Clarissa Silva Martins, Margaret de Castro
Summary: Research over the past 20 years has provided important insights into the molecular pathogenesis of craniopharyngiomas. Different molecular differences between the adamantinomatous (ACP) and papillary (PCP) subtypes have been identified, revealing their distinct genetic profiles and signaling pathways. Mutations in CTNNB1 and BRAF genes are prevalent in ACP and PCP, respectively, leading to specific cellular changes. Understanding these pathways is crucial for the development of targeted therapies.
ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luciana da Costa Oliveira, Gustavo Paroschi Morais, Franciane Pereira de Oliveira, Milene Montavoni Mata, Allice Santos Cruz Veras, Alisson Luiz da Rocha, Lucila Leico Kagohara Elias, Giovana Rampazzo Teixeira, Camila de Moraes, Dennys E. Cintra, Eduardo R. Ropelle, Leandro P. de Moura, Jose R. Pauli, Ellen C. de Freitas, Rodrigo Rorato, Adelino Sanchez R. da Silva
Summary: Consuming a high-fat diet leads to hypothalamic inflammation and disrupts the leptin pathway, resulting in dysregulated hypothalamic neuronal activities and increased risk of obesity. Intermittent fasting and exercise training have been shown to effectively modulate hypothalamic inflammation and neuronal activity. However, it is unknown whether combining these interventions can better restore hypothalamic homeostasis in the presence of a high-fat diet.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITIONAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ana Luiza Wunderlich, Larissa Stopa, Andressa Busetti Martins, Camila Franciele de Souza, Erica Monteiro, Danielly Aguiar, Rhauany Guergolette, Polyana Shishido, Cassia Thais Zaia, Ernane Uchoa
Summary: Nutritional status during critical windows in early development can affect metabolic functions and immune responses in adulthood. This study investigated the long-term effects of post-natal over- and undernutrition on the anorexigenic effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its association with neuronal activation in the brainstem and hypothalamus of male rats. The results showed that neonatal overnutrition attenuated the anorexigenic effect of LPS and neuronal activation in the brainstem and hypothalamus, while undernutrition enhanced these effects.
NUTRITIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Mariana Peduti Halah, Ana Carolina Maia Teodozio, Davi Casale Aragon, Paula Conde lamparelli Elias, Margaret de Castro, Ayrton Custodio Moreira, Sonir Roberto Rauber Antonini
HORMONE RESEARCH IN PAEDIATRICS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ana Carolina Maia Teodozio, Mariana Peduti Halah, Davi Casale Aragon, Paula Lamparelli Elias, Margaret de Castro, Ayrton Custodio Moreira, Sonir Roberto Rauber Antonini
HORMONE RESEARCH IN PAEDIATRICS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ana C. Bueno, Rui M. P. da Silva, Monica F. Stecchini, Izilda A. Cardinalli, Thais Junqueira, Carlos A. Scrideli, Carlos A. F. Molina, Silvio Tucci, Fernanda B. Coeli-Lacchini, Ayrton C. Moreira, Leandra N. Z. Ramalho, Silvia R. Brandalise, Jose A. Yunes, Ricardo Z. N. Vencio, Margaret de Castro, Sonir R. Antonini
HORMONE RESEARCH IN PAEDIATRICS
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Farrah N. Madison, Verner P. Bingman, Tom Smulders, Christine R. Lattin
Summary: Although research on the avian hippocampus has been limited, it is crucial for understanding its evolution and changes over time. The avian hippocampus plays important roles in spatial cognition as well as regulating anxiety, approach-avoidance behavior, and stress responses. Future research should focus on elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms, including endocrinology, to resolve outstanding questions about avian hippocampal function and organization.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Judith A. H. Smit, Riet Vooijs, Peter Lindenburg, Alexander T. Baugh, Wouter Halfwerk
Summary: This study investigates the effects of urbanization on hormone levels in tungara frogs and found that urban frogs and forest frogs have different endocrine phenotypes. Exposure to urban noise and light pollution led to an increase in testosterone and a decrease in corticosterone in urban frogs, while forest frogs showed no endocrine response to sensory pollutants. These results suggest that urbanization can modulate hormone levels and influence behavior in frogs.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Hannah D. Fulenwider, Yangmiao Zhang, Andrey E. Ryabinin
Summary: Social hierarchies have significant effects on overall health of individuals in animal groups, particularly the lowest-ranking individuals. Tube test can be used to determine social rank in male and female mice, and the complex interactions between social rank, sex, environment, and testing length influence peptide levels.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2024)
