Maternal glucocorticoid treatment programs HPA regulation in adult offspring: sex-specific effects

2001 ◽  
Vol 280 (5) ◽  
pp. E729-E739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Li Liu ◽  
Antai Li ◽  
Stephen G. Matthews
Keyword(s):  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
In Utero ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Male Offspring ◽  
Treatment Programs ◽  
Adult Offspring ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Glucocorticoid Treatment ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Pregnant guinea pigs were treated with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) or vehicle on days 40–41, days 50–51, and days 60–61 of gestation. Adult offspring were split into two groups. Group 1 guinea pigs were catheterized, and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis was tested in basal and activated states. Group 2 guinea pigs were euthanized with no further manipulation. In male offspring, prenatal dexamethasone exposure resulted in a significant reduction in brain-to-body weight ratio. Dexamethasone-exposed male offspring exhibited reduced basal and activated plasma cortisol levels, which was associated with elevated hippocampal mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) mRNA and increased plasma testosterone. In females exposed to glucocorticoids in utero, basal and stimulated plasma cortisol levels were higher in the follicular and early luteal phases of the cycle, but this effect was reversed in the late luteal phase, indicating a significant interaction of sex steroids. In female offspring (at estrus), glucocorticoid receptor mRNA levels were lower in the paraventricular nucleus and pars distalis but higher in the hippocampus in animals exposed to dexamethasone in utero. Hippocampal MR mRNA levels were significantly lower (∼50%) than in controls. In conclusion, repeated antenatal glucocorticoid treatment programs HPA function in a sex-specific manner, and these changes are associated with modification of corticosteroid receptor expression in the adult brain and pituitary.

scholarly journals Postnatal Smoke Exposure Further Increases the Hepatic Nicotine Metabolism in Prenatally Smoke Exposed Male Offspring and Is Linked with Aberrant Cyp2a5 Methylation

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 164
Author(s):  
Khosbayar Lkhagvadorj ◽  
Zhijun Zeng ◽  
Karolin F. Meyer ◽  
Laura P. Verweij ◽  
Wierd Kooistra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Nicotine Dependence ◽  
Susceptibility Gene ◽  
Smoke Exposure ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Male Offspring ◽  
Adult Offspring ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Nicotine Metabolism

Prenatal smoke exposure (PreSE) is a risk factor for nicotine dependence, which is further enhanced by postnatal smoke exposure (PostSE). One susceptibility gene to nicotine dependence is Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2A6, an enzyme responsible for the conversion of nicotine to cotinine in the liver. Higher CYP2A6 activity is associated with nicotine dependence and could be regulated through DNA methylation. In this study we investigated whether PostSE further impaired PreSE-induced effects on nicotine metabolism, along with Cyp2a5, orthologue of CYP2A6, mRNA expression and DNA methylation. Using a mouse model where prenatally smoke-exposed adult offspring were exposed to cigarette smoke for 3 months, enzyme activity, mRNA levels, and promoter methylation of hepatic Cyp2a5 were evaluated. We found that in male offspring, PostSE increased PreSE-induced cotinine levels and Cyp2a5 mRNA expression. In addition, both PostSE and PreSE changed Cyp2a5 DNA methylation in male groups. PreSE however decreased cotinine levels whereas it had no effect on Cyp2a5 mRNA expression or methylation. These adverse outcomes of PreSE and PostSE were most prominent in males. When considered in the context of the human health aspects, the combined effect of prenatal and adolescent smoke exposure could lead to an accelerated risk for nicotine dependence later in life.

BILATERAL ADRENALECTOMY OF LAMBS IN UTERO: EFFECTS ON MATERNAL HORMONE LEVELS AT INDUCED PARTURITION

1976 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 433-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. P. F. FLINT ◽  
ANNE B. M. ANDERSON ◽  
JANE D. GOODSON ◽  
PENELOPE A. STEELE ◽  
A. C. TURNBULL
Keyword(s):  
Adrenal Cortex ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
In Utero ◽  
Bilateral Adrenalectomy ◽  
Hormonal Changes ◽  
Hormone Levels ◽  
Oestrone Sulphate ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Neonatal Lambs ◽  
Adrenal Secretion

SUMMARY Progesterone, 17α,20α-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one, androstenedione, total unconjugated oestrogen and oestrone sulphate have been measured by radioimmunoassays in maternal utero-ovarian venous, maternal peripheral venous and/or foetal posterior vena caval plasma from six sheep bearing bilaterally adrenalectomized lambs, in which premature parturition was induced by administration of glucocorticoid. Three of the ewes were ovariectomized, and in one of these three animals the foetal testes were also excised, at the time of foetal adrenalectomy. Adrenalectomy was judged to be complete on the basis of plasma cortisol levels in the neonatal lambs, and by examination of the site of ablation at necropsy. In all cases foetal administration of glucocorticoid led to the onset of labour, and lambing, and in all animals the hormonal changes preceding parturition were indistinguishable (either qualitatively or quantitatively) from the changes observed in animals carrying intact lambs. Since therapy with glucocorticoid alone successfully compensates for ablation of the foetal adrenal cortex, it is suggested that glucocorticoid is the only adrenal product required to cause parturition, and that foetal adrenal secretion of androgens may be unnecessary.

scholarly journals Stress elevates corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and CRF-binding protein mRNA levels in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

2005 ◽  
Vol 186 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
C Doyon ◽  
V L Trudeau ◽  
T W Moon
Keyword(s):  
Rainbow Trout ◽  
Oncorhynchus Mykiss ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Preoptic Area ◽  
Binding Protein ◽  
Corticotropin Releasing Factor ◽  
Stress Axis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Cortisol Levels

The objectives of this study were to characterize rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)-binding protein (CRF-BP) cDNA and to examine the variations in CRF-BP and CRF mRNA levels in response to different intensities of stress. Trout were physically disturbed by a single or three consecutive periods of chasing until exhaustion followed by 2 h of recovery. The pituitary CRF-BP and preoptic area CRF1 mRNA contents were significantly increased only after repeated chasing events. Physical disturbance increased plasma cortisol levels with the largest change occurring in the group of trout that were exposed to repeated chasing events. Trout were also individually isolated in 120 l tanks or confined to 1.5 l boxes for 4, 24 or 72 h. CRF-BP mRNA levels in confined fish were greater than those of isolated fish at 72 h although there were no differences compared with the control group. CRF1 mRNA levels in the preoptic area were greater and remained elevated for a longer period in confined compared with isolated trout. Isolation led to a transient increase in plasma cortisol levels, but the higher cortisol values developed in the confined fish suggest that this treatment was more stressful than isolation. These results demonstrate that the intensity and duration of stress are important factors regulating CRF and CRF-BP mRNA levels in rainbow trout. We hypothesize that pituitary CRF-BP is involved in regulating the activity of the stress axis, possibly by reducing access to CRF1 receptors in the corticotropes.

ROLE OF TESTOSTERONE IN THE SEXUAL DIMORPHISM OF ADRENAL ACTIVITY AT PUBERTY IN THE GUINEA-PIG

1980 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-461 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. EL HANI ◽  
M. DALLE ◽  
P. DELOST
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dimorphism ◽  
Guinea Pig ◽  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Metabolic Clearance ◽  
Response To Stress ◽  
Adrenal Response ◽  
Cortisol Levels

Sexual dimorphism in adrenal activity appeared during the pubertal period of the guinea-pig with plasma levels and binding of cortisol lower in male guinea-pigs compared with female, and metabolic clearance rate (MCR) of cortisol higher in male than in female animals. Gonadectomy of female guinea-pigs did not change the values of the parameters regulating adrenal activity. Castration of male guinea-pigs caused a rise in plasma cortisol levels by increasing the binding capacity of transcortin for cortisol and by decreasing cortisol MCR. Treatment of females with testosterone from day 24 produced a drop on day 50 in plasma cortisol levels following a decreased binding capacity of transcortin for cortisol and at the same time as cortisol MCR increased. Furthermore, the adrenal response to stress was higher in castrated than in control males and lower in testosterone-treated females compared with control females. Testosterone appeared to be the hormone responsible for sexual dimorphism in adrenal activity in the pubertal guinea-pig.

PLASMA AND ADRENAL CORTISOL CONCENTRATIONS IN FOETAL, NEWBORN AND MOTHER GUINEA-PIGS DURING THE PERINATAL PERIOD

1976 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 207-214 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. DALLE ◽  
P. DELOST
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Glucose ◽  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Plasma Cortisol ◽  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Liver Glycogen ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Cortisol Levels ◽  
Significant Change

SUMMARY Concentrations of cortisol, corticosterone and cortisone in the plasma and adrenal glands, liver glycogen and plasma glucose of foetal, newborn and mother guinea-pigs were estimated during the last 6 days of pregnancy and throughout the first 24 h post partum. At the same time progesterone was measured in the plasma of the mother. During the prepartum rise in foetal plasma cortisol levels and liver glycogen, no significant change in the foetal adrenal cortisol content was observed. The plasma and adrenal cortisol concentrations of the mother were much higher than those observed in the foetus and increased significantly before parturition. In the mother as in the foetus, cortisone and corticosterone represent only a small percentage of corticosteroids compared with cortisol. These results indicate that the autonomous capacity of foetal adrenals, inhibited by maternal secretions before term, appears suddenly at birth.

Alterations in Ultrastructure of Skeletal Muscle From Newborn Guinea Pigs Following in Utero Exposure to Ethanol

1985 ◽  
Vol 43 ◽  
pp. 686-687
Author(s):  
C. Uphoff ◽  
C. Nyquist-Battie ◽  
T.B. Cole
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Guinea Pigs ◽  
Muscle Development ◽  
In Utero ◽  
Ethanol Exposure ◽  
Prenatally Exposed ◽  
Chronic Alcoholic ◽  
Test Kit ◽  
Food And Water Intake ◽  
Post Intubation

Ultrastructural alterations of skeletal muscle have been observed in adult chronic alcoholic patients. However, no such study has been performed on individuals prenatally exposed to ethanol. In order to determine if ethanol exposure in utero in the latter stages of muscle development was deleterious, skeletal muscle was obtained from newborn guinea pigs treated in the following manner. Six Hartly strain pregnant guinea pigs were randomly assigned to either the ethanol or the pair-intubated groups. Twice daily the 3 ethanol-treated animals were intubated with Ensure (Ross Laboratories) liquid diet containing 30% ethanol (6g/Kg pre-pregnant body weight per day) from day 35 of gestation until parturition at day 70±1 day. Serum ethanol levels were determined at 1 hour post-intubation by the Sigma alcohol test kit. For pair-intubation the Ensure diet contained sucrose substituted isocalorically for ethanol. Both food and water intake were monitored.

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