scholarly journals Prolactin Increases the Synthesis of 7α-Hydroxypregnenolone, a Key Factor for Induction of Locomotor Activity, in Breeding Male Newts

Endocrinology ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 151 (5) ◽  
pp. 2211-2222 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shogo Haraguchi ◽  
Teppei Koyama ◽  
Itaru Hasunuma ◽  
Hubert Vaudry ◽  
Kazuyoshi Tsutsui
Keyword(s):  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Seasonal Changes ◽  
Maximum Level ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Preoptic Nucleus ◽  
Steroidogenic Enzyme ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Dose Dependent Increase ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
The Brain

We recently found that the Japanese red-bellied newt, Cynops pyrrhogaster, actively produces 7α-hydroxypregnenolone, a previously undescribed amphibian neurosteroid. 7α-Hydroxypregnenolone stimulates locomotor activity of male newts. Locomotor activity of male newts increases during the breeding period as in other wild animals, but the molecular mechanism for such a change in locomotor activity is poorly understood. Here we show that the adenohypophyseal hormone prolactin (PRL) stimulates 7α-hydroxypregnenolone synthesis in the brain, thus increasing locomotor activity of breeding male newts. In this study, cytochrome P4507α (CYP7B), a steroidogenic enzyme catalyzing the formation of 7α-hydroxypregnenolone, was first identified to analyze seasonal changes in 7α-hydroxypregnenolone synthesis. Only males exhibited marked seasonal changes in 7α-hydroxypregnenolone synthesis and CYP7B expression in the brain, with a maximum level in the spring breeding period when locomotor activity of males increases. Subsequently we identified PRL as a key component of the mechanism regulating 7α-hydroxypregnenolone synthesis. Hypophysectomy decreased 7α-hydroxypregnenolone synthesis in the male brain, whereas administration of PRL but not gonadotropins to hypophysectomized males caused a dose-dependent increase in 7α-hydroxypregnenolone synthesis. To analyze the mode of PRL action, CYP7B and the receptor for PRL were localized in the male brain. PRL receptor was expressed in the neurons expressing CYP7B in the magnocellular preoptic nucleus. Thus, PRL appears to act directly on neurosteroidogenic magnocellular preoptic nucleus neurons to regulate 7α-hydroxypregnenolone synthesis, thus inducing seasonal locomotor changes in male newts. This is the first report describing the regulation of neurosteroidogenesis in the brain by an adenohypophyseal hormone in any vertebrate.

Dose-Dependent Effects of Meclofenamate on Peripheral Vasculature of Conscious Rabbits

1983 ◽  
Vol 64 (5) ◽  
pp. 471-474 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. A. Banks ◽  
L. J. Beilin ◽  
J. Soltys
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Cardiac Output ◽  
Organ Blood Flow ◽  
Hepatic Circulation ◽  
Peripheral Vasculature ◽  
Conscious Rabbits ◽  
Dose Dependent Increase ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Intravenous Sodium

1. Changes in systemic haemodynamics and organ blood flow were measured in conscious rabbits after various doses of intravenous sodium meclofenamate, an inhibitor of prostaglandin cyclo-oxygenase. 2. Meclofenamate had no effect on arterial pressure or cardiac output but caused a dose-dependent fall in renal blood flow. 3. Meclofenamate also reduced adrenal perfusion but, in contrast, caused a dose-dependent increase in blood flow to the brain, bronchial and hepatic circulation and to the testis. No effect was demonstrated on other organs studied. 4. The effect on the cerebral circulation was observed at the lowest dose of meclofenamate (0.75 mg/kg). Higher total doses were necessary for an effect on the renal and bronchial (3 mg/kg) and testicular and hepatic arteries (6 mg/kg). 5. The results suggest a variety of local vasomotor influences of renal and non-renal prostaglandins in conscious rabbits.

Ionotropic glutamate receptor activation increases intracellular calcium in prolactin-releasing cells of the adenohypophysis

2006 ◽  
Vol 291 (6) ◽  
pp. E1188-E1196 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederick P. Bellinger ◽  
Bradley K. Fox ◽  
Wing Yan Chan ◽  
Lori K. Davis ◽  
Marilou A. Andres ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intracellular Calcium ◽  
Anterior Pituitary ◽  
Receptor Activation ◽  
Nmda Receptor Antagonist ◽  
Pituitary Cells ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Dose Dependent Increase ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
The Brain

Endocrine cells of the anterior pituitary are controlled by the central nervous system through hormonal interactions and are not believed to receive direct synaptic connections from the brain. Studies suggest that some pituitary cells may be modulated by the neurotransmitter glutamate ( 5 , 16 ). We investigated prolactin (PRL)-releasing cells of the anterior pituitary of a euryhaline fish, the tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus), for the presence of possible glutamate receptors (GluRs). Fura-2 imaging addressed the ability of glutamate to increase intracellular calcium. We observed a dose-dependent increase in intracellular calcium with transient perfusion (1–2 min) of glutamate (10 nM to 1 mM) in two-thirds of imaged cells. This increase was attenuated by the ionotropic GluR antagonist kynurenic acid (0.5–1.0 mM). The increase was also blocked or attenuated by antagonists of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. The GluR agonist α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole propionic acid (AMPA; 100 μM) produced intracellular calcium increases that were reversibly blocked by the selective AMPA antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX). In contrast, the selective agonist N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA; 100 μM to 1 mM in magnesium-free solution with 10 μM glycine) had no effect on intracellular calcium. Radioimmunoassays demonstrated that glutamate stimulated PRL release. CNQX but not the NMDA receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid blocked this release. Antibodies for mammalian AMPA- and NMDA-type GluR produced a similar punctate immunoreactivity in the periphery of PRL cells. However, the NMDA antibody recognized a protein of a different molecular mass in PRL cells compared with brain cells. These results clearly indicate the presence of GluRs on tilapia PRL cells that can stimulate PRL release.

Angiotensin II attenuates baroreflexes at nucleus tractus solitarius of rats

1986 ◽  
Vol 250 (2) ◽  
pp. R193-R198 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Casto ◽  
M. I. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Angiotensin Ii ◽  
Baroreflex Sensitivity ◽  
Nucleus Tractus Solitarius ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Spontaneously Hypertensive ◽  
Baroreceptor Reflexes ◽  
Dose Dependent Increase ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
The Brain

Microinjection of angiotensin II (ANG II) into the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) has been shown to produce a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure and heart rate. We have tested the effect of subpressor infusions of ANG II (10 ng . kg-1 . min-1) in the NTS on reflex bradycardia after intravenous administration of the vasoconstrictor phenylephrine (1-12 micrograms) in normotensive urethan-anesthetized rats. ANG II within the brain is thought to contribute to the decreased baroreflex sensitivity in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The sensitivity of the baroreflex was significantly decreased by the infusion of ANG II (1.01 +/- 0.08) compared with control (2.41 +/- 0.51) in the normotensive animals. Baroreflex sensitivity was significantly decreased in SHR (0.40 +/- 0.21) compared with normotensive animals. We conclude that ANG II within the NTS can inhibit the function of baroreceptor reflexes in normotensive animals, suggesting that the endogenous peptide may perform an inhibitory role in the baroreflex arc, and this is further evidence that central ANG II is involved in blood pressure of SHR.

scholarly journals Conditioned increase of locomotor activity induced by haloperidol

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luis G. De la Casa ◽  
Lucía Carcel ◽  
Juan C. Ruiz-Salas ◽  
Lucía Vicente ◽  
Auxiliadora Mena
Keyword(s):  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Conditioned Stimulus ◽  
Classical Conditioning ◽  
Dopamine Antagonist ◽  
Contextual Cues ◽  
Dopaminergic Activity ◽  
Conditioning Experiment ◽  
D2 Antagonist ◽  
Dose Dependent Increase ◽  
Dose Dependent

AbstractDopamine antagonist drugs have profound effects on locomotor activity. In particular, the administration of the D2 antagonist haloperidol produces a state that is similar to catalepsy. In order to confirm whether the modulation of the dopaminergic activity produced by haloperidol can act as an unconditioned stimulus, we carried out two experiments in which the administration of haloperidol was repeatedly paired with the presence of distinctive contextual cues that served as a Conditioned Stimulus. Paradoxically, the results revealed a dose-dependent increase in locomotor activity following conditioning with dopamine antagonist (Experiments 1) that was susceptible of extinction when the conditioned stimulus was presented repeatedly by itself after conditioning (Experiment 2). These data are interpreted from an associative perspective, considering them as a result of a classical conditioning process.

scholarly journals Acute Stress Increases the Synthesis of 7α-Hydroxypregnenolone, a New Key Neurosteroid Stimulating Locomotor Activity, through Corticosterone Action in Newts

Endocrinology ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (2) ◽  
pp. 794-805 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shogo Haraguchi ◽  
Teppei Koyama ◽  
Itaru Hasunuma ◽  
Shin-ichiro Okuyama ◽  
Takayoshi Ubuka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Locomotor Activity ◽  
Restraint Stress ◽  
Acute Stress ◽  
Behavioral Responses ◽  
Biological Action ◽  
Central Administration ◽  
Steroidogenic Enzyme ◽  
Dorsomedial Hypothalamus ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Double Immunolabeling

7α-Hydroxypregnenolone (7α-OH PREG) is a newly identified bioactive neurosteroid stimulating locomotor activity in the brain of newt, a wild animal, which serves as an excellent model to investigate the biosynthesis and biological action of neurosteroids. Here, we show that acute stress increases 7α-OH PREG synthesis in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) through corticosterone (CORT) action in newts. A 30-min restraint stress increased 7α-OH PREG synthesis in the brain tissue concomitant with the increase in plasma CORT concentrations. A 30-min restraint stress also increased the expression of cytochrome P4507α (CYP7B), the steroidogenic enzyme of 7α-OH PREG formation, in the DMH. Decreasing plasma CORT concentrations by hypophysectomy or trilostane administration decreased 7α-OH PREG synthesis in the diencephalon, whereas administration of CORT to these animals increased 7α-OH PREG synthesis. Glucocorticoid receptor was present in DMH neurons expressing CYP7B. Thus, CORT appears to act directly on DMH neurons to increase 7α-OH PREG synthesis. We further investigated the biological action of 7α-OH PREG in the brain under stress. A 30-min restraint stress or central administration of 7α-OH PREG increased serotonin concentrations in the diencephalon. Double immunolabeling further showed colocalization of CYP7B and serotonin in the DMH. These results indicate that acute stress increases the synthesis of 7α-OH PREG via CORT action in the DMH, and 7α-OH PREG activates serotonergic neurons in the DMH that may coordinate behavioral responses to stress. This is the first demonstration of neurosteroid biosynthesis regulated by peripheral steroid hormone and of neurosteroid action in the brain under stress in any vertebrate class.

Increased Expression of u-PA and u-PAR on Monocytes by LDL and Lp(a) Lipoproteins – Consequences for Plasmin Generation and Monocyte Adhesion

1999 ◽  
Vol 81 (04) ◽  
pp. 594-560 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florence Ganné ◽  
Marc Vasse ◽  
Jean-Louis Beaudeu ◽  
Jacqueline Peynet ◽  
Arnaud François ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fold Increase ◽  
Surface Expression ◽  
Cell Surface Expression ◽  
Atheromatous Plaque ◽  
Monocyte Adhesion ◽  
Blood Monocytes ◽  
Proteolytic Cascade ◽  
Ecm Degradation ◽  
Dose Dependent Increase ◽  
Dose Dependent

SummaryMonocyte-derived foam cells figure prominently in rupture-prone regions of atherosclerotic plaque. As urokinase/urokinase-receptor (u-PA/u-PAR) is the trigger of a proteolytic cascade responsible for ECM degradation, we have examined the effect of atherogenic lipoproteins on monocyte surface expression of u-PAR and u-PA. Peripheral blood monocytes, isolated from 10 healthy volunteers, were incubated with 10 to 200 µg/ml of native or oxidised (ox-) atherogenous lipoproteins for 18 h and cell surface expression of u-PA and u-PAR was analysed by flow cytometry. Both LDL and Lp(a) induced a dose-dependent increase in u-PA (1.6-fold increase with 200 μg/ml of ox-LDL) and u-PAR [1.7-fold increase with 200 μg/ml of ox-Lp(a)]. There is a great variability of the response among the donors, some of them remaining non-responders (absence of increase of u-PA or u-PAR) even at 200 μg/ml of lipoproteins. In positive responders, enhanced u-PA/u-PAR is associated with a significant increase of plasmin generation (1.9-fold increase with 200 μg/ml of ox-LDL), as determined by an amidolytic assay. Furthermore, monocyte adhesion to vitronectin and fibrinogen was significantly enhanced by the lipoproteins [respectively 2-fold and 1.7-fold increase with 200 μg/ml of ox-Lp(a)], due to the increase of u-PAR and ICAM-1, which are receptors for vitronectin and fibrinogen. These data suggest that atherogenous lipoproteins could contribute to the development of atheromatous plaque by increasing monocyte adhesion and trigger plaque weakening by inducing ECM degradation.

LH-RH TEST IN 100 PATIENTS WITH OVARIAN INSUFFICIENCY

1974 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 428-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.-J. Czygan ◽  
M. Breckwoldt ◽  
F. Lehmann ◽  
R. Langefeld ◽  
G. Bettendorf
Keyword(s):  
Intravenous Injection ◽  
Functional State ◽  
Clear Correlation ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Ovarian Insufficiency ◽  
Lh Rh ◽  
Dose Dependent Increase ◽  
Dose Dependent

ABSTRACT The effect of synthetic LH-RH was studied in 100 patients with various types of ovarian insufficiency by following up the FSH- and LH-levels in plasma. LH-RH was administered in doses of 12.5, 25 and 100 μg as a rapid intravenous injection. The patients were classified according to the endocrine state of the pituitary as evidenced by the urinary gonadotrophin levels. A clear correlation between the functional state of the pituitary and its responsiveness to exogenous LH-RH was demonstrated. Most of the patients with undetectable low urinary gonadotrophin levels failed to respond. The majority of patients with gonadotrophin excretion in the normal range and those with elevated levels reacted with a dose dependent increase in circulating LH. The amount of liberated FSH however was related to the injected dose only in patients with high gonadotrophic excretion. The present study indicates that synthetic LH-RH provides a useful tool in the evaluation of the pitutiary function particularly in patients with low and with undetectable gonadotrophin excretion. The data presented in this paper also demonstrate that the functional state of the pituitary is clearly reflected by the urinary gonadotrophin levels.

Evaluation of the Laxative activity of Saponin Enriched Hydroethanolic Pericarp extract of Sapindus emarginatus in Animal models

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lalitha Vivekanandan ◽  
Roxanne Gekonge Mandere ◽  
Sivakumar Thangavel
Keyword(s):  
Animal Models ◽  
Gravimetric Analysis ◽  
Triterpene Saponins ◽  
Laxative Effect ◽  
Saponin Content ◽  
The Family ◽  
Dose Dependent Increase ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
Efficacious Drug

Background: Constipation is a common, predominant, chronic gastrointestinal functional disorder. The drugs available to treat constipation are limited because of their side effects in long term use. So we need of efficacious drug to treat constipation. Sapindus emarginatus Vahl belongs to the family Sapindaceae, commonly known as soapnut. Traditionally used for the antipruritic, antifertility, constipation, and anti-inflammatory agents. Objective: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the laxative activity of hydroethanolic pericarp extract of Sapindus emarginatus (HESE) in animal models. Methods: The saponin content in extract was measured by gravimetric analysis. The laxative activity of hydroethanolic pericarp extract of Sapindus emarginatus is evaluated by the weight of feces matter, charcoal meal hyperperistalsis test, and loperamide induced constipation model. Results: The saponin content of the soapnut pericarp was 13.48 % and the extract was found to be 11.92 %. The results obtained from these models showed a significant dose-dependent increase in fecal weight, peristalsis index, and moisture content compared to control animals. Conclusion: The present study concluded that the oral administration of HESE showed a significant laxative activity by using different animal models. The presence of triterpene saponins is responsible for this activity. Further studies are needed to confirm their mechanism behind the laxative effect. The administration of extract was found to be a valid candidate in constipation therapy.

Serotonin elicits long-lasting enhancement of rhythmic respiratory activity in turtle brain stems in vitro

2001 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 2703-2712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen M. Johnson ◽  
Julia E. R. Wilkerson ◽  
Daniel R. Henderson ◽  
Michael R. Wenninger ◽  
Gordon S. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Brain Stem ◽  
Respiratory Activity ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Frequency Increase ◽  
Burst Frequency ◽  
Bath Application ◽  
Burst Amplitude ◽  
Dose Dependent ◽  
The Brain

Brain stem preparations from adult turtles were used to determine how bath-applied serotonin (5-HT) alters respiration-related hypoglossal activity in a mature vertebrate. 5-HT (5–20 μM) reversibly decreased integrated burst amplitude by ∼45% ( P < 0.05); burst frequency decreased in a dose-dependent manner with 20 μM abolishing bursts in 9 of 13 preparations ( P < 0.05). These 5-HT-dependent effects were mimicked by application of a 5-HT1A agonist, but not a 5-HT1B agonist, and were abolished by the broad-spectrum 5-HT antagonist, methiothepin. During 5-HT (20 μM) washout, frequency rebounded to levels above the original baseline for 40 min ( P < 0.05) and remained above baseline for 2 h. A 5-HT3 antagonist (tropesitron) blocked the post-5-HT rebound and persistent frequency increase. A 5-HT3 agonist (phenylbiguanide) increased frequency during and after bath application ( P < 0.05). When phenylbiguanide was applied to the brain stem of brain stem/spinal cord preparations, there was a persistent frequency increase ( P < 0.05), but neither spinal-expiratory nor -inspiratory burst amplitude were altered. The 5-HT3receptor-dependent persistent frequency increase represents a unique model of plasticity in vertebrate rhythm generation.

scholarly journals Millimeter (MM) wave and microwave frequency radiation produce deeply penetrating effects: the biology and the physics

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin L. Pall
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Electric Fields ◽  
Cardiac Activity ◽  
Maximum Level ◽  
Voltage Sensor ◽  
The Body ◽  
Time Varying ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Mm Waves

Abstract Millimeter wave (MM-wave) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are predicted to not produce penetrating effects in the body. The electric but not magnetic part of MM-EMFs are almost completely absorbed within the outer 1 mm of the body. Rodents are reported to have penetrating MM-wave impacts on the brain, the myocardium, liver, kidney and bone marrow. MM-waves produce electromagnetic sensitivity-like changes in rodent, frog and skate tissues. In humans, MM-waves have penetrating effects including impacts on the brain, producing EEG changes and other neurological/neuropsychiatric changes, increases in apparent electromagnetic hypersensitivity and produce changes on ulcers and cardiac activity. This review focuses on several issues required to understand penetrating effects of MM-waves and microwaves: 1. Electronically generated EMFs are coherent, producing much higher electrical and magnetic forces then do natural incoherent EMFs. 2. The fixed relationship between electrical and magnetic fields found in EMFs in a vacuum or highly permeable medium such as air, predicted by Maxwell’s equations, breaks down in other materials. Specifically, MM-wave electrical fields are almost completely absorbed in the outer 1 mm of the body due to the high dielectric constant of biological aqueous phases. However, the magnetic fields are very highly penetrating. 3. Time-varying magnetic fields have central roles in producing highly penetrating effects. The primary mechanism of EMF action is voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) activation with the EMFs acting via their forces on the voltage sensor, rather than by depolarization of the plasma membrane. Two distinct mechanisms, an indirect and a direct mechanism, are consistent with and predicted by the physics, to explain penetrating MM-wave VGCC activation via the voltage sensor. Time-varying coherent magnetic fields, as predicted by the Maxwell–Faraday version of Faraday’s law of induction, can put forces on ions dissolved in aqueous phases deep within the body, regenerating coherent electric fields which activate the VGCC voltage sensor. In addition, time-varying magnetic fields can directly put forces on the 20 charges in the VGCC voltage sensor. There are three very important findings here which are rarely recognized in the EMF scientific literature: coherence of electronically generated EMFs; the key role of time-varying magnetic fields in generating highly penetrating effects; the key role of both modulating and pure EMF pulses in greatly increasing very short term high level time-variation of magnetic and electric fields. It is probable that genuine safety guidelines must keep nanosecond timescale-variation of coherent electric and magnetic fields below some maximum level in order to produce genuine safety. These findings have important implications with regard to 5G radiation.

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