scholarly journals Effects of Castration and Chronic Steroid Treatments on Hypothalamic Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Content and Pituitary Gonadotropins in Male Wild-Type and Estrogen Receptor-α Knockout Mice

Endocrinology ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 139 (10) ◽  
pp. 4092-4101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan Lindzey ◽  
William C. Wetsel ◽  
John F. Couse ◽  
Tammy Stoker ◽  
Ralph Cooper ◽  
...  

Abstract Testicular androgens are integral components of the hormonal feedback loops that regulate circulating levels of LH and FSH. The sites of feedback include hypothalamic areas regulating GnRH neurons and pituitary gonadotropes. To better define the roles of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor-α (ERα), and estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) in mediating feedback effects of sex steroids on reproductive neuroendocrine function, we have determined the effects of castration and steroid replacement therapy on hypothalamic GnRH content, pituitary LHβ and FSHβ messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, and serum gonadotropins in male wild-type (WT) and estrogen receptor-α knockout (ERKO) mice. Hypothalami from intact WT and ERKO males contained similar amounts of GnRH, whereas castration significantly reduced GnRH contents in both genotypes. Replacement therapy with estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) restored hypothalamic GnRH content in castrated (CAST) WT mice; only the androgens were effective in CAST ERKOs. Analyses of pituitary function revealed that LHβ mRNA and serum LH levels in intact ERKOs were 2-fold higher than those in intact WT males. Castration increased levels of LHβ mRNA (1.5- to 2-fold) and serum LH (4- to 5-fold) in both genotypes. Both E2 and T treatments significantly suppressed LHβ mRNA and serum LH levels in CAST WT males. However, E2 was completely ineffective, and T was only partially effective in suppressing these two indexes in the CAST ERKO males. DHT treatments stimulated a 50% increase in LHβ mRNA and serum LH levels in WT males, whereas serum LH was significantly suppressed in DHT-treated ERKO males. Although the pituitaries from intact ERKO males contained similar amounts of FSHβ mRNA, serum FSH levels were 20% higher than those in the intact WT males. Castration increased FSHβ mRNA levels only in WT males, but significantly increased serum FSH levels in both genotypes. Both E2 and T treatments significantly suppressed serum FSH in CAST WT males, whereas only E2 suppressed FSHβ mRNA. DHT treatments of CAST WT mice stimulated a small increase in serum FSH, but failed to alter FSHβ mRNA levels. None of the steroid treatments exerted any significant effect on FSHβ mRNA or serum FSH levels in CAST ERKOs. These data suggest that hypothalamic GnRH contents can be maintained solely through AR signaling pathways. However, normal regulation of gonadotrope function requires aromatization of T and activation of ERα signaling pathways in the gonadotrope. In addition, serum FSH levels in male ERKOs appear to be regulated largely by nonsteroidal testicular factors such as inhibin. Finally, these data suggest that hypothalamic ERβ may not be involved in mediating the negative feedback effects of T on serum LH and FSH in male mice.

2003 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie K. Lindberg ◽  
Sofia Movérare ◽  
Stanko Skrtic ◽  
Hui Gao ◽  
Karin Dahlman-Wright ◽  
...  

Abstract Estrogen is of importance for the regulation of adult bone metabolism. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) in vivo on global estrogen-regulated transcriptional activity in bone. The effect of estrogen in bone of ovariectomized mice was determined using microarray analysis including 9400 genes. Most of the genes (95% = 240 genes) that were increased by estrogen in wild-type (WT) mice were also increased by estrogen in ERβ-inactivated mice. Interestingly, the average stimulatory effect of estrogen on the mRNA levels of these genes was 85% higher in ERβ-inactivated than in WT mice, demonstrating that ERβ reduces estrogen receptor-α (ERα)-regulated gene transcription in bone. The average stimulatory effect of estrogen on estrogen-regulated bone genes in ERα-inactivated mice was intermediate between that seen in WT and ERαβ double-inactivated mice. Thus, ERβ inhibits ERα-mediated gene transcription in the presence of ERα, whereas, in the absence of ERα, it can partially replace ERα. In conclusion, our in vivo data indicate that an important physiological role of ERβ is to modulate ERα-mediated gene transcription supporting a “Ying Yang” relationship between ERα and ERβ in mice.


Endocrinology ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 141 (5) ◽  
pp. 1711-1717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diane M. Duffy ◽  
Charles L. Chaffin ◽  
Richard L. Stouffer

Abstract There are conflicting reports on the presence or absence of estrogen receptor (ER) in the primate corpus luteum, and the discovery of a second type of estrogen receptor, ERβ, adds an additional level of complexity. To reevaluate ER expression in the primate luteal tissue, we used semiquantitative RT-PCR based assays and Western blotting to assess ERα and β messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in corpora lutea (n = 3/stage) obtained from adult female rhesus monkeys at early (days 3–5), mid (days 6–8), mid-late (days 10–12), and late (days 14–16) luteal phase of the natural menstrual cycle. ERα mRNA levels did not vary across the stages of the luteal phase, and ERα protein was not consistently detected in luteal tissues. However, ERβ mRNA and protein levels were detectable in early and mid luteal phases and increased (P < 0.05) to peak levels at mid-late luteal phase before declining by late luteal phase. To determine if ERβ mRNA expression in the corpus luteum is regulated by LH, monkeys received the GnRH antagonist antide either alone or with 3 daily injections of LH to simulate pulsatile LH release. Treatment with antide alone or concomitant LH administration did not alter luteal ERβ mRNA levels. When monkeys also received the 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor trilostane to reduce luteal progesterone production, luteal ERβ mRNA levels were 3-fold higher (P < 0.05) than in monkeys receiving antide + LH only. Replacement of progestin activity with R5020 reduced luteal ERβ mRNA levels to those seen in animals receiving antide + LH. Thus, there is dynamic ERβ expression in the primate corpus luteum during the menstrual cycle, consistent with a role for estrogen in the regulation of primate luteal function and life span via a receptor (ERβ)-mediated pathway. Increased ERβ expression in the progestin-depleted corpus luteum during LH exposure suggests that the relative progestin deprivation experienced by the corpus luteum between LH pulses may enhance luteal sensitivity to estrogens during the late luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.


Biochemistry ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 43 (21) ◽  
pp. 6698-6708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian J. Philips ◽  
Pete J. Ansell ◽  
Leslie G. Newton ◽  
Nobuhiro Harada ◽  
Shin-Ichiro Honda ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Badr Khbouz ◽  
François Lallemand ◽  
Pascal Rowart ◽  
Laurence Poma ◽  
Agnès Noel ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Aims Whole-body irradiation has been suggested to induce renal ischemic preconditioning (RIP) in rodent models, possibly via neo-angiogenesis. First, we comprehensively investigate the pathways involved in kidney-centered irradiation. Next, we assess the functional and structural impact of kidney-centered irradiation applied before ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Finally, we test whether Sunitinib-mediated inhibition of the neo-angiogenesis prevents irradiation-associated RIP. Method Experiment 1: Unilateral irradiation of the left kidney (8.56 Gy) was performed in male 10-week-old wild-type C57bl/6 mice (n=10). One month later, total kidney RNA was extracted from irradiated and control (n=5) mice for comparative high-throughput RNA-Seq (using BaseSpace Sequence Hub Illumina). Functional enrichment analysis was performed using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Experiment 2: Two x-ray beams (225Kv, 13mA) specifically targeted both kidneys for a total dose of 8.56Gy. The right kidneys were removed and harvested, and the left kidneys undergo 30-minute ischemia followed by 48-hour reperfusion (n=8) at Days 7-14-21-28 post irradiation. Experiment 3: Following the same protocol of renal I/R at Day14, 3 groups of male 10-week-old wild-type C57bl/6 mice were compared (n=8 per group): 1/ bilateral pre-irradiation; 2/ bilateral pre-irradiation and gavage with Sunitinib from Day2 to Day13; 3/ control group without irradiation or gavage. Results Experiment 1: Comparative transcriptomics showed a significant up-regulation of various signaling pathways, including angiogenesis (HMOX1) and stress response (HSPA1A, HSPA1B). Expressions of angiogenesis markers (CD31, TGFb1, HMOX1) showed an increase at both mRNA (real-time qPCR) and protein (immuno-staining) levels in irradiated kidneys compared to controls (p<0.01). Experiment 2: Following I/R, the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) levels were significantly lower in the irradiated animals compared to controls: (BUN: 86.2±6.8 vs. 454.5±27.2mg/dl; SCr: 0.1±0.01 vs. 1.7±0.2mg/dl, p<0.01). The renal infiltration by CD11b-positive cells (187±32 vs. 477±20/mm²) and F4-80 macrophages (110±22 vs. 212±25/mm²) was significantly reduced in the irradiated group. The real-time qPCR mRNA levels of the angiogenic markers, TGFb1 and CD31, were significantly increased in the irradiated group compared to controls (p<0,01). The CD31-immunostating (quantified by FiJi) was increased in irradiated mice compared to controls (p<0.01). Experiment 3: One-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test showed that, following I/R, the serum levels of BUN and SCr were lower in irradiated group compared to controls (BUN: 106.1±33.6 vs. 352.2±54.3mg/dl; SCr: 0.3±0.13 vs. 1±0.2mg/dl), and in irradiated group compared to the irradiated-exposed group to Sunitinib (BUN: 106.1±33.6 vs. 408.4±54.9mg/dl; SCr: 0.3±0.12 vs. 1.5±0.3mg/dl; p<0.01). No difference was observed between the irradiated-exposed mice to Sunitinib and the controls. Conclusion Renal irradiation induces the activation of signaling pathways involved in angiogenesis in mice. Renal pre-irradiation leads to RIP, with preserved renal function and attenuated inflammation post I/R. Exposure to the anti-angiogenic drug Sunitinib post-irradiation prevents the irradiation-induced RIP.


Author(s):  
Emmanuel Guivarc'h ◽  
Julie Favre ◽  
Anne‐Laure Guihot ◽  
Emilie Vessières ◽  
Linda Grimaud ◽  
...  

Background The cardiovascular protective effects of estrogens in premenopausal women depend mainly on estrogen receptor α (ERα). ERα activates nuclear gene transcription regulation and membrane‐initiated signaling. The latter plays a key role in estrogen‐dependent activation of endothelial NO synthase. The goal of the present work was to determine the respective roles of the 2 ERα activities in endothelial function and cardiac and kidney damage in young and old female mice with hypertension, which is a major risk factor in postmenopausal women. Methods and Results Five‐ and 18‐month‐old female mice lacking either ERα (ERα −/− ), the nuclear activating function AF2 of ERα (AF2°), or membrane‐located ERα (C451A) were treated with angiotensin II (0.5 mg/kg per day) for 1 month. Systolic blood pressure, left ventricle weight, vascular reactivity, and kidney function were then assessed. Angiotensin II increased systolic blood pressure, ventricle weight, and vascular contractility in ERα −/− and AF2° mice more than in wild‐type and C451A mice, independent of age. In both the aorta and mesenteric resistance arteries, angiotensin II and aging reduced endothelium‐dependent relaxation in all groups, but this effect was more pronounced in ERα −/− and AF2° than in the wild‐type and C451A mice. Kidney inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as blood urea and creatinine levels, were also more pronounced in old hypertensive ERα −/− and AF2° than in old hypertensive wild‐type and C451A mice. Conclusions The nuclear ERα‐AF2 dependent function attenuates angiotensin II–dependent hypertension and protects target organs in aging mice, whereas membrane ERα signaling does not seem to play a role.


2007 ◽  
Vol 292 (6) ◽  
pp. C2103-C2111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Takao Suzuki ◽  
Tomoharu Shimizu ◽  
Huang-Ping Yu ◽  
Ya-Ching Hsieh ◽  
Mashkoor A. Choudhry ◽  
...  

Although 17β-estradiol (E2) administration following trauma-hemorrhage prevents the suppression in splenocyte cytokine production, it remains unknown whether the salutary effects of 17β-estradiol are mediated via estrogen receptor (ER)-α or ER-β. Moreover, it is unknown which signaling pathways are involved in 17β-estradiol's salutary effects. Utilizing an ER-α- or ER-β-specific agonist, we examined the role of ER-α and ER-β in E2-mediated restoration of T-cell cytokine production following trauma-hemorrhage. Moreover, since MAPK, NF-κB, and activator protein (AP)-1 are known to regulate T-cell cytokine production, we also examined the activation of MAPK, NF-κB, and AP-1. Male rats underwent trauma-hemorrhage (mean arterial pressure 40 mmHg for 90 min) and fluid resuscitation. ER-α agonist propyl pyrazole triol (PPT; 5 μg/kg), ER-β agonist diarylpropionitrile (DPN; 5 μg/kg), 17β-estradiol (50 μg/kg), or vehicle (10% DMSO) was injected subcutaneously during resuscitation. Twenty-four hours thereafter, splenic T cells were isolated, and their IL-2 and IFN-γ production and MAPK, NF-κB, and AP-1 activation were measured. T-cell IL-2 and IFN-γ production was decreased following trauma-hemorrhage, and this was accompanied with a decrease in T-cell MAPK, NF-κB, and AP-1 activation. PPT or 17β-estradiol administration following trauma-hemorrhage normalized those parameters, while DPN administration had no effect. Since PPT, but not DPN, administration following trauma-hemorrhage was as effective as 17β-estradiol in preventing the T-cell suppression, it appears that ER-α plays a predominant role in mediating the salutary effects of 17β-estradiol on T cells following trauma-hemorrhage, and that such effects are likely mediated via normalization of MAPK, NF-κB, and AP-1 signaling pathways.


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