Behavioural significance of prolactin signalling in the central nervous system during pregnancy and lactation

Hypothalamic Function ◽

And Function ◽

Gland Development ◽

The Brain ◽

Behavioural Significance

The role of prolactin in the regulation of mammary gland development and function during pregnancy and lactation is well established. However, in addition, prolactin appears to have a much wider role in the physiology of lactation. There is widespread expression of prolactin receptors in the hypothalamus during lactation, indicative of a multi-faceted role for prolactin in regulating hypothalamic function. During pregnancy and lactation, the maternal brain undergoes structural and functional modification, allowing the establishment of appropriate behaviour to feed and nurture the offspring, to adjust to the nutritional and metabolic demands of milk production, and to maintain appropriate hormone secretion to allow milk synthesis, secretion and ejection. The coordination of such a range of neurobiological and neuroendocrine adaptations requires an endocrine signalling mechanism, capable of communicating the reproductive state to the brain. Evidence indicates that prolactin is part of this mechanism.

The Role of Adrenoceptors in the Retina

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells9122594 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (12) ◽

pp. 2594

Author(s):

Yue Ruan ◽

Tobias Böhmer ◽

Subao Jiang ◽

Adrian Gericke

Keyword(s):

Visual Information ◽

Vision Loss ◽

Retinal Diseases ◽

System A ◽

The Individual ◽

And Function ◽

The retina is a part of the central nervous system, a thin multilayer with neuronal lamination, responsible for detecting, preprocessing, and sending visual information to the brain. Many retinal diseases are characterized by hemodynamic perturbations and neurodegeneration leading to vision loss and reduced quality of life. Since catecholamines and respective bindings sites have been characterized in the retina, we systematically reviewed the literature with regard to retinal expression, distribution and function of alpha1 (α1)-, alpha2 (α2)-, and beta (β)-adrenoceptors (ARs). Moreover, we discuss the role of the individual adrenoceptors as targets for the treatment of retinal diseases.

A sart1 Zebrafish Mutant Results in Developmental Defects in the Central Nervous System

Cells ◽

10.3390/cells9112340 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 2340

Author(s):

Hannah E. Henson ◽

Michael R. Taylor

Keyword(s):

Central Nervous System ◽

Cell Death ◽

Nervous System ◽

Developmental Defects ◽

Whole Exome ◽

And Function ◽

Upregulated Genes ◽

The spliceosome consists of accessory proteins and small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs) that remove introns from RNA. As splicing defects are associated with degenerative conditions, a better understanding of spliceosome formation and function is essential. We provide insight into the role of a spliceosome protein U4/U6.U5 tri-snRNP-associated protein 1, or Squamous cell carcinoma antigen recognized by T-cells (Sart1). Sart1 recruits the U4.U6/U5 tri-snRNP complex to nuclear RNA. The complex then associates with U1 and U2 snRNPs to form the spliceosome. A forward genetic screen identifying defects in choroid plexus development and whole-exome sequencing (WES) identified a point mutation in exon 12 of sart1 in Danio rerio (zebrafish). This mutation caused an up-regulation of sart1. Using RNA-Seq analysis, we identified additional upregulated genes, including those involved in apoptosis. We also observed increased activated caspase 3 in the brain and eye and down-regulation of vision-related genes. Although splicing occurs in numerous cells types, sart1 expression in zebrafish was restricted to the brain. By identifying sart1 expression in the brain and cell death within the central nervous system (CNS), we provide additional insights into the role of sart1 in specific tissues. We also characterized sart1’s involvement in cell death and vision-related pathways.

A Possible Mechanism for the Action of Adrenomedullin in Brain to Stimulate Stress Hormone Secretion

Endocrinology ◽

10.1210/en.2004-0806 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 145 (11) ◽

pp. 4890-4896 ◽

Cited By ~ 20

Author(s):

Meghan M. Taylor ◽

Willis K. Samson

Keyword(s):

Hpa Axis ◽

Hormone Secretion ◽

Plasma Corticosterone ◽

Male Rats ◽

Stress Hormone ◽

Elevated Plasma ◽

Neuroendocrine Responses ◽

Abstract Adrenomedullin (AM) has been reported to have actions at each level of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, suggesting that the peptide plays a role in the organization of the neuroendocrine responses to stress. We examined the mechanism by which AM regulates the central nervous system branch of the HPA axis as well as the possible role of AM in the modulation of the releases of two other hormones, prolactin and GH, whose secretions also are altered by stress. Intracerebroventricular administration of AM led to elevated plasma corticosterone levels in unrestrained, conscious male rats. This effect was abrogated by pretreatment with a CRH antagonist, suggesting that AM activates the HPA axis by causing the release of CRH into hypophyseal portal vessels. In addition, AM given intracerebroventricularly stimulated the release of prolactin but did not alter the secretion of GH. We propose that AM produced in the brain may be an important neuromodulator of the hormonal stress response.

Astrocytes in Down Syndrome Across the Lifespan

Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience ◽

10.3389/fncel.2021.702685 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

Author(s):

Blandine Ponroy Bally ◽

Keith K. Murai

Keyword(s):

Down Syndrome ◽

Brain Development ◽

Chromosome 21 ◽

Early Brain Development ◽

Circuit Development ◽

And Function ◽

The Impact ◽

Down Syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability in which delays and impairments in brain development and function lead to neurological and cognitive phenotypes. Traditionally, a neurocentric approach, focusing on neurons and their connectivity, has been applied to understanding the mechanisms involved in DS brain pathophysiology with an emphasis on how triplication of chromosome 21 leads to alterations in neuronal survival and homeostasis, synaptogenesis, brain circuit development, and neurodegeneration. However, recent studies have drawn attention to the role of non-neuronal cells, especially astrocytes, in DS. Astrocytes comprise a large proportion of cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and are critical for brain development, homeostasis, and function. As triplication of chromosome 21 occurs in all cells in DS (with the exception of mosaic DS), a deeper understanding of the impact of trisomy 21 on astrocytes in DS pathophysiology is warranted and will likely be necessary for determining how specific brain alterations and neurological phenotypes emerge and progress in DS. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of astrocytes in DS, and discuss how specific perturbations in this cell type can impact the brain across the lifespan from early brain development to adult stages. Finally, we highlight how targeting, modifying, and/or correcting specific molecular pathways and properties of astrocytes in DS may provide an effective therapeutic direction given the important role of astrocytes in regulating brain development and function.

The Impact of Phytosterols on the Healthy and Diseased Brain

Current Medicinal Chemistry ◽

10.2174/0929867325666180706113844 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 26 (37) ◽

pp. 6750-6765 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Tess Dierckx ◽

Jeroen F.J. Bogie ◽

Jerome J.A. Hendriks

Keyword(s):

Cholesterol Metabolism ◽

Neurological Diseases ◽

Physiological Role ◽

Cholesterol Homeostasis ◽

Brain Functioning ◽

And Function ◽

The Impact ◽

The central nervous system (CNS) is the most cholesterol-rich organ in mammals. Cholesterol homeostasis is essential for proper brain functioning and dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism can lead to neurological problems. Multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are examples of neurological diseases that are characterized by a disturbed cholesterol metabolism. Phytosterols (PS) are plant-derived components that structurally and functionally resemble cholesterol. PS are known for their cholesterol-lowering properties. Due to their ability to reach the brain, researchers have started to investigate the physiological role of PS in the CNS. In this review, the metabolism and function of PS in the diseased and healthy CNS are discussed.

The Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis and Alzheimer Disease. From Dysbiosis to Neurodegeneration: Focus on the Central Nervous System Glial Cells

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10112358 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. 2358

Author(s):

Maria Grazia Giovannini ◽

Daniele Lana ◽

Chiara Traini ◽

Maria Giuliana Vannucchi

Keyword(s):

Alzheimer Disease ◽

Glial Cells ◽

Cell Types ◽

The Past ◽

Diseased State ◽

The Brain ◽

Alzheimer Disease Pathogenesis ◽

Brain Homeostasis

The microbiota–gut system can be thought of as a single unit that interacts with the brain via the “two-way” microbiota–gut–brain axis. Through this axis, a constant interplay mediated by the several products originating from the microbiota guarantees the physiological development and shaping of the gut and the brain. In the present review will be described the modalities through which the microbiota and gut control each other, and the main microbiota products conditioning both local and brain homeostasis. Much evidence has accumulated over the past decade in favor of a significant association between dysbiosis, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Presently, the pathogenetic mechanisms triggered by molecules produced by the altered microbiota, also responsible for the onset and evolution of Alzheimer disease, will be described. Our attention will be focused on the role of astrocytes and microglia. Numerous studies have progressively demonstrated how these glial cells are important to ensure an adequate environment for neuronal activity in healthy conditions. Furthermore, it is becoming evident how both cell types can mediate the onset of neuroinflammation and lead to neurodegeneration when subjected to pathological stimuli. Based on this information, the role of the major microbiota products in shifting the activation profiles of astrocytes and microglia from a healthy to a diseased state will be discussed, focusing on Alzheimer disease pathogenesis.

The role of GABAA receptor biogenesis, structure and function in epilepsy

Biochemical Society Transactions ◽

10.1042/bst0340863 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 34 (5) ◽

pp. 863-867 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

S. Mizielinska ◽

S. Greenwood ◽

C.N. Connolly

Keyword(s):

Gabaa Receptor ◽

Structure And Function ◽

Inhibitory Synapses ◽

Normal Brain ◽

Synaptic Targeting ◽

Acid Type ◽

Normal Brain Function ◽

And Function ◽

Maintaining the correct balance in neuronal activation is of paramount importance to normal brain function. Imbalances due to changes in excitation or inhibition can lead to a variety of disorders ranging from the clinically extreme (e.g. epilepsy) to the more subtle (e.g. anxiety). In the brain, the most common inhibitory synapses are regulated by GABAA (γ-aminobutyric acid type A) receptors, a role commensurate with their importance as therapeutic targets. Remarkably, we still know relatively little about GABAA receptor biogenesis. Receptors are constructed as pentameric ion channels, with α and β subunits being the minimal requirement, and the incorporation of a γ subunit being necessary for benzodiazepine modulation and synaptic targeting. Insights have been provided by the discovery of several specific assembly signals within different GABAA receptor subunits. Moreover, a number of recent studies on GABAA receptor mutations associated with epilepsy have further enhanced our understanding of GABAA receptor biogenesis, structure and function.

Neurotrophins and Proneurotrophins: Focus on Synaptic Activity and Plasticity in the Brain

The Neuroscientist ◽

10.1177/1073858417697037 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 23 (6) ◽

pp. 587-604 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Julien Gibon ◽

Philip A. Barker

Keyword(s):

Long Term Potentiation ◽

Synaptic Activity ◽

Cellular Processes ◽

Term Potentiation ◽

Neurotrophin 3 ◽

New Findings ◽

Neurotrophins have been intensively studied and have multiple roles in the brain. Neurotrophins are first synthetized as proneurotrophins and then cleaved intracellularly and extracellularly. Increasing evidences demonstrate that proneurotrophins and mature neurotrophins exerts opposing role in the central nervous system. In the present review, we explore the role of nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin 3 (NT3), and neurotrophin 4 (NT4) and their respective proform in cellular processes related to learning and memory. We focused on their roles in synaptic activity and plasticity in the brain with an emphasis on long-term potentiation, long-term depression, and basal synaptic transmission in the hippocampus and the temporal lobe area. We also discuss new findings on the role of the Val66Met polymorphism on the BDNF propeptide on synaptic activity.