scholarly journals CRF-R1 Antagonist Treatment Exacerbates Circadian Corticosterone Secretion under Chronic Stress, but Preserves HPA Feedback Sensitivity

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2114
Author(s):  
Yadira Ibarguen-Vargas ◽  
Samuel Leman ◽  
Rupert Palme ◽  
Catherine Belzung ◽  
Alexandre Surget
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Negative Feedback ◽  
Chronic Mild Stress ◽  
Stress Conditions ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Circadian Activity ◽  
Corticosterone Secretion ◽  
Feedback Sensitivity ◽  
The Impact

Despite promising initial reports, corticotropin-releasing factor receptor type-1 (CRF-R1) antagonists have mostly failed to display efficacy in clinical trials for anxiety or depression. Rather than broad-spectrum antidepressant/anxiolytic-like drugs, they may represent an ‘antistress’ solution for single stressful situations or for patients with chronic stress conditions. However, the impact of prolonged CRF-R1 antagonist treatments on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis under chronic stress conditions remained to be characterized. Hence, our study investigated whether a chronic CRF-R1 antagonist (crinecerfont, formerly known as SSR125543, 20 mg·kg−1·day−1 ip, 5 weeks) would alter HPA axis basal circadian activity and negative feedback sensitivity in mice exposed to either control or chronic stress conditions (unpredictable chronic mild stress, UCMS, 7 weeks), through measures of fecal corticosterone metabolites, plasma corticosterone, and dexamethasone suppression test. Despite preserving HPA axis parameters in control non-stressed mice, the 5-week crinercerfont treatment improved the negative feedback sensitivity in chronically stressed mice, but paradoxically exacerbated their basal corticosterone secretion nearly all along the circadian cycle. The capacity of chronic CRF-R1 antagonists to improve the HPA negative feedback in UCMS argues in favor of a potential therapeutic benefit against stress-related conditions. However, the treatment-related overactivation of HPA circadian activity in UCMS raise questions about possible physiological outcomes with long-standing treatments under ongoing chronic stress.

scholarly journals Peptide Selank Enhances the Effect of Diazepam in Reducing Anxiety in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Conditions in Rats

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasiya Kasian ◽  
Timur Kolomin ◽  
Lyudmila Andreeva ◽  
Elena Bondarenko ◽  
Nikolay Myasoedov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Anxiolytic Effect ◽  
Chronic Mild Stress ◽  
Stress Conditions ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress ◽  
Elevated Plus Maze Test ◽  
Plus Maze ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Benzodiazepine Drugs

It was shown that the anxiolytic effect of Selank is comparable to that of classical benzodiazepine drugs and that the basis of their mechanism of action may be similar. These data suggest that the presence of Selank may change the action of classical benzodiazepine drugs. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the anxiolytic activity of Selank and diazepam in rats both under conditions of unpredictable chronic mild stress and in its absence, after the individual and combined administration of these compounds using the elevated plus maze test. We found that, even in the absence of chronic stress, the administration of a course of test substances changed anxiety indicators toward their deterioration, but the changes after the administration of a course of Selank were less pronounced. In conditions of chronic stress, anxiety indicator values after the simultaneous use of diazepam and Selank did not differ from the respective values observed before chronic stress exposure. The data obtained indicate that the individual administration of Selank was the most effective in reducing elevated levels of anxiety, induced by the administration of a course of test substances, whereas the combination of diazepam with Selank was the most effective in reducing anxiety in unpredictable chronic mild stress conditions.

scholarly journals Chronic Mild Stress Causes Bone Loss via an Osteoblast-Specific Glucocorticoid-Dependent Mechanism

Endocrinology ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 158 (6) ◽  
pp. 1939-1950 ◽  
Author(s):  
Holger Henneicke ◽  
Jingbao Li ◽  
Sarah Kim ◽  
Sylvia J. Gasparini ◽  
Markus J. Seibel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Loss ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Chronic Mild Stress ◽  
Bone Resorption Marker ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Male Mice ◽  
Female Mice ◽  
Glucocorticoid Signaling ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Chronic stress and depression are associated with alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal signaling cascade and considered a risk factor for bone loss and fractures. However, the mechanisms underlying the association between stress and poor bone health are unclear. Using a transgenic (tg) mouse model in which glucocorticoid signaling is selectively disrupted in mature osteoblasts and osteocytes [11β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD2)OB-tg mice], the present study examines the impact of chronic stress on skeletal metabolism and structure. Eight-week-old male and female HSD2OB-tg mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates were exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) for the duration of 4 weeks. At the endpoint, L3 vertebrae and tibiae were analyzed by micro–computed tomography and histomorphometry, and bone turnover was measured biochemically. Compared with nonstressed controls, exposure to CMS caused an approximately threefold increase in serum corticosterone concentrations in WT and HSD2OB-tg mice of both genders. Compared with controls, CMS resulted in loss of vertebral trabecular bone mass in male WT mice but not in male HSD2OB-tg littermates. Furthermore, both tibial cortical area and area fraction were reduced in stressed WT but not in stressed HSD2OB-tg male mice. Osteoclast activity and bone resorption marker were increased in WT males following CMS, features absent in HSD2OB-tg males. Interestingly, CMS had little effect on vertebral and long-bone structural parameters in female mice. We conclude that in male mice, bone loss during CMS is mediated via enhanced glucocorticoid signaling in osteoblasts (and osteocytes) and subsequent activation of osteoclasts. Female mice appear resistant to the skeletal effects of CMS.

scholarly journals The Role of the Forebrain Glucocorticoid Receptor in Acute and Chronic Stress

Endocrinology ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 149 (11) ◽  
pp. 5482-5490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy R. Furay ◽  
Amy E. Bruestle ◽  
James P. Herman
Keyword(s):  
Glucocorticoid Receptor ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Negative Feedback ◽  
Basolateral Amygdala ◽  
Feedback Regulation ◽  
Negative Feedback Regulation ◽  
Acute And Chronic Stress ◽  
Corticosterone Secretion

Previous work has implicated the forebrain glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in feedback regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. The present series of experiments used male mice with a targeted forebrain-specific GR knockout (in which forebrain includes the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and basolateral amygdala) to determine the role of forebrain GR in HPA axis regulation after stress. The data indicate that the forebrain GR is necessary for maintaining basal regulation of corticosterone secretion in the morning, confirming its role in HPA axis regulation. Our data further indicate that the forebrain GR is necessary for negative feedback after both mild and robust acute psychogenic stressors but not hypoxia, a systemic stressor. In contrast, forebrain-specific GR knockout and control mice exhibit equivalent HPA axis hyperactivity and facilitation after chronic variable stress, suggesting that changes in forebrain GR are not essential for chronic stress-induced pathology. These studies provide novel and definitive evidence that the forebrain GR selectively contributes negative feedback regulation of HPA axis responses to psychogenic stressors. Moreover, the data indicate that chronic stress-induced alterations in HPA axis function are mediated by mechanisms independent of the forebrain GR. Overall, the data are consistent with an essential role of the forebrain GR in coordinating endocrine responses to stimuli of a psychological origin.

Chronic mild stress alters circadian expressions of molecular clock genes in the liver

2013 ◽  
Vol 304 (3) ◽  
pp. E301-E309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kei Takahashi ◽  
Tetsuya Yamada ◽  
Sohei Tsukita ◽  
Keizo Kaneko ◽  
Yuta Shirai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Metabolic Disorders ◽  
Clock Gene ◽  
Clock Genes ◽  
Chronic Mild Stress ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Core Clock Gene

Chronic stress is well known to affect metabolic regulation. However, molecular mechanisms interconnecting stress response systems and metabolic regulations have yet to be elucidated. Various physiological processes, including glucose/lipid metabolism, are regulated by the circadian clock, and core clock gene dysregulation reportedly leads to metabolic disorders. Glucocorticoids, acting as end-effectors of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, entrain the circadian rhythms of peripheral organs, including the liver, by phase-shifting core clock gene expressions. Therefore, we examined whether chronic stress affects circadian expressions of core clock genes and metabolism-related genes in the liver using the chronic mild stress (CMS) procedure. In BALB/c mice, CMS elevated and phase-shifted serum corticosterone levels, indicating overactivation of the HPA axis. The rhythmic expressions of core clock genes, e.g., Clock, Npas2, Bmal1, Per1, and Cry1, were altered in the liver while being completely preserved in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nuculeus (SCN), suggesting that the SCN is not involved in alterations in hepatic core clock gene expressions. In addition, circadian patterns of glucose and lipid metabolism-related genes, e.g., peroxisome proliferator activated receptor ( Ppar) α, Pparγ-1, Pparγ-coactivator-1α, and phosphoenolepyruvate carboxykinase, were also disturbed by CMS. In contrast, in C57BL/6 mice, the same CMS procedure altered neither serum corticosterone levels nor rhythmic expressions of hepatic core clock genes and metabolism-related genes. Thus, chronic stress can interfere with the circadian expressions of both core clock genes and metabolism-related genes in the liver possibly involving HPA axis overactivation. This mechanism might contribute to metabolic disorders in stressful modern societies.

scholarly journals Stress Modifies the Expression of Glucocorticoid-Responsive Genes by Acting at Epigenetic Levels in the Rat Prefrontal Cortex: Modulatory Activity of Lurasidone

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6197
Author(s):  
Paola Brivio ◽  
Giulia Sbrini ◽  
Letizia Tarantini ◽  
Chiara Parravicini ◽  
Piotr Gruca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dna Methylation ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Chronic Mild Stress ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Experimental Conditions ◽  
Glucocorticoid Responsive Element ◽  
Responsive Element

Epigenetics is one of the mechanisms by which environmental factors can alter brain function and may contribute to central nervous system disorders. Alterations of DNA methylation and miRNA expression can induce long-lasting changes in neurobiological processes. Hence, we investigated the effect of chronic stress, by employing the chronic mild stress (CMS) and the chronic restraint stress protocol, in adult male rats, on the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function. We focused on DNA methylation specifically in the proximity of the glucocorticoid responsive element (GRE) of the GR responsive genes Gadd45β, Sgk1, and Gilz and on selected miRNA targeting these genes. Moreover, we assessed the role of the antipsychotic lurasidone in modulating these alterations. Chronic stress downregulated Gadd45β and Gilz gene expression and lurasidone normalized the Gadd45β modification. At the epigenetic level, CMS induced hypermethylation of the GRE of Gadd45β gene, an effect prevented by lurasidone treatment. These stress-induced alterations were still present even after a period of rest from stress, indicating the enduring nature of such changes. However, the contribution of miRNA to the alterations in gene expression was moderate in our experimental conditions. Our results demonstrated that chronic stress mainly affects Gadd45β expression and methylation, effects that are prolonged over time, suggesting that stress leads to changes in DNA methylation that last also after the cessation of stress procedure, and that lurasidone is a modifier of such mechanisms.

scholarly journals Overexpression of Corticotropin Releasing Factor in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala Advances Puberty and Disrupts Reproductive Cycles in Female Rats

Endocrinology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 155 (10) ◽  
pp. 3934-3944 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. F. Li ◽  
M. H. Hu ◽  
S. Y. Li ◽  
C. Geach ◽  
A. Hikima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Pulse Generator ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Central Nucleus ◽  
Ovariectomized Rats ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Central Administration ◽  
Corticosterone Secretion ◽  
Stress Changes

Abstract Prolonged exposure to environmental stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and generally disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Because CRF expression in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is a key modulator in adaptation to chronic stress, and central administration of CRF inhibits the hypothalamic GnRH pulse generator, we tested the hypothesis that overexpression of CRF in the CeA of female rats alters anxiety behavior, dysregulates the HPA axis response to stress, changes pubertal timing, and disrupts reproduction. We used a lentiviral vector to increase CRF expression site specifically in the CeA of preweaning (postnatal day 12) female rats. Overexpression of CRF in the CeA increased anxiety-like behavior in peripubertal rats shown by a reduction in time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze and a decrease in social interaction. Paradoxically, puberty onset was advanced but followed by irregular estrous cyclicity and an absence of spontaneous preovulatory LH surges associated with proestrous vaginal cytology in rats overexpressing CRF. Despite the absence of change in basal corticosterone secretion or induced by stress (lipopolysaccharide or restraint), overexpression of CRF in the CeA significantly decreased lipopolysaccharide, but not restraint, stress-induced suppression of pulsatile LH secretion in postpubertal ovariectomized rats, indicating a differential stress responsivity of the GnRH pulse generator to immunological stress and a potential adaptation of the HPA axis to chronic activation of amygdaloid CRF. These data suggest that the expression profile of this key limbic brain CRF system might contribute to the complex neural mechanisms underlying the increasing incidence of early onset of puberty on the one hand and infertility on the other attributed to chronic stress in modern human society.

scholarly journals N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Improved Depression via Neuroendocrine and Serotonergic System in Post-Menopausal Rats with Maternal Separation and Chronic Mild Stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1199-1199
Author(s):  
Jeong-Eun Choi ◽  
Yongsoon Park
Keyword(s):  
Hpa Axis ◽  
Maternal Separation ◽  
Chronic Mild Stress ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Serotonin Level ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Total N ◽  
Serotonergic Pathway ◽  
Post Menopausal ◽  
Hpa Axis Activity

Abstract Objectives The purpose of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that lifetime n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake improved depression through serotonergic pathway in post-menopausal rats with chronic mild stress (CMS) and maternal separation (MS). Methods Female rats were fed diets with 0% or 1 energy % n-3 PUFA during lifetime from embryonic day (ED) 0 to postnatal day (PND) 112, or 1% n-3 PUFA before weaning (ED 0-PND 20), or after weaning (PND 20–112). The rats in four diet group were allocated to brief separation from dam (non-MS group) or long-term separation (MS group) on PND 2–14, and then underwent CMS on PND 91–105 after ovariectomy. Thus, there were eight groups in total (n = 8/group). Results MS + CMS increased depressive behaviors, and modified hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, inflammation, serotonergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, and related miRNAs as compared to CMS alone. N-3 PUFA decreased depressive behaviors by decreasing immobility while increasing swimming during forced swim test, and increasing sucrose preference in rats with MS + CMS and with CMS. N-3 PUFA decreased HPA axis activity by modifying expressions of corticotrophin releasing factor and glucocorticoid receptor, and levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone and corticosterone. N-3 PUFA also reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE2, and miRNA-218, and increased serotonergic neurotransmission, including expressions of cAMP response element binding protein, brain-derived neurotrophic factor and serotonin 1A receptor, and serotonin level, and expression of miRNA-155. In addition, lifetime supplementation of n-3 PUFA had greater effect than pre- or post-supplementation. N-3 PUFA had no effect on glutamatergic pathway including α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate receptor and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. Conclusions The present study suggested that lifetime n-3 PUFA improved depression in post-menopausal rats with MS + CMS through modulation of serotonergic pathway by decreasing HPA axis activity but not glutamatergic pathway. Funding Sources This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (NRF-2018R1A2B6002486).

scholarly journals Depressive behavior and vascular dysfunction: a link between clinical depression and vascular disease?

2010 ◽  
Vol 108 (5) ◽  
pp. 1041-1051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre C. d'Audiffret ◽  
Stephanie J. Frisbee ◽  
Phoebe A. Stapleton ◽  
Adam G. Goodwill ◽  
Elsa Isingrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Vascular Disease ◽  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Vascular Dysfunction ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Chronic Mild Stress ◽  
Prior History ◽  
No Production ◽  
Mild Stress ◽  
Depressive Behavior

As chronic stress and depression have become recognized as significant risk factors for peripheral vascular disease in patients with no prior history of vasculopathy, we interrogated this relationship utilizing an established mouse model of chronic stress/depressive symptoms from behavioral research. Male mice were exposed to 8 wk of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS; e.g., wet bedding, predator sound/smell, random disruption of light/dark cycle), with indexes of depressive behavior (coat status, grooming, and mobility) becoming exacerbated vs. controls. In vascular rings, constrictor (phenylephrine) and endothelium-independent dilator (sodium nitroprusside) responses were not different between groups, although endothelium-dependent dilation (methacholine) was attenuated with UCMS. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition was without effect in UCMS but nearly abolished reactivity in controls, while cyclooxygenase inhibition blunted dilation in both. Combined blockade abolished reactivity in controls, although a significant dilation remained in UCMS that was abolished by catalase. Arterial NO production was attenuated by UCMS, although H2O2 production was increased. UCMS mice demonstrated an increased, although variable, insulin resistance and inflammation. However, while UCMS-induced vascular impairments were consistent, the predictive power of aggregate plasma levels of insulin, TNF-α, IL-1β, and C-reactive peptide were limited. However, when separated into tertiles with regard to vascular outcomes, insulin resistance and hypertension were predictive of the most severe vascular impairments. Taken together, these data suggest that aggregate insulin resistance, inflammation, and hypertension in UCMS mice are not robust predictors of vascular dysfunction, suggesting that unidentified mechanisms may be superior predictors of poor vascular outcomes in this model.

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