DOCSLIB.ORG

ARTICLE in PRESS BRES-35594; No

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
ARTICLE in PRESS BRES-35594; No ARTICLE IN PRESS BRES-35594; No. of pages: 8: 4C: BRAIN RESEARCH XX (2006) XXX– XXX available at www.sciencedirect.com www.elsevier.com/locate/brainres Research Report P2X5 receptors are expressed on neurons containing arginine vasopressin and nitric oxide synthase in the rat hypothalamus Zhenghua Xianga,b, Cheng Hea, Geoffrey Burnstockb,⁎ aDepartment of Biochemistry and Neurobiolgy, Second Military Medical University 200433 Shanghai, PR China bAutonomic Neuroscience Centre, Royal Free and University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article history: In this study, the P2X5 receptor was found to be distributed widely in the rat hypothalamus Accepted 28 April 2006 using single and double labeling immunofluorescence and reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods. The regions of the hypothalamus with the highest expression of P2X5 receptors in neurons are the paraventricular and supraoptic Keywords: nuclei. The intensity of P2X5 immunofluorescence in neurons of the ventromedial nucleus P2X5 receptor was low. 70–90% of the neurons in the paraventricular nucleus and 46–58% of neurons in the AVP supraoptic and accessory neurosecretory nuclei show colocalization of P2X5 receptors and nNOS arginine vasopressin (AVP). None of the neurons expressing P2X5 receptors shows Localization colocalization with AVP in the suprachiasmatic and ventromedial nuclei. 87–90% of the Coexistence neurons in the lateral and ventral paraventricular nucleus and 42–56% of the neurons in the Hypothalamus accessory neurosecretory, supraoptic and ventromedial nuclei show colocalization of P2X5 receptors with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). None of the neurons expressing P2X5 Abbreviations: receptors in the suprachiasmatic nucleus shows colocalization with nNOS. These findings ATP, adenosine 5′-triphosphate provide a morphological basis for possible functional interactions between the purinergic RT-PCR, reverse transcriptase- and nitrergic or vasopressinergic neurotransmitter systems. polymerase chain reaction © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. PaAP, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, anterior parvocellular PaLM, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, lateral magnocellular PaMP, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, medial parvocellular PaPO, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, posterior PaV, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, ventral 1. Introduction neuroendocrine activities have been shown to be controlled by different nuclei in the hypothalamus (Arancibia et al., Many important functions such as temperature control, 1996; Coote, 1995; Gurin et al., 2003; Kuenzel, 1994; McCann feeding, drinking, sexual behavior, defensive reactions and et al., 1994; Swaab et al., 1993). Besides noradrenaline and ⁎ Corresponding author. Fax: +44 20 7830 2949. E-mail address: [email protected] (G. Burnstock). 0006-8993/$ - see front matter © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2006.04.126 ARTICLE IN PRESS 2 BRAIN RESEARCH XX (2006) XXX– XXX acetylcholine, many other putative neurotransmitters such al., 2004; Loesch and Burnstock, 2001; Loesch et al., 1999; as serotonin, histamine and neuropeptides have been shown Vulchanova et al., 1996; Xiang et al., 1998; Yao et al., 2003). to be involved in the regulation of hypothalamic functions There has, however, been some controversy about the (Palkovits, 1992; Rothwell, 1994; Sakata et al., 1995). Extra- existence of P2X5 receptors in the hypothalamus. Hybridiza- ′ cellular adenosine 5 -triphosphate (ATP) as a co-transmitter tion experiments showed that there was no P2X5 receptor in neurons in the central nervous system has been well mRNA in hypothalamus (Collo et al., 1996), and RT-PCR also documented (Burnstock, 2003). Information about neurons in showed no P2X5 mRNA in the rat supraoptic nucleus. different nuclei of the hypothalamus that are regulated by However, single cell RT-PCR showed that about 35% of extracellular ATP is increasing (Buller et al., 1996; Chen et al., neurons expressed P2X5 receptor mRNA in the tuberoma- 1994; Day et al., 1993; Furukawa et al., 1994; Gurin et al., millary nucleus of rat hypothalamus, and pharmacological 2003; Hiruma and Bourque, 1995; Jo and Role, 2002; Mori et data also showed that functional heteromeric P2X2/5 recep- al., 1992; Shibuya et al., 1999; Sorimachi et al., 2001; Vorobjev tors might be present (Vorobjev et al., 2003a). Thus, in the et al., 2003b). All seven subtypes of P2X receptor mRNA and present study, detailed information about the distribution protein have been detected in various nuclei in the pattern of P2X5 receptors in various nuclei in the hypothal- hypothalamus by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain amus has been obtained and their coexistence with arginine reaction (RT-PCR) (Kidd et al., 1995; Shibuya et al., 1999; vasopressin (AVP) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) Vorobjev et al., 2003a), in situ hybridization (Kidd et al., 1995; using RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and double immuno- Shibuya et al., 1999) and immunocytochemistry (Atkinson et labeling methods. – Fig. 1 P2X5 receptor-ir neurons and fibers in adult rat hypothalamus. (A) P2X5 receptor-ir neurons and fibers in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of hypothalamus. (B) P2X5 receptor-ir neurons and fibers in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) of hypothalamus. OT indicates optic tract. (C) P2X5 receptor-ir neurons and fibers in the retrochiasmatic part of supraoptic nucleus (SOR). (D) P2X5 receptor-ir neurons and fibers in the anterior commissural nucleus (ACN). (E) P2X5 receptor-ir neurons and fibers in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). (F) P2X5 receptor-ir neurons and fibers in the arcuate nucleus (ARN). (G) P2X5 receptor-ir neurons and fibers in the ventromedial nucleus (VMN). (H) P2X5 receptor-ir neurons and fibers in the lateral area of the hypothalamus (LH). (I) P2X5 receptor-ir fibers in the medial eminence (ME). In panels A, D, E and F, V indicates the 3rd ventricle and arrows show positive epithelial cells on the 3rd ventricular wall. Scar bars: A, B = 160 μm, C, D, E, F, G, H, I = 80 μm. In each figure, the dorsal aspect of the nuclei is at the top and the ventral aspect of the nuclei is at the bottom. ARTICLE IN PRESS BRAIN RESEARCH XX (2006) XXX– XXX 3 F, H). Coexistence of P2X5-ir and nNOS-ir was found in the 2. Results paraventricular nucleus, supraoptic nucleus and accessory neurosecretory nuclei, lateral hypothalamic area and ventro- P2X5 receptor immunoreactivity (ir) was found to be distributed medial nucleus (Figs. 4A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I). The percentage of widely in rat hypothalamus. The strongest signals of P2X5-ir were coexistences among P2X5-ir, AVP-ir and nNOS-ir in the observed in paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. In the hypothalamic nuclei are summarized in Tables 1 and 2. paraventricular nucleus, a high density of P2X5-ir neurons was found in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, lateral magnocellular (PaLM), a medium density of P2X5-ir neurons in 3. Discussion the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, medial parvocellular (PaMP) and paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, ventral (PaV) We used single labeling, double labeling fluorescence immu- andscatteredP2X5-ir neurons in the paraventricular hypotha- nohistochemistry and RT-PCR to study the distribution of P2X5 lamic nucleus, posterior (PaPO) and paraventricular hypotha- receptor protein and mRNA and colocalization of P2X5 lamic nucleus, anterior parvocellular (PaAP) (Figs. 1A, D). In the receptors with AVP and nNOS in the rat hypothalamus. This supraoptic nucleus, a high density of P2X5-ir neurons was study provides the first evidence that P2X5 receptors are demonstrated in both anterior and posterior regions (Figs. 1B, widely distributed in the rat hypothalamus and colocalized C). Many P2X5-ir neurons were found in the arcuate nucleus, with AVP and NOS within several nuclei or regions of the rat ventromedial and suprachiasmatic nuclei, but the signals of hypothalamus and hence has provided a substantial neuro- P2X5-ir in those nuclei were lower than that in paraventricular anatomical basis for possible functional interactions between andsupraopticnuclei(Figs. 1E, F, G). There were scattered P2X5-ir the purinergic and nitrergic systems and the purinergic and neurons in the preoptic area, lateral area, retrochiasmatic area, vasopressinergic systems in rat hypothalamus. dorsal area and mammillary nucleus (Fig. 1H). In addition, the In this study, we found that P2X5 receptor-ir neurons and epithelium of the third ventriculum was also found to express fibers were distributed widely, but variably, in different P2X5-ir signals (Figs. 1A, E, F, I). Many fibers with P2X5-ir were regions of the rat hypothalamus. The control experiments found in the median eminence, lateral area, lateral side of PaLM with P2X5 antiserum absorbed with P2X5 peptides showed no and dorsal side of supraoptic nucleus (Figs. 1A, B, C, H, I). The positive staining. The specificity of the antisera was also results of the RT-PCR studies further showed that P2X5 receptor verified by previous studies where it was shown to detect the mRNA was also expressed in the rat hypothalamus (Fig. 2). P2X5 receptor subunit, but not the remaining subunits, when Coexistence of P2X5-ir and AVP-ir was found in the expressed in cell lines (Oglesby et al., 1999). RT-PCR confirmed paraventricular nucleus, supraoptic nucleus and accessory the presence of P2X5 receptor mRNA in the hypothalamus. neurosecretory nuclei. Almost all the AVP-ir neurons
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Hypothalamus - Wikipedia
    Hypothalamus - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothalamus The hypothalamus is a portion of the brain that contains a number of Hypothalamus small nuclei with a variety of functions. One of the most important functions of the hypothalamus is to link the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus is located below the thalamus and is part of the limbic system.[1] In the terminology of neuroanatomy, it forms the ventral part of the diencephalon. All vertebrate brains contain a hypothalamus. In humans, it is the size of an almond. The hypothalamus is responsible for the regulation of certain metabolic processes and other activities of the autonomic nervous system. It synthesizes and secretes certain neurohormones, called releasing hormones or hypothalamic hormones, Location of the human hypothalamus and these in turn stimulate or inhibit the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus controls body temperature, hunger, important aspects of parenting and attachment behaviours, thirst,[2] fatigue, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The hypothalamus derives its name from Greek ὑπό, under and θάλαμος, chamber. Location of the hypothalamus (blue) in relation to the pituitary and to the rest of Structure the brain Nuclei Connections Details Sexual dimorphism Part of Brain Responsiveness to ovarian steroids Identifiers Development Latin hypothalamus Function Hormone release MeSH D007031 (https://meshb.nl Stimulation m.nih.gov/record/ui?ui=D00 Olfactory stimuli 7031) Blood-borne stimuli
    [Show full text]
  • Urocortin III-Immunoreactive Projections in Rat Brain: Partial Overlap with Sites of Type 2 Corticotrophin-Releasing Factor Receptor Expression
    The Journal of Neuroscience, February 1, 2002, 22(3):991–1001 Urocortin III-Immunoreactive Projections in Rat Brain: Partial Overlap with Sites of Type 2 Corticotrophin-Releasing Factor Receptor Expression Chien Li,1 Joan Vaughan,1 Paul E. Sawchenko,2 and Wylie W. Vale1 1The Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology and 2Laboratory of Neuronal Structure and Function, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California 92037 Urocortin (Ucn) III, or stresscopin, is a new member of the and ventral premammillary nucleus. Outside the hypothalamus, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) peptide family identified in the densest projections were found in the intermediate part of mouse and human. Pharmacological studies showed that Ucn the lateral septum, posterior division of the bed nucleus stria III is a high-affinity ligand for the type 2 CRF receptor (CRF-R2). terminalis, and the medial nucleus of the amygdala. Several To further understand physiological functions the peptide may major Ucn III terminal fields identified in the present study, serve in the brain, the distribution of Ucn III neurons and fibers including the lateral septum and the ventromedial hypothala- was examined by in situ hybridization and immunohistochem- mus, are known to express high levels of CRF-R2. Thus, these istry in the rat brain. Ucn III-positive neurons were found pre- anatomical data strongly support the notion that Ucn III is an dominately within the hypothalamus and medial amygdala. In endogenous ligand for CRF-R2 in these areas. These results the hypothalamus, Ucn III neurons were observed in the median also suggest that Ucn III is positioned to play a role in mediating preoptic nucleus and in the rostral perifornical area lateral to the physiological functions, including food intake and neuroendo- paraventricular nucleus.
    [Show full text]
  • Two Sexually Dimurphic Cell Groups in the Human Brain
    The Journal of Neurss%ien%e, Feixuary 4888. g(2); 4$7-5% Two Sexually Dimurphic Cell Groups in the Human Brain Laura S. Allen, Melissa Hines, James E. Shryne, and Roger A. Gorski Department of Anatomy and Laboratory of Neuroendacrinology of the Brain Research Institute, Center for Health Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024 A quantitative analysis of the volume of 4 cell groups in the of rats (Gorski et al., 1978, 1980), gerbils (Yahr and Commins, preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area (PO-AHA) and of the 1982), guinea pigs (Hines et al., 1985), ferrets (Tobet et al., supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the human brain was performed 1986), and quail (Panzica et al., 1987). in 22 age-matched male and female individuals. We suggest Dcspitc many reports of sexually dimorphic structures in the term Interstitial Nuclei of the Anterior Hypothalamus (INAH mammalian and avian species,relatively little is known about ‘1-4) to identify these 4 previously undescribed cell groups nemoanatomical sex differencesin the human brain. There are in the PO-AHA. While 2 INAH and the SON were not sexually gender-related allometric variations in brain weight and evi- dimorphic, gender-related differences were found in the oth- dencefor sexual dimorphism in morphological brain asymmetry er 2 cell groups. One nucleus (INAH-3) was 2.8 times larger (Wada et al., 1975). In addition, the massaintermedia (MI) is in the male brain than in the female brain irrespective of age. more often present (Rabl, 1958), and both the MI (Allen and The other cell group (INAH-2) was twice as large in the male Gorski, 1987) and the anterior commissure(Allen and Gorski, brain, but also appeared to be related in women to circulating 1986) are larger at the midsagittal plane in women than in men.
    [Show full text]
  • No Slide Title
    Laboratory 11: Cartoons Chiyeko Tsuchitani, Ph.D. NOTE: These illustrations are NOT to be reproduced in the public domain For the visually challenged, cartoons that may help you remember some hypothalamic nuclei and limbic structures. You can study the figures and the review questions in Lab 11 of the Laboratory Guide to learn the connections and functions of these structures.. PS #26 For PS24: Two Cows 1. What is the cow at the left eating? 2. What is hanging off the chin of the cow at the left ? 3. What is forming the chin of the cow at the left? 4. What is hanging over the nose of the cow at the left? 5. What is forming the dark nose of the cow at the right? 6. What is forming the chin of the cow at the right? 7. What is forming the hollow “bump” on the forehead of the cow at the right? 8. Is the thalamus present in this picture? 9. Can you locate the supraoptic and suprachiasmatic nuclei? For PS24: Two Cows 1. The anterior commissure 2. The optic chiasm 3. The preoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus 4. The column of the fornix 5. The postcommissural fornix 6. The anterior nucleus of the hypothalamus 7. The terminal vein 8. The thalamus is not present in this picture. 9. The supraoptic nucleus is above the optic tract (right) and suprachiasmatic nucleus is above the optic chiasm. PS #25 For PS25: Armadillo 1. The nose of the armadillo is what structure? 2. What hypothalamic nucleus forms the snout (above the nose) ? 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Immunohistochemical Localization of Cholecystokinin- and Gastrin
    Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA Vol. 77, No. 2, pp. 1190-1194, February 1980 Neurobiology Immunohistochemical localization of cholecystokinin- and gastrin- like peptides in the brain and hypophysis of the rat (neurodigestive peptides/limbic system/substantia nigra/dopamine/oxytocin) J. J. VANDERHAEGHEN, F. LOTSTRA, J. DE MEY, AND C. GILLES Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Free University Brussels, Brugmann University Hospital, B-1020 Brussels, Belgium Communicated by Jean Brachet, November 2, 1979 ABSIRACT The distribution of gastrin-cholecystokinin-like in Ammon's horn, and numerous positive fibers have been lo- peptide(s) is reported in brain and hypophysis of the rat. The cated in the amygdala and in the hypothalamus (10, 11). In unlabeled peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex immunohisto- addition, positive cells have also been demonstrated in the chemical technique was used. Controls of specificity for various 13), supraoptic (12), and circularis (13) peptides were studied with solid-phase absorption. Colchicine paraventricular (12, treatment was necessary to obtain positivity in many neuronal hypothalamic magnocellular nuclei, in the hypothalamic cell bodies. In addition to their already known distribution, dorsomedial nucleus (14), and in some brain stem nuclei (12, gastrin-cholecystokinins containing neural cell bodies and fi- 14). Positive fibers have been shown, too, in posterior hy- bers were present in olfactory structures, in various preoptic and pophysis (12, 13), spinal cord (11, 13), and spinal ganglia hypothalamic nuclei (except in mamillary bodies), in mesen- (11). cephalic nucleus linearis rostralis, and in A-10, A-9, and A-8 re- The present investigation reports a detailed immunohisto- gions of Dahlstrom and Fuxe, which include substantia nigra.
    [Show full text]
  • Diencephalon and Hypothalamus
    Diencephalon and Hypothalamus Objectives: 1) To become familiar with the four major divisions of the diencephalon 2) To understand the major anatomical divisions and functions of the hypothalamus. 3) To appreciate the relationship of the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland Four Subdivisions of the Diencephalon: Epithalamus, Subthalamus Thalamus & Hypothalamus Epithalamus 1. Epithalamus — (“epi” means upon) the most dorsal part of the diencephalon; it forms a caplike covering over the thalamus. a. The smallest and oldest part of the diencephalon b. Composed of: pineal body, habenular nuclei and the caudal commissure c. Function: It is functionally and anatomically linked to the limbic system; implicated in a number of autonomic (ie. respiratory, cardio- vascular), endocrine (thyroid function) and reproductive (mating behavior; responsible for postpartum maternal behavior) functions. Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland at night and is concerned with biological timing including sleep induction. 2. Subthalamus — (“sub” = below), located ventral to the thalamus and lateral to the hypothalamus (only present in mammals). a. Plays a role in the generation of rhythmic movements b. Recent work indicates that stimulation of the subthalamus in cats inhibits the micturition reflex and thus this nucleus may also be involved in neural control of micturition. c. Stimulation of the subthalamus provides the most effective treatment for late-stage Parkinson’s disease in humans. Subthalamus 3. Thalamus — largest component of the diencephalon a. comprised of a large number of nuclei; -->lateral geniculate (vision) and the medial geniculate (hearing). b. serves as the great sensory receiving area (receives sensory input from all sensory pathways except olfaction) and relays sensory information to the cerebral cortex.
    [Show full text]
  • Expressing Retinal Ganglion Cells Revealed by Intraocular Injections of Cre-Dependent Virus
    RESEARCH ARTICLE Retinofugal Projections from Melanopsin- Expressing Retinal Ganglion Cells Revealed by Intraocular Injections of Cre-Dependent Virus Anton Delwig1, DeLaine D. Larsen1, Douglas Yasumura1, Cindy F. Yang2, Nirao M. Shah2, David R. Copenhagen1,3* 1 Department of Ophthalmology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, United States of America, 2 Department of Anatomy, UCSF, San Francisco, California, United States of America, 3 Department of Physiology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, United States of America * [email protected] Abstract To understand visual functions mediated by intrinsically photosensitive melanopsin- OPEN ACCESS expressing retinal ganglion cells (mRGCs), it is important to elucidate axonal projections Citation: Delwig A, Larsen DD, Yasumura D, Yang from these cells into the brain. Initial studies reported that melanopsin is expressed only in CF, Shah NM, Copenhagen DR (2016) Retinofugal retinal ganglion cells within the eye. However, recent studies in Opn4-Cre mice revealed Projections from Melanopsin-Expressing Retinal Ganglion Cells Revealed by Intraocular Injections of Cre-mediated marker expression in multiple brain areas. These discoveries complicate the Cre-Dependent Virus. PLoS ONE 11(2): e0149501. use of melanopsin-driven genetic labeling techniques to identify retinofugal projections spe- doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0149501 cifically from mRGCs. To restrict labeling to mRGCs, we developed a recombinant adeno- Editor: Tudor C Badea, NIH/NEI, UNITED STATES associated virus (AAV) carrying a Cre-dependent reporter (human placental alkaline phos- Received: July 27, 2015 phatase) that was injected into the vitreous of Opn4-Cre mouse eyes. The labeling observed in the brain of these mice was necessarily restricted specifically to retinofugal pro- Accepted: February 2, 2016 jections from mRGCs in the injected eye.
    [Show full text]
  • The Distribution of Oxytocin and the Oxytocin Receptor in Rat Brain: Relation to Regions Active in Migraine
    Warfvinge et al. The Journal of Headache and Pain (2020) 21:10 The Journal of Headache https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-020-1079-8 and Pain RESEARCH ARTICLE Open Access The distribution of oxytocin and the oxytocin receptor in rat brain: relation to regions active in migraine Karin Warfvinge1,2* , Diana Krause2,3 and Lars Edvinsson1,2 Abstract Background: Recent work, both clinical and experimental, suggests that the hypothalamic hormone oxytocin (OT) and its receptor (OTR) may be involved in migraine pathophysiology. In order to better understand possible central actions of OT in migraine/headache pathogenesis, we mapped the distribution of OT and OTR in nerve cells and fibers in rat brain with a focus on areas related to migraine attacks and/or shown previously to contain calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP), another neuropeptide involved in migraine. Methods: Distribution of OT and OTR in the adult, rat brain was qualitatively examined with immunohistochemistry using a series of well characterized specific antibodies. Results: As expected, OT was extensively localized in the cell somas of two hypothalamic nuclei, the supraoptic (SO or SON) and paraventricular nuclei (Pa or PVN). OT also was found in many other regions of the brain where it was localized mainly in nerve fibers. In contrast, OTR staining in the brain was mainly observed in cell somas with very little expression in fibers. The most distinct OTR expression was found in the hippocampus, the pons and the substantia nigra. In some regions of the brain (e.g. the amygdala and the hypothalamus), both OT and OTR were expressed (match).
    [Show full text]
  • Development of Oxytocin- and Vasopressin-Network in the Supraoptic and Paraventricular Nuclei of Fetal Sheep
    Physiol. Res. 61: 277-286, 2012 https://doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.932257 Development of Oxytocin- and Vasopressin-Network in the Supraoptic and Paraventricular Nuclei of Fetal Sheep L. SHI1*, Y. FAN2*, Z. XU1,3 * These authors contributed equally to this work. 1Beijing Sport University and First Hospital of Soochow University, Beijing and Suzhou, China, 2Clinical Laboratory, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School, Suzhou, China, 3Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California, USA Received September 12, 2011 Accepted March 2, 2012 On-line April 5, 2012 Summary Key words The hypothalamic supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei consist of Distribution • Arginine vasopressin • Oxytocin • SON • PVN oxytocin and arginine vasopressin synthesizing neurons that send projections to the neurohypophysis. A growing body of evidence Corresponding author in adult animals and young animals at near term confirmed the Zhice Xu, Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University structure and function in the vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California 92350, USA. E-mail: network. However, whether those distinctive neural networks are [email protected] formed before near term is largely unknown. This study determined the special patterns in location and distribution of Introduction oxytocin- and vasopressin-neurons in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei from preterm to term in the ovine fetuses. The The hypothalamus functions critically in a results showed that oxytocin- and vasopressin-neurons were number of important physiological processes in the body, present in both nuclei at the three gestational time periods including cardiovascular regulation, body fluid (preterm, near term, and term).
    [Show full text]
  • Vasopressin and Oxytocin in Control of the Cardiovascular System
    Send Orders of Reprints at [email protected] 218 Current Neuropharmacology, 2013, 11, 218-230 Vasopressin and Oxytocin in Control of the Cardiovascular System Nina Japundi-igon* Professor of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Belgrade School of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Dr Subotica 1, Belgrade, Republic of Serbia Abstract: Vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) are mainly synthesized in the magnocellular neurons of the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus. Axons from the magnocellular part of the PVN and SON project to neurohypophysis where VP and OT are released in blood to act like hormones. Axons from the parvocellular part of PVN project to extra-hypothalamic brain areas (median eminence, limbic system, brainstem and spinal cord) where VP and OT act like neurotransmitters/modulators. VP and OT act in complementary manner in cardiovascular control, both as hormones and neurotransmitters. While VP conserves water and increases circulating blood volume, OT eliminates sodium. Hyperactivity of VP neurons and quiescence of OT neurons in PVN underlie osmotic adjustment to pregnancy. In most vascular beds VP is a potent vasoconstrictor, more potent than OT, except in the umbilical artery at term. The vasoconstriction by VP and OT is mediated via V1aR. In some vascular beds, i.e. the lungs and the brain, VP and OT produce NO dependent vasodilatation. Peripherally, VP has been found to enhance the sensitivity of the baro-receptor while centrally, VP and OT increase sympathetic outflow, suppresse baro-receptor reflex and enhance respiration. Whilst VP is an important mediator of stress that triggers ACTH release, OT exhibits anti-stress properties.
    [Show full text]
  • Effects of Nitric Oxide on Magnocellular Neurons of the Supraoptic Nucleus Involve Multiple Mechanisms
    Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research (2014) 47(2): 90-100, http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1414-431X20133326 ISSN 1414-431X Review Effects of nitric oxide on magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic nucleus involve multiple mechanisms M.P. da Silva*, P.L. Cedraz-Mercez* and W.A. Varanda Departamento de Fisiologia, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeira˜o Preto, Universidade de Sa˜o Paulo, Ribeira˜o Preto, SP, Brasil Abstract Physiological evidence indicates that the supraoptic nucleus (SON) is an important region for integrating information related to homeostasis of body fluids. Located bilaterally to the optic chiasm, this nucleus is composed of magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) responsible for the synthesis and release of vasopressin and oxytocin to the neurohypophysis. At the cellular level, the control of vasopressin and oxytocin release is directly linked to the firing frequency of MNCs. In general, we can say that the excitability of these cells can be controlled via two distinct mechanisms: 1) the intrinsic membrane properties of the MNCs themselves and 2) synaptic input from circumventricular organs that contain osmosensitive neurons. It has also been demonstrated that MNCs are sensitive to osmotic stimuli in the physiological range. Therefore, the study of their intrinsic membrane properties became imperative to explain the osmosensitivity of MNCs. In addition to this, the discovery that several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides can modulate their electrical activity greatly increased our knowledge about the role played by the MNCs in fluid homeostasis. In particular, nitric oxide (NO) may be an important player in fluid balance homeostasis, because it has been demonstrated that the enzyme responsible for its production has an increased activity following a hypertonic stimulation of the system.
    [Show full text]
  • Tuning the Brain for Motherhood: Prolactin-Like Central Signalling in Virgin, Pregnant, and Lactating Female Mice
    21/6/2016 e.Proofing Tuning the brain for motherhood: prolactin-like central signalling in virgin, pregnant, and lactating female mice Hugo Salais­López 1 Enrique Lanuza 2 Carmen Agustín­Pavón 1 Fernando Martínez­García 1,* Phone +34 964 387457 Email [email protected] 1 Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Av. de Vicent Sos Baynat, s/n, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain 2 Departaments de Biologia Cel·lular i de Biologia Funcional, Facultat de Ciències Biològiques, Universitat de València, València, Spain Abstract Prolactin is fundamental for the expression of maternal behaviour. In virgin female rats, prolactin administered upon steroid hormone priming accelerates the onset of maternal care. By contrast, the role of prolactin in mice maternal behaviour remains unclear. This study aims at characterizing central prolactin activity patterns in female mice and their variation through pregnancy and lactation. This was revealed by immunoreactivity of phosphorylated (active) signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (pSTAT5­ir), a key molecule in the signalling cascade of prolactin receptors. We also evaluated non­ hypophyseal lactogenic activity during pregnancy by administering bromocriptine, which suppresses hypophyseal prolactin release. Late­pregnant and lactating females showed significantly increased pSTAT5­ir resulting in a widespread pattern of immunostaining with minor variations between pregnant and lactating animals, which comprises nuclei of the sociosexual and maternal brain, including telencephalic (septum, nucleus of the stria terminalis, and amygdala), hypothalamic (preoptic, paraventricular, supraoptic, and ventromedial), and midbrain (periaqueductal grey) regions. During late http://eproofing.springer.com/journals/printpage.php?token=F6Dh0Rrkyf7yFBfPwEWl_JTT4qYCAsP3 1/56 21/6/2016 e.Proofing pregnancy, this pattern was not affected by the administration of bromocriptine, suggesting it to be elicited mostly by non­hypophyseal lactogenic agents, likely placental lactogens.
    [Show full text]