Cocaine- And Amphetamine-regulated Transcript Neurons Research Articles

Convergent Energy State-Dependent Antagonistic Signaling by Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript (CART) and Neuropeptide Y (NPY) Modulates the Plasticity of Forebrain Neurons to Regulate Feeding in Zebrafish.

Dynamic reconfiguration of circuit function subserves the flexibility of innate behaviors tuned to physiological states. Internal energy stores adaptively regulate feeding-associated behaviors and integrate opposing hunger and satiety signals at the level of neural circuits. Across vertebrate lineages, the neuropeptides cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) have potent anorexic and orexic functions, respectively, and show energy-state-dependent expression in interoceptive neurons. However, how the antagonistic activities of these peptides modulate circuit plasticity remains unclear. Using behavioral, neuroanatomical, and activity analysis in adult zebrafish of both sexes, along with pharmacological interventions, we show that CART and NPY activities converge on a population of neurons in the dorsomedial telencephalon (Dm). Although CART facilitates glutamatergic neurotransmission at the Dm, NPY dampens the response to glutamate. In energy-rich states, CART enhances NMDA receptor (NMDAR) function by protein kinase A/protein kinase C (PKA/PKC)-mediated phosphorylation of the NR1 subunit of the NMDAR complex. Conversely, starvation triggers NPY-mediated reduction in phosphorylated NR1 via calcineurin activation and inhibition of cAMP production leading to reduced responsiveness to glutamate. Our data identify convergent integration of CART and NPY inputs by the Dm neurons to generate nutritional state-dependent circuit plasticity that is correlated with the behavioral switch induced by the opposing actions of satiety and hunger signals.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Internal energy needs reconfigure neuronal circuits to adaptively regulate feeding behavior. Energy-state-dependent neuropeptide release can signal energy status to feeding-associated circuits and modulate circuit function. CART and NPY are major anorexic and orexic factors, respectively, but the intracellular signaling pathways used by these peptides to alter circuit function remain uncharacterized. We show that CART and NPY-expressing neurons from energy-state interoceptive areas project to a novel telencephalic region, Dm, in adult zebrafish. CART increases the excitability of Dm neurons, whereas NPY opposes CART activity. Antagonistic signaling by CART and NPY converge onto NMDA-receptor function to modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission. Thus, opposing activities of anorexic CART and orexic NPY reconfigure circuit function to generate flexibility in feeding behavior.

Neuropeptide CART modulates dopamine turnover in the nucleus accumbens: Insights into the anatomy of rewarding circuits.

Neuropeptide cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is known to influence the activity of the canonical mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway and modulate reward seeking behaviour. CART neurons of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) send afferents to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) and these nuclei, in turn, send secondary projections to nucleus accumbens. We try to dissect the precise sites of CART's action in these circuits in promoting reward. Rats were implanted with bipolar electrode targeted at the lateral hypothalamus-medial forebrain bundle (LH-MFB) and trained to press the lever through intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) protocol. CART (55-102) administered directly into posterior VTA (pVTA) or PVT of the conditioned rats significantly increased the number of lever presses, indicating reward-promoting activity of the peptide. Concomitant increase in dopamine (DA) and 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) efflux was noted in the microdialysate collected from the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh). On the other hand, immunoneutralization of endogenous CART with CART antibodies injected directly in the pVTA or PVT reduced the lever press activity as well as DA and DOPAC efflux in the AcbSh. Injection of CART (1-39) in pVTA or PVT was ineffective. We suggest that CART cells in the LH-MFB area send afferents to (a) pVTA and influence dopaminergic neurons projecting to AcbSh and (b) PVT, from where the secondary neurons may feed into the AcbSh. Excitation of the CARTergic pathway to the pVTA as well as the PVT seems to promote DA release in the AcbSh and contribute to the generation of reward.

Both NPY-Expressing and CART-Expressing Neurons Increase Energy Expenditure and Trabecular Bone Mass in Response to AP1 Antagonism, But Have Opposite Effects on Bone Resorption.

Energy metabolism and bone homeostasis share several neuronal regulatory pathways. Within the ventral hypothalamus (VHT), the orexigenic neurons co-express Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) and the anorexigenic neurons co-express, α-melanocyte stimulating hormone derived from proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART). These neurons regulate both processes, yet their relative contribution is unknown. Previously, using genetically targeted activator protein (AP1) alterations as a tool, we showed in adult mice that AgRP or POMC neurons are capable of inducing whole-body energy catabolism and bone accrual, with different effects on bone resorption. Here, we investigated whether co-residing neurons exert similar regulatory effects. We show that AP1 antagonists targeted to NPY-producing or CART-producing neurons in adult mice stimulate energy expenditure, reduce body weight gain and adiposity and promote trabecular bone formation and mass, yet again via different effects on bone resorption, as measured by serum level of carboxy-terminal collagen type I crosslinks (CTX). In addition, AP1 antagonists promote neurite expansion, increasing neurite number, length, and surface area in primary hypothalamic neuronal cultures. Overall, our data demonstrate that the orexigenic NPY and anorexigenic CART neurons both have the capacity to stimulate energy burning state and increase bone mass. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Development of nNOS-positive preganglionic sympathetic neurons in the rat thoracic spinal cord

To gain a better understanding of the neuroplasticity of sympathetic neurons during postnatal ontogenesis, the distribution of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunoreactivity was studied in sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPN) in the spinal cord (Th2 segment) of female Wistar rats at different ages (newborn, 10-, 20-, 30-day-old; 2-, 6-month-old; 3-year-old). In all age groups, the majority of nNOS-immunoreactive (IR) neurons was observed in the nucleus intermediolateralis thoracolumbalis pars principalis. In the first month, the proportion of nNOS-IR neurons decreased significantly from 92 ± 3.4% in newborn to 55 ± 4.6% in 1-month-old, while the number of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-IR neurons increased from 74 ± 4.2% to 99 ± 0.3% respectively. Decreasing nNOS expression in the first 10days of life was also confirmed by western blot analysis. Some nNOS-IR SPN also colocalized calbindin (CB) and cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART). The percentage of NOS(+)/CB(-) SPN increased from 23 ± 3.6% in 10-day-old to 36 ± 4.2% in 2-month-old rats. Meanwhile, the proportion of NOS(+)/CART(-) neurons decreased from 82 ± 4.7% in newborn to 53 ± 6.1% in 1-month-old rats. The information provided here will also serve as a basis for future studies investigating the mechanisms of autonomic neuron development.

Arcuate nucleus and lateral hypothalamic CART neurons in the mouse brain exert opposing effects on energy expenditure.

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is widely expressed in the hypothalamus and an important regulator of energy homeostasis; however, the specific contributions of different CART neuronal populations to this process are not known. Here, we show that depolarization of mouse arcuate nucleus (Arc) CART neurons via DREADD technology decreases energy expenditure and physical activity, while it exerts the opposite effects in CART neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LHA). Importantly, when stimulating these neuronal populations in the absence of CART, the effects were attenuated. In contrast, while activation of CART neurons in the LHA stimulated feeding in the presence of CART, endogenous CART inhibited food intake in response to Arc CART neuron activation. Taken together, these results demonstrate anorexigenic but anabolic effects of CART upon Arc neuron activation, and orexigenic but catabolic effects upon LHA-neuron activation, highlighting the complex and nuclei-specific functions of CART in controlling feeding and energy homeostasis.

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) or cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) fiber innervation on central and medial amygdaloid neurons that project to the locus coeruleus and dorsal raphe in the rat

The amygdaloid nuclear complex has been linked to the regulation of emotional behavior and energy regulation in that emotional stress might cause either reduction or enhancement of eating. We examined hypothalamic neuronal origin of feeding/arousal-related peptidergic fibers containing cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) located in the rat amygdala along with its efferent projections to the brainstem monoaminergic nuclei. First, central (CeA) as well as medial (MeA) amygdala, among several amygdaloid subdivisions, exhibited the most prominent NPY or CART immunostaining which consisted of a substantial number of somata as well as labeled fibers. When we examined hypothalamic neuronal origin of NPY or CART fibers projecting to the CeA and MeA, medial and lateral arcuate nuclei were neuronal origins of NPY and CART fibers, respectively. However, the majority (>70%) of amygdala-projecting CART neurons which co-contained melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) originated from the lateral hypothalamus (LH), zona incerta (ZI), and dorsal hypothalamic area (DA). This observation implied that the CeA as well as the MeA might receive potent second-order (and downstream) feeding-related CART input from the lateral hypothalamic regions in addition to first-order CART or NPY input from the Arc. Second, a large number of CeA neurons projected to the locus coeruleus (LC), whereas only a small number of MeA cells projected to the dorsal raphe (DR); none of the CeA or MeA cells provided dual projections to the LC and DR. Finally, a portion of MCH cells in the LH, ZI, and DA sent divergent axon collaterals to the CeA and LC. Considering that the CeA sends substantial GABAergic input to the LC, the present observation might serve as an anatomical substrate to support the potent hypnogenic role of MCH neurons in the LH regions during cataplexy and REM sleep.

CART neurons in the arcuate nucleus and lateral hypothalamic area exert differential controls on energy homeostasis

ObjectiveThe cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) codes for a pivotal neuropeptide important in the control of appetite and energy homeostasis. However, limited understanding exists for the defined effector sites underlying CART function, as discrepant effects of central CART administration have been reported. MethodsBy combining Cart-cre knock-in mice with a Cart adeno-associated viral vector designed using the flip-excision switch (AAV-FLEX) technology, specific reintroduction or overexpression of CART selectively in CART neurons in the arcuate nucleus (Arc) and lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), respectively, was achieved. The effects on energy homeostasis control were investigated. ResultsHere we show that CART neuron-specific reintroduction of CART into the Arc and LHA leads to distinct effects on energy homeostasis control. Specifically, CART reintroduction into the Arc of otherwise CART-deficient Cartcre/cre mice markedly decreased fat mass and body weight, whereas CART reintroduction into the LHA caused significant fat mass gain and lean mass loss, but overall unaltered body weight. The reduced adiposity in ArcCART;Cartcre/cre mice was associated with an increase in both energy expenditure and physical activity, along with significantly decreased Npy mRNA levels in the Arc but with no change in food consumption. Distinctively, the elevated fat mass in LHACART;Cartcre/cre mice was accompanied by diminished insulin responsiveness and glucose tolerance, greater spontaneous food intake, and reduced energy expenditure, which is consistent with the observed decrease of brown adipose tissue temperature. This is also in line with significantly reduced tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) and notably increased corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh) mRNA expressions in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). ConclusionsTaken together, these results identify catabolic and anabolic effects of CART in the Arc and LHA, respectively, demonstrating for the first time the distinct and region-specific functions of CART in controlling feeding and energy homeostasis.

Short-Term High-Fat Diet Increases Leptin Activation of CART Neurons and Advances Puberty in Female Mice.

Leptin is a permissive factor for puberty initiation, participating as a metabolic cue in the activation of the kisspeptin (Kiss1)-gonadotropin-releasing hormone neuronal circuitry; however, it has no direct effect on Kiss1 neurons. Leptin acts on hypothalamic cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) neurons, participating in the regulation of energy homeostasis. We investigated the influence of a short-term high-fat diet (HFD) on the effect of leptin on puberty timing. Kiss1-hrGFP female mice received a HFD or regular diet (RD) after weaning at postnatal day (PN)21 and were studied at PN28 and PN32. The HFD increased body weight and plasma leptin concentrations and decreased the age at vaginal opening (HFD, 32 ± 0.53 days; RD, 38 ± 0.67 days). Similar colocalization of neurokinin B and dynorphin in Kiss1-hrGFP neurons of the arcuate nucleus (ARC) was observed between the HFD and RD groups. The HFD increased CART expression in the ARC and Kiss1 messenger RNA expression in the anteroventral periventricular (AVPV)/anterior periventricular (Pe). The HFD also increased the number of ARC CART neurons expressing leptin-induced phosphorylated STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) at PN32. Close apposition of CART fibers to Kiss1-hrGFP neurons was observed in the ARC of both RD- and HFD-fed mice. In conclusion, these data reinforce the notion that a HFD increases kisspeptin expression in the AVPV/Pe and advances puberty initiation. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that the HFD-induced earlier puberty is associated with an increase in CART expression in the ARC. Therefore, these data indicate that CART neurons in the ARC can mediate the effect of leptin on Kiss1 neurons in early puberty induced by a HFD.

The role of neuropeptide CART in the lateral hypothalamic-ventral tegmental area (LH-VTA) circuit in motivation

Rats with electrode implanted in the lateral hypothalamus (LH)-medial forebrain bundle (MFB) area actively engage in intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS). However, the neuronal substrate that translates the electrical pulses into the neural signals, and integrates the information with mesolimbic reward system, has remained elusive. We test the hypothesis that the cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) neurons in the LH-MFB area may support this function. The ICSS activity via an electrode in LH-MFB area was facilitated by CART (55–102) peptide stereotaxically injected in the lateral ventricle or posterior ventral tegmental area (pVTA), but attenuated by CART antibody. While the ICSS experience seems to activate CART cells in the LH, the pVTA showed significant increment in the CART fiber terminals on the dopamine cells, increase in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactivity, and CART and synaptophysin colabeled elements. Neuronal tracing experiments revealed that CART cells of the LH-MFB region project to the pVTA. The rats with stereotaxically implanted cannulae in pVTA avidly self-infused CART (55–102) suggesting a role for the peptide in motivation, however, CART (1–39) was ineffective. CART self-infusing activity was inhibited by dopamine D1 receptors antagonist, given directly in the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh). The rats trained to self-administer CART (55–102) showed enhanced TH immunoreactivity in the cells of pVTA and fibers in AcbSh. We suggest that CART neurons of the LH-MFB area may play a role in conveying reward information to the mesolimbic dopamine neurons, which in turn may arouse the goal directed behavior.

Dual projections of single orexin- or CART-immunoreactive, lateral hypothalamic neurons to the paraventricular thalamic nucleus and nucleus accumbens shell in the rat: Light microscopic study

The paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) is a major relay station to the limbic forebrain areas such as the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh). Both PVT and AcbSh are known to receive feeding/arousal-related peptidergic fibers including orexin (ORX) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide. In the first series of experiments, we examined the peptidergic fiber distribution in the AcbSh; the density of ORX (or CART) fibers in the AcbSh was substantially lower than that in the PVT. At the light microscopic level, ORX (or CART) terminals formed close appositions to choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)-, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD)-, or enkephalin (Enk)-immunoreactive neuronal elements in the AcbSh. In the second series of experiments, we addressed the question of whether single ORX (or CART) cells in the hypothalamus provided divergent axon collaterals to the PVT and AcbSh. ORX neurons with dual projections were found in the medial, central, and lateral subdivisions of the lateral hypothalamus (LH), which amounted to an average of 1.6% of total ORX cells. CART neurons with divergent axon collaterals were observed in the LH, zona incerta, dorsal hypothalamic area, and retrochiasmatic nucleus, which represented a mean of 2.5% of total CART cells. None of arcuate CART cells sent dual projections. These data suggested that a portion of ORX (or CART) neurons in the hypothalamus, via divergent axon collaterals, might concurrently modulate the activity of PVT and AcbSh cells to affect feeding and drug-seeking behaviors.

Hypothalamic, feeding/arousal-related peptidergic projections to the paraventricular thalamic nucleus in the rat

Based on the importance of paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) as a relay station of energy balance, arousal, and food reward, we aimed in the present study to determine projection patterns of neuropeptide Y (NPY), cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH), and orexin (ORX)-ergic fibers to the PVT. First, the distribution of peptidergic axon terminals within the PVT was examined. NPY and CART terminals were confined within the boundary of the thalamic nucleus, exhibiting almost identical distribution. MCH terminals were rarely observed. In contrast, ORX terminals were as extensive as NPY/CART terminals, but spread into the peri-PVT region. Second, neuronal origin of feeding/arousal-related peptides projecting to the PVT was investigated. NPY neurons were observed in the medial subdivision of the arcuate nucleus (Arc), whereas CART cells were in the lateral Arc as well as other hypothalamic regions including the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, lateral hypothalamus (LH), dorsal hypothalamic area, and zona incerta. Both NPY- and CART-fiber projections to the PVT were bilateral; ipsilateral proportion was 54.0%±3.6% (n=6) for NPY and 57.1%±2.5% (n=6) for CART. The total number of CART neurons projecting to the PVT exceeded that of NPY cells; the ratio of labeled CART neurons to NPY cells was 2.4±0.2 (n=6). In contrast, ORX-ergic fiber projection to the PVT exhibited a slight ipsilateral dominance (62.7%±1.6%, n=6), with majority of labeled cells located in the LH medial to the fornix (72.2%±2.3%, n=6). Third, based on heavy projection from the PVT to the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh), the convergence of NPY and CART terminals on a single PVT neuron was identified; the proportion of labeled PVT neurons that received converging NPY/CART terminals compared with the total PVT neurons projecting to the NAcSh was 2.7%±0.6% (n=3). Finally, PVT cells receiving NPY, CART, or ORX terminals provided divergent axon collaterals to NAcSh and medial prefrontal cortex. The present observations provided the anatomical evidence that the PVT might play an essential role in the integration of antagonistically-acting, feeding/arousal-related peptidergic inputs on their way to the cortical reward circuit.

Reciprocal connections between CART-immunoreactive, hypothalamic paraventricular neurons and serotonergic dorsal raphe cells in the rat: Light microscopic study

Based on the overlapping physiological roles of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptides and serotonin, the present study examined the anatomical connection between the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the dorsal raphe (DR). The first series of experiments were performed to investigate descending projections from the CART-immunoreactive (CART-ir) PVN to serotonergic DR cells. CART-ir varicosities made contact with serotonergic DR neurons. An anterograde tracing study revealed that varicosities originating from the PVN formed close appositions to serotonergic neuronal profiles along the entire rostro-caudal extent of the DR. A retrograde study demonstrated that CART neurons projecting to the DR were mainly localized in the caudal parvicellular PVN, comprising approximately 3.0%±0.4% (n=8) of total CART cells. A second series of experiments was performed to investigate ascending projections from the DR to CART-ir PVN cells. Serotonin transporter-ir boutons made contact with CART-ir PVN neurons. Anterograde tracing revealed that varicosities originating from the DR formed close appositions to CART-ir PVN cells. Retrograde examination demonstrated that serotonergic neurons projecting to the parvicellular PVN were located along the entire rostro-caudal extent of the DR. The present observation provided an anatomical basis for accumulating evidence in the literature that suggests a functional interaction between the CART and serotonin systems during the regulation of energy balance, emotional behavior, and arousal.

Integration of stress and leptin signaling by CART producing neurons in the rodent midbrain centrally projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus

Leptin targets the brain to regulate feeding, neuroendocrine function and metabolism. The leptin receptor is present in hypothalamic centers controlling energy metabolism as well as in the centrally projecting Edinger–Westphal nucleus (EWcp), a region implicated in the stress response and in various aspects of stress-related behaviors. We hypothesized that the stress response by cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART)-producing EWcp-neurons would depend on the animal’s energy state. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of changes in energy state (mimicked by low, normal and high leptin levels, which were achieved by 24 h fasting, normal chow and leptin injection, respectively) on the response of CART neurons in the EWcp of rats subjected or not to acute restraint stress. Our data show that leptin treatment alone significantly increases CART mRNA expression in the rat EWcp and that in leptin receptor deficient (db/db) mice, the number of CART producing neurons in this nucleus is reduced. This suggests that leptin has a stimulatory effect on the production of CART in the EWcp under non-stressed condition. Under stressed condition, however, leptin blunts stress-induced activation of EWcp neurons and decreases their CART mRNA expression. Interestingly, fasting, does not influence the stress-induced activation of EWcp-neurons, and specifically EWcp-CART neurons are not activated. These results suggest that the stress response by the EWcp depends to some degree on the animal’s energy state, a mechanism that may contribute to a better understanding of the complex interplay between obesity and stress.

Retrograde study of CART- or NPY-neuronal projection from the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus to the dorsal raphe and/or the locus coeruleus in the rat

The present study was designed to reveal cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART)- or neuropeptide Y (NPY)-immunoreactive neuronal projections from the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Arc) to the dorsal raphe (DR) and/or the locus coeruleus (LC) in the rat. Our results demonstrated that CART or NPY axon terminals formed close appositions to the neuronal profiles in the DR and the LC. Thus, arcuate sections were immunostained for the CART or NPY after the injections of green RetroBeads™ into the DR and red tracer into the LC (or vice versa). First, retrogradely-labeled CART cells were mainly observed in the lateral Arc without colchicine. Of the total population of arcuate CART neurons, DR- and LC-projecting cells were 5.7%±0.9% and 6.6%±0.7%, respectively. In addition, a subset (3.3%±0.7%) of CART neurons provided divergent axon collaterals to the DR and the LC. Second, retrogradely-labeled NPY cells were observed in lateral or ventral borders of the medial Arc only after colchicine injection. Of the entire NPY cell population, DR- and LC-projecting neurons were 1.5%±0.3% and 1.3%±0.3%, respectively. Only a scanty proportion (0.1%±0.0%) sent axon collaterals to the DR and the LC. These observations suggested that arcuate CART or NPY system might have a potential influence on the brainstem monoaminergic nuclei, modulating their roles in feeding, nociception, emotional behaviors, arousal, and stress responses. Furthermore, a portion of arcuate CART neurons (along with only a few NPY cells) sending divergent axon collaterals to the DR/LC might have a simultaneous (and possibly more efficient) way to exert their specific influences on the monoaminergic nuclei.

Projection patterns of lateral hypothalamic, cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) neurons to the dorsal raphe and/or the locus coeruleus in the rat

The present study was designed to reveal the projection patterns of lateral hypothalamic (LH), cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) neurons to the dorsal raphe (DR) and/or the locus coeruleus (LC) in the rat. After the injection of Red or Green Retrobeads into the DR or LC, LH sections were immunostained for CART and/or melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH). First, CART-immunoreactive axon terminals formed close appositions to the DR (or LC) neuronal profiles. Second, a subpopulation of CART neurons containing MCH projected to the monoaminergic nuclei; the majority of labeled neurons were observed in the dorsal hypothalamic area, the dorsal part of the posterior hypothalamic area, and the zona incerta. Cells were also observed in the perifornical part of the LH, the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, the peduncular and the magnocellular parts of the LH. Of the total population of DR (or LC)-projecting cells, CART/MCH co-containing neurons were 9.5%±1.6% (or 10.8%±1.3% for LC). Finally, a subset of CART (or MCH) neurons provided divergent axon collaterals to the DR and the LC. Of the entire CART (or MCH) cell population, 3.9%±0.8% (or 5.6%±1.0% for MCH) sent axon collaterals to the DR/LC. CART/MCH co-containing neurons projecting to the DR or LC might be involved in the feeding-related regulation of arousal, stress-related responses, and emotional behaviors. Thus, CART (or MCH) cells that send divergent axon collaterals to the DR/LC might have a simultaneous (and possibly more efficient) way to exert their specific influences on the aminergic nuclei.

CART peptide in the nucleus accumbens shell acts downstream to dopamine and mediates the reward and reinforcement actions of morphine

The opioid-mesolimbic-dopamine circuitry operates between ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (Acb) and serves as a major reward pathway. We hypothesized that the neuropeptide cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is involved in the natural reward action mediated by the circuitry. Therefore, the modulation of opioid-mesolimbic-dopamine reward circuitry by CART was investigated using pellet self-administration paradigm in operant chamber. Morphine administered bilaterally in shell region of Acb (AcbSh) significantly increased active lever pressings and pellet self-administration. While CART given bilaterally in the AcbSh significantly increased pellet self-administration, CART antibody produced no effect. Morphine induced pellet self-administration was potentiated by CART, and antagonized by CART antibody administered in AcbSh. A close interaction between dopamine and CART systems was observed. Several tyrosine hydroxylase (marker for dopamine) immunoreactive fibers were seen contacting CART neurons in the AcbSh. Intraperitoneal administration of pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, increased pellet self-administration. The effect was blocked by prior treatment with CART antibody targeted at AcbSh. CART-immunoreactive cells and fibers in the AcbSh, and cells but not fibers in hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), were significantly increased in the animals trained in operant chamber. However, CART-immunoreactive profile in the medial forebrain bundle, VTA and arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus did not respond. We suggest that CART, released from the axonal terminals in the framework of AcbSh, may serve as the final output of the endogenous opioid-mesolimbic-dopamine circuitry that processes natural reward.

Comparative distribution of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) in the hypothalamus of the capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) and the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) is widely distributed in the brain of many species. In the hypothalamus, CART neurotransmission has been implicated in diverse functions including energy balance, stress response, and temperature and endocrine regulation. Although some studies have been performed in primates, very little is known about the distribution of CART neurons in New World monkeys. New World monkeys are good models for systems neuroscience, as some species have evolved several behavioral and anatomical characteristics shared with humans, including diurnal and social habits, intense maternal care, complex manipulative abilities and well-developed frontal cortices. In the present study, we assessed the distribution of CART mRNA and peptide in the hypothalamus of the capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) and the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). We found that the distribution of hypothalamic CART neurons in these monkeys is similar to what has been described for rodents and humans, but some relevant differences were noticed. Only in capuchin monkeys CART neurons were observed in the suprachiasmatic and the intercalatus nuclei, whereas only in marmoset CART neurons were observed in the dorsal anterior nucleus. We also found that the only in marmoset displayed CART neurons in the periventricular preoptic nucleus and in an area seemingly comprising the premammillary nucleus. These hypothalamic sites are both well defined in rodents but poorly defined in humans. Our findings indicate that CART expression in hypothalamic neurons is conserved across species but the identified differences suggest that CART is also involved in the control of species-specific related functions.

Cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, type-2 vesicular glutamate transporter and calbindin co-expression define spiny stellate cells in layer IV of the granular cerebral cortex

Event Abstract Back to Event Cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, type-2 vesicular glutamate transporter and calbindin co-expression define spiny stellate cells in layer IV of the granular cerebral cortex C. S. Molnár1, M. Sárvári1, I. Kalló2, Z. Liposits1, 2 and E. Hrabovszky1* 1 Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungary 2 Pázmány Péter Catholic University, Department of Neuroscience, Hungary Microarray experiments from our laboratory identified cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript (CART) as an estrogen-regulated cortical gene. The present studies addressed the anatomical location and functional phenotype of cortical CART neurons using immunohistochemical (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) strategies. IHC and ISH studies localized CART expressing neurons in layer IV throughout the granular cortex of the rat. CART neurons were found to be distinct from GABAergic interneurons expressing glutamic acid decarboxylase-65 mRNA. Out of the Ca-binding proteins calretinin, parvalbumin and calbindin, CART neurons only expressed low levels of calbindin. ISH studies established that the distribution of CART/calbindin neurons was identical with that of VGLUT2 mRNA expressing cells in layer IV. Morphological studies with IHC determined that CART/VGLUT2/calbindin neurons correspond to spiny stellate cells known to establish local efferent cortical connections. Future studies will use electrophysiological tools to address the effects of CART on cortical neuronal functioning and molecular approaches to study the regulation of cortical CART expression under various physiological and pathological conditions. Acknowledgements This work was supported by grants from the Hungarian Scientific Research Fund (OTKA K69127 T73002 and K83710), the Hungarian Health Research Council Fund (ETT 122/2009) and the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013; grant agreement n° 245009). Keywords: Molecular and cellular neurobiology, Neuroscience Conference: 13th Conference of the Hungarian Neuroscience Society (MITT), Budapest, Hungary, 20 Jan - 22 Jan, 2011. Presentation Type: Abstract Topic: Molecular and cellular neurobiology Citation: Molnár CS, Sárvári M, Kalló I, Liposits Z and Hrabovszky E (2011). Cocaine and amphetamine regulated transcript, type-2 vesicular glutamate transporter and calbindin co-expression define spiny stellate cells in layer IV of the granular cerebral cortex. Front. Neurosci. Conference Abstract: 13th Conference of the Hungarian Neuroscience Society (MITT). doi: 10.3389/conf.fnins.2011.84.00001 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 03 Mar 2011; Published Online: 23 Mar 2011. * Correspondence: Dr. E. Hrabovszky, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary, hrabovszky.erik@koki.mta.hu Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers C. S Molnár M. Sárvári I. Kalló Z. Liposits E. Hrabovszky Google C. S Molnár M. Sárvári I. Kalló Z. Liposits E. Hrabovszky Google Scholar C. S Molnár M. Sárvári I. Kalló Z. Liposits E. Hrabovszky PubMed C. S Molnár M. Sárvári I. Kalló Z. Liposits E. Hrabovszky Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Peripherally injected CCK-8S activates CART positive neurons of the paraventricular nucleus in rats

Cholecystokinin (CCK) plays a role in the short-term inhibition of food intake. Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide has been observed in neurons of the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). It has been reported that intracerebroventricular injection of CART peptide inhibits food intake in rodents. The aim of the study was to determine whether intraperitoneally (ip) injected CCK-8S affects neuronal activity of PVN-CART neurons. Ad libitum fed male Sprague–Dawley rats received 6 or 10 μg/kg CCK-8S or 0.15 M NaCl ip ( n = 4/group). The number of c-Fos-immunoreactive neurons was determined in the PVN, arcuate nucleus (ARC), and the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). CCK-8S dose-dependently increased the number of c-Fos-immunoreactive neurons in the PVN (mean ± SEM: 102 ± 6 vs. 150 ± 5 neurons/section, p < 0.05) and compared to vehicle treated rats (18 ± 7, p < 0.05 vs. 6 and 10 μg/kg CCK-8S). CCK-8S at both doses induced an increase in the number of c-Fos-immunoreactive neurons in the NTS (65 ± 13, p < 0.05, and 182 ± 16, p < 0.05). No effect on the number of c-Fos neurons was observed in the ARC. Immunostaining for CART and c-Fos revealed a dose-dependent increase of activated CART neurons (19 ± 3 vs. 29 ± 7; p < 0.05), only few activated CART neuron were observed in the vehicle group (1 ± 0). The present observation shows that CCK-8S injected ip induces an increase in neuronal activity in PVN-CART neurons and suggests that CART neurons in the PVN may play a role in the mediation of peripheral CCK-8S's anorexigenic effects.

Chemical identity and connections of medial preoptic area neurons expressing melanin-concentrating hormone during lactation

Lactation is an energy-demanding process characterized by massive food and water consumption, cessation of the reproductive cycle and induction of maternal behavior. During lactation, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) mRNA and peptide expression are increased in the medial preoptic area (MPO) and in the anterior paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Here we show that MCH neurons in the MPO coexpress the GABA synthesizing enzyme GAD-67 mRNA. We also show that MCH neurons in the MPO of female rats are innervated by neuropeptides that control energy homeostasis including agouti-related protein (AgRP), α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART). Most of these inputs originate from the arcuate nucleus neurons. Additionally, using injections of retrograde tracers we found that CART neurons in the ventral premammillary nucleus also innervate the MPO. We then assessed the projections of the female MPO using injections of anterograde tracers. The MPO densely innervates hypothalamic nuclei related to reproductive control including the anteroventral periventricular nucleus, the ventrolateral subdivision of the ventromedial nucleus (VMHvl) and the ventral premammillary nucleus (PMV). We found that the density of MCH-ir fibers is increased in the VMHvl and PMV during lactation. Our findings suggest that the expression of MCH in the MPO may be induced by changing levels of neuropeptides involved in metabolic control. These MCH/GABA neurons may, in turn, participate in the suppression of cyclic reproductive function and/or sexual behavior during lactation through projections to reproductive control sites.