Porcine Hypothalamus Research Articles

Effect of Intracerebroventricular Administration of Galanin-Like Peptide on Hepatokines in C57BL/6J Mice.

Galanin-like peptide (GALP) is a neuropeptide that was first isolated and identified from the porcine hypothalamus. Studies have described an anti-obesity effect of GALP. We previously found that intracerebroventricular administration of GALP in mice resulted in an increase in respiratory exchange rate 12 to 16h later. GALP may also affect glucose metabolism, but the detailed mechanism has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of GALP on glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver. Nine-week-old male C57BL / 6J mice were administered a single intracerebroventricular dose of saline or GALP and dissected 16h later. There were no significant between-group differences in body weight and blood glucose levels. With regard to gene and protein expression, G6Pase associated with hepatic gluconeogenesis was significantly reduced in the GALP group. In addition, the hepatokines selenoprotein P and fetuin-A, which induce insulin resistance in the liver, were significantly decreased in the GALP group. These results suggest that intracerebroventricular administration of GALP decreases the expression of key hepatokines, thereby enhancing glucose metabolism.

26 The Kisspeptin Knockout Pig: a New Model for Dissecting Mechanisms Controlling Reproduction

Abstract The biological role of kisspeptin in the reproduction of swine has been far less studied than in other species. In the porcine hypothalamus, kisspeptin is coexpressed with neurokinin B and dynorphin in KNDy neurons. Although kisspeptin-stimulated secretion of gonadotropin hormones in gilts was established early, increased expression of hypothalamic KISS1 was only recently confirmed to be associated with puberty and cyclicity in pigs. Gene knockout (KO) models to study kisspeptin in livestock did not exist until TALEN gene editing technology was used to knockout KISS1R in pigs, resulting in a hypogonadotropic-hypogonadal (HH) phenotype that caused pubertal failure. Little is known about the reproductive physiology of KISS1R KO pigs, except that exogenous follicle-stimulating hormone and gonadotropin-releasing hormone only partially restored gonadal development in boars. To further explore the biological function of kisspeptin and its receptor in swine, we recently used CRISPR/cas9-ribonucleoproteins to knockout KISS1 in pigs (10.3389/fgene.2022.1078991). A total of 684 zygotes were injected resulting in 69 piglets with 58% bearing KISS1 KO alleles (KISS1-/-). The proportion of KISS1-/- alleles did not affect BW or ADG in these mosaic founder pigs. Two boars and 2 gilts with complete KISS1 KO exhibited HH and failed to become pubertal. Germ and Sertoli cells were disorganized in small seminiferous tubules. Mating mosaic F0 pigs (frequency of KISS1-/-, 35 to 88%) resulted in 170 F1 piglets with KISS1-/- alleles observed in a Mendelian frequency. These KISS1-/- pigs displayed normal BW growth during development but were also HH. Ovarian development of KISS1-/- gilts was arrested at a juvenile state, although antral follicles were present. The KISS1-/- boars lacked testicular development and had dramatically reduced concentrations of androgens and skatole, suggesting the lack of boar taint in their meat. Importantly, KISS1 and KISS1R are expressed in ovarian, uterine and testicular tissue; however, the direct role of kisspeptin in these reproductive organs remains unknown in livestock. These KISS1-/- pigs provide a unique animal model that opens new avenues for understanding the role of kisspeptin and gonadotropin hormones in regulation of reproductive development and function in pigs as well as livestock in general. These animals facilitate our ability to explore questions such as: 1) how KNDy neurons function and control gonadotropin pulses or 2) what role does KISS1 play in the development and function of the ovary, uterus and testis in domestic animals. Some of these questions have heretofore only been addressable with difficult surgical modifications, and therefore, KISS1-/- pigs represent an alternative to painful procedures in livestock research. Pursuing these fundamental studies is expected to lead to methods that restore fertility in KISS1-/- pigs. This, in turn, could provide new possibilities for the elimination of surgical castration from pork production. The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Organic Selenium Alleviates Ammonia-Mediated Abnormal Autophagy by Regulating Inflammatory Pathways and the Keap1/Nrf2 Axis in the Hypothalamus of Finishing Pigs.

Ammonia is a significant pollutant in the livestock houses and the atmospheric environment, and excessive ammonia would harm the health of livestock and breeders. Previous studies have shown that ammonia exposure could damage the tissue structure of the nervous system, but the molecular mechanism of ammonia-induced hypothalamus damage was still unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of excessive ammonia in abnormal autophagy of pig hypothalamus and whether selenomethionine would have a mitigating effect on ammonia toxicity. Twenty-four 18-week pigs were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (C group), the selenium group (Se group), the ammonia + selenium group (A + Se group), and the ammonia group (A group). In our study, the expression levels of NF-κB, IL-1β, iNOS, TNF-α, IKK-α, p-IKK-α, Nrf2, ATG5, ATG 10, ATG 12, LC3 I/II, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90 were increased after ammonia exposure; meanwhile, IFN-γ, IKB-α, p-IKB-α, Keap1, P62, mTOR, AKT, p-AKT, PI3K, SQSTM, and Beclin1 showed decreasing trends. The results indicated that excessive ammonia inhalation inhibited the AKT/mTOR pathway to acclerated autophagy through oxidative stress-mediated inflammation in the porcine hypothalamus. L-selenomethionine could alleviate hypothalamus injury induced by ammonia exposure.

The effects of gut microbiota colonizing on the porcine hypothalamus revealed by whole transcriptome analysis.

The roles of the microbe-gut-brain axis in metabolic homeostasis, development, and health are well-known. The hypothalamus integrates the higher nerve center system and functions to regulate energy balance, feeding, biological rhythms and mood. However, how the hypothalamus is affected by gut microbes in mammals is unclear. This study demonstrated differences in hypothalamic gene expression between the germ-free (GF) pigs and pigs colonized with gut microbiota (CG) by whole-transcriptome analysis. A total of 938 mRNAs, 385 lncRNAs and 42 miRNAs were identified to be differentially expressed between the two groups of pigs. An mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA competing endogenous RNA network was constructed, and miR-22-3p, miR-24-3p, miR-136-3p, miR-143-3p, and miR-545-3p located in the net hub. Gene function and pathway enrichment analysis showed the altered mRNAs were mainly related to developmental regulation, mitochondrial function, the nervous system, cell signaling and neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, the remarkable upregulation of multiple genes in oxidative phosphorylation enhanced the GF pigs’ hypothalamic energy expenditure. Additionally, the reduction in ATP content and the increase in carnitine palmitoyl transterase-1 (CPT1) protein level also confirmed this fact. Furthermore, the hypothalamic cell apoptosis rate in the CG piglets was significantly higher than that in the GF piglets. This may be due to the elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory factors produced by gut bacteria. The obtained results collectively suggest that the colonization of gut microbes has a significant impact on hypothalamic function and health.

Cadmium exposure causes mitochondrial fission and fusion disorder in the pig hypothalamus via the PI3K/AKT pathway

Cadmium (Cd) is the main environmental pollutant causing endocrine and nervous system dysfunction in animals. High doses of Cd cause cytotoxicity, including programmed necrosis and apoptosis, which has aroused widespread concern. Mitochondrial dynamics plays a key role in programmed necrosis and apoptosis of endocrine organs. Nevertheless, there is a lack of information on the relationship between Cd-induced programmed necrosis/apoptosis of the hypothalamus and the mitochondrial fusion-fission balance. Therefore, a hypothalamic injury model of Cd exposure was established by adding 20 mg/kg CdCl2 to the basic pig diet for 40 days. Analysis of the Cd toxicity mechanism was conducted by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, hematoxylin and eosin staining, the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, as well as western blot analyses. The results suggested that exposure to Cd inhibited the expression of PI3K and AKT, interfered with the balance of mitochondrial fusion and division, downregulated the expression of Mfn2, Mfn1, and OPA1, and upregulated the expression of Drp1 and Mff, which led to cell apoptosis and programmed necrosis in the pig hypothalamus. This study finds that cadmium exposure leads to mitochondrial fission and fusion dysfunction in porcine hypothalamus via the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Localization of kisspeptin, NKB, and NK3R in the hypothalamus of gilts treated with the progestin altrenogest.

Mechanisms in the brain controlling secretion of gonadotropin hormones in pigs, particularly luteinizing hormone (LH), are poorly understood. Kisspeptin is a potent LH stimulant that is essential for fertility in many species, including pigs. Neurokinin B (NKB) acting through neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) is involved in kisspeptin-stimulated LH release, but organization of NKB and NK3R within the porcine hypothalamus is unknown. Hypothalamic tissue from ovariectomized (OVX) gilts was used to determine the distribution of immunoreactive kisspeptin, NKB, and NK3R cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Almost all kisspeptin neurons coexpressed NKB in the porcine ARC. Immunostaining for NK3R was distributed throughout the preoptic area (POA) and in several hypothalamic areas including the periventricular and retrochiasmatic areas but was not detected within the ARC. There was no colocalization of NK3R with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), but NK3R-positive fibers in the POA were in close apposition to GnRH neurons. Treating OVX gilts with the progestin altrenogest decreased LH pulse frequency and reduced mean circulating concentrations of LH compared with OVX control gilts (P<0.01), but the number of kisspeptin and NKB cells in the ARC did not differ between treatments. The neuroanatomical arrangement of kisspeptin, NKB, and NK3R within the porcine hypothalamus confirms they are positioned to stimulate GnRH and LH secretion in gilts, though differences with other species exist. Altrenogest suppression of LH secretion in the OVX gilt does not appear to involve decreased peptide expression of kisspeptin or NKB.

Plasma level and expression of visfatin in the porcine hypothalamus during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy

Visfatin appears to be an energy sensor involved in the regulation of female fertility, which creates a hormonal link integrating the control of energy homeostasis and reproduction. This study evaluates the expression levels of visfatin gene and protein in selected areas of the porcine hypothalamus responsible for gonadotropin-releasing hormone synthesis: the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and preoptic area (POA), and visfatin concentrations in the blood plasma. The tissue samples were harvested from gilts on days 2–3, 10–12, 14–16, and 17–19 of the estrous cycle, and on days 10–11, 12–13, 15–16, 27–28 of pregnancy. Visfatin was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells creating both studied hypothalamic structures. The study demonstrated that visfatin gene and protein expression in MBH and POA depends on hormonal status related to the phase of the estrous cycle or early pregnancy. Blood plasma concentrations of visfatin during the estrous cycle were higher on days 2–3 in relation to other studied phases of the cycle, while during early pregnancy, the highest visfatin contents were observed on days 12–13. This study demonstrated visfatin expression in the porcine hypothalamus and its dependence on the hormonal milieu related to the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.

Expression of Chemerin and Its Receptors in the Porcine Hypothalamus and Plasma Chemerin Levels during the Oestrous Cycle and Early Pregnancy.

Chemerin (CHEM) may act as an important link integrating energy homeostasis and reproductive functions of females, and its actions are mediated by three receptors: chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1), G protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPR1), and C-C motif chemokine receptor-like 2 (CCRL2). The aim of the current study was to compare the expression of CHEM and its receptor (CHEM system) mRNAs (quantitative real-time PCR) and proteins (Western blotting and fluorescent immunohistochemistry) in the selected areas of the porcine hypothalamus responsible for gonadotropin-releasing hormone production and secretion: the mediobasal hypothalamus, preoptic area and stalk median eminence during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy. Moreover, plasma CHEM concentrations were determined using ELISA. The expression of CHEM system has been demonstrated in the porcine hypothalamus throughout the luteal phase and follicular phase of the oestrous cycle, and during early pregnancy from days 10 to 28. Plasma CHEM levels and concentrations of transcripts and proteins of CHEM system components in the hypothalamus fluctuated throughout pregnancy and the oestrous cycle. Our study was the first experiment to demonstrate the presence of CHEM system mRNAs and proteins in the porcine hypothalamus and the correlations between the expression levels and physiological hormonal milieu related to the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy.

Increasing carbohydrate availability in the hindgut promotes hypothalamic neurotransmitter synthesis: aromatic amino acids linking the microbiota-brain axis.

The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized to modulate brain function by recent studies demonstrating the central effects of various gut microbial manipulation strategies. Our previous study demonstrated that antibiotic-induced alterations of hindgut microbiota are associated with changes in aromatic amino acid (AAA) metabolism and hypothalamic neurochemistry, while the underlying mechanistic insight is limited. Given that the microbial AAA metabolism can be affected by luminal carbohydrate availability, here we hypothesize that increasing hindgut carbohydrate availability affects the expression of neurotransmitters in the porcine hypothalamus. A hindgut microbiota-targeted strategy was adopted by increasing hindgut carbohydrate availability in a cecal-cannulated piglet model. Mechanistic involvement of AAAs along the gut microbiota-brain axis was further investigated in mice and neuronal cells. Increasing carbohydrate availability by cecal starch infusion led to a decrease in hindgut AAA metabolism, and an increase in systemic AAA availability, central AAA-derived neurotransmitters (5-HT, dopamine), and neurotrophin BDNF in piglets, indicating that hindgut microbiota affect hypothalamic neurochemistry in an AAA-dependent manner. Single AAA i.p. injection in mice revealed that an increase in circulating tryptophan and tyrosine elevated their concentrations in brain and finally promoted the expressions of 5-HT, dopamine, and BDNF in a time-dependent manner. Neuronal cells treated with single AAAs invitro further demonstrated that tryptophan and tyrosine enhanced 5-HT and dopamine synthesis, respectively, and promoted BDNF expression partly through the 5-HT1A/DRD1-CREB pathway. Our study reveals that increasing hindgut carbohydrate availability promotes hypothalamic neurotransmitter synthesis and that AAAs act as potential mediators between hindgut microbiota and brain neurochemistry.

Antibiotics-induced modulation of large intestinal microbiota altered aromatic amino acid profile and expression of neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus of piglets.

The evidence of gut microbiota-mediated modulation of brain function has been widely recognized from studies using germ-free rodents or animals with oral antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion. Since the large intestine harbors greater numbers and more diverse of microbes than in the small intestine, large intestinal microbiota may play a crucial role in the modulation of brain function. In this study, a large intestinal microbiota-targeted strategy was used to investigate the impact of large intestinal microbiota on brain function. Twelve piglets (12.08±0.28kg) fitted with a T-cannula at the distal ileum were fed a standard diet and randomly assigned to two groups (n=6) for ileal infusion of either saline or antibiotics. After 25days of infusion, ileal and fecal microbiota, serum amino acids and neurotransmitters, and hypothalamic transcriptomics were analyzed. While the antibiotic infusion did not change the proximal ileal microbial composition, it markedly altered the fecal microbial composition and increased aromatic amino acid (AAAs) metabolism (p<0.05), suggesting the infusion specifically targeted large intestinal microbes. Concentrations of AAAs were likewise decreased in the blood and hypothalamus (p<0.05) by antibiotic infusion. Antibiotic infusion further decreased concentrations of hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and dopamine, in line with AAAs being their precursors. An up-regulation in gene expressions of neurotransmitter transporters and synthetases was observed (q<0.001). In conclusion, the distalileal-antibiotic infusion altered neurotransmitter expression in the porcine hypothalamus and this effect occurred simultaneously with changes in both the large intestinal microbiota, and AAAs in the large intestine, blood and hypothalamus. These findings indirectly indicate that large intestinal microbiota affects hypothalamic neurotransmitter expressions. Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page208.

Relationship of neuropeptide FF receptors with pubertal maturation of gilts.

Mechanisms governing the timing of puberty in pigs are poorly understood. A genome-wide association study for age at first estrus in pigs identified candidate genes including neuropeptide FF receptor 2 (NPFFR2), which is a putative receptor for RFamide-related peptides (RFRP). RFRP has been shown to negatively regulate secretion of reproductive hormones from hypothalamic and pituitary tissue of pigs in culture. Here, the porcine NPFFR2 gene was further screened and four potentially functional variants were identified to be associated with age at first estrus in pigs (1,288 gilts). The RFRP neurons in the porcine hypothalamus were localized in the paraventricular and dorsomedial nuclei with RFRP fibers in the lateral hypothalamic area. There were marked changes in expression of NPFF receptors in the anterior pituitary gland and hypothalamus of gilts beginning with the peripubertal period. The hypothesis that NPFF receptor function is related to secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) in gilts was tested with various NPFF receptor ligands. The NPFF receptor antagonist RF9 stimulated a pulse-like release of LH in prepubertal gilts. The putative NPFF receptor agonist RFRP3 modestly suppressed LH pulses in ovariectomized (OVX) prepubertal gilts. A porcine-specific RFRP2 failed to have an effect on LH secretion in OVX prepubertal gilts despite its high degree of homology to avian gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone. Results indicate that an RFRP system is present in the pig and that NPFFR2 is important for pubertal onset in gilts. It is not clear if this regulation involves major control of LH secretion or another unknown mechanism.

Brain and intestinal expression of galanin-like peptide (GALP), galanin receptor R1 and galanin receptor R2, and GALP regulation of food intake in goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Galanin-like peptide (GALP) is a 60 amino acid neuropeptide originally discovered from porcine hypothalamus, and is involved in the regulation of food intake in mammals. Since its discovery, GALP and its receptors (GALR1 and GALR2) have been characterized in mammals, but no publications are available on GALP in fish and other non-mammals. The present study aimed to characterize brain and intestinal GALP and its receptors using immunohistochemistry in a teleost, the goldfish (Carassius auratus), and to study its effects on feeding behavior. Immunostaining of brain sections shows the presence of GALP- and GALR1- and GALR2-like immunoreactive cells in different encephalic areas, including the telencephalon, some hypothalamic nuclei, the optic tectum, the torus longitudinalis and the cerebellum. Signal for GALP was also observed in the fasciculus retroflexus. In the gut, GALP-and GALR1 and GALR2 immunoreactive cells were detected in the mucosa. Results from the feeding study demonstrate that intracerebroventricular administration of GALP (1ng/g bodyweight) increases goldfish food intake at 1h post-injection. These observations form the first report on the presence of GALP in the fish brain and gut, and also on its modulatory role on fish feeding behavior. GALP, as in mammals, appears to be a functional neuropeptide in goldfish.

Neuropeptide W-Induced Hypophagia is Mediated Through Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone-Containing Neurons.

Neuropeptide W (NPW), which was originally isolated from the porcine hypothalamus, has been identified as the endogenous ligand for both the NPBWR1 (GPR7) and NPBWR2 (GPR8) receptors. These receptors, which belong to the orphan G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, share a high sequence homology with the opioid and somatostatin receptor families. NPW and NPBWR1 are widely distributed in the rat central nervous system (CNS). While the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of NPW elevates plasma corticosterone levels, the intravenous administration of NPW in conjunction with a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) antagonist blocks NPW-induced corticosterone secretion. It has been reported that NPW is involved in regulating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex (HPA) axis and that i.c.v. administration of NPW decreases feeding behavior. The aim of the present study was to ascertain if NPW's role in feeding regulation is mediated (or not) through corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-containing neurons. We found that NPW-containing axon terminals make synapses with CRH-immunoreactive cell bodies and dendritic processes in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). The central infusion of NPW significantly induced c-Fos expression in CRH-immunoreactive neurons in the mouse PVN, but not in vasopressin- or oxytocin-immunoreactive neurons. To determine if NPW regulates feeding behavior through CRH neurons, the feeding behavior of mice was studied following the i.c.v. administration NPW in the presence or absence of pretreatment with a CRH antagonist. While NPW administration decreased feeding activity, the CRH antagonist inhibited this effect. These results strongly suggest that NPW regulates feeding behavior through CRH neurons in the mouse brain.

Promoter characterization and functional association with placenta of porcine MAGEL2.

MAGEL2 (melanoma antigen-like gene 2) is essential for circadian function, metabolism and reproduction in mammals. This study was conducted to investigate transcriptional regulation and functional importance in the placenta of porcine MAGEL2. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that MAGEL2 was highly expressed in porcine hypothalamus, pituitary and placenta (P<0.05). The gene was down-regulated in Meishan but up-regulated in Duroc placentas from 25 days post-coitum (dpc) to 105 dpc (P<0.01). Dual luciferase assay demonstrated that the region -151/+110 had the highest promoter activity. Of the g. -712C>G and g. -708T>C polymorphisms in MAGEL2 promoter, -712C and -708T were observed to be predominant in Large White, Landrace and Duroc populations, while -712G and -708C were predominant in Meishan and Rongchang populations. Moreover, -712C>G and -708T>C had significant effects on MAGEL2 transcription (P<0.05) and placental efficiency (P<0.01). In conclusion, -151/+110 harbors the basal promoter of porcine MAGEL2. The region upstream the basal promoter contains repressive cis-elements. And, MAGEL2 is essential in porcine placenta.

Expression of Adiponectin and its Receptors in the Porcine Hypothalamus During the Oestrous Cycle

Adiponectin is a hormonal link between obesity and reproduction, and its actions are mediated by two types of receptors: adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1) and adiponectin receptor 2 (AdipoR2). This study compares the expression levels of adiponectin and adiponectin receptor mRNAs and proteins in selected areas of the porcine hypothalamus responsible for GnRH production and secretion: the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH), pre-optic area (POA) and stalk median eminence (SME). The tissue samples were harvested on days 2-3, 10-12, 14-16 and 17-19 of the oestrous cycle. Adiponectin mRNA expression in MBH was significantly lower on days 14-16, whereas in SME, the most pronounced gene expression was found on days 2-3 of the cycle (p<0.05). Adiponectin protein in MBH was most abundant on days 17-19 and in POA on days 2-3 (p<0.05). Adiponectin protein expression in SME was at similar level throughout the most of the cycle with a statistically significant drop (p<0.05) on days 14-16. AdipoR1 gene expression in POA was potentiated on days 2-3 and 10-12 of the oestrous cycle (p<0.05). In SME, the highest AdipoR1 mRNA expression was noted on days 2-3 (p<0.05). The concentrations of the AdipoR1 protein in POA were similar throughout the luteal phase (days 2-14 of the cycle), and they decreased on days 17-19 (p<0.05). In SME, AdipoR1 protein expression peak occurred on days 2-3 (p<0.05). The expression patterns of the AdipoR2 gene in MBH, POA and SME revealed the highest mRNA levels on days 2-3 of the cycle (p<0.05). The highest content of AdipoR2 protein in MBH was reported on days 2-3 (p<0.05), while in POA on days 17-19 and in SME on days 10-12 and 14-16 (p<0.05). This study demonstrated that adiponectin and adiponectin receptor mRNAs and proteins are present in the porcine hypothalamus and that their expression levels are determined by the pig's endocrine status related to the oestrous cycle.

Galanin-like Peptide Ameliorates Obesity by Control of Food Intake and Energy Metabolism

Galanin-like peptide (GALP) is a 60 amino acid neuropeptide that was first isolated from the porcine hypothalamus. It is produced in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus by neurons that form networks with other neurons containing peptides involved in the control of feeding behavior. GALP plays an important role in the regulation of feeding, body weight and energy metabolism. Although the physiological actions of GALP are yet to be fully elucidated, it is possible, given the anti-obesity effect of GALP seen in relation to food intake and body weight loss in obese mice, that GALP could be applied clinically to combat obesity in humans. Here we summarize what is known about the regulation of energy metabolism by GALP, and describe results in animals that could possibly lead to the clinical use of GALP to treat obesity.

Concentration of Adiponectin Receptors 1 (AdipoR1) and 2 (AdipoR2) in the porcine hypothalamus during the oestrous cycle

Concentration of Adiponectin Receptors 1 (AdipoR1) and 2 (AdipoR2) in the porcine hypothalamus during the oestrous cycle

Gene expression of adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) in the porcine hypothalamus during the oestrous cycle

Rainfall distribution has become highly erratic due to climate change and intensive human activities. Hence, the estimation of rainfall distribution has an extraordinary significance in understanding the hydrological cycle and is crucial for water resources management. This paper presents a study on the large-scale spatial rainfall distribution in the Pearl River Basin of China using the information entropy theory and the fuzzy cluster analysis. The Directional Information Transfer Index (DITI) was used to describe the similarity between rainfall gaging stations, and the fuzzy cluster analysis was utilized to classify rainfall gaging stations into distribution zones with the proximity relation defined by the DITI. This research shows that the DITI integrates the rainfall feature at respective stations and the mutual influences among them. Further, the DITI-based fuzzy cluster analysis has a great advantage over the conventional pattern recognition method. Considering the unique temporal and spatial distribution characteristics, the DITI-based model combined with the fuzzy cluster analysis method provided more accurate classification of the rainfall distribution zones. Based on the monthly average rainfall data from 1959 to 2009 at 62 stations, the rainfall distribution in the Pearl River Basin is classified into 10 zones with their unique temporal and spatial distribution characteristics. The correct classification of rainfall distribution zones is crucial for the management and allocation of water resources in the Pearl River Delta to meet the increasing demand of domestic and industrial usage not only within the basin but also as a complementary source for Hong Kong.

Importance of Nursing for Estrogen Receptor-Alpha Expression in the Neonatal Porcine Cerebral Cortex and Hypothalamus.

Importance of Nursing for Estrogen Receptor-Alpha Expression in the Neonatal Porcine Cerebral Cortex and Hypothalamus.

Neuropeptide W

Neuropeptide W (NPW), which was first isolated from the porcine hypothalamus, exists in two forms, consisting of 23 (NPW23) or 30 (NPW30) amino acids. These neuropeptides bind to one of two NPW receptors, either NPBWR1 (otherwise known as GPR7) or NPBWR2 (GPR8), which belong to the G protein-coupled receptor family. GPR7 is expressed in the brain and peripheral organs of both humans and rodents, whereas GPR8 is not found in rodents. GPR7 mRNA in rodents is widely expressed in several hypothalamic regions, including the paraventricular, supraoptic, ventromedial, dorsomedial, suprachiasmatic, and arcuate nuclei. These observations suggest that GPR7 plays a crucial role in the modulation of neuroendocrine function. The intracerebroventricular infusion of NPW has been shown to suppress food intake and body weight and to increase both heat production and body temperature, suggesting that NPW functions as an endogenous catabolic signaling molecule. Here we summarize our current understanding of the distribution and function of NPW in the brain.