RFamide-related Peptide-3 Neurons Research Articles

The Role of RFRP Neurons in the Allostatic Control of Reproductive Function.

Reproductive function is critical for species survival; however, it is energetically costly and physically demanding. Reproductive suppression is therefore a physiologically appropriate adaptation to certain ecological, environmental, and/or temporal conditions. This 'allostatic' suppression of fertility enables individuals to accommodate unfavorable reproductive circumstances and safeguard survival. The mechanisms underpinning this reproductive suppression are complex, yet culminate with the reduced secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus, which in turn suppresses gonadotropin release from the pituitary, thereby impairing gonadal function. The focus of this review will be on the role of RFamide-related peptide (RFRP) neurons in different examples of allostatic reproductive suppression. RFRP neurons release the RFRP-3 peptide, which negatively regulates GnRH neurons and thus appears to act as a 'brake' on the neuroendocrine reproductive axis. In a multitude of predictable (e.g., pre-puberty, reproductive senescence, and seasonal or lactational reproductive quiescence) and unpredictable (e.g., metabolic, immune and/or psychosocial stress) situations in which GnRH secretion is suppressed, the RFRP neurons have been suggested to act as modulators. This review examines evidence for and against these roles.

FRI277 Temporal Coordination Of Female Reproductive Axis Activity By Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) Expressing Cells In The Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

Abstract Disclosure: C. Phumsatitpong: None. S.R. Bever: None. S.L. Hu: None. M.C. Ambrose: None. L.J. Kriegsfeld: None. Circadian rhythms orchestrated by a master clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) are essential for ovulation in spontaneously-ovulating rodents. SCN signaling integrates with estradiol positive feedback to generate the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. Additionally, subordinate clocks in reproductively-relevant SCN targets temporally gate responsiveness to upstream signaling to coordinate ovulation with the active time of day. We have previously shown that the SCN communicates directly to kisspeptin (Kp) and RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) neurons to temporally balance key stimulatory and inhibitory input to GnRH neurons required for LH surge generation. Because VIP-expressing neurons in the SCN have been implicated in the LH surge, we employed a cell-specific chemogenetic approach to determine the functional role of this cell phenotype in female reproductive axis regulation required for surge generation. We hypothesized that temporal gating by subordinate cellular clocks will prevent morning stimulation of VIP-expressing cells from increasing Kp and GnRH, and decreasing RFRP-3, cellular activity. In the afternoon, we expected inhibition of VIP-expressing cells to decrease Kp and GnRH, and increase RFRP-3, cellular activity. Specifically, female VIP-Cre mice were stereotaxically injected with either AAV-hM3Dq or hM4Di to express activating (3Dq) or inhibitory (4Di) DREADDs in VIP-expressing SCN cells. Following recovery, mice were injected clozapine n-oxide (CNO) either in the morning, prior to the LH surge (3Dq experiment), or the afternoon, around the time of the LH surge (4Di experiment). Brains were collected to examine neuronal activation in Kp, GnRH, and RFRP-3 neurons using FOS immunofluorescence as a marker. Morning stimulation of SCN VIP neurons decreased RFRP-3 neuronal activation, whereas Kp and GnRH neurons were unaffected at this time, suggesting a temporal gating mechanism at GnRH and/or Kp cells prevents premature ovulation. In contrast, afternoon inhibition of SCN VIP-expressing neurons led to an increase in neuronal activation in RFRP-3 neurons concomitant with a decrease in GnRH and Kp neurons, suggesting that VIP stimulation is required to remove RFRP-3 inhibition on the GnRH and Kp systems. We confirmed this possibility by localizing afternoon injections of CNO to RFRP-3 cells, which led to comparable decreases in GnRH and Kp cellular activity. These data indicate the importance of SCN VIP neurons in the temporally coordinated disinhibition of RFRP-3 neuronal activity required for stimulation of GnRH and Kp neurons around the time of LH surge. Supported by NIH Grant HD-050470. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

MON-016 Neural Circuits and Hormonal Mechanisms Underlying the Negative Impact of Stress on Pregnancy Outcomes

Despite numerous findings detailing the negative impact of stress on female reproductive health, the means by which stress acts on the CNS and periphery to compromise reproductive success remains poorly understood. As a result, the current study sought to clarify the neuroendocrine mechanisms by which stress acts on the brain to deleteriously influence pregnancy outcomes. Reproduction is regulated by the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, with hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons representing the final, common pathway of this axis. Cells expressing the inhibitory neuropeptide, RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3), lie upstream of the GnRH system and are markedly regulated by environmental and psychosocial factors, including stress. In the present study, we asked whether RFRP-3 neurons mediate the effects of stress on pregnancy outcomes through the regulation of prolactin secretion, as prolactin is critical for pregnancy maintenance. More specifically, because specialized hypothalamic dopaminergic neurons, namely tubero-infundibular dopaminergic (TIDA) neurons, are major regulators of prolactin secretion, we hypothesized that RFRP-3 neurons directly target TIDA cells to negatively influence fetal development. To test this possibility, we subjected pregnant mice to chronic restraint stress for the first half of pregnancy and performed a broad screen of hypothalamic neuroendocrine function compared to non-stressed controls. Stressed mice exhibited elevated baseline concentrations of corticosterone that remained high at least 6 days after the final exposure to stress. Whereas progesterone concentrations were reduced by stress early in pregnancy, stressed mice recovered typical progesterone secretion during late gestation. These early, stressful experiences resulted in persistent developmental delays, reduced embryo weight, and abnormal placental histology. Significantly, a small percentage of TIDA cells receive close contacts from RFRP-3 axons, providing a mechanism for the control of prolactin secretion by stress. However, contrary to expectation, the percentage of TIDA neurons receiving input from RFRP-3 cells was not impacted by stress. Together, these findings identify a potential pathway of control for the impact of stress on neuroendocrine factors critical to pregnancy success, although further work using more sensitive approaches is needed to examine the putative role of RFRP-3 on stress-induced pregnancy outcomes.

The dromedary camel displays annual variation in hypothalamic kisspeptin and Arg-Phe-amide-related peptide-3 according to sex, season, and breeding activity.

The dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) is a desert mammal whose cycles in reproductive activity ensure that the offspring's birth and weaning coincide with periods of abundant food resources and favorable climate conditions. In this study, we assessed whether kisspeptin (Kp) and arginine-phenylalanine (RF)-amide related peptide-3 (RFRP-3), two hypothalamic peptides known to regulate the mammalian hypothalamo-pituitary gonadal axis, may be involved in the seasonal control of camel's reproduction. Using specific antibodies and riboprobes, we found that Kp neurons are present in the preoptic area (POA), suprachiasmatic (SCN), and arcuate (ARC) nuclei, and that RFRP-3 neurons are present in the paraventricular (PVN), dorsomedial (DMH), and ventromedial (VMH) hypothalamic nuclei. Kp fibers are found in various hypothalamic areas, notably the POA, SCN, PVN, DMH, VMH, supraoptic nucleus, and the ventral and dorsal premammillary nucleus. RFRP-3 fibers are found in the POA, SCN, PVN, DMH, VMH, and ARC. POA and ARC Kp neurons and DMH RFRP-3 neurons display sexual dimorphism with more neurons in female than in male. Both neuronal populations display opposed seasonal variations with more Kp neurons and less RFRP-3 neurons during the breeding (December-January) than the nonbreeding (July-August) season. This study is the first describing Kp and RFRP-3 in the camel's brain with, during the winter period lower RFRP-3 expression and higher Kp expression possibly responsible for the HPG axis activation. Altogether, our data indicate the involvement of both Kp and RFRP-3 in the seasonal control of the dromedary camel's breeding activity.

Sex Differences in Steroid Receptor Coexpression and Circadian-Timed Activation of Kisspeptin and RFRP-3 Neurons May Contribute to the Sexually Dimorphic Basis of the LH Surge.

In rodents, the ovulation-inducing luteinizing hormone (LH) surge is sexually dimorphic, occurring only in females, but the reasons for this sex difference are unclear. Two neuropeptides, kisspeptin and RFamide-related peptide 3 (RFRP-3), are hypothesized to regulate the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)/LH surge. In females, both of these systems show circadian changes coincident with the LH surge, but whether males show similar temporal changes under comparable hormonal conditions is unknown. Here, we evaluated circadian time (CT)-dependent changes in gene expression and neuronal activation of Kiss1 and Rfrp neurons of female and male mice given identical LH surge-inducing estrogen regimens. As expected, females, but not males, displayed a late afternoon LH surge and GnRH neuronal activation. Kiss1 expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) was temporally increased in females in the late afternoon, whereas males demonstrated no temporal changes in AVPV Kiss1 expression. Likewise, neuronal activation of AVPV Kiss1 neurons was dramatically elevated in the late afternoon in females but was low at all circadian times in males. Estrogen receptor α levels in AVPV Kiss1 neurons were sexually dimorphic, being higher in females than males. AVPV progesterone receptor levels were also higher in females than males. Hypothalamic Rfrp messenger RNA levels showed no CT-dependent changes in either sex. However, Rfrp neuronal activation was temporally diminished in the afternoon/evening in females but not males. Collectively, the identified sex differences in absolute and CT-dependent AVPV Kiss1 levels, AVPV sex steroid receptor levels, and circadian-timed changes in neuronal activation of both Kiss1 and Rfrp neurons suggest that multiple sexually dimorphic processes in the brain may underlie proper LH surge generation.

Sex differences in the photoperiodic regulation of RF-Amide related peptide (RFRP) and its receptor GPR147 in the syrian hamster.

RF-(Arg-Phe) related peptides (RFRP-1 and -3) are considered to play a role in the seasonal regulation of reproduction; however, the effect of the peptides depends on species and gender. This study aimed at comparing the RFRP system in male and female Syrian hamsters over long and short photoperiods to investigate the neuroanatomical basis of these differential effects. The neuroanatomical distribution of RFRP neurons and fibers, revealed using an antiserum recognizing RFRP-1 and -3, as well as GPR147 mRNA, are similar in male and female Syrian hamsters. RFRP neurons are mainly found in the medial hypothalamus, whereas RFRP projections and GPR147 mRNA are observed in the preoptic area, anteroventral-periventricular nucleus, suprachiasmatic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, ventromedial hypothalamus, habenular nucleus, and arcuate nucleus. The number of RFRP neurons is higher in females than in males, and in both sexes, the number of RFRP neurons is reduced in short photoperiods. GPR147 mRNA levels are higher in females than in males and are downregulated in short photoperiods, particularly in females. Interestingly, the number of RFRP-positive fibers in the anteroventral-periventricular nucleus is higher only in females adjusted to a short photoperiod. Our results suggest that the RFRP system, which is strongly regulated by photoperiod in both male and female Syrian hamsters, is particularly important in females, with a distinct role in the anteroventral-periventricular nucleus, possibly in the regulation of the preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge via kisspeptin neurons.

Aggressive interactions are associated with reductions in RFamide-related peptide, but not kisspeptin, neuronal activation in mice

Aggressive interactions lead to changes in both future behavior and circulating testosterone (T) concentrations in animals across taxa. The specific neural circuitry and neurochemical systems by which these encounters alter neuroendocrine functioning are not well understood. Neurons expressing the inhibitory and stimulatory neuropeptides, RFamide-related peptide (RFRP) and kisspeptin, respectively, project to neural loci regulating aggression in addition to neuroendocrine cells controlling sex steroid production. Given these connections to both the reproductive axis and aggression circuitry, RFRP and kisspeptin are in unique positions to mediate post-encounter changes in both T and behavior. The present study examined the activational state of RFRP and kisspeptin neurons of male C57BL/6 mice following an aggressive encounter. Both winners and losers exhibited reduced RFRP/FOS co-localization relative to handling stress controls. Social exposure controls did not display reduced RFRP neuronal activation, indicating that this effect is due to aggressive interaction specifically rather than social interaction generally. RFRP neuronal activation positively correlated with latencies to display several offensive behaviors within winners. These effects were not observed in the anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) nucleus kisspeptin cell population. Together, these findings point to potential neuromodulatory role for RFRP in aggressive behavior and in disinhibiting the reproductive axis to facilitate an increase in T in response to social challenge.

Regulation and Function of RFRP-3 (GnIH) Neurons during Postnatal Development

RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) [mammalian ortholog to gonadotropin-inhibiting hormone (GnIH)] potently inhibits gonadotropin secretion in mammals. Studies of RFRP-3 immunoreactivity and Rfrp expression (the gene encoding RFRP-3) in mammalian brains have uncovered several possible pathways regulating RFRP-3 neurons, shedding light on their potential role in reproduction and other processes, and pharmacological studies have probed the target sites of RFRP-3 action. Despite this, there is currently no major consensus on RFRP-3’s specific endogenous role(s) in reproductive physiology. Here, we discuss the latest evidence relating to RFRP-3 neuron regulation and function during development and sexual maturation, focusing on rodents. We highlight significant changes in RFRP-3 and Rfrp expression, as well as RFRP-3 neuronal activation, during key stages of postnatal and pubertal development and also discuss recent evidence testing the requisite role of RFRP-3 receptors for normal pubertal timing and developmental LH secretion. Interestingly, some findings suggest that endogenous RFRP-3 signaling may not be necessary for the puberty timing, at least in some species, forcing new hypotheses to be generated regarding this peptide’s functional significance to sexual maturation and development.

Leptin activates cytosolic calcium responses through protein kinase-C dependent mechanism in immortalized RFamide-related peptide-3 neurons

RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3), a mammalian ortholog of avian gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), seems to be an important regulator of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) reproductive axis. Leptin, a permissive hormonal regulator of fertility, provides energy signal to brain. According to current view, leptin does not act directly on gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. RFRP-3 neurons have been shown to express leptin receptors. The goal of the present study was to examine whether leptin acts through RFRP-3 neurons to modulate activity of the GnRH neurons. For this aim, the effects of leptin on intracellular free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in RFRP-3 neurons were investigated by using in vitro calcium imaging system. In the present study, rHypoE-7 cell line was used as a model to explore the effects of leptin on RFRP-3 neurons. rHypoE-7 cells were placed on glass coverslip and loaded with 1μM Fura-2 AM. [Ca2+]i responses were quantified by the changes in 340/380 ratio. Leptin (0.1–10μM) caused increases in [Ca2+]i in a dose-dependent manner. The changes in [Ca2+]i were significantly attenuated by pre-treatment with protein kinase C inhibitor. These results demonstrate that leptin activates intracellular calcium signaling in RFRP-3 neurons through PKC-dependent pathway, and thus leptin may exert its effect on GnRH neurons by means of RFRP-3 cells.

Seasonal changes in RFamide‐related peptide‐3 neurons in the hypothalamus of a seasonally breeding marsupial species, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) neurons have been shown to inhibit gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuronal activity and hence reproduction in birds and eutherian mammals. They have also been proposed to have a direct hypophysiotropic effect on pituitary gonadotropin release. We used a new RFRP-3 antibody to characterize the cell body distribution and fiber projections of RFRP-3 neurons in the adult female brushtail possum brain. RFRP-3-immunoreactive cell bodies were found scattered within the dorsomedial hypothalamus and the dorsomedial half of the ventromedial hypothalamus, while GnRH neurons were observed scattered rostrocaudally along the lateral septum, rostral to the medial septum. There was a significant 2-fold increase in the RFRP-3 cell body number during the nonbreeding season (summer) compared to the breeding season (winter). Immunoreactive RFRP-3 fibers were distributed throughout the thalamus, preoptic area, and hypothalamus. Very few fibers were observed in the median eminence, especially in the external zone. Intraperitoneal injection of the retrograde tracer Fluoro-Gold resulted in the labeling of 40% of hypophysiotropic tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase-positive) neurons; however, <10% of zona incerta dopaminergic neurons (which are not hypophysiotropic) or RFRP-3 neurons were labeled with this tracer. These observations suggest that RFRP-3 exhibits a seasonal fluctuation in cell numbers, as seen in sheep and birds, which is consistent with an increased inhibitory tone during the nonbreeding season. The lack of RFRP-3 fibers in the median eminence and of Fluoro-Gold uptake from the periphery imply that the actions of this peptide occur primarily centrally rather than at the anterior pituitary gland.

An eGFP-expressing subpopulation of growth hormone secretagogue receptor cells are distinct from kisspeptin, tyrosine hydroxylase, and RFamide-related peptide neurons in mice

Ghrelin acts on the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in the brain to elicit changes in physiological functions. It is associated with the neural control of appetite and metabolism, however central ghrelin also affects fertility. Central ghrelin injection in rats suppresses luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations and pulse frequency. Although ghrelin suppresses LH and regulates kisspeptin mRNA in the anteroventral periventricular/periventricular nucleus (AVPV/PeN), there is no neuroanatomical evidence linking GHSR neural circuits to kisspeptin neurons. In this study, we first determined coexpression of GHSR and GnRH neurons using a GHSR-eGFP reporter mouse line. Using dual-label immunohistochemistry, we saw no coexpression. GHSR-eGFP expressing cells were present in the AVPV/PeN and over 90% of these expressed estrogen receptor-α (ERα). Despite this, we observed no evidence of GHSR-eGFP/kisspeptin coexpressing neurons in the AVPV/PeN. To further examine the phenotype of GHSR-eGFP cells in the AVPV/PeN, we determined coexpression with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and showed virtually no coexpression in the AVPV/PeN (<2%). We also observed no coexpression of GHSR-eGFP and RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP3) neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus. Importantly, we observed that approximately half of the GHSR-eGFP cells in the AVPV coexpressed Ghsr mRNA (as determined by in situ hybridization) so these data should be interpreted accordingly. Although ghrelin influences the hypothalamic reproductive axis, our data using a GHSR-eGFP reporter suggests ghrelin regulates neurons expressing ERα but does not directly act on GnRH, kisspeptin, TH, or RFRP3 neurons, as little or no GHSR-eGFP coexpression was observed.

Kisspeptins and RFRP-3 Act in Concert to Synchronize Rodent Reproduction with Seasons

Seasonal mammals use the photoperiodic variation in the nocturnal production of the pineal hormone melatonin to synchronize their reproductive activity with seasons. In rodents, the (SD) short day profile of melatonin secretion has long been proven to inhibit reproductive activity. Lately, we demonstrated that melatonin regulates the expression of the hypothalamic peptides kisspeptins (Kp) and RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3), recently discovered as potent regulators of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neuron activity. In the male Syrian hamster, Kp expression in the arcuate nucleus is down-regulated by melatonin independently of the inhibitory feedback of testosterone. A central or peripheral administration of Kp induces an increase in pituitary gonadotropins and gonadal hormone secretion, but most importantly a chronic infusion of the peptide reactivates the photo-inhibited reproductive axis of Syrian hamsters kept in SD conditions. RFRP-3 expression in the dorsomedial hypothalamus is also strongly inhibited by melatonin in a SD photoperiod. Although RFRP-3 is usually considered as an inhibitory component of the gonadotropic axis, a central acute administration of RFRP-3 in the male Syrian hamster induces a marked increase in gonadotropin secretion and testosterone production. Furthermore, a chronic central infusion of RFRP-3 in SD-adapted hamsters reactivates the reproductive axis, in the same manner as Kp. Both Kp and RFRP-3 neurons project onto GnRH neurons and both neuropeptides regulate GnRH neuron activity. In addition, central RFRP-3 infusion was associated with a significant increase in arcuate Kp expression. However, the actual sites of action of both peptides in the Syrian hamster brain are still unknown. Altogether our findings indicate that Kp and RFRP neurons are pivotal relays for the seasonal regulation of reproduction, and also suggest that RFRP neurons might be the primary target of the melatoninergic message.

RFamide-Related Peptide-3 Receptor Gene Expression in GnRH and Kisspeptin Neurons and GnRH-Dependent Mechanism of Action

RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) is known to inhibit the activity of GnRH neurons. It is not yet clear whether its G protein-coupled receptors, GPR147 and GPR74, are present on GnRH neurons or on afferent inputs of the GnRH neuronal network or whether RFRP-3 can inhibit gonadotropin secretion independently of GnRH. We tested the following: 1) whether GnRH is essential for the effects of RFRP-3 on LH secretion; 2) whether RFRP-3 neurons project to GnRH and rostral periventricular kisspeptin neurons in mice, and 3) whether Gpr147 and Gpr74 are expressed by these neurons. Intravenous treatment with the GPR147 antagonist RF9 increased plasma LH concentration in castrated male rats but was unable to do so in the presence of the GnRH antagonist cetrorelix. Dual-label immunohistochemistry revealed that approximately 26% of GnRH neurons from male and diestrous female mice were apposed by RFRP-3 fibers, and 19% of kisspeptin neurons from proestrous female mice were apposed by RFRP-3 fibers. Using immunomagnetic purification of GnRH and kisspeptin cells, single-cell nested RT-PCR, and in situ hybridization, we showed that 33% of GnRH neurons and 9-16% of rostral periventricular kisspeptin neurons expressed Gpr147, whereas Gpr74 was not expressed in either population. These data reveal that RFRP-3 can act at two levels of the GnRH neuronal network (i.e. the GnRH neurons and the rostral periventricular kisspeptin neurons) to modulate reproduction but is unable to inhibit gonadotropin secretion independently of GnRH.

Roles of prolactin‐releasing peptide and RFamide related peptides in the control of stress and food intake

Subsequent to the isolation of the first recognized RFamide neuropeptide, FMRFamide, from the clam, a large number of these peptides have been identified. There are now five groups of RFamide peptides identified in mammals. RFamide peptides show diversity with respect to their N-terminal sequence and biological activity. RFamide peptides have been implicated in a variety of roles, including energy metabolism, stress and pain modulation, as well as effects in the neuroendocrine and cardiovascular systems. In the present minireview, we focus on prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) and RFamide related peptide (RFRP) with respect to their roles in the control of energy metabolism and stress responses. Both food intake and stressful stimuli activate PrRP neurons. The administration of PrRP affects energy metabolism and neuroendocrine systems. PrRP-deficient or PrRP receptor-deficient mice show abnormal energy metabolism and/or stress responses. On the other hand, RFRP neurons are activated by stressful stimuli and the administration of RFRP induces neuroendocrine and behavioral stress responses. Taken together, these data suggests that PrRP and RFRP neurons play a role in the control of energy metabolism and/or stress responses.

Citalopram (antidepressant) administration causes sexual dysfunction in male mice through RF-amide related peptide in the dorsomedial hypothalamus

Citalopram is the most potent selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which is used as an antidepressant but causes sexual dysfunction. Whether citalopram induced sexual dysfunction is a result of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), kisspeptin or RF-amide related peptide (RFRP) alteration is unknown. In this study, we tested mice for sexual behavior after vehicle (0.9% NaCl) and citalopram treatment (5 mg/kg) daily for 1 day (acute) and 21 or 28 days (chronic). Effects of acute and chronic treatments on neuronal numbers and mRNA expression of GnRH, kisspeptin and RFRP were measured. In addition, RFRP fiber projections to preoptic (POA)-GnRH neurons were analyzed using double-label immunohistochemistry. The expression of 14 different serotonin receptor types mRNA was examined in immunostained laser dissected single RFRP neurons in the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH), however only 11 receptors types were identified. Acute citalopram treatment did not affect sexual behavior, whereas, the total duration of intromission was reduced with chronic treatment. There was no effect in the expression of kisspeptin (neuronal numbers and mRNA) in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus and the arcuate nucleus and expression of GnRH (neuronal numbers and mRNA) in the POA after citalopram treatment. However, RFRP neuronal numbers in the DMH and fiber projections to the POA were significantly increased after chronic citalopram treatment, which suggests citalopram induced inhibition of sexual behavior involves the modulation of RFRP through serotonin receptors in the DMH.

RF-amide related peptide (RFRP) neurons lack the classical nuclear estrogen receptor-&amp;alpha; but respond with reduced RFRP expression to estradiol

Event Abstract Back to Event RF-amide related peptide (RFRP) neurons lack the classical nuclear estrogen receptor-α but respond with reduced RFRP expression to estradiol Csilla S. Molnár1, Zsolt Liposits1, Imre Kalló1 and Erik Hrabovszky1* 1 Institute of Experimental Medicine Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Hungary The RF-amide related peptides RFRP-1 and RFRP-3, derived from a common prepro-RFRP precursor, are synthesized in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus (DMN) in mice. There is growing evidence for the crucial role of RFRPs in the central regulation of reproduction. RFRP-1 and RFRP-3 act via inhibiting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons of the preoptic area. To address if RFRP neurons are involved in estrogen signaling to GnRH cells, we first compared the expression of RFRP mRNA in ovariectomized mice with and without estradiol replacement. Quantitative in situ hybridization experiments established that a 4-day estradiol regimen caused the robust down-regulation of RFRP mRNA expression. Interneurons expressing the classic nuclear estrogen receptor (ER-α) play a crucial role in estrogen positive and negative feedback to GnRH neurons. Therefore, we addressed the presence of the classical nuclear ER-α in RFRP neurons with combined immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. Although ER-α was detectable in a subset of neurons in the DMN, the cell nuclei of RFRP neurons were consistently devoid of ER-α labeling. Next, we examined if the expression of the highly estrogen-dependent progesterone receptor (PR) can be induced by estradiol in RFRP neurons. RFRP neurons did not contain PR immunoreactivity in estradiol-treated mice. Finally, we studied and demonstrated RFRP-3 immunoreactivity in neuronal fibers that formed contacts with GnRH neurons. Results of these studies indicate that RFRP is an estradiol-regulated neurotransmitter. Estrogenic regulation of RFRP expression is likely indirect as RFRP neurons do not express detectable levels of ER-α and PR. The RFRP-3 immunoreactive neuronal contacts on GnRH neurons indicate that RFRP peptides may mediate estrogenic signals to GnRH neurons. This research was supported by the National Science Foundation of Hungary (OTKA K69127 and T73002). Conference: IBRO International Workshop 2010, Pécs, Hungary, 21 Jan - 23 Jan, 2010. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Homeostatic and neuroendocrine systems Citation: Molnár CS, Liposits Z, Kalló I and Hrabovszky E (2010). RF-amide related peptide (RFRP) neurons lack the classical nuclear estrogen receptor-α but respond with reduced RFRP expression to estradiol. Front. Neurosci. Conference Abstract: IBRO International Workshop 2010. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnins.2010.10.00090 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: 22 Apr 2010; Published Online: 22 Apr 2010. * Correspondence: Erik Hrabovszky, Institute of Experimental Medicine Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, 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 Csilla S Molnár Zsolt Liposits Imre Kalló Erik Hrabovszky Google Csilla S Molnár Zsolt Liposits Imre Kalló Erik Hrabovszky Google Scholar Csilla S Molnár Zsolt Liposits Imre Kalló Erik Hrabovszky PubMed Csilla S Molnár Zsolt Liposits Imre Kalló Erik 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.

RF-amide related peptide-3 neurons in the human hypothalamus. Distribution and efferent connections with gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons

Event Abstract Back to Event RF-amide related peptide-3 neurons in the human hypothalamus. Distribution and efferent connections with gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons Csilla S. Molnár1, Zsolt Liposits1*, Eva Keller2, Imre Kalló1, Miklós Palkovits3 and Erik Hrabovszky1 1 Institute of Experimental Medicine Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Hungary 2 Semmelweis University, Department of Forensic Medicine, Hungary 3 Semmelweis University, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Hungary The recently discovered RF-amide related peptides RFRP-1 and RFRP-3 are derived from a common peptide precursor and play a crucial role in the central regulation of reproduction. Studies of the RFRP neuronal system with immunocytochemistry are limited by the cross-reaction of commercially available antibodies with other members of the same peptide family, including prolactin releasing hormone and kisspeptins. In the present studies, a newly-developed mouse monoclonal antibody against RFRP-3 was used to study the distribution of RFRP-3 immunoreactive neurons and their fiber projections in the female human hypothalamus. While in mice, RFRP peptides are exclusively synthesized in the dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, we found many RFRP-3 immunoreactive somata along the wall of the third cerebral ventricle through the rostro-caudal extent of the human hypothalamus. The radioisotopic in situ hybridization detection of RFRP mRNA confirmed the presence of RFRP synthesizing neurons in the periventricular zone. Neuronal fibers immunoreactive to RFRP-3 densely innervated the medial hypothalamus and formed plexuses in the periventricular and infundibular nuclei. In rodents, RFRP neurons act on reproduction via innervating GnRH neurons. To address if this anatomical route also exists in the human, dual-label inmmunocytochemical experiments were carried out. RFRP-3 immunoreactive axons were found to form numerous contacts with the cell bodies and dendrites of GnRH neurons in the human hypothalamus. This study describes the distribution of RFRP synthesizing neurons in the human hypothalamus and their connection with GnRH cells. The neuroanatomical information will contribute to the understanding of central mechanisms whereby RFRP peptides regulate human fertility. This research was supported by the National Science Foundation of Hungary (OTKA K69127 and T73002). Conference: IBRO International Workshop 2010, Pécs, Hungary, 21 Jan - 23 Jan, 2010. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: Homeostatic and neuroendocrine systems Citation: Molnár CS, Liposits Z, Keller E, Kalló I, Palkovits M and Hrabovszky E (2010). RF-amide related peptide-3 neurons in the human hypothalamus. Distribution and efferent connections with gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons. Front. Neurosci. Conference Abstract: IBRO International Workshop 2010. doi: 10.3389/conf.fnins.2010.10.00104 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: 23 Apr 2010; Published Online: 23 Apr 2010. * Correspondence: Zsolt Liposits, Institute of Experimental Medicine Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Endocrine Neurobiology, Budapest, Hungary, liposits@koki.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 Csilla S Molnár Zsolt Liposits Eva Keller Imre Kalló Miklós Palkovits Erik Hrabovszky Google Csilla S Molnár Zsolt Liposits Eva Keller Imre Kalló Miklós Palkovits Erik Hrabovszky Google Scholar Csilla S Molnár Zsolt Liposits Eva Keller Imre Kalló Miklós Palkovits Erik Hrabovszky PubMed Csilla S Molnár Zsolt Liposits Eva Keller Imre Kalló Miklós Palkovits Erik 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.

RFamide-Related Peptide Gene Is a Melatonin-Driven Photoperiodic Gene

In seasonal species, various physiological processes including reproduction are organized by photoperiod via melatonin, but the mechanisms of melatonin action are still unknown. In birds, the peptide gonadotropin-inhibiting hormone (GnIH) has been shown to have inhibitory effects on reproductive activity and displays seasonal changes of expression. Here we present evidence in mammals that the gene orthologous to GnIH, the RFamide-related peptide (RFRP) gene, expressed in the mediobasal hypothalamus, is strongly regulated by the length of the photoperiod, via melatonin. The level of RFRP mRNA and the number of RFRP-immunoreactive cell bodies were reduced in sexually quiescent Syrian and Siberian hamsters acclimated to short-day photoperiod (SD) compared with sexually active animals maintained under long-day photoperiod (LD). This was contrasted in the laboratory Wistar rat, a non-photoperiodic breeder, in which no evidence for RFRP photoperiodic modulation was seen. In Syrian hamsters, the reduction of RFRP expression in SD was independent from secondary changes in gonadal steroids. By contrast, the photoperiodic variation of RFRP expression was abolished in pinealectomized hamsters, and injections of LD hamsters with melatonin for 60 d provoked inhibition of RFRP expression down to SD levels, indicating that the regulation is dependent on melatonin. Altogether, these results demonstrate that in these hamster species, the RFRP neurons are photoperiodically modulated via a melatonin-dependent process. These observations raise questions on the role of RFRP as a general inhibitor of reproduction and evoke new perspectives for understanding how melatonin controls seasonal processes via hypothalamic targets.