Supraoptic Nucleus Research Articles

Effect of leptin on nitrergic neurons in the lateral hypothalamic area and the supraoptic nucleus of rats

ABSTRACT The adipocyte-derived hormone, leptin, plays a key role in the maintenance of energy homeostasis. Leptin binds to the long form of its receptor, which is predominantly expressed in various hypothalamic regions, including the lateral hypothalamic area (LH) and supraoptic nucleus (SO). Several studies have suggested that leptin directly activates neuronal nitric oxide synthase, leading to increased nitric oxide production. We used histochemistry for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) as a marker for nitric oxide synthase activity and assessed the effect of leptin on nitrergic neurons in the LH and SO of rats. We found that intraperitoneal administration of leptin led to a significant increase in the number of NADPH-d-positive neurons in the LH and SO. In addition, the intensity (optical density) of NADPH-d staining in LH and SO neurons was significantly elevated in rats that received leptin compared with saline-treated rats. These findings suggest that nitrergic neurons in the LH and SO may be implicated in mediating the central effects of leptin.

Effects of physical training on hypothalamic neuronal activation and expressions of vasopressin and oxytocin in SHR after running until fatigue.

To assess the influence of physical training on neuronal activation and hypothalamic expression of vasopressin and oxytocin in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), untrained and trained normotensive rats and SHR were submitted to running until fatigue while internal body and tail temperatures were recorded. Hypothalamic c-Fos expression was evaluated in thermoregulatory centers such as the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO), medial preoptic nucleus (mPOA), paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), and supraoptic nucleus (SON). The PVN and the SON were also investigated for vasopressin and oxytocin expressions. Although exercise training improved the workload performed by the animals, it was reduced in SHR and followed by increased internal body temperature due to tail vasodilation deficit. Physical training enhanced c-Fos expression in the MnPO, mPOA, and PVN of both strains, and these responses were attenuated in SHR. Vasopressin immunoreactivity in the PVN was also increased by physical training to a lesser extent in SHR. The already-reduced oxytocin expression in the PVN of SHR was increased in response to physical training. Within the SON, neuronal activation and the expressions of vasopressin and oxytocin were reduced by hypertension and unaffected by physical training. The data indicate that physical training counterbalances in part the negative effect of hypertension on hypothalamic neuronal activation elicited by exercise, as well as on the expression of vasopressin and oxytocin. These hypertension features seem to negatively influence the workload performed by SHR due to the hyperthermia derived from the inability of physical training to improve heat dissipation through skin vasodilation.

Neural control of fluid homeostasis is engaged below 10°C in hibernation.

Thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) hibernate for several months each winter without access to water,1 but the mechanisms that maintain fluid homeostasis during hibernation are poorly understood. In torpor, when body temperature (TB) reaches 4°C, squirrels decrease metabolism, slow heart rate, and reduce plasma levels of the antidiuretic hormones arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OXT).1 Squirrels spontaneously undergo interbout arousal (IBA) every 2weeks, temporarily recovering an active-like metabolism and a TB of 37°C for up to 48 h.1,2 Despite the low levels of AVP and OXT during torpor, profound increases in blood pressure and heart rate during the torpor-IBA transition are not associated with massive fluid loss, suggesting the existence of a mechanism that protects against diuresis at a low TB. Here, we demonstrate that the antidiuretic hormone release pathway is activated by hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON) neurons early in the torpor-arousal transition. SON neuron activity, dense-core vesicle release from the posterior pituitary, and plasma hormone levels all begin to increase before TB reaches 10°C. Invivo fiber photometry of SON neurons from hibernating squirrels, together with RNA sequencing and c-FOS immunohistochemistry, confirms that SON is electrically, transcriptionally, and translationally active to monitor blood osmolality throughout the dynamic torpor-arousal transition. Our work emphasizes the importance of the antidiuretic pathway during the torpor-arousal transition and reveals that the neurophysiological mechanism that coordinates the hormonal response to retain fluid is active at an extremely low TB, which is prohibitive for these processes in non-hibernators.

Oxytocin neuron activation by acute infusion of Montanoa genus plants in the Wistar rats

In traditional Mexican medicine, plants from the Montanoa genus, family Asteraceae (Montanoa tomentosa, Montanoa grandiflora, and Montanoa frutescens) have been used to induce labor owing to their uterotonic properties like those produced by oxytocin (OXT). However, whether infusions of these plants can activate hypothalamic OXT-producing neurons is unknown. To test this possibility, five independent groups of Wistar rats (n=4) were included: intact, vehicle, and three groups that received 50 mg/kg p.o. of M. tomentosa, M. grandiflora, and M. frutescens infusions, respectively. Ninety min after treatment, the brains were obtained and processed using double-labeled immunohistochemistry for Fos protein and oxytocin (Fos/OXT-ir). Rats that received Montanoa infusions had significantly greater number of Fos/OXT-ir cells in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei, with respect to intact and vehicle groups. These findings demonstrate that Montanoa infusions activated OXT neurons, an effect that may be related to the reported pharmacological properties.

A dedicated hypothalamic oxytocin circuit controls aversive social learning.

To survive in a complex social group, one needs to know who to approach and, more importantly, who to avoid. In mice, a single defeat causes the losing mouse to stay away from the winner for weeks1. Here through a series of functional manipulation and recording experiments, we identify oxytocin neurons in the retrochiasmatic supraoptic nucleus (SOROXT) and oxytocin-receptor-expressing cells in the anterior subdivision of the ventromedial hypothalamus, ventrolateral part (aVMHvlOXTR) as a key circuit motif for defeat-induced social avoidance. Before defeat, aVMHvlOXTR cells minimally respond to aggressor cues. During defeat, aVMHvlOXTR cells are highly activated and, with the help of an exclusive oxytocin supply from the SOR, potentiate their responses to aggressor cues. After defeat, strong aggressor-induced aVMHvlOXTR cell activation drives the animal to avoid the aggressor and minimizes future defeat. Our study uncovers a neural process that supports rapid social learning caused by defeat and highlights the importance of the brain oxytocin system in social plasticity.

Male rat hypothalamic extraretinal photoreceptor Opsin3 is sensitive to osmotic stimuli and light.

The light-sensitive protein Opsin 3 (Opn3) is present throughout the mammalian brain; however, the role of Opn3 in this organ remains unknown. Since Opn3 encoded mRNA is modulated in the supraoptic and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in response to osmotic stimuli, we have explored by in situ hybridization the expression of Opn3 in these nuclei. We have demonstrated that Opn3 is present in the male rat magnocellular neurones expressing either the arginine vasopressin or oxytocin neuropeptides and that Opn3 increases in both neuronal types in response to osmotic stimuli, suggesting that Opn3 functions in both cell types and that it might be involved in regulating water balance. Using rat hypothalamic organotypic cultures, we have demonstrated that the hypothalamus is sensitive to light and that the observed light sensitivity is mediated, at least in part, by Opn3. The data suggests that hypothalamic Opn3 can mediate a light-sensitive role to regulate circadian homeostatic processes.

Tonic NMDAR Currents of NR2A-Containing NMDARs Represent Altered Ambient Glutamate Concentration in the Supraoptic Nucleus.

NMDA receptors (NMDARs) modulate glutamatergic excitatory tone in the brain via two complementary modalities: a phasic excitatory postsynaptic current and a tonic extrasynaptic modality. Here, we demonstrated that the tonic NMDAR-current (I NMDA) mediated by NR2A-containing NMDARs is an efficient biosensor detecting the altered ambient glutamate level in the supraoptic nucleus (SON). I NMDA of magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) measured by nonselective NMDARs antagonist, AP5, at holding potential (V holding) -70 mV in low concentration of ECF Mg2+ ([Mg2+]o) was transiently but significantly increased 1-week post induction of a DOCA salt hypertensive model rat which was compatible with that induced by a NR2A-selective antagonist, PEAQX (I PEAQX) in both DOCA-H2O and DOCA-salt groups. In agreement, NR2B antagonist, ifenprodil, or NR2C/D antagonist, PPDA, did not affect the holding current (I holding) at V holding -70 mV. Increased ambient glutamate by exogenous glutamate (10 mM) or excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) antagonist (TBOA, 50 mM) abolished the I PEAQX difference between two groups, suggesting that attenuated EAATs activity increased ambient glutamate concentration, leading to the larger I PEAQX in DOCA-salt rats. In contrast, only ifenprodil but not PEAQX and PPDA uncovered I NMDA at V holding +40 mV under 1.2 mM [Mg2+]o condition. I ifenprodil was not different in DOCA-H2O and DOCA-salt groups. Finally, NR2A, NR2B, and NR2D protein expression were not different in the SON of the two groups. Taken together, NR2A-containing NMDARs efficiently detected the increased ambient glutamate concentration in the SON of DOCA-salt hypertensive rats due to attenuated EAATs activity.

Alpha-synuclein expression in oxytocin neurons of young and old bovine brains.

Understanding of central nervous system mechanisms underlying age-related infertility remains limited. Fibril α-synuclein, distinct from its monomeric form, is implicated in age-related diseases. Notably, fibril α-synuclein spreads among neurons, similar to prions, from damaged old neurons in cortex and hippocampus to healthy neurons. However, less is known whether α-synuclein propagates into oxytocin neurons, which play crucial roles in reproduction. We compared α-synuclein expression in the oxytocin neurons in suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), supraoptic nucleus (SON), paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN), and posterior pituitary (PP) gland of healthy heifers and aged cows to determine its role in age-related infertility. We analyzed mRNA and protein expression, along with Congo red histochemistry and fluorescent immunohistochemistry for oxytocin and α-synuclein, followed by confocal microscopy with Congo red staining. Both mRNA and protein expressions of α-synuclein were confirmed in the bovine cortex, hippocampus, SCN, SON, PVN, and PP tissues. Significant differences in α-synuclein mRNA expressions were observed in the cortex and hippocampus between young heifers and old cows. Western blots showed five bands of α-synuclein, probably reflecting monomers, dimers, and oligomers, in the cortex, hippocampus, SCN, SON, PVN, and PP tissues, and there were significant differences in some bands between the young heifers and old cows. Bright-field and polarized light microscopy did not detect obvious amyloid deposition in the aged hypothalami; however, higher-sensitive confocal microscopy unveiled strong positive signals for Congo red and α-synuclein in oxytocin neurons in the aged hypothalami. α-synuclein was expressed in oxytocin neurons, and some differences were observed between young and old hypothalami.

Https://fz.kiev.ua/index.php?abs=2034

Investigation of the mechanism of neuronal communication underlies the fundamental discoveries that promote health. The studies of oxytocin signaling in neurons from or within different brain areas are directed to explore the role of this neurohormonal modulator in the regulation of synaptic transmission and plasticity, neuronal excitability that contributes to the reproduction, social behavior and learning capacity, anxiety, inflammation and differentiation in the brain. Oxytocin is synthesized in supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus and when secreted into the bloodstream from the posterior pituitary, it produces a significant effect on uterine contraction and lactation. At the same time this nonapeptide being released within the limbic system and brain cortex modulates neuronal activity by affecting ion channels on their membranes. The oxytocin receptor is primarily coupled to Gq/11 proteins causing phospholipase C activation, Ca2+ release and store-operated Ca2+ entry. These pathways are central for the regulation of the activity of different types of TRP channels, especially of the canonical subfamily (TRPC). Here we highlight the link between oxytocin signaling, which is particularly well investigated in the myometrium, and receptor-operated TRPC4 and multimodal TRPV4 ion channels that participate in oxytocin-dependent regulation of the uterine smooth muscle contractility under various conditions. Importantly, similarly to oxytocin, these channels have been implicated in neuropathic pain behavior, anxiety, fear and depression. Since similar signal transduction pathways are likely to be functional in neuronal cells, we propose that future studies of oxytocin effects in the CNS should also consider the role of these Ca2+-permeable channels.

NaX Channel Is a Physiological [Na+] Detector in Oxytocin- and Vasopressin-Releasing Magnocellular Neurosecretory Cells of the Rat Supraoptic Nucleus.

The Scn7A gene encodes NaX, an atypical noninactivating Na+ channel, whose expression in sensory circumventricular organs is essential to maintain homeostatic responses for body fluid balance. However, NaX has also been detected in homeostatic effector neurons, such as vasopressin (VP)-releasing magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCVP) that secrete VP (antidiuretic hormone) into the bloodstream in response to hypertonicity and hypernatremia. Yet, the physiological relevance of NaX expression in these effector cells remains unclear. Here, we show that rat MNCVP in males and females is depolarized and excited in proportion with isosmotic increases in [Na+]. These responses were caused by an inward current resulting from a cell-autonomous increase in Na+ conductance. The Na+-evoked current was unaffected by blockers of other Na+-permeable ion channels but was significantly reduced by shRNA-mediated knockdown of Scn7A expression. Furthermore, reducing the density of NaX channels selectively impaired the activation of MNCVP by systemic hypernatremia without affecting their responsiveness to hypertonicity in vivo These results identify NaX as a physiological Na+ sensor, whose expression in MNCVP contributes to the generation of homeostatic responses to hypernatremia.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In this study, we provide the first direct evidence showing that the sodium-sensing channel encoded by the Scn7A gene (NaX) mediates cell-autonomous sodium detection by MNCs in the low millimolar range and that selectively reducing the expression of these channels in MNCs impairs their activation in response to a physiologically relevant sodium stimulus in vitro and in vivo These data reveal that NaX operates as a sodium sensor in these cells and that the endogenous sensory properties of osmoregulatory effector neurons contribute to their homeostatic activation in vivo.

Selective vulnerability of the suprachiasmatic nucleus in progressive Alzheimer’s Disease: A human postmortem study using spatial in‐situ proteomics

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients commonly experience sleep/wake (S/W) disturbances, such as sleep fragmentation and excessive daytime sleepiness. The S/W cycle is controlled by a complex system regulated by a master regulator, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) that controls wake‐ and sleep‐promoting nuclei. Despite its importance in orchestrating sleep architecture, little is known about the molecular changes that occur in the SCN during the progression of AD and how these changes contribute to S/W disturbances.MethodWe used postmortem brain tissue of 10 controls without AD pathology and 32 subjects with progressive AD stages. Our approach included quantitative neuropathological assessments of AVP and VIP‐expressing neurons in SCN and its adjacent hypothalamic region, the supraoptic nucleus (SON). We also used an in‐situ cell‐specific spatial proteomics platform [GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP)] to probe levels of different pathological tau species and proteins commonly dysregulated in AD.ResultPreliminary findings reveal a significant decrease in SCN volume (∼75%) (Fig.1) and a loss of ∼58% AVP neurons and ∼41% VIP neurons in Braak stage (Braak) VI compared to Braak 0. The DSP results indicate that both neurons in the SCN have twice the burden of p‐tau levels as the SON (Fig.2‐right), and neurofibrillary tanglesAdditionally, SCN shows an increase in proteins associated with glia and immune responses (Fig.2‐left). Furthermore, an increase in microglial proteins is observed in the SCN in Braak I (Fig.3‐left). In contrast, the SON displays a milder pattern of protein dysregulation in Braak I (Fig.3‐right), consistent with its lower tau expression observed in histology and DSP.ConclusionSCN is vulnerable to AD pathology even in Braak I, which is characterized by volume loss, increased immune response protein dysregulation, and later neuronal loss, as well as p‐tau pathology. This pattern supports the idea that the SCN plays a role in S/W disturbances observed from early AD stages. Interestingly, its neighboring nucleus, SON, which also has AVP neurons, remained spared, providing opportunities for studies investigating factors related to selective vulnerability. Ongoing studies are addressing changes in the SCN and SON in intermediate AD stages.

Disengagement of Somatostatin Neurons From Lateral Septum Circuitry by Oxytocin and Vasopressin Restores Social Fear Extinction and Suppresses Aggression Outbursts in a Prader-Willi Syndrome Model

BackgroundResponding to social signals by expressing the correct behavior is not only challenged in autism but also in diseases with a high prevalence of autism, such as Prader-Willi syndrome. Clinical evidence suggests that aberrant prosocial behavior in patients can be regulated by intranasal oxytocin (OXT) or vasopressin (AVP). However, the neuronal mechanisms that underlie impaired behavioral responses in a socially aversive context, and how can they be corrected, remain largely unknown. MethodsUsing the Magel2 knockout mouse model of Prader-Willi syndrome (crossed with CRE-dependent transgenic lines), we devised optogenetic, physiological, and pharmacological strategies in a social fear conditioning paradigm. Pathway-specific roles of OXT and AVP signaling were investigated converging on the lateral septum (LS), a region that receives dense hypothalamic inputs. ResultsOXT and AVP signaling promoted inhibitory synaptic transmission in the LS, the failure of which in Magel2 knockout mice disinhibited somatostatin (SST) neurons and disrupted social fear extinction. The source of OXT and AVP deficits mapped specifically in the supraoptic nucleus→LS pathway of Magel2 knockout mice with disrupted social fear extinction, which could be corrected by optogenetic or pharmacological inhibition of SST neurons in the LS. Interestingly, LS SST neurons also gated the expression of aggressive behavior, possibly as part of functional units that operate beyond local septal circuits. ConclusionsSST cells in the LS play a crucial role in integration and expression of disrupted neuropeptide signals in autism, thereby altering the balance in expression of safety versus fear. Our results uncover novel mechanisms underlying dysfunction in a socially aversive context and provide a new framework for future treatments for autism spectrum disorder.

Spatial transcriptomics reveal basal sex differences in supraoptic nucleus gene expression of adult rats related to cell signaling and ribosomal pathways

BackgroundThe supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus contains magnocellular neurosecretory cells that secrete the hormones vasopressin and oxytocin. Sex differences in SON gene expression have been relatively unexplored. Our study used spatially resolved transcriptomics to visualize gene expression profiles in the SON of adult male (n = 4) and female (n = 4) Sprague-Dawley rats using Visium Spatial Gene Expression (10x Genomics).MethodsBriefly, 10-μm coronal sections (~ 4 × 4 mm) containing the SON were collected from each rat and processed using Visium slides and recommended protocols. Data were analyzed using 10x Genomics’ Space Ranger and Loupe Browser applications and other bioinformatic tools. Two unique differential expression (DE) analysis methods, Loupe Browser and DESeq2, were used.ResultsLoupe Browser DE analysis of the SON identified 116 significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) common to both sexes (e.g., Avp and Oxt), 31 significant DEGs unique to the males, and 73 significant DEGs unique to the females. DESeq2 analysis revealed 183 significant DEGs between the two groups. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and pathway analyses using significant genes identified via Loupe Browser revealed GO terms and pathways related to (1) neurohypophyseal hormone activity, regulation of peptide hormone secretion, and regulation of ion transport for the significant genes common to both males and females, (2) Gi signaling/G-protein mediated events for the significant genes unique to males, and (3) potassium ion transport/voltage-gated potassium channels for the significant genes unique to females, as some examples. GO/pathway analyses using significant genes identified via DESeq2 comparing female vs. male groups revealed GO terms/pathways related to ribosomal structure/function. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) identified additional sex differences in canonical pathways (e.g., ‘Mitochondrial Dysfunction’, ‘Oxidative Phosphorylation’) and upstream regulators (e.g., CSF3, NFKB complex, TNF, GRIN3A).ConclusionThere was little overlap in the IPA results for the two different DE methods. These results suggest sex differences in SON gene expression that are associated with cell signaling and ribosomal pathways.

Central administered xenin induced Fos expression in nesfatin-1 neurons in rats

Xenin is a 25-amino acid peptide identified in human gastric mucosa, which is widely expressed in peripheral and central tissues. It is known that the central or peripheral administration of xenin decreases food intake in rodents. Nesfatin-1/NUCB2 (nesfatin-1) has been identified as an anorexic neuropeptide, it is often found co-localized with many peptides in the central nervous system. After the intracerebroventricular administration of xenin on nesfain-1-like immunoreactivity (LI) neurons, we examined its effects on food intake and water intake in rats. As a result, Fos-LI neurons were observed in the organum vasculosum of the laminae terminalis (OVLT), the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO), the subfornical organ (SFO), the supraoptic nucleus (SON), the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), the arcuate nucleus (Arc), the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), the central amygdaloid nucleus (CAN), the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR), the locus coeruleus (LC), the area postrema (AP) and the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). After the administration, the number of Fos-LI neurons was significantly increased in the LC and the OVLT, the MnPO, the SFO, the SON, the PVN, the Arc, the LHA, the CAN, the DR, the AP and the NTS, compared with the control group. After the administration of xenin, we conducted double immunohistochemistry for Fos and nesfatin-1, and found that the number of nesfatin-1-LI neurons expressing Fos were significantly increased in the SON, the PVN, the Arc, the LHA, the CAN, the DR, the AP and the NTS, compared with the control group. The pretreatment of nesfatin-1 antisense significantly attenuated this xenin-induced feeding suppression, while that of nesfatin-1 missense showed no improvement. These results indicate that central administered xenin may have anorexia effects associated with activated central nesfatin-1 neurons.

The endocrine disruptor DE-79 alters oxytocinergic transmission and sexual behavior expression in male rats

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), used as flame retardants are persistent organic pollutants exerting important health effects. PBDEs with >5 bromide substitutions were considered less harmful and therefore extensively used commercially. DE-79 was a widely used PBDE mixture of hexa-, hepta-, octa- and nona-brominated compounds that increases vasopressin (AVP) production. AVP and oxytocin (OT) are both produced in neurons of the supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) hypothalamic nuclei projecting to the neurohypophysis and to brain regions involved in copulatory behavior. OT plays an important role in male copulation. Since DE-79 alters AVP expression in the SON and PVN, it might also modify OT content and alter male sexual behavior. We analyzed if repeated DE-79 exposure of adult male rats affected OT content and OT receptor (OTR) density in the SON, PVN, medial preoptic area (mPOA), ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, and amygdala, and if male copulatory behavior was affected. We show that DE-79 exposure produces a generalized decrease in brain OT immunoreactivity, increases OTR density in all brain regions analyzed but the mPOA, and reduces the ejaculatory threshold after a first ejaculation. The documented ejaculation-induced OT release might participate in this last effect. Thus, one-week DE-79 exposure alters the OT-OTR system and modifies male rat sexual performance. Based on the literature it could be speculated that these effects are related to the putative endocrine disrupting actions of DE-79, ultimately altering brain OT levels and OTR expression that might affect copulation and other important OT-mediated brain functions.

The Hypothalamus of the Beaked Whales: The Paraventricular, Supraoptic, and Suprachiasmatic Nuclei.

The hypothalamus is the body's control coordinating center. It is responsible for maintaining the body's homeostasis by directly influencing the autonomic nervous system or managing hormones. Beaked whales are the longest divers among cetaceans and their brains are rarely available for study. Complete hypothalamic samples from a female Cuvier's beaked whale and a male Blainville's beaked whale were processed to investigate the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic (SON) nuclei, using immunohistochemical staining against vasopressin. The PVN occupied the preoptic region, where it reached its maximum size, and then regressed in the anterior or suprachiasmatic region. The SON was located from the preoptic to the tuberal hypothalamic region, encompassing the optical structures. It was composed of a retrochiasmatic region (SONr), which bordered and infiltrated the optic tracts, and a principal region (SONp), positioned more medially and dorsally. A third vasopressin-positive nucleus was also detected, i.e., the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), which marked the end of the SON. This is the first description of the aforementioned nuclei in beaked whales-and in any marine mammals-as well as their rostro-caudal extent and immunoreactivity. Moreover, the SCN has been recognized for the first time in any marine mammal species.

SAT434 Estradiol Controls GnRH-II Gene Expression In The Hypothalamus And Pituitary Gland Of Female Rhesus Macaques (Macaca Mulatta)

Abstract Disclosure: A. Lomniczi: None. M. Appleman: None. H.F. Urbanski: None. It has been known for many years that rhesus macaques express two forms of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH-I and GnRH-II) in the medial basal hypothalamus (MBH), and that both forms are capable of stimulating the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) in vivo. However, while much has been published about the role of GnRH-I in reproduction, very little is known about the function of GnRH-II. To shed light on this issue, we studied the expression pattern of these two genes in different parts of the monkey hypothalamus, median eminence and pituitary gland. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed that while GnRH-I is preferentially expressed in the Arcuate Nucleus (ARC), Median Eminence (ME), Supraoptic Nucleus (SON) and Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN); GnRH-II was highly expressed in the SON, ARC-ME and Paraventricular Nucleus (PVN), confirming our previously published in situ hybridization studies. Strikingly, GnRH-II mRNA was also detected in the pituitary gland, a site where GnRH-I was not found. We have previously demonstrated that maximum hypothalamic GnRH-II expression occurs around the time of the preovulatory LH surge, when estrogen (E2) levels are maximal, but no significant changes in GnRH-I mRNA levels occur. Here using an ovariectomized (OVX) macaque model subjected to E2 replacement paradigm, designed to mimic the plasma E2 levels observed during the preovulatory estradiol peak, we performed RNAseq and qPCR from the PVN and pituitary gland to identify genes differentially regulated by E2. While GnRH-I mRNA was not affected by E2 treatment in any of the tissues studied, pituitary GnRH-II expression highly correlated with estrogen levels (r>0.8; p<0.01), with over a hundred-fold increase in mRNA expression. Taken together, these data suggest that pituitary GnRH-II (but not GnRH-I) gene expression is induced by a positive feedback action of estradiol. This novel finding raises the possibility that GnRH-II plays a major role in triggering the preovulatory LH surge in primates, not only at the ARC-ME but also at the pituitary level. Presentation Date: Saturday, June 17, 2023

Sexually dimorphic oxytocin receptor-expressing (OXTR) neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) in the postpartum female mouse are involved in maternal behavior.

Maternal care is crucial for the survival and development of offspring. Oxytocin modulates maternal behavior by binding to oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) in various parts of the brain. Previously, we showed that OXTRs are expressed in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) of female, but not male mice. Because the AVPV is involved in the regulation of maternal behavior and oxytocin enhances its induction, this finding leads to the hypothesis that the female specific population of OXTR neurons in the AVPV regulates maternal behavior. To address this hypothesis, OXTR-Venus reporter mice were used to assess if expression levels of OXTR in the AVPV are changed during the postpartum period. The total number of OXTR-Venus neurons was significantly greater in postpartum dams compared to virgin females. To assess efferent projections of the AVPV-OXTR neurons, a Cre-dependent fluorescent protein (tdTomato) expressing a viral vector was injected into one side of the AVPV of female OXTR-Cre mice. Fibers expressing tdTomato were found in hypothalamic areas containing oxytocin neurons (the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei) and the midbrain areas (the ventral tegmental area and periaqueductal gray) that are involved in the regulation of maternal motivation. To assess if activity of the AVPV-OXTR neurons is involved in the regulation of maternal behaviors, a chemogenetic approach was employed. Specific inhibition of activity of AVPV-OXTR neurons completely abolished pup retrieval and nest building behaviors. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that AVPV-OXTR neurons in postpartum female mice constitute an important node in the neural circuitry that regulates maternal behavior.

Microdissection of the supraoptic nucleus and posterior pituitary gland from fresh unfixed tissue

The rat supraoptic nucleus (SON) contains magnocellular neurons that project long axons that terminate in the posterior pituitary gland. To perform molecular characterization of these regions, such as transcriptome and methylome profiling, it is necessary to obtain large quantities of high-quality RNA and DNA. Prior methods to isolate molecular material from these small regions required fixing or freezing and laser microdissection of whole tissue, which can compromise recovery and integrity. We have established a straight-forward method of dissecting out the SON and posterior pituitary gland from fresh, unfixed tissue that allows for the isolation of RNA or DNA without compromising nucleic acid integrity. Furthermore, this method can be used as a framework for the microdissection of any region of the brain to isolate any sensitive material. In this manuscript, we describe step-by-step instructions from the macro scale dissection, to brain sectioning, and finally the microdissection of the appropriate tissue.•Transcardial perfusion without fixative prevents the shortcomings of nucleic acid cross-linking.•A fast method and the maintenance of tissue in ice-cold HBSS during dissection and sectioning prevents nucleic acid degradation.•A vibratome is used for the sectioning of fresh brain tissue without freezing or gelatin embedding (i.e. cryostat or microtome).

The organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis and subfornical organ: regulation of thirst.

Thirst and water intake are regulated by the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) and subfornical organ (SFO), located around the anteroventral third ventricle, which plays a critical role in sensing dynamic changes in sodium and water balance in body fluids. Meanwhile, neural circuits involved in thirst regulation and intracellular mechanisms underlying the osmosensitive function of OVLT and SFO are reviewed. Having specific Nax channels in the glial cells and other channels (such as TRPV1 and TRPV4), the OVLT and SFO detect the increased Na+ concentration or hyperosmolality to orchestrate osmotic stimuli to the insular and cingulate cortex to evoke thirst. Meanwhile, the osmotic stimuli are relayed to the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) via direct neural projections or the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) to promote the secretion of vasopressin which plays a vital role in the regulation of body fluid homeostasis. Importantly, the vital role of OVLT in sleep-arousal regulation is discussed, where vasopressin is proposed as the mediator in the regulation when OVLT senses osmotic stimuli.