MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology' source. Wed, 08 Feb 2012 15:08:57 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5662675&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22289667%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kipp M, Amor S, Krauth R, Beyer C Abstract The potential of 17β-estradiol and progesterone as neuroprotective factors is well-recognized. Persuasive data comes from in vitro and animal models reflecting a wide range of CNS disorders. These studies have endeavored to translate findings into human therapies. Nonetheless, few human studies show promising results. Evidence for neuroprotection was obtained in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. This chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease shows a female-to-male gender prevalence and disturbances in sex steroid production. In MS-related animal models, steroids ameliorate symptoms and protect from demyelination and neuronal damage. Both hormones operate in dampening central and brain-intrinsic immune responses and regulatin... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5662675 Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100 5662675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5566870&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22214786%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Galic MA, Riazi K, Pittman QJ Abstract Cytokines are molecules secreted by peripheral immune cells, microglia, astrocytes and neurons in the central nervous system. Peripheral or central inflammation is characterized by an upregulation of cytokines and their receptors in the brain. Emerging evidence indicates that pro-inflammatory cytokines modulate brain excitability. Findings from both the clinical literature and from in vivo and in vitro laboratory studies suggest that cytokines can increase seizure susceptibility and may be involved in epileptogenesis. Cellular mechanisms that underlie these effects include upregulation of excitatory glutamatergic transmission and downregulation of inhibitory GABAergic transmission. PMID: 22214786 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5566870 Tue, 27 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5566870 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5566871&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22209870%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Spence RD, Voskuhl RR Abstract Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease characterized by inflammation and demyelination. Currently, the cause of MS is unknown. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is the most common mouse model of MS. Treatments with the sex hormones, estrogens and androgens, are capable of offering disease protection during EAE and are currently being used in clinical trials of MS. Beyond endogenous estrogens and androgens, treatments with selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) for estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) are also capable of providing disease protection. This protection includes, but is not limited to, prevention of clinical disease, reduction of CNS inflammation, protection against demyelination, an... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5566871 Sat, 24 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100 5566871 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5426939&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D22079780%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Scott E, Zhang QG, Wang R, Vadlamudi R, Brann D Abstract 17β-Estradiol (estradiol or E2) is implicated as a neuroprotective factor in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. This review focuses on the mechanisms underlying E2 neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia, as well as emerging evidence from basic science and clinical studies, which suggests that there is a "critical period" for estradiol's beneficial effect in the brain. Potential mechanisms underlying the critical period are discussed, as are the neurological consequences of long-term E2 deprivation (LTED) in animals and in humans after natural menopause or surgical menopause. We also summarize the major clinical trials concerning postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT), comparing their outcomes with respect to cardi... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5426939 Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5426939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5266805&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21802440%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Son GH, Chung S, Kim K Abstract The mammalian circadian timing system is organized in a hierarchy, with the master clock residing in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus and subsidiary peripheral clocks in other brain regions as well as peripheral tissues. Since the local oscillators in most cells contain a similar molecular makeup to that in the central pacemaker, determining the role of the peripheral clocks in the regulation of rhythmic physiology and behavior is an important issue. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a class of multi-functional adrenal steroid hormones, which exhibit a robust circadian rhythm, with a peak linked with the onset of the daily activity phase. It has long been believed that the production and secretion of GC is primarily governed thr... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5266805 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:25:23 +0100 5266805 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5266804&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21802441%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Striepens N, Kendrick KM, Maier W, Hurlemann R Abstract There has been unprecedented interest in the prosocial effects of the neuropeptide oxytocin in humans over the last decade. A range of studies has demonstrated correlations between basal oxytocin levels and the strength of social and bonding behaviors both in healthy individuals and in those suffering from psychiatric disorders. Mounting evidence suggests associations between polymorphisms in the oxytocin receptor gene and prosocial behaviors and there may also be important epigenetic effects. Many studies have now reported a plethora of prosocial effects of intranasal application of oxytocin, including the domains of trust, generosity, socially reinforced learning, and emotional empathy. The main focus of this review... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5266804 Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:25:13 +0100 5266804 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5180158&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21871477%26dopt%3DAbstract This article reviews current knowledge on the mechanisms regulating CRH neuron activity. PMID: 21871477 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology) Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5180158 Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5180158 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5108461&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21745497%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Parodi S, Pennuto M Expansion of polyglutamine tracts in nine different genes causes selective neuronal degeneration through unknown mechanisms. Expansion of polyglutamine in the androgen receptor is responsible for spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), a neuromuscular disorder characterized by the loss of lower motor neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord. A unique feature of SBMA in the family of polyglutamine diseases is sex specificity. SBMA fully manifests only in males. SBMA is a disease triggered by the binding of polyglutamine androgen receptor to its natural ligand testosterone. Recent evidence has emerged showing that the expanded polyglutamine tract itself is not the only determinant of disease pathogenesis. There is evidence that both the native structure an... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5108461 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5108461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5012175&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21741397%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Petersen SL, Krishnan S, Aggison LK, Intlekofer KA, Moura PJ Sex differences in luteinizing hormone (LH) release patterns are controlled by the hypothalamus, established during the perinatal period and required for fertility. Female mammals exhibit a cyclic surge pattern of LH release, while males show a tonic release pattern. In rodents, the LH surge pattern is dictated by the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV), an estrogen receptor-rich structure that is larger and more cell-dense in females. Sex differences result from mitochondrial cell death triggered in perinatal males by estradiol derived from aromatization of testosterone. Herein we provide an historical perspective and an update describing evidence that molecules important for cell survival and cell death in... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5012175 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5012175 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5012176&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21726573%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mercer RE, Chee MJ, Colmers WF Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a highly conserved neuropeptide with orexigenic actions in discrete hypothalamic nuclei that plays a role in regulating energy homeostasis. NPY signals via a family of high affinity receptors that mediate the widespread actions of NPY in all hypothalamic nuclei. These actions are also subject to tight, intricate regulation by numerous peripheral and central energy balance signals. The NPY system is embedded within a densely-redundant network designed to ensure stable energy homeostasis. This redundancy may underlie compensation for the loss of NPY or its receptors in germline knockouts, explaining why conventional knockouts of NPY or its receptors rarely yield a marked phenotypic change. We discuss insights into the hypoth... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5012176 Fri, 24 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5012176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4823756&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21530572%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chartrel N, Alonzeau J, Alexandre D, Jeandel L, Alvear-Perez R, Leprince J, Boutin J, Vaudry H, Anouar Y, Llorens-Cortes C Identification of novel neuropeptides and their cognate G protein-coupled receptors is essential for a better understanding of neuroendocrine regulations. The RFamide peptides represent a family of regulatory peptides that all possess the Arg-Phe-NH(2) motif at their C-terminus. In mammals, seven RFamide peptides encoded by five distinct genes have been characterized. The present review focuses on 26RFa (or QRFP) which is the latest member identified in this family. 26RFa is present in all vertebrate phyla and its C-terminal domain (KGGFXFRF-NH(2)), which is responsible for its biological activity, has been fully conserved during evolution. 26RFa is the co... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4823756 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4823756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4663964&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21414342%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Roselli C, Balthazart J PMID: 21414342 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology) Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4663964 Tue, 22 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4663964 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4604622&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21397624%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Berenbaum SA, Beltz AM A key question concerns the extent to which sexual differentiation of human behavior is influenced by sex hormones present during sensitive periods of development (organizational effects), as occurs in other mammalian species. The most important sensitive period has been considered to be prenatal, but there is increasing attention to puberty as another organizational period, with the possibility of decreasing sensitivity to sex hormones across the pubertal transition. In this paper, we review evidence that sex hormones present during the prenatal and pubertal periods produce permanent changes to behavior. There is good evidence that exposure to high levels of androgens during prenatal development results in masculinization of activity and occupational in... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4604622 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4604622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4604623&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21377487%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Henley CL, Nunez AA, Clemens LG Partner preference behavior can be viewed as the outcome of a set of hierarchical choices made by an individual in anticipation of mating. The first choice involves approaching a conspecific verses an individual of another species. As a rule, a conspecific is picked as a mating partner, but early life experiences can alter that outcome. Within a species, an animal then has the choice between a member of the same sex or the opposite sex. The final choice is for a specific individual. This review will focus on the middle choice, the decision to mate with either a male or a female. Available data from rats, mice, and ferrets point to the importance of perinatal exposure to steroid hormones in the development of partner preferences, as well as the i... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4604623 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4604623 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4542096&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21338619%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Majdic G, Tobet S There is little debate that mammalian sexual differentiation starts from the perspective of two primary sexes that correspond to differential sex chromosomes (X versus Y) that lead to individuals with sex typical characteristics. Sex steroid hormones account for most aspects of brain sexual differentiation, however, a growing literature has raised important questions about the role of sex chromosomal genes separate from sex steroid actions. Several important model animals are being used to address these issues and, in particular, they are taking advantage of molecular genetic approaches using different mouse strains. The current review examines the cooperation of genetic and endocrine influences from the perspective of behavioral and morphological hypothalami... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4542096 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4542096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4542095&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21338620%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Flanagan-Cato LM Female sexual behavior in rodents, typified by the lordosis posture, is hormone-dependent and sex-specific. Ovarian hormones control this behavior via receptors in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus (VMH). This review considers the sex differences in the morphology, neurochemistry and neural circuitry of the VMH to gain insights into the mechanisms that control lordosis. The VMH is larger in males compared with females, due to more synaptic connections. Another sex difference is the responsiveness to estradiol, with males exhibiting muted, and in some cases reverse, effects compared with females. The lack of lordosis in males may be explained by differences in synaptic organization or estrogen responsiveness, or both, in the VMH. However, given that damage ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4542095 Sat, 19 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4542095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4542098&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21334362%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bao AM, Swaab DF During the intrauterine period a testosterone surge masculinizes the fetal brain, whereas the absence of such a surge results in a feminine brain. As sexual differentiation of the brain takes place at a much later stage in development than sexual differentiation of the genitals, these two processes can be influenced independently of each other. Sex differences in cognition, gender identity (an individual's perception of their own sexual identity), sexual orientation (heterosexuality, homosexuality or bisexuality), and the risks of developing neuropsychiatric disorders are programmed into our brain during early development. There is no evidence that one's postnatal social environment plays a crucial role in gender identity or sexual orientation. We discuss the ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4542098 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4542098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4542097&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21334363%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mitchell JW, Atkins N, Sweedler JV, Gillette MU The chemical complexity of cell-to-cell communication has emerged as a fundamental challenge to understanding brain systems. This is certainly true for the hypothalamus, where neuropeptide signals are heterogeneous, localized and dynamic. Thus far, most hypothalamic peptidomic studies have centered on the entire structure; however, recent advances in collection strategies and analytical technologies have enabled direct, high-resolution peptidomic profiles focused on two regions of interest, the suprachiasmatic and supraoptic nuclei, including their sub-regions and individual cells. Suites of peptides now can be identified and probed for function. High spatial and analytical sensitivities reveal that discrete hypothalamic nuclei h... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4542097 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4542097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4542099&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21333673%26dopt%3DAbstract This article reviews the evidence regarding prenatal influences of gonadal steroids on human sexual orientation, as well as sex-typed childhood behaviors that predict subsequent sexual orientation. The evidence supports a role for prenatal testosterone exposure in the development of sex-typed interests in childhood, as well as in sexual orientation in later life, at least for some individuals. It appears, however, that other factors, in addition to hormones, play an important role in determining sexual orientation. These factors have not been well-characterized, but possibilities include direct genetic effects, and effects of maternal factors during pregnancy. Although a role for hormones during early development has been established, it also appears that there may be multiple pathways to ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4542099 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4542099 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4485356&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21315103%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bogaert AF, Skorska M In 1996, psychologists Ray Blanchard and Anthony Bogaertfound evidence that gay men have a greater number of older brothers than do heterosexual men. This "fraternal birth order" (FBO) effect has been replicated numerous times, including in non-Western samples. More recently, strong evidence has been found that the FBOeffect is of prenatal origin. Although there is no direct support for theexact prenatal mechanism, the most plausible explanation may be immunological in origin, i.e., a mother develops an immune reaction against a substance important in male fetal development duringpregnancy, and that this immune effect becomes increasingly likely with each male gestation. This immuneeffect is hypothesized to cause an alteration in (some) later born males' ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4485356 Tue, 08 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4485356 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4485359&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21310172%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: McFadden D The auditory system exhibits differences by sex and by sexual orientation, and the implication is that relevant auditory structures are altered during prenatal development, possibly by exposure to androgens. The otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) of newborn male infants are weaker than those of newborn females, and these sex differences persist through the lifespan. The OAEs of nonheterosexual females also are weaker than those of heterosexual females, suggesting an atypically strong exposure to androgens some time early in development. Auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) also exhibit sex differences beginning early in life. Some AEPs are different for heterosexual and nonheterosexual females, and other AEPs are different for heterosexual and nonheterosexual males. Research... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4485359 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4485359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4485358&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21310173%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Levay S PMID: 21310173 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology) Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4485358 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4485358 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4485357&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21310174%26dopt%3DAbstract "Developmental, Sexual and Reproductive Neuroendocrinology: Historical, Clinical and Ethical Considerations." Front Neuroendocrinol. 2011 Feb 7; Authors: Diamond M Different milestones have marked the development of the field of neuroendocrinology. This is an essay in which a new direction is proposed; one in which the field is marked more by a concern for ethical considerations than experimental procedures. Among the primary concerns is the need for a national registry for intersex and transsexual cases to follow how they are managed and to assess the long-term results. As in Europe, the data in the registries should be available to qualified and certified researchers and clinicians for analysis. A secondary focus is on the surgery often imposed in cases of intersex. Many curr... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4485357 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4485357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4485360&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21296103%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: McCarthy MM Over 50years of rigorous empirical attention to the study of sexual differentiation of the brain has produced sufficient data to reveal fundamental guiding principles, but has also required the generation of new hypotheses to explain non-conforming observations. An early emphasis on the powerful impact and essential role of gonadal steroids is now complemented by an appreciation for genetic contributions to sex differences in the brain. The organizing effects of early steroid hormones on reproductively relevant brain regions and endpoints are largely dependent upon neuronal aromatization of androgens to estrogens. The effect of estradiol is mediated via estrogen receptors (ER). The presence or absence of ER can restrict hormone action to select cells and either pre... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4485360 Fri, 04 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4485360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4485361&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21277320%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Adkins-Regan E A majority of birds are socially monogamous, providing exceptional opportunities to discover neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying preferences for opposite-sex partners where the sexes form extended affiliative relationships. Zebra finches have been the focus of the most systematic program of research to date in any socially monogamous animal. In this species, sexual partner preference can be partially or largely sex reversed with hormone manipulations during early development, suggesting a role for organizational hormone actions. This same conclusion emerges from research with Japanese quail, which do not form long-term pairs. In zebra finches, social experience manipulations during juvenile development also can sex reverse partner preference, either alone or in... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4485361 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4485361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4417983&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21256859%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bos PA, Panksepp J, Bluthé RM, Honk JV Steroids and peptides mediate a diverse array of animal social behaviors. Human research is restricted by technical-ethical limitations, and models of the neuroendocrine regulation of social-emotional behavior are therefore mainly limited to non-human species, often under the assumption that human social-emotional behavior is emancipated from hormonal control. Development of acute hormone administration procedures in human research, together with the advent of novel non-invasive neuroimaging techniques, have opened up opportunities to systematically study the neuroendocrinology of human social-emotional behavior. Here, we review all placebo-controlled single hormone administration studies addressing human social-emotional behavior, invol... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4417983 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4417983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355458&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21216259%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Clarke IJ The reproductive system is controlled by gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion from the brain, which is finely modulated by a number of factors including gonadal sex steroids. GnRH cells do not express estrogen receptor α, but feedback is transmitted by neurons that are at least 'one step back' from the GnRH cells. Modulation by season, stress and nutrition are effected by neuronal pathways that converge on the GnRH cells. Kisspeptin and gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH) neurons are regulators of GnRH secretion, the former being a major conduit for transmission of sex steroid feedback. GnIH cells project to GnRH cells and may play a role in the seasonal changes in reproductive activity in sheep. GnIH also modulates the action of GnRH at the level of t... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355458 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4355458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355459&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21215767%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Roselli CE, Reddy R, Kaufman K The sheep offers a unique mammalian model in which to study paradoxical same-sex sexual partner preferences. Variations in sexual partner preferences occur spontaneously with as many as 8% of rams in a population exhibiting a sexual preference for other rams (male-oriented). The current review presents an overview and update of the male-oriented ram model and discusses several theories that have been invoked to explain same sex preferences in this species. Although our understanding of the biological determinants and underlying neural substrates of sexual attraction and mate selection are far from complete, compelling evidence is discussed that supports the idea that neural substrates regulating sexual partner preferences are organized during pre... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355459 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4355459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355460&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21192966%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zornik E, Kelley DB Seasonal courtship signals, such as mating calls, are orchestrated by steroid hormones. Sex differences are also sculpted by hormones, typically during brief sensitive periods. The influential organizational-activational hypothesis [50] established the notion of a strong distinction between long-lasting (developmental) and cyclical (adult) effects. While the dichotomy is not always strict [1], experimental paradigms based on this hypothesis have indeed revealed long-lasting hormone actions during development and more transient anatomical, physiological and behavioral effects of hormonal variation in adulthood. Sites of action during both time periods include forebrain and midbrain sensorimotor integration centers, hindbrain and spinal cord motor centers, an... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355460 Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4355460 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355462&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21163292%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: O'Connell LA, Hofmann HA Tremendous progress has been made in our understanding of the ultimate and proximate mechanisms underlying social behavior, yet an integrative evolutionary analysis of its underpinnings has been difficult. In this review, we propose that modern genomic approaches can facilitate such studies by integrating four approaches to brain and behavior studies: (1) animals face many challenges and opportunities that are ecologically and socially equivalent across species; (2) they respond with species-specific, yet quantifiable and comparable approach and avoidance behaviors; (3) these behaviors in turn are regulated by gene modules and neurochemical codes; and (4) these behaviors are governed by brain circuits such as the mesolimbic reward system and the social... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355462 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4355462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355461&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21163293%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Etgen AM, Jover-Mengual T, Suzanne Zukin R This review highlights our investigations into the neuroprotective efficacy of estradiol and other estrogenic agents in a clinically relevant animal model of transient global ischemia, which causes selective, delayed death of hippocampal CA1 neurons and associated cognitive deficits. We find that estradiol rescues a significant number of CA1 pyramidal neurons that would otherwise die in response to global ischemia, and this is true when hormone is provided as a long-term pretreatment at physiological doses or as an acute treatment at the time of reperfusion. In addition to enhancing neuronal survival, both forms of estradiol treatment induce measurable cognitive benefit in young animals. Moreover, estradiol and estrogen analogs that d... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355461 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4355461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355463&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21156187%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Walton JC, Weil ZM, Nelson RJ Photoperiodism is the ability of plants and animals to measure environmental day length to ascertain time of year. Central to the evolution of photoperiodism in animals is the adaptive distribution of energetically challenging activities across the year to optimize reproductive fitness while balancing the energetic tradeoffs necessary for seasonally-appropriate survival strategies. The ability to accurately predict future events requires endogenous mechanisms to permit physiological anticipation of annual conditions. Day length provides a virtually noise free environmental signal to monitor and accurately predict time of the year. In mammals, melatonin provides the hormonal signal transducing day length. Duration of pineal melatonin is inversely r... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355463 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4355463 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355464&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21146556%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maney D, Pinaud R The steroid hormone estradiol plays an important role in reproductive development and behavior and modulates a wide array of physiological and cognitive processes. Recently, reports from several research groups have converged to show that estradiol also powerfully modulates sensory processing, specifically, the physiology of central auditory circuits in songbirds. These investigators have discovered that (1) behaviorally-relevant auditory experience rapidly increases estradiol levels in the auditory forebrain; (2) estradiol instantaneously enhances the responsiveness and coding efficiency of auditory neurons; (3) these changes are mediated by a non-genomic effect of brain-generated estradiol on the strength of inhibitory neurotransmission; and (4) estradiol r... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355464 Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4355464 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4355465&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21144857%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wyrwoll CS, Holmes MC, Seckl JR Glucocorticoids have profound effects on brain development and adult CNS function. Excess or insufficient glucocorticoids cause myriad abnormalities from development to ageing. The actions of glucocorticoids within cells are determined not only by blood steroid levels and target cell receptor density, but also by intracellular metabolism by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSD). 11β-HSD1 regenerates active glucocorticoids from their inactive 11-keto derivatives and is widely expressed throughout the adult CNS. Elevated hippocampal and neocortical 11β-HSD1 is observed with ageing and causes cognitive decline; its deficiency prevents the emergence of cognitive defects with age. Conversely, 11β-HSD2 is a dehydrogenase, inactivating gluco... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4355465 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4355465 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4258656&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21129392%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tsai PS, Brooks LR, Rochester JR, Kavanaugh SI, Chung WC Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is pivotal to the formation of numerous central regions. Increasing evidence suggests FGF signaling also directs the development of the neuroendocrine hypothalamus, a collection of neuroendocrine neurons originating primarily within the nose and the ventricular zone of the diencephalon. This review outlines evidence for a role of FGF signaling in the prenatal and postnatal development of several hypothalamic neuroendocrine systems. The emphasis is placed on the nasally derived gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons, which depend on neurotrophic cues from FGF signaling throughout the neurons' lifetime. Although less is known about neuroendocrine neurons derived from the diencephalo... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4258656 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4258656 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4205614&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D21094660%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Duncan KA, Carruth LL The majority of songbird species have sexually dimorphic neuronal circuits for song learning and production and these differences are paralleled by sex differences in behavior, with only males singing or singing at a higher rate than females. Therefore songbirds serve as an excellent model for studying the mechanisms that influence the sexually dimorphic development of the brain and behavior. Past research focused on the actions of steroid hormones or their receptors in the development of these sex differences. This review examines the distribution and action of steroid receptor coactivators in the songbird brain; more specifically the actions of RPL7, SRC-1, and CBP on the song control system. Coactivators enhance the transcriptional activity of the nucl... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4205614 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4205614 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098802&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20951723%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ngun TC, Ghahramani N, Sánchez FJ, Bocklandt S, Vilain E Biological differences between men and women contribute to many sex-specific illnesses and disorders. Historically, it was argued that such differences were largely, if not exclusively, due to gonadal hormone secretions. However, emerging research has shown that some differences are mediated by mechanisms other than the action of these hormone secretions and in particular by products of genes located on the X and Y chromosomes, which we refer to as direct genetic effects. This paper reviews the evidence for direct genetic effects in behavioral and brain sex differences. We highlight the 'four core genotypes' model and sex differences in the midbrain dopaminergic system, specifically focusing on the role of Sry. We also ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098802 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4098802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4066910&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20932857%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Diano S The role of the central melanocortin system in the regulation of energy metabolism has received much attention during the past decade since gene mutations of key components in melanocortin signaling cause monogenic forms of obesity in animals and humans. In the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus the prohormone proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is posttranslationally cleaved to produce α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), a peptide with anorexigenic effects upon activation of the melanocortin receptors (MCRs). α-MSH undergoes extensive post-translational processing and its in vivo activity is short lived due to rapid degradation. The enzymatic process that controls α-MSH inactivation is incompletely understood. Recent evidence suggests that prolyl carboxypeptidase (P... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4066910 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4066910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3913410&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20797403%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Langer P High prevalence of thyroid and metabolic disorders has been repeatedly observed in the population living in the area of eastern Slovakia highly polluted by a mixture of PCBs, DDE and HCB since about 50 years ago. Among thyroid disorders, increase of thyroid volume as measured by ultrasound volumetry may be suggested as one of notable findings which appeared possibly related to increased OCs levels and to autoimmunity signs (e.g. positive thyroperoxidase antibodies in blood and/or hypoechogenicity image obtained by ultrasound), while some participation of individual susceptibility and also of immunogenic effect of OCs and iodine in this iodine replete country cannot be excluded. Another notable finding has been the increase of blood FT4 and TT3 positively related to hi... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3913410 Sun, 22 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3913410 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845500&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20688099%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Young KA, Gobrogge KL, Liu Y, Wang Z The formation of enduring relationships between adult mates (i.e., pair bonds) is an integral aspect of human social behavior and has been implicated in both physical and psychological health. However, due to the inherent complexity of these bonds and the relative rarity with which they are formed in other mammalian species, we know surprisingly little about their underlying neurobiology. Over the past few decades, the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) has emerged as an animal model of pair bonding. Research in this socially monogamous rodent has provided valuable insights into the neurobiological mechanisms that regulate pair bonding behaviors. Here, we review these studies and discuss the neural regulation of three behaviors inherent to... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845500 Sun, 01 Aug 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3845500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787309&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20650288%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wierman ME, Kiseljak-Vassiliades K, Tobet S GnRH neurons follow a carefully orchestrated journey from their birth in the olfactory placode area. Initially, they migrate along with the vomeronasal nerve into the brain at the cribriform plate, then progress caudally to sites within the hypothalamus where they halt and send projections to the median eminence to activate pituitary gonadotropes. Many factors controlling this precise journey have been elucidated by the silencing or over expression of candidate genes in mouse models. Importantly, a number of these factors may not only play a role in normal physiology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis but also be mis-expressed to cause human disorders of GnRH deficiency, presenting as a failure to undergo normal pubertal deve... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787309 Sun, 18 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3787309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3781172&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20647018%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Chaouloff F, Groc L There is overwhelming evidence for multiple effects of stress on excitatory transmission and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. These interactions between stress and hippocampal glutamatergic neurons bear functional consequences on the cognitive and emotional consequences of aversive stimuli. Stress impacts on excitatory synapses are mediated by a complex set of neurohormones and neurotransmitters, among which corticosteroid hormones secreted from the adrenal cortex play a crucial role. Most of the documented effects of corticosteroid hormones are mediated by their binding to cytosolic mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR), which after translocation to the nucleus, regulate the transcription of target genes. Recent electrophysiologic... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3781172 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3781172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3768073&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20638407%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Gore AC, Patisaul HB PMID: 20638407 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology) Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3768073 Wed, 14 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3768073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3754034&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20624414%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rostène W, Guyon A, Kular L, Godefroy D, Barbieri F, Bajetto A, Banisadr G, Callewaere C, Conductier G, Rovère C, Mélik-Parsadaniantz S, Florio T Chemokines are small secreted proteins that chemoattract and activate immune and non-immune cells. Their role in the immune system is well-known, and it has recently been suggested that they may also play a role in the central nervous system (CNS). Indeed, they do not only act as immunoinflammatory mediators in the brain but they also act as potential modulators in neurotransmission. Although we are only beginning to be aware of the implication of chemokines in neuroendocrine functions, this review aims at summarizing what is known in that booming field of research. First we describe the expression of chemokines and their re... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3754034 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3754034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3754033&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20624415%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lindén J, Lensu S, Tuomisto J, Pohjanvirta R Dioxins are ubiquitous environmental contaminants that have attracted toxicological interest not only for the potential risk they pose to human health but also because of their unique mechanism of action. This mechanism involves a specific, phylogenetically old intracellular receptor (the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, AHR) which has recently proven to have an integral regulatory role in a number of physiological processes, but whose endogenous ligand is still elusive. A major acute impact of dioxins in laboratory animals is the wasting syndrome, which represents a puzzling and dramatic perturbation of the regulatory systems for energy balance. A single dose of the most potent dioxin, TCDD, can permanently readjust the defended body ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3754033 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3754033 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737780&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20609371%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Zama AM, Uzumcu M The link between in utero and neonatal exposure to environmental toxicants, such as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and adult female reproductive disorders is well established in both epidemiological and animal studies. Recent studies examining the epigenetic mechanisms involved in mediating the effects of EDCs on female reproduction are gathering momentum. In this review, we describe the developmental processes that are susceptible to EDC exposures in female reproductive system, with a special emphasis on the ovary. We discuss studies with select EDCs that have been shown to have physiological and correlated epigenetic effects in the ovary, neuroendocrine system, and uterus. Importantly, EDCs that can directly target the ovary can alter epigenetic mech... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737780 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3737780 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737779&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20609372%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kodavanti PR, Curras-Collazo MC Organohalogen compounds are global environmental pollutants. They are highly persistent, bioaccumulative, and cause adverse effects in humans and wildlife. Because of the widespread use of these organohalogens in household items and consumer products, indoor contamination may be a significant source of human exposure, especially for children. One significant concern with regard to health effects associated with exposure to organohalogens is endocrine disruption. This review focuses on PCBs and PBDEs as old and new organohalogens, respectively, and their effects on two neuroendocrine systems; thyroid hormones and the arginine vasopressin system (AVP). Regarding neuroendocrine effects of organohalogens, there is considerable information on the thy... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737779 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3737779 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737778&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20609373%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hajszan T, Leranth C The potential adverse effects of Bisphenol A (BPA), a synthetic xenoestrogen, have long been debated. Although standard toxicology tests have revealed no harmful effects, recent research highlighted what was missed so far: BPA-induced alterations in the nervous system. Since 2004, our laboratory has been investigating one of the central effects of BPA, which is interference with gonadal steroid-induced synaptogenesis and the resulting loss of spine synapses. We have shown in both rats and nonhuman primates that BPA completely negates the approximately 70-100% increase in the number of hippocampal and prefrontal spine synapses induced by both estrogens and androgens. Synaptic loss of this magnitude may have significant consequences, potentially causing cogn... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737778 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3737778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737781&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20600241%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Dardeno TA, Chou SH, Moon HS, Chamberland JP, Fiorenza CG, Mantzoros CS Leptin regulates energy homeostasis and reproductive, neuroendocrine, immune, and metabolic functions. In this review, we describe the role of leptin in human physiology and review evidence from recent "proof of concept" clinical trials using recombinant human leptin in subjects with congenital leptin deficiency, hypoleptinemia associated with energy-deficient states, and hyperleptinemia associated with garden-variety obesity. Since most obese individuals are largely leptin-tolerant or -resistant, therapeutic uses of leptin are currently limited to patients with complete or partial leptin deficiency, including hypothalamic amenorrhea and lipoatrophy. Leptin administration in these energy-deficient states m... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737781 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3737781 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3677657&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20558195%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lawrence C, Fraley GS Galanin-like peptide (GALP) was discovered in 1999 in the porcine hypothalamus and was found to be a 60 amino-acid neuropeptide. GALP shares sequence homology to galanin (1-13) in position 9-21 and can bind to, as well as activate, the three galanin receptor subtypes (GalR1-3). GALP-expressing cells are limited, and are mainly found in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) and the posterior pituitary. GALP-positive neurons in the ARC project to several brain regions where they appear to make contact with multiple neuromodulators. These neuromodulators are involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and reproduction, anatomical evidence that suggests a role for GALP in these physiological functions. In support of this idea, GALP gene expressio... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3677657 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3677657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3663537&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20546772%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Douglas AJ Stress and adverse environmental surroundings result in suboptimal conditions in a pregnant mother such that she may experience poor pregnancy outcome including complete pregnancy failure and preterm labor. Furthermore her developing baby is at risk of adverse programming, which confers susceptibility to long term ill health. While some mechanisms at the feto-maternal interface underlying these conditions are understood, the underlying cause for their adverse adaptation is often not clear. Progesterone plays a key role at many levels, including control of neuroendocrine responses to stress, procuring the required immune balance and controlling placental and decidual function, and lack of progesterone can explain many of the unwanted consequences of stress. How stres... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3663537 Wed, 19 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3663537 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3663536&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20546773%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Prevot V, Hanchate NK, Bellefontaine N, Sharif A, Parkash J, Estrella C, Allet C, de Seranno S, Campagne C, de Tassigny XD, Baroncini M As the final common pathway for the central control of gonadotropin secretion, GnRH neurons are subjected to numerous regulatory homeostatic and external factors to achieve levels of fertility appropriate to the organism. The GnRH system thus provides an excellent model in which to investigate the complex relationships between neurosecretion, morphological plasticity and the expression of a physiological function. Throughout the reproductive cycle beginning from postnatal sexual development and the onset of puberty to reproductive senescence, and even within the ovarian cycle itself, all levels of the GnRH system undergo morphological plastici... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3663536 Wed, 19 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3663536 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3557357&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20457175%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bonthuis PJ, Cox KH, Searcy BT, Kumar P, Tobet S, Rissman EF Mice and rats are important mammalian models in biomedical research. In contrast to other biomedical fields, work on sexual differentiation of brain and behavior has traditionally utilized comparative animal models. As mice are gaining in popularity, it is essential to acknowledge the differences between these two rodents. Here we review neural and behavioral sexual dimorphisms in rats and mice, which highlight species differences and experimental gaps in the literature, that are needed for direct species comparisons. Moving forward, investigators must answer fundamental questions about their chosen organism, and attend to both species and strain differences as they select the optimal animal models for their research... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3557357 Thu, 06 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3557357 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3551182&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20451543%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bliss SP, Navratil AM, Xie J, Roberson MS Mammalian reproductive cycles are controlled by an intricate interplay between the hypothalamus, pituitary and gonads. Central to the function of this axis is the ability of the pituitary gonadotrope to appropriately respond to stimulation by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This review focuses on the role of cell signaling and in particular, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activities regulated by GnRH that are necessary for normal fertility. Recently, new mouse models making use of conditional gene deletion have shed new light on the relationships between GnRH signaling and fertility in both male and female mice. Within the reproductive axis, GnRH signaling is initiated through discrete membrane compartments in which the... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3551182 Tue, 04 May 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3551182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3460728&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20382177%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Koolhaas JM, de Boer SF, Coppens CM, Buwalda B Individual variation in behaviour and physiology is a widespread and ecologically functional phenomenon in nature in virtually all vertebrate species. Due to domestication of laboratory animals, studies may suffer from a strong selection bias. This paper summarizes behavioural, neuroendocrine and neurobiological studies using the natural individual variation in rats and mice. Individual behavioural characteristics appear to be consistent over time and across situations. The individual variation has at least two dimensions in which the quality of the response to a challenging condition (coping style) is independent from the quantity of that response (stress reactivity). The neurobiology reveals important differences in the homeosta... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3460728 Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:00:00 +0100 3460728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3421394&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20347860%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Iremonger KJ, Benediktsson AM, Bains JS Glutamate synapses drive the output of neuroendocrine cells in the hypothalamus, but until recently, relatively little was known about the fundamental properties of transmission at these synapses. Here we review recent advances in the understanding of glutamate signals in magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON) of the hypothalamus that serve as the last step in synaptic integration before neurohormone release. While these synapses exhibit many similarities with other glutamate synapses described throughout the brain, they also exhibit a number of unique properties that are particularly well suited to the physiology of this system and will be discussed here. In addition, a number ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3421394 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3421394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3421393&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20347861%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Patisaul HB, Jefferson W Phytoestrogens are plant derived compounds found in a wide variety of foods, most notably soy. A litany of health benefits including a lowered risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and menopausal symptoms, are frequently attributed to phytoestrogens but many are also considered endocrine disruptors, indicating that they have the potential to cause adverse health effects as well. Consequently, the question of whether or not phytoestrogens are beneficial or harmful to human health remains unresolved. The answer is likely complex and may depend on age, health status, and even the presence or absence of specific gut microflora. Clarity on this issue is needed because global consumption is rapidly increasing. Phytoestrogens are present in nume... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3421393 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3421393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350659&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20211640%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tsutsui K, Bentley GE, Bedecarrats G, Osugi T, Ubuka T, Kriegsfeld LJ Identification of novel neurohormones that regulate the reproductive axis is essential for the progress of neuroendocrinology. The decapeptide gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the primary factor responsible for the hypothalamic control of gonadotropin secretion. Gonadal sex steroids and inhibin modulate gonadotropin secretion via feedback from the gonads, but a neuropeptide that directly inhibits gonadotropin secretion was unknown in vertebrates until 2000 when a hypothalamic dodecapeptide serving this function was discovered in quail. Because of its action, it was named gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). GnIH acts on the pituitary and on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus via a novel G protein-co... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350659 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3350659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3350660&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20206200%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Levin BE Most human obesity is inherited as a polygenic trait which is largely refractory to medical therapy because obese individuals avidly defend their elevated body weight set-point. This set-point is mediated by an integrated neural network that controls energy homeostasis. Epidemiological studies suggest that perinatal and pre-pubertal environmental factors can promote offspring obesity. Rodent studies demonstrate the important interactions between genetic predisposition and environmental factors in promoting obesity. This review covers issues of development and function of neural systems involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and the roles of leptin and insulin in these processes, the ways in which interventions at various phases from gestation, lactation and ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3350660 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3350660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3332053&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20193707%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Romeo RD Modifications in neuroendocrine function are a hallmark of pubertal development. These changes have many short- and long-term implications for the physiological and neurobehavioral function of an individual. The purpose of the present review is to discuss our current understanding of how pubertal development and stress interact to affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the major neuroendocrine axis that controls the hormonal stress response. A growing body of literature indicates that puberty is marked by dramatic transitions in stress reactivity. Moreover, recent studies indicate that exposure to stressors during pubertal maturation may result in enduring changes in HPA responsiveness in adulthood. As puberty is marked by a substantial increase in many... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3332053 Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3332053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3306457&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20176045%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hedges VL, Staffend NA, Meisel RL There is an increasing awareness that adolescent females differ from males in their response to drugs of abuse and consequently in their vulnerability to addiction. One possible component of this vulnerability to drug addiction is the neurobiological impact that reproductive physiology and behaviors have on the mesolimbic dopamine system, a key neural pathway mediating drug addiction. In this review, we examine animal models that address the impact of ovarian cyclicity, sexual affiliation, sexual behavior, and maternal care on the long-term plasticity of the mesolimbic dopamine system. The thesis is that this plasticity in synaptic neurotransmission stemming from an individual's normal life history contributes to the pathological impact of dru... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3306457 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3306457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3306456&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20176046%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Godwin J The study of sex differences has produced major insights into the organization of animal phenotypes and the regulatory mechanisms generating phenotypic variation from similar genetic templates. Teleost fishes display the greatest diversity of sexual expression among vertebrate animals. This diversity appears to arise from diversity in the timing of sex determination and less functional interdependence among the components of sexuality relative to tetrapod vertebrates. Teleost model systems therefore provide powerful models for understanding gonadal and non-gonadal influences on behavioral and physiological variation. This review addresses socially controlled sex change and alternate male phenotypes in fishes. These sexual patterns are informative natural experiments t... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3306456 Fri, 19 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3306456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3264486&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20144647%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Laprairie JL, Murphy AZ Over the last several decades, the relative contribution of early life events to individual disease susceptibility has been explored extensively. Only fairly recently, however, has it become evident that abnormal or excessive nociceptive activity experienced during the perinatal period may permanently alter the normal development of the CNS and influence future responses to somatosensory input. Given the significant rise in the number of premature infants receiving high-technology intensive care over the last twenty years, ex-preterm neonates may be exceedingly vulnerable to the long-term effects of repeated invasive interventions. The present review summarizes available clinical and laboratory findings on the lasting impact of exposure to noxious stimu... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3264486 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3264486 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3232290&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20116395%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Diotel N, Page YL, Mouriec K, Tong SK, Pellegrini E, Vaillant C, Anglade I, Brion F, Pakdel F, Chung BC, Kah O Unlike that of mammals, the brain of teleost fish exhibits an intense aromatase activity due to the strong expression of one of two aromatase genes (aromatase A or cyp19a1a and aromatase B or cyp19a1b) that arose from a gene duplication event. In situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and expression of GFP (green fluorescent protein) in transgenic tg(cyp19a1b-GFP) fish demonstrate that aromatase B is only expressed in radial glial cells (RGC) of adult fish. These cells persist throughout life and act as progenitors in the brain of both developing and adult fish. Although aromatase B-positive radial glial cells are most abundant in the preoptic area and the hypothala... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3232290 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3232290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3232289&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20116396%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mani S, Portillo W The steroid hormone, progesterone (P), modulates neuroendocrine functions in the central nervous system resulting in alterations in physiology and reproductive behavior in female mammals. A wide body of evidence indicates that these neural effects of P are predominantly mediated via their intracellular progestin receptors (PRs) functioning as "ligand-dependent" transcription factors in the steroid-sensitive neurons regulating genes and genomic networks. In addition to P, intracellular PRs can be activated by neurotransmitters, growth factors and cyclic nucleotides in a ligand-independent manner via crosstalk and convergence of pathways. Furthermore, recent studies indicate that rapid signaling events associated with membrane PRs and/or extra-nuclear, cytopla... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3232289 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3232289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3179543&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D20074584%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nillni EA The hypothalamic pituitary thyroid (HPT) axis plays a critical role in mediating changes in metabolism and thermogenesis. Thus, the central regulation of the thyroid axis by Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) is of key importance for the normal function of the axis under different physiological conditions including cold stress and changes in nutritional status. Before the TRH peptide becomes biologically active, a series of tightly regulated processes occur including the proper folding of the prohormone for targeting to the secretory pathway, its post-translational processing, and targeting of the processed peptides to the secretory granules near the plasma membrane of the cell ready for secretion. Mul... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3179543 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3179543 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2986398&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19896496%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Castañeda TR, Tong J, Datta R, Culler M, Tschöp MH Ghrelin, a peptide hormone predominantly produced by the stomach, was isolated as the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor. Ghrelin is a potent stimulator of growth hormone (GH) secretion and is the only circulatory hormone known to potently enhance feeding and weight gain and to regulate energy homeostasis following central and systemic administration. Therapeutic intervention with ghrelin in catabolic situations may induce a combination of enhanced food intake, increased gastric emptying and nutrient storage, coupled with an increase in GH thereby linking nutrient partitioning with growth and repair processes. These qualities have fostered the idea that ghrelin-based compounds may have the... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2986398 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2986398 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2931559&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19854213%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Myers Jr MG, Simerly RB PMID: 19854213 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology) Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2931559 Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2931559 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2905734&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19836412%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Watts AG, Donovan CM Glucose is the primary fuel for the vast majority of cells, and animals have evolved essential cellular, autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral measures to counteract both hypo- and hyperglycemia. A central component of these counterregulatory mechanisms is the ability of specific sensory elements to detect changes in blood glucose and then use that information to produce appropriate counterregulatory responses. Here we focus on the organization of the neural systems that are engaged by glucosensing mechanisms when blood glucose concentrations fall to levels that pose a physiological threat. We employ a classic sensori-motor integrative schema to describe the peripheral, hindbrain, and hypothalamic components that make up counterregulatory mechanisms in the ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2905734 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2905734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2905733&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19836413%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Grill HJ The development of effective pharmacotherapy for obesity will benefit from a more complete understanding of the neural pathways and the neurochemical signals whose actions result in the reduction of the size of meals. This review examines the neural control of meal size and the integration of two principal sources of that control - satiation signals arising from the gastrointestinal tract and CNS leptin signaling. Four types of integrations that are central to the control of meal size are described and each involves the neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in the dorsal hindbrain. Data discussed show that NTS neurons integrate information arising from: [1] ascending GI-derived vagal afferent projections, [2] descending neuropeptidergic projections from lept... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2905733 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2905733 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2905732&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19836414%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Narayanan NS, Guarnieri DJ, Dileone RJ Recent evidence has emerged demonstrating that metabolic hormones such as ghrelin and leptin can act on ventral tegmental area (VTA) midbrain dopamine neurons to influence feeding. The VTA is the origin of mesolimbic dopamine neurons that project to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) to influence behavior. While blockade of dopamine via systemic antagonists or targeted gene delete can impair food intake, local NAc dopamine manipulations have little effect on food intake. Notably, non-dopaminergic manipulations in the VTA and NAc produce more consistent effects on feeding and food choice. More recent genetic evidence supports a role for the substantia nigra-striatal dopamine pathways in food intake, while the VTA-NAc circuit is more likely involv... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2905732 Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2905732 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891524&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822167%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fulton S The tendency to engage in or maintain feeding behavior is potently influenced by the rewarding properties of food. Affective and goal-directed behavioral responses for food have been assessed in response to various physiological, pharmacological and genetic manipulations to provide much insight into the neural mechanisms regulating motivation for food. In addition, several lines of evidence tie the actions of metabolic signals, neuropeptides and neurotransmitters to the modulation of the reward-relevant circuitry including midbrain dopamine neurons and corticolimbic nuclei that encode emotional and cognitive aspects of feeding. Along these lines, this review pulls together research describing the peripheral and central signaling molecules that modulate the rewarding e... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891524 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2891524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891523&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822168%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Thaler JP, Choi SJ, Schwartz MW, Wisse BE Determining the effect of hypothalamic inflammatory signals on energy balance presents a paradox. On the one hand, a large body of work has identified inflammatory signaling in the hypothalamus as an essential mediator of the sickness response - the anorexia, cachexia, fever, inactivity, lethargy, anhedonia and adipsia that are triggered by systemic inflammatory stimuli and promote negative energy balance. On the other hand, numerous recent studies implicate inflammatory activation within the hypothalamus as a key factor whereby high-fat diets - and saturated fats in particular - cause central leptin and insulin resistance and thereby promote the defense of elevated body weight. This paradox will likely remain unresolved until several ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891523 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2891523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2891522&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19822169%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Grayson BE, Kievit P, Smith MS, Grove KL Over the last decade there has been a striking increase in the early onset of metabolic disease, including obesity and diabetes. The regulation of energy homeostasis is complex and involves the intricate integration of peripheral and central systems, including the hypothalamus. This review provides an overview of the development of brain circuitry involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis as well as recent findings related to the impact of both prenatal and postnatal maternal environment on the development of these circuits. There is suprising evidence that both overnutrition and undernutrition impact the development of these circuits in a similar manner as well as having similar consequences of increased obesity and diabetes lat... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2891522 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2891522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2769153&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19729032%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sánchez-Lasheras C, Könner AC, Brüning JC Body weight is tightly controlled in a species-specific range from insects to vertebrates and organisms have developed a complex regulatory network in order to avoid either excessive weight gain or chronic weight loss. Energy homeostasis, a term comprising all processes that aim to maintain stability of the metabolic state, requires a constant communication of the different organs involved; i.e. adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, liver, pancreas and the central nervous system (CNS). A tight hormonal network ensures rapid communication to control initiation and cessation of eating, nutrient processing and partitioning of the available energy within different organs and metabolic pathways. Moreover, recent experiments indica... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2769153 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2769153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2709686&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19683017%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vreugdenhil E, Berezikov E The brain is of bewildering complexity and numerous genes and signaling molecules have been described that affect the architecture and functioning of specific neuronal circuits. Recent evidence from genome analysis revealed the existence of a large group of novel RNA molecules with unexpected properties. One such group is called microRNAs, which are small 21-23 nucleotides RNA molecules that are transcribed by the genome. However, they are not translated into proteins but rather control translation of coding mRNA. Particularly in the brain, numerous different microRNAs are expressed in a cell type specific fashion both during development and in adulthood. Aberrant microRNA expression has been implicated in several human diseases including CNS disease... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2709686 Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2709686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2679124&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19654017%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: López M, Tena-Sempere M, Diéguez C Lesioning and electrical stimulation experiments carried out during the first half of the twentieth century showed that the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) is involved in the neuroendocrine control of hormone secretion. However, the molecular basis of this phenomenon remained unclear until fifty years later when in 1998, two different laboratories discovered a new family of hypothalamic neuropeptides, the orexins or hypocretins (OX-A/Hcrt1 and OX-B/Hcrt2). Since then, remarkable evidence has revealed that orexins/hypocretins play a prominent role in regulating virtually all the neuroendocrine axes, acting as pivotal signals in the coordination of endocrine responses with regards to sleep, arousal and energy homeostasis. The clinical... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2679124 Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2679124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2606359&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19596026%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Young LJ PMID: 19596026 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology) Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2606359 Thu, 09 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2606359 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532999&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19351544%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Peri A, Danza G, Benvenuti S, Luciani P, Deledda C, Rosati F, Cellai I, Serio M In 2000 a new gene, i.e. seladin-1 (for selective Alzheimer's disease indicator-1) was identified and found to be down regulated in vulnerable brain regions in Alzheimer's disease. Seladin-1 was considered a novel neuroprotective factor, because of its anti-apoptotic properties. Subsequently, it has been demonstrated that seladin-1 corresponds to the gene that encodes 3-beta-hydroxysterol delta-24-reductase (DHCR24), that catalyzes the synthesis of cholesterol from desmosterol. There is evidence that cholesterol plays a fundamental role in maintaining brain homeostasis. Because of its enzymatic activity, seladin-1/DHCR24 has been considered the human homolog of the plant protein DIMINUTO/DWARF1, th... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532999 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:58 +0100 2532999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532995&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19393684%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fargo KN, Foecking EM, Jones KJ, Sengelaub DR Androgens have a variety of protective and therapeutic effects in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Here we review these effects as they related specifically to spinal and cranial motoneurons. Early in development, androgens are critical for the formation of important neuromuscular sex differences, decreasing the magnitude of normally occurring cell death in select motoneuron populations. Throughout the lifespan, androgens also protect against motoneuron death caused by axonal injury. Surviving motoneurons also display regressive changes to their neurites as a result of both direct axonal injury and loss of neighboring motoneurons. Androgen treatment enhances the ability of motoneurons to recover from these regressiv... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532995 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:50 +0100 2532995 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532994&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19393685%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kipp M, Beyer C Synthetic and natural estrogens as well as progestins modulate neuronal development and activity. Neurons and glia are endowed with high-affinity steroid receptors. Besides regulating brain physiology, both steroids conciliate neuroprotection against toxicity and neurodegeneration. The majority of data derive from in vitro studies, although more recently, animal models have proven the efficaciousness of steroids as neuroprotective factors. Indications for a safeguarding role also emerge from first clinical trials. Gender-specific prevalence of degenerative disorders might be associated with the loss of hormonal activity or steroid malfunctions. Our studies and evidence from the literature support the view that steroids attenuate neuroinflammation by reducing th... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532994 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:48 +0100 2532994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532993&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19394356%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bethea CL, Reddy AP, Tokuyama Y, Henderson JA, Lima FB The serotonin neurons of the dorsal and medial raphe nuclei project to all areas of the forebrain and play a key role in mood disorders. Hence, any loss or degeneration of serotonin neurons could have profound ramifications. In a monkey model of surgical menopause with hormone replacement and no neural injury, E and P decreased gene expression in the dorsal raphe nucleus of c-jun n-terminal kinase (JNK1) and kynurenine mono-oxygenase (KMO) that promote cell death. In concert, E and P increased gene expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD1), VEGF, and caspase inhibitory proteins that promote cellular resilience in the dorsal raphe nucleus. Subsequently, we showed that ovarian steroids inhibit pivotal genes in the caspase-de... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532993 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:46 +0100 2532993 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532992&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19394357%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cekic M, Sayeed I, Stein DG More than two decades of pre-clinical research and two recent clinical trials have shown that progesterone (PROG) and its metabolites exert beneficial effects after traumatic brain injury (TBI) through a number of metabolic and physiological pathways that can reduce damage in many different tissues and organ systems. Emerging data on 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (VDH), itself a steroid hormone, have begun to provide evidence that, like PROG, it too is neuroprotective, although some of its actions may involve different pathways. Both agents have high safety profiles, act on many different injury and pathological mechanisms, and are clinically relevant, easy to administer, and inexpensive. Furthermore, vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in a large segmen... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532992 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:43 +0100 2532992 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532990&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19401209%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Suzuki S, Brown CM, Wise PM Our laboratory has investigated whether and how 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) protects the brain against neurodegeneration associated with cerebrovascular stroke. We have discovered that low, physiological concentrations of E(2), which are strikingly similar to low-basal circulating levels found in cycling mice, dramatically protect the brain against stroke injury, and consequently revealed multiple signaling pathways and key genes that mediate protective action of E(2). Here we will review the discoveries comprising our current understanding of neuroprotective actions of estrogens against ischemic stroke. These findings may carry far reaching implications for improving the quality of life in aging populations. PMID: 19401209 [PubMed - in process] (So... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532990 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:39 +0100 2532990 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532989&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19410596%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Simpkins JW, Yi KD, Yang SH In the present treatise, we provide evidence that the neuroprotective and mito-protective effects of estrogens are inexorably linked and involve the ability of estrogens to maintain mitochondrial function during neurotoxic stress. This is achieved by the induction of nuclear and mitochondrial gene expression, the maintenance of protein phosphatases levels in a manner that likely involves modulation of the phosphorylation state of signaling kinases and mitochondrial pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, and the potent redox/antioxidant activity of estrogens. These estrogen actions are mediated through a combination of estrogens receptor (ER)-mediated effects on nuclear and mitochondrial transcription of protein vital to mitochondrial function, ER-mediate... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532989 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:37 +0100 2532989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532988&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19410597%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bourque M, Dluzen DE, Di Paolo T The sex difference in Parkinson's disease, with a higher susceptibility in men, suggests a modulatory effect of sex steroids in the brain. Numerous studies highlight that sex steroids have neuroprotective properties against various brain injuries. This paper reviews the protective effects of sex hormones, particularly estradiol, progesterone and androgens, in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) animal model of Parkinson's disease as compared to methamphetamine toxicity. The molecular mechanisms underlying beneficial actions of sex steroids on the brain have been investigated showing steroid, dose, timing and duration specificities and presently focus is on the dopamine signaling pathways, the next frontier. Both genomic and ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532988 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:35 +0100 2532988 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532983&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19427328%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pike CJ, Carroll JC, Rosario ER, Barron AM Risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with age-related loss of sex steroid hormones in both women and men. In post-menopausal women, the precipitous depletion of estrogens and progestogens is hypothesized to increase susceptibility to AD pathogenesis, a concept largely supported by epidemiological evidence but refuted by some clinical findings. Experimental evidence suggests that estrogens have numerous neuroprotective actions relevant to prevention of AD, in particular promotion of neuron viability and reduction of beta-amyloid accumulation, a critical factor in the initiation and progression of AD. Recent findings suggest neural responsiveness to estrogen can diminish with age, reducing neuroprotective actions of estrogen ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532983 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:26 +0100 2532983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532979&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19450619%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Saldanha CJ, Duncan KA, Walters BJ The steroidal regulation of vertebrate neuroanatomy and neurophysiology includes a seemingly unending list of brain areas, cellular structures and behaviors modulated by these hormones. Estrogens, in particular have emerged as potent neuromodulators, exerting a range of effects including neuroprotection and perhaps neural repair. In songbirds and mammals, the brain itself appears to be the site of injury-induced estrogen synthesis via the rapid transcription and translation of aromatase (estrogen synthase) in astroglia. This induction seems to occur regardless of the nature and location of primary brain damage. The induced expression of aromatase apparently elevates local estrogen levels enough to interfere with apoptotic pathways, thereby de... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532979 Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:30:18 +0100 2532979 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532974&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19545584%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hennessy MB, Kaiser S, Sachser N Protracted or repeated activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system is associated with a variety of physical and psychological pathologies. Studies dating back to the 1970s have documented many cases in which the presence of a social companion can moderate HPA responses to stressors. However, there also are many cases in which this "social buffering" of the HPA axis is not observed. An examination of the literature indicates that the nature of the relationship between individuals is crucial in determining whether or not social buffering of the HPA response will occur. Other factors that affect social buffering, either directly or by influencing the social relationship, include the social organization of the species, prev... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532974 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532974 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532975&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19520105%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Goodson JL, Kabelik D Vertebrate animals exhibit a spectacular diversity of social behaviors, yet a variety of basic social behavior processes are essential to all species. These include social signaling; discrimination of conspecifics and sexual partners; appetitive and consummatory sexual behaviors; aggression and dominance behaviors; and parental behaviors (the latter with rare exceptions). These behaviors are of fundamental importance and are regulated by an evolutionarily conserved, core social behavior network (SBN) of the limbic forebrain and midbrain. The SBN encodes social information in a highly dynamic, distributed manner, such that behavior is most strongly linked to the pattern of neural activity across the SBN, not the activity of single loci. Thus, shifts in the... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532975 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532977&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19505496%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Do Rego JL, Seong JY, Burel D, Leprince J, Luu-The V, Tsutsui K, Tonon MC, Pelletier G, Vaudry H Neuroactive steroids synthesized in neuronal tissue, referred to as neurosteroids, are implicated in proliferation, differentiation, activity and survival of nerve cells. Neurosteroids are also involved in the control of a number of behavioral, neuroendocrine and metabolic processes such as regulation of food intake, locomotor activity, sexual activity, aggressiveness, anxiety, depression, body temperature and blood pressure. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the existence, neuroanatomical distribution and biological activity of the enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of neurosteroids in the brain of vertebrates, and we review the neuronal mechanism... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532977 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532976&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19505497%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Heinrichs M, von Dawans B, Domes G There is substantial evidence from animal research indicating a key role of the neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the regulation of complex social cognition and behavior. As social interaction permeates the whole of human society, and the fundamental ability to form attachment is indispensable for social relationships, studies are beginning to dissect the roles of OT and AVP in human social behavior. New experimental paradigms and technologies in human research allow a more nuanced investigation of the molecular basis of social behavior. In addition, a better understanding of the neurobiology and neurogenetics of human social cognition and behavior has important implications for the current development of novel cli... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532976 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532976 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532978&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19481567%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ross HE, Young LJ Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and released into the circulation through the neurohypophyseal system. Peripherally released oxytocin facilitates parturition and milk ejection during nursing. Centrally released oxytocin coordinates the onset of maternal nurturing behavior at parturition and plays a role in mother-infant bonding. More recent studies have revealed a more general role for oxytocin in modulating affiliative behavior in both sexes. Oxytocin regulates alloparental care and pair bonding in female monogamous prairie voles. Social recognition in male and female mice is also modulated by oxytocin. In humans, oxytocin increases gaze to the eye region of human faces and enhances interpersonal trust and the ability to infer the emotions of others... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532978 Wed, 27 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532978 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532982&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19442683%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Choleris E, Clipperton-Allen AE, Phan A, Kavaliers M We reviewed oxytocin (OT), arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and gonadal hormone involvement in various modes of social information processing in mice and rats. Gonadal hormones regulate OT and AVP mediation of social recognition and social learning. Estrogens foster OT-mediated social recognition and the recognition and avoidance of parasitized conspecifics via estrogen receptor (ER) alpha (ERalpha) and ERbeta. Testosterone and its metabolites, including estrogens, regulate social recognition in males predominantly via the AVP V1a receptor. Both OT and AVP are involved in the social transmission of food preferences and ERalpha has inhibitory, while ERbeta has enhancing, roles. OT also enhances mate copying by females. ERalpha medi... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532982 Mon, 11 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532981&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19442684%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Cirulli F, Alleva E The role of the neurotrophins Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been expanding over the last years from trophic factors involved in brain growth and differentiation, to much more complex messengers, involved in psycho-neuro-endocrine adaptations. Much of this research stems from a series of studies inspired by the life-long work of the Nobel laureate Rita Levi-Montalcini. A new field of research started when NGF was found to be released in the bloodstream as a result of psychosocial stressors in male mice. Subsequent studies have shown that, in humans, highly arousing situations also result in increased blood levels of NGF, underlying the unique role of this neurotrophin, compared to other neuroendocrine effectors, a... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532981 Mon, 11 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532980&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19442685%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: London SE, Remage-Healey L, Schlinger BA Concepts of brain-steroid signaling have traditionally placed emphasis on the gonads and adrenals as the source of steroids, the strict dichotomy of early developmental ("organizational") and mature ("activational") effects, and a relatively slow mechanism of signaling through intranuclear receptors. Continuing research shows that these concepts are not inaccurate, but they are certainly incomplete. In this review, we focus on the song control circuit of songbird species to demonstrate how each of these concepts is limited. We discuss the solid evidence for steroid synthesis within the brain ("neurosteroidogenesis"), the role of neurosteroids in organizational events that occur both early in development and later in life, and how neuros... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532980 Mon, 11 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532984&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19422843%26dopt%3DAbstract We report a study here that suggests transient increases in testosterone after social competition influence future competitive behavior, but social experience alone may also be critical in determining future behavior. In other rodents, a comparable testosterone surge occurs in response to sexual stimulation, but the function is not entirely understood. In addition to competitive and sexual behavior, testosterone impacts other systems instrumental to social behaviors, including paternal behavior and degree of monogamy. Thus, mechanisms regulated by testosterone, such as the vasopressin and aromatase systems, may also be influenced by rapid surges of testosterone in aggressive or sexual contexts. We discuss how the functions of testosterone may overlap in some contexts. PMID: 19422843 [P... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532984 Mon, 04 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532991&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19401208%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Tetel MJ, Auger AP, Charlier TD Steroid hormones act in brain and throughout the body to regulate a variety of functions, including development, reproduction, stress and behavior. Many of these effects of steroid hormones are mediated by their respective receptors, which are members of the steroid/nuclear receptor superfamily of transcriptional activators. A variety of studies in cell lines reveal that nuclear receptor coregulators are critical in modulating steroid receptor-dependent transcription. Thus, in addition to the availability of the hormone and the expression of its receptor, nuclear receptor coregulators are essential for efficient steroid-dependent transactivation of genes. This review will highlight the importance of nuclear receptor coregulators in modulating st... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532991 Sat, 02 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532987&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19416733%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Holmes MM, Goldman BD, Goldman SL, Seney ML, Forger NG Sexual differentiation of the mammalian nervous system has been studied intensively for over 25years. Most of what we know, however, comes from work on relatively non-social species in which direct reproduction (i.e., production of offspring) is virtually the only route to reproductive success. In social species, an individual's inclusive fitness may include contributions to the gene pool that are achieved by supporting the reproductive efforts of close relatives; this feature is most evident in eusocial organisms. Here, we review what is known about neuroendocrine mechanisms, sexual differentiation, and effects of social status on the brain and spinal cord in two eusocial mammals: the naked mole-rat and Damaraland mole-ra... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532987 Sat, 02 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532986&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19416734%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Neumann ID Living in social groups is clearly beneficial for many species, often resulting in increased survival, enhanced fitness of the group, and progression of brain development and cognitive abilities. The development of the social brain has been promoted on the basis (i) of activation of reward centres by social stimuli, (ii) of positive consequences of close social interactions on emotionality (which is reinforcing by itself) and on general fitness, and (iii) of negative health consequences in the absence or as a result of sudden interruption of social interactions. For example, social interactions as seen between mother and child or between mating partners have beneficial effects on the mental and physical health state, in particular on adaptive processes related to em... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532986 Sat, 02 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532985&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19416735%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Micevych P, Dominguez R While the physiology of membrane-initiated estradiol signaling in the nervous system has remained elusive, a great deal of progress has been made toward understanding the activation of cell signaling. Membrane-initiated estradiol signaling activates G proteins and their downstream cascades, but the identity of membrane receptors and the proximal signaling mechanism(s) have been more difficult to elucidate. Mounting evidence suggests that classical intracellular estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha) and ERbeta are trafficked to the membrane to mediate estradiol cell signaling. Moreover, an interaction of membrane ERalpha and ERbeta with metabotropic glutamate receptors has been identified that explains the pleomorphic actions of membrane-initiated estradiol ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532985 Sat, 02 May 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532985 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532996&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19393683%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Garcia-Segura LM, Balthazart J Gonadal hormones exert neuroprotective actions. In addition, it has become evident that the local synthesis of these molecules in the central nervous system may prevent or reduce neurodegeneration. The neuroprotective actions of steroids involve neurons, glial cells and blood vessels, are exerted via steroid receptor signaling initiated at the nuclear or membrane level and steroid receptor independent mechanisms. They include the regulation of phosphatases and kinases and the regulation of the expression of molecules controlling inflammation and apoptosis. In addition, mitochondria have emerged as new central targets for neuroprotective actions of steroids. These neuroprotective actions have been documented in different experimental models of neu... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532996 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532997&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19362107%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Clarke IJ, Qi Y, Puspita Sari I, Smith JT Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion represents the final common pathway in the control of the reproductive axis. Dogma has been that GnRH is solely responsible for the control of gonadotropin secretion, but emerging data presents a strong case for the existence of a gonadotropin inhibitory hormone in mammals. This evidence arose from initial work in avian species to isolate and identify a factor that inhibited gonadotropin release, which is known as gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH). The mammalian ortholog of avian GnIH is named RF-amide related peptide (RFRP). There are two forms of RFRP in mammals, RFRP-1 and RFRP-3 encoded by a single gene, but there has been skepticism and controversy as to whether these peptides p... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532997 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532997 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2532998&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19361542%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Pawluski JL, Brummelte S, Barha CK, Crozier TM, Galea LA Adult neurogenesis exists in most mammalian species, including humans, in two main areas: the subventricular zone (new cells migrate to the olfactory bulbs) and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Many factors affect neurogenesis in the hippocampus and the subventricular zone, however the focus of this review will be on factors that affect hippocampal neurogenesis, particularly in females. Sex differences are often seen in levels of hippocampal neurogenesis, and these effects are due in part to differences in circulating levels of steroid hormones such as estradiol, progesterone, and corticosterone during the estrous cycle, in response to stress, with reproduction (including pregnancy and lactation), and aging. Depleti... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2532998 Tue, 07 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2532998 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2308289&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19341761%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Shi H, Seeley RJ, Clegg DJ The prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportion with enormous costs in both human lives and healthcare dollars spent. Obesity-related metabolic disorders are much lower in premenopausal women than men; however, there is a dramatic increase following menopause in women. The health risks associated with obesity vary depending on the location of adipose tissue. Adipose tissue distributed in the abdominal visceral carry a much greater risk for metabolic disorders than does adipose tissue distributed subcutaneously. There are distinct sex-dependent differences in the regional fat distribution, women carry more fat subcutaneously whereas men carry more fat viscerally. Males and females differ with respect to their regulation of energy homeostasis... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2308289 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2308289 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2308287&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19341762%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Mayer CM, Fick LJ, Gingerich S, D Belsham D The hypothalamus is the control centre for most physiological processes; yet has been difficult to study due to the inherent heterogeneity of this brain region. For this reason, researchers have turned towards cell models. Primary hypothalamic cultures are difficult to maintain, are heterogeneous neuronal and glial cell populations and often contain a minimal number of viable peptide-secreting neurons. In contrast, immortalized, clonal cell lines represent an unlimited, homogeneous population of neurons that can be manipulated using a number of elegant molecular techniques. Cell line studies and in vivo experimentation are complementary and together provide a powerful tool to drive scientific discovery. This review focuses on three k... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2308287 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2308287 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2308284&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19341763%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Veenema AH Early life stress (child and adolescent abuse, neglect and trauma) induces robust alterations in emotional and social functioning resulting in enhanced risk for the development of psychopathologies such as mood and aggressive disorders. Here, an overview is given on recent findings in primate and rodent models of early life stress, demonstrating that chronic deprivation of early maternal care as well as chronic deprivation of early physical interactions with peers are profound risk factors for the development of inappropriate aggressive behaviors. Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA), vasopressin and serotonin systems and their relevance for the regulation of aggression are discussed. Data suggest that social deprivation-induced inappropria... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2308284 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2308284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2308281&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19341764%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: de Quervain DJ, Aerni A, Schelling G, Roozendaal B Over the last decades considerable evidence has accumulated indicating that glucocorticoids - stress hormones released from the adrenal cortex - are crucially involved in the regulation of emotional memory. Specifically, glucocorticoids have been shown to enhance memory consolidation of emotionally arousing experiences, but impair memory retrieval and working memory during emotionally arousing test situations. Furthermore, growing evidence indicates that these different glucocorticoid effects all depend on emotional arousal-induced activation of noradrenergic transmission within the basolateral complex of the amygdala (BLA) and on interactions of the BLA with other brain regions, such as the hippocampus and neocortical regions... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2308281 Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2308281 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2308290&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19318112%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: De Nicola AF, Labombarda F, Deniselle MC, Gonzalez SL, Garay L, Meyer M, Gargiulo G, Guennoun R, Schumacher M Studies on the neuroprotective and promyelinating effects of progesterone in the nervous system are of great interest due to their potential clinical connotations. In peripheral neuropathies, progesterone and reduced derivatives promote remyelination, axonal regeneration and the recovery of function. In traumatic brain injury (TBI), progesterone has the ability to reduce edema and inflammatory cytokines, prevent neuronal loss and improve functional outcomes. Clinical trials have shown that short-and long-term progesterone treatment induces a significant improvement in the level of disability among patients with brain injury. In experimental spinal cord injury (SCI), mo... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2308290 Tue, 24 Mar 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2308290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2027524&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19063914%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Maninger N, Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Epel ES, Mellon SH DHEA and DHEAS are steroids synthesized in human adrenals, but their function is unclear. In addition to adrenal synthesis, evidence also indicates that DHEA and DHEAS are synthesized in the brain, further suggesting a role of these hormones in brain function and development. Despite intensifying research into the biology of DHEA and DHEAS, many questions concerning their mechanisms of action and their potential involvement in neuropsychiatric illnesses remain unanswered. We review and distill the preclinical and clinical data on DHEA and DHEAS, focusing on (i) biological actions and putative mechanisms of action, (ii) differences in endogenous circulating concentrations in normal subjects and patients with neuropsychiatric... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2027524 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:00:00 +0100 2027524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1991231&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19028515%26dopt%3DAbstract What does the "four core genotypes" mouse model tell us about sex differences in the brain and other tissues? Front Neuroendocrinol. 2008 Nov 11; Authors: Arnold AP, Chen X The "four core genotypes" (FCG) model comprises mice in which sex chromosome complement (XX vs. XY) is unrelated to the animal's gonadal sex. The four genotypes are XX gonadal males or females, and XY gonadal males or females. The model allows one to measure (1) the differences in phenotypes caused by sex chromosome complement (XX vs. XY), (2) the differential effects of ovarian and testicular secretions, and (3) the interactive effects of (1) and (2). Thus, the FCG model provides new information regarding the origins of sex differences in phenotype that has not been available from studies that manipulate go... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1991231 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1991231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1981142&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19022278%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Numan M, Stolzenberg DS The medial preoptic area (MPOA) and dopamine (DA) neural systems interact to regulate maternal behavior in rats. Two DA systems are involved: the mesolimbic DA system and the incerto-hypothalamic DA system. The hormonally primed MPOA regulates the appetitive aspects of maternal behavior by activating mesolimbic DA input to the shell region of the nucleus accumbens (NAs). DA action on MPOA via the incerto-hypothalamic system may interact with steroid and peptide hormone effects so that MPOA output to the mesolimbic DA system is facilitated. Neural oxytocin facilitates the onset of maternal behavior by actions at critical nodes in this circuitry. DA-D1 receptor agonist action on either the MPOA or NAs can substitute for the effects of estradiol in stimula... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1981142 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1981142 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1975534&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D19017533%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Goshen I, Yirmiya R Ample evidence demonstrates that the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1), produced following exposure to immunological and psychological challenges, plays an important role in the neuroendocrine and behavioral stress responses. Specifically, production of brain IL-1 is an important link in stress-induced activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and secretion of glucocorticoids, which mediate the effects of stress on memory functioning and neural plasticity, exerting beneficial effects at low levels and detrimental effects at high levels. Furthermore, IL-1 signaling and the resultant glucocorticoid secretion mediate the development of depressive symptoms associated with exposure to acute and chronic stressors, at least partly via supp... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1975534 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1975534 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1717452&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18708085%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Naor Z Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is the first key hormone of reproduction. GnRH analogs are extensively used in in vitro fertilization, and treatment of sex hormone-dependent cancers, due to their ability to bring about 'chemical castration'. The interaction of GnRH with its cognate type I receptor (GnRHR) in pituitary gonadotropes results in the activation of Gq/G(11), phospholipase Cbeta (PLCbetaI), PLA(2), and PLD. Sequential activation of the phospholipases generates the second messengers inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate (IP(3)), diacylglycerol (DAG), and arachidonic acid (AA), which are required for Ca(2+) mobilization, the activation of various protein kinase C isoforms (PKCs), and the production of prostaglandin (PG) and other metabolites of AA, respectively. ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1717452 Tue, 05 Aug 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1717452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1631425&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18625268%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Schneider JE The eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, is a potentially lethal leading cause of disability in young women, and a biological perspective on this important problem might further our understanding of the physiological control of energy balance. The article by Sodersten, Nergardh, Bergh, Zandian, and Scheurink describes a new treatment for anorexia nervosa with a success rate close to 100%, without prescription drugs or psychotherapy. Like the cause of the disease, this new method of treatment lacks a firm theoretical foundation based on experimental data. The authors' explanation for their success rate, however, is intriguing. This new treatment is as worthy of study as any of the others now available. I encourage clinicians to give this biological perspective a fair... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1631425 Tue, 24 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1631425 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1596681&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18602416%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Södersten P, Nergårdh R, Bergh C, Zandian M, Scheurink A Outcome in anorexia nervosa remains poor and a new way of looking at this condition is therefore needed. To this aim, we review the effects of food restriction and starvation in humans. It is suggested that body weight remains stable and relatively low when the access to food requires a considerable amount of physical activity. In this condition, the human homeostatic phenotype, body fat content is also low and as a consequence, the synthesis and release of brain neurotransmitters are modified. As an example, the role of neuropeptide Y is analyzed in rat models of this state. It is suggested that the normal behavioral role of neuropeptide Y is to facilitate the search for food and switch attention from sexual s... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1596681 Sat, 14 Jun 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1596681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1494513&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18522863%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Vegeto E, Benedusi V, Maggi A Recent studies highlight the prominent role played by estrogens in protecting the central nervous system (CNS) against the noxious consequences of a chronic inflammatory reaction. The neurodegenerative process of several CNS diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Diseases, is associated with the activation of microglia cells, which drive the resident inflammatory response. Chronically stimulated during neurodegeneration, microglia cells are thought to provide detrimental effects on surrounding neurons. The inhibitory activity of estrogens on neuroinflammation and specifically on microglia might thus be considered as a beneficial therapeutic opportunity for delaying the onset or progression of neurodegenerative diseases... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1494513 Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1494513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1432700&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18462782%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Champagne FA The transmission of traits across generations has typically been attributed to the inheritance by offspring of genomic information from parental generations. However, recent evidence suggests that epigenetic mechanisms are capable of mediating this type of transmission. In the case of maternal care, there is evidence for the behavioral transmission of postpartum behavior from mothers to female offspring. The neuroendocrine and molecular mediators of this transmission have been explored in rats and implicate estrogen-oxytocin interactions and the differential methylation of hypothalamic estrogen receptors. These maternal effects can influence multiple aspects of neurobiology and behavior of offspring and this particular mode of inheritance is dynamic in response to... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1432700 Fri, 28 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1432700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1407272&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18439661%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wilson ME, Westberry JM, Prewitt AK Estrogen has long been known to play an important role in coordinating the neuroendocrine events that control sexual development, sexual behavior and reproduction. Estrogen actions in other, non-reproductive areas of the brain have also been described. It is now known that estrogen can also influence learning, memory, and emotion and has neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. The actions of estrogen are largely mediated through at least two intracellular estrogen receptors. Both estrogen receptor-alpha and estrogen receptor-beta are expressed in a wide variety of brain regions. Estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha), however, undergoes developmental and brain region-specific changes in expression. The precise molecular mechanisms that regul... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1407272 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1407272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1407273&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18439660%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Keverne EB, Curley JP Molecular modifications to the structure of histone proteins and DNA (chromatin) play a significant role in regulating the transcription of genes without altering their nucleotide sequence. Certain epigenetic modifications to DNA are heritable in the form of genomic imprinting, whereby subsets of genes are silenced according to parent-of-origin. This form of gene regulation is primarily under matrilineal control and has evolved partly to co-ordinate in-utero development with maternal resource availability. Changes to epigenetic mechanisms in post-mitotic neurons may also be activated during development in response to environmental stimuli such as maternal care and social interactions. This results in long-lasting stable, or short-term dynamic, changes to ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1407273 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:00:00 +0100 1407273 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1360989&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18394690%26dopt%3DAbstract This article begins with a brief presentation of the evidence for how gonadal steroid hormones exert these imprinting effects upon the morphology of sexually differentiated hypothalamic brain regions, the mechanisms underlying these effects, and their implications in adulthood. Then, I review the evidence that aberrant exposure to hormonally-active substances such as exogenous endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), may result in improper hypothalamic programming, thereby decreasing reproductive success in adulthood. The field of endocrine disruption has shed new light on the discipline of basic reproductive neuroendocrinology through studies on how early life exposures to EDCs may alter gene expression via non-genomic, epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and histone acetylatio... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1360989 Wed, 05 Mar 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1360989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1340826&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18374402%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Brinton RD, Thompson RF, Foy MR, Baudry M, Wang J, Finch CE, Morgan TE, Pike CJ, Mack WJ, Stanczyk FZ, Nilsen J Emerging data indicate that progesterone has multiple non-reproductive functions in the central nervous system to regulate cognition, mood, inflammation, mitochondrial function, neurogenesis and regeneration, myelination and recovery from traumatic brain injury. Progesterone-regulated neural responses are mediated by an array of progesterone receptors (PR) that include the classic nuclear PRA and PRB receptors and splice variants of each, the seven transmembrane domain 7TMPRbeta and the membrane-associated 25-Dx PR (PGRMC1). These PRs induce classic regulation of gene expression while also transducing signaling cascades that originate at the cell membrane and ultimat... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1340826 Sat, 23 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1340826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1325327&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18358518%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Crews D Individuals vary in their sociosexual behaviors and reactivity. How the organism interacts with the environment to produce this variation has been a focus in psychology since its inception as a scientific discipline. There is now no question that cumulative experiences throughout life history interact with genetic predispositions to shape the individual's behavior. Recent evidence suggests that events in past generations may also influence how an individual responds to events in their own life history. Epigenetics is the study of how the environment can affect the genome of the individual during its development as well as the development of its descendants, all without changing the DNA sequence. Several distinctions must be made if this research is to become a staple i... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1325327 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1325327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1300451&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18334268%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: McCarthy MM, Crews D PMID: 18334268 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology) Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1300451 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1300451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1237074&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18275991%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nilsen J Estradiol is a potent preventative against neurodegenerative disease, in part, by activating antioxidant defense systems scavenging reactive oxygen species, limiting mitochondrial protein damage, improving electron transport chain activity and reducing mitochondrial DNA damage. Estradiol also increases the activity of complex IV of the electron transport chain, improving mitochondrial respiration and ATP production under normal and stressful conditions. However, the high oxidative cellular environment present during neurodegeneration makes estradiol a poor agent for treatment of existing disease. Oxidative stress stimulates the production of the hydroperoxide-dependent hydroxylation of estradiol to the catecholestrogen metabolites, which can undergo reactive oxygen sp... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1237074 Fri, 11 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1237074 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1237073&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18275992%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Wood RI Anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) are drugs of abuse. They are taken in large quantities by athletes and others to increase performance, with negative health consequences. As a result, in 1991 testosterone and related AAS were declared controlled substances. However, the relative abuse and dependence liability of AAS have not been fully characterized. In humans, it is difficult to separate the direct psychoactive effects of AAS from reinforcement due to their systemic anabolic effects. However, using conditioned place preference and self-administration, studies in animals have demonstrated that AAS are reinforcing in a context where athletic performance is irrelevant. Furthermore, AAS share brain sites of action and neurotransmitter systems in common with other drugs ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1237073 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 05:00:00 +0100 1237073 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1170095&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18206218%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Davies W, Lynn PM, Relkovic D, Wilkinson LS Imprinted genes are monoallelically expressed in a parent-of-origin dependent manner. Whilst the full functional repertoire of these genes remains obscure, they are generally highly expressed in the brain and are often involved in fundamental neural processes. Besides influencing brain neurochemistry, imprinted genes are important in the development and function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, key sites of neuroendocrine regulation. Moreover, imprinted genes may directly modulate hormone-dependent signalling cascades, both in the brain and elsewhere. Much of our knowledge about imprinted gene function has come from studying knockout mice and human disorders of imprinting. One such disorder is Prader-Willi syndrome, a neuroen... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1170095 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1170095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1109905&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18093638%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Foradori CD, Weiser MJ, Handa RJ Previous work in the endocrine and neuroendocrine fields has viewed the androgen receptor (AR) as a transcription factor activated by testosterone or one of its many metabolites. The bound AR acts as transcription regulatory element by binding to specific DNA response elements in target gene promoters, causing activation or repression of transcription and subsequently protein synthesis. Over the past two decades evidence at the cellular and organismal level has accumulated to implicate rapid responses to androgens, dependent or independent of the AR. Androgen's rapid time course of action; its effects in the absence or inhibition of the cellular machinery necessary for transcription/translation; and in the absence of translocation to the nucleu... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1109905 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 05:00:00 +0100 1109905 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1076701&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18054070%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Haller J, Mikics E, Makara GB Mounting evidence suggests that-beyond the well-known genomic effects-glucocorticoids affect cell function via non-genomic mechanisms. Such mechanisms operate in many major systems and organs including the cardiovascular, immune, endocrine and nervous systems, smooth and skeletal muscles, liver, and fat cells. Non-genomic effects are exerted by direct actions on membrane lipids (affecting membrane fluidity), membrane proteins (e.g. ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors), and cytoplasmic proteins (e.g. MAPKs, phospholipases, protein kinases, etc.). These actions are mediated by the glucocorticoids per se or by the proteins dissociated from the liganded glucocorticoid receptor complex. The MR and GR also activate non-genomic mechanisms in cert... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1076701 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1076701 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1076700&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18054377%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Hauser F, Cazzamali G, Williamson M, Park Y, Li B, Tanaka Y, Predel R, Neupert S, Schachtner J, Verleyen P, Grimmelikhuijzen CJ Insect neurohormones (biogenic amines, neuropeptides, and protein hormones) and their G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a central role in the control of behavior, reproduction, development, feeding and many other physiological processes. The recent completion of several insect genome projects has enabled us to obtain a complete inventory of neurohormone GPCRs in these insects and, by a comparative genomics approach, to analyze the evolution of these proteins. The red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum is the latest addition to the list of insects with a sequenced genome and the first coleopteran (beetle) to be sequenced. Coleoptera is the largest... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1076700 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1076700 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1063600&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18048093%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ghzili H, Grumolato L, Thouënnon E, Tanguy Y, Turquier V, Vaudry H, Anouar Y Sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells derive from common sympathoadrenal precursors which arise from the neural crest. Cells from this lineage migrate to their final destination and differentiate by acquiring a catecholaminergic phenotype in response to different environmental factors. It has been shown that the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and its PAC1 receptor are expressed at early stages of sympathetic development, and participate to the control of neuroblast proliferation and differentiation. PACAP also acts as a neurotransmitter to stimulate catecholamine and neuropeptide biosynthesis and release from sympathetic neurons and chromaffin cells, du... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1063600 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1063600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1041761&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D18022678%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Sladek CD, Somponpun SJ Long standing interest in the impact of gonadal steroid hormones on fluid and electrolyte balance has led to a body of literature filled with conflicting reports about gender differences, the effects of gonadectomy, hormone replacement, and reproductive cycles on plasma vasopressin (VP), VP secretion, and VP gene expression. This reflects the complexity of gonadal steroid hormone actions in the body resulting from multiple sites of action that impact fluid and electrolyte balance (e.g. VP target organs, afferent pathways regulating the VP neurons, and the VP secreting neurons themselves). It also reflects involvement of multiple types of estrogen receptors (ER) in these diverse sites including ERs that act as transcription factors regulating gene expres... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1041761 Fri, 12 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1041761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1010568&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17983645%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Davis PJ, Leonard JL, Davis FB The nongenomic actions of thyroid hormone require a plasma membrane receptor or nuclear receptors located in cytoplasm. The plasma membrane receptor is located on integrin alphaVbeta3 at the Arg-Gly-Asp recognition site important to the binding by the integrin of extracellular matrix proteins. l-Thyroxine (T(4)) is bound with greater affinity at this site than 3,5,3'-triiodo-l-thyronine (T(3)). Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK; ERK1/2) transduces the hormone signal into complex cellular/nuclear events including angiogenesis and tumor cell proliferation. Acting at the integrin receptor and without cell entry, thyroid hormone can foster ERK1/2-dependent serine phosphorylation of nuclear thyroid hormone receptor-beta1 (TRbeta1) and de-repress ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1010568 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1010568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1010567&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17983646%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Michels G, Hoppe UC The biological activity of androgens is thought to occur predominantly through binding to intracellular androgen-receptors, a member of the nuclear receptor family, that interact with specific nucleotide sequences to alter gene expression. This genomic-androgen effect typically takes at least more than half an hour. In contrast, the rapid or non-genomic actions of androgens are manifested within in seconds to few minutes. This rapid effect of androgens are manifold, ranging from activation of G-protein coupled membrane androgen-receptors or sex hormone-binding globulin receptors, stimulation of different protein kinases, to direct modulation of voltage- and ligand gated ion-channels and transporters. The physiological relevance of these non-genomic androgen... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1010567 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1010567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1001745&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17976710%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Nyby JG Male mammals of many species exhibit reflexive testosterone release in mating situations. In house mice (Mus musculus), the dramatic robustness of such release, occurring primarily in response to a novel female, suggests some function. The resulting testosterone elevations typically peak during copulatory behavior and may serve to activate transitory motivational and physiological responses that facilitate reproduction. However, such a function requires that testosterone be working through either nongenomic, or very quick genomic, mechanisms. The first part of the review describes reflexive sex hormone release in house mice. The second part summarizes research implicating testosterone's fast actions in affecting anxiety, reward, learning, analgesia, and penile reflexes... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1001745 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1001745 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1001744&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17976711%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Lösel RM, Wehling M Mineralocorticoids, which are synthesized locally in the central nervous system in addition to their adrenal production, trigger both genomic and nongenomic responses. Several functions of mineralocorticoids in the CNS are known to date, which are reviewed along with nongenomic responses in other tissues. A controversy regarding the identity of receptors that mediate nongenomic, transcription-independent cellular responses to steroids is presently attracting considerable scientific interest. While there is strong evidence for classic receptors belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily to mediate nongenomic steroid effects in some cases, it does not exist for others. Recent findings on new and unexpected properties of classic receptors have partiall... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1001744 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 04:00:00 +0100 1001744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=926331&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17910982%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Ohno K, Sakurai T Orexin A and orexin B were initially identified as endogenous ligands for two orphan G protein-coupled receptors [104]. They were initially recognized as regulators of feeding behavior in view of their exclusive production in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), a region known as the feeding center, and their pharmacological activity [104,30,49,107]. Subsequently, the finding that orexin deficiency causes narcolepsy in humans and animals suggested that these hypothalamic neuropeptides play a critical role in regulating sleep/wake cycle [22,46,71,95,117]. These peptides activate waking-active monoaminergic and cholinergic neurons in the hypothalamus/brain stem regions to maintain a long, consolidated awake period. Recent studies on efferent and afferent system... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=926331 Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 926331 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=919008&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17904621%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Becker JB, Hu M Sex differences are present for all of the phases of drug abuse (initiation, escalation of use, addiction, and relapse following abstinence). While there are some differences among specific classes of abused drugs, the general pattern of sex differences is the same for all drugs of abuse. Females begin regularly self-administering licit and illicit drugs of abuse at lower doses than do males, use escalates more rapidly to addiction, and females are at greater risk for relapse following abstinence. In this review, sex differences in drug abuse are discussed for humans and in animal models. The possible neuroendocrine mechanisms mediating these sex differences are discussed. PMID: 17904621 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Frontiers in Neuroendocri... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=919008 Fri, 24 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 919008 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=882841&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17870152%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Roa J, Aguilar E, Dieguez C, Pinilla L, Tena-Sempere M Identification, in late 2003, of inactivating mutations of the G protein-coupled receptor GPR54 as causative factor for absence of puberty and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in humans and mice was a major breakthrough in modern Neuroendocrinology, and drew considerable interest on the characterization of the roles of this receptor and its ligands (kisspeptins, encoded by the KiSS-1 gene) in the physiological control of essential facets of reproduction. After 3 years of intense research activity, kisspeptins are universally recognized as essential activators of the gonadotropic axis, with key roles in puberty onset and the control of gonadotropin secretion. While these fundamental functions are now well settled, novel aspect... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=882841 Sat, 11 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 882841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=882842&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17868795%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Panzica GC, Viglietti-Panzica C, Mura E, Quinn MJ, Lavoie E, Palanza P, Ottinger MA It has become increasingly clear that environmental chemicals have the capability of impacting endocrine function. Moreover, these endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have long term consequences on adult reproductive function, especially if exposure occurs during embryonic development thereby affecting sexual differentiation. Of the EDCs, most of the research has been conducted on the effects of estrogen active compounds. Although androgen active compounds are also present in the environment, much less information is available about their action. However, in the case of xenoestrogens, there is mounting evidence for long-term consequences of early exposure at a range of doses. In this review, ... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=882842 Mon, 06 Aug 2007 04:00:00 +0100 882842 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=825568&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17720235%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bakker J, Baum MJ The importance of estrogens in controlling brain and behavioral sexual differentiation in female rodents is an unresolved issue in the field of behavioral neuroendocrinology. Whereas, the current dogma states that the female brain develops independently of estradiol, many studies have hinted at possible roles of estrogen in female sexual differentiation. Accordingly, it has been proposed that alpha-fetoprotein, a fetal plasma protein that binds estrogens with high affinity, has more than a neuroprotective role and specifically delivers estrogens to target brain cells to ensure female differentiation. Here, we review new results obtained in aromatase and alpha-fetoprotein knockout mice showing that estrogens can have both feminizing and defeminizing effects on... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=825568 Thu, 26 Jul 2007 04:00:00 +0100 825568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=733947&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17624413%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Balthazart J, Ball GF Several studies have suggested dissociations between neural circuits underlying the expression of appetitive (e.g., courtship behavior) and consummatory components (i.e., copulatory behavior) of vertebrate male sexual behavior. The medial preoptic area (mPOA) clearly controls the expression of male copulation but, according to a number of experiments, is not necessarily implicated in the expression of appetitive sexual behavior. In rats for example, lesions to the mPOA eliminate male-typical copulatory behavior but have more subtle or no obvious effects on measures of sexual motivation. Rats with such lesions still pursue and attempt to mount females. They also acquire and perform learned instrumental responses to gain access to females. However, recent l... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=733947 Fri, 08 Jun 2007 04:00:00 +0100 733947 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=659327&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17544065%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Joëls M, Karst H, Krugers HJ, Lucassen PJ In normal life, organisms are repeatedly exposed to brief periods of stress, most of which can be controlled and adequately dealt with. The presently available data indicate that such brief periods of stress have little influence on the shape of neurons or adult neurogenesis, yet change the physiological function of cells in two time-domains. Shortly after stress excitability in limbic areas is rapidly enhanced, but also in brainstem neurons which produce catecholamines; collectively, during this phase the stress hormones promote focused attention, alertness, vigilance and the initial steps in encoding of information linked to the event. Later on, when the hormone concentrations are back to their pre-stress level, gene-mediated action... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=659327 Wed, 06 Jun 2007 02:14:49 +0100 659327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=613527&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17083971%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Fekete EM, Zorrilla EP Urocortins, three paralogs of the stress-related peptide corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) found in bony fish, amphibians, birds, and mammals, have unique phylogenies, pharmacologies, and tissue distributions. As a result and despite a structural family resemblance, the natural functions of urocortins and CRF in mammalian homeostatic responses differ substantially. Endogenous urocortins are neither simply counterpoints nor mimics of endogenous CRF action. In their own right, urocortins may be clinically relevant molecules in the pathogenesis or management of many conditions, including congestive heart failure, hypertension, gastrointestinal and inflammatory disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, active gastritis, gastroparesis, and rheumatoid arthritis)... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=613527 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 613527 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=613525&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17379284%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Bartolomucci A The link between social factors, stress and health has been the focus of many interdisciplinary studies mostly because: (i) animals, including humans, often live in societies; (ii) positive and negative social relationships affect disease and well being; (iii) physiological alterations, which parallel social interactions also modulate immune and neuroendocrine functions. This review will focus on studies conducted on laboratory and wild rodents where social factors such as dyadic interactions, individual housing and differential group housing were investigated. The results obtained allow one to conclude that social factors in rodents are causally linked with immune disorders/disease susceptibility. In particular, lower lymphocyte proliferation and antigen-specif... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=613525 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 613525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=613523&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17391741%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Rinaman L Interoceptive feedback signals from the body are transmitted to hypothalamic neurons that control pituitary hormone release. This review article describes the organization of central neural pathways that convey ascending visceral sensory signals to endocrine neurons in the paraventricular (PVN) and supraoptic nuclei (SON) of the hypothalamus in rats. A special emphasis is placed on viscerosensory inputs to corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)-containing PVN neurons that drive the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and on inputs to magnocellular PVN and SON neurons that release vasopressin (AVP) or oxytocin (OT) from the posterior pituitary. The postnatal development of these ascending pathways also is considered. PMID: 17391741 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Fr... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=613523 Sun, 01 Apr 2007 04:00:00 +0100 613523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=613521&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17451793%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, there is a large body of evidence that links feeding regimens, food components, and the biological clock. PMID: 17451793 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology) Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=613521 Sat, 24 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 613521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=613542&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16904171%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Etgen AM, González-Flores O, Todd BJ We are examining the role of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and downstream signal transduction pathways associated with growth factors (e.g., mitogen-activated protein kinase, MAPK) in estradiol and progesterone facilitation of female reproductive behavior in rats. Brain IGF-I receptor activity is required for the long-term, priming actions of estradiol on the female reproductive axis. Infusions of an IGF-I receptor antagonist during estradiol priming blocks induction of hypothalamic alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptors and luteinizing hormone surges, and attenuates lordosis behavior. Infusion of MAPK and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitors inhibitors during estradiol priming completely blocks hormone-facilitated lordosis. Because pro... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=613542 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 05:00:00 +0100 613542 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=613539&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D16949139%26dopt%3DAbstract Authors: Kipp M, Karakaya S, Pawlak J, Araujo-Wright G, Arnold S, Beyer C The nigrostriatal dopamine system comprises the dopaminergic neurons located in the ventral midbrain, their axonal connections to the forebrain, and their direct cellular target cells in the striatal complex, i.e. GABAergic neurons. The major function of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic unit is the coordination and fine tuning of motor functions at the extrapyramidal level. Numerous biologically active factors including different types of growth factors (neurotrophins, members of the TGFbeta family, IGFs) and peptide/steroid hormones have been identified in the past to be implicated in the regulation of developmental aspects of this neural system. Some of these developmentally active determinants have in addition b... Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=613539 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 05:00:00 +0100 613539 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=613533&cid=s_35578_15_f&fid=35578&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2Fentrez%2Fquery.fcgi%3Ftmpl%3DNoSidebarfile%26db%3DPubMed%26cmd%3DRetrieve%26list_uids%3D17049974%26dopt%3DAbstract In conclusion, ERs appear to be part of the signaling mechanism of IGF-I, and IGF-I receptor part of the mechanism of estradiol signaling in the nervous system. PMID: 17049974 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] (Source: Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology) Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=613533 Fri, 01 Dec 2006 05:00:00 +0100 613533