卵巢激素对慢性内脏高敏感大鼠结肠组织5-HT3受体的影响

目的 在慢性高敏感大鼠模型上构建去卵巢模型，观察大鼠结肠组织5-HT3受体在雌激素不同水平的变化，探讨卵巢激素对IBS发病的影响。方法 选取新生SD雌鼠，在其发育的8．21天给予结直肠球囊扩张刺激，建立慢性内脏高敏感雌鼠模型，待其发育至2月大小将雌鼠随机分为3组：假手术(sham)组、去卵巢(ovx)组、去卵巢加雌激素和孕激素(ovx E2 P)组，每组16只，处理4周后对其内脏敏感性进行行为学评估(AWR评估)，观察各组大鼠玻璃小球排出情况；并采用RT-PCR及免疫组织化学SP法检测大鼠肠道5-HL受体的变化。结果 ovx E2 P组大鼠腹部抬起及拱背抬高压力值明显低于sham组和ovx组；ovx E2 P组大鼠排便量增多，玻璃小球排出时间短于sham组和ovx组；ovx E， P组5-HB受体水平最高，ovx组受体水平最低。结论 卵巢激素促进结肠组织5-HT3受体的表达，加重内脏高敏感性。     

The effects of estrogen and progesterone on corticotropin-releasing hormone and arginine vasopressin messenger ribonucleic acid levels in the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of the rhesus monkey

Ovarian steroids increase hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and sensitize the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis to stress-induced inhibition. The present study investigated the effect of ovarian steroids on CRH and arginine vasopressin (AVP) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in the rhesus monkey hypothalamus, as both neuropeptides have been shown to stimulate the HPA axis and inhibit the HPO axis in this species. This was accomplished by measuring CRH and AVP mRNA in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Menstrual cycles were simulated in ovariectomized (OVX) rhesus monkeys by sequential addition and removal of SILASTIC brand (Dow Corning Corp.) tubing containing either 17beta-estradiol (E2) or progesterone (P4). On the morning of day 11 of the simulated follicular phase (E2 alone) or day 21 of the luteal phase (E2 + P4), animals were anesthetized, and the brains were perfused with paraformaldehyde via the carotid artery. Coronal sections (30 microm) were cut, and mRNA for CRH and AVP in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) were semiquantified by in situ hybridization. CRH mRNA in the PVN of E2-replaced OVX animals (n = 7) was 2-fold greater than that in untreated OVX controls (n = 4), whereas CRH mRNA after E2 + P4 (n = 4) was no different from that in controls (optical density + SEM, 0.38 +/- 0.06, 0.13 +/- 0.08, and 0.14 +/- 0.09 for OVX + E2, OVX + E2 + P4, and OVX, respectively; P = 0.02). CRH in the SON was undetectable. In contrast to CRH, AVP mRNA in the PVN and the SON was similar in the three treatment groups. We conclude that E2 and E2 + P4 replacement to OVX monkeys exert different effects on CRH and AVP gene expression, as estrogen stimulation of CRH mRNA in the PVN was abrogated by progesterone, whereas no effect of ovarian steroids on AVP mRNA in either the PVN or SON was observed. We postulate that ovarian steroid regulation of CRH synthesis and release may in part explain the central nervous system mechanisms by which ovarian steroids affect the HPA and HPO axes during basal and stress conditions.     

雌激素对去卵巢大鼠内脏脂肪细胞脂肪因子表达水平的影响

目的 观察雌激素对去卵巢大鼠内脏脂肪细胞瘦素、脂联素、抵抗素和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)表达水平的影响,探讨雌激素对体脂分布的影响机制.方法 6周龄Sprauge-Dawley雌性大鼠30只,采用随机数字表法分成3组:假手术组、去卵巢组和去卵巢+戊酸雌二醇组(OVX+E2组),每组10只.术后1周,OVX+E2组大鼠每天按1 mg/kg体重灌胃戊酸雌二醇水溶液,其他组大鼠灌胃等体积蒸馏水.连续给药12周后,腹主动脉取血,迅速剥离内脏脂肪组织.采用全自动生化分析仪检测血脂、血糖.采用免疫组化染色、实时荧光定量RT-PCR和Western印迹检测脂肪细胞瘦素、脂联素、抵抗素和TNF-α的表达.结果 3组血清瘦素、脂联素和抵抗素水平差异无统计学意义(P均＞0.05),但去卵巢组TNF-α水平显著高于假手术组(F=4.785,P＜0.05).免疫组化显示,与假手术组相比,去卵巢组内脏脂肪组织中瘦素表达明显减弱,而脂联素、抵抗素和TNF-α表达明显增强;与去卵巢组相比,OVX+E2组内脏脂肪组织中瘦素表达明显增强,脂联素、抵抗素和TNF-α表达明显减弱(F =3.712 ～5.198,P均＜0.05).3组内脏脂肪细胞瘦素mRNA和蛋白表达水平差异无统计学意义(P均＞0.05);去卵巢组内脏脂肪细胞脂联素、抵抗素和TNF-α的mRNA和蛋白表达水平显著高于假手术组,而OVX+E2组内脏脂肪细胞脂联素、抵抗素和TNF-α的mRNA和蛋白表达水平显著低于去卵巢组(F=3.175～5.342,P均＜0.05).结论 雌激素可通过下调去卵巢大鼠内脏脂肪细胞脂联素、抵抗素和TNF-α的表达,进而影响去卵巢大鼠体脂再分布.     

Changes in gamma-aminobutyric acid tone and extracellular serotonin in the dorsal raphe nucleus over the rat estrous cycle

Gender differences in serotonin (5-HT) metabolism, synthesis, and release suggest that the gonadal steroids estrogen (E) and progesterone (P) influence 5-HT neurotransmission. Based on the effects of ovarian steroids in forebrain sites, this might involve changes in the strength of GABA afferent tone in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). To test this hypothesis, the present study used in vivo microdialysis to measure basal extracellular 5-HT in the rat DRN across the estrous cycle and changes in 5-HT in response to the GABA(A) receptor antagonists bicuculline (50 microM) and picrotoxin (50 microM). During proestrus and estrus, baseline 5-HT levels were significantly higher compared to ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Mean baseline levels across experiments were 8.4 +/- 1.3 pg/ 30 microl in proestrus, 5.2 +/- 0.8 pg/30 mul in estrus, and 3.1 +/- 0.5 pg/30 microl in the DRN of OVX rats. Bicuculline and picrotoxin produced significantly greater increases in 5-HT during proestrus compared to estrus. Moreover, in the DRN of OVX rats, bicuculline and picrotoxin produced negligible increases in 5-HT. These data provide evidence of decreased 5-HT efflux and GABA tone in the rat DRN associated with low circulating E and P.     

Influence of estradiol and progesterone on pulsatile LH secretion in 8-day ovariectomized rats

Previous studies in our laboratory [Endocrinology 114: 1605-1612 (1984); Neuroendocrinology 41: 252-257 (1985)] examined the influence of ovarian steroids on pulsatile luteinizing hormone (LH) release, and involved immediate replacement following ovariectomy (OVX) of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) for a 24-hour period within the physiological context of the estrous cycle. The present study investigated the effects of replacing E2 and/or P 1 week after OVX, and therefore examined whether the time elapsed following OVX influences the effects of ovarian steroids on pulsatile LH release. Immediately after jugular venous cannulation, rats were implanted with either empty silastic capsules or capsules capable of restoring physiological levels of E2 and/or P comparable to those found in intact rats between the intervals of diestrus 1 (D1) and diestrus 2 (D2), or D2 and proestrous morning. 24 h later, these rats were bled continuously at a rate of 50 microliters whole blood/6 min for 3 h for analysis of pulsatile LH secretion. Rats with empty capsules had decreased levels of E2 and P and elevated mean blood LH levels, pulse amplitudes and frequencies. Two groups of animals with E2 capsules had plasma E2 levels comparable to those seen either in the D1-D2 or D2-proestrous intervals, decreased levels of P, and in both cases significant decreases in LH pulse amplitude, but no change in LH pulse frequency or basal LH secretion. Since mean blood LH levels in 8-day ovariectomized rats are determined by LH pulse amplitude, frequency and basal LH secretion [Neuroendocrinology 37: 421-426 (1983)].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of chronic prednisolone treatment on bone resorption and bone composition in intact and ovariectomized rats and in ovariectomized rats receiving beta-estradiol

To examine the interactions between estrogen deficiency and glucocorticoid excess on bone metabolism the osteopenic effects of a standard dose of prednisolone (2 mg/kg BW.day) were studied in sham-ovariectomized (Sham-OVX), ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX rats given replacement beta-estradiol (OVX + E2). For 12 weeks six groups of female albino rats aged 4 months which had their skeletons labeled with 45Ca were fed matched amounts of low-calcium (0.1% Ca) hydroxyproline-free diet. The six treatment groups were: group 1, Sham-OVX; group 2, Sham-OVX + prednisolone; group 3, OVX; group 4, OVX + prednisolone; group 5, OVX + E2; group 6, OVX + E2 + prednisolone. Bone resorption was estimated by studying the urinary excretion of hydroxyproline and 45Ca. Parathyroid function was assessed indirectly from urinary cAMP excretion. Treatments did not influence parathyroid activity or serum levels of calcium or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. However, ovariectomy increased bone resorption and induced osteopenia whereas prednisolone decreased bone resorption and formation and caused osteopenia. Ovariectomy increased the rate of bone resorption in prednisolone-treated rats; prednisolone lowered the rates of bone resorption and formation in OVX rats. The osteopenic effects of prednisolone and ovariectomy were additive and independent. E2 protected bone from the osteopenic effects of ovariectomy but did not affect bone loss induced by prednisolone. These results suggest prophylactic estrogen should help to avoid bone loss from estrogen deficiency in patients requiring chronic high dose glucocorticoid treatment.     

Ovariectomy permits progesterone to increase the binding of [3H]spiperone to the anterior pituitary gland in estrogen-primed rats

The binding of the dopamine (DA) D2 antagonist spiperone to DA receptors in the anterior pituitary gland was evaluated in intact and ovariectomized (OVX) estrogen-primed rats in which circulating levels of progesterone (P) were varied. Nembutal (PB; 35 mg/kg, ip) was administered at 1130 h to intact proestrous animals to prevent the LH-stimulated release of ovarian P. Two hours later some of these intact rats were QVX to remove the endogenous ovarian steroids. Both intact and OVX rats were given exogenous P. All rats were killed on the following morning, and adenohypophysial binding of [3H]spiperone was evaluated at a saturating concentration. The binding in intact PB-blocked rats that received P was only 52% of that in PB-blocked rats that were OVX and received P. The binding of [3H]spiperone in PB-treated rats that were OVX and given P did not differ statistically from that in normal estrous rats. A parallel experiment was conducted on other rats that had been OVX 7 days before the sc implantation (on day 0) of Silastic capsules containing estradiol (E2). Two days later (day 2), some of these rats were injected with Nembutal at 1130 h. Two hours later, the E2 capsules of some rats were removed to simulate ovariectomy; Silastic capsules containing P were implanted into both E2-bearing and non-E2-bearing rats. All rats were killed the following morning (day 3), and the density of adenohypophysial DA receptors was assessed. Binding densities were greatest in rats bearing both E2 and P capsules and in rats from which E2 capsules were removed and replaced with P capsules. We conclude that treatment of OVX rats with the sequential combination of E2 and P increases the density of DA receptors in the anterior pituitary gland. However, in intact rats an additional ovarian product prevents the P-induced increase in the density of adenohypophysial DA receptors.     

Modulation of the effects of N-methyl-D,L-aspartate on luteinizing hormone by the ovarian steroids in the adult rhesus monkey.

Although the excitatory amino acid, N-methyl-D,L-aspartate (NMA), is generally thought to stimulate LH release, we have previously reported that NMA inhibits LH secretion in the adult ovariectomized (OVX) rhesus monkey. The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare the effect of NMA on LH in the OVX monkey before and after replacement with ovarian steroids, and (2) to evaluate the LH response to NMA in the intact female monkey during three phases of the menstrual cycle. Three hourly injections of NMA (45 mg i.v.) were given to OVX monkeys (OVX; n = 12) and to OVX animals treated for 4 days with estradiol alone (OVX + E; n = 4) or with estradiol plus progesterone (OVX + E/P; n = 5). Replacement with ovarian steroids prevented the NMA-induced decrease in LH: mean (+/- SE) areas under the LH curve (expressed as a percentage of the 3-hour baseline preinjection control) during the 3-hour NMA treatment period were as follows: OVX, -26.6% +/- 2.4; OVX + E, +69.6% +/- 33.9; OVX + E/P, + 161.5% +/- 59.3 (p less than 0.001 vs. OVX). Three hourly NMA (45 mg i.v.) injections were also given to monkeys in the early to mid-follicular phase (n = 5), the late follicular phase (n = 6) and the luteal phase (n = 11). NMA significantly increased LH in the luteal phase: control, 11.5 +/- 2.1; peak LH response, 19.8 +/- 2.1 (p less than 0.005).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ovarian influence on gonadotropin and prolactin release in mated rabbits

In 17β-estradiol (E)-treated ovariectomized (OVX) rabbits, the coitus-induced luteinizing hormone (LH) surge is only one fourth that in ovarian-intact rabbits. In this study, we determined the pattern of the coitusinduced gonadotropin release, i.e., LH and folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), in OVX + E animals without or with continuous 3-wk treatment of 20-α-hydroxypregn-4-en-3-one (20αP). For positive and negative experimental controls, ovarian-intact rabbits were either mated or sham mated, respectively. The pituitary hormones prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) were measured to serve as collateral controls for gonadotropins. The addition of continuous 20αP in OVX + E does fail to stimulate a coitus-induced LH surge equal in magnitude and duration to the LH surge in ovarian-intact rabbits. Postcoital levels of FSH were greater in OVX + E + 20αP animals than those in OVX + E rabbits. Coitus induced a PRL surge in ovarianintact and OVX + steroid-treated females, but not in mated males, thereby suggesting a gender difference in this neuroendocrine circuit. Neither coitus nor steroids altered plasma GH values in female or male animals. We conclude that chronic administration of neither E nor E + 20αP can restore full-scale gonadotropin surges in OVX rabbits, whereas replacement of one or both of these steroids is sufficient for a coitusinduced PRL surge. Moreover, the presented observation that activin stimulates hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) release suggests a possible involvement of ovarian proteins in the production of a full-scale coitus-induced GnRH/LH surge.     

Estrogen modulates the spinal N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-mediated pelvic nerve-to-urethra reflex plasticity in rats

The effects of gonadal steroids on glutamate-mediated pelvic nerve-to-urethra reflex (PUR) plasticity were investigated in rats, which received a sham operation (Sham), ovariectomy (OVX), or ovariectomy with daily supplemental estrogen (50 microg/kg, OVX + E2). The magnitude of the repetitive stimulation (RS, 1 Hz)-induced potentiation in PUR activity decreased significantly in the OVX group when compared with the Sham groups (18.09 +/- 3.91 and 7.40 +/- 1.03 spikes/stimulation in Sham and OVX group; respectively, P < 0.01, n = 21). Supplemental estrogen (OVX + E2, 12.60 +/- 1.49 spikes/stimulation) significantly reversed the decrease in RS-induced PUR potentiation caused by OVX (P < 0.01, n = 21). The magnitude of the RS-induced potentiation in PUR activity decreased significantly after intrathecal 2,3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo (F) quinoxaline [(20 microm, 10 microl), from 18.09 +/- 3.91 to 10.40 +/- 0.81, from 7.40 +/- 1.03 to 3.20 +/- 0.94, and from 12.60 +/- 1.49 to 8.06 +/- 0.32 spikes/stimulation in Sham, OVX, and OVX + E2, respectively, P < 0.01, n = 18] and D-2-amino-5-phosphonoraleric acid [(100 microm, 10 microl), from 18.09 +/- 3.91 to 1.04 +/- 0.12, from 7.40 +/- 1.03 to 1.06 +/- 0.22, and from 12.60 +/- 1.49 to 0.98 +/- 0.25 spikes/stimulation in Sham, OVX, and OVX + E2, respectively, P < 0.01, n = 18]. In addition, potentiation in PUR activities was induced by intrathecal l-glutamate (0.1 mm, 10 microl, from 1.04 +/- 0.02 to 21.60 +/- 0.93, from 1.10 +/- 0.06 to 8.40 +/- 1.50, and from 1.03 +/- 0.03 to 18.04 +/- 0.84 spikes/stimulation in Sham, OVX, and OVX + E2, respectively, P < 0.01, n = 18) and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (0.1 mm, 10 microl, from 1.04 +/- 0.02 to 14.80 +/- 0.97, from 1.10 +/- 0.06 to 4.60 +/- 0.48, and from 1.03 +/- 0.03 to 9.09 +/- 0.63 spikes/stimulation in Sham, OVX, and OVX + E2); N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-mediated PUR plasticity in female rats and may contribute to alterations in urinary dysfunction after menopause.     

人参调脾散对腹泻型肠易激综合征患者结肠黏膜5羟色胺3受体mRNA表达的影响

[目的]检测腹泻型肠易激综合征（IBS-D）患者结肠组织5羟色胺3受体mRNA（5-HT3RmRNA）的表达水平,探讨中药人参调脾散治疗IBS-D的作用机制。[方法]采用逆转录-聚合酶链式反应（RT-PCR）方法分析IBS-D患者治疗前后及正常人（对照组）乙状结肠黏膜5-HT3RmRNA表达水平的变化。[结果]mS-D患者治疗前5-HT3RmRNA表达水平较对照组显著增高,2组比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）;经人参调脾散治疗后5-HT3RmRNA表达水平减低,与对照组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉O．05）;IBS-D患者治疗前后5-HT3RmRNA表达水平自身比较差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。[结论]人参调脾散能通过下调IBS-D患者结肠黏膜5-HT3RmRNA表达,降低5-HT3R活性,达到治疗IBS-D的作用。     

Serotonergic involvement in stress-induced vasopressin and oxytocin secretion

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the involvement of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine - 5-HT) receptors in mediation of stress-induced arginine vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) secretion in male rats. DESIGN: Experiments on laboratory rats with control groups. METHODS: Different stress paradigms were applied after pretreatment with intracerebroventricular infusion of saline or different 5-HT antagonists. RESULTS: Restraint stress (5 min), hypotensive hemorrhage or dehydration for 24 h increased AVP secretion fivefold and OT secretion threefold. Swim stress for 3 min had no effect on AVP secretion, but increased OT secretion threefold. Ether vapor or hypoglycemia had no effect on AVP or OT secretion. The restraint stress-induced AVP response was inhibited by pretreatment with the 5-HT(2A+2C) antagonists ketanserin (KET) and LY-53857 (LY) and the 5-HT(3+4) antagonist ICS-205930 (ICS), whereas the 5-HT(1A) antagonist WAY-100635 (WAY) had no effect. The OT response to restraint stress was inhibited by WAY, KET and LY but not by ICS. KET and LY inhibited OT response to dehydration, and LY inhibited OT response to hemorrhage. Neither of the antagonists affected AVP responses to dehydration or hemorrhage, nor the swim stress-induced OT response. CONCLUSION: 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2C) and possibly 5-HT(3) and 5-HT(4) receptors, but not 5-HT(1A) receptors, are involved in the restraint stress-induced AVP secretion. 5-HT does not seem to be involved in the dehydration- or hemorrhage-induced AVP response. The restraint stress-induced OT response seems to be mediated via 5-HT(1A), 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) receptors. The dehydration and hemorrhage-induced OT responses are at least mediated by the 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2C) receptors. The 5-HT(3) and 5-HT(4) receptors are not involved in stress-induced OT secretion.     

Ovariectomy augments hypertension in aging female Dahl salt-sensitive rats

The ovariectomized (OVX) Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) rat fed a low-salt diet is a model of postmenopausal hypertension. In addition to estrogen loss, aging can also contribute to postmenopausal hypertension. We hypothesized that: (1) female DS rats on a low-salt diet become hypertensive with age; (2) ovariectomy accelerates age-dependent hypertension in the DS rat caused by estrogen depletion; and (3) this hypertension correlates with increased type 1 angiotensin receptor (AT1R) number (Bmax). Blood pressure was monitored by telemetry from 3 to 12 months and AT1R Bmax was determined by Scatchard analysis in glomeruli and adrenal cortex. Three groups of DS rats were studied: intact, OVX, and 17beta-estradiol-replaced OVX (OVX+E). In intact rats, aging to 12 months resulted in hypertension (159+/-6 mm Hg) and an 82% decrease in estrogen. Blood pressure in OVX was significantly higher than OVX+E through 12 months of age (173+/-4 versus 150+/-8 mm Hg). At 4 months, OVX increased AT1R Bmax compared with intact and OVX+E in both glomeruli and adrenal cortex. Aging also increased AT1R Bmax in these tissues in intact rats. In summary, female DS rats fed a low-salt diet have hypertension develop with age, that is accelerated by OVX and attenuated by estrogen replacement. Concurrently, AT1Rs are upregulated by age and OVX, which is prevented by estrogen replacement. This study suggests that an increased activity of the renin angiotensin system contributes to the development of hypertension, and estrogen protects against this process.     

肠易激综合征模型大鼠5-羟色胺7受体的表达及作用

目的 观察5-羟色胺7受体在肠易激综合征(IBS)不同亚型模型大鼠大脑和消化道组织中表达和分布的差异,探讨其在IBS发病中的作用.方法 45只成年SD大鼠分均为对照组、腹泻型IBS(IBS-D)组和便秘型IBS(IB-C)组.乙酸加束缚应激法制备IBS-D模型,冰水灌胃法制备IBS-C模型.免疫组化法和实时定量PCR法检测各组大鼠大脑、空肠、回肠、近端结肠、远端结肠中5-HT7受体的分布及表达差异.放射免疫法测定以上各组织中环磷酸腺苷(cAMP)含量.结果 免疫组化结果 显示,IBS-C组和IBS-D组海马及下丘脑、IBS-C组回肠、近端结肠、远端结肠5-HT7受体表达强于对照组(P＜0.05).实时定量PCR结果 显示,IBS-C和IBS-D组海马和下丘脑、IBS-C组回肠、近端结肠及远端结肠5-HT7受体mRNA明显高于对照组(P＜0.05).IBS-C和IBS-D组海马和下丘脑、IBS-C组近端结肠和远端结肠cAMP含量显著高于对照组(P＜0.05).结论 两组大鼠脑组织及IBS-C大鼠结肠5-HT7受体表达及cAMP水平明显增高,可能与IBS-C胃肠动力障碍和内脏感觉异常有关.     

Estrogens protect myocardium against ischemia/reperfusion insult by up-regulation of CRH receptor type 2 in female rats

Background

The mechanism underlying estrogen cardioprotection remains largely unknown. Urocortin (UCN), a member of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family, is one of endogenous cardioprotective factors. The goal of present study is to investigate whether estrogens regulate UCN and its receptor CRH receptor type 2 (CRHR2) in female rat heart.

Methods

17β-estradiol (E2) was subcutaneously administrated to ovariectomized (OVX) rats for eight weeks. UCN was administrated before simulated myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Cell damage was assessed by measurement of infarct size, activity of serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and percentage of TUNEL staining in myocardium. The mRNA and protein levels of UCN and CRHR2 were determined in sham operated and OVX rats with or without E2 replacement. DNA methylation frequency of CRHR2 gene promoter was determined by bisulfite-sequencing.

Results

UCN administration reduced infarct size, LDH and CK level and percentage of TUNEL staining upon I/R injury. The cardioprotective effects of UCN were abrogated in OVX rats and E2 replacement restored UCN-induced cardioprotection.CRHR2 mRNA and protein expression were down-regulated more than 40% in OVX rats, both of which were restored by E2 replacement. UCN mRNA and protein levels were not affected by ovariectomy and E2 replacement. Hypermethylation in CRHR2 promoter was found in OVX rats, and two of the methylated CpG sites were seated at cis-acting elements. Hypermethylation induced by OVX could also be ameliorated by E2 replacement.

Conclusion

Estrogens maintain CRHR2 expression in myocardium, which may through an epigenetic mechanism, and enhance UCN-induced cardioprotective effects against I/R injury.     

Regulation by gonadal steroids of the mRNA encoding for a type I receptor for TGF-beta in the female rat hypothalamus

We have recently shown that the mRNA encoding for a type I receptor for transforming growth factor beta and activin - named B1 - is expressed in hypothalamic areas implicated in gonadotropin-releasing hormone regulation, particularly in estrogen-receptive regions. In the present study, we examined whether ovarian steroids may regulate expression of B1 mRNA in the hypothalamus. Comparing relative levels of B1 mRNA expression in ovariectomized (OVX), OVX + estradiol-treated, and OVX + estradiol + progesterone-treated female rats, we observed that estrogen significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated B1 mRNA levels in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (by 12.5%), medial preoptic nucleus (by 27.5%), and arcuate nucleus (by 29.5%). In contrast, no effects of gonadal steroids were observed in the median preoptic nucleus. We next examined whether cells expressing B1 mRNA may be direct targets for the action of estrogen. Using an in situ hybridization coupled to immunohistochemical labeling, we found that many B1-mRNA-expressing cells also exhibited estrogen receptor alpha immunoreactvity in anteroventral periventricular nucleus, medial preoptic nucleus, and arcuate nucleus. Taken together, these results reveal that estrogen may directly modulate expression of B1 mRNA in the hypothalamus and support the idea that transforming growth factors beta play an important role in the hypothalamic control of gonadotropin-releasing hormone function.     

Serotonin 5-HT(1A) receptor mRNA expression in dorsal hippocampus and raphe nuclei after gonadal hormone manipulation in female rats

Female ovarian steroids influence mood and cognition, an effect presumably mediated by the serotonergic system. A key receptor in this interplay may be the 5-HT(1A) receptor subtype. We gave adult ovariectomized female rats subcutaneous pellets containing different dosages of 17 beta-estradiol alone or in combination with progesterone, or placebo pellets, for 2 weeks. 5-HT(1A) receptor mRNA levels were analyzed by in situ hybridization in the dorsal hippocampus, dorsal and median raphe nuclei, and entorhinal cortex. Estradiol treatment alone reduced 5-HT(1A) gene expression in the dentate gyrus and the CA2 region (17 and 19% decrease, respectively). Estradiol combined with progesterone supplementation increased 5-HT(1A) gene expression versus placebo in the CA1 and CA2 subregions of the dorsal hippocampus (16 and 30% increase, respectively). Concomitantly, 5-HT(1A) mRNA expression was decreased by 13% in the ventrolateral part of the dorsal raphe nuclei, while no changes were found in the median raphe nucleus and entorhinal cortex. Chronic effects of ovarian hormones on 5-HT(1A) receptor mRNA expression appear tissue-specific and involve hippocampal subregions and the raphe nuclei. Modulation of 5-HT(1A) receptor gene expression may be of importance for gonadal steroid effects on mood and cognition.     

去卵巢大鼠骨髓源性破骨样细胞增殖、分化的改变及雌激素的影响

目的　通过体外骨髓细胞培养诱导破骨样细胞 (osteoclast likecells ,OLC)的形成 ,观察去卵巢对成年大鼠OLC形成及活性的影响以及给予雌激素后的改变。　方法　 3月龄SD大鼠分为对照组、去卵巢组及雌激素替代组。术后 12周处死大鼠 ,取股骨分离骨髓细胞 ,在条件培养液中诱导其向破骨细胞分化。活体观察OLC形成情况并于培养的第 6天行细胞染色 ,以抗酒石酸酸性磷酸酶(TRAP)染色 (+)、细胞核≥ 3个的细胞为OLC ,计数各组OLC及骨陷窝。　结果　 3组中去卵巢组OLC出现早且数量〔(2 7 75± 0 92 )个 /玻片〕明显高于其它两组〔(17 93± 0 6 9)个 /玻片和 (12 81±0 6 1)个 /玻片 ,P <0 0 1〕。雌激素处理能明显抑制OLC的形成 ,但雌激素替代组的OLC仍多于对照组 (P <0 0 5 )。骨陷窝形成的变化与OLC数量改变一致。　结论　本实验结果显示大鼠去卵巢后 ,骨髓干细胞分化形成OLC数量明显增多 ,且活性增强。补充雌激素能够有效抑制OLC形成增加及其活性增强。故雌激素抑制骨吸收的机制至少部分是作用于骨髓干细胞向破骨细胞的分化。     

Estrogen regulates placental androstenedione production during rat pregnancy

During rat pregnancy the placenta appears to provide androgens, particularly androstenedione (delta 4A) as a source of precursor for estradiol (E2) formation by the ovary. The present study determined if the ovary and, specifically, estrogen have roles in regulating placental delta 4A production during the second half of rat pregnancy. Pregnant rats were ovariectomized (OVX) on day 9 of gestation, treated daily with 4 mg progesterone (P4) to maintain pregnancy, and received a Silastic capsule containing either E2 or oil on day 10 of gestation only. Placental steroidogenesis was then determined in vitro on day 14 by the ability of this tissue to convert [3H]pregnenolone ([3H]P5) substrate to the intermediate [3H]P4 and product [3H]delta 4A. Mean (+/- SE) placental formation of delta 4A from P5 increased (P less than 0.01) from 6.3 +/- 0.5% in control animals to 10.7 +/- 1.6% in OVX P4-treated rats. In contrast, placentae from OVX animals treated with P4 and E2 exhibited a decline in delta 4A formation (2.5 +/- 0.3%) compared to that in both control (P less than 0.01) and OVX P4-treated (P less than 0.001) animals. The amount of P5 converted to P4 and thus not further metabolized to delta 4A decreased (P less than 0.05) from 64.0 +/- 3.1% in control animals to 49.0 +/- 4.7% in OVX rats treated with P4 alone. However, OVX animals treated with P4 and E2 exhibited an increase in placental conversion of P5 to P4 (80.3 +/- 4.7%) compared to values in both control (P less than 0.05) and OVX P4-treated (P less than 0.001) animals. The peripheral serum concentrations of delta 4A and testosterone (T) were 3- and 2-fold greater (P less than 0.01), respectively, in OVX P4-treated animals compared to concentrations in the untreated controls. Rats that had been OVX and treated with both P4 and E2 had peripheral serum delta 4A and T concentrations that were approximately 10-15% (P less than 0.001) of the concentrations in OVX P4-treated animals. In conclusion, ovariectomy or ovariectomy and estrogen supplementation resulted in comparable alterations in the formation of delta 4A within the placenta and the concentrations of this steroid in the peripheral circulation. Thus, ovariectomy caused an elevation in and ovariectomy with E2 treatment caused a decline in both placental delta 4A formation and peripheral serum androgen concentrations. We suggest, therefore, that ovarian estrogen may feed back to inhibit placental delta 4A and T production, thereby regulating its substrate availability during the second half of rat pregnancy.