Journal of chemical neuroanatomy
-
J. Chem. Neuroanat. · Jul 2015
Localization and regulation of reproductive steroid receptors in the raphe serotonin system of male macaques.
We previously showed that tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) and serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT) mRNAs are increased by the androgens, testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in serotonin neurons of male macaques. In addition, we observed that serotonin in axons of a terminal region were markedly decreased by aromatase inhibition and lack of estradiol (E) from metabolism of T. These observations implicated androgen receptors (AR) and estrogen receptors (ER) in the transduction of steroid hormone actions in serotonin neurons. ⋯ Rather, AR-positive nuclei were found in neighboring cells that are likely neurons. However, approximately 40% of dorsal raphe serotonin neurons contained ERα or ERβ⋅ In conclusion, the stimulatory effect of androgens on TPH2 and SERT mRNA expression is mediated indirectly by neighboring neurons contain AR. The stimulatory effect of E, derived from T metabolism, on serotonin transport is partially mediated directly via nuclear ERs.
-
J. Chem. Neuroanat. · Mar 2015
Diabetes mellitus affects activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha in rat trigeminal ganglia.
The activity of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα) may play a critical role in the modulation of nociceptor activity and plasticity of primary sensory trigeminal neurons. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunoreactivity of phosphorylated CaMKIIα (pCaMKIIα) in subpopulations of trigeminal ganglion (TG) neurons in rat models of early diabetes type 1 (dm1) and 2 (dm2). DM1 model was induced with intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected streptozotocin (STZ) (55mg/kg). ⋯ DM1 model, as well as the obesity (control dm2 groups) resulted in neuronal impaired growth while dm2 model led to neuron hypertrophy in TG. Observed changes may play a critical role in the modulation of nociceptor activity and plasticity of primary sensory trigeminal neurons. In future, innovative strategies for modulation of CaMKIIα activity in specific subpopulations of neurons could be a novel approach in therapy of diabetic trigeminal neuropathy.
-
J. Chem. Neuroanat. · Nov 2014
Cutaneous expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in rats with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Changes in calcium-calmodulin protein kinase II (CaMKII) have been well demonstrated in nervous tissue of diabetic animal models. Skin shares the same ectodermal origin as nervous tissue and it is often affected in diabetic patients. The goal of this study was to analyze expression of CaMKII in rat foot pad 2 weeks and 2 months after induction of diabetes type 1 and 2. ⋯ This study is the first description of cutaneous CaMKII expression pattern in a diabetic model. CaMKII could play a role in transformation of skin layers and contribute to cutaneous diabetic changes. Further research on physiological role of CaMKII in skin and its role in cutaneous diabetic complications should be undertaken in order to elucidate its function in epidermis.
-
J. Chem. Neuroanat. · Nov 2014
Calcium-binding proteins in the laterodorsal thalamic nucleus during development of the guinea pig.
The laterodorsal thalamic nucleus (LD) is often treated as a part of the anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) because of its location and similar connectivity. Our previous studies have shown that distribution of three calcium-binding proteins, i.e. calbindin D28k (CB), calretinin (CR) and parvalbumin (PV), changes within the ATN during development of the guinea pig. The aim of this study is to examine the immunoreactivity pattern of these proteins in the LD in the guinea pig ontogeny. ⋯ PV did not colocalize with the other proteins. In summary, all the studied calcium-binding proteins were already present in the LD at prenatal developmental stages and the pattern of distribution remained virtually constant until adulthood. Thus, the LD differs considerably from the ATN in an aspect of neurochemical cell differentiation.
-
J. Chem. Neuroanat. · Sep 2014
The cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, calbindin, calretinin and parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the medial geniculate body of the guinea pig.
The purpose of this study was to describe the distribution and colocalization of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) and three calcium-binding proteins (calbindin, calretinin and parvalbumin) in each main division of the medial geniculate body (MGB) in the guinea pig. From low to moderate CART immunoreactivity was observed in all divisions of the MGB, although in most of its length only fibers and neuropil were labeled. A small number of CART immunoreactive somata were observed in the caudal segment of the MGB. ⋯ In general, although parvalbumin exhibited the weakest immunoreactivity of all studied Ca(2+) binding proteins, it was most highly expressed in the ventral division of the MGB. Our results indicate that CART could be involved in hearing, although its immunoreactivity in the medial geniculate complex was not as intense as in other sensory brain regions. In the guinea pig the heterogeneous and complementary pattern of calbindin, calretinin and parvalbumin is evident, however, the overlap in staining appears to be more extensive than that seen in other rodents.