Ultrastructure of neurons in the ventromedial nucleus or the hypothalamus in ovariectomized rats with or without estrogen treatment

Summary The fine structure of the ventrolateral and dorsomedial subdivisions of the ventromedial nucleus (VMN) of the hypothalamus was examined in ovariectomized/control and ovariectomized/estrogen-treated rats to compare neurons of these areas to other neurons (specifically the ventrolateral thalamus), and to determine the effects of estrogen on these cells. The neurons of the VMN contain a large nucleus with a prominent nucleolus, rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), polysomes, a Golgi complex, coated, uncoated and dense-cored vesicles, lysosome-like bodies, inclusion bodies, multivesicular bodies, whorl bodies and myelin figures. Similar organelles were present in the neurons of the ventrolateral thalamus, although polysomes were more prominent, and the cells lacked dense-cored vesicles in the perikarya. Differences in the cells of the VMN between ovariectomized/control and ovariectomized/estrogen-treated rats included a more conspicuous stacking of the RER and greater number of dense-cored vesicles in the estrogen-treated group in both the ventrolateral and dorsomedial subdivisions. In both areas the differences were statistically significant, although more marked in the ventrolateral subdivision. In both VMN subdivisions, the increased stacking of the RER could be correlated with the greater number of dense-cored vesicles and may reflect increased biosynthesis of a secretory product.Supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (1 R01 NS15889-01) to R.S.C. and (HD-05751) to D.W.P.     

Progesterone reduces the effect of the serotonin 1B/1D receptor antagonist, GR 127935, on lordosis behavior

Ovariectomized rats were hormonally primed with 10 μg estradiol benzoate or with estradiol benzoate plus 500 μg progesterone. Rats received a bilateral infusion with 200 ng of the 5-HT_1B/1D receptor antagonist, N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2′-methyl-4′-(5-methyl-1,2,4-oxadiazol-3-yl)-1-1′-biphenyl-4-carboxamide hydrochloride (GR 127935), into the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN), followed by a 5 min restraint or home cage experience. In estrogen-primed females that had experienced minimal handling between ovariectomy and use in the experiment, infusion with the water vehicle transiently inhibited lordosis behavior, and the 5-HT_1B/1D receptor antagonist amplified this inhibition. There were no effects in rats hormonally primed with estrogen and progesterone. Handling for two days before the experiment reduced the effects of the infusions in estrogen-primed rats. However, when a 5 min restraint experience followed infusion with GR 127935, there was a significant decline in lordosis behavior that persisted for 10 to 15 min after the experience. Regardless of the prior experience or type of infusion, the addition of progesterone to the hormonal priming completely prevented the lordosis inhibition. These findings are consistent with prior evidence that progesterone protects against the inhibitory effects of a 5 min restraint experience on lordosis behavior. Moreover, these are the first experiments to demonstrate an inhibitory effect of a selective 5-HT_1B/1D receptor antagonist in the VMN on lordosis behavior of estrogen primed, but not estrogen and progesterone primed, ovariectomized rats.     

Cytological observations on the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus

Two sorts of neurons are recognized in Golgi impregnations of the rat ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (HVM). The two cell types, category I and II neurons, are differentiated on the basis of their somatic, dendritic, and axonal characteristics. Category I neurons form most of the neuronal population and are located throughout HVM. The small number of category II neurons that have been studied occur in lateral HVM. Two varieties of neuronal profile, "common" and "uncommon cells", are seen in thin sections of HVM. The "uncommon cells", in comparison with the "common ones", appear to have a larger soma, a more electron-dense cytoplasmic matrix, an abundance of Nissl bodies, and a population of dense-cored vesicles (100--130 nm in diameter). Some of the somata and proximal dendrites of "common", but not "uncommon" cells, are wrapped in multiple layers of astrocytic processes. Although the correlation is tentative, it is argued that category I neurons correspond to "common cells" and category II, to "uncommon cells". One possible implication of this correspondence is discussed regarding neuronal alteration in response to change in the endocrinological environment of the brain.     

Early leptin response to a palatable diet predicts dietary obesity in rats: key role of melanocortin-4 receptors in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus

We have investigated whether interactions between leptin and hypothalamic melanocortin-4 receptors (MC4-Rs) determine individual susceptibility to dietary obesity in rats. Animals with relatively high plasma leptin levels 1 week after presentation of palatable food, before weight increased significantly, subsequently showed lower food intake and weight gain after 8 weeks of palatable feeding than those with low early leptin levels. The rats with lesser weight gain also showed significantly greater down-regulation of MC4-Rs, which mediate hypophagia, in specific hypothalamic areas, namely, the arcuate, dorsomedial, and ventromedial (VMH) nuclei and the median eminence. We suggest that this reflects enhanced receptor exposure to endogenous alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, an appetite-suppressing peptide produced by hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin neurones. It is striking that plasma leptin levels at 1 week were inversely correlated with MC4-R density in the VMH, suggesting that this is a key site of leptin action. The early leptin response to palatable feeding may therefore "program" subsequent feeding behaviour and weight gain by regulating neurones that project selectively to the VMH.     

Glucagon-like immunoreactivity in hypothalamic neurons of the rat

Summary Antisera specific for three different regions of pancreatic proglucagon were used to examine the distribution of such immunoreactivity in rat hypothalamus. Neurons in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei were immunoreactive with an antiserum against glucagon, but not with antisera directed towards the aminoterminal region of proglucagon (glicentin) or the glucagon-like peptide I sequence in the carboxyl-terminal region of proglucagon. These findings confirm a previous report of glucagon-like immunoreactivity in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, but indicate that, while this material is immunochemically related to glucagon, it is not derived from a proglucagon-like precursor.     

大鼠延髓至下丘脑腹内侧核的儿茶酚胺能投射神经元在胃伤害性刺激后的Fos表达

本实验用ＨＲＰ注入下丘脑腹内侧核结合逆行追踪与抗ＦＯＳ蛋白和抗酪氨酸羟化酶（ＴＨ）抗血清双重免疫细胞化学相结合的三重标记方法,对大鼠孤束核和延髓腹外侧区至下丘脑腹内侧核的儿茶酚胺能投射神经元在胃伤害性刺激后的ｃ－ｆｏｓ表达进行了观察。本文发现孤束核和延髓腹外侧区有七种不同的标记细胞：ＨＲＰ、Ｆｏｓ、ＴＨ单标细胞Ｆｏｓ／ＨＲＰ、Ｆｏｓ／ＴＨ、ＨＲＰ／ＴＨ双标细胞和Ｆｏｓ／ＨＲＰ／ＴＨ三标细胞。上述七种标记细胞主要分布在延髓中段和尾段孤束核的内侧亚核和延髓腹外侧区以及两者之间的网状结构。ＨＲＰ标记细胞以注射侧为主,对侧有少量分布。本文结果证明,大鼠孤束核、延髓腹外侧区和网状结构内儿茶酚胺能神经元有些至下丘脑腹内侧核的投射,其中一部分儿茶酚胺能神经元参与了胃伤害性刺激的传导和调控。     

Effects of testosterone in the VMN on copulation,partner preference,and vocalizations in male rats

The present study tested whether testosterone propionate (TP) implanted in the ventromedial nucleus (VMN) of the hypothalamus could initiate performance, motivational, or sociosexual components of sexual behavior in castrated male rats. Twenty-seven intact male Long Evans rats were pretested for copulation, partner preference, and 50-kHz vocalization and were subsequently castrated. Approximately 3 weeks after castration, males were retested to confirm that these behaviors had declined, and groups were assigned. Groups 1 and 2 were implanted with bilateral stainless steel cannulae directed at the VMN that were either filled with TP (TVMN group) or remained empty (Blank group). A third group (TSC) was implanted subcutaneously with two 10-mm Silastic capsules filled with testosterone. Restoration of behavior was measured for 2 weeks after implants. We found that copulation and 50-kHz vocalization were not restored by TP in the VMN alone. However, partner preference returned to preoperative levels in both the TVMN and TSC groups, indicating that TP in the VMN was sufficient to restore sexual motivation. Following behavioral testing, prostate glands and seminal vesicles were weighed and confirmed that TP did not leak into the periphery in the TVMN group. Immunostaining for androgen receptors also verified that TP spread was confined to the immediate area surrounding the cannula tip. These results suggest that androgen activation at the VMN is sufficient to induce the motivational components of male sexual behavior, whereas activation of other brain sites is required for copulation and ultrasonic vocalization.     

Balamuthia mandrillaris: The multiple nuclei of Balamuthia amebas; their location, activity, and site of development

Multiple nuclei were first noted in the pseudopodia of Balamuthia mandrillaris amebas feeding on mammalian cells. Phase microscope observations of live amebas in vitro reveal that while many amebas have a single nucleus, others have multiple nuclear-like structures, now confirmed as nuclei with hematoxylin and Feulgen stains. In the live cultures, two nuclei located near the tip of an extended pseudopodium were seen to fuse resulting in one larger morphologic unit. Such merging of nuclei has not been previously reported. Other nuclei were located at positions that subsequently became the site for the outgrowth of an additional pseudopod branch. A newly discovered large structure, a polyploid nucleus, was located in the mid-part of the ameba. Nucleoli of uniform size were seen to develop from the central mass of chromatin and each became surrounded by a vesicular component as they moved into the protoplasm as morphologically complete nuclei.     

大鼠排卵前促性腺激素释放激素释放过程中下丘脑前阿黑皮素基因表达和雌激素受体的水平

在大鼠动情前期促黄体生成激素峰形成前后测定了血清雌、孕激素水平变化、下丘脑正中隆起促黄体生成激素释放激素含量及弓状核区雌、孕激素受体密度改变和弓状核前阿黑皮素ｍＲＮＡ水平变化。结果表明：动情前期１４小时时血清雌激素水平开始升高（Ｐ＜００５）,于１６小时时达高峰。此时弓状核雌激素受体密度降低（Ｐ＜００５）,孕激素受体密度增加（Ｐ＜００５）,前阿黑皮素ｍＲＮＡ水平减少（Ｐ＜００５）。前阿黑皮素ｍＲＮＡ水平与血清雌激素及正中隆起的促性腺激素释放激素水平呈负相关（Ｐ值分别小于００１及００５）,与弓状核雌激素受体密度变化呈正相关（Ｐ＜００１）。提示弓状核的前阿黑皮素ｍＲＮＡ水平在此过程中可能受雌激素及其受体调控,下丘脑β内啡肽合成减少可能参与了排卵前促性腺激素释放激素／促黄体生成激素峰的形成。     

In vivo dynamics and kinetics of pKi-67: transition from a mobile to an immobile form at the onset of anaphase

A cell proliferation marker protein, pKi-67, distributes to the chromosome periphery during mitosis and nucleolar heterochromatin in the interphase. We report here on the structural domains of pKi-67 that are required for its correct distribution. While both the LR domain and the conserved domain were involved in localization to the nucleolar heterochromatin, both the LR domain and the Ki-67 repeat domain were required for its distribution to the mitotic chromosome periphery. Using in vivo time-lapse microscopy, GFP-pKi-67 was dynamically tracked from the mitotic chromosome periphery to reforming nucleoli via prenucleolar bodies (PNBs). The signals in PNBs then moved towards and fused into the reforming nucleoli with a thin string-like fluorescence during early G1 phase. An analysis of the in vivo kinetics of pKi-67 using photobleaching indicated that the association of pKi-67 with chromatin was progressively altered from "loose" to "tight" after the onset of anaphase. These findings indicate that pKi-67 dynamically alters the nature of the interaction with chromatin structure during the cell cycle, which is closely related to the reformation process of the interphase nucleolar chromatin.     

P2X receptors are differentially expressed on vasopressin- and oxytocin-containing neurons in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of rat hypothalamus

In the present study, the distribution of P2X receptor protein and colocalization of P2X receptors with vasopressin and oxytocin in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei of rat hypothalamus was studied using double-labeling fluorescence immunohistochemistry. The results showed that vasopressin-containing neurons expressed P2X₂, P2X₄, P2X₅ and P2X₆ receptor and oxytocin-containing neurons expressed P2X₂, P2X₄ and P2X₅ receptors in the supraoptic nucleus. In the paraventricular nucleus, vasopressin-containing neurons expressed P2X₄, P2X₅ and P2X₆ receptors, while oxytocin-containing neurons expressed P2X₄ receptors. This study provides the first evidence that P2X receptor subunits are differentially expressed on vasopressin- and oxytocin-containing neurons in the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei, and hence, provides a substantial neuroanatomical basis for possible functional interactions between the purinergic and vasopressinergic systems, and the purinergic and oxytocinergic systems in the rat hypothalamus. Wei Guo and Jihu Sun contributed equally to this work.     

Catecholaminergic innervation of GRF-containing neurons in the rat hypothalamus revealed by electron-microscopic cytochemistry

Summary The Catecholaminergic innervation of neurons containing growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) was examined by use of a method which combined either 5-hydroxydopamine (5-OHDA) uptake or autoradiography after intraventricular injection of ³H-noradrenaline with immunocytochemistry for GRF in the same tissue sections at the electron-microscopic level. In the ventrolateral part of the arcuate nucleus of the rat hypothalamus a large number of immunonegative axon terminals were found to make synaptic contact with GRF-like immunoreactive (GRF-LI) cell bodies and processes. ³H-noradrenaline autoradiography or 5-OHDA-labeling combined with GRF immunocytochemistry revealed that axon terminals labeled with ³H-noradrenaline or 5-OHDA make synaptic contact with the GRF-LI nerve cell bodies and processes. These findings indicate that catecholamine-containing neurons innervate GRF neurons to regulate GRF secretion via synapses in the rat arcuate nucleus.     

Estrogen regulates the expression of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit epsilon 4 (Grin2d), that is essential for the normal sexual behavior in female mice

Estrogen plays important roles in the reproductive behavior of animals. In the present study, we found that the Grin2d gene of mouse possessed half-sites of the estrogen-responsive element (ERE) in the 3′-untranslated region (UTR). Quantitative PCR analysis showed that the reduced Grin2d mRNA expression in the hypothalamus of the ovariectomized mice was restored by estrogen administration. Downregulation of Grin2d mRNA expression was also detected in the hypothalamus of estrogen receptor alpha-knockout female mice. Moreover, estrogen-induced lordosis response was decreased in Grin2d-knockout mice. These results suggest that estrogen regulates lordosis behavior through the regulation of Grin2d expression in the hypothalamus of female mice.     

禁食不同时段下丘脑穹窿周区orexin-A的表达

目的探讨禁食不同时段大鼠下丘脑穹窿周区orexin—A的表达及是否与摄食有关。方法观察禁食前后大鼠体重变化,采用免疫组织化学染色法观察禁食不同时段下丘脑穹窿周区orexin-A的表达变化,灰度值测量观察各组orexin—A的染色强度。结果大鼠体重随禁食时间的延长而逐渐降低,各组大鼠禁食前后体重变化有统计学差异（P〈O．01）;Orexin-A主要分布于下丘脑穹窿周区,禁食组orexin—A阳性神经元计数明显多于对照组（P〈O．05）,但不同禁食组间orexin-A阳性神经元计数比较没有统计学差异（P〉O．05）;禁食48h组染色强度最深,与对照组和禁食24h、72h组有明显统计学差异（P〈0．05）。结论禁食可以促进orexin-A的表达,禁食48h应该是一种理想的促进orexin-A活化的刺激方式,orexin-A系统可能参与摄食及能量代谢的调节。     

糖尿病大鼠下丘脑Nesfatin-1对胃运动的影响及机制研究

目的:探讨下丘脑腹内侧核Nesfatin-1对正常大鼠及糖尿病大鼠胃运动的影响及其潜在机制。方法:正常大鼠随机分为0.08μg,0.8μg,8.0μg/0.5μL Nesfatin-1组;30μg/0.5μL astressin-B组;(0.8μg Nesfatin-1+30μg astressin-B)/0.5μL组;0.5μL生理盐水(NS)组;正常羊血清+假刺激(NR+SS)组;正常羊血清+电刺激(NR+ES)组;抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体+假刺激(anti-Nn-Ab+SS)组;抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体+电刺激(anti-Nn-Ab+ES)组。制作糖尿病大鼠模型,将糖尿病大鼠随机分为0.08μg/0.5μL Nesfatin-1组;0.8μg/0.5μLNesfatin-1组;8.0μg/0.5μL Nesfatin-1组;0.5μLNS组;NR+SS组;NR+ES组;anti-Nn-Ab+SS组;anti-Nn-Ab+ES组。大鼠胃部置入感应器后腹内侧核置管,记录清醒大鼠胃运动及电刺激海马CA1区后的胃运动。结果:与生理盐水组相比,下丘脑腹内侧核注射不同浓度Nesfatin-1,大鼠胃收缩幅度和频率显著降低,下丘脑腹内侧核注射0.5μL(0.8μg Nesfatin-1+30μg astressin-B)混合液后,相比单独给予0.8μg Nesfatin-1组,大鼠胃收缩幅度和频率显著升高。大鼠下丘脑腹内侧核注射0.5μL Nesfatin-1(0.8μg),大鼠胃收缩幅度和频率显著降低,下丘脑腹内侧核注射0.5μL(0.8μg Nesfatin-1+30μg astressin-B)混合液后,相比单独给予0.8μg Nesfatin-1组,大鼠胃收缩幅度和频率显著升高。下丘脑腹内侧核注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体后再电刺激海马CA1区,与正常羊血清+电刺激组相比,大鼠胃收缩幅度和频率进一步增强,下丘脑腹内侧核注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体后再电刺激海马CA1区,与单独注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体+假电刺激组相比,大鼠的胃收缩幅度和频率显著增高。下丘脑腹内侧核注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体后再给予电刺激海马CA1区,与正常羊血清+电刺激组相比,正常大鼠和糖尿病大鼠胃运动指数均显著增加,下丘脑腹内侧核注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体后再电刺激海马CA1区,与单独注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体+假电刺激组相比,正常和糖尿病大鼠的胃运动指数均显著增高。与正常大鼠相比,电刺激海马CA1区、下丘脑腹内侧核注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体后再给予电刺激海马CA1区,或下丘脑腹内侧核微量注射抗NUCB2/Nesfatin-1抗体,糖尿病大鼠胃运动指数均无显著差异。结论:海马-下丘脑Nesfatin-1信号通路参与胃传入信息和胃运动调控,该作用可能与CRF系统活动有关。     

PINEAL INFLUENCE ON ANNUAL NUCLEAR VOLUME CHANGES IN VENTROMEDIAL HYPOTHALAMIC NUCLEUS (VMH) NEURONS OF THE MALE WISTAR RAT

The ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) regulates various autonomic, endocrine, and behavioral activities. These activities show annual changes, and the pineal gland is involved in their adjustment to environmental cues. Therefore, this study investigated whether the VMH belongs to the effector structures of the pineal gland. To abolish the rhythmic melatonin release, male Wistar rats were subjected to pinealectomy (PX) or ganglionectomy (sympathetic denervation of the pineal gland, GX) regularly at the beginning of any of the four seasons. Brains from animals of PX-, GX-, and sham-operated control groups were prepared 3 months later for measurement of the nuclear volume, which changes according to the general gene activity. At each of the four seasons, 2000 nuclei of VMH neurons stemming from 18 animals per group were measured to obtain both seasonal daily mean values and annual mean values,respectively, as well as to calculate annual curves of the nuclear volume using empirical regression and locally adjusted polynomial approximation. The major findings are the following. First,inactivation of the pineal function influences the nuclear activity of VMH neurons. (2) PX and GX mainly depress the nuclear activity, indicating that the pineal influence on the VMH may predominantly be a stimulatory one. Third, size and direction of the changes caused by PX and GX vary in a seasonally dependent manner. Fourth, the annual rhythm of the nuclear activity of the VMH is modified by PX and GX.To explain how the pineal effects on the VMH may be mediated, a possible inhibitory influence of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN),which has been activated in the same animals following both PX and GX, is discussed. In conclusion, the results confirm that the nuclear activity of VMH neurons underlies pineal influences. This also indicates an involvement of the pineal gland in many VMH-regulated functions.(Chronobiology International,17(1),15–28, 2000)