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La enfermedad de Addison es un trastorno raro que afecta progresivamente a las glándulas suprarrenales. La etiología es variada siendo su principal causa autoinmune, el diagnóstico se obtiene mediante valores de laboratorio y exploración clínica. Se expone el caso de paciente femenino que en consulta presentó un evento sincopal, en la revisión clínica se observó pigmentación de mucosas orales y uñas de manos y pies; los valores de laboratorio mostraron: ACTH elevada, cortisol disminuido y alteraciones de electrolitos, confirmándose Enfermedad de Addison. Un diagnóstico oportuno evita complicaciones mortales en quien la padece.
Addison's disease is a rare disorder that progressively affects the adrenal glands. The etiology is varied, being its main autoimmune cause, the diagnosis is obtained through laboratory values and clinical examination. The case of a female patient who presented a syncopal event in the consultation is exposed. In the clinical review, pigmentation of the oral mucosa and fingernails and toenails was observed; Laboratory values showed: elevated ACTH, decreased cortisol and electrolyte disturbances, confirming Addison's disease. A timely diagnosis prevents fatal complications in those who suffer from it.
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ABSTRACT Underlying the neuropsychological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD), hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation and subsequent hypercortisolemia have been proposed as major mechanisms driving AD progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to the onset of dementia. Nonetheless, changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of HPA axis hormones remain controversial despite their potential in AD diagnosis and prognosis testing. Objective: This study aimed to review the evidence of the variation in CSF levels of CRH, ACTH, and cortisol in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD compared with subjects without cognitive disorders. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases on July 5, 2022. Results: Seventeen observational studies were included. The results from the compiled investigations showed that individuals with AD exhibit a significant elevation of CSF cortisol levels which appear to correlate with the presence of the ApoE-ε4 allele, being higher in those homozygous for this allele. The variation of CSF CRH and ACTH levels in AD, on the other hand, is still inconclusive. Moreover, most studies found no significant difference in CSF cortisol levels in individuals with MCI compared to healthy subjects and patients with AD. Conclusion: The findings gathered in this review disclose a significant elevation of CSF cortisol levels in AD. Future investigations are warranted to elucidate the potential use of CSF cortisol as a biomarker in AD-associated dementia.
RESUMO Subjacentes às manifestações neuropsicológicas da doença de Alzheimer (DA), a desregulação do eixo hipotálamo-pituitária-adrenal (HPA) e a subsequente hipercortisolemia foram propostas como mecanismos principais que conduzem a progressão da DA desde o comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) até o início da demência. No entanto, as alterações nos níveis do líquido cefalorraquidiano (LCR) dos hormônios do eixo HPA permanecem controversas, apesar de seu potencial no diagnóstico da DA e nos testes de prognóstico. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo revisar as evidências da variação nos níveis de CRH, ACTH e cortisol em indivíduos com comprometimento cognitivo leve (CCL) e DA em comparação com indivíduos sem distúrbios cognitivos. Métodos: Uma revisão sistemática foi realizada nas bases de dados MEDLINE, EMBASE e Web of Science em 5 de julho de 2022. Resultados: Dezessete estudos observacionais foram incluídos. Os resultados compilados mostraram que os indivíduos com DA apresentam uma elevação significativa dos níveis de cortisol no LCR que parecem correlacionar-se com a presença do alelo ApoE-ε4, sendo maior nos homozigotos para este alelo. A variação dos níveis de CRH e ACTH no LCR na DA, por outro lado, ainda é inconclusiva. Além disso, a maioria dos estudos não encontrou diferença significativa nos níveis de cortisol no LCR em indivíduos com CCL em comparação com indivíduos saudáveis e pacientes com DA. Conclusão: Os resultados reunidos nesta revisão revelaram uma elevação significativa dos níveis de cortisol no LCR na DA. Investigações futuras são necessárias para elucidar o uso potencial do cortisol no LCR como biomarcador na demência associada à DA.
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Objective:To investigate the pathogenesis of Cushing′s syndrome induced by medullary thyroid carcinoma.Methods:Started from April 2011 to present, three medullary thyroid carcinoma patients with Cushing′s syndrome were enrolled in this study. All patients were 40 to 50 years old, one female and two males. The blood pressure, blood glucose, thyroid function and antibodies, calcitonin, and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)were detected. The qualitative and localized diagnosis of Cushing′s syndrome was performed by high- and low-dose dexamethasone suppression tests as well as imaging examinations. The biopsies of all patients were taken to test the immunostaining of calcitonin, adrenocorticotropin(ACTH), and corticotropin-releasing hormone(CRH).Results:According to the clinical manifestation and function tests, three patients were diagnosed as medullary thyroid carcinoma accompanied by ACTH-dependent Cushing′s syndrome. All patients showed positive immunohistochemical staining of calcitonin and CRH, with negative immunostaining of ACTH in one and positive immunostaining of ACTH in two patients. Therefore, the diagnosis of ectopic CRH syndrome caused by medullary thyroid carcinoma was definite.Conclusions:Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a rare cause of Cushing′s syndrome. Tumor cells secrete ACTH and CRH, which in turn cause hypercorticoremia. Ectopic CRH syndrome is very rare. Early diagnosis can be made by immunohistochemical staining of biopsy tissues to guide early targeted treatment and improve the prognosis.
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Objective:To study the effects of compound Xiongdanyinchen granules(CXG)on intestines, brain and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis in rats with metabolism-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD).Methods:50 SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group(normal rats fed with basic feed), model control group(MAFLD model rats fed with normal saline replacing CXG), intragastricly CXG-treated groups with doses of(4.73 g·kg -1·d -1)for low dose group, (18.92 g·kg -1·d -1)for medium dose group, and(9.46 g·kg -1·d -1)for high dose group for 4 weeks.All groups rats were sampled, and rat liver, colon and hypothalamic tissues were stained by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)for observing pathological changes.Fluorescence-based real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR)and immunohistochemical detection were used for detecting the colon and hypothalamus to see levels of adreno-corticotropic hormone releasing hormone(CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH)and cortisol(CORT)expression. Results:HE staining showed that the fat vacuoles of liver cells were reduced in CXG group.As compared with the model control group, CXG group showed the hepatic cords were arranged neatly and the hepatic lobules were clearly visible, with significantly improved signs.As compared with the model control group, the CXG group showed that the structure of each layer of the colon wall was basically orderly, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the submucosa was reduced, which showed significant improvement.The hypothalamic nerve cell edema and solid shrinkage were reduced in CXG group.The results of quantitative PCR showed that as compared with the model control group, the proteins expression of CRH, ACTH and CORT in colon tissues were decreased in medium-dose and high-dose CXG group(all P<0.05), and the proteins expression of CRH, CORT and ACTH in hypothalamus tissues were decreased(all P<0.05)in high-dose CXG group.Immunohistochemical results showed that CXG could reduce the proteins expression of CRH, ACTH and CORT in colon tissue and hypothalamus tissue(all P<0.05). Conclusions:Compound Xiongdanyinchen granules can reduce liver tissue injury and intestinal inflammatory response, improve intestinal mucosal barrier, reduce hypothalamic nerve cell swelling and necrosis, and reduce the secretion of CRH, ACTH and CORT in colon and hypothalamus of MAFLD rats.These results suggest that the mechanism of action of compound Xiongdanyinchen granules in treating MAFLD may be related to the reduce dysfunction of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal(HPA)axis.
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Resumen El folículo piloso es una estructura compleja que presenta diversas características morfológicas macroscópicas, microscópicas e inmunológicas especiales que permiten el adecuado funcionamiento de la misma, en algunasenfermedades estos mecanismos de regulación inmunológica se ven alteradose incluso exacerbados por factores como el estrés emocional. El objetivo de esta revisión es conocer los mecanismos inmunobiológicos específicos del folículo pilosoanalizando el papel que juegan diversos factores como la pérdida delinmunoprivilegio y el estrés emocional en el desarrollo de la alopecia areata.
Abstract The hair follicle is a complex structure that presents diverse morphologicaland immunological characteristics that allow the proper functioning of the unit.In some diseases as alopecia areata these mechanisms of immune regulation are disrupted by external factorssuch as emotional stress preventing the growth of the hair shaft. The objective of this review is to recognize the specific immunobiological mechanisms of the hair follicle, analyzing the role played by the loss of immunoprivilege and emotional stress in the development of alopecia areata.
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Abstract Introduction In addition to their role in regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and its related peptides, the urocortins, are important mediators of physiological and pathophysiological processes of the central nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, immune, endocrine, reproductive, and skin systems. Altered regulation of CRF-mediated adaptive responses to various stressful stimuli disrupts healthy function and might confer vulnerability to several disorders, including depression and anxiety. Methodology This narrative review was conducted through search and analysis of studies retrieved from online databases using a snowball method. Results This review covers aspects beginning with the discovery of CRF, CRF binding protein and their actions via interaction with CRF receptors type 1 and type 2. These are surface plasma membrane receptors, activation of which is associated with conformational changes and interaction with a variety of G-proteins and signaling pathways. We also reviewed the pharmacology and mechanisms of the receptor signaling modulatory activity of these receptors. Conclusion This review compiles and presents knowledge regarding the CRFergic system, including CRF related peptides, CRF binding protein, and CRF receptors, as well as some evidence that is potentially indicative of the biological roles of these entities in several physiological and pathophysiological processes.
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Animals , Humans , Stress, Psychological/metabolism , Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/physiology , Signal Transduction/physiology , Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/physiology , Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism , Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism , Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolismABSTRACT
Objective@#To study the role of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) system in locus ceruleus (LC) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and to explore its molecular mechanism.@*Methods@#The IBS rat was established by maternal separation following with postnatal stress. The tissues sample of LC was obtained by micropunched nuclei. The expression of c-Fos, CRH and its receptors including corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor (CRHR) 1 and CRHR2 of rats’ LC tissues of control group and IBS group was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR). The expression of DNA methyltransferase (DNTM) 1, DNMT3a and DNMT3b at the mRNA level were also measured. In addition, the expression of histone methyltransferase ASH2-like protein (ASH2L) and SET and MYND domain containing 2 (SMYD2) was determined by Western blotting. T test was used for statistical analysis.@*Results@#The rectal pneumatic pressure of IBS group was lower than that of control group ((69.82±5.47) mmHg vs. (86.86±5.98) mmHg; 1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), however compared with that of control group, the expression of c-Fos at the mRNA level increased (2.11±0.44 vs.1.00±0.19), and the differences were statistically significant (t=6.215 and 2.321, P<0.01 and 0.05). In addition, compared with that of control group, the expression of CRH at the mRNA level increased (1.99±0.35 vs.1.00±0.13), and the difference was statistically significant (t= 2.797, P<0.05). Compared with that of control group, the expression of SMYD2 at the protein level up-regulated (1.04±0.21 vs. 0.61±0.12), and the difference was statistically significant (t=4.451, P<0.01). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression of CRHR-1, CRHR2, DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b at the mRNA level, and the expression of ASH2L between IBS group and control group (0.96±0.13 vs. 1.00±0.26, 1.35±0.63 vs. 1.00±0.43, 1.40±0.61 vs.1.00±0.19, 1.39±0.58 vs. 1.00±0.21, 1.45±0.71vs.1.00±0.39 and 0.80±0.19 vs. 1.05±0.26, respectively; all P>0.05).@*Conclusions@#Maternal separation combined with postnatal stress affect the transcription of Crh gene in LC and cause the activation of the stress regulation network CRH and norepinephrine system, resulting in the increase of the visceral sensitivity of rats. The abnormal transcription of Crh gene may be related with SMYD2-mediated histone H3K36 methylation, but not related with the modification of DNA methylation.
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Objective@#To investigate the association between rs4458044 site of corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) polymorphism and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).@*Methods@#Eighty-five blood specimens were collected from newborns with PPHN in Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University between March 2012 and March 2018, and 50 blood specimens were collected from healthy newborns as controls.The basic clinical data, clinical laboratory results, distribution of CRHR1 (rs4458044) polymorphism were retrospectively analyzed by t-test and χ2 test.@*Results@#No significant difference existed in gender, gestational age, birth weight and 1 minute Apgar score between newborns with PPHN and the normal controls (all P>0.05). Significant difference existed in auxiliary ventilation time and maximum oxygenation index between newborns with PPHN and the normal controls (all P<0.05). Gene frequency of CRHR1 (rs4458044) GG, CG and CC gene types in newborns with PPHN and controls was 2.35%, 43.53%, 54.12% and 50.00%, 38.00%, 12.00%, respectively.The CG/CC gene type was significantly higher in newborns with PPHN than the normal controls (P<0.05). The CG/CC gene type newborns had a higher risk for getting PPHN than GG gene type newborns (GG gene type as reference, CG gene type OR=24.34, 95%CI: 5.20-113.87, P=0.00; CC gene type OR=95.83, 95%CI: 17.99-510.49, P=0.00). Auxiliary ventilation time and maximum oxygenation index of newborns carrying C allele were higher than those without carrying C allele.@*Conclusion@#CRHR1 (rs4458044) polymorphism is closely associated with PPHNs.
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Objective To investigate the association between rs4458044 site of corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) polymorphism and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).Methods Eighty-five blood specimens were collected from newborns with PPHN in Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University between March 2012 and March 2018,and 50 blood specimens were collected from healthy newborns as controls.The basic clinical data,clinical laboratory results,distribution of CRHR1 (rs4458044) polymorphism were retrospectively analyzed by t-test andx2 test.Results No significant difference existed in gender,gestational age,birth weight and 1 minute Apgar score between newborns with PPHN and the normal controls (all P ＞ 0.05).Significant difference existed in auxiliary ventilation time and maximum oxygenation index between newborns with PPHN and the normal controls (all P ＜ 0.05).Gene frequency of CRHR1 (rs4458044) GG,CG and CC gene types in newborns with PPHN and controls was 2.35％,43.53％,54.12％ and 50.00％,38.00％,12.00％,respectively.The CG/CC gene type was significantly higher in newborns with PPHN than the normal controls (P ＜ 0.05).The CG/CC gene type newborns had a higher risk for getting PPHN than GG gene type newborns (GG gene type as reference,C G gene type OR =24.34,95％ CI:5.20-113.87,P =0.00;CC gene type OR =95.83,95％ CI:17.99-510.49,P =0.00).Auxiliary ventilation time and maximum oxygenation index of newborns carrying C allele were higher than those without carrying C allele.Conclusion CRHR1 (rs4458044) polymorphism is closely associated with PPHNs.
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OBJECTIVE: Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a crucial regulator of human pregnancy and parturition. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels are important for regulating myometrial quiescence during pregnancy. We investigated regulatory effects of different concentrations of CRH on KATP channel expression in human myometrial smooth muscle cells (HSMCs) in in vitro conditions. METHODS: After treating HSMCs with different concentrations of CRH (1, 10, 102, 103, 104 pmol/L), mRNA and protein expression of KATP channel subunits (Kir6.1 and SUR2B) was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot. We investigated which CRH receptor was involved in the reaction and measured the effects of CRH on intracellular Ca2+ concentration when oxytocin was administered in HSMCs using Fluo-8 AM ester. RESULTS: When HSMCs were treated with low (1 pmol/L) and high (103, 104 pmol/L) CRH concentrations, KATP channel expression significantly increased and decreased, respectively. SUR2B mRNA expression at low and high CRH concentrations was significantly antagonized by antalarmin (CRH receptor-1 antagonist) and astressin 2b (CRH receptor-2 antagonist), respectively; however, Kir6.1 mRNA expression was not affected. After oxytocin treatment, the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in CRH-treated HSMCs was significantly lowered in low concentration of CRH (1 pmol/L), but not in high concentration of CRH (103 pmol/L), compared to control. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated the regulatory effect was different when HSMCs were treated with low (early pregnancy-like) and high (labor-like) CRH concentrations and the KATP channel expression showed significant increase and decrease. This could cause inhibition and activation, respectively, of uterine muscle contraction, demonstrating opposite dual actions of CRH.
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Animals , Female , Humans , Mice , Pregnancy , Adenosine Triphosphate , Adenosine , Blotting, Western , Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone , In Vitro Techniques , KATP Channels , Myocytes, Smooth Muscle , Myometrium , Oxytocin , Parturition , Potassium Channels , Potassium , Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone , RNA, MessengerABSTRACT
Restraint water-immersion stress (RWIS), a compound stress model, has been widely used to induce acute gastric ulceration in rats. A wealth of evidence suggests that the central nucleus of the amygdala (CEA) is a focal region for mediating the biological response to stress. Different stressors induce distinct alterations of neuronal activity in the CEA; however, few studies have reported the characteristics of CEA neuronal activity induced by RWIS. Therefore, we explored this issue using immunohistochemistry and in vivo extracellular single-unit recording. Our results showed that RWIS and restraint stress (RS) differentially changed the c-Fos expression and firing properties of neurons in the medial CEA. In addition, RWIS, but not RS, induced the activation of corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the CEA. These findings suggested that specific neuronal activation in the CEA is involved in the formation of RWIS-induced gastric ulcers. This study also provides a possible theoretical explanation for the different gastric dysfunctions induced by different stressors.
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Animals , Rats , Action Potentials , Physiology , Analysis of Variance , Central Amygdaloid Nucleus , Pathology , Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone , Metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Gastric Mucosa , Pathology , Gene Expression Regulation , Physiology , Neurons , Physiology , Patch-Clamp Techniques , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos , Metabolism , Rats, Wistar , Stress, Physiological , Physiology , Stress, PsychologicalABSTRACT
AIM: To observe the expression of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) within the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN) and to explore the relationship between the activated CRH-containing neurons and sympathetic activity in rats with heart failure (HF).METHODS: Healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to coronary artery ligation to induce HF, and chronic intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion was performed by osmotic pump for 4 weeks.The rats in sham group and HF group were given vehicle (VEH;artificial cerebrospinal fluid 0.25 μL/h).The rats in HF plus treatment group were treated with CRH competitive inhibitor αh-CRH (15 mg/h).Meanwhile, the Lewis rats and Fischer 344 rats for control study also underwent coronary ligation to induce HF or sham surgery.After 4 weeks, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and maximum positive/negative change in pressure over time (±dp/dtmax) were determined.The right ventricular-to-body weight (RV/BW) and lung-to-body weight (lung/BW) ratios were calculated.The renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) was recorded and the plasma norepinephrine (NE) level was measured.The expression of CRH in the PVN combined with the plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) levels were measured.RESULTS: Compared with the sham-SD rats, the HF-SD rats had a greater number of CRH positive neurons in the PVN (accordingly the plasma ACTH levels were increased), accompanied by decreased ±dp/dtmax and increased RSNA, plasma NE, LVEDP, lung/BW and RV/BW.However, ICV treatment with αh-CRH attenuated these changes in the HF-SD rats (P<0.05).Compared with the sham-Fisher 344 rats, the HF-Fisher 344 rats also had a greater number of CRH positive neurons in the PVN (accordingly the plasma ACTH levels were increased).In addition, they had significantly increased RSNA and plasma NE level, higher LVEDP, RV/BW and lung/BW, and lower ±dp/dtmax (P<0.05).Compared with the SHAM-Lewis rats, the HF-Lewis rats had not significantly changed in the above parameters.CONCLUSION: In CHF, the CRH-containing neurons in PVN are activated, thus aggravating cardiac function by increasing sympathoexcitation.
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Objective To obtain the recombinant corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) protein with soluble, high purity protein through optimizing prokaryotic expression condition and purifying glutathione thiol transferase (GST)-CRH protein. Methods To detect the expression of soluble CRH protein through grope of the host strain GST-CRH temperature of induction expression, the host strain concentration (OD600), IPTG concentration and induction time, the purification of GST-CRH was performed by GST-CRH agarose gel. Western Blot assay was used for the expression identification of the target protein. Results The optimal conditions for the induction of CRH protein were determined: temperature of 30 ℃, IPTG induced concentration 0.1 mmol/L, bacteria density (OD600) 0.8, the induction time of 8 hours, purified GST-CRH>95% fusion protein was obtained. Conclusion The optimal expression conditions of GST-CRH are obtained, and the soluble protein of high purity GST-CRH is also obtained.
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Objective To compare the efficacy of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and methylprednisolone on the rat models of infantile spasms (IS).Methods The SD rats on postnatal 10 day (P10) were divided into blank group (n =18),control group (n =18) and model group (n =110) according to the random number table method.The rats of model group were prepared by adopting prenatal stress exposure and N-methyl-D aspartate (NMDA) injection.In the model group,after inducing epileptic seizures,the rats were divided into different groups (18 rats in each group) according to the random number table method as following:model group Ⅰ (subcutaneous injection ofACTH,50 IU/kg,at P10:14:00,21:00;P11,P12:7:00,14:00,21:00;P13:7:00),model group Ⅱ (subcutaneous injection of 9 g/L saline),model group Ⅲ (intraperitoneal injection of methylprednisolone,60 mg/kg,at P11,P12,P13:9:00,once per day),model group Ⅳ (intraperitoneal injection of 9 g/L saline) and model group Ⅴ (positive control group,with no drug or saline injection).Three days later,epilepsy was induced again,and the rats of model group were intraperitoneally injected with NMDA (12 mg/kg) at P13 (10:00).The rats of control group were injected intraperitoneally with same volume of 9 g/L saline,but the rats of blank group were not treated.Behaviors of rats with epilepsy seizures were observed and epilepsy scores were given.The expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in the hypothalamus of each group was detected by using immunohistochemistry and fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The learning and memorizing capacity of the rats were measured by Y-maze experiment.Results There was no death in the model group after the onset of seizure.In the model group Ⅰ,13 cases were attacked(72.22％),and 14 cases were attacked in the model group Ⅲ (78.78％).The level of attack was decreased.The buckling state was not observed in model group and Ⅲ,but the latency period of epilepsy was prolonged and the epilepsy scores were significantly decreased.There were no significant differences of onset latency [(2 369.38 ± 628.70) s vs.(1 922.93 ± 462.36) s] and epilepsy score [(2.15 ± 1.14) scores vs.(2.07 ± 0.83) scores] between the 2 groups (all P ＞ 0.005).The rats of model group Ⅱ,Ⅳ,Ⅴ were all attacked completely and presented buckling state.There was no onset or death in blank group and control group.The number of CRH positive cells and CRH mRNA relative expression of each model group were higher than those in the blank group and control group.The number of CRH positive cells and CRH mRNA expression of model group Ⅰ and Ⅲ were lower than those in model group Ⅱ,Ⅳand Ⅴ,and the differences were significant (all P ＜ 0.002 4).There was no significant difference in the number of CRH-positive cells(39.12 ± 5.98 vs.41.48 ± 7.61) and CRH mRNA relative expression (1.92 ± 0.16 vs.2.06 ± 0.39) between model group Ⅰ and Ⅲ (all P ＞ 0.002 4).No significant difference was found between blank group and control group,or among model group Ⅱ,Ⅳ and Ⅴ (all P ＞ 0.002 4).There were no significant differences in the learning capacity among all groups (F =2.196,P ＞ 0.002 4).The correct response rate after 24 hours of the model group was lower than the blank group and control group,and ACTH and methylprednisolone pretreatment did not influence the memorizing capacity (P ＞ 0.002 4).Conclusion The effect of pretreatment of ACTH is similar to that of methylprednisolone in the rat model of IS.
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BACKGROUND/AIMS: When a person is experiencing stress, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) can modulate gut physiologies, such as visceral sensation or gastrointestinal motility, and its intravenous administration mimics stress-induced physiological changes. However, the influence of CRH on the esophagus is yet unknown. Accordingly, we investigated whether intravenous CRH administration increases esophageal sensitivity to electrical stimulation in healthy Japanese subjects. METHODS: Twenty healthy subjects were recruited. We quantified the initial perception threshold (IPT) every 15 minutes after CRH injection. Venous blood was collected with a cannula, and both plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were measured at pre-stimulation, 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. The results from each time point were compared against a baseline IPT obtained before electrical stimulation was initiated. RESULTS: When compared to the baseline IPT value (16.9 ± 4.5), CRH significantly decreased electrical threshold of the esophagus at 30, 45, 60, 75 minutes (14.1 ± 4.2, 13.1 ± 5.0, 12.1 ± 5.7, 14.0 ± 5.8 minutes, P < 0.01, respectively) after CRH injection, suggesting that CRH increased esophageal sensitivity to the electrical stimulus. CRH also significantly increased plasma ACTH levels at 30 minutes (50.3 ± 17.7, P < 0.01), and cortisol levels at 30 minutes (22.0 ± 6.7 minutes, P < 0.01) and 60 minutes (20.3 ± 6.7 minutes, P < 0.01) after CRH injection, when compared to the pre-stimulation ACTH and cortisol values. CONCLUSION: Intravenous CRH administration increased esophageal electrical sensitivity in normal subjects, emphasizing the important role of stress in esophageal sensitivity.
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Humans , Administration, Intravenous , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone , Asian People , Catheters , Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone , Electric Stimulation , Esophagus , Gastrointestinal Motility , Healthy Volunteers , Hydrocortisone , Plasma , SensationABSTRACT
Introducción. En diversos modelos animales, incluido el de la separación materna durante la lactancia, se ha demostrado que las experiencias tempranas adversas, como el maltrato, el abandono materno y el estrés psicosocial, pueden favorecer el desarrollo de algunas enfermedades mentales, pero no se han descrito completamente varios de los cambios que se producen en el sistema neuroendocrino. Objetivo. Determinar si la separación materna durante la lactancia modificaba los niveles basales de neurohormonas como la corticosterona, la corticotropina (ACTH), la oxitocina y la vasopresina (ADH), en ratas jóvenes (35 días) y adultas (90 días). Materiales y métodos. Se separaron ratas Wistar de sus madres durante dos periodos de tres horas diarias a lo largo de los 21 días de lactancia. A los 35 y 90 días se tomaron muestras de los grupos de las ratas de control y de las separadas de la madre, para obtener el suero y posteriormente medir cada una de las hormonas mediante un ensayo inmunoenzimático. Resultados. Las concentraciones de corticosterona fueron mayores en las hembras adultas de control que en el resto de los grupos, y menores en los machos adultos de control. Las de ACTH fueron mayores en los machos y hembras jóvenes separadas de la madre que en los grupos de adultos. Los niveles de oxitocina fueron significativamente mayores en las hembras adultas separadas de la madre que en los otros grupos y significativamente menores en los machos adultos. En cuanto a la vasopresina, los grupos separados de la madre tuvieron concentraciones menores, en comparación con los grupos de jóvenes y adultos de control. Conclusiones. Estos resultados muestran que el estrés temprano al que fueron sometidas las ratas, produjo cambios en las respuestas del eje hipotálamo-hipófisis-suprarrenal, las cuales variaron según el sexo y la edad.
Introduction: Work with different animal models including that of maternal separation during nursing has shown that early adverse experiences such as abuse, maternal abandonment and psychosocial stress may favor the development of various psychopathologies. However, several neuroendocrine changes have not been completely described yet. Objective: To establish whether maternal separation during nursing modifies the basal levels of neurohormones such as corticosterone, ACTH, oxytocin and vasopressin in juvenile and adult rats (aged 35 and 90 days, respectively). Materials and methods: Wistar rats were separated from their mothers for two periods of 3 hours per day during the 21 days of nursing. Once these rats had reached 35 and then 90 days of age, blood samples were taken from both the separated and control groups to obtain serum for immunoenzymatic assays and measure the levels of each of the hormones. Results: Concentrations of corticosterone were higher in control adult females in comparison with the rest of the groups and lower in the control adult males. Those of ACTH were higher in the separated young males and females than in the adult groups. Oxytocin levels were significantly higher in the separated adult females in comparison with the other groups and significantly lower in the adult males. With respect to vasopressin, the separated groups had lower concentrations than the young and adult control groups. Conclusions: These results show that the early stress to which rats were submitted produced changes in the basal responses of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, that these responses were distinct in males and females and that they also differed according to age.
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Animals , Female , Male , Rats , Arginine Vasopressin/blood , Corticosterone/blood , Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/blood , Oxytocin/blood , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/blood , Maternal Deprivation , Pituitary-Adrenal System/metabolism , Pituitary-Adrenal System/growth & development , Arginine Vasopressin/metabolism , Corticosterone/metabolism , Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/metabolism , Oxytocin/metabolism , Rats, Wistar , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/metabolism , Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism , Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/growth & developmentABSTRACT
Objective: To investigate the mechanisms through which kidney-tonifying herbs (KTHs) and liver-clearing herbs (LCHs) in Dingjing Decoction (DJD) regulate premature ovarian failure (POF). Methods: One hundred and fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups such as control, model, KTHs, LCHs, and DJD groups. POF-related biological molecules were examined. Factor analysis was performed to investigate the regulatory networks and key biomolecules involved in mediating POF after treatment with KTHs and LCHs. Results: The master regulatory factors in the reproductive endocrine network associated with KTHs intervention included four molecules in the pituitary-ovarian axis, cortisol (CORT) in the target gland of pituitary-adrenal axis, and some molecules in the hypothalamus. In contrast, the master regulatory factors associated with LCHs intervention included four molecules in the pituitary-ovarian axis and some molecules in the hypothalamus; No biomolecules in the pituitary-adrenal axis were involved in the LCH-mediated mechanisms. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which was identified as a common biological molecule in the hypothalamus, was involved in regulating the reproductive endocrine network in association with KTHs intervention. Conclusion: KTHs directly regulates biological molecules in the pituitary-adrenal axis and indirectly regulates those in the pituitary-adrenal axis through the hypothalamus, while the LCHs only exert its effects indirectly. GnRH is the key biological molecule associated with KTHs intervention.
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Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture at meridian point on the mRNA expressions of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and corticosteroid (CORT) in the hippocampus after cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats.MethodsA total of 150 SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups by random number table method: normal control group, sham operation group, model group, meridian point electroacupuncture group and non-meridian point electroacupuncture group, with 30 rats in each group. A model of focal cerebral ischemic reperfusion was induced using the modified intraluminal thread method. In the meridian point electroacupuncture group, at 6 h after cerebral ischemia reperfusion, acupuncture “LI11” on both sides, bilateral “ST36”, “GV20”, ”GV16” daily for 7 d. The neurological deficits were evaluated 1 d, 3 d, and 7 d after cerebral ischemia reperfusion, and then all rats were sacrificed and the hippocampi were harvested. The mRNA expressions of CRF and CORT in the hippocampus were determined by quantitative real-time PCR.ResultsThe mRNA expressions of CRF (1.122 ± 0.249, 1.190 ± 0.666, 0.454 ± 0.612 in the model group; 0.021 ± 0.049, 0.021 ± 0.027, 0.035 ± 0.005 in the sham operation group) and CORT (0.917 ± 0.113, 1.024 ± 0.290, 0.709 ± 0.055 in the model group; 0.016 ± 0.013, 0.016 ± 0.006, 0.043 ± 0.006 in the sham operation group) in the hippocampus 1 d, 3 d, 7 d after cerebral ischemic reperfusion were significantly increased in the model group compared with the sham operation group (all P<0.01). The mRNA expressions of CRF (0.424 ± 0.104, 0.339 ± 0.476, 0.095 ± 0.021) and CORT (0.377 ± 0.073, 0.138 ± 0.025, 0.158 ± 0.010) in the hippocampus 1 d, 3 d, 7 d after cerebral ischemic reperfusion were significantly decreased in the meridian point electroacupuncture group compared with the mode1 group (allP<0.01). The neurological deficits scale 1 d, 3 d, 7 d after cerebral ischemic reperfusion were significantly decreased in the meridian point electroacupuncture group compared with the mode1 group (1.83 ± 0.75, 1.50 ± 0.55 and 1.17±0.41 in the meridian point electroacupuncture group; 2.50 ± 0.84, 2.33 ± 0.52 and 1.67 ± 0.52 in the model graoup; allP<0.01). Conclusion Electricacupuncture at meridian point can reduce the mRNA expressions of CRF and CORT in the hippocampus, and improve neurological deficits after cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats.
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Cushing's disease (CD) is a rare disorder characterized by the overproduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone due to a pituitary adenoma that ultimately stimulates excessive cortisol secretion from the adrenal glands. Prior to the detection of pituitary adenomas, various clinical signs of CD such as central obesity, moon face, hirsutism, and facial plethora are usually already present. Uncontrolled hypercortisolism is associated with metabolic, cardiovascular, and psychological disorders that result in increased mortality. Hence, the early detection and treatment of CD are not only important but mandatory. Because its clinical manifestations vary from patient to patient and are common in other obesity-related conditions, the precise diagnosis of CD can be problematic. Thus, the present set of guidelines was compiled by Korean experts in this field to assist clinicians with the screening, diagnoses, and treatment of patients with CD using currently available tests and treatment modalities.
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Humans , Adrenal Glands , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone , Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone , Cushing Syndrome , Diagnosis , Hirsutism , Hydrocortisone , Korea , Mass Screening , Mortality , Obesity, Abdominal , Petrosal Sinus Sampling , Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion , Pituitary NeoplasmsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Dendritic cells (DCs) are a significant contributor to the pathology of numerous chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorders; however, the effects of Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) on intestinal DCs are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the role of CRF in alterations of intestinal dendritic cell phenotype and function. METHODS: Mouse mesenteric lymph node dendritic cells (MLNDCs) were obtained using magnetic bead sorting. Surface expression of CRF receptor type 1 (CRF-R1) and CRF-R2 was determined by double-labeling immunofluorescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and MLNDCs were subsequently exposed to CRF in the presence or absence of CRF-R1 and CRF-R2 antagonists. Expression of surface molecules (MHC-I and MHC-II) and co-stimulatory molecules (CD80 and CD86) was determined by flow cytometric and western blot analyses, and the T cell stimulatory capacity of MLNDCs was evaluated by mixed lymphocyte reaction. RESULTS: Immunofluorescent staining and quatitative polymerase chain reaction indicated that both the CRF receptors (CRF-R1 and CRF-2) are expressed on the surface of MLNDCs. Exposure to CRF increased the expression of MHC-II on MLNDCs as well as their capacity to stimulate T cell proliferation. MLNDCs treated with CRF-R1 antagonist exhibited a phenotype characterized by a less activated state and reduced surface expression of MHC-II, and consequently showed reduced capacity to stimulate T cells. In contrast, treatment of MLNDCs with CRF-R2 antagonist yielded an opposite result. CONCLUSIONS: CRF can alter the phenotype and function of intestinal DCs through direct action on CRF-R1 and CRF-R2, and activation of the CRF-R1 and CRF-R2 pathways yields opposing outcomes.