Antidepressant‐like effects of quercetin in diabetic rats are independent of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enver Ahmet Demir ◽  
Hasan Serdar Gergerlioglu ◽  
Mehmet Oz

ObjectiveQuercetin, one of the most potent flavonol in the family of flavonoids, has been shown to have benefits against diabetes and its complications. In the present study, we investigated effects of quercetin on depression-like behaviours and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in diabetic rats.MethodsExperimental diabetes was induced by using streptozotocin, and either 50 or 100 mg/kg quercetin was intraperitoneally administered for 21 days. Following the last treatment, animals were subjected to the forced swim test, and subsequently, the blood was obtained by cardiac puncture to measure plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) levels.ResultsA significant increase of the total immobile time, accompanied by a decrease in the immobility latency, which suggests a depressive status, was observed in diabetic animals that was reversed by the treatment of 50 mg/kg quercetin. However, the higher dose of quercetin (100 mg/kg) was ineffective in alleviating depression-like behaviours. The plasma concentrations of ACTH, and total- and free-CORT were not affected by both doses of quercetin.ConclusionTherefore, we concluded that the antidepressant-like effects of quercetin in diabetes are independent of the HPA axis.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Palesa Mosili ◽  
Bongeka Cassandra Mkhize ◽  
Phikelelani Ngubane ◽  
Ntethelelo Sibiya ◽  
Andile Khathi

Abstract Background: Altered function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in type 2 diabetic patients, a condition preceded by pre-diabetes, has been shown to increase the risk of depression as well as cause downstream effects resulting in upregulation of gluconeogenesis and dyslipidemia. In addition, stress, either psychological from managing diabetes or lifestyle related, further activates the HPA axis causing an exaggerated stress response. This study investigated the activity of the HPA axis in selected markers of glucose handling, and the stress response relative to components of the HPA axis in a diet-induced pre-diabetic rat model. Methods: Sprague Dawley Rats were randomly divided into non-prediabetic group (NPD) and pre-diabetic group (PD) (n=6, per group) over a 20-week induction period and a further 12-week experimental period to get 32 weeks. At the end of the 20 and 32-week periods, glucose handling using the Homeostasis Model Assessment indices, adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations were measured. Stress was induced and the forced swim test (FST) were performed in the 12-week experimental week. At the end of 32 weeks glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hippocampal receptors were measured too. Results: Impaired glucose handling in the PD group as well as increase in corticosterone (CORT) was observed at the end of both 20 and 32-week periods by comparison to NPD groups. No changes were observed in ACTH concentration at week 20 while, at week 32, a decrease in plasma ACTH concentration was observed in the PD group by comparison to the NPD group. The stressed-induced animals were stressed underwent the forced swim test: the behaviour observed showed an increase in immobility time in the PD stressed group by comparison to the NPD group. This was followed by the observation of a decrease in ACTH and CORT concentration in the PD stressed group by comparison to the NPD stressed group. Mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors gene expression were elevated in the stressed PD group relative to the stressed NPD group. Conclusion: These observations, together, suggest that diet-induced pre-diabetes is associated with impaired HPA axis activity and deteriorating response to stress.


Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 900
Author(s):  
Dongyun Zhang ◽  
Anthony P. Heaney

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis plays a critical role in adaptive stress responses and maintaining organism homeostasis. The pituitary corticotroph is the central player in the HPA axis and is regulated by a plethora of hormonal and stress related factors that synergistically interact to activate and temper pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) transcription, to either increase or decrease adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production and secretion as needed. Nuclear receptors are a family of highly conserved transcription factors that can also be induced by various physiologic signals, and they mediate their responses via multiple targets to regulate metabolism and homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the modulatory roles of nuclear receptors on pituitary corticotroph cell POMC transcription, describe the unique and complex role these factors play in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) regulation and discuss potential therapeutic targets in disease states.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Palesa Mosili ◽  
Bongeka Cassandra Mkhize ◽  
Phikelelani Ngubane ◽  
Ntethelelo Sibiya ◽  
Andile Khathi

Abstract Background Altered function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in type 2 diabetic patients, a condition preceded by pre-diabetes, has been shown to increase the risk of depression as well as cause downstream effects resulting in upregulation of gluconeogenesis and dyslipidemia. In addition, stress, either psychological from managing diabetes or lifestyle related, further activates the HPA axis causing an exaggerated stress response. This study investigated the activity of the HPA axis in selected markers of glucose handling, and the stress response relative to components of the HPA axis in a diet-induced pre-diabetic rat model. Methods Sprague Dawley Rats were randomly divided into non-pre-diabetic group (NPD) and pre-diabetic group (PD) (n = 6, per group) over a 20-week induction period and a further 12-week experimental period to get 32 weeks. At the end of the 20 and 32-week periods, glucose handling using the Homeostasis Model Assessment indices, adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations were measured. Stress was induced and the forced swim test were performed in the 12-week experimental week. At the end of 32 weeks glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hippocampal receptors were also measured. Results Impaired glucose handling in the PD group as well as increase in corticosterone was observed at the end of both 20 and 32-week periods by comparison to NPD groups. No changes were observed in ACTH concentration at week 20 while, at week 32, a decrease in plasma ACTH concentration was observed in the PD group by comparison to the NPD group. The stressed-induced animals were stressed using the forced swim test: the behaviour observed showed an increase in immobility time in the PD stressed group by comparison to the NPD group. This was followed by the observation of a decrease in ACTH and CORT concentration in the PD stressed group by comparison to the NPD stressed group. Mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors gene expression were elevated in the stressed PD group relative to the stressed NPD group. Conclusion These observations, together, suggest that diet-induced pre-diabetes is associated with impaired HPA axis activity and deteriorating response to stress.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Palesa Mosili ◽  
Bongeka Cassandra Mkhize ◽  
Phikelelani Ngubane ◽  
Ntethelelo Sibiya ◽  
Andile Khathi

Abstract Background: Altered function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in type 2 diabetic patients, a condition preceded by pre-diabetes, has been shown to increase the risk of depression as well as cause downstream effects resulting in upregulation of gluconeogenesis and dyslipidemia. In addition, stress, either psychological from managing diabetes or lifestyle related, further activates the HPA axis causing an exaggerated stress response. This study investigated the activity of the HPA axis in selected markers of glucose handling, and the stress response relative to components of the HPA axis in a diet-induced pre-diabetic rat model. Methods: Sprague Dawley Rats were randomly divided into non-prediabetic group (NPD) and pre-diabetic group (PD) (n=6, per group) over a 20-week induction period and a further 12-week experimental period to get 32 weeks. At the end of the 20 and 32-week periods, insulin resistance using the HOMA-IR index, adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) concentrations were measured. Stress was induced and the forced swim test (FST) were performed in the 12-week experimental week. At the end of 32 weeks glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid hippocampal receptors were measured too. Results: Impaired glucose handling in the PD group as well as increase in corticosterone (CORT) was observed at the end of both 20 and 32-week periods by comparison to NPD groups. No changes were observed in ACTH concentration at week 20 while, at week 32, a decrease in plasma ACTH concentration was observed in the PD group by comparison to the NPD group. The stressed-induced animals were stressed underwent the forced swim test: the behaviour observed showed an increase in immobility time in the PD stressed group by comparison to the NPD group. This was followed by the observation of a decrease in ACTH and CORT concentration in the PD stressed group by comparison to the NPD stressed group. Mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors gene expression were elevated in the stressed PD group relative to the stressed NPD group. Conclusion: These observations, together, suggest that diet-induced pre-diabetes is associated with impaired HPA axis activity and deteriorating response to stress.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 403-408
Author(s):  
Athanasios Tselebis ◽  
Emmanouil Zoumakis ◽  
Ioannis Ilias

In this concise review, we present an overview of research on dream recall/affect and of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, discussing caveats regarding the action of hormones of the HPA axis (mainly cortisol and its free form, cortisol-binding globulin and glucocorticoid receptors). We present results of studies regarding dream recall/affect and the HPA axis under physiological (such as waking) or pathological conditions (such as in Cushing’s syndrome or stressful situations). Finally, we try to integrate the effect of the current COVID-19 situation with dream recall/affect vis-à-vis the HPA axis.


Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katiuska Satué ◽  
Esterina Fazio ◽  
Ana Muñoz ◽  
Pietro Medica

In cycling females, the periovulatory period is characterized by stimulation of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis. The aim of present study was to analyze the pattern and interrelationships among adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (CORT), aldosterone (ALD) and electrolytes (sodium—Na+, potassium—K+ and chloride—Cl−) during periovulatory period in cycling mares. Venous blood samples were obtained daily from a total of 23 Purebred Spanish broodmares, aged 7.09 ± 2.5 years, from day −5 to day +5 of estrous cycle, considering day 0, the day of ovulation. Plasma ACTH was measured by a fluorescent immunoassay kit, serum CORT and ALD by means of a competitive ELISA immunoassay, and plasma Na+, K+ and Cl− were quantified by an analyzer with selective electrodes for the three ions. ACTH showed higher concentrations at day 0 compared to days −5 to −1 and +1 to +3 (p < 0.05). CORT showed higher concentrations at day 0 compared to days −5 to −2 and +1 to +5 (p < 0.05). ALD showed higher concentrations at day 0 compared to days −5 to −2 (p < 0.05) and +2 (p < 0.05). Na+ and Cl− showed higher concentrations at day 0, compared to day −5 and +5. K+ showed lower concentrations at day 0 compared to day +1 (p < 0.05). The significant correlations obtained between ACTH and CORT (r = 0.20) and between ACTH and ALD (r = 0.32) suggest that although ACTH may have an effect both on CORT and ALD, there are other very important determinants that could be considered. Hence, it is possible to presume that the pituitary adrenocortical response and ALD may be involved in the ovulatory mechanisms without a direct relation with electrolyte pattern.


Physiology ◽  
1987 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 132-135
Author(s):  
BA Scoggins

Blood pressure regulation may be mediated by corticotropin-releasing factor and/or by adrenocorticotropic hormone, by adrenocortical steroids, or by adrenomedullary catecholamines. The interaction between these factors is complex. Catecholamines and central actions of the neuropeptides may be involved in rapid hemodynamic responses to "stress". In contrast, adrenocortical steroids are probably more important in longer-term adaptations of the circulation to prolonged stress.


1997 ◽  
Vol 273 (4) ◽  
pp. E815-E820 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirk D. Fischer ◽  
Savita Dhanvantari ◽  
Daniel J. Drucker ◽  
Patricia L. Brubaker

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) has recently been identified as a novel intestinal growth factor. Because experimental diabetes is associated with bowel growth, we examined the relationship between GLP-2 and intestinal growth in rats made diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ) injection and treated with or without insulin for 3 wk. Ileal concentrations of the intestinal proglucagon-derived peptides, i.e., glicentin + oxyntomodulin, and GLPs 1 and 2, were increased by 57 ± 20% above those of controls in untreated STZ diabetes ( P < 0.05–0.001). Similar increases in plasma concentrations of glicentin + oxyntomodulin (77 ± 15% above controls, P < 0.01) and GLP-2 (91 ± 32% above controls, P < 0.05) were seen in untreated STZ diabetes. Both wet and dry small intestinal weight increased by 74 ± 20% above controls ( P < 0.01) in STZ diabetes, and macromolecular analysis indicated parallel increases in both protein ( P < 0.001) and lipid ( P < 0.05) content. Villus height ( P < 0.001) and crypt depth ( P < 0.01) were also increased in untreated diabetic rat intestine. Insulin therapy prevented the changes in plasma GLP-2 and intestinal mass seen in untreated STZ diabetes. Thus STZ diabetes is associated with both increased production of GLP-2 and enhanced bowel weight, thereby suggesting a role for GLP-2 in diabetes-associated bowel growth.


Endocrinology ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 150 (2) ◽  
pp. 749-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marc S. Weinberg ◽  
Aadra P. Bhatt ◽  
Milena Girotti ◽  
Cher V. Masini ◽  
Heidi E. W. Day ◽  
...  

Repeated exposure to a moderately intense stressor typically produces attenuation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response (habituation) on re-presentation of the same stressor; however, if a novel stressor is presented to the same animals, the HPA axis response may be augmented (sensitization). The extent to which this adaptation is also evident within neural activity patterns is unknown. This study tested whether repeated ferret odor (FO) exposure, a moderately intense psychological stressor for rats, leads to both same-stressor habituation and novel-stressor sensitization of the HPA axis response and neuronal activity as determined by immediate early gene induction (c-fos mRNA). Rats were presented with FO in their home cages for 30 min a day for up to 2 wk and subsequently challenged with FO or restraint. Rats displayed HPA axis activity habituation and widespread habituation of c-fos mRNA expression (in situ hybridization) throughout the brain in as few as three repeated presentations of FO. However, repeated FO exposure led to a more gradual development of sensitized HPA-axis and c-fos mRNA responses to restraint that were not fully evident until after 14 d of prior FO exposure. The sensitized response was evident in many of the same brain regions that displayed habituation, including primary sensory cortices and the prefrontal cortex. The shared spatial expression but distinct temporal development of habituation and sensitization neural response patterns suggests two independent processes with opposing influences across overlapping brain systems. Repeated exposure of rats to ferret odor leads to rapid development of stimulus-specific habituation and slower development of novel-stressor sensitization of forebrain and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity.


2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (No. 5) ◽  
pp. 261-268
Author(s):  
A. Rychlik ◽  
M. Nowicki ◽  
A. Kolodziejska-Sawerska ◽  
M. Szweda

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Budesonide on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in dogs with inflammatory bowel disease. The effect of orally administered Budesonide (Entocort) on the HPA axis was analysed in 21 dogs with inflammatory bowel disease. Biochemical analyses were carried out to evaluate the activity levels of alanine aminotransferase, asparagine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cortisol and endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone. Urine samples were collected from each patient before the study and after 30 days of the experiment to determine the composition and the physical and chemical properties of urine sediments. Considerably lower serum concentrations of cortisol and endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone were observed after 30 days of treatment. A significant increase in alkaline phosphatase levels was noted on Day 30. In the studied dogs, the drop in HPA axis activity was correlated with side effects associated with the administered glucocorticosteroid (polyuria, polydipsia). In conclusion, we have shown that oral administration of Budesonide to dogs diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease significantly suppressed the activity of the HPA axis.


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