Neurochemical phenotype of growth hormone-responsive cells in the mouse paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus

Author(s)

Quaresma, Paula G. F. ^[1] ; dos Santos, Willian O. ^[1] ; Wasinski, Frederick ^[1] ; Metzger, Martin ^[1] ; Donato Jr, Jose

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Ciencias Biomed, Dept Fisiol & Biofis, Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY; v. 529, n. 6 SEP 2020.
• Web of Science Citations: 2

Abstract

Multiple neuroendocrine, autonomic and behavioral responses are regulated by the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH). Previous studies have shown that PVH neurons express the growth hormone (GH) receptor (GHR), although the role of GH signaling on PVH neurons is still unknown. Given the great heterogeneity of cell types located in the PVH, we performed a detailed analysis of the neurochemical identity of GH-responsive cells to understand the possible physiological importance of GH action on PVH neurons. GH-responsive cells were detected via the phosphorylated form of the signal transducer and activator of transcription-5 (pSTAT5) in adult male mice that received an intraperitoneal GH injection. Approximately 51% of GH-responsive cells in the PVH co-localized with the vesicular glutamate transporter 2. Rare co-localizations between pSTAT5 and vesicular GABA transporter or vasopressin were observed, whereas approximately 20% and 38% of oxytocin and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) cells, respectively, were responsive to GH in the PVH. Approximately 55%, 35% and 63% of somatostatin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) neurons expressed GH-induced pSTAT5, respectively. Additionally, 8%, 49% and 75% of neuroendocrine TH, TRH and CRH neurons, and 67%, 32% and 74% of nonneuroendocrine TH, TRH and CRH neurons were responsive to GH in the PVH of Fluoro-Gold-injected mice. Our findings suggest that GH action on PVH neurons is involved in the regulation of the thyroid, somatotropic and adrenal endocrine axes, possibly influencing homeostatic and stress responses. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/02983-2 - The role of growth hormone in the brain: relevance for neural functions and in disease
• Grantee: Jose Donato Junior
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 16/20897-3 - Role of orexin neurons as mediators of the central effects induced by growth hormone
• Grantee: Frederick Wasinski
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/25281-3 - Effects of growth hormone on POMC, cholinergic and hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus neurons: implications for energy and glycemic metabolism control
• Grantee: Paula Gabriele Fernandes Quaresma Bergonsi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 17/16473-6 - Processing of aversive stimuli: circuitry between the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, the habenula, and dorsal and median raphe nuclei
• Grantee: Martin Andreas Metzger
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants