Neuroscience

Androgens are steroid hormones that play a critical role in brain development and sexual maturation by acting upon both androgen receptors (AR), and estrogen receptors (ERα/β) after aromatization. The contribution of estrogens from aromatized androgens in brain development and the central regulation of metabolism, reproduction, and behavior is well defined, but the role of androgens acting on AR has been unappreciated. Here we map the sex specific expression of _Ar_ in the adult and developing mouse brain.

Select neuronal populations display steady rhythmic neuronal firing that provides tonic excitation to drive downstream networks and behaviors. In noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC), circadian neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and CO2/H+-activated neurons of the brainstem retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), large subthreshold membrane potential oscillations contribute to the pacemaker-like action potential discharge.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is widely recognized as a potentially severe toxicity that often leads to dose reduction or discontinuation of cancer treatment. Symptoms may persist despite discontinuation of chemotherapy and quality of life can be severely compromised. The clinical symptoms of CIPN, and the cellular and molecular targets involved in CIPN, are just as diverse as the wide variety of anticancer agents that cause peripheral neurotoxicity.

The field of cannabinoid research has been receiving ever-growing interest. Ongoing debates worldwide about the legislation of medical cannabis further motivates research into cannabinoid function within the central nervous system (CNS). To date, two well-characterized cannabinoid receptors exist. While most research has investigated Cb1 receptors (Cb1Rs), Cb2 receptors (Cb2Rs) in the brain have started to attract considerable interest in recent years.

The pontine nuclei comprising the locus coeruleus (LC) and Barrington's nucleus (BRN) amongst others form the neural circuitry(s) that coordinates arousal and voiding behaviors. However, little is known about the synaptic connectivity of neurons within or across these nuclei. These include corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF+) expressing neurons in the BRN that control bladder contraction and somatostatin expressing (SST+) neurons whose role in this region has not been discerned.

Sepsis is hallmarked by high plasma cortisol/corticosterone (CORT), low adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and high pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). While corticotropin-releasing hormone-(CRH) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP)-driven pituitary POMC expression remains active, POMC processing into ACTH becomes impaired. Low ACTH is accompanied by loss of adrenocortical structure, although steroidogenic enzymes remain expressed.

Central nervous system (CNS)-mediated symptoms, such as fatigue, depression, and hyperalgesia, are common complications among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it remains unclear how the peripheral pathology of RA spreads to the brain. Accumulated evidence showing an association between serum cytokine levels and aberrant CNS function suggests that humoral factors participate in this mechanism.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid that mediates a wide spectrum of biological processes including apoptosis, immune response and inflammation. Here, we sought to understand how S1P signaling affects neuronal excitability in the central amygdala (CeA), which is a brain region associated with fear learning, aversive memory, and the affective dimension of pain.

Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction typically develops after spinal cord injury. We investigated the time course and the anatomical changes in the spinal cord that may be causing lower urinary tract symptoms following injury. Rats were implanted with a bladder catheter and external urethral sphincter electromyography electrodes. Animals underwent a large, incomplete spinal transection at the T8/9 spinal level. At 1, 2-3, and 4 weeks after injury, the animals underwent urodynamic investigations.

CircRNAs belong to a family of RNA molecules which are conserved in evolution, have tissue-specific expression, and are abundant in neuronal cells. Here, we define several features of circ-Hdgfrp3 and describe interesting alterations occurring in motor neurons (MNs) carrying ALS-associated FUS mutations. Through a highly sensitive in situ approach we describe that circ-Hdgfrp3 traffics along neurites, while upon oxidative stress it is retained in the perinuclear region.