Role of sexually dimorphic oxytocin receptor-expressing neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus on maternal behavior.

Oxytocin is a neuropeptide produced by magnocellular neurosecretory neurons located primarily in the supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. The long axons of these neurons project to the neurohypophysis where oxytocin is released into the general circulation in response to the physiological demands. Oxytocin plays critical roles in female reproductive physiology, specifically in uterine contraction during labor and milk ejection while nursing.

Sexually dimorphic oxytocin receptor-expressing (OXTR) neurons in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) in the postpartum female mouse are involved in maternal behavior.

Maternal care is crucial for the survival and development of offspring. Oxytocin modulates maternal behavior by binding to oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) in various parts of the brain. Previously, we showed that OXTRs are expressed in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) of female, but not male mice.

Deletion of cystathionine-γ-lyase in bone marrow-derived cells promotes colitis-associated carcinogenesis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is characterized by widespread relapsing inflammation of the colonic mucosa. Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is one of the most serious complications of a prolonged history of UC. Hydrogen sulfide (HS) has emerged as an important physiological mediator of gastrointestinal homeostasis, limiting mucosal inflammation and promoting tissue healing in response to injury.

Cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) deficiency increases erythropoiesis and promotes mitochondrial electron transport via the upregulation of coproporphyrinogen III oxidase and consequent stimulation of heme biosynthesis.

Background: Hydrogen sulfide (HS) is an endogenous gasotransmitter produced by mammalian cells. The current study investigated the potential role of HS in the regulation of heme biosynthesis using mice deficient in cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE), one of the three major mammalian HS-producing enzymes.

Methods: Wild-type and global CSE mice, as well as mitochondria prepared from their liver were used.