A hypothalamic node for the cyclical control of female sexual rejection.

Internal state-dependent behavioral flexibility, such as the ability to switch between rejecting and accepting sexual advances based on a female's reproductive capacity, is crucial for maintaining meaningful social interactions. While the role of the ventrolateral ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) in sexual acceptance is well established, the neural mechanisms underlying sexual rejection remain unexplored. In this study, we identify progesterone receptor-expressing neurons in the anterior VMHvl (aVMHvl) as key regulators of cyclical female sexual rejection behavior.

Functional diversity along the anteroposterior axis of the ventromedial hypothalamus.

Innate behaviors ensure animal survival and reproductive success. Defending their territory, escaping from predators or mating with a sexual partner, are fundamental behaviors determining the ecological fitness of individuals. Remarkably, all these behaviors share a common neural substrate, as they are under the control of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH).

Genetic loss of norepinephrine does not alter adult hippocampal neurogenesis in dopamine beta-hydroxylase deficient mice.

Norepinephrine (NE), and specific adrenoceptors, have been reported to influence distinct aspects of adult hippocampal neurogenesis, including latent stem cell activation, progenitor proliferation, and differentiation. These findings are predominantly based on the use of pharmacological approaches in both and systems. Here, we sought to assess the consequences of genetic ablation of NE on adult hippocampal neurogenesis, by examining dopamine β hydroxylase knockout () mice, which lack NE from birth.

Neural and behavioral plasticity across the female reproductive cycle.

Sex is fundamental for the evolution and survival of most species. However, sex can also pose danger, because it increases the risk of predation and disease transmission, among others. Thus, in many species, cyclic fluctuations in the concentration of sex hormones coordinate sexual receptivity and attractiveness with female reproductive capacity, promoting copulation when fertilization is possible and preventing it otherwise.

Acute and Chronic Electroconvulsive Seizures (ECS) Differentially Regulate the Expression of Epigenetic Machinery in the Adult Rat Hippocampus.

Background: Electroconvulsive seizure treatment is a fast-acting antidepressant therapy that evokes rapid transcriptional, neurogenic, and behavioral changes. Epigenetic mechanisms contribute to altered gene regulation, which underlies the neurogenic and behavioral effects of electroconvulsive seizure. We hypothesized that electroconvulsive seizure may modulate the expression of epigenetic machinery, thus establishing potential alterations in the epigenetic landscape.

Hippocampal transcriptional and neurogenic changes evoked by combination yohimbine and imipramine treatment.

Adjunct α2-adrenoceptor antagonism is a potential strategy to accelerate the behavioral effects of antidepressants. Co-administration of the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine hastens the behavioral and neurogenic effects of the antidepressant imipramine. We examined the transcriptional targets of short duration (7days), combination treatment of yohimbine and imipramine (Y+I) within the adult rat hippocampus.

Opposing effects of α2- and β-adrenergic receptor stimulation on quiescent neural precursor cell activity and adult hippocampal neurogenesis.

Norepinephrine regulates latent neural stem cell activity and adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and has an important role in modulating hippocampal functions such as learning, memory and mood. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is a multi-stage process, spanning from the activation and proliferation of hippocampal stem cells, to their differentiation into neurons. However, the stage-specific effects of noradrenergic receptors in regulating adult hippocampal neurogenesis remain poorly understood.