Phenotypic flexibility of glucocorticoid signaling in skeletal muscles of a songbird preparing to migrate.

Horm Behav

Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America; Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America; Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States of America.

Published: November 2019

Glucocorticoids are commonly associated with responses to stress, but other important functions include homeostatic regulation, energy metabolism and tissue remodeling. At low circulating levels, glucocorticoids bind to high-affinity mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) to activate tissue repair and homeostasis (anabolic pathways), whereas at elevated levels, glucocorticoids bind to glucocorticoid receptors (GR) to activate catabolic pathways. Long distance migrations, such as those performed by Gambel's white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii), require modification of anatomy, physiology and behavior. Plasma corticosterone (CORT) increases in association with impending departure and flight and may promote muscle-specific anabolic states. To test this idea, we explored glucocorticoid signaling in the pectoralis (flight) and gastrocnemius (leg) muscles of male sparrows on the wintering grounds at three stages leading up to spring departure: winter (February), pre-nuptial molt (March), and pre-departure (April). CORT was detected in plasma and in both muscles, but measures of CORT signaling differed across muscles and stages. Expression of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) Type 2 (inactivates CORT) increased in the pectoralis at pre-departure, whereas 11β-HSD Type 1 (regenerates CORT) did not change. Neither of the two 11β-HSD isoforms was detectable in the gastrocnemius. Expression of MR, but not GR, was elevated in the pectoralis at pre-departure, while only GR expression was elevated at pre-nuptial molt in gastrocnemius. These data suggest that anabolic functions predominate in the pectoralis only while catabolic activity is undetected in either muscle at pre-departure.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104586DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

glucocorticoid signaling
8
levels glucocorticoids
8
glucocorticoids bind
8
receptors activate
8
pre-nuptial molt
8
11β-hsd type
8
pectoralis pre-departure
8
expression elevated
8
cort
5
phenotypic flexibility
4

Similar Publications

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy is a cornerstone treatment for many cancers, but it can induce severe immunotoxicity, including acute interstitial nephritis (AIN). Currently, kidney biopsy is required to differentiate ICI-AIN from other causes of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, this invasive approach can lead to morbidity, delayed glucocorticoid treatment for patients with AIN, and unnecessarily prolonged suspension of ICI therapy in non-AIN patients.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Assessing learning, behaviour, and stress level in goats while testing a virtual fencing training protocol.

Animal

December 2024

Venn Research Association for the Promotion of Virtual Fencing in Tyrol and the Alpine region. Brixnerstraße 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.

Virtual fencing (VF) is a modern fencing technology using Global Positioning System-enabled collars which emit acoustic signals and, if the animal does not respond, electric pulses. Studies with cattle indicate successful learning and no distinct negative impact on the animals' behaviours and stress level. However, the number of studies testing VF with goats is relatively small.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Prolonged glucocorticoid (GC) treatment increases oxidative stress, triggers apoptosis of osteoblasts, and contributes to osteoporosis. Tocotrienol, as an antioxidant, could protect the osteoblasts and preserve bone quality under glucocorticoid treatment. From this study, we aimed to determine the effects of tocotrienol on MC3T3-E1 murine pre-osteoblastic cells treated with GC.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The integrity of the filtration barrier of the kidney relies on the proper composition of podocyte interdigitating foot processes. Their architecture is supported by a complex actin-cytoskeleton. Following podocyte stress or injury, podocytes encounter structural changes, including rearrangement of the actin network and subsequent effacement of the foot processes.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Salvianolic acid B drives gluconeogenesis and peroxisomal redox remodeling in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury: A metabolism regulation by metabolite signal crosstalk.

Free Radic Biol Med

January 2025

Shanxi Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug for the Treatment of Serious Diseases Basing on the Chronic Inflammation, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030619, China; School of Pharmacy, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Medicinal Basic Research Innovation Center of Chronic Kidney Disease, Ministry of Education, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China. Electronic address:

Cardiac metabolism relies on glycogen conversion by glycolysis. Glycolysis intersects fatty acid oxidation and often directs a signal crosstalk between redox metabolites. Myocardium with ischemia/reperfusion significantly diverts from normal metabolism.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!