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Effects of phenylephrine and norepinephrine with restrictive infusion on oxygenation during one-lung ventilation for lung surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared&#xa0;the effects of norepinephrine or phenylephrine combined with restrictive infusion on the oxygenation during thoracoscopic one-lung ventilation (OLV). METHODS: Ninety patients were randomly divided into three groups: the norepinephrine group (Group N), the phenylephrine group (Group P), and the control group (Group C). Arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and intrapulmonary shunt fraction (Qs/Qt) were measured with patients in lateral positions during two-lung ventilation (TLV) at 10&#x2009;min (T1), and during OLV at 15&#x2009;min (T2) and 45&#x2009;min (T3). Lung tissue samples were analyzed for endothelin and COX-2 levels after surgery. RESULTS: At T3, Group P had significantly higher PaO2 and lower Qs/Qt than Groups N and C (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05), with no significant differences between Groups N and C (all p&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05). Compared to T1, Groups N and C showed significantly lower PaO2 and higher Qs/Qt at T2 and T3 (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05), with no significant differences in PaO2 and Qs/Qt at T3 compared with T2 (all p&#x2009;>&#x2009;0.05). Group P patients had lower PaO2 and higher Qs/Qt at T2 and T3 compared to T1 (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05), but at T3, PaO2 increased and Qs/Qt decreased compared to T2 (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Lung tissue levels of endothelin and COX-2 were significantly elevated in group P compared to groups N and C (all p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). CONCLUSION: Combining phenylephrine with restrictive infusion during OLV improved oxygenation by increasing PaO2, decreasing Qs/Qt, and raising endothelin and COX-2 levels in lung tissue, thereby enhancing the HPV effect.

Humans

A comparison of viral strategies and model systems to target norepinephrine neurons in the locus coeruleus reveals high variability in transgene expression patterns.

The locus coeruleus (LC) norepinephrine (NE) system is involved in a variety of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Refining our understanding of LC function largely relies on selective transgene expression in LC-NE neurons, allowing targeted manipulation and readout of noradrenergic neurons. Here, we performed a side-by-side comparison of the most commonly used strategies to genetically target the LC, including different cre driver lines and promoter-mediated transgene expression. We report differences between these strategies in terms of transgene expression efficacy and specificity. Parallelly, we found no behavioral alterations in cre-expressing mice of any mouse line compared to wild-type littermates. Finally, to further facilitate the investigation of LC-NE function, we created a suite of constructs, including a reporter protein, a calcium indicator, and a light-driven cation channel, whose expression is mediated by the previously described PRS&#xd7;8 promoter. These constructs allow identification, monitoring, and manipulation of LC-NE activity either in wild-type mice, or in combination with tissue-specific manipulations of different cre driver lines. The results of our study are crucial for the interpretation of previous experiments using the respective targeting strategies, as well as for the design of future studies.

Animals

Stress reactivity is modulated by cannabinoid type-1 receptors in norepinephrine and epinephrine neurons in a context-dependent manner.

Disruptions in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and norepinephrine/epinephrine (NE/E) system are individually linked to stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders, but their interaction in shaping stress responses remains unclear. We investigated the role of the ECS's primary receptor, cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R), in NE/E-producing neurons using anatomical, behavioral, and physiological analyses in a conditional knockout mouse model (Cnr1cKO-Dbh), in which the Cnr1 gene-encoding CB1R-was selectively deleted in dopamine beta-hydroxylase-expressing cells. In situ hybridization in control mice revealed Cnr1 is broadly expressed in medullary C1/A1 and C2/A2 and sparsely in the locus coeruleus, marking the first cell-type-specific characterization of Cnr1 in brainstem catecholaminergic populations. Cnr1 was reduced across all nuclei in Cnr1cKO-Dbh mice, confirming targeted deletion. Behaviorally, Cnr1cKO-Dbh mice showed normal baseline anxiety-like behavior, but reduced avoidance in the open field after acute restraint stress. However, no genotype differences were found after foot shock in the elevated plus maze and light-dark box, suggesting context-dependent CB1R effects. Cnr1cKO-Dbh mice also exhibited reduced immobility in the forced swim test, but not the tail suspension test. In response to looming visual threats, they showed increased escape behavior across trials, reduced rearing and exploration during the first disc presentation, and no changes in freezing. Heart rate responses following foot shock stress were unchanged. These findings suggest that CB1R in NE/E neurons selectively modulate components of the acute stress response in a manner dependent on behavioral context. This work underscores the need for further investigation into the circuit- and state-specific roles of CB1R signaling in stress regulation.

Animals

Effects of antidepressant administration on physical performance and perceived exertion in athletes: systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Antidepressants are commonly prescribed in athletes with depressive disorders, yet their potential effects on physical performance and perceived exertion remain unclear, and existing evidence is limited and inconsistent. AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of antidepressant use on objective physical performance and perceived exertion in athletes. METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus through March 2025. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English that enrolled elite, competitive, or recreational athletes; compared antidepressant administration with placebo or no treatment; and reported at least one objective or subjective performance-related outcome. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models, and pooled mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251123740). RESULTS: Ten crossover RCTs involving 99 male athletes were included. Interventions included a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (reboxetine), a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (bupropion), and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine or paroxetine). Acute antidepressant administration was associated with a small increase in rating of perceived exertion (RPE; mean difference 0.52 points on the Borg 6-20 scale, 95% CI 0.01-1.04; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). No significant overall effects were observed for time-trial performance, mean power output, heart rate or blood lactate. However, subgroup analyses showed that reboxetine significantly impaired time-trial performance (mean difference 3.62&#xa0;min, 95% CI 0.18-7.06; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05) and reduced mean power output (mean difference&#x2009;-&#x2009;19.97 W, 95% CI&#x2009;-&#x2009;36.87 to&#x2009;-&#x2009;3.06; p&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). CONCLUSION: Short-term antidepressant administration in athletes was associated with a small increase in perceived exertion, without consistent impairment in objective physical performance. As the current evidence derives exclusively from male athletes and acute exposure, further research should clarify its relevance to female athletes and to longer-term antidepressant treatment in athletes with depressive disorders.

Humans

Closed-loop vasopressor systems for hemodynamic control in perioperative and critical care settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Maintaining mean arterial pressure (MAP) within a predefined target is central to haemodynamic management in surgical and critically ill adults receiving vasopressors. Closed-loop vasopressor (CLV) systems automate titration to optimise blood pressure control, but their clinical effectiveness remains uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing CLV with manual titration. This PRISMA 2020-compliant review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420250655697). MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and the Cochrane Library were searched (January 2000-June 2025). Randomised controlled trials enrolling adults receiving vasopressors in perioperative or intensive care settings were included. Primary outcomes were time within the MAP target range and time spent in hypotension or hypertension. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2.0 and certainty of evidence using GRADE. Random- or fixed-effects models were selected according to heterogeneity. Six randomized controlled trials (215 patients) were included in the systematic review, whereas five perioperative trials contributed to the meta-analysis of haemodynamic control outcomes, and one ICU-based study was summarized narratively because it did not report comparable MAP control endpoints. CLV increased time within the MAP target range (mean difference [MD] 33.94%, 95% CI 20.41-47.46; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;77%) and reduced time in hypotension (MD&#x2009;-&#x2009;18.24%, 95% CI&#x2009;-&#x2009;28.95 to&#x2009;-&#x2009;7.53; I2&#x2009;=&#x2009;73%). There was no significant difference in time in hypertension, cumulative norepinephrine dose, or major/minor adverse events. ICU length of stay was not pooled because of clinical and methodological heterogeneity. Certainty of evidence ranged from low to high (moderate for haemodynamic control outcomes). CLV systems improved haemodynamic control, primarily in perioperative settings,&#xa0;but heterogeneity and small samples limit confidence in effect size and generalisability.&#xa0;Evidence in critically ill populations remains limited, and larger trials are needed to determine whether improvements in these physiological surrogate endpoints translate into meaningful patient-centred outcomes.

Humans

Atomoxetine Versus Placebo for Cognitive Deficits in Stimulant Use Disorder: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Stimulant use disorder (StUD), particularly involving cocaine and amphetamines, is associated with significant cognitive impairments that impede recovery and increase relapse risk. Atomoxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, has been proposed as a potential treatment given its role in enhancing executive function and its established efficacy in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy, cognitive, and mood effects of atomoxetine compared with placebo in individuals with StUD. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Embase databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating atomoxetine for StUD. Eligible studies compared atomoxetine with placebo and assessed outcomes related to cognition (attention and response inhibition), stimulant use or abstinence, mood symptoms, and safety. Data were extracted and synthesized qualitatively due to methodological heterogeneity across studies. RESULTS: Nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Findings on cognitive outcomes were inconsistent: Some studies reported improvements in attentional bias and inhibitory control, while others showed no significant effects. Atomoxetine did not significantly reduce stimulant use, craving, or sustain abstinence compared with placebo. Limited mood-related benefits were observed, particularly among male participants, although results were variable. Across studies, atomoxetine was well tolerated, with most adverse events mild and transient. CONCLUSION: Despite a compelling neurobiological rationale and evidence of modest cognitive and mood benefits, atomoxetine has not demonstrated consistent efficacy as a monotherapy for StUD. Its favorable safety profile may warrant further investigation in carefully defined populations, such as individuals with comorbid ADHD or in combination with behavioral interventions.

Atomoxetine Hydrochloride

The locus coeruleus influences behavior by coordinating effective integration of fear memories and sensory input.

An essential function of memory is to guide behavior for better survival and adaptation. While memory formation has been extensively studied, far less is understood about how memory retrieval influences behaviors. In the auditory Pavlovian threat conditioning paradigm using C57BL/6J mice, retrieving a conditioned threat memory is associated with spiking in two dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) neurons with transient (T-neurons) and sustained (S-neurons) patterns. We show here that T-neurons and S-neurons are two distinct neuronal populations with different neuronal and synaptic properties and mRNA profiles. S-neuron spiking matches freezing behavior and is required for freezing. This sustained activity in S-neurons requires auditory inputs and the release of norepinephrine (NE) in the dmPFC. The activation of the locus coeruleus (LC) is initiated by dmPFC T-neuron inputs, sustained by auditory inputs, and is required for the transition to freezing by enhancing S-neuron activity. Interestingly, LC activation precipitates a brief period during which nonconditioned cues also induce freezing. Our findings highlight the critical contribution of the LC/NE system in the transition from memory to behavior, which coordinates the effective integration of memory, sensory inputs and emotional state for optimal adaptation.

Animals

Multi-omics characterization of flavor profile differences in the Longissimus thoracis between Angus and Hereford cattle.

BACKGROUND: Angus and Hereford cattle are premier breeds widely used in genetic improvement and crossbreeding programs to enhance meat quality, yet the flavor differences between them remain poorly understood. RESULTS: In this study, we performed an integrated analysis using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS)-based volatile metabolomics, lipidomics, and untargeted metabolomics to characterize the flavor profiles of the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle from both breeds and to identify potential precursor substances underlying flavor formation. In total, we identified 76 differential volatile organic compounds (VOCs) among the 493 candidate VOCs. By combing relative odor activity value (ROAV) and sensory attribute annotation, 2,3-butanedione which may contribute to the creamy aroma was revealed as the core differential VOC between the two breeds. This finding was robustly validated across SHAP (Shapley additive explanations) analysis, KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway enrichment, and flavor annotation. Lipidomic analysis revealed 689 differential lipids primarily belonging to classes such as phosphatidylcholine, triglycerides, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Correlation analysis further linked these lipid profiles to flavor, showing that fatty acids (FAs) including FA(19:0), FA(18:2&#x2009;+&#x2009;O), FA(14:1), FA(16:1), and FA(14:0) were significantly correlated with 2,3-butanedione. Notably, the unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) in the Longissimus thoracis (LT) of Hereford cattle exhibited higher double bond content compared to Angus cattle, suggesting a greater potential for rich flavor development. Untargeted metabolomics revealed that nine of the 9474 metabolites were significantly correlated with both 2,3-butanedione and FAs, including norepinephrine, l-beta-aspartyl-l-leucine, and artemetin. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our research has identified differential flavor compounds and potential precursor substances between Angus cattle and Hereford cattle, providing targeted guidance for breed improvement. &#xa9; 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.

2,3&#x2010;butanedione

Exploring depression treatment response by using polygenic risk scoring across diverse populations.

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD), usually defined as limited or no response to at least two antidepressants, occurs in approximately one-third of individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). Studies of individuals of European ancestry highlight a genetic overlap between TRD and MDD. We analyzed two large and diverse biobanks, the UCLA ATLAS Community Health Study (ATLAS) and the All of Us Research Program (AoU), to test for associations between a polygenic score for major depression (MDD-PGS) and TRD. Compared to treatment responders, TRD individuals have higher MDD-PGS across all ancestries. MDD-PGS was significantly associated with response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in individuals of European and Hispanic/Latin American genetic ancestries in both biobanks. In AoU, a decreased MDD-PGS was observed in response to tricyclics or serotonin modulators in individuals of European American ancestry and in response to serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in individuals of African American ancestry. ATLAS found that MDD-PGS showed lower odds of responding to atypical agents than did TRD in MDD-affected individuals belonging to the Hispanic/Latin American group, MDD-PGS was associated with atypical agents. Overall, by leveraging larger sample sizes from two diverse biobanks, we provide new insights into antidepressant response and treatment specificity for MDD in individuals of diverse genetic ancestries.

Adult

An Integrative Proteomic Approach to Reveal Altered Signaling Modules During Alzheimer's Disease Progression in PS19 Tauopathy Mice.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by cognitive, functional, and behavioral impairments. These changes occur owing to the progressive accumulation of extracellular amyloid-beta plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. AD is associated with the dysfunction of several essential neurotransmitter systems, such as dopamine, and impaired neurotransmission. Despite the association of neurotransmitter changes within the brain and AD pathology, in-depth profiling studies on neurotransmitters and their related proteomic changes are limited. This study was conducted to profile and integrate the proteomes and neurotransmitters in seven brain regions of PS19 (Tau P301S) mice according to AD progression between 4 and 7 months. Proteomic analysis revealed significantly altered canonical pathways in various brain regions, including metabolic abnormalities. In the neurotransmitter profile, we found significant alterations in the levels of six neurotransmitters-dopamine, serotonin, homovanillic acid, norepinephrine, 3-methoxytyramine, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid-during AD progression. Using an integrative approach between proteome and neurotransmitter profiles, we found that AD progression-dependent dopamine- and serotonin-related signaling modules are closely related to neurotransmitter changes, especially in the hippocampus and cerebellum. This integrative approach could provide new signaling modules to help understand AD progression and thereby enable improved treatment and clinical outcomes.

Animals

Human dopamine &#x3b2;-hydroxylase promoter variant alters transcription in chromaffin cells, enzyme secretion, and blood pressure.

BACKGROUND: Dopamine &#x3b2;-hydroxylase (DBH) plays an indispensable role in catecholamine synthesis by converting dopamine into norepinephrine. Here, we characterized a DBH promoter polymorphism (C-2073T; rs1989787; minor allele frequency ~16%) that influences not only gene transcription but also enzyme secretion and blood pressure (BP) in vivo. METHODS: Plasma DBH activity was measured spectrophotometrically. DBH genetic effects on BP were tested in subjects with the most extreme BP values in a large primary care population. Functional effects of promoter variants were studied by site-directed mutagenesis in DBH promoter haplotype/luciferase reporter plasmids transfected into chromaffin cells. Sequence motifs were predicted from position weight matrices, and endogenous transcription factor binding was probed by Chromatin ImmunoPrecipitation (ChIP). RESULTS: The T-allele of common promoter variant C-2073T was contained in a promoter haplotype that associated with plasma DBH activity, a trait also predicted by that variant itself. Promoter haplotypes including C-2073T predicted BP in the population, and the effect was also referable to C-2073T itself. Computationally, C-2073 disrupted a predicted match for transcription factor c-FOS. Site-directed mutagenesis at C-2073T altered not only basal promoter activity, but also transactivation by c-FOS, as well as the chromaffin cell secretory stimuli nicotine or pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP). Endogenous c-FOS bound to the motif in chromatin. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that DBH promoter variant C-2073T is functional in vivo: this promoter variant seems to initiate a cascade of transcriptional and biochemical changes including augmented DBH secretion, eventuating in elevation of basal BP, and hence cardiovascular risk. The observations suggest new strategies for probing the pathophysiology, risk, and treatment of hypertension.

Animals

Discovery of a potential novel pharmacogenomic biomarker on ANK3 gene for liafensine, a triple reuptake inhibitor for treatment-resistant depression.

Liafensine is a triple reuptake inhibitor targeting transporters for serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It did not exhibit efficacy in non-biomarker-selected TRD patients in two Phase 2b studies. We utilized the blood samples from the patients enrolled in these two studies and extracted genomic DNA to conduct a genome&#x2011;wide association study aiming to find a biomarker which can predict liafensine response. A single single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs12217173, at ANK3 gene was identified as strongly associated with treatment response to liafensine (p&#x2009;=&#x2009;6.61&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;10-8) in the discovery set (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;186) and was further confirmed in the replication sample set (n&#x2009;=&#x2009;47, p&#x2009;=&#x2009;0.05, combined p&#x2009;=&#x2009;1.27&#x2009;&#xd7;&#x2009;10-8). In addition, this SNP was not associated with the efficacy of the duloxetine or escitalopram, suggesting it is a liafensine-specific biomarker. This finding was subsequently confirmed in a prospective clinical study. Thus, this study represents a novel approach to translating precision medicine into psychiatric diseases.

Humans

&#x3b2;1- and &#x3b2;2-adrenergic Receptor Haplotypes Regulate Therapeutic Responses to Placebo and the Biased Ligand &#x3b2;-blocker Bucindolol.

BACKGROUND: ADRB1 and ADRB2, encoding cardiac myocyte &#x3b2;1- and &#x3b2;2-adrenergic receptors (ARs) that mediate pathologic myocardial remodeling in response to chronically increased signaling, contain N-terminus haplotype variants capable of influencing agonist- or biased ligand-induced receptor internalization that uncouples canonical signaling and initiates EGFR/ERK1/2 cardioprotection. METHODS: In two heart failure (HF) clinical trial genetic substudies we investigated effects of internalizing vs. internalization-resistant ADRB1/ADRB2 haplotypes on clinical or biomarker responses to the biased ligand &#x3b2;-blocker bucindolol vs. placebo or vs. the nonbiased &#x3b2;1-antagonist metoprolol, and in haplotyped isolated human heart preparations we measured ERK1/2 activation in response to these same interventions. RESULTS: In subjects with &#x2265;3 internalizing ADRB1+ADRB2 haplotypes (6.7% subcohort) placebo treatment was associated with fewer clinical events compared to subjects with internalization-resistant haplotypes (Odds Ratio (OR) 0.28, 95% CI (0.10, 0.82)). In contrast, placebo treatment in subjects with &#x2265;3 internalization-resistant haplotypes (70% subcohort) was associated with more clinical events in comparison to subjects with internalizing haplotype counterparts (OR 1.64 (1.46, 1.84)). Bucindolol treatment was equal to placebo in the &#x2265;3 internalizing subcohort, but was superior to placebo in the internalization-resistant subcohort (bucindolol vs. placebo OR 0.49 (0.41, 0.58)). In subjects with all 4 haplotypes internalization-resistant (25% subcohort), bucindolol vs. placebo reduced time to first event rates by 62.3&#xb1;17.5% (P <0.01, 1.68&#xb1;0.34 fold > the all-haplotypes parent population and additive to 1.92&#xb1;0.58 fold when the ADRB1 haplotype contained Arg389 rather than Gly389). The same bucindolol vs. placebo pattern was observed for NT-proBNP or norepinephrine reduction vs. metoprolol. In these comparisons ADRB2 and ADRB1 haplotypes behaved similarly, and although the haplotypes differed in frequency between Black and non-Black subjects, within haplotypes there were no by-race differences in therapeutic effects. Bucindolol but not metoprolol activated ERK1/2 signaling in isolated ventricular preparations with &#x2265;3 internalization-resistant haplotypes. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Both &#x3b2;1- and &#x3b2;2-AR haplotypes regulate therapeutic responses in HF; internalizing species confer protection against clinical events in placebo-treated subjects, while in internalization-resistant haplotypes the biased ligand &#x3b2;-blocker bucindolol but not the non-biased ligand metoprolol is associated with favorable effects. 2) The biased ligand cardioprotective effect may be related to internalization-dependent or -independent ERK1/2 activation.

Beta Adrenergic Receptors

Catecholamine release-inhibitory peptide catestatin (chromogranin A(352-372)): naturally occurring amino acid variant Gly364Ser causes profound changes in human autonomic activity and alters risk for hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Chromogranin A, coreleased with catecholamines by exocytosis, is cleaved to the catecholamine release-inhibitory fragment catestatin. We identified a natural nonsynonymous variant of catestatin, Gly364Ser, that alters human autonomic function and blood pressure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Gly364Ser heterozygotes and controls underwent physiological and biochemical phenotyping, including catecholamine production, chromogranin A precursor, and its catestatin product. Case-control studies replicated effects of the gene on blood pressure in the population. Gly364Ser displayed diminished inhibition of catecholamine secretion from cultured neurons. Gly/Ser heterozygotes displayed increased baroreceptor slope during upward deflections (by approximately 47%) and downward deflections (by approximately 44%), increased cardiac parasympathetic index (by approximately 2.4-fold), and decreased cardiac sympathetic index (by approximately 26%). Renal norepinephrine excretion was diminished by approximately 26% and epinephrine excretion by approximately 34% in Gly/Ser heterozygotes. The coalescent dated emergence of the variant to approximately 70,000 years ago. Gly364Ser was in linkage disequilibrium with 1 major Chromogranin A promoter haplotype, although promoter haplotypes did not predict autonomic phenotypes. The 364Ser variant was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure in 2 independent/confirmatory groups of patients with hypertension; genotype groups differed by approximately 5 to 6 mm Hg, and the polymorphism accounted for approximately 1.8% of population diastolic blood pressure variance, although a significant gene-by-sex interaction existed, with an enhanced effect in men. CONCLUSIONS: The catestatin Gly364Ser variant causes profound changes in human autonomic activity, both parasympathetic and sympathetic, and seems to reduce risk of developing hypertension, especially in men. A model for catestatin action in the baroreceptor center of the nucleus of the tractus solitarius accounts for these actions.

Amino Acid Sequence

Renal albumin excretion: twin studies identify influences of heredity, environment, and adrenergic pathway polymorphism.

Albumin excretion marks early glomerular injury in hypertension. This study investigated heritability of albumin excretion in twin pairs and its genetic determination by adrenergic pathway polymorphism. Genetic associations used single nucleotide polymorphisms at adrenergic pathway loci spanning catecholamine biosynthesis, storage, catabolism, receptor action, and postreceptor signal transduction. We studied 134 single nucleotide polymorphisms at 46 loci for a total of >51,000 genotypes. Albumin excretion heritability was 45.2+/-7.4% (P=2x10(-7)), and the phenotype aggregated significantly with adrenergic, renal, metabolic, and hemodynamic traits. In the adrenergic system, excretions of both norepinephrine and epinephrine correlated with albumin. In the kidney, albumin excretion correlated with glomerular and tubular traits (Na(+) and K(+) excretion; fractional excretion of Na(+) and Li(+)). Albumin excretion shared genetic determination (genetic covariance) with epinephrine excretion, and environmental determination with glomerular filtration rate and electrolyte intake/excretion. Albumin excretion associated with polymorphisms at multiple points in the adrenergic pathway: catecholamine biosynthesis (tyrosine hydroxylase), catabolism (monoamine oxidase A), storage/release (chromogranin A), receptor target (dopamine D1 receptor), and postreceptor signal transduction (sorting nexin 13 and rho kinase). Epistasis (gene-by-gene interaction) occurred between alleles at rho kinase, tyrosine hydroxylase, chromogranin A, and sorting nexin 13. Dopamine D1 receptor polymorphism showed pleiotropic effects on both albumin and dopamine excretion. These studies establish new roles for heredity and environment in albumin excretion. Urinary excretions of albumin and catecholamines are highly heritable, and their parallel suggests adrenergic mediation of early glomerular permeability alterations. Albumin excretion is influenced by multiple adrenergic pathway genes and is, thus, polygenic. Such functional links between adrenergic activity and glomerular injury suggest novel approaches to its prediction, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Adolescent

Mechanisms of Baishao () and Gancao () on major depressive disorder: network pharmacology and o validation.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms of Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) (APR) and Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) (GR) in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: Based on the network pharmacology strategy, the therapeutic targets of APR-GR for MDD are predicted, differentially expressed genes from the Integrated Gene Expression database for MDD patients. Topological networks are constructed, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways are enriched, their pharmacological potential molecular mechanisms are discussed, and molecular docking analysis is performed to further motivate compositional and target interactions. Finally, the CUMS mouse model is used for validation. RESULTS: Based on the pharmacological network analysis, 17 candidate genes were identified, including muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1(CHRM1), muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M2 (CHRM2), &#x3b2;2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2), adrenergic &#x3b1;1A receptor (ADRA1A) and 5-hydroxytryptamine transfer protein (SLC6A4), etc. which are primarily involved in reactive oxygen species metabolism, neural response, oxidative stress response and other biological processes. Further analysis revealed that these targets are closely related to Ca2+, cyclic adenosine monophosphate, etc., and exhibit optimal binding sites after molecular docking. Finally, in vivo experiments were performed and it was found that APR-GR significantly improved depression-like behavior and hippocampal impairment in mouse models, increasing brain levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, dopamine and norepinephrine and decreasing serum levels of corticotropin releasing hormone, corticosterone and adreno cortico tropic hormone, while upregulating the expression of CHRM1, CHRM2 and ADRA1A in the hippocampus and downregulating the expression of SLC6A4 and ADRB2. CNCLUSION: This research sheds light on the potential molecular mechanism of APR-GR to improve MDD.

Major Depressive Disorder

Locus coeruleus activation transforms cortical taste representations.

Noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) shape sensory processing, yet how LC activity influences population taste coding remains unclear. Using optogenetic LC activation with miniscope imaging in the gustatory cortex (GC), we examined LC modulation of multiple taste attributes. Phasic LC activation strengthens correlations between neuronal responses and palatability and expands the dynamic range of stimulus representations along a palatability axis. This expansion is driven by an aversive shift in the representations of all tastants except sucrose, the most palatable stimulus. For mixture ratio and concentration, phasic activation expands and rotates attribute axes, potentially reflecting dependencies between these attributes and palatability. These transformations likely arise from multiplicative gain modulation and more flexible tuning changes. Tonic LC activation affects fewer neurons and does not expand attribute axes. Together, the findings show that LC activation reorganizes GC population geometry in a pattern-dependent manner, linking neuromodulation with feeding behavior and affective processing.

CP: neuroscience