Region-specific Neural Corticosterone Patterns Differ from Plasma in a Male Songbird

Overview

Journal Endocrinology

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Endocrinology

Date 2014 Jun 11

PMID 24914945

Citations 8

Authors

M A Rensel

D Comito

S Kosarussavadi

B A Schlinger

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The adrenal hormone corticosterone (CORT) acts on brain to mediate physiology and behavior. In songbirds, behavioral effects of CORT vary across species, environmental conditions, and life history stage, with several mechanisms proposed to account for these divergent results. Although blood CORT levels are well characterized, few studies measure CORT within the brain itself. Here we used in vivo microdialysis to measure CORT in two regions of the zebra finch brain, the hippocampus (HP) and caudal nidopallium (cNp). Our results show that we can successfully measure physiological levels of CORT in brain within 15- to 30-minute intervals of dialysate collection. Moreover, we found that levels in the cNp were generally lower than levels in the HP. Surprisingly, whereas plasma CORT levels increased in response to a standard stressor, no stress-induced surge was detected in the HP or cNp. In addition, although a diel CORT rhythm was observed in plasma, the rhythm in brain was attenuated and only observed when levels were integrated over a 4-hour time period. Regional differences in brain CORT levels were reflected in local mRNA expression levels of the CORT-inactivating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 with levels elevated in the cNp relative to the HP. Region-specific CORT metabolism may therefore play a role in buffering the brain from CORT fluctuations.

Citing Articles

11ß hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases regulate circulating glucocorticoids but not central gene expression.

Rensel M, Schlinger B Gen Comp Endocrinol. 2021; 305:113734.

PMID: 33548254 PMC: 7954975. DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113734.

The stressed brain: regional and stress-related corticosterone and stress-regulated gene expression in the adult zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata).

Rensel M, Schlinger B J Neuroendocrinol. 2020; 32(5):e12852.

PMID: 32364267 PMC: 7286616. DOI: 10.1111/jne.12852.

11β-HSD Types 1 and 2 in the Songbird Brain.

Rensel M, Ding J, Pradhan D, Schlinger B Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2018; 9:86.

PMID: 29593652 PMC: 5857549. DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00086.

Circadian Rhythm and Stress Response in Droppings of .

Turriani M, Bernabo N, Barboni B, Todisco G, Montini L, Berardinelli P Vet Med Int. 2017; 2016:3086353.

PMID: 28105380 PMC: 5220519. DOI: 10.1155/2016/3086353.

Steroids in the Avian Brain: Heterogeneity across Space and Time.

Schlinger B J Ornithol. 2016; 156(Suppl 1):419-424.

PMID: 26924851 PMC: 4767503. DOI: 10.1007/s10336-015-1184-7.

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