| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006459 | Peptides | 2011 | 5 Pages |
In the present study we used a transgenic mouse model, carrying the neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1 receptor gene promoter linked to the LacZ reporter gene (Y1R/LacZ mice) to test the hypothesis of its up-regulation by gonadal hormones. Y1 receptor gene expression was detected by means of histochemical procedures and quantitative image analysis in the paraventricular nucleus, arcuate nucleus, medial preoptic nucleus, ventromedial nucleus and bed nucleus of stria terminalis of two-month-old female mice at different stages of estrous cycle. Qualitative and quantitative analyses showed that Y1R/LacZ transgene expression was higher in the paraventricular, arcuate, and ventromedial nuclei of proestrus mice as compared to mice in the other stages of the estrous cycle. In addition, we performed a comparison with a group of sexually active males. In this comparison a significant difference (less in males) was observed between males and proestrus females in the same nuclei. In conclusion, these data indicate that fluctuations in circulating levels of gonadal hormones, depending by estrous cycle, are paralleled by changes in the expression of NPY Y1 receptor in the hypothalamic nuclei involved in the control of both energy balance and reproduction.
► NPY effects on reproductive functions are chiefly mediated by Y1 receptor (Y1R). ► We investigate here if estrous cycle has some effect on Y1R expression by the use of a transgenic mouse carrying the Y1R promoter linked to a reporter gene. ► Fluctuations in circulating levels of gonadal hormones during the estrous cycle are paralleled by changes in the expression of Y1R. ► Y1R expression is higher during the proestrus in some of the investigated nuclei that are related to both energy balance and reproduction.
