Biology subjects

Sims, S. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Sims, S. L..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Gender-specific Single Transcript Level Atlas of Vasopressin and its Receptor (AVPR1a) in the Mouse Brain

Vasopressin (AVP), a nonapeptide synthesized predominantly by magnocellular hypothalamic neurons, is conveyed to the posterior pituitary via the pituitary stalk, where AVP is secreted into the circulation. Known to regulate blood pressure and water homeostasis, it also modulates diverse social behaviors, such as pair-bonding, social recognition and cognition in mammals including humans. Importantly, AVP modulates social behaviors in a sex-specific manner, perhaps, due to sex differences in the distribution in the brain of AVP and its main receptor AVPR1a. There is a corpus of integrative studies for the expression of AVP and AVPR1a in various brain regions, and their functions in modulating central and peripheral actions. In order to purposefully address sexually dimorphic and novel roles of AVP on central and peripheral functions through its AVPR1a, we utilized RNAscope to map Avp and Avpr1a single transcript expression in the mouse brain. As the most comprehensive atlas of AVP and AVPR1a in the mouse brain, this compendium highlights the importance of newly identified AVP/AVPR1a neuronal nodes that may stimulate further functional studies.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2024

Single Transcript Level Atlas of Oxytocin and the Oxytocin Receptor in the Mouse Brain

Oxytocin (OXT), a primitive nonapeptide known to regulate reproduction and social behaviors, is synthesized primarily in the hypothalamus and is secreted via hypophyseal-portal system of the posterior pituitary gland. Given that pituitary hormones, traditionally thought of as regulators of single targets, display an array of central and peripheral actions, OXT also directly affects bone and body composition. Its effects on bone remodeling are physiologically relevant, as elevated OXT levels during pregnancy and lactation could cause calcium mobilization from the maternal skeleton for intergenerational calcium transfer towards fetal bone growth. There is an equally large body of evidence that has established the presence of OXT receptors (OXTRs) in the brain through which central functions, such as social bonding, and peripheral functions, such as the regulation of body composition, can be exerted. To purposefully address the effects of OXT on the brain, we used RNAscope to map OXT and OXTR expression, at the single transcript level, in the whole mouse brain. Identification of brain nuclei with the highest OXT and OXTR transcript density will shed further light on functional OXT nodes that could be further interrogated experimentally to define new physiologic circuitry.

physiology↗