Prepubertal estrogen exposure modifies neurotrophin receptor expression in celiac neurons and alters ovarian innervation

Auton Neurosci. 2009 Jan 28;145(1-2):35-43. doi: 10.1016/j.autneu.2008.10.021. Epub 2008 Nov 25.

Abstract

Estradiol is a key hormone in the regulation of reproductive processes acting both on peripheral organs and sympathetic neurons associated to reproductive function. However, many of its regulatory effects on the development and function on the sympathetic neurons have not been completely clarified. Sympathetic neurons located in the celiac ganglion projects to visceral, vascular and glandular targets, and contribute to ovarian innervation, being the main source of sympathetic fibers. In the present study, we analyze the effects of elevated levels of exogenous estrogen during the prepubertal period in post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons. Estrogen exposure induced a significant increase in sympathetic celiac neuronal size and modified the expression of neurotrophin receptor p75. This change affected mainly small and medium size neurons. The effect of estrogens on innervation of celiac target organs was heterogeneous, inducing a significant increase in catecholaminergic innervation of the ovary, but not of the pyloric muscular layers. These findings further support the role of estrogen as a modulator of neuronal plasticity and suggest that estrogen could modify some features involved in the relation between sympathetic immature peripheral neurons and their target organs throughout a neurotrophin-dependent mechanism.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Estrogens / administration & dosage*
  • Female
  • Ganglia, Sympathetic / drug effects
  • Ganglia, Sympathetic / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation / physiology
  • Male
  • Neuronal Plasticity / genetics
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Ovary / drug effects
  • Ovary / innervation*
  • Ovary / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor / biosynthesis*
  • Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor / genetics
  • Sexual Maturation / drug effects
  • Sexual Maturation / physiology*

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor