XModulation of circadian glucocorticoid oscillation via adrenal Opioid-CXCR7 Signaling alters emotional behavior

Yuichi Ikeda, Hidetoshi Kumagai, Amber Skach, Makito Sato, Masashi Yanagisawa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

74 Scopus citations

Abstract

Circulating glucocorticoid levels oscillate with a robust circadian rhythm, yet the physiological relevance of this rhythmicity remains unclear. Here, we show that modulation of circadian glucocorticoid oscillation by enhancing its amplitude leads to anxiolytic-like behavior. We observed that mice with adrenal subcapsular cell hyperplasia (SCH), a common histological change in the adrenals, are less anxious than mice without SCH. This behavioral change was found to be dependent on the higher amplitude of glucocorticoid oscillation, although the total glucocorticoid secretion is not increased in these mice. Genetic and pharmacologic experiments demonstrated that intermediate opioid peptides secreted from SCH activate CXCR7, a β-arrestin-biased G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), to augment circadian oscillation of glucocorticoid levels in a paracrine manner. Furthermore, recapitulating this paracrine axis by subcutaneous administration of a synthetic CXCR7 ligand is sufficient to induce anxiolytic-like behavior. Adrenocortical β-arrestin-biased GPCR signaling is a potential target for modulating circadian glucocorticoid oscillation and emotional behavior.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)X1323-1336
JournalCell
Volume155
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 5 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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