Abstract
Progesterone regulates a number of processes in neurons and glial cells not directly involved in reproduction or sex behavior. Several neuroprotective effects are better observed under pathological conditions, as shown in the Wobbler mouse model of amyotrophic laterals sclerosis (ALS). Wobbler mice are characterized by forelimb atrophy due to motoneuron degeneration in the spinal cord, and include microgliosis and astrogliosis. Here we summarized current evidence on progesterone reversal of Wobbler neuropathology. We demonstrated that progesterone decreased motoneuron vacuolization with preservation of mitochondrial respiratory complex I activity, decreased mitochondrial expression and activity of nitric oxide synthase, increased Mn-dependent superoxide dismutase, stimulated brain-derived neurotrophic factor, increased the cholinergic phenotype of motoneurons, and enhanced survival with a concomitant decrease of death-related pathways. Progesterone also showed differential effects on glial cells, including increased oligodendrocyte density and downregulation of astrogliosis and microgliosis. These changes associate with reduced anti-inflammatory markers. The enhanced neurochemical parameters were accompanied by longer survival and increased muscle strength in tests of motor behavior. Because progesterone is locally metabolized to allopregnanolone (ALLO) in nervous tissues, we also studied neuroprotection by this derivative. Treatment of Wobbler mice with ALLO decreased oxidative stress and glial pathology, increased motoneuron viability and clinical outcome in a progesterone-like manner, suggesting that ALLO could mediate some progesterone effects in the spinal cord. In conclusion, the beneficial effects observed in different parameters support the versatile properties of progesterone and ALLO in a mouse model of motoneuron degeneration. The studies foresee future therapeutic opportunities with neuroactive steroids for deadly diseases like ALS.
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Modified from Schumacher et al. 2008)
modified from Meyer et al 2017). Results shown as % of control. ALLO allopregnanolone
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Acknowledgements
Work reported in this Review received financial support from the Ministry of Science and Technology [PICT 2012-0009, PICT 2019-3292], the National Research Council of Argentina [PIP 112 20120100016], Roemmers, René Barón and Williams Foundations, and the University of Buenos Aires [Ubacyt 20020100100062 and 2002010010008].
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AFDN and MCGD wrote the paper; RG and MS critically revised the manuscript and made suggestions; MM performed experiments and designed the figures, LG and MSK contributed with acquisition and analysis of original data.
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De Nicola, A.F., Meyer, M., Garay, L. et al. Progesterone and Allopregnanolone Neuroprotective Effects in the Wobbler Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 42, 23–40 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-021-01118-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-021-01118-y