Team Patrice MOLLARD
Networks and rhythms in endocrine glands
Project Control of Prolactin secretion by tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons of the arcuate nucleus
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Prolactin – (PRL) is a hormone secreted in the blood by the pituitary. It controls a wide range of physiological functions helping the mother adapt to pregnancy and lactation. PRL is also involved in core processes such as reward motivation, social recognition, modulation of pair bonding, and contact affiliation in both sexes. Despite the acknowledgment of prolactin’s sexual-dimorphic role in social, parental behaviour, and psychiatric diseases, the actual amount of available data concerning its brain targets and the neuronal circuitry involved in PRL modulation are rather limited and indirect.
Our project focus on 1/deciphering the mechanisms involved in the temporal control of PRL secretion by the tuberoinfundibular dopaminergic neurons of the arcuate nucleus (TIDA), 2/studying the impact of PRL on central nervous system.
Combining ex vivo/in vivo imaging and electrophysiology, we study longitudinally, the plasticity of the TIDA neurons function in correlation with physiological status of the animal (sexual dimorphism, estrous cycle, pregnancy, lactation…). Our approach allows to study in vivo the 3 levels of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis: TIDA neurons functional activity (GRIN lens imaging), Dopamine secretion at the median eminence (in vivo amperometry), PRL secretion (ultrasensitive ELISA).
Calcium signaling and dopamine release from TIDA neurons and PRL detection in vivo.
Main publications
• Cherepanov et al (2024),Iscience (In revison)
• Golan M., et al. (2021) Sci Adv 7, eabc8475
• Yip, Sh et al (2019) Cell Rep 26
• Romanò N., et al. (2017) Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 114, 2379.
• Le tissier et al (2015) Adv Exp Med Biol
• Guillou et al (2015) Endoc, 156
• Romano et al (2013), J neurosc 33
Funding
• 2018-2022 ANR 2018-Prol-Hyp
• 2018 Ecos Sud
• 2011-2013 ANR Lacto clock
• 2009 PHC DUMONT D’URVILLE 2010
• 2007 ANR DA-NET
Collaborations
• Dave Grattan (Otago, New Zealand)
• Mario Perello (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
• Frédéric Veyrunes (Montpellier, France)
• Antoine Besnard (Montpellier, France)
