In recent years, there has been a marked increase in interest in the role of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in mechanisms associated with addictive behavior. Numerous reports implicate KP metabolism in influencing the immune system, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, and neurotransmission, which underlie the behavioral patterns characteristic of addiction. An in-depth analysis of the results of these new studies highlights interesting patterns of relationships, and approaching alcohol use disorder (AUD) from a broader neuroendocrine–immune system perspective may be crucial to better understanding this complex phenomenon. In this review, we provide an up-to-date summary of information indicating the relationship between AUD and the KP, both in terms of changes in the activity of this pathway and modulation of this pathway as a possible pharmacological approach for the treatment of AUD.

The neuromodulatory effect of pyroglutamylated RFamide peptide 43 (QRFP43) on the hypothalamic appetite regulation centre in sheep has not yet been investigated. The present work focuses on the role of QRFP43 in modulating mRNA expression of pyroglutamylated RFamide peptide receptor ( QRFPR ),...

The application of metal nanoparticles (NPs) in various industries is increasingly common due to their numerous beneficial properties. However, recent studies have demonstrated that NPs can also pose significant environmental risks, adversely affecting living organisms. The thyroid gland is one...

Introduction: It is suggested that cannabinoids (CBs) may disturb reproduction through action on hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons directly or indirectly through intermediates such as prostaglandins. The study aimed to determine the influence of intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamine – AEA), alone or with the prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor indomethacin (IND), on GnRH/luteinising hormone (LH) secretion. The purpose of the research was to clarify the role of endocannabinoids and their interaction with prostaglandins in the regulation of reproduction at the level of the hypothalamus and pituitary in anoestrous sheep. Material and Methods: The study was performed on 24 anoestrous ewes divided into four experimental groups: a control group receiving i.c.v. injection of Ringer–Locke solution, an AEA group that received i.c.v. injection of 30 μM of AEA, an IND group receiving i.c.v. injection of 5 μM of IND and an AEA + IND group that received i.c.v. injections of 30 μM of AEA and 5 μM of IND. Results: Anandamide stimulated GnRH protein and gene expression in the median eminence and protein expression in the preoptic area without influencing GnRH messenger RNA (mRNA) in this structure. Indomethacin reversed the changes in GnRH secretion after AEA administration. It was also found that AEA stimulated LH mRNA in the pituitary without influencing LH release. Conclusion: Our results support the role of endogenous cannabinoids in the regulation of reproductive processes at the central nervous system level. They may act directly on the hypothalamic GnRH neurons or indirectly through intermediates such as prostaglandins.