Brain-enriched guanylate kinase-associated protein, a component of the post-synaptic density protein complexes, contributes to learning and memory.

Brain-enriched guanylate kinase-associated protein (BEGAIN) is highly enriched in the post-synaptic density (PSD) fraction and was identified in our previous study as a protein associated with neuropathic pain in the spinal dorsal horn. PSD protein complexes containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors are known to be involved in neuropathic pain. Since these PSD proteins also participate in learning and memory, BEGAIN is also expected to play a crucial role in this behavior. To verify this, we first examined the distribution of BEGAIN in the brain. We found that BEGAIN was widely distributed in the brain and highly expressed in the dendritic regions of the hippocampus. Moreover, we found that BEGAIN was concentrated in the PSD fraction of the hippocampus. Furthermore, immunoelectron microscopy confirmed that BEGAIN was localized at the asymmetric synapses. Behavioral tests were performed using BEGAIN-knockout (KO) mice to determine the contribution of BEGAIN toward learning and memory. Spatial reference memory and reversal learning in the Barns circular maze test along with contextual fear and cued fear memory in the contextual and cued fear conditioning test were significantly impaired in BEGAIN-KO mice compared to with those in wild-type mice. Thus, this study reveals that BEGAIN is a component of the post-synaptic compartment of excitatory synapses involved in learning and memory.

Reproductive status of a female white cockatoo (Cacatua alba) based on relationships among urofecal steroid hormone dynamics, molting, and body weight.

The detailed reproductive physiology of cockatoos based on gonadal hormone dynamics is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate ovarian activity by monitoring urofecal sex steroid hormone profiles in a captive female white cockatoo (Cacatua alba) and to noninvasively reveal basic reproductive physiology by comparing the hormone profiles with the laying dates, body mass changes, and molt progress. Urofeces were collected regularly for approximately 4 years from one female that frequently laid unfertilized eggs under single-rearing conditions. Urofecal progesterone (P4) and estradiol-17ß (E2) were measured by enzyme immunoassay. In addition, body mass and the number of fallen feathers were measured periodically. The urofecal P4 concentration peaked at an average of 17.7 days after the start of the rise in urofecal E2 concentration, and egg laying began on the day after the peak urofecal P4 concentration. The clutch size was usually two eggs, with an average interval of 4.5 days between eggs in each egg-laying cycle. There was a significant correlation between the dynamics of E2 concentration in urofeces and body mass. The results strongly suggest that E2 and P4 reflect the follicle growth and ovulation status, respectively, and that noninvasive monitoring of hormone dynamics using urofeces can accurately capture ovarian activity in the white cockatoo. Furthermore, changes in body mass can predict follicular growth, and reproduction and molt are antagonistic.

Acute Effects of Moderate Aerobic Dance Exercise on Moods, Appetite, and Energy Intake in Young Adult Women.

Energy intake (EI) has been identified as a key factor of health controlled by exercise. Aerobic dance exercise (ADEX) is a popular exercise for fitness that one can enjoy. This present study aims to examine the influence of ADEX on moods, appetite, and EI. Thirty-one young female college students completed two 1-h experimental conditions: sedentary (SED) and ADEX followed by an ad libitum lunch. Visual analog scales and measurement of salivary α-amylase activity were used to assess appetite, fatigue, and stress at pre act, post act, and pre lunch, respectively. The rating of perceived exertion (RPE) of the SED or ADEX activities was measured using the Borg scale (range, 6-20). The participants completed the Profile of Mood States 2nd Edition-Adult Short at pre and post act only on the ADEX experimental day to assess the degree to which total mood disturbance (TMD), negative mood disturbance (NMD), and positive mood disturbance (PMD) have correlations with EI. In results, ADEX increased in RPE but did not affect TMD, NMD, PMD, hunger, fullness, appetite, and EI. Additionally, the ADEX-induced relative changes in EI were not determined to be significantly correlated with RPE in ADEX or the change in TMD, NMD, or PMD by ADEX. Our study suggests that ADEX does not affect mood, appetite, and EI. In addition, individual mood changes caused by ADEX do not correlate with EI in young adult women.