Differential contributions of intra-cellular and inter-cellular mechanisms to the spatial and temporal architecture of the suprachiasmatic nucleus circadian circuitry in wild-type, cryptochrome-null and vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2-null mutant mice

To serve as a robust internal circadian clock, the cell-autonomous molecular and electrophysiological activities of the individual neurons of the mammalian suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) are coordinated in time and neuroanatomical space. Although the contributions of the chemical and electrical interconnections between neurons are essential to this circuit-level orchestration, the features upon which they operate to confer robustness to the ensemble signal are not known. To address this, we applied several methods to deconstruct the interactions between the spatial and temporal organisation of circadian oscillations in organotypic slices from mice with circadian abnormalities. We studied the SCN of mice lacking Cryptochrome genes (Cry1 and Cry2), which are essential for cell-autonomous oscillation, and the SCN of mice lacking the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2 (VPAC2-null), which is necessary for circuit-level integration, in order to map biological mechanisms to the revealed oscillatory features. The SCN of wild-type mice showed a strong link between the temporal rhythm of the bioluminescence profiles of PER2::LUC and regularly repeated spatially organised oscillation. The Cry-null SCN had stable spatial organisation but lacked temporal organisation, whereas in VPAC2-null SCN some specimens exhibited temporal organisation in the absence of spatial organisation. The results indicated that spatial and temporal organisation were separable, that they may have different mechanistic origins (cell-autonomous vs. interneuronal signaling) and that both were necessary to maintain robust and organised circadian rhythms throughout the SCN. This study therefore provided evidence that the coherent emergent properties of the neuronal circuitry, revealed in the spatially organised clusters, were essential to the pacemaking function of the SCN.

De novo WNT5A-associated autosomal dominant Robinow syndrome suggests specificity of genotype and phenotype

Robinow Syndrome (RS), a rare skeletal dysplasia syndrome, is characterized by dysmorphic features resembling a fetal face, mesomelic limb shortening, hypoplastic external genitalia in males, and renal and vertebral anomalies. Both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive patterns of inheritance have been reported. Since the description of autosomal dominant Robinow Syndrome (ADRS; OMIM 180700) in 1969 by Meinhard Robinow and colleagues, the molecular etiology remained elusive until only recently. WNT5A was proposed to be the candidate gene for ADRS, as mutations were found in two affected families, one of those being the originally described index family. We report three families with RS caused by novel heterozygous WNT5A mutations, which were confirmed in the first family by whole exome sequencing, and in all by Sanger sequencing. To our knowledge, this is the largest number of published families with ADRS in whom a WNT5A mutation was identified. Families 1 and 2 are the first cases showing de novo inheritance in the affected family members and thus strengthen the evidence for WNT5A as the causative gene in ADRS. Finally, we propose WNT5A mutation specificity in ADRS, which may affect interactions with other proteins in the Wnt pathway.

Suprachiasmatic nucleus lesions abolish and fetal grafts restore circadian gnawing rhythms in hamsters

It is widely accepted that the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus serve as biological pacemakers, organizing daily activities. However some circadian rhythms are controlled by extra-SCN structures. Transplantation of fetal donor SCN in SCN-lesioned rodents induces recovery of rhythmic locomotor and drinking activities. Such grafts do not however, restore appropriate gonadal responses to photoperiodic stimuli. It is not known whether other behavioral rhythms are restored by fetal tissue grafts, or whether various responses are restored simultaneously. In the present study, we established that circadian rhythms of gnawing behavior are abolished following SCN lesions. Next, we measured both gnawing and wheel-running activity in SCN-lesioned hamsters following transplantation of fetal hypothalamic grafts containing the SCN. The results indicate that such grafts restore circadian rhythms of gnawing behavior, and that gnawing and wheel-running rhythms re-emerge at about the same time.

Use of atorvastatin in systemic lupus erythematosus in children and adolescents

OBJECTIVE

Statins reduce atherosclerosis and cardiovascular morbidity in the general population, but their efficacy and safety in children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are unknown. This study was undertaken to determine the 3-year efficacy and safety of atorvastatin in preventing subclinical atherosclerosis progression in pediatric-onset SLE.

METHODS

A total of 221 participants with pediatric SLE (ages 10-21 years) from 21 North American sites were enrolled in the Atherosclerosis Prevention in Pediatric Lupus Erythematosus study, a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, between August 2003 and November 2006 with 36-month followup. Participants were randomized to receive atorvastatin (n=113) or placebo (n=108) at 10 or 20 mg/day depending on weight, in addition to usual care. The primary end point was progression of mean-mean common carotid intima-media thickening (CIMT) measured by ultrasound. Secondary end points included other segment/wall-specific CIMT measures, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) level, and SLE disease activity and damage outcomes.

RESULTS

Progression of mean-mean common CIMT did not differ significantly between treatment groups (0.0010 mm/year for atorvastatin versus 0.0024 mm/year for placebo; P=0.24). The atorvastatin group achieved lower hsCRP (P=0.04), total cholesterol (P<0.001), and low-density lipoprotein (P<0.001) levels compared with placebo. In the placebo group, CIMT progressed significantly across all CIMT outcomes (0.0023-0.0144 mm/year; P<0.05). Serious adverse events and critical safety measures did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that routine statin use over 3 years has no significant effect on subclinical atherosclerosis progression in young SLE patients; however, further analyses may suggest subgroups that would benefit from targeted statin therapy. Atorvastatin was well tolerated without safety concerns.

Laboratory markers of cardiovascular risk in pediatric SLE: the APPLE baseline cohort

As part of the Atherosclerosis Prevention in Pediatric Lupus Erythematosus (APPLE) Trial, a prospective multicenter cohort of 221 children and adolescents with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (mean age 15.7 years, 83% female) underwent baseline measurement of markers of cardiovascular risk, including fasting levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein A (Lpa), homocysteine and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). A cross-sectional analysis of the baseline laboratory values and clinical characteristics of this cohort was performed. Univariable relationships between the cardiovascular markers of interest and clinical variables were assessed, followed by multivariable linear regression modeling. Mean levels of LDL, HDL, Lpa, TG, hs-CRP and homocysteine were in the normal or borderline ranges. In multivariable analysis, increased Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), prednisone dose, and hypertension (HTN) were independently associated with higher LDL levels. Higher hs-CRP and creatinine clearance were independently related to lower HDL levels. Higher body mass index (BMI), prednisone dose, and homocysteine levels were independently associated with higher TG levels. Only Hispanic or non-White status predicted higher Lpa levels. Proteinuria, higher TG and lower creatinine clearance were independently associated with higher homocysteine levels, while use of multivitamin with folate predicted lower homocysteine levels. Higher BMI, lower HDL, and longer SLE disease duration, but not SLEDAI, were independently associated with higher hs-CRP levels. The R(2) for these models ranged from 7% to 23%. SLE disease activity as measured by the SLEDAI was associated only with higher LDL levels and not with hs-CRP. Markers of renal injury (HTN, proteinuria, and creatinine clearance) were independently associated with levels of LDL, HDL, and homocysteine, highlighting the importance of renal status in the cardiovascular health of children and adolescents with SLE. Future longitudinal analysis of the APPLE cohort is needed to further examine these relationships.

Evaluation of the use of anti-TNF-alpha in an LPS-induced murine model

OBJECTIVE

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) may play a critical role in inflammatory-mediated preterm labor. Medications blocking the activity of TNF-alpha have been shown to be effective in the treatment of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis; however, the use of these medications for an event like preterm birth or fetal death is unknown. We hypothesized that treatment with anti-TNF-alpha may decrease the rate of fetal death and preterm birth in a LPS-induced murine model.

METHODS

Pregnant C57BL/6J mice received intraperitoneal (IP) injections of either vehicle or 2mg anti-TNF-alpha. After 24h, 10 microg of LPS was administered IP. Mice were sacrificed 24h later and outcomes between groups were assessed. A second set of experiments utilizing RT-PCR was performed to determine the influence of anti-TNF-alpha on production of inflammatory cytokines in response to LPS.

RESULTS

There were 72 resultant pups in the LPS+saline group, and 91 in the group receiving LPS+anti-TNF-alpha. Pretreatment with anti-TNF-alpha reduced the rate of fetal death and preterm birth after LPS administration (p<0.01). Expression of IL-6, IL-1beta, TLR-2, CD14 and COX-1 were found to be significantly reduced in mice treated with anti-TNF-alpha and LPS compared to LPS alone.

CONCLUSION

The use of anti-TNF-alpha decreased fetal deaths and preterm deliveries in an LPS-induced model of preterm birth. In addition, there were critical gene expression alterations in the group receiving anti-TNF-alpha. Further evaluation of TNF-alpha blockade as a potential treatment for preterm labor is warranted.

Exploring spatiotemporal organization of SCN circuits

Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neuroanatomy has been a subject of intense interest since the discovery of the SCN's function as a brain clock and subsequent studies revealing substantial heterogeneity of its component neurons. Understanding the network organization of the SCN has become increasingly relevant in the context of studies showing that its functional circuitry, evident in the spatial and temporal expression of clock genes, can be reorganized by inputs from the internal and external environment. Although multiple mechanisms have been proposed for coupling among SCN neurons, relatively little is known of the precise pattern of SCN circuitry. To explore SCN networks, we examine responses of the SCN to various photic conditions, using in vivo and in vitro studies with associated mathematical modeling to study spatiotemporal changes in SCN activity. We find an orderly and reproducible spatiotemporal pattern of oscillatory gene expression in the SCN, which requires the presence of the ventrolateral core region. Without the SCN core region, behavioral rhythmicity is abolished in vivo, whereas low-amplitude rhythmicity can be detected in SCN slices in vitro, but with loss of normal topographic organization. These studies reveal SCN circuit properties required to signal daily time.

Central nervous system neurons acquire mast cell products via transgranulation

Resting and actively degranulating mast cells are found on the brain side of the blood-brain barrier. In the periphery, exocytosis of mast cell granules results in the release of soluble mediators and insoluble granule remnants. These mast cell constituents are found in a variety of nearby cell types, acquired by fusion of granule and cellular membranes or by cellular capture of mast cell granule remnants. These phenomena have not been studied in the brain. In the current work, light and electron microscopic studies of the medial habenula of the dove brain revealed that mast cell-derived material can enter neurons in three ways: by direct fusion of the granule and plasma membranes (mast cell and neuron); by capture of insoluble granule remnants and, potentially, via receptor-mediated endocytosis of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, a soluble mediator derived from the mast cell. These processes result in differential subcellular localization of mast cell material in neurons, including free in the neuronal cytoplasm, membrane-bound in granule-like compartments or in association with small vesicles and the trans-Golgi network. Capture of granule remnants is the most frequently observed form of neuronal acquisition of mast cell products and correlates quantitatively with mast cells undergoing piecemeal degranulation. The present study indicates that mast cell-derived products can enter neurons, a process termed transgranulation, indicating a novel form of brain-immune system communication.

Assessment of lung involvement

The aim of the subcommittee was to identify a core set of feasible variables reflecting the occurrence of interstitial and/or vascular lung disease. After extensive review of published studies and critical assessment of candidate variables, the subcommittee identified the minimal requirements to assess lung disease. Two core sets of variables are provided: the first concerns interstitial lung disease; the second pulmonary vascular disease.

Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide contacts on gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurones increase following puberty in female rats

Successful reproduction requires precise temporal coordination among various endocrine and behavioural events. The circadian system regulates daily temporal organization in behaviour and physiology, including neuroendocrine rhythms. The main circadian pacemaker in mammals is located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the anterior hypothalamus. The SCN sends direct efferents to the reproductive axis via monosynaptic projections to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurones. This communication generates circadian endocrine rhythms as well as the preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surge necessary for successful ovulation. One SCN peptide thought to be important for the regulation of oestrous cycles is vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP). VIP neurones from the SCN contact GnRH cells, and these cells are preferentially activated during an LH surge in rats. Unlike adult rats, prepubertal females do not exhibit oestrous cycles, nor do they exhibit an LH surge in response to oestradiol positive-feedback. The present study was undertaken to determine the extent to which the development of a 'mature' reproductive axis in female rats is associated with modifications in VIP contacts on GnRH neurones. The brains of diestrus adult (approximately 60 days of age) and prepubertal (21 days of age) female rats were examined using double-label fluorescence immunohistochemistry for VIP and GnRH, with light and confocal microscopy. Although the total number of GnRH-immunoreactive neurones did not differ between adult and prepubertal females, adults had a significant increase in the percentage of GnRH cells receiving VIP contacts compared to juveniles. These data suggest that the development of reproductive hormone rhythms and oestrous cyclicity may be, in part, due to modifications of VIP input to the GnRH system.

Calbindin-D(28K) cells selectively contact intra-SCN neurons

Calbindin-D(28K)-immunoreactive cells are tightly packed within a discrete region of the caudal aspect of the suprachiasmatic nuclei of hamsters. These cells receive direct retinal input and are Fos-positive in response to a light pulse. Knowledge of their afferent and efferent connections is necessary to understand suprachiasmatic nucleus organization. The first aim of the present study is to identify interconnections between calbindin and other peptidergic cells of the suprachiasmatic nuclei, using epi- and confocal microscopy and intra-suprachiasmatic nucleus tract tracing. The results indicate that essentially all calbindin cells receive numerous appositions from vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y and serotonin fibers and that most receive appositions from gastrin releasing peptide (GRP) and cholecystokinin (CCK) fibers. Reciprocal connections are seen from VIP, GRP and CCK cells but surprisingly, not from dorsomedial vasopressin cells. Injection of biotinylated dextran amine into the suprachiasmatic nucleus indicates that the ventrolateral suprachiasmatic nucleus projects to the entire nucleus, while the dorsal and medial regions of the suprachiasmatic nucleus project densely to most of the nucleus, except to the calbindin region. Analysis of colocalization of the peptides in the calbindin cell region shows that 91% of the substance P cells, 42% of the GRP cells and 60% of the VIP cells in the calbindin subnucleus coexpress calbindin-D(28K). Our results reveal a highly specialized topographical organization of connections among suprachiasmatic nucleus cells.

Expression of Period genes: rhythmic and nonrhythmic compartments of the suprachiasmatic nucleus pacemaker

The mammalian circadian clock lying in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) controls daily rhythms and synchronizes the organism to its environment. In all organisms studied, circadian timekeeping is cell-autonomous, and rhythmicity is thought to be generated by a feedback loop involving clock proteins that inhibit transcription of their own genes. In the present study, we examined how these cellular properties are organized within the SCN tissue to produce rhythmicity and photic entrainment. The results show that the SCN has two compartments regulating Period genes Per1, Per2, and Per3 mRNA expression differentially. One compartment shows endogenous rhythmicity in Per1, Per2, and Per3 mRNA expression. The other compartment does not have rhythmic mRNA expression but has gated light-induced Per1 and Per2 and high levels of endogenous nonrhythmic Per3 mRNA expression. These results reveal the occurrence of differential regulation of clock genes in two distinct SCN regions and suggest a potential mechanism for producing functional differences in distinct SCN subregions.

Comparison of mononuclear cell proteins and plasma proteins before and during parturition by two dimensional electrophoresis

Two dimensional electrophoresis is a technique whereby protein sources are organized by molecular weight and electrical charge on a polyacrylamide gel. To detect changes that may be associated with the onset of parturition, we compared electrophoresis patterns of mononuclear cell proteins and plasma proteins before and during active labor. Mononuclear cells and plasma were obtained from 5 pregnant volunteers. It appears that A-1 apolipoprotein, identified by Western Blot analysis, is increased in mononuclear cells during active labor. Conversely, a decrease in the concentration of A-1 apolipoprotein was seen in plasma during parturition. These "normal" protein patterns can now be compared with those observed in pathologic conditions including preterm labor and may allow early detection of disease by protein abnormalities before clinical signs and symptoms develop.