Differential expression of immediate early genes in the hippocampus and spinal cord

cAMP-dependent regulation of proenkephalin by JunD and JunB: positive and negative effects of AP-1 proteins

We demonstrate that JunD, a component of the AP-1 transcription factor complex, activates transcription of the human proenkephalin gene in a fashion that is completely dependent upon the cAMP-dependent protein kinase, protein kinase A. Activation of proenkephalin transcription by JunD is dependent upon a previously characterized cAMP-, phorbol ester-, and Ca(2+)-inducible enhancer, and JunD is shown to bind the enhancer as a homodimer. Another component of the AP-1 transcription complex, JunB, is shown to inhibit activation mediated by JunD. As a homodimer JunB is unable to bind the enhancer; however in the presence of c-Fos, high-affinity binding is observed. Furthermore, JunD is shown to activate transcription of genes linked to both cAMP and phorbol ester response elements in a protein kinase A-dependent fashion, further blurring the distinction between these response elements. These results demonstrate that the transcriptional activity of an AP-1-related protein is regulated by the cAMP-dependent second-messenger pathway and suggest that JunD and other AP-1-related proteins may play an important role in the regulation of gene expression by cAMP-dependent intracellular signaling pathways.

Specific temporal and spatial distribution of JUN, FOS, and KROX-24 proteins in spinal neurons following noxious transsynaptic stimulation

We present the first comparative investigation of the basal and transsynaptically induced expression of c-JUN, JUN B, JUN D, c-FOS, FOS B, and KROX-24 proteins in the spinal cord, using immunocytochemistry with specific antibodies. We demonstrate that electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve at A delta/C-fiber (not A alpha/beta-fiber) intensity strongly induces the expression of these immediate-early gene-encoded proteins. Basal immunoreactivity was found for c-JUN in motoneurons, for JUN D in almost every cell of the gray matter, and for KROX-24 in the superficial dorsal horn. One hour after electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve at A delta/C-fiber intensity, expression of all proteins except JUN D reached its maximum. Initially immunoreactivity was restricted to the ipsilateral dorsal horn, but after 4 hours appeared contralaterally. Expression of JUN D was increased only after 4 hours. Within the dorsal horn, the expression of c-JUN, JUN B, FOS B, and KROX-24 was mainly restricted to the superficial layers. Immunoreactivity decreased to basal levels between 8 and 16 hours. c-FOS and JUN D were expressed in both the superficial and deep dorsal horn; in the latter, c-FOS and JUN D persisted longer. Induced JUN D was present the longest and was still visible after 32 hours. In motoneurons of the ipsilateral ventral horn, c-JUN, JUN D, and c-FOS appeared after 8 hours. Surgical exposure of the sciatic nerve evoked a strikingly prolonged expression of all proteins compared to that following electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve. Our results demonstrate that stimulation of nociceptive A delta- and C-fibers induces early and late expression of proteins encoded by immediate-early genes with a specific temporal and spatial distribution of the expression of each protein. Furthermore, the extent of protein expression reflects the intensity of noxious stimulation.

Differential effects of reserpine on brainstem catecholaminergic neurons revealed by Fos protein immunohistochemistry

The effects of a single systemic injection of reserpine on c-fos proto-oncogene expression in catecholaminergic neurons of the rat brainstem were studied by immunohistochemistry for Fos proteins (Fos). In control rats, a few Fos immunoreactive neuronal nuclei were observed in the tectum and mesencephalic central gray. Within hours after drug injection, a substantial number of brainstem neurons stained intensely for Fos. The staining was maximal at 6 h and returned to control levels within 24 h. Double-immunohistochemical staining with antibodies to tyrosine hydroxylase revealed that in all noradrenergic (NA) neuron subgroups except the A2 group, the majority of NA neurons stained for Fos. Most adrenergic neurons were also labeled. In contrast, aside from some cells in the ventral tegmental area, reserpine did not induce Fos immunoreactivity in dopaminergic neurons. Numerous non-catecholaminergic neurons were intensely stained with Fos in the substantia nigra pars reticulata, ventral tegmental area, mesencephalic central gray, pontine nuclei and tectum. A small number of Fos immunoreactive neurons was also observed in raphe nuclei. Injection of saline (i.p.) resulted in a moderate increase in Fos immunoreactivity in the locus ceruleus, in A1/C1 neurons and in the mesencephalic central gray. The results demonstrate that acute reserpine treatment induces Fos expression in distinct populations of brainstem neurons, comprising both catecholaminergic and non-catecholaminergic neurons. Thus, induction of Fos by reserpine does not coincide with the site of action of this drug. The distribution of Fos immunoreactive NA neurons after reserpine treatment is comparable to that reported after application of stressful stimuli.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels mediate synaptic activation of immediate early genes

Although L-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels (VSCCs) have been well characterized electrophysiologically, their role in synaptic physiology has remained unclear. To assess their involvement in synaptic regulation of gene expression, we have examined the effects of selective VSCC antagonists on basal, synaptically mediated activation of several transcription factor genes in cultured cortical neurons. Basal expression of c-fos, jun-B, zif268, and fos-B is rapidly suppressed by exposure to L-type VSCC antagonists and increased by (-)BayK-8644, a VSCC agonist. Although VSCC antagonists block kainate-induced rises in intracellular calcium and gene expression, these agents have little effect on spontaneous electrical activity or synaptically induced calcium transients in these neurons. These findings suggest that even though L-type VSCCs contribute a relatively minor component of synaptic calcium transients, they appear to play a key role in coupling synaptic excitation to activation of transcriptional events thought to contribute to neuronal plasticity.

c-fos protooncogene expression in rat hippocampus and entorhinal cortex following tetanic stimulation of the perforant path

The elevated expression of the c-fos protooncogene has been proposed to be a marker of cell activation leading to a long term cellular response. In this communication we compared the c-fos mRNA accumulation in the hippocampus (i.e. postsynaptic cells) and entorhinal cortex (i.e. presynaptic cells) following high (tetanic) and low frequency electrical stimulation of the perforant path. Using Northern blot analysis we have found that high frequency stimulation elevates c-fos expression in both hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, and the increase of c-fos mRNA levels in the entorhinal cortex is less pronounced, but longer lasting, than in the hippocampus. Slight increase of c-fos mRNA levels has been also observed in low frequency treated animals in the entorhinal cortex, but not in the hippocampus. These findings raise the question about differences in mechanisms involved in c-fos activation in both parts of the brain after stimulation which evokes long term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic efficacy.

Elevated expression of jun and fos-related proteins in transplanted striatal neurons

The basal expression of the immediate-early gene protein products fos, fos-related antigens (FRA's), jun and krox-24 was examined using immunocytochemical methods in intrastriatal grafts derived from fetal striatal primordia. Whereas very few, if any, normal adult striatal neurons expressed jun, many neurons in the striatal graft expressed jun at high levels. FRA's, but not fos, were also occasionally induced in some grafted striata. krox-24 was expressed in normal adult striatal neurons, and to a lesser extent in transplanted striatal neurons. These results show that neurons of intrastriatal grafts express jun at substantially higher levels than host striatal neurons, and this may be related to the previously reported increased transcription of neuropeptides in striatal grafts, and/or to the possible failure of transplanted neurons to fully establish normal connections with the host tissue.

Jun B, c-jun, jun D and c-fos mRNAs in nucleus caudalis neurons: rapid selective enhancement by afferent stimulation

In situ hybridization using cDNAs complementary to specific regions of the mRNAs encoding 3 members of the jun transcription factor gene family and c-fos reveals modest levels of hybridization over superficial laminae of the nucleus caudalis of the spinal tract of the trigeminal in sections taken from unstimulated brains. Jun B expression is markedly and rapidly enhanced ipsilateral to electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion. C-fos mRNA levels also show changes, especially after higher intensity stimulation. Smaller alterations in c-jun (jun A) and jun D do not reach statistical significance. In each instance of altered expression, more neurons express hybridization densities above background levels after stimulation. Parallels between these alterations and changes in the expression of preproenkephalin in these same neuronal populations are discussed.

The early response gene NGFI-C encodes a zinc finger transcriptional activator and is a member of the GCGGGGGCG (GSG) element-binding protein family

We have cloned NGFI-C, a nerve growth factor-induced early-response gene which encodes a Cys2/His2 zinc finger protein. RNA blot analysis demonstrates that NGFI-C mRNA is induced within minutes of stimulation of PC12 cells by nerve growth factor and is similarly activated in brain after a Metrazol-induced seizure. The cDNA sequence predicts a protein that contains three zinc fingers which show striking homology to the DNA-binding regions of three previously reported zinc finger proteins, NGFI-A, Krox-20, and the Wilms' tumor gene product. NGFI-C binds to the previously described DNA-binding site of these three proteins, which is GCGGGGGCG. Cotransfection experiments revealed that NGFI-C strongly activates transcription from this site in mammalian cells. The isolation of another early-response gene that encodes a member of the G(C/G)G or GSG element-binding family should provide an opportunity to investigate the relative contributions of a family of transcription factors to the cell's response to changes in its environment.

Sequential expression of JUN B, JUN D and FOS B proteins in rat spinal neurons: cascade of transcriptional operations during nociception

Expression of the immediate-early gene encoded proteins JUN B, JUN D and FOS B was investigated by immunocytochemistry in rat L5 spinal cord up to 24 h following stimulation of hind limb somatosensory nociceptors by noxious heat or injection of formalin. In both experimental protocols, JUN B, which did not show basal expression, reached maximum expression after 2 h and thereafter slowly decreased. In contrast, the expression of JUN D, which was present before stimulation in many spinal neurons, was increased after 4 h, reached its maximum after 8 h and thereafter remained elevated. FOS B which was absent under basal conditions reached its maximum between 4 h and 8 h and thereafter declined but was still present after 24 h. All immunoreactivities were restricted to the ipsilateral dorsal horn except JUN D which was also induced in the contralateral side after 8 h. The results are discussed in respect to their meaning for transcriptional operations of JUN and FOS proteins.

Long-term increase in the levels of c-jun mRNA and jun protein-like immunoreactivity in motor and sensory neurons following axon damage

The immediate early genes c-fos, c-jun and NGFI-A are rapidly and transiently expressed in neurons of the superficial dorsal horn following noxious sensory stimulation. However, using either in situ hybridisation to map mRNA or specific antibodies to detect the protein products we were unable to detect any change in expression of those genes in stimulated dorsal root ganglion cells or motor neurons. In contrast levels of c-jun mRNA and protein-like immunoreactivity (but not c-fos or NGFI-A) are massively increased within dorsal root ganglion cells and motor neurons following sciatic nerve section or crush. However, these changes are neither rapid nor transient. Increased gene product is seen at 24 h but not 2 h after nerve damage and these levels are maintained up to seven days later. These results suggest that there are multiple routes for the control of c-jun gene expression within the nervous system and that c-jun may play a key role in the neuronal response to injury.

Mechanisms of complex transcriptional regulation: implications for brain development

The large number of transcription factors, their diverse sequence-specific interactions with DNA sites and with other transcription factors, and their ability to be modified in response to a variety of environmental cues and intracellular signals provide combinatorial codes for highly complex and yet highly organized patterns of gene expression likely to underlie the determination of diversity of neuronal phenotypes. Subtle differences in the combinations of transcription factors are likely to have profound consequences for cell phenotype, similar to the mechanism involved in the specification of cell types in yeast (reviewed in Herskowitz, 1989). Although our current understanding of transcriptional regulation in the brain comes largely from phenomenological studies, recent technical progress on two fronts promises a bright future. Homologous recombination technology in embryonic stem cells (reviewed in Capecchi, 1989; Rossant, 1990) allows the disruption of particular genes in transgenic mice and definition of the roles of identified transcription factors in mammalian neurogenesis. A second technological advance, targeted tumorigenesis, has provided neuronal model cell lines (Mellon et al., 1990; reviewed in Cepko, 1988; McKay et al., 1988) that mimic certain neuronal differentiation pathways. These combined genetic, cell biological, and biochemical approaches will greatly facilitate the study of neural development and function.

A negative correlation between the induction of long-term potentiation and activation of immediate early genes

In the present study we examined the relationship between the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the dentate gyrus of anesthetized rats and activation of immediate early genes (IEGs; c-fos and zif/268) using several different high-frequency stimulation paradigms. Stimulation parameters that effectively induced LTP were not associated with IEG activation. Conversely, stimulation parameters that failed to induce LTP consistently resulted in IEG activation. These results suggest that there is a negative correlation between IEG activation and LTP, and that activation of IEGs is neither necessary nor sufficient for the induction of LTP.

The early response gene NGFI-C encodes a zinc finger transcriptional activator and is a member of the GCGGGGGCG (GSG) element-binding protein family

We have cloned NGFI-C, a nerve growth factor-induced early-response gene which encodes a Cys2/His2 zinc finger protein. RNA blot analysis demonstrates that NGFI-C mRNA is induced within minutes of stimulation of PC12 cells by nerve growth factor and is similarly activated in brain after a Metrazol-induced seizure. The cDNA sequence predicts a protein that contains three zinc fingers which show striking homology to the DNA-binding regions of three previously reported zinc finger proteins, NGFI-A, Krox-20, and the Wilms' tumor gene product. NGFI-C binds to the previously described DNA-binding site of these three proteins, which is GCGGGGGCG. Cotransfection experiments revealed that NGFI-C strongly activates transcription from this site in mammalian cells. The isolation of another early-response gene that encodes a member of the G(C/G)G or GSG element-binding family should provide an opportunity to investigate the relative contributions of a family of transcription factors to the cell's response to changes in its environment.

Nicotine-induced fos-like immunoreactivity in rat sympathetic ganglia and adrenal medulla

The expression of c-fos proteins (Fos) in principal sympathetic neurons and adrenal chromaffin cells was studied immunocytochemically after a single s.c. injection of nicotine (2mg/kg). One and 2 h after injection most of the adrenal chromaffin cells showed nuclear Fos-like immunoreactivity (Fos-IR). In the superior cervical ganglion more than 80% of the neuronal nuclei were Fos-IR 2-5 h after nicotine administration, whereas only 50-60% of the neurons in the hypogastric ganglion were immunoreactive at these time points. The results suggest that nicotinic receptor mediates signal transduction, which induces c-fos expression both in sympathetic neurons and in adrenal chromaffin cells in vivo.

Preparative surgery enhances the direct spinal actions of three injectable anaesthetics in the anaesthetized rat

In this study we have investigated the influence of preparative surgery on the potency with which a range of injectable anaesthetics depressed nociceptive withdrawal reflexes in anaesthetized, spinalized rats. Drug effects were compared on 2 different preparations, each requiring differing degrees of preparatory surgery. Recordings were made in each case of unitary motoneurone responses to controlled noxious stimuli. The dose-dependent effects of the general anaesthetics alpha-chloralose (20-80 mg/kg i.v.) and alphaxalone/alphadolone (0.5-2 mg/kg) and of the dissociative anaesthetic ketamine (0.5-16 mg/kg) were studied. When the degree of surgical intervention was increased, the reflex response to a uniform mechanical pinch stimulus was facilitated. This enhanced response was more susceptible to the reflex depressant actions of all the compounds studied.

cAMP response element-binding protein is activated by Ca2+/calmodulin- as well as cAMP-dependent protein kinase

In a variety of nerve cells of the brain, action potentials activate gene expression by means of Ca2+ influx. To determine how Ca2+ influx alters gene expression, we have examined the pattern of phosphorylation of a protein that binds to the cAMP response element (CRE). We have found that purified bovine brain CRE-binding protein is a substrate for the Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (Cam kinase) as it is for the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (kinase A). Tryptic peptide maps show that the same peptide is phosphorylated in vitro both by kinase A and by Cam kinase. Moreover, in vitro transcription assays using a CRE-containing c-fos promoter indicate that phosphorylation of CRE-binding protein by Cam kinase increases gene transcription. Thus, action potentials in nerve cells and the consequent influx of Ca2+ can activate CRE-binding proteins by means of Cam kinase. This kinase therefore provides a direct second-messenger pathway by which impulse activity at the membrane can influence gene transcription. This has been shown independently by Sheng et al. (Sheng, M., Thomson, M. A. & Greenberg, M. E. (1991) Science, in press), who found that depolarization and Ca2+ influx mediate induction of c-fos in PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells through phosphorylation of CRE-binding protein. These several findings indicate that CRE-binding protein(s) is a convergence point for synaptic activity acting through kinase A and impulse activity acting through Cam kinase. Together the two kinases could activate transcription in a synergistic manner, which could allow CRE-binding protein to couple short-term to long-term associative forms of synaptic plasticity.

Dynorphin expression and Fos-like immunoreactivity following inflammation induced hyperalgesia are colocalized in spinal cord neurons

Fos and Fos-related proteins are increased in spinal dorsal horn neurons following noxious stimulation. The laminar location of neurons that exhibit this increase is coincident with those that exhibit an increase in dynorphin in a rat model of peripheral inflammation and hyperalgesia. In order to determine whether the increase in Fos or related proteins and dynorphin occurs in the same dorsal horn neurons, two kinds of double-labeling methods were used: in situ hybridization histochemistry to label dynorphin mRNA autoradiographically, and immunocytochemistry to label Fos and Fos-related proteins, or a double immunocytochemical method that labeled Fos and Fos-related proteins and dynorphin peptide with distinct chromagens. With both methods more than 80% of the neurons in laminae I, II, V and VI exhibiting an increase in either dynorphin mRNA or peptide following peripheral inflammation also colocalized increased nuclear Fos-like immunoreactivity. However, the number of neurons displaying increased Fos-like immunoreactivity was substantially greater than the number of neurons colocalizing increased dynorphin. These data suggest that the activation of nuclear Fos and Fos-related proteins may be related to the induction of dynorphin gene expression in a subpopulation of spinal cord neurons following peripheral inflammation and hyperalgesia.

The role of immediate early genes in the stabilization of long-term potentiation

Immediate early genes (IEGs) are a class of genes that show rapid and transient but protein synthesis-independent increases in expression to extracellular signals such as growth factors and neurotransmitters. Many IEGs code for transcription factors that have been suggested to govern the growth and differentiation of many cell types by regulating the expression of other genes. IEGs are expressed in adult neurons both constitutively and in response to afferent activity, and it has been suggested that during learning, IEGs may play a role in the signal cascade, resulting in the expression of genes critical for the consolidation of long-term memory. Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a persistent, activity-dependent form of synaptic plasticity that stands as a good candidate for the mechanism of associative memory. A number of IEGs coding for transcription factors have been shown to transiently increase transcription in the dentate gyrus of rats following LTP-inducing afferent stimulation. These include zif/268 (also termed NGFI-A, Krox-24, TIS-8, and egr-l), c-fos-related genes, c-jun, junB, and junD. Of these, zif/268 appears to be the most specifically related to LTP since it is evoked under virtually all LTP-inducing situations and shows a remarkably high correlation with the duration of LTP. There are a number of outstanding questions regarding the role of zif/268 and other IEGs in LTP, including which second messenger systems are important for activating them, which "late effector" genes are regulated by them, and the exact role these genes play, if any, in the stabilization and maintenance of LTP.

Structure of the gene encoding VGF, a nervous system-specific mRNA that is rapidly and selectively induced by nerve growth factor in PC12 cells

Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a critical role in the development and survival of neurons in the peripheral nervous system. Following treatment with NGF but not epidermal growth factor, rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells undergo neural differentiation. We have cloned a nervous system-specific mRNA, NGF33.1, that is rapidly and relatively selectively induced by treatment of PC12 cells with NGF and basic fibroblast growth factor in comparison with epidermal growth factor. Analysis of the nucleic acid and predicted amino acid sequences of the NGF33.1 cDNA clone suggested that this clone corresponded to the NGF-inducible mRNA called VGF (A. Levi, J. D. Eldridge, and B. M. Paterson, Science 229:393-395, 1985; R. Possenti, J. D. Eldridge, B. M. Paterson, A. Grasso, and A. Levi, EMBO J. 8:2217-2223, 1989). We have used the NGF33.1 cDNA clone to isolate and characterize the VGF gene, and in this paper we report the complete sequence of the VGF gene, including 853 bases of 5' flank revealed TATAA and CCAAT elements, several GC boxes, and a consensus cyclic AMP response element-binding protein binding site. The VGF promoter contains sequences homologous to other NGF-inducible, neuronal promoters. We further show that VGF mRNA is induced in PC12 cells to a greater extent by depolarization and by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate treatment than by 8-bromo-cyclic AMP treatment. By Northern (RNA) and RNase protection analysis, VGF mRNA is detectable in embryonic and postnatal central and peripheral nervous tissues but not in a number of nonneural tissues. In the cascade of events which ultimately leads to the neural differentiation of NGF-treated PC12 cells, the VGF gene encodes the most rapidly and selectively regulated, nervous-system specific mRNA yet identified.

Structure of the gene encoding VGF, a nervous system-specific mRNA that is rapidly and selectively induced by nerve growth factor in PC12 cells

Nerve growth factor (NGF) plays a critical role in the development and survival of neurons in the peripheral nervous system. Following treatment with NGF but not epidermal growth factor, rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells undergo neural differentiation. We have cloned a nervous system-specific mRNA, NGF33.1, that is rapidly and relatively selectively induced by treatment of PC12 cells with NGF and basic fibroblast growth factor in comparison with epidermal growth factor. Analysis of the nucleic acid and predicted amino acid sequences of the NGF33.1 cDNA clone suggested that this clone corresponded to the NGF-inducible mRNA called VGF (A. Levi, J. D. Eldridge, and B. M. Paterson, Science 229:393-395, 1985; R. Possenti, J. D. Eldridge, B. M. Paterson, A. Grasso, and A. Levi, EMBO J. 8:2217-2223, 1989). We have used the NGF33.1 cDNA clone to isolate and characterize the VGF gene, and in this paper we report the complete sequence of the VGF gene, including 853 bases of 5' flank revealed TATAA and CCAAT elements, several GC boxes, and a consensus cyclic AMP response element-binding protein binding site. The VGF promoter contains sequences homologous to other NGF-inducible, neuronal promoters. We further show that VGF mRNA is induced in PC12 cells to a greater extent by depolarization and by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate treatment than by 8-bromo-cyclic AMP treatment. By Northern (RNA) and RNase protection analysis, VGF mRNA is detectable in embryonic and postnatal central and peripheral nervous tissues but not in a number of nonneural tissues. In the cascade of events which ultimately leads to the neural differentiation of NGF-treated PC12 cells, the VGF gene encodes the most rapidly and selectively regulated, nervous-system specific mRNA yet identified.

Molecular cloning of PC3, a putatively secreted protein whose mRNA is induced by nerve growth factor and depolarization

PC3 is an immediate early gene induced by nerve growth factor in PC12 cells, a cell line derived from a tumor of the adrenal medulla that undergoes neuronal differentiation in the presence of nerve growth factor. This induction is independent of new protein synthesis as it can occur in the presence of cycloheximide. PC3 is also induced with similar kinetics, but at lower levels, by membrane depolarization (both in vivo and in vitro) and epidermal growth factor. It is induced at much lower levels by fibroblast growth factor and interleukin 6. In vivo it is found expressed in tissues, such as brain at embryonic day 13.5, placenta, amnion, and spleen, which are proliferating and/or differentiating. The deduced protein sequence from the cDNA indicates the presence of a signal peptide, suggesting that PC3 is secreted.

Molecular pathways of pain: Fos/Jun-mediated activation of a noncanonical AP-1 site in the prodynorphin gene

Noxious stimulation provokes the activation of genes that are thought to play a crucial role in the phenomena of stress and pain. Among these is the prodynorphin gene. By double-labeling in situ hybridization/immunohistochemistry, we show that increased prodynorphin gene expression is preceded, in the same neurons, by an early induction of c-fos. Inspection of the prodynorphin promoter region revealed the presence of several AP-1-like sequences. We demonstrate that only one of these sites is a functional AP-1 element. It is constituted by the noncanonical TGACAAACA sequence, in which the palindromic structure is partly conserved by the 3' terminal CA dinucleotide. Transfection experiments in NCB20 neuroblastoma cells indicated that this site is a target of Fos/Jun trans-activation. Our results suggest that Fos/Jun oncoproteins may function as third messengers in the signal transduction mechanisms of stress/pain processes.

Induction of the 'zinc finger' gene after transient focal ischemia in rat cerebral cortex

An essential part of gene expression and regulation is the binding of a regulatory protein (transcription factor) to the recognition sequence of the appropriate gene. A novel protein motif for nucleic acid recognition (called 'zinc finger') is one of such transcription factors. A relationship between gene expressions of a transcription factor and heat shock protein (HSP) 70 has been suggested. Possible inductions of mRNA for 'zinc finger' and HSP70 were examined after transient focal ischemia in rat cerebral cortex by Northern blot analysis using a synthetic oligonucleotide probe for 'zinc finger' gene expression, and a human genomic DNA probe for HSP70 gene expression. After 30 min of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, the rats recovered for 1, 3, 8h, 1, 2, and 7 days (n = 5). Zinc finger gene is normally expressed in rat cerebral cortex, and is induced by transient ischemia with a maximum at 1 h after the reperfusion. In contrast, HSP70 mRNA is not expressed in normal condition, but is greatly induced by transient ischemia with a maximum at 8 h of reperfusion. These results indicate that the gene expression for a transcription factor changes in the early stage of reperfusion after cerebral ischemia before HSP70 induction begins.

High basal expression of the zif/268 immediate early gene in cortical layers IV and VI, in CA1 and in the corpus striatum--an in situ hybridization study

The localization of zif/268 gene expression in adult rat and mouse brain was studied with in the situ hybridization, using 32P-labeled 30 mer oligonucleotide probes. Basal expression without intentional neuronal stimulation was examined. Distribution of zif/268 mRNA was highly differential. In the neocortex a layer specific expression was seen with high levels in layers IV and VI, most prominent in the visual and somatosensory cortices. In the hippocampus labeling was strongest in CA1 but very low in the dentate gyrus. Strong expression was also seen in the primary olfactory cortex, the corpus striatum, the nuclei amygdaloidei, the nucleus accumbens and the cerebellar cortex.

Recent advances in the physiology and pharmacology of pain: plasticity and its implications for clinical analgesia

There have been considerable advances in our understanding of the transmission and modulation of nociceptive messages at both the central and peripheral endings of sensory afferent fibres. This review concentrates on the evidence for plasticity in these systems and emphasizes the recent spinal electrophysiological studies on the interplay between excitatory amino acids, opioids, noradrenaline and non-opioid peptides in these events.

Expression of c-JUN, JUN B and JUN D proteins in rat nervous system following transection of vagus nerve and cervical sympathetic trunk

Expression of c-JUN, JUN B and JUN D proteins was investigated in axotomized neurons following transection of the vagus nerve and the cervical sympathetic trunk in the rat. Vagotomy induced the expression of c-JUN and JUN D in the nodose ganglion, dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve and nucleus ambiguus, whereas JUN B was not expressed in these areas, c-JUN and JUN D appeared after 10 h in the nodose ganglion and after 24 h in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve with a maximum of immunoreactivity after 48 h. The c-JUN protein remained expressed at an increased level up to 100 days, whereas the immunoreactivity of JUN D declined after five days. Crush of the vagus nerve initially evoked an intense expression of c-JUN and JUN D, but in the course of regeneration the expression of c-JUN and JUN D had returned to more basal levels after 100 days. Similar to vagotomy, application of colchicine and vinblastine on to the intact vagus nerve induced expression of c-JUN and JUN D. On the other hand, application of lidocaine prior to vagotomy did not prevent the expression of these proteins. Transection of the cervical sympathetic trunk induced expression of c-JUN and JUN D, but not of JUN B, in the preganglionic sympathetic neurons of thoracic spinal cord. In these neurons, expression of c-JUN was still enhanced after 60 days whereas JUN D had returned to basal level. One hour after vagotomy, c-JUN and JUN B were transynaptically expressed in the area of central termination of sensory vagal neurons and declined within 10 h to basal levels. JUN D showed a late onset of expression, it appeared after 5 h and persisted for 60 days in this area. We postulate that the expression of c-JUN and JUN D in axotomized neurons is induced by deprivation of a target-derived suppressor.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation in the neostriatum increases c-fos and fos-related antigens selectively in medium-sized neurons

In the neostriatum a selective loss of neurons occurs following exposure to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor agonists. One hypothesis emerging from this observation is that an excitotoxic process via N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors may contribute to the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease, which is characterized by the loss of medium-sized neurons. However, whether there is a selective distribution of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in specific populations of neostriatal neurons is unknown. In this study the expression of c-fos mRNA and protein was used to examine the response of neostriatal cells to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor stimulation in the rat. After intrastriatal injection of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor agonist, quinolinic acid, an increase in c-fos mRNA concentrations was detected using in situ hybridization and Northern blot analysis. Western blot analysis showed that not only the c-Fos mRNA protein product but also other Fos-related antigens capable of binding to DNA were increased in response to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation. The selectivity of the neuronal response to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation was examined immunohistochemically at the light and ultrastructural levels. Our results indicate that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation by quinolinic acid stimulates medium spiny neurons to increase c-Fos expression; to a lesser extent, medium aspiny interneurons and glial cells also respond. In contrast, negligible change in c-Fos expression is observed in large neurons. These results are consistent with other evidence that medium-sized spiny neurons are preferentially vulnerable to the toxic effects of excitatory amino acids acting at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. An additional implication of these findings is that activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in medium spiny neurons leads to increased expression of candidate AP-1 transcription factors, thereby coupling the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and regulation of gene expression in signal transduction processes of the neostriatal medium spiny neuron.

c-JUN-like immunoreactivity in the CNS of the adult rat: basal and transynaptically induced expression of an immediate-early gene

An immunocytochemical study of dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord and medulla oblongata was performed with antisera against the c-jun proto-oncogene encoded protein. The c-JUN-like immunoreactivity was restricted to the cell nucleus. In the CNS of untreated rats a basal c-JUN-like immunoreactivity was present in the nuclei of two types of neurons: motor and autonomic. Labelled nuclei could be seen in many motoneurons of the ventral horn of the entire length of spinal cord and the lower medulla oblongata, as well as in the area of the nucleus hypoglossus, the dorsal motor nucleus of nucleus vagus, nucleus ambiguus, nucleus facialis, nucleus abducens and motor nucleus of nucleus trigeminus. Additionally, labelled nuclei were found in the preganglionic sympathetic and preganglionic parasympathetic cells of the nucleus intermediolateralis and nucleus intercalatus in the spinal cord. In the medulla oblongata we found a cluster of cells with c-JUN-like immunoreactivity in an area between the dorsomedial part of the oral nucleus spinalis trigeminalis and the lateral border of the knee of facial nerve. Additionally, a second cluster of c-JUN-like immunoreactivity cells was visible between the ventromedial part of the oral nucleus spinalis trigeminalis and the lateral border of the rostral nucleus facialis. Examination of the characteristics of all cell groups with a basal c-JUN-like immunoreactivity in the spinal cord and lower brainstem revealed an overlapping distribution with cholinergic cell groups. Basal c-JUN-like immunoreactivity was also seen in the dorsal root ganglion cells. We examined the factors which can effect the expression of the c-JUN protein. Maximal expression of c-JUN-like immunoreactivity was observed after electrical stimulation of primary afferents. Stimulation of sciatic nerve at a strength sufficient to recruit A delta- and C-fibres produced c-JUN-like immunoreactivity in many nuclei of the ipsilateral dorsal horn of the lumbar spinal cord. c-JUN-like immunoreactivity was first detectable at 30 min following the end of stimulation, reached a maximum after 1 h, remained unchanged for another 1 h and declined to the basal level after 16 h. The distribution of c-JUN-like immunoreactivity in the lumbar cord coincided with the region of termination of sciatic nociceptive afferents. Contralateral c-JUN-like immunoreactivity appeared after 4 h. After noxious mechanical stimulation of the plantar hindpaw c-JUN-like immunoreactivity occurred in the spinal area of termination of nociceptive afferents of the tibial nerve. Noxious stimulation did not provoke additional c-JUN-like immunoreactivity in dorsal root ganglia.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Presence and induction of Fos B-like immunoreactivity in neural, but not non-neural, cells in adult rat brain

The presence and induction of Fos B, a novel growth factor-activated gene, was investigated in adult rat brain using an antiserum to Fos B and immunocytochemical methods. In normal rat brain immunoreactivity was detected in the nuclei of nerve cells scattered in the cerebral cortex, striatum, amygdala, hippocampus and dentate gyrus. This immunostaining was not present in adjacent brain sections incubated with anti-Fos B serum preadsorbed with the Fos B peptide. Furthermore, Fos B-like immunoreactivity was induced in neurons by two treatments (focal brain injury and haloperidol injection) that are known to induce Fos, however, whereas Fos levels returned to baseline 24 h after these treatments, Fos B-like immunoreactivity remained elevated at this time point. Also, although focal brain injury and rolipram injections induced Fos in ependymal and glial-like cells in rat brain, Fos B-like immunoreactivity was not detected in these non-neural cells. The implications of these results for the presence of Fos B in adult neurons is discussed.

Brief seizure episodes induce long-term potentiation and mossy fibre sprouting in the hippocampus

Much of our present understanding of the cellular mechanisms of learning and memory derives from studies on the hippocampus in which long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission is produced by a train of high-frequency electrical stimulation or by potassium channel blockers. The hippocampus is also a seizure-prone region and recent studies have revealed that brief seizure episodes produce remarkably long-lasting changes which are reminiscent of 'classical' LTP. A brief seizure episode also sets in motion a cascade of events that includes changes in gene expression, sprouting of fibres and the establishment of new synaptic contacts. This paper reviews this use-dependent structural rearrangement of the neuronal network and discusses its possible role in epilepsy and as a model of plasticity in the adult nervous system.