101
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Sherwood MW, Arizono M, Hisatsune C, Bannai H, Ebisui E, Sherwood JL, Panatier A, Oliet SHR, Mikoshiba K. Astrocytic IP 3 Rs: Contribution to Ca 2+ signalling and hippocampal LTP. Glia 2017; 65:502-513. [PMID: 28063222 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Revised: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes regulate hippocampal synaptic plasticity by the Ca2+ dependent release of the N-methyl d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) co-agonist d-serine. Previous evidence indicated that d-serine release would be regulated by the intracellular Ca2+ release channel IP3 receptor (IP3 R), however, genetic deletion of IP3 R2, the putative astrocytic IP3 R subtype, had no impact on synaptic plasticity or transmission. Although IP3 R2 is widely believed to be the only functional IP3 R in astrocytes, three IP3 R subtypes (1, 2, and 3) have been identified in vertebrates. Therefore, to better understand gliotransmission, we investigated the functionality of IP3 R and the contribution of the three IP3 R subtypes to Ca2+ signalling. As a proxy for gliotransmission, we found that long-term potentiation (LTP) was impaired by dialyzing astrocytes with the broad IP3 R blocker heparin, and rescued by exogenous d-serine, indicating that astrocytic IP3 Rs regulate d-serine release. To explore which IP3 R subtypes are functional in astrocytes, we used pharmacology and two-photon Ca2+ imaging of hippocampal slices from transgenic mice (IP3 R2-/- and IP3 R2-/- ;3-/- ). This approach revealed that underneath IP3 R2-mediated global Ca2+ events are an overlooked class of IP3 R-mediated local events, occurring in astroglial processes. Notably, multiple IP3 Rs were recruited by high frequency stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals, a classical LTP induction protocol. Together, these findings show the dependence of LTP and gliotransmission on Ca2+ release by astrocytic IP3 Rs. GLIA 2017;65:502-513.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark William Sherwood
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, 33077, France.,Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, 33077, France.,Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Misa Arizono
- Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Chihiro Hisatsune
- Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroko Bannai
- Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,Division of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa, Nagoya, 464-8602, Japan
| | - Etsuko Ebisui
- Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - John Lawrence Sherwood
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Aude Panatier
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, 33077, France.,Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, 33077, France
| | | | - Katsuhiko Mikoshiba
- Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
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102
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Toth P, Tarantini S, Csiszar A, Ungvari Z. Functional vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia: mechanisms and consequences of cerebral autoregulatory dysfunction, endothelial impairment, and neurovascular uncoupling in aging. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2017; 312:H1-H20. [PMID: 27793855 PMCID: PMC5283909 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00581.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence from epidemiological, clinical and experimental studies indicate that age-related cerebromicrovascular dysfunction and microcirculatory damage play critical roles in the pathogenesis of many types of dementia in the elderly, including Alzheimer's disease. Understanding and targeting the age-related pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) are expected to have a major role in preserving brain health in older individuals. Maintenance of cerebral perfusion, protecting the microcirculation from high pressure-induced damage and moment-to-moment adjustment of regional oxygen and nutrient supply to changes in demand are prerequisites for the prevention of cerebral ischemia and neuronal dysfunction. This overview discusses age-related alterations in three main regulatory paradigms involved in the regulation of cerebral blood flow (CBF): cerebral autoregulation/myogenic constriction, endothelium-dependent vasomotor function, and neurovascular coupling responses responsible for functional hyperemia. The pathophysiological consequences of cerebral microvascular dysregulation in aging are explored, including blood-brain barrier disruption, neuroinflammation, exacerbation of neurodegeneration, development of cerebral microhemorrhages, microvascular rarefaction, and ischemic neuronal dysfunction and damage. Due to the widespread attention that VCID has captured in recent years, the evidence for the causal role of cerebral microvascular dysregulation in cognitive decline is critically examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Toth
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Neurosurgery and Szentagothai Research Center, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary; and
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Anna Csiszar
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Reynolds Oklahoma Center on Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma;
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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103
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O'Callaghan EK, Ballester Roig MN, Mongrain V. Cell adhesion molecules and sleep. Neurosci Res 2016; 116:29-38. [PMID: 27884699 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) play essential roles in the central nervous system, where some families are involved in synaptic development and function. These synaptic adhesion molecules (SAMs) are involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, and the formation of neuronal networks. Recent findings from studies examining the consequences of sleep loss suggest that these molecules are candidates to act in sleep regulation. This review highlights the experimental data that lead to the identification of SAMs as potential sleep regulators, and discusses results supporting that specific SAMs are involved in different aspects of sleep regulation. Further, some potential mechanisms by which SAMs may act to regulate sleep are outlined, and the proposition that these molecules may serve as molecular machinery in the two sleep regulatory processes, the circadian and homeostatic components, is presented. Together, the data argue that SAMs regulate the neuronal plasticity that underlies sleep and wakefulness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Kate O'Callaghan
- Research Centre and Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400 Gouin West Blvd. Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Maria Neus Ballester Roig
- Research Centre and Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400 Gouin West Blvd. Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada; Neurophysiology of Sleep and Biology Rhythms Laboratory, IDISPA (Health Research Foundation Illes Balears), University of Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca 07122, Spain
| | - Valérie Mongrain
- Research Centre and Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, 5400 Gouin West Blvd. Montreal, QC, H4J 1C5, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Université de Montréal, C.P. 6128, succ. Centre-Ville, Montreal, QC, H3C 3J7, Canada,.
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104
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Neuromodulators signal through astrocytes to alter neural circuit activity and behaviour. Nature 2016; 539:428-432. [PMID: 27828941 PMCID: PMC5161596 DOI: 10.1038/nature20145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes associate with synapses throughout the brain and express receptors for neurotransmitters that can elevate intracellular calcium (Ca2+) 1-3. Astrocyte Ca2+ signaling has been proposed to modulate neural circuit activity 4, but pathways regulating these events are poorly defined and in vivo evidence linking changes in astrocyte Ca2+ to alterations in neurotransmission or behaviors is limited. Here we show Drosophila astrocytes exhibit activity-regulated Ca2+ signaling events in vivo. Tyramine (Tyr) and octopamine (Oct) released from Tdc2+ neurons signal directly to astrocytes to stimulate Ca2+ increases through the octopamine-tyramine receptor (Oct-TyrR) and the TRP channel Waterwitch (Wtrw), and astrocytes in turn modulate downstream dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Tyr or Oct application to live preparations silenced dopaminergic (DA) neurons and this inhibition required astrocytic Oct-TyrR and Wtrw. Increasing astrocyte Ca2+ signaling was sufficient to silence DA neuron activity, which was mediated by astrocyte endocytic function and adenosine receptors. Selective disruption of Oct-TyrR or Wtrw expression in astrocytes blocked astrocyte Ca2+ signaling and profoundly altered olfactory-driven chemotaxis behavior and touch-induced startle responses. Our work identifies Oct-TyrR and Wtrw as key components of the astrocyte Ca2+ signaling machinery, provides direct evidence that Oct- and Tyr-based neuromodulation can be mediated by astrocytes, and demonstrates that astrocytes are essential for multiple sensory-driven behaviors.
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105
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Reemst K, Noctor SC, Lucassen PJ, Hol EM. The Indispensable Roles of Microglia and Astrocytes during Brain Development. Front Hum Neurosci 2016; 10:566. [PMID: 27877121 PMCID: PMC5099170 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glia are essential for brain functioning during development and in the adult brain. Here, we discuss the various roles of both microglia and astrocytes, and their interactions during brain development. Although both cells are fundamentally different in origin and function, they often affect the same developmental processes such as neuro-/gliogenesis, angiogenesis, axonal outgrowth, synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning. Due to their important instructive roles in these processes, dysfunction of microglia or astrocytes during brain development could contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders and potentially even late-onset neuropathology. A better understanding of the origin, differentiation process and developmental functions of microglia and astrocytes will help to fully appreciate their role both in the developing as well as in the adult brain, in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitty Reemst
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stephen C. Noctor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis MIND InstituteSacramento, CA, USA
| | - Paul J. Lucassen
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Elly M. Hol
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of AmsterdamAmsterdam, Netherlands
- Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center UtrechtUtrecht, Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for NeuroscienceAmsterdam, Netherlands
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106
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Salameh AI, Hübner CA, Boron WF. Role of Cl - -HCO 3- exchanger AE3 in intracellular pH homeostasis in cultured murine hippocampal neurons, and in crosstalk to adjacent astrocytes. J Physiol 2016; 595:93-124. [PMID: 27353306 DOI: 10.1113/jp272470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS A polymorphism of human AE3 is associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Knockout of AE3 in mice lowers the threshold for triggering epileptic seizures. The explanations for these effects are elusive. Comparisons of cells from wild-type vs. AE3-/- mice show that AE3 (present in hippocampal neurons, not astrocytes; mediates HCO3- efflux) enhances intracellular pH (pHi ) recovery (decrease) from alkali loads in neurons and, surprisingly, adjacent astrocytes. During metabolic acidosis (MAc), AE3 speeds initial acidification, but limits the extent of pHi decrease in neurons and astrocytes. AE3 speeds re-alkalization after removal of MAc in neurons and astrocytes, and speeds neuronal pHi recovery from an ammonium prepulse-induced acid load. We propose that neuronal AE3 indirectly increases acid extrusion in (a) neurons via Cl- loading, and (b) astrocytes by somehow enhancing NBCe1 (major acid extruder). The latter would enhance depolarization-induced alkalinization of astrocytes, and extracellular acidification, and thereby reduce susceptibility to epileptic seizures. ABSTRACT The anion exchanger AE3, expressed in hippocampal (HC) neurons but not astrocytes, contributes to intracellular pH (pHi ) regulation by facilitating the exchange of extracellular Cl- for intracellular HCO3- . The human AE3 polymorphism A867D is associated with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Moreover, AE3 knockout (AE3-/- ) mice are more susceptible to epileptic seizure. The mechanism of these effects has been unclear because the starting pHi in AE3-/- and wild-type neurons is indistinguishable. The purpose of the present study was to use AE3-/- mice to investigate the role of AE3 in pHi homeostasis in HC neurons, co-cultured with astrocytes. We find that the presence of AE3 increases the acidification rate constant during pHi recovery from intracellular alkaline loads imposed by reducing [CO2 ]. The presence of AE3 also speeds intracellular acidification during the early phase of metabolic acidosis (MAc), not just in neurons but, surprisingly, in adjacent astrocytes. Additionally, AE3 contributes to braking the decrease in pHi later during MAc in both neurons and astrocytes. Paradoxically, AE3 enhances intracellular re-alkalization after MAc removal in neurons and astrocytes, and pHi recovery from an ammonium prepulse-induced acid load in neurons. The effects of AE3 knockout on astrocytic pHi homeostasis in MAc-related assays require the presence of neurons, and are consistent with the hypothesis that the AE3 knockout reduces functional expression of astrocytic NBCe1. These findings suggest a new type of neuron-astrocyte communication, based on the expression of AE3 in neurons, which could explain how AE3 reduces seizure susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlam I Salameh
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
| | | | - Walter F Boron
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA
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107
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Glia plasma membrane transporters: Key players in glutamatergic neurotransmission. Neurochem Int 2016; 98:46-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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108
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Di Marco LY, Farkas E, Martin C, Venneri A, Frangi AF. Is Vasomotion in Cerebral Arteries Impaired in Alzheimer's Disease? J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 46:35-53. [PMID: 25720414 PMCID: PMC4878307 DOI: 10.3233/jad-142976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
A substantial body of evidence supports the hypothesis of a vascular component in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Cerebral hypoperfusion and blood-brain barrier dysfunction have been indicated as key elements of this pathway. Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a cerebrovascular disorder, frequent in AD, characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide in cerebral blood vessel walls. CAA is associated with loss of vascular integrity, resulting in impaired regulation of cerebral circulation, and increased susceptibility to cerebral ischemia, microhemorrhages, and white matter damage. Vasomotion— the spontaneous rhythmic modulation of arterial diameter, typically observed in arteries/arterioles in various vascular beds including the brain— is thought to participate in tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery regulation. Vasomotion is impaired in adverse conditions such as hypoperfusion and hypoxia. The perivascular and glymphatic pathways of Aβ clearance are thought to be driven by the systolic pulse. Vasomotion produces diameter changes of comparable amplitude, however at lower rates, and could contribute to these mechanisms of Aβ clearance. In spite of potential clinical interest, studies addressing cerebral vasomotion in the context of AD/CAA are limited. This study reviews the current literature on vasomotion, and hypothesizes potential paths implicating impaired cerebral vasomotion in AD/CAA. Aβ and oxidative stress cause vascular tone dysregulation through direct effects on vascular cells, and indirect effects mediated by impaired neurovascular coupling. Vascular tone dysregulation is further aggravated by cholinergic deficit and results in depressed cerebrovascular reactivity and (possibly) impaired vasomotion, aggravating regional hypoperfusion and promoting further Aβ and oxidative stress accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Yuri Di Marco
- Centre for Computational Imaging and Simulation Technologies in Biomedicine (CISTIB), Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Eszter Farkas
- Department of Medical Physics and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Chris Martin
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Annalena Venneri
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.,IRCCS, Fondazione Ospedale S. Camillo, Venice, Italy
| | - Alejandro F Frangi
- Centre for Computational Imaging and Simulation Technologies in Biomedicine (CISTIB), Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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109
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The Effect of Glutamate Receptor Agonists on Mouse Retinal Astrocyte [Ca(2+)]i. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:8178162. [PMID: 27413752 PMCID: PMC4930813 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8178162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Calcium-imaging techniques were used to determine if mouse retinal astrocytes in situ respond to agonists of ionotropic (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid, AMPA; N-methyl-D-aspartate, NMDA) and metabotropic (S-3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine, DHPG; trans-1-amino-1,3-cyclopentanedicarboxylic acid, ACPD) glutamate receptors. In most cases we found no evidence that retinal astrocyte intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+]i) increased in response to these glutamate agonists. The one exception was AMPA that increased [Ca2+]i in some, but not all, mouse retinal astrocytes in situ. However, AMPA did not increase [Ca2+]i in mouse retinal astrocytes in vitro, suggesting that the effect of AMPA in situ may be indirect.
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110
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Henneberger C. Does rapid and physiological astrocyte-neuron signalling amplify epileptic activity? J Physiol 2016; 595:1917-1927. [PMID: 27106234 DOI: 10.1113/jp271958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is a key brain region in the pathophysiology of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Long-term changes of its architecture and function on the network and cellular level are well documented in epilepsy. Astrocytes can control many aspects of neuronal function and their long-term alterations over weeks, months and years play an important role in epilepsy. However, a pathophysiological transformation of astrocytes does not seem to be required for astrocytes to contribute to epileptic activity. Some of the properties of physiological astrocyte-neuron communication could allow these cells to exacerbate or synchronize neuronal firing on shorter time scales of milliseconds to minutes. Therefore, these astrocyte-neuron interactions are increasingly recognized as potential contributors to epileptic activity. Fast and reciprocal communication between astrocytes and neurons is enabled by a diverse set of mechanisms that could both amplify and counteract epileptic activity. They may thus promote or cause development of epileptic activity or inhibit it. Mechanisms of astrocyte-neuron interactions that can quickly increase network excitability involve, for example, astrocyte Ca2+ and Na+ signalling, K+ buffering, gap junction coupling and metabolism. However, rapid changes of astrocyte neurotransmitter uptake and morphology may also underlie or support development of network hyperexcitability. The temporal characteristics of these interactions, their ability to synchronize neuronal activity and their net effect on network activity will determine their contribution to the emergence or maintenance of epileptic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Henneberger
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, University of Bonn Medical School, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany.,UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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111
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Andrade-Talavera Y, Duque-Feria P, Paulsen O, Rodríguez-Moreno A. Presynaptic Spike Timing-Dependent Long-Term Depression in the Mouse Hippocampus. Cereb Cortex 2016; 26:3637-3654. [PMID: 27282393 PMCID: PMC4961031 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) is a Hebbian learning rule important for synaptic refinement during development and for learning and memory in the adult. Given the importance of the hippocampus in memory, surprisingly little is known about the mechanisms and functions of hippocampal STDP. In the present work, we investigated the requirements for induction of hippocampal spike timing-dependent long-term potentiation (t-LTP) and spike timing-dependent long-term depression (t-LTD) and the mechanisms of these 2 forms of plasticity at CA3-CA1 synapses in young (P12–P18) mouse hippocampus. We found that both t-LTP and t-LTD can be induced at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses by pairing presynaptic activity with single postsynaptic action potentials at low stimulation frequency (0.2 Hz). Both t-LTP and t-LTD require NMDA-type glutamate receptors for their induction, but the location and properties of these receptors are different: While t-LTP requires postsynaptic ionotropic NMDA receptor function, t-LTD does not, and whereas t-LTP is blocked by antagonists at GluN2A and GluN2B subunit-containing NMDA receptors, t-LTD is blocked by GluN2C or GluN2D subunit-preferring NMDA receptor antagonists. Both t-LTP and t-LTD require postsynaptic Ca2+ for their induction. Induction of t-LTD also requires metabotropic glutamate receptor activation, phospholipase C activation, postsynaptic IP3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ release from internal stores, postsynaptic endocannabinoid (eCB) synthesis, activation of CB1 receptors and astrocytic signaling, possibly via release of the gliotransmitter d-serine. We furthermore found that presynaptic calcineurin is required for t-LTD induction. t-LTD is expressed presynaptically as indicated by fluctuation analysis, paired-pulse ratio, and rate of use-dependent depression of postsynaptic NMDA receptor currents by MK801. The results show that CA3-CA1 synapses display both NMDA receptor-dependent t-LTP and t-LTD during development and identify a presynaptic form of hippocampal t-LTD similar to that previously described at neocortical synapses during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuniesky Andrade-Talavera
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, ES-41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Paloma Duque-Feria
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, ES-41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Ole Paulsen
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Moreno
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, ES-41013 Seville, Spain
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112
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Bazargani N, Attwell D. Astrocyte calcium signaling: the third wave. Nat Neurosci 2016; 19:182-9. [PMID: 26814587 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 559] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The discovery that transient elevations of calcium concentration occur in astrocytes, and release 'gliotransmitters' which act on neurons and vascular smooth muscle, led to the idea that astrocytes are powerful regulators of neuronal spiking, synaptic plasticity and brain blood flow. These findings were challenged by a second wave of reports that astrocyte calcium transients did not mediate functions attributed to gliotransmitters and were too slow to generate blood flow increases. Remarkably, the tide has now turned again: the most important calcium transients occur in fine astrocyte processes not resolved in earlier studies, and new mechanisms have been discovered by which astrocyte [Ca(2+)]i is raised and exerts its effects. Here we review how this third wave of discoveries has changed our understanding of astrocyte calcium signaling and its consequences for neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narges Bazargani
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology &Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - David Attwell
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology &Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
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113
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Abstract
The role of astrocytes in neuronal function has received increasing recognition, but disagreement remains about their function at the circuit level. Here we use in vivo two-photon calcium imaging of neocortical astrocytes while monitoring the activity state of the local neuronal circuit electrophysiologically and optically. We find that astrocytic calcium activity precedes spontaneous circuit shifts to the slow-oscillation-dominated state, a neocortical rhythm characterized by synchronized neuronal firing and important for sleep and memory. Further, we show that optogenetic activation of astrocytes switches the local neuronal circuit to this slow-oscillation state. Finally, using two-photon imaging of extracellular glutamate, we find that astrocytic transients in glutamate co-occur with shifts to the synchronized state and that optogenetically activated astrocytes can generate these glutamate transients. We conclude that astrocytes can indeed trigger the low-frequency state of a cortical circuit by altering extracellular glutamate, and therefore play a causal role in the control of cortical synchronizations.
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114
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Astrocytes regulate heterogeneity of presynaptic strengths in hippocampal networks. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E2685-94. [PMID: 27118849 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1523717113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendrites are neuronal structures specialized for receiving and processing information through their many synaptic inputs. How input strengths are modified across dendrites in ways that are crucial for synaptic integration and plasticity remains unclear. We examined in single hippocampal neurons the mechanism of heterosynaptic interactions and the heterogeneity of synaptic strengths of pyramidal cell inputs. Heterosynaptic presynaptic plasticity that counterbalances input strengths requires N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and astrocytes. Importantly, this mechanism is shared with the mechanism for maintaining highly heterogeneous basal presynaptic strengths, which requires astrocyte Ca(2+) signaling involving NMDAR activation, astrocyte membrane depolarization, and L-type Ca(2+) channels. Intracellular infusion of NMDARs or Ca(2+)-channel blockers into astrocytes, conditionally ablating the GluN1 NMDAR subunit, or optogenetically hyperpolarizing astrocytes with archaerhodopsin promotes homogenization of convergent presynaptic inputs. Our findings support the presence of an astrocyte-dependent cellular mechanism that enhances the heterogeneity of presynaptic strengths of convergent connections, which may help boost the computational power of dendrites.
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115
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Yang H, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Xu MS, Yuan J, Yu T. Astrocytes contribute to the effects of etomidate on synaptic transmission in rat primary somatosensory cortex. Brain Res 2016; 1642:238-243. [PMID: 27045115 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the mechanisms of unconsciousness induced by general anesthetics. Previous studies have shown that the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is a sensitive region to a variety of intravenous general anesthetics. Etomidate is a widely used intravenous anesthetic that can influence synaptic transmission. Recently, there are some evidences suggesting that astrocytes, a type of glia cell, also contribute to information transmission in the brain, and modulate synaptic function by releasing neuroactive substances. However, it is unknown whether astrocytes influence the effects of etomidate on information transmission in S1 pyramidal neurons. In the present study, the role of astrocytes in etomidate-induced unconsciousness was investigated by using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. We observed etomidate at clinically relevant concentrations inhibited the spontaneous postsynaptic currents (sPSCs) of rat S1 pyramidal neurons in a concentration-dependent manner, and the EC50 value of etomidate for inhibiting sPSCs from the concentration-effect curve was 6.9μM. Furthermore, in the presence of fluorocitrate, a glia-selective metabolism inhibitor that blocks the aconitase enzyme, both the amplitude and frequency of sPSCs in rat S1 pyramidal neurons were reduced, and the inhibitory effects of etomidate on sPSCs amplitude was strengthened without affecting the effects of etomidate on frequency. From these data, we deduce that etomidate suppresses synaptic activity via presynaptic and postsynaptic components. Furthermore, astrocytes participate in synaptic transmission and influence the effects of etomidate on postsynaptic receptors. This study provides new insight into the role of astrocytes in etomidate-induced unconsciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical College, Dalian Road, 563003 Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical College, Dalian Road, 563003 Zunyi, Guizhou, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College, Dalian Road, 563003 Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical College, Dalian Road, 563003 Zunyi, Guizhou, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College, Dalian Road, 563003 Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - You Zhang
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical College, Dalian Road, 563003 Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Mao-Sheng Xu
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical College, Dalian Road, 563003 Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Jie Yuan
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical College, Dalian Road, 563003 Zunyi, Guizhou, China
| | - Tian Yu
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical College, Dalian Road, 563003 Zunyi, Guizhou, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical College, Dalian Road, 563003 Zunyi, Guizhou, China.
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116
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Phillips AA, Chan FH, Zheng MMZ, Krassioukov AV, Ainslie PN. Neurovascular coupling in humans: Physiology, methodological advances and clinical implications. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2016; 36:647-64. [PMID: 26661243 PMCID: PMC4821024 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x15617954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurovascular coupling reflects the close temporal and regional linkage between neural activity and cerebral blood flow. Although providing mechanistic insight, our understanding of neurovascular coupling is largely limited to non-physiologicalex vivopreparations and non-human models using sedatives/anesthetics with confounding cerebrovascular implications. Herein, with particular focus on humans, we review the present mechanistic understanding of neurovascular coupling and highlight current approaches to assess these responses and the application in health and disease. Moreover, we present new guidelines for standardizing the assessment of neurovascular coupling in humans. To improve the reliability of measurement and related interpretation, the utility of new automated software for neurovascular coupling is demonstrated, which provides the capacity for coalescing repetitive trials and time intervals into single contours and extracting numerous metrics (e.g., conductance and pulsatility, critical closing pressure, etc.) according to patterns of interest (e.g., peak/minimum response, time of response, etc.). This versatile software also permits the normalization of neurovascular coupling metrics to dynamic changes in arterial blood gases, potentially influencing the hyperemic response. It is hoped that these guidelines, combined with the newly developed and openly available software, will help to propel the understanding of neurovascular coupling in humans and also lead to improved clinical management of this critical physiological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron A Phillips
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia - Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), UBC, Vancouver, Canada Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Franco Hn Chan
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), UBC, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mei Mu Zi Zheng
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), UBC, Vancouver, Canada Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Andrei V Krassioukov
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), UBC, Vancouver, Canada Experimental Medicine Program, Faculty of Medicine, UBC, Vancouver, Canada Department of Physical Therapy, UBC, Vancouver, Canada GF Strong Rehabilitation Center, Vancouver, Canada Department of Medicine, Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, UBC, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Philip N Ainslie
- Centre for Heart, Lung and Vascular Health, School of Health and Exercise Sciences, University of British Columbia - Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
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117
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P2Y Receptors in Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity: Therapeutic Potential in Cognitive Dysfunction. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:1207393. [PMID: 27069691 PMCID: PMC4812485 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1207393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
ATP released from neurons and astrocytes during neuronal activity or under pathophysiological circumstances is able to influence information flow in neuronal circuits by activation of ionotropic P2X and metabotropic P2Y receptors and subsequent modulation of cellular excitability, synaptic strength, and plasticity. In the present paper we review cellular and network effects of P2Y receptors in the brain. We show that P2Y receptors inhibit the release of neurotransmitters, modulate voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels, and differentially influence the induction of synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. The findings discussed here may explain how P2Y1 receptor activation during brain injury, hypoxia, inflammation, schizophrenia, or Alzheimer's disease leads to an impairment of cognitive processes. Hence, it is suggested that the blockade of P2Y1 receptors may have therapeutic potential against cognitive disturbances in these states.
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118
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Nakayama R, Sasaki T, Tanaka KF, Ikegaya Y. Subcellular calcium dynamics during juvenile development in mouse hippocampal astrocytes. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 43:923-32. [PMID: 27041234 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Revised: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes generate calcium signals throughout their fine processes, which are assumed to locally regulate neighbouring neurotransmission and blood flow. The intercellular morphological relationships mature during juvenile periods when astrocytes elongate highly ramified processes. In this study, we examined developmental changes in calcium activity patterns of single hippocampal astrocytes using a transgenic mouse line in which astrocytes selectively express a genetically encoded calcium indicator, Yellow Cameleon-Nano50. Compared with postnatal day 7, astrocytes at postnatal day 30 showed larger subcellular calcium events and a greater proportion of somatic events. At both ages, the calcium activity was abolished by removal of extracellular calcium ions. Calcium events in late juvenile astrocytes were not affected by spontaneously occurring sharp waves that trigger synchronized neuronal spikes, implying the independence of astrocyte calcium signals from neuronal synchronization. These results demonstrate that astrocytes undergo dynamic changes in their activity patterns during juvenile development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Nakayama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Sasaki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji F Tanaka
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Ikegaya
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Center for Information and Neural Networks, Osaka, Japan
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119
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Prada D, Harris A, Guidoboni G, Siesky B, Huang AM, Arciero J. Autoregulation and neurovascular coupling in the optic nerve head. Surv Ophthalmol 2016; 61:164-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2015.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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120
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Kong L, Albano R, Madayag A, Raddatz N, Mantsch JR, Choi S, Lobner D, Baker DA. Pituitary Adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide orchestrates neuronal regulation of the astrocytic glutamate-releasing mechanism system xc (.). J Neurochem 2016; 137:384-93. [PMID: 26851652 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate signaling is achieved by an elaborate network involving neurons and astrocytes. Hence, it is critical to better understand how neurons and astrocytes interact to coordinate the cellular regulation of glutamate signaling. In these studies, we used rat cortical cell cultures to examine whether neurons or releasable neuronal factors were capable of regulating system xc (-) (Sxc), a glutamate-releasing mechanism that is expressed primarily by astrocytes and has been shown to regulate synaptic transmission. We found that astrocytes cultured with neurons or exposed to neuronal-conditioned media displayed significantly higher levels of Sxc activity. Next, we demonstrated that the pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) may be a neuronal factor capable of regulating astrocytes. In support, we found that PACAP expression was restricted to neurons, and that PACAP receptors were expressed in astrocytes. Interestingly, blockade of PACAP receptors in cultures comprised of astrocytes and neurons significantly decreased Sxc activity to the level observed in purified astrocytes, whereas application of PACAP to purified astrocytes increased Sxc activity to the level observed in cultures comprised of neurons and astrocytes. Collectively, these data reveal that neurons coordinate the actions of glutamate-related mechanisms expressed by astrocytes, such as Sxc, a process that likely involves PACAP. A critical gap in modeling excitatory signaling is how distinct components of the glutamate system expressed by neurons and astrocytes are coordinated. In these studies, we found that system xc (-) (Sxc), a glutamate release mechanism expressed by astrocytes, is regulated by releasable neuronal factors including PACAP. This represents a novel form of neuron-astrocyte communication, and highlights the possibility that pathological changes involving astrocytic Sxc may stem from altered neuronal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghai Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rebecca Albano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Aric Madayag
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nicholas Raddatz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - John R Mantsch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - SuJean Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Doug Lobner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - David A Baker
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
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121
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Plasticity of Hippocampal Excitatory-Inhibitory Balance: Missing the Synaptic Control in the Epileptic Brain. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:8607038. [PMID: 27006834 PMCID: PMC4783563 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8607038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity is the capacity generated by experience to modify the neural function and, thereby, adapt our behaviour. Long-term plasticity of glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission occurs in a concerted manner, finely adjusting the excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) balance. Imbalances of E/I function are related to several neurological diseases including epilepsy. Several evidences have demonstrated that astrocytes are able to control the synaptic plasticity, with astrocytes being active partners in synaptic physiology and E/I balance. Here, we revise molecular evidences showing the epileptic stage as an abnormal form of long-term brain plasticity and propose the possible participation of astrocytes to the abnormal increase of glutamatergic and decrease of GABAergic neurotransmission in epileptic networks.
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122
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Gordon GRJ, Howarth C, MacVicar BA. Bidirectional Control of Blood Flow by Astrocytes: A Role for Tissue Oxygen and Other Metabolic Factors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 903:209-19. [PMID: 27343099 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4899-7678-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Altering cerebral blood flow through the control of cerebral vessel diameter is critical so that the delivery of molecules important for proper brain functioning is matched to the activity level of neurons. Although the close relationship of brain glia known as astrocytes with cerebral blood vessels has long been recognized, it is only recently that these cells have been demonstrated to translate information on the activity level and energy demands of neurons to the vasculature. In particular, astrocytes respond to elevations in extracellular glutamate as a consequence of synaptic transmission through the activation of group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors. These Gq-protein coupled receptors elevate intracellular calcium via IP3 signaling. A close examination of astrocyte endfeet calcium signals has been shown to cause either vasoconstriction or vasodilation. Common to both vasomotor responses is the generation of arachidonic acid in astrocytes by calcium sensitive phospholipase A2. Vasoconstriction ensues from the conversion of arachidonic acid to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, while vasodilation ensues from the production of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids or prostaglandins. Factors that determine whether constrictor or dilatory pathways predominate include brain oxygen, lactate, adenosine as well as nitric oxide. Changing the oxygen level itself leads to many downstream changes that facilitate the switch from vasoconstriction at high oxygen to vasodilation at low oxygen. These findings highlight the importance of astrocytes as sensors of neural activity and metabolism to coordinate the delivery of essential nutrients via the blood to the working cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant R J Gordon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Clare Howarth
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Brian A MacVicar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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123
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124
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Eid T, Gruenbaum SE, Dhaher R, Lee TSW, Zhou Y, Danbolt NC. The Glutamate-Glutamine Cycle in Epilepsy. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2016; 13:351-400. [PMID: 27885637 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-45096-4_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex, multifactorial disease characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures and an increased incidence of comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression, cognitive dysfunction, and sudden unexpected death. About 70 million people worldwide are estimated to suffer from epilepsy, and up to one-third of all people with epilepsy are expected to be refractory to current medications. Development of more effective and specific antiepileptic interventions is therefore requisite. Perturbations in the brain's glutamate-glutamine cycle, such as increased extracellular levels of glutamate, loss of astroglial glutamine synthetase, and changes in glutaminase and glutamate dehydrogenase, are frequently encountered in patients with epilepsy. Hence, manipulations of discrete glutamate-glutamine cycle components may represent novel approaches to treat the disease. The goal of his review is to discuss some of the glutamate-glutamine cycle components that are altered in epilepsy, particularly neurotransmitters and metabolites, enzymes, amino acid transporters, and glutamate receptors. We will also review approaches that potentially could be used in humans to target the glutamate-glutamine cycle. Examples of such approaches are treatment with glutamate receptor blockers, glutamate scavenging, dietary intervention, and hypothermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tore Eid
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar Street, 208035, New Haven, CT, 06520-8035, USA.
| | - Shaun E Gruenbaum
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Roni Dhaher
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, 330 Cedar Street, 208035, New Haven, CT, 06520-8035, USA
| | - Tih-Shih W Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute for Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Niels Christian Danbolt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute for Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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125
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Panatier A, Arizono M, Nägerl UV. Dissecting tripartite synapses with STED microscopy. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:20130597. [PMID: 25225091 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept of the tripartite synapse reflects the important role that astrocytic processes are thought to play in the function and regulation of neuronal synapses in the mammalian nervous system. However, many basic aspects regarding the dynamic interplay between pre- and postsynaptic neuronal structures and their astrocytic partners remain to be explored. A major experimental hurdle has been the small physical size of the relevant glial and synaptic structures, leaving them largely out of reach for conventional light microscopic approaches such as confocal and two-photon microscopy. Hence, most of what we know about the organization of the tripartite synapse is based on electron microscopy, which does not lend itself to investigating dynamic events and which cannot be carried out in parallel with functional assays. The development and application of superresolution microscopy for neuron-glia research is opening up exciting experimental opportunities in this regard. In this paper, we provide a basic explanation of the theory and operation of stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, outlining the potential of this recent superresolution imaging modality for advancing our understanding of the morpho-functional interactions between astrocytes and neurons that regulate synaptic physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aude Panatier
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France Neurocentre Magendie, Inserm U862, Bordeaux, France
| | - Misa Arizono
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, CNRS UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France Laboratory for Developmental Neurobiology, Brain Science Institute, RIKEN, Wako, Japan
| | - U Valentin Nägerl
- Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, CNRS UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
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126
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Hines DJ, Haydon PG. Astrocytic adenosine: from synapses to psychiatric disorders. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:20130594. [PMID: 25225088 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is considered to be the most complex organ in the body, the brain can be broadly classified into two major types of cells, neuronal cells and glial cells. Glia is a general term that encompasses multiple types of non-neuronal cells that function to maintain homeostasis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurons. Astrocytes, a major class of glial cell, have historically been viewed as passive support cells, but recently it has been discovered that astrocytes participate in signalling activities both with the vasculature and with neurons at the synapse. These cells have been shown to release D-serine, TNF-α, glutamate, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and ATP among other signalling molecules. ATP and its metabolites are well established as important signalling molecules, and astrocytes represent a major source of ATP release in the nervous system. Novel molecular and genetic tools have recently shown that astrocytic release of ATP and other signalling molecules has a major impact on synaptic transmission. Via actions at the synapse, astrocytes have now been shown to regulate complex network signalling in the whole organism with impacts on respiration and the sleep-wake cycle. In addition, new roles for astrocytes are being uncovered in psychiatric disorders, and astrocyte signalling mechanisms represents an attractive target for novel therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin J Hines
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Philip G Haydon
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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127
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Navarrete M, Díez A, Araque A. Astrocytes in endocannabinoid signalling. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:20130599. [PMID: 25225093 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are emerging as integral functional components of synapses, responding to synaptically released neurotransmitters and regulating synaptic transmission and plasticity. Thus, they functionally interact with neurons establishing tripartite synapses: a functional concept that refers to the existence of communication between astrocytes and neurons and its crucial role in synaptic function. Here, we discuss recent evidence showing that astrocytes are involved in the endocannabinoid (ECB) system, responding to exogenous cannabinoids as well as ECBs through activation of type 1 cannabinoid receptors, which increase intracellular calcium and stimulate the release of glutamate that modulates synaptic transmission and plasticity. We also discuss the consequences of ECB signalling in tripartite synapses on the astrocyte-mediated regulation of synaptic function, which reveal novel properties of synaptic regulation by ECBs, such as the spatially controlled dual effect on synaptic strength and the lateral potentiation of synaptic efficacy. Finally, we discuss the potential implications of ECB signalling for astrocytes in brain pathology and animal behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alfonso Araque
- Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Madrid 28002, Spain Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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128
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Barger Z, Easton CR, Neuzil KE, Moody WJ. Early network activity propagates bidirectionally between hippocampus and cortex. Dev Neurobiol 2015; 76:661-72. [PMID: 26385616 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Spontaneous activity in the developing brain helps refine neuronal connections before the arrival of sensory-driven neuronal activity. In mouse neocortex during the first postnatal week, waves of spontaneous activity originating from pacemaker regions in the septal nucleus and piriform cortex propagate through the neocortex. Using high-speed Ca(2+) imaging to resolve the spatiotemporal dynamics of wave propagation in parasagittal mouse brain slices, we show that the hippocampus can act as an additional source of neocortical waves. Some waves that originate in the hippocampus remain restricted to that structure, while others pause at the hippocampus-neocortex boundary and then propagate into the neocortex. Blocking GABAergic neurotransmission decreases the likelihood of wave propagation into neocortex, whereas blocking glutamatergic neurotransmission eliminates spontaneous and evoked hippocampal waves. A subset of hippocampal and cortical waves trigger Ca(2+) waves in astrocytic networks after a brief delay. Hippocampal waves accompanied by Ca(2+) elevation in astrocytes are more likely to propagate into the neocortex. Finally, we show that two structures in our preparation that initiate waves-the hippocampus and the piriform cortex-can be electrically stimulated to initiate propagating waves at lower thresholds than the neocortex, indicating that the intrinsic circuit properties of those regions are responsible for their pacemaker function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeke Barger
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195
| | - Curtis R Easton
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195
| | - Kevin E Neuzil
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195
| | - William J Moody
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, 98195
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129
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Asada A, Ujita S, Nakayama R, Oba S, Ishii S, Matsuki N, Ikegaya Y. Subtle modulation of ongoing calcium dynamics in astrocytic microdomains by sensory inputs. Physiol Rep 2015; 3:3/10/e12454. [PMID: 26438730 PMCID: PMC4632942 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes communicate with neurons through their processes. In vitro experiments have demonstrated that astrocytic processes exhibit calcium activity both spontaneously and in response to external stimuli; however, it has not been fully determined whether and how astrocytic subcellular domains respond to sensory input in vivo. We visualized the calcium signals in astrocytes in the primary visual cortex of awake, head-fixed mice. Bias-free analyses of two-photon imaging data revealed that calcium activity prevailed in astrocytic subcellular domains, was coordinated with variable spot-like patterns, and was dominantly spontaneous. Indeed, visual stimuli did not affect the frequency of calcium domain activity, but it increased the domain size, whereas tetrodotoxin reduced the sizes of spontaneous calcium domains and abolished their visual responses. The “evoked” domain activity exhibited no apparent orientation tuning and was distributed unevenly within the cell, constituting multiple active hotspots that were often also recruited in spontaneous activity. The hotspots existed dominantly in the somata and endfeet of astrocytes. Thus, the patterns of astrocytic calcium dynamics are intrinsically constrained and are subject to minor but significant modulation by sensory input.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Asada
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sakiko Ujita
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Nakayama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeyuki Oba
- Graduate School of Informatics Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shin Ishii
- Graduate School of Informatics Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Norio Matsuki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Ikegaya
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan Center for Information and Neural Networks, Suita City Osaka, Japan
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130
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Naeem M, McDaid LJ, Harkin J, Wade JJ, Marsland J. On the role of astroglial syncytia in self-repairing spiking neural networks. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL NETWORKS AND LEARNING SYSTEMS 2015; 26:2370-80. [PMID: 25576582 DOI: 10.1109/tnnls.2014.2382334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
It has been shown that brain-like self-repair can arise from the interactions between neurons and astrocytes where endocannabinoids are synthesized and released from active neurons. This retrograde messenger feeds back to local synapses directly and indirectly to distant synapses via astrocytes. This direct/indirect feedback of the endocannabinoid retrograde messenger results in the modulation of the probability of release (PR) at synaptic sites. When synapses fail, there is a corresponding falloff in the firing activity of the associated neurons, and hence the strength of the direct feedback messenger diminishes. This triggers an increase in PR of healthy synapses, due to the indirect messenger from other active neurons, which is the catalyst for the repair process. In this paper, the repair process is implemented by developing a new learning rule that captures the spike-timing-dependent plasticity and Bienenstock, Cooper, and Munro learning rules. The rule is activated by the increase in PR and results in a potentiation of the weight values, which reestablishes the firing activity of neurons. In addition, this self-repairing mechanism is extended to network-level repair where astrocyte to astrocyte communications are implemented using a linear gap junction model. This facilitates the implementation of an astroglial syncytium involving multiple astrocytes, which relays the indirect feedback messenger to distant neurons: each astrocyte is bidirectionally coupled to neurons. A detailed and comprehensive set of results with analysis is presented demonstrating repair at both cellular and network levels.
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131
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Li H, Xie Y, Zhang N, Yu Y, Zhang Q, Ding S. Disruption of IP₃R2-mediated Ca²⁺ signaling pathway in astrocytes ameliorates neuronal death and brain damage while reducing behavioral deficits after focal ischemic stroke. Cell Calcium 2015; 58:565-76. [PMID: 26433454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Revised: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inositol trisphosphate receptor (IP3R)-mediated intracellular Ca(2+) increase is the major Ca(2+) signaling pathway in astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). Ca(2+) increases in astrocytes have been found to modulate neuronal function through gliotransmitter release. We previously demonstrated that astrocytes exhibit enhanced Ca(2+) signaling in vivo after photothrombosis (PT)-induced ischemia, which is largely due to the activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The aim of this study is to investigate the role of astrocytic IP3R-mediated Ca(2+) signaling in neuronal death, brain damage and behavior outcomes after PT. For this purpose, we conducted experiments using homozygous type 2 IP3R (IP3R2) knockout (KO) mice. Histological and immunostaining studies showed that IP3R2 KO mice were indeed deficient in IP3R2 in astrocytes and exhibited normal brain cytoarchitecture. IP3R2 KO mice also had the same densities of S100β+ astrocytes and NeuN+ neurons in the cortices, and exhibited the same glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and glial glutamate transporter (GLT-1) levels in the cortices and hippocampi as compared with wild type (WT) mice. Two-photon (2-P) imaging showed that IP3R2 KO mice did not exhibit ATP-induced Ca(2+) waves in vivo in the astrocytic network, which verified the disruption of IP3R-mediated Ca(2+) signaling in astrocytes of these mice. When subject to PT, IP3R2 KO mice had smaller infarction than WT mice in acute and chronic phases of ischemia. IP3R2 KO mice also exhibited less neuronal apoptosis, reactive astrogliosis, and tissue loss than WT mice. Behavioral tests, including cylinder, hanging wire, pole and adhesive tests, showed that IP3R2 KO mice exhibited reduced functional deficits after PT. Collectively, our study demonstrates that disruption of astrocytic Ca(2+) signaling by deleting IP3R2s has beneficial effects on neuronal and brain protection and functional deficits after stroke. These findings reveal a novel non-cell-autonomous neuronal and brain protective function of astrocytes in ischemic stroke, whereby suggest that the astrocytic IP3R2-mediated Ca(2+) signaling pathway might be a promising target for stroke therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Li
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Yicheng Xie
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Nannan Zhang
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Shinghua Ding
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO 65211, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, MO 65211, United States.
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Abstract
Neuroglia, the "glue" that fills the space between neurons in the central nervous system, takes active part in nerve cell signaling. Neuroglial cells, astroglia, oligodendroglia, and microglia, are together about as numerous as neurons in the brain as a whole, and in the cerebral cortex grey matter, but the proportion varies widely among brain regions. Glial volume, however, is less than one-fifth of the tissue volume in grey matter. When stimulated by neurons or other cells, neuroglial cells release gliotransmitters by exocytosis, similar to neurotransmitter release from nerve endings, or by carrier-mediated transport or channel flux through the plasma membrane. Gliotransmitters include the common neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA, the nonstandard amino acid d-serine, the high-energy phosphate ATP, and l-lactate. The latter molecule is a "buffer" between glycolytic and oxidative metabolism as well as a signaling substance recently shown to act on specific lactate receptors in the brain. Complementing neurotransmission at a synapse, neuroglial transmission often implies diffusion of the transmitter over a longer distance and concurs with the concept of volume transmission. Transmission from glia modulates synaptic neurotransmission based on energetic and other local conditions in a volume of tissue surrounding the individual synapse. Neuroglial transmission appears to contribute significantly to brain functions such as memory, as well as to prevalent neuropathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidar Gundersen
- SN-Lab, Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, and CMBN/SERTA/Healthy Brain Ageing Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; and Brain and Muscle Energy Group, Department of Oral Biology and Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon Storm-Mathisen
- SN-Lab, Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, and CMBN/SERTA/Healthy Brain Ageing Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; and Brain and Muscle Energy Group, Department of Oral Biology and Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linda Hildegard Bergersen
- SN-Lab, Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, and CMBN/SERTA/Healthy Brain Ageing Centre, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Neurology, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Center for Healthy Aging, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; and Brain and Muscle Energy Group, Department of Oral Biology and Division of Anatomy, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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133
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Plasticity of Neuron-Glial Transmission: Equipping Glia for Long-Term Integration of Network Activity. Neural Plast 2015; 2015:765792. [PMID: 26339509 PMCID: PMC4539116 DOI: 10.1155/2015/765792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity of synaptic networks to express activity-dependent changes in strength and connectivity is essential for learning and memory processes. In recent years, glial cells (most notably astrocytes) have been recognized as active participants in the modulation of synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity, implicating these electrically nonexcitable cells in information processing in the brain. While the concept of bidirectional communication between neurons and glia and the mechanisms by which gliotransmission can modulate neuronal function are well established, less attention has been focussed on the computational potential of neuron-glial transmission itself. In particular, whether neuron-glial transmission is itself subject to activity-dependent plasticity and what the computational properties of such plasticity might be has not been explored in detail. In this review, we summarize current examples of plasticity in neuron-glial transmission, in many brain regions and neurotransmitter pathways. We argue that induction of glial plasticity typically requires repetitive neuronal firing over long time periods (minutes-hours) rather than the short-lived, stereotyped trigger typical of canonical long-term potentiation. We speculate that this equips glia with a mechanism for monitoring average firing rates in the synaptic network, which is suited to the longer term roles proposed for astrocytes in neurophysiology.
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134
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Astrocyte physiopathology: At the crossroads of intercellular networking, inflammation and cell death. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 130:86-120. [PMID: 25930681 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent breakthroughs in neuroscience have led to the awareness that we should revise our traditional mode of thinking and studying the CNS, i.e. by isolating the privileged network of "intelligent" synaptic contacts. We may instead need to contemplate all the variegate communications occurring between the different neural cell types, and centrally involving the astrocytes. Basically, it appears that a single astrocyte should be considered as a core that receives and integrates information from thousands of synapses, other glial cells and the blood vessels. In turn, it generates complex outputs that control the neural circuitry and coordinate it with the local microcirculation. Astrocytes thus emerge as the possible fulcrum of the functional homeostasis of the healthy CNS. Yet, evidence indicates that the bridging properties of the astrocytes can change in parallel with, or as a result of, the morphological, biochemical and functional alterations these cells undergo upon injury or disease. As a consequence, they have the potential to transform from supportive friends and interactive partners for neurons into noxious foes. In this review, we summarize the currently available knowledge on the contribution of astrocytes to the functioning of the CNS and what goes wrong in various pathological conditions, with a particular focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease and ischemia. The observations described convincingly demonstrate that the development and progression of several neurological disorders involve the de-regulation of a finely tuned interplay between multiple cell populations. Thus, it seems that a better understanding of the mechanisms governing the integrated communication and detrimental responses of the astrocytes as well as their impact towards the homeostasis and performance of the CNS is fundamental to open novel therapeutic perspectives.
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135
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Panatier A, Robitaille R. Astrocytic mGluR5 and the tripartite synapse. Neuroscience 2015; 323:29-34. [PMID: 25847307 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.03.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
In the brain, astrocytes occupy a key position between vessels and synapses. Among their numerous functions, these glial cells are key partners of neurons during synaptic transmission. Astrocytes detect transmitter release through receptors and transporters at the level of their processes, which are in close proximity to the tow neuronal elements of synapses. In response to transmitter-mediated activation, glial cells in turn regulate synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. This process has been reported to involve several glial receptors. One of the best known of such receptors is the metabotropic glutamatergic receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5). In the present review we will discuss the implication of mGluR5s as detectors of synaptic transmission. In particular, we will discuss how the functional properties and localization of these receptors permit the detection of the synaptic signal in a defined temporal window and a given spatial area around the synapse. Furthermore, we will review the impact of their activation on synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Panatier
- Neurocentre Magendie, INSERM U862, Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.
| | - R Robitaille
- Groupe de recherche sur le système nerveux central, Université de Montréal, Canada; Département de neurosciences, Université de Montréal, PO Box 6128, Station centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada
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136
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Belanger-Nelson E, Freyburger M, Pouliot P, Beaumont E, Lesage F, Mongrain V. Brain hemodynamic response to somatosensory stimulation in Neuroligin-1 knockout mice. Neuroscience 2015; 289:242-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.12.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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137
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Crunelli V, Carmignoto G, Steinhäuser C. Novel astrocyte targets: new avenues for the therapeutic treatment of epilepsy. Neuroscientist 2015; 21:62-83. [PMID: 24609207 PMCID: PMC4361461 DOI: 10.1177/1073858414523320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During the last 20 years, it has been well established that a finely tuned, continuous crosstalk between neurons and astrocytes not only critically modulates physiological brain functions but also underlies many neurological diseases. In particular, this novel way of interpreting brain activity is markedly influencing our current knowledge of epilepsy, prompting a re-evaluation of old findings and guiding novel experimentation. Here, we review recent studies that have unraveled novel and unique contributions of astrocytes to the generation and spread of convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures and epileptiform activity. The emerging scenario advocates an overall framework in which a dynamic and reciprocal interplay among astrocytic and neuronal ensembles is fundamental for a fuller understanding of epilepsy. In turn, this offers novel astrocytic targets for the development of those really novel chemical entities for the control of convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures that have been acknowledged as a key priority in the management of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Crunelli
- Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Giorgio Carmignoto
- Centro Nazionale della Ricerca, Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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138
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Glutamate mediated astrocytic filtering of neuronal activity. PLoS Comput Biol 2014; 10:e1003964. [PMID: 25521344 PMCID: PMC4270452 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuron-astrocyte communication is an important regulatory mechanism in various brain functions but its complexity and role are yet to be fully understood. In particular, the temporal pattern of astrocyte response to neuronal firing has not been fully characterized. Here, we used neuron-astrocyte cultures on multi-electrode arrays coupled to Ca2+ imaging and explored the range of neuronal stimulation frequencies while keeping constant the amount of stimulation. Our results reveal that astrocytes specifically respond to the frequency of neuronal stimulation by intracellular Ca2+ transients, with a clear onset of astrocytic activation at neuron firing rates around 3-5 Hz. The cell-to-cell heterogeneity of the astrocyte Ca2+ response was however large and increasing with stimulation frequency. Astrocytic activation by neurons was abolished with antagonists of type I metabotropic glutamate receptor, validating the glutamate-dependence of this neuron-to-astrocyte pathway. Using a realistic biophysical model of glutamate-based intracellular calcium signaling in astrocytes, we suggest that the stepwise response is due to the supralinear dynamics of intracellular IP3 and that the heterogeneity of the responses may be due to the heterogeneity of the astrocyte-to-astrocyte couplings via gap junction channels. Therefore our results present astrocyte intracellular Ca2+ activity as a nonlinear integrator of glutamate-dependent neuronal activity.
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139
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Bosson A, Boisseau S, Buisson A, Savasta M, Albrieux M. Disruption of dopaminergic transmission remodels tripartite synapse morphology and astrocytic calcium activity within substantia nigra pars reticulata. Glia 2014; 63:673-83. [PMID: 25511180 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) is a major output nucleus of the basal ganglia circuitry particularly sensitive to pathological dopamine depletion. Indeed, hyperactivity of SNr neurons is known to be responsible for some motor disorders characteristic of Parkinson's disease. The neuronal processing of basal ganglia dysfunction is well understood but, paradoxically, the role of astrocytes in the regulation of SNr activity has rarely been considered. We thus investigated the influence of the disruption of dopaminergic transmission on plastic changes at tripartite glutamatergic synapses in the rat SNr and on astrocyte calcium activity. In 6-hydroxydopamine-lesioned rats, we observed structural plastic changes of tripartite glutamatergic synapses and perisynaptic astrocytic processes. These findings suggest that subthalamonigral synapses undergo morphological changes that accompany the pathophysiological processes of Parkinson's disease. The pharmacological blockade of dopaminergic transmission (with sulpiride and SCH-23390) increased astrocyte calcium excitability, synchrony and gap junction coupling within the SNr, suggesting a functional adaptation of astrocytes to dopamine transmission disruption in this output nucleus. This hyperactivity is partly reversed by subthalamic nucleus high-frequency stimulation which has emerged as an efficient symptomatic treatment for Parkinson's disease. Therefore, our results demonstrate structural and functional reshaping of neuronal and glial elements highlighting a functional plasticity of neuroglial interactions when dopamine transmission is disrupted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Bosson
- Inserm, U836, 38000, Grenoble, France; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble Institut des Neurosciences, 38000, Grenoble, France
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140
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Rat nucleus accumbens core astrocytes modulate reward and the motivation to self-administer ethanol after abstinence. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:2835-45. [PMID: 24903651 PMCID: PMC4200494 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of the active role that astrocytes play in modulating neuronal function and behavior is rapidly expanding, but little is known about the role that astrocytes may play in drug-seeking behavior for commonly abused substances. Given that the nucleus accumbens is critically involved in substance abuse and motivation, we sought to determine whether nucleus accumbens astrocytes influence the motivation to self-administer ethanol following abstinence. We found that the packing density of astrocytes that were expressing glial fibrillary acidic protein increased in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcore) during abstinence from EtOH self-administration. No change was observed in the nucleus accumbens shell. This increased NAcore astrocyte density positively correlated with the motivation for ethanol. Astrocytes can communicate with one another and influence neuronal activity through gap-junction hemichannels. Because of this, the effect of blocking gap-junction hemichannels on the motivation for ethanol was examined. The motivation to self-administer ethanol after 3 weeks abstinence was increased following microinjection of gap-junction hemichannel blockers into the NAcore at doses that block both neuronal and astrocytic channels. In contrast, no effect was observed following microinjection of doses that are not thought to block astrocytic channels or following microinjection of either dose into the nucleus accumbens shell. Additionally, the motivation for sucrose after 3 weeks abstinence was unaffected by NAcore gap-junction hemichannel blockers. Next, Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) were selectively expressed in NAcore astrocytes to test the effect of astrocyte stimulation. DREADD activation increased cytosolic calcium in primary astrocytes, facilitated responding for rewarding brain stimulation, and reduced the motivation for ethanol after 3 weeks abstinence. This is the first work to modulate drug-seeking behavior with astrocyte-specific DREADDs. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that NAcore astrocytes can shape the motivation to self-administer ethanol; suggesting that the development of ligands which selectively stimulate astrocytes may be a successful strategy to abate ethanol-seeking behavior.
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141
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Berlinguer-Palmini R, Narducci R, Merhan K, Dilaghi A, Moroni F, Masi A, Scartabelli T, Landucci E, Sili M, Schettini A, McGovern B, Maskaant P, Degenaar P, Mannaioni G. Arrays of microLEDs and astrocytes: biological amplifiers to optogenetically modulate neuronal networks reducing light requirement. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108689. [PMID: 25265500 PMCID: PMC4180921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In the modern view of synaptic transmission, astrocytes are no longer confined to the role of merely supportive cells. Although they do not generate action potentials, they nonetheless exhibit electrical activity and can influence surrounding neurons through gliotransmitter release. In this work, we explored whether optogenetic activation of glial cells could act as an amplification mechanism to optical neural stimulation via gliotransmission to the neural network. We studied the modulation of gliotransmission by selective photo-activation of channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) and by means of a matrix of individually addressable super-bright microLEDs (μLEDs) with an excitation peak at 470 nm. We combined Ca2+ imaging techniques and concurrent patch-clamp electrophysiology to obtain subsequent glia/neural activity. First, we tested the μLEDs efficacy in stimulating ChR2-transfected astrocyte. ChR2-induced astrocytic current did not desensitize overtime, and was linearly increased and prolonged by increasing μLED irradiance in terms of intensity and surface illumination. Subsequently, ChR2 astrocytic stimulation by broad-field LED illumination with the same spectral profile, increased both glial cells and neuronal calcium transient frequency and sEPSCs suggesting that few ChR2-transfected astrocytes were able to excite surrounding not-ChR2-transfected astrocytes and neurons. Finally, by using the μLEDs array to selectively light stimulate ChR2 positive astrocytes we were able to increase the synaptic activity of single neurons surrounding it. In conclusion, ChR2-transfected astrocytes and μLEDs system were shown to be an amplifier of synaptic activity in mixed corticalneuronal and glial cells culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando Berlinguer-Palmini
- School of Electric and Electronic Engineering – Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto Narducci
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Kamyar Merhan
- School of Electric and Electronic Engineering – Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Arianna Dilaghi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Flavio Moroni
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Masi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tania Scartabelli
- Department of Health Science, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisa Landucci
- Department of Health Science, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Sili
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Schettini
- Department of Health Science, Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Brian McGovern
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Patrick Degenaar
- School of Electric and Electronic Engineering – Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom
| | - Guido Mannaioni
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- * E-mail:
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142
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Abstract
Astrocytes have been found to play important roles in physiology being fundamental for ionic homeostasis and glutamate clearance from the synaptic cleft by their plasma membrane glutamate transporters. Astrocytes are electrically non-excitable, but they exhibit Ca(2+) signaling, which now has been demonstrated to serve as an indirect mediator of neuron-glia bidirectional interactions through gliotransmission via tripartite synapses and to modulate synaptic function and plasticity. Spontaneous astrocytic Ca(2+) signaling was observed in vivo. Intercellular Ca(2+) waves in astrocytes can be evoked by a variety of stimulations. Astrocytes are critically involved in many pathological conditions including ischemic stroke. For example, it is well known that astrocytes become reactive and form glial scar after stroke. In animal models of some brain disorders, astrocytes have been shown to exhibit enhanced Ca(2+) excitability featured as regenerative intercellular Ca(2+) waves. This chapter briefly summarizes astrocytic Ca(2+) signaling pathways under normal conditions and in experimental in vitro and in vivo ischemic models. It discusses the possible mechanisms and therapeutic implication underlying the enhanced astrocytic Ca(2+) excitability in stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinghua Ding
- Dalton Cardiovascular Research Center, Department of Bioengineering, University of Missouri-Columbia, 134 Research Park Drive, Columbia, MO, 65211, USA,
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143
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Sayre NL, Chen Y, Sifuentes M, Stoveken B, Lechleiter JD. Purinergic receptor stimulation decreases ischemic brain damage by energizing astrocyte mitochondria. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2014; 11:121-50. [PMID: 25236727 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-08894-5_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
As a leading cause of death in the world, cerebral ischemic stroke has limited treatment options. The lack of glucose and oxygen after stroke is particularly harmful in the brain because neuronal metabolism accounts for significantly more energy consumption per gram of body weight compared to other organs. Our laboratory has identified mitochondrial metabolism of astrocytes to be a key target for pharmacologic intervention, not only because astrocytes play a central role in regulating brain metabolism, but also because they are essential for neuronal health and support. Here we review current literature pertaining to the pathobiology of stroke, along with the role of astrocytes and metabolism in stroke. We also discuss our research, which has revealed that pharmacologic stimulation of metabotropic P2Y1 receptor signaling in astrocytes can increase mitochondrial energy production and also reduce damage after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi L Sayre
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
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144
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Role of astrocytes in memory and psychiatric disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 108:240-51. [PMID: 25169821 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2014.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Revised: 04/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the traditional description of astrocytes as being merely accessories to brain function has shifted to one in which their role has been pushed into the forefront of importance. Current views suggest that astrocytes:(1) are excitable through calcium fluctuations and respond to neurotransmitters released at synapses; (2) communicate with each other via calcium waves and release their own gliotransmitters which are essential for synaptic plasticity; (3) activate hundreds of synapses at once, thereby synchronizing neuronal activity and activating or inhibiting complete neuronal networks; (4) release vasoactive substances to the smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels enabling the coupling of circulation (blood flow) to local brain activity; and (5) release lactate in an activity-dependent manner in order to supply neuronal metabolic demand. In consequence, the role of astrocytes and astrocytic gliotransmitters is now believed to be critical for higher brain function and recently, evidence begins to gather suggesting that astrocytes are pivotal for learning and memory. All of the above are reviewed here while focusing on the role of astrocytes in memory and psychiatric disorders.
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145
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Activity-dependent structural plasticity of perisynaptic astrocytic domains promotes excitatory synapse stability. Curr Biol 2014; 24:1679-88. [PMID: 25042585 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2014.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excitatory synapses in the CNS are highly dynamic structures that can show activity-dependent remodeling and stabilization in response to learning and memory. Synapses are enveloped with intricate processes of astrocytes known as perisynaptic astrocytic processes (PAPs). PAPs are motile structures displaying rapid actin-dependent movements and are characterized by Ca(2+) elevations in response to neuronal activity. Despite a debated implication in synaptic plasticity, the role of both Ca(2+) events in astrocytes and PAP morphological dynamics remain unclear. RESULTS In the hippocampus, we found that PAPs show extensive structural plasticity that is regulated by synaptic activity through astrocytic metabotropic glutamate receptors and intracellular calcium signaling. Synaptic activation that induces long-term potentiation caused a transient PAP motility increase leading to an enhanced astrocytic coverage of the synapse. Selective activation of calcium signals in individual PAPs using exogenous metabotropic receptor expression and two-photon uncaging reproduced these effects and enhanced spine stability. In vivo imaging in the somatosensory cortex of adult mice revealed that increased neuronal activity through whisker stimulation similarly elevates PAP movement. This in vivo PAP motility correlated with spine coverage and was predictive of spine stability. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies a novel bidirectional interaction between synapses and astrocytes, in which synaptic activity and synaptic potentiation regulate PAP structural plasticity, which in turn determines the fate of the synapse. This mechanism may represent an important contribution of astrocytes to learning and memory processes.
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146
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Stokum JA, Kurland DB, Gerzanich V, Simard JM. Mechanisms of astrocyte-mediated cerebral edema. Neurochem Res 2014; 40:317-28. [PMID: 24996934 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-014-1374-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral edema formation stems from disruption of blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity and occurs after injury to the CNS. Due to the restrictive skull, relatively small increases in brain volume can translate into impaired tissue perfusion and brain herniation. In excess, cerebral edema can be gravely harmful. Astrocytes are key participants in cerebral edema by virtue of their relationship with the cerebral vasculature, their unique compliment of solute and water transport proteins, and their general role in brain volume homeostasis. Following the discovery of aquaporins, passive conduits of water flow, aquaporin 4 (AQP4) was identified as the predominant astrocyte water channel. Normally, AQP4 is highly enriched at perivascular endfeet, the outermost layer of the BBB, whereas after injury, AQP4 expression disseminates to the entire astrocytic plasmalemma, a phenomenon termed dysregulation. Arguably, the most important role of AQP4 is to rapidly neutralize osmotic gradients generated by ionic transporters. In pathological conditions, AQP4 is believed to be intimately involved in the formation and clearance of cerebral edema. In this review, we discuss aquaporin function and localization in the BBB during health and injury, and we examine post-injury ionic events that modulate AQP4-dependent edema formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse A Stokum
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene St., Suite S12D, Baltimore, MD, 21201-1595, USA
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147
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Araque A, Carmignoto G, Haydon PG, Oliet SHR, Robitaille R, Volterra A. Gliotransmitters travel in time and space. Neuron 2014; 81:728-39. [PMID: 24559669 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 837] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The identification of the presence of active signaling between astrocytes and neurons in a process termed gliotransmission has caused a paradigm shift in our thinking about brain function. However, we are still in the early days of the conceptualization of how astrocytes influence synapses, neurons, networks, and ultimately behavior. In this Perspective, our goal is to identify emerging principles governing gliotransmission and consider the specific properties of this process that endow the astrocyte with unique functions in brain signal integration. We develop and present hypotheses aimed at reconciling confounding reports and define open questions to provide a conceptual framework for future studies. We propose that astrocytes mainly signal through high-affinity slowly desensitizing receptors to modulate neurons and perform integration in spatiotemporal domains complementary to those of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Araque
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28002 Madrid, Spain; Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Giorgio Carmignoto
- Istituto di Neuroscienze, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche and Dipartimento Scienze Biomediche, Università di Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Philip G Haydon
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Stéphane H R Oliet
- Inserm U862, Neurocentre Magendie, 33077 Bordeaux, France; Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Richard Robitaille
- Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada; Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Andrea Volterra
- Département de Neurosciences Fondamentales (DNF), Faculté de Biologie et de Médecine, Université de Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
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149
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Barvitenko NN, Aslam M, Filosa J, Matteucci E, Nikinmaa M, Pantaleo A, Saldanha C, Baskurt OK. Tissue oxygen demand in regulation of the behavior of the cells in the vasculature. Microcirculation 2014; 20:484-501. [PMID: 23441854 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The control of arteriolar diameters in microvasculature has been in the focus of studies on mechanisms matching oxygen demand and supply at the tissue level. Functionally, important vascular elements include EC, VSMC, and RBC. Integration of these different cell types into functional units aimed at matching tissue oxygen supply with tissue oxygen demand is only achieved when all these cells can respond to the signals of tissue oxygen demand. Many vasoactive agents that serve as signals of tissue oxygen demand have their receptors on all these types of cells (VSMC, EC, and RBC) implying that there can be a coordinated regulation of their behavior by the tissue oxygen demand. Such functions of RBC as oxygen carrying by Hb, rheology, and release of vasoactive agents are considered. Several common extra- and intracellular signaling pathways that link tissue oxygen demand with control of VSMC contractility, EC permeability, and RBC functioning are discussed.
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150
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Diversity of astroglial functions alludes to subcellular specialisation. Trends Neurosci 2014; 37:228-42. [PMID: 24631033 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2013] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Rapid signal exchange between astroglia and neurons has emerged as an essential element of neural circuits of the brain. However, the increasing variety of mechanisms contributing to this signalling appears to be facing a conceptual stalemate. The communication medium of astroglia involves intracellular [Ca(2+)] waves, which until recently have been associated with slow, global [Ca(2+)] rises. How such a uniform trigger could handle fast and diverse molecular messages remains unexplained. Recent studies have, however, revealed a variety of apparently independent Ca(2+) activities within individual astrocytic compartments, also indicating the prevalence of subcellular segregation for some signalling mechanisms. These signs of intracellular compartmentalisation might provide the key to the multitude of adaptive roles played by astroglia.
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