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Gliozzi M, Coppoletta AR, Cardamone A, Musolino V, Carresi C, Nucera S, Ruga S, Scarano F, Bosco F, Guarnieri L, Macrì R, Mollace R, Belzung C, Mollace V. The dangerous "West Coast Swing" by hyperglycaemia and chronic stress in the mouse hippocampus: Role of kynurenine catabolism. Pharmacol Res 2024; 201:107087. [PMID: 38301816 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Growing epidemiological studies highlight a bi-directional relationship between depressive symptoms and diabetes mellitus. However, the detrimental impact of their co-existence on mental health suggests the need to treat this comorbidity as a separate entity rather than the two different pathologies. Herein, we characterized the peculiar mechanisms activated in mouse hippocampus from the concurrent development of hyperglycaemia, characterizing the different diabetes subtypes, and chronic stress, recognized as a possible factor predisposing to major depression. Our work demonstrates that kynurenine overproduction, leading to apoptosis in the hippocampus, is triggered in a different way depending on hyperglycaemia or chronic stress. Indeed, in the former, kynurenine appears produced by infiltered macrophages whereas, in the latter, peripheral kynurenine preferentially promotes resident microglia activation. In this scenario, QA, derived from kynurenine catabolism, appears a key mediator causing glutamatergic synapse dysfunction and apoptosis, thus contributing to brain atrophy. We demonstrated that the coexistence of hyperglycaemia and chronic stress worsened hippocampal damage through alternative mechanisms, such as GLUT-4 and BDNF down-expression, denoting mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis on one hand and evoking the compromission of neurogenesis on the other. Overall, in the degeneration of neurovascular unit, hyperglycaemia and chronic stress interacted each other as the partners of a "West Coast Swing" in which the leading role can be assumed alternatively by each partner of the dance. The comprehension of these mechanisms can open novel perspectives in the management of diabetic/depressed patients, but also in the understanding the pathogenesis of other neurodegenerative disease characterized by the compromission of hippocampal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Gliozzi
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Anna Rita Coppoletta
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Cardamone
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Musolino
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biology, Department of Health Sciences, Institute of Research for Food Safety & Health IRC-FSH, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Cristina Carresi
- Veterinary Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Saverio Nucera
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Ruga
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Federica Scarano
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Bosco
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lorenza Guarnieri
- Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Roberta Macrì
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rocco Mollace
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
| | - Catherine Belzung
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Inserm, Université de Tours, CEDEX 1, 37032 Tours, France
| | - Vincenzo Mollace
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Institute of Research for Food Safety and Health IRC-FSH, Department of Health Sciences, University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Ferreira FS, Biasibetti-Brendler H, Pierozan P, Schmitz F, Bertó CG, Prezzi CA, Manfredini V, Wyse ATS. Kynurenic Acid Restores Nrf2 Levels and Prevents Quinolinic Acid-Induced Toxicity in Rat Striatal Slices. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:8538-8549. [PMID: 29564809 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) and quinolinic acid (QUIN) are metabolites produced in the degradation of tryptophan and have important neurological activities. KYNA/QUIN ratio changes are known to be associated with central nervous system disorders, such Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Huntington diseases. In the present study, we investigate the ability of KYNA in prevent the first events preceding QUIN-induced neurodegeneration in striatal slices of rat. We evaluated the protective effect of KYNA on oxidative status (reactive oxygen species production, antioxidant enzymes activities, lipid peroxidation, nitrite levels, protein and DNA damage, and iNOS immunocontent), mitochondrial function (mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, and respiratory chain enzymes), and Na+,K+-ATPase in striatal slices of rats treated with QUIN. Since QUIN alters the levels of Nrf2, we evaluated the influence of KYNA protection on this parameter. Striatal slices from 30-day-old Wistar rats were preincubated with KYNA (100 μM) for 15 min, followed by incubation with 100-μM QUIN for 30 min. Results showed that KYNA prevented the increase of ROS production caused by QUIN and restored antioxidant enzyme activities and the protein and lipid damage, as well as the Nrf2 levels. KYNA also prevented the effects of QUIN on mitochondrial mass and mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as the decrease in the activities of complex II, SDH, and Na+,K+-ATPase. We suggest that KYNA prevents changes in Nrf2 levels, oxidative imbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by QUIN in striatal slices. This study elucidates some of the protective effects of KYNA against the damage caused by QUIN toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Silva Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.,Laboratório de Neuroproteção e Doenças Neurometabólicas, Departamento de Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Helena Biasibetti-Brendler
- Laboratório de Neuroproteção e Doenças Neurometabólicas, Departamento de Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Paula Pierozan
- Laboratório de Neuroproteção e Doenças Neurometabólicas, Departamento de Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Felipe Schmitz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.,Laboratório de Neuroproteção e Doenças Neurometabólicas, Departamento de Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Carolina Gessinger Bertó
- Laboratório de Neuroproteção e Doenças Neurometabólicas, Departamento de Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Caroline Acauan Prezzi
- Laboratório de Neuroproteção e Doenças Neurometabólicas, Departamento de Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Vanusa Manfredini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Pampa, BR 472, Km 585, 118, Uruguaiana, RS, CEP 97500-970, Brazil
| | - Angela T S Wyse
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil. .,Laboratório de Neuroproteção e Doenças Neurometabólicas, Departamento de Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil. .,Departamento de Bioquímica, ICBS, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
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Sowers JL, Johnson KM, Conrad C, Patterson JT, Sowers LC. The role of inflammation in brain cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 816:75-105. [PMID: 24818720 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-0348-0837-8_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Malignant brain tumors are among the most lethal of human tumors, with limited treatment options currently available. A complex array of recurrent genetic and epigenetic changes has been observed in gliomas that collectively result in derangements of common cell signaling pathways controlling cell survival, proliferation, and invasion. One important determinant of gene expression is DNA methylation status, and emerging studies have revealed the importance of a recently identified demethylation pathway involving 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC). Diminished levels of the modified base 5hmC is a uniform finding in glioma cell lines and patient samples, suggesting a common defect in epigenetic reprogramming. Within the tumor microenvironment, infiltrating immune cells increase oxidative DNA damage, likely promoting both genetic and epigenetic changes that occur during glioma evolution. In this environment, glioma cells are selected that utilize multiple metabolic changes, including changes in the metabolism of the amino acids glutamate, tryptophan, and arginine. Whereas altered metabolism can promote the destruction of normal tissues, glioma cells exploit these changes to promote tumor cell survival and to suppress adaptive immune responses. Further understanding of these metabolic changes could reveal new strategies that would selectively disadvantage tumor cells and redirect host antitumor responses toward eradication of these lethal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L Sowers
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
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Quinolinic acid: an endogenous neurotoxin with multiple targets. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2013; 2013:104024. [PMID: 24089628 PMCID: PMC3780648 DOI: 10.1155/2013/104024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 400] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2013] [Revised: 07/23/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Quinolinic acid (QUIN), a neuroactive metabolite of the kynurenine pathway, is normally presented in nanomolar concentrations in human brain and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and is often implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of human neurological diseases. QUIN is an agonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, and it has a high in vivo potency as an excitotoxin. In fact, although QUIN has an uptake system, its neuronal degradation enzyme is rapidly saturated, and the rest of extracellular QUIN can continue stimulating the NMDA receptor. However, its toxicity cannot be fully explained by its activation of NMDA receptors it is likely that additional mechanisms may also be involved. In this review we describe some of the most relevant targets of QUIN neurotoxicity which involves presynaptic receptors, energetic dysfunction, oxidative stress, transcription factors, cytoskeletal disruption, behavior alterations, and cell death.
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Moraes L, Vasconcelos-dos-Santos A, Santana FC, Godoy MA, Rosado-de-Castro PH, Jasmin, Azevedo-Pereira RL, Cintra WM, Gasparetto EL, Santiago MF, Mendez-Otero R. Neuroprotective effects and magnetic resonance imaging of mesenchymal stem cells labeled with SPION in a rat model of Huntington's disease. Stem Cell Res 2012; 9:143-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Revised: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
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Beste C, Baune BT, Domschke K, Falkenstein M, Konrad C. Dissociable influences of NR2B-receptor related neural transmission on functions of distinct associative basal ganglia circuits. Neuroimage 2010; 52:309-15. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2010.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2009] [Revised: 03/09/2010] [Accepted: 04/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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Hoang T, Choi DK, Nagai M, Wu DC, Nagata T, Prou D, Wilson GL, Vila M, Jackson-Lewis V, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Chesselet MF, Przedborski S. Neuronal NOS and cyclooxygenase-2 contribute to DNA damage in a mouse model of Parkinson disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2009; 47:1049-56. [PMID: 19616617 PMCID: PMC3690578 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2009.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2009] [Revised: 05/28/2009] [Accepted: 07/09/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
DNA damage is a proposed pathogenic factor in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson disease. To probe the underpinning mechanism of such neuronal perturbation, we sought to produce an experimental model of DNA damage. We thus first assessed DNA damage by in situ nick translation and emulsion autoradiography in the mouse brain after administration of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP; 4 x 20 mg/kg, ip, every 2 h), a neurotoxin known to produce a model of Parkinson disease. Here we show that DNA strand breaks occur in vivo in this mouse model of Parkinson disease with kinetics and a topography that parallel the degeneration of substantia nigra neurons, as assessed by FluoroJade labeling. Previously, nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) were found to modulate MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal death. We thus assessed the contribution of these enzymes to DNA damage in mice lacking neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), or Cox-2. We found that the lack of Cox-2 and nNOS activities but not of iNOS activity attenuated MPTP-related DNA damage. We also found that not only nuclear, but also mitochondrial, DNA is a target for the MPTP insult. These results suggest that the loss of genomic integrity can be triggered by the concerted actions of nNOS and Cox-2 and provide further support to the view that DNA damage may contribute to the neurodegenerative process in Parkinson disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Hoang
- Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dong-Kug Choi
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Makiko Nagai
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Du-Chu Wu
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tetsuya Nagata
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Delphine Prou
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Glenn L. Wilson
- Departments of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Miquel Vila
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Valina L. Dawson
- Neurodegeneration and Stem Cell programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ted M. Dawson
- Neurodegeneration and Stem Cell programs, Institute for Cell Engineering, Departments of Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Serge Przedborski
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Departments of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell biology and Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Kells AP, Connor B. AAV-mediated expression of Bcl-xL or XIAP fails to induce neuronal resistance against quinolinic acid-induced striatal lesioning. Neurosci Lett 2008; 436:326-30. [PMID: 18406531 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2007] [Revised: 03/04/2008] [Accepted: 03/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Apoptotic mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the selective loss of medium spiny striatal projection neurons in Huntington's disease (HD). This raises the question as to whether enhancing the expression of anti-apoptotic factors in vulnerable striatal projection neurons can reduce their susceptibility to neurotoxic processes occurring in the HD brain. In this study AAV 1/2 vectors encoding either the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-xL or XIAP were used to transduce striatal neurons prior to an intrastriatal injection of the excitotoxic glutamate analogue quinolinic acid (QA). AAV 1/2 vector treated rats were observed in behavioural tests undertaken to assess whether anti-apoptotic factor expression provided amelioration of motor function impairment following unilateral QA-induced striatal lesioning. AAV-XIAP treated rats displayed complete amelioration of an ipsilateral forelimb use bias relative to control animals. However, neither AAV-XIAP nor AAV-Bcl-xL treated rats demonstrated an improvement in sensorimotor neglect compared to control animals. Furthermore, we did not observe a significant reduction of QA-induced pathology in assessed neuronal populations of the basal ganglia. These results indicate that sole enhancement of XIAP or Bcl-xL is not sufficient to counteract QA-induced excitotoxic insult of striatal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian P Kells
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
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Pérez-Navarro E, Gavaldà N, Gratacòs E, Alberch J. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor prevents changes in Bcl-2 family members and caspase-3 activation induced by excitotoxicity in the striatum. J Neurochem 2005; 92:678-91. [PMID: 15659237 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2004.02904.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) prevents the loss of striatal neurons caused by excitotoxicity. We examined whether these neuroprotective effects are mediated by changes in the regulation of Bcl-2 family members. We first analyzed the involvement of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway in this regulation, showing a reduction in phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) levels after both quinolinate (QUIN, an NMDA receptor agonist) and kainate (KA, a non-NMDA receptor agonist) intrastriatal injection. Our results also show that Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L) and Bax protein levels and heterodimerization are selectively regulated by NMDA and non-NMDA receptor stimulation. Striatal cell death induced by QUIN is mediated by an increase in Bax and a decrease in Bcl-2 protein levels, leading to reduced levels of Bax:Bcl-2 heterodimers. In contrast, changes in Bax protein levels are not required for KA-induced apoptotic cell death, but decreased levels of both Bax:Bcl-2 and Bax:Bcl-x(L) heterodimer levels are necessary. Furthermore, QUIN and KA injection activated caspase-3. Intrastriatal grafting of a BDNF-secreting cell line counter-regulated p-AKT, Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L) and Bax protein levels, prevented changes in the heterodimerization between Bax and pro-survival proteins, and blocked caspase-3 activation induced by excitotoxicity. These results provide a possible mechanism to explain the anti-apoptotic effect of BDNF against to excitotoxicity in the striatum through the regulation of Bcl-2 family members, which is probably mediated by Akt activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Pérez-Navarro
- Departament de Biologia Cel-lular i Anatomia Patològica, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Casanova 143, E-08036 Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant, fatal disorder. Patients display increasing motor, psychiatric and cognitive impairment and at autopsy, late-stage patient brains show extensive striatal (caudate and putamen), pallidal and cortical atrophy. The initial and primary target of degeneration in HD is the striatal medium spiny GABAergic neuron, and by end stages of the disease up to 95% of these neurons are lost [J. Neuropathol. Exp. Neurol. 57 (1998) 369]. The disease is caused by an elongation of a polyglutamine tract in the N-terminal of the huntingtin gene, but it is not known how this mutation leads to such extensive, but selective, cell death [Cell 72 (1993) 971]. There is substantial evidence from in vitro studies that connects apoptotic pathways and apoptosis with the mutant protein, and theories linking apoptosis to neuronal death in HD have existed for several years. Despite this, evidence of apoptotic neuronal death in HD is scarce. It may be that the processes involved in apoptosis, rather than apoptosis per se, are more important for HD pathogenesis. Upregulation of the proapoptotic proteins could lead to cleavage of huntingtin and as recent data has shown, the consequent toxic fragment may itself elicit toxic effects on the cell by disrupting transcription. In addition, the increased levels of proapoptotic proteins could contribute to slowly developing cell death in HD, selective for the striatal medium spiny GABAergic neurons and later spreading to other areas. Here we review the evidence supporting these mechanisms of pathogenesis in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A Hickey
- Department of Neurology, Reed Neurological Research Center, B114, The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 710 Westwood Plaza, 90095, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Chesselet MF, MacKenzie L, Hoang T. Detection of DNA damage in tissue sections by in situ nick translation. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN NEUROSCIENCE 2001; Chapter 1:Unit 1.9. [PMID: 18428455 DOI: 10.1002/0471142301.ns0109s16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The technique of in situ nick translation (ISNT) is used to detect DNA strand breaks in tissue sections at the cellular level with great sensitivity. In fact, ISNT can be used to detect DNA damage in a single cell, which is particularly useful to assess programmed cell death during development. One crucial advantage of ISNT is the anatomical resolution that permits a detailed topographical analysis of DNA damage. This can be useful to identify cells that are more vulnerable to an experimental insult. Furthermore, cells with DNA damage can be identified morphologically with this method. This can be of interest to determine whether cells that exhibit DNA damage already exhibit clear features of dying cells or are still relatively intact morphologically. This can be useful to identify the mode of cell death involved. This unit provides a protocol that describes tissue preparation, in situ nick translation and emulsion autoradiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Chesselet
- UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Loring JS, Karlsson M, Ronald Fawcett W, Casey WH. Speciation and complexation in aqueous Al(III)–quinolinate solutions: a spectroscopic study. Polyhedron 2001. [DOI: 10.1016/s0277-5387(01)00798-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Bordelon YM, Chesselet MF. Early effects of intrastriatal injections of quinolinic acid on microtubule-associated protein-2 and neuropeptides in rat basal ganglia. Neuroscience 1999; 93:843-53. [PMID: 10473250 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(99)00239-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The long-term effects of intrastriatal injections of the agonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, quinolinic acid, have been extensively characterized. Much less is known, however, about the early molecular and neurochemical changes which occur within a few hours of the toxin injection. In the present study, we have performed intrastriatal injections of low doses of quinolinic acid which induce DNA damage 10-12 h post-lesion, and selective death of striatal projection neurons two weeks later. We examined the time-course of alterations in the microtubule-associated protein 2, an early marker of cytoskeletal disruption, and enkephalin and substance P, two neuropeptides present in largely distinct subpopulations of striatal efferent neurons projecting to the globus pallidus and entopeduncular nucleus, respectively. Immunoreactivity for microtubule-associated protein 2 was decreased at the periphery of the lesion 10 h after quinolinate injection. Levels of enkephalin messenger RNA were markedly decreased as early as 6 h post-lesion; however, a significant decrease in enkephalin immunoreactivity was not observed in the globus pallidus (external pallidum) until 12 h post-injection. Levels of substance P messenger RNA were decreased 12 h post-injection in striatal neurons. However, in contrast to enkephalin immunoreactivity, immunolabeling for substance P was not significantly decreased at this time-point in the internal pallidum, a finding reminiscent of early grades of Huntington's disease. The results reveal the time-course of change in messenger RNA and peptide levels in striatal efferent neurons shortly after an excitotoxic insult. These data have implications for the interpretation of findings in post mortem brain and mouse models of Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Bordelon
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA
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