Effect of transient cerebral ischemia on gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptor alpha 1-subunit-immunoreactive interneurons in the gerbil CA1 hippocampus

The Effects of GABAergic System under Cerebral Ischemia: Spotlight on Cognitive Function

In this review, we present evidence about the changes of the GABAergic system on the hippocampus under the ischemic environment, which may be an underlying mechanism to the ischemia-induced cognitive deficit. GABAergic system, in contrast to the glutamatergic system, is considered to play an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system over the past several decades. It has received widespread attention in the area of schizophrenia and epilepsy. The GABAergic system has a significant effect in promoting neural development and formation of local neural circuits of the brain, which is the structural basis of cognitive function. There have been a number of reviews describing changes in the GABAergic system in cerebral ischemia in recent years. However, no study has investigated the changes in the system in the hippocampus during cerebral ischemic injury, which results in cognitive impairment, particularly at the chronic ischemic stage and the late phase of ischemia. We present a review of the changes of the GABAergic system in the hippocampus under ischemia, including GABA interneurons, extracellular GABA neurotransmitter, and GABA receptors. Several studies are also listed correlating amelioration of cognitive impairment by regulating the GABAergic system in the hippocampus damaged under ischemia. Furthermore, exogenous cell transplantation, which improves cognition by modulating the GABAergic system, will also be described in this review to bring new insight and strategy on solving cognitive deficits caused by cerebral ischemia.

The Wobbler mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) displays hippocampal hyperexcitability, and reduced number of interneurons, but no presynaptic vesicle release impairments

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common adult-onset motor neuron disease. It is a fatal degenerative disease, best recognized for its debilitating neuromuscular effects. ALS however also induces cognitive impairments in as many as 50% of affected individuals. Moreover, many ALS patients demonstrate cortical hyperexcitability, which has been shown to precede the onset of clinical symptoms. The wobbler mouse is a model of ALS, and like ALS patients the wobbler mouse displays cortical hyperexcitability. Here we investigated if the neocortical aberrations of the wobbler mouse also occur in the hippocampus. Consequently, we performed extracellular field excitatory postsynaptic potential recordings in the CA1 region of the hippocampus on acute brain slices from symptomatic (P45-P60) and presymptomatic (P17-P21) wobbler mice. Significant increased excitation of hippocampal synapses was revealed by leftward shifted input/output-curves in both symptomatic and presymptomatic wobbler mice, and substantiated by population spike occurrence analyses, demonstrating that the increased synaptic excitation precedes the onset of visible phenotypic symptoms in the mouse. Synaptic facilitation tested by paired-pulse facilitation and trains in wobbler and control mice showed no differences, suggesting the absence of presynaptic defects. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that symptomatic wobbler mice have a lower number of parvalbumin positive interneurons when compared to controls and presymptomatic mice. This study reveals that the wobbler mouse model of ALS exhibits hippocampal hyperexcitability. We suggest that the hyperexcitability could be caused by increased excitatory synaptic transmission and a concomitant reduced inhibition due to a decreased number of parvalbumin positive interneurons. Thus we substantiate that wobbler brain impairments are not confined to the motor cortex, but extend to the hippocampus. Importantly, we have revealed more details of the early pathophysiology in asymptomatic animals, and studies like the present may facilitate the development of novel treatment strategies for earlier intervention in ALS patients in the future.

Ca2+-dependent induction of TRPM2 currents in hippocampal neurons

TRPM2 is a Ca(2+)-permeable member of the transient receptor potential melastatin family of cation channels whose activation by reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) and ADP-ribose (ADPR) is linked to cell death. While these channels are broadly expressed in the CNS, the presence of TRPM2 in neurons remains controversial and more specifically, whether they are expressed in neurons of the hippocampus is an open question. With this in mind, we examined whether functional TRPM2 channels are expressed in this neuronal population. Using a combination of molecular and biochemical approaches, we demonstrated the expression of TRPM2 transcripts and proteins in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were subsequently carried out to assess the presence of TRPM2-mediated currents. Application of hydrogen peroxide or peroxynitrite to cultured hippocampal pyramidal neurons activated an inward current that was abolished upon removal of extracellular Ca(2+), a hallmark of TRPM2 activation. When ADPR (300 microM) was included in the patch pipette, a large inward current developed but only when depolarizing voltage ramps were continuously (1/10 s) applied to the membrane. This current exhibited a linear current-voltage relationship and was sensitive to block by TRPM2 antagonists (i.e. clotrimazole, flufenamic acid and N-(p-amylcinnamoyl)anthranilic acid (ACA)). The inductive effect of voltage ramps on the ADPR-dependent current required voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (VDCCs) and a rise in [Ca(2+)](i). Consistent with the need for a rise in [Ca(2+)](i), activation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs), which are highly permeable to Ca(2+), was also permissive for current development. Importantly, given the prominent vulnerability of CA1 neurons to free-radical-induced cell death, we confirmed that, with ADPR in the pipette, a brief application of NMDA could evoke a large inward current in CA1 pyramidal neurons from hippocampal slices that was abolished by the removal of extracellular Ca(2+), consistent with TRPM2 activation. Such a current was absent in interneurons of CA1 stratum radiatum. Finally, infection of cultured hippocampal neurons with a TRPM2-specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA(TRPM2)) significantly reduced both the expression of TRPM2 and the amplitude of the ADPR-dependent current. Taken together, these results indicate that hippocampal pyramidal neurons possess functional TRPM2 channels whose activation by ADPR is functionally coupled to VDCCs and NMDARs through a rise in [Ca(2+)](i).

Ischemic insult to cerebellar Purkinje cells causes diminished GABAA receptor function and allopregnanolone neuroprotection is associated with GABAA receptor stabilization

Cerebellar Purkinje cells (PC) are particularly vulnerable to ischemic injury and excitotoxicity, although the molecular basis of this sensitivity remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that ischemia causes rapid down-regulation of GABA(A) receptors in cerebellar PC, thereby increasing susceptibility to excitotoxicity. Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) caused a decline in functional GABA(A) receptors, within the first hour of re-oxygenation. Decreased amplitude of miniature inhibitory post-synaptic potentials confirmed that OGD caused a significant decrease in functional synaptic GABA(A) receptors and quantitative Western blot analysis demonstrated the loss of GABA(A) receptor current was associated with a decline in total receptor protein. Interestingly, the potent neuroprotectant allopregnanolone (ALLO) prevented the decline in GABA(A) receptor current and protein. Consistent with our in vitro data, global ischemia in mice caused a significant decline in total cerebellar GABA(A) receptor protein and PC specific immunoreactivity. Moreover, ALLO provided strong protection of PC and prevented ischemia-induced decline in GABA(A) receptor protein. Our findings indicate that ischemia causes a rapid and sustained loss of GABA(A) receptors in PC, whereas ALLO prevents the decline in GABA(A) receptors and protects against ischemia-induced damage. Thus, interventions which prevent ischemia-induced decline in GABA(A) receptors may represent a novel neuroprotective strategy.

Impaired firing and sodium channel function in CA1 hippocampal interneurons after transient cerebral ischemia

Although interneurons in area CA1 of the hippocampus are less vulnerable to cerebral ischemia than CA1 pyramidal cells, it is not clear whether their relatively intact cellular morphology implies preservation of normal function. As maintenance of cellular excitability and firing properties is essential for interneurons to regulate neural networks, we investigated these aspects of interneuronal function after transient cerebral ischemia in rats. Cerebral ischemia in rats was induced for 8 mins by a combination of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion and hypovolemic hypotension, and whole cell patch clamp recordings were made in hippocampal slices prepared 24 h after reperfusion. Interneurons located within stratum pyramidale of area CA1 exhibited normal membrane properties and action potentials under these conditions. However, their excitability had declined, as evidenced by an increased action potential threshold and a rightward shift in the relationship between injected depolarizing current and firing rate. Voltage-clamp experiments revealed that transient cerebral ischemia reduced the peak Na(+) current and shifted Na(+) channel activation to more depolarized values, but did not alter steady-state inactivation of the channel. Double immunofluorescence cytochemistry showed that transient cerebral ischemia also reduced Na(v)1.1 subunit immunoreactivity in interneurons that coexpressed parvalbumin. We conclude that transient cerebral ischemia renders CA1 interneurons less excitable, that depressed excitability involves impaired Na(+) channel activation and that Na(+) channel dysfunction is explained, at least in part, by reduced expression of the Na(v)1.1 subunit. These changes may promote interneuron survival, but might also contribute to pyramidal cell death.

Regulation of GABA transporter mRNA and protein after photothrombotic infarct in rat brain

Animal models of focal ischemic infarcts reveal an impaired GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurotransmission. GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter, is primarily taken up by specific sodium-dependent transporters. As these transporters play a crucial role in maintaining levels of GABA concentration, they may be functionally involved in ischemic processes. We investigated whether the mRNA and protein expression of GAT-1, the dominant neuronal GABA transporter, is altered after cortical infarct induced by photothrombosis in Wistar rats. In situ hybridization was performed to analyze GAT-1 mRNA-positive cells in cortical brain regions and the hippocampus. The lesion dramatically raised the number of GABA transporter mRNA-expressing cells in all investigated cortical regions. Double-labeling studies with a general neuronal marker and a marker for astrocytes revealed that cells expressing GAT-1 mRNA after photothrombosis are neurons. The mRNA expression pattern of all hippocampal subfields remained unchanged. In contrast, cortical GAT-1 protein density was only slightly affected and surprisingly in the opposite way. In the primary and secondary somatosensory cortex, density values were significantly reduced. Immunoreactivity was not altered in all investigated hippocampal areas. We found a marked discordance between the increased number of cells expressing GAT-1 mRNA in the cortex and the reduced tissue GAT-1 protein content. Focal brain ischemia obviously triggers mechanisms that interfere with GAT-1 transcriptional regulation and protein synthesis or turnover.

Expression pattern of the ether-a-gogo-related (ERG) K+ channel-encoding genes ERG1, ERG2, and ERG3 in the adult rat central nervous system

Voltage-dependent K(+) channels play a pivotal role in controlling cellular excitability within the nervous system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression in the adult rat brain of the three ether-a-gogo-related gene (ERG) family members ERG1, ERG2, and ERG3, encoding for K(+) channel subunits. To this aim, the distribution of ERG transcripts was studied by means of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nonradioactive in situ hybridization histochemistry (NR-ISH). Furthermore, ERG1 subunit distribution was studied by immunohistochemical analysis. RT-PCR analysis revealed ERG1, ERG2, and ERG3 expression in the olfactory bulb, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cerebellum. NR-ISH experiments detected transcripts encoded by all three ERG genes in the cerebral cortex and in all CA subfields and in the granular cell layer of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus; strong ERG1 signals were also detected in scattered large elements throughout the oriens, pyramidal, and radiatum layers, and in the hilus of the dentate gyrus. In the thalamus, positively labeled neurons were detected in the reticular nucleus with ERG1 and ERG3 and in the anterodorsal nucleus with ERG2 riboprobes. Transcripts for ERG1 and, to a lesser degree, also for ERG3, were detected in the basal ganglia and in several brainstem nuclei. All three ERG genes appeared to be expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Finally, ERG1 expression was also revealed in non-neuronal elements such as ependymal and subependymal cells along the ventricular walls and hippocampal astrocytes. These results suggest that the K(+) channel isoforms of the ERG family appear to be expressed in different central nervous system regions where they might differentially control the firing of neurons engaged in several networks.

Histidines 578 and 587 in the S5-S6 linker of the human Ether-a-gogo Related Gene-1 K+ channels confer sensitivity to reactive oxygen species

The K(+) channels encoded by the human Ether-a-gogo Related Gene-1 (hERG1) are crucially involved in controlling heart and brain excitability and are selectively influenced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). To localize the molecular regions involved in ROS-induced modulation of hERG1, segmental exchanges between the ROS-sensitive hERG1 and the ROS-insensitive bovine ether-a-gogo gene (bEAG) K(+) channels were generated, and the sensitivity of these chimeric channels to ROS was studied with the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique upon their expression in Xenopus oocytes. Substitution of the S(5)-S(6) linker of hERG1 with the corresponding bEAG region removed channel sensitivity to ROS, whereas the reverse chimeric exchange introduced ROS sensitivity into bEAG. Mutation of each of the two hERG1 histidines at positions 578 and 587 within the S(5)-S(6) linker generated K(+) channels insensitive to modulation by ROS. In addition, the two iron chelators desferrioxamine (1 mm) and o-phenanthroline (0.2 mm) significantly inhibited hERG1 outward K(+) currents and prevented hERG1 inhibition induced by the ROS-scavenging enzyme catalase (1000 units/ml). Finally, the hERG1-inhibitory effect exerted by the iron chelators was prevented by the hERG1 H578D/H587Y double mutation. Collectively, the results obtained suggest that histidines at positions 578 and 587 in the S(5)-S(6) linker region of hERG1 K(+) channels are crucial players in ROS-induced modulation of hERG1 K(+) channels.

Acetylcholine becomes the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the hypothalamus in vitro in the absence of glutamate excitation

Glutamate and GABA are two major fast neurotransmitters (excitatory and inhibitory, respectively) in the CNS, including the hypothalamus. They play a key role in the control of excitation/inhibition balance and determine the activity and excitability of neurons in many neuronal circuits. Using neuronal cultures, whole-cell recording, Ca(2+) imaging, and Northern blots, we studied the compensatory regulation of neuronal activity during a prolonged decrease in glutamate excitation. We report here that after a chronic (6-17 d) blockade of ionotropic glutamate receptors, neurons in hypothalamic cultures revealed excitatory electrical and Ca(2+) synaptic activity, which was not elicited in the control cultures that were not subjected to glutamate blockade. This activity was suppressed with acetylcholine (ACh) receptor antagonists and was potentiated by eserine, an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, suggesting its cholinergic nature. The upregulation of ACh receptors and the contribution of ACh to the control of the excitation/inhibition balance in cultures after a prolonged decrease in glutamate activity were also demonstrated. Enhanced ACh transmission was also found in chronically blocked cerebellar but not cortical cultures, suggesting the region-specific character of glutamate-ACh interactions in the brain. We believe that in the absence of glutamate excitation in the hypothalamus in vitro, ACh, a neurotransmitter normally exhibiting only weak activity in the hypothalamus, becomes the major excitatory neurotransmitter and supports the excitation/inhibition balance. The increase in excitatory ACh transmission during a decrease in glutamate excitation may represent a novel form of neuronal plasticity that regulates activity and excitability of neurons during the glutamate/GABA imbalance.

gamma-Aminobutyric acid(A) neurotransmission and cerebral ischemia

In this review, we present evidence for the role of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission in cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal death. While glutamate neurotransmission has received widespread attention in this area of study, relatively few investigators have focused on the ischemia-induced alterations in inhibitory neurotransmission. We present a review of the effects of cerebral ischemia on pre and postsynaptic targets within the GABAergic synapse. Both in vitro and in vivo models of ischemia have been used to measure changes in GABA synthesis, release, reuptake, GABA(A) receptor expression and activity. Cellular events generated by ischemia that have been shown to alter GABA neurotransmission include changes in the Cl(-) gradient, reduction in ATP, increase in intracellular Ca(2+), generation of reactive oxygen species, and accumulation of arachidonic acid and eicosanoids. Neuroprotective strategies to increase GABA neurotransmission target both sides of the synapse as well, by preventing GABA reuptake and metabolism and increasing GABA(A) receptor activity with agonists and allosteric modulators. Some of these strategies are quite efficacious in animal models of cerebral ischemia, with sedation as the only unwanted side-effect. Based on promising animal data, clinical trials with GABAergic drugs are in progress for specific types of stroke. This review attempts to provide an understanding of the mechanisms by which GABA neurotransmission is sensitive to cerebral ischemia. Furthermore, we discuss how dysfunction of GABA neurotransmission may contribute to neuronal death and how neuronal death can be prevented by GABAergic drugs.

Optical imaging reveals elevated intracellular chloride in hippocampal pyramidal neurons after oxidative stress

The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain is associated with several neurodegenerative conditions. ROS can affect ionic homeostasis leading to impaired neurotransmission. Here, we determined the ability of H(2)O(2), a membrane permeant ROS, to alter intraneuronal Cl(-), an important regulator of neuronal excitability. Real-time alterations in intracellular chloride, [Cl(-)]i, were measured with UV laser scanning confocal microscopy in hippocampal slices loaded with the cell-permeant form of 6-methoxy-N-ethylquinolium iodide (MEQ), a Cl(-)-sensitive fluorescent probe. In slices superfused with H(2)O(2) for 10 min, there was a significant decrease in MEQ fluorescence (elevation in [Cl(-)]i) in area CA1 pyramidal cell soma but not in interneurons located in stratum radiatum. Alterations in [Cl(-)]i induced by H(2)O(2) were prevented by the iron chelator deferoxamine and the vitamin E analog Trolox, suggesting the involvement of free radicals. The influx of Cl(-) probably occurred through the GABA-gated Cl(-) channel because the effects of H(2)O(2) were blocked by picrotoxin. In addition, HPLC analysis of the superfusates indicated that GABA and glutamate accumulated extracellularly after H(2)O(2) exposure. Excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists 2-amino-5-phoshopentanoic acid and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-6-nitro-2, 3-dioxo-benzo[f]quinoxaline-7-sulfonamide also attenuated the effect of H(2)O(2) on MEQ fluorescence. The changes in [Cl(-)]i induced by H(2)O(2) were Ca(2+)-dependent and Na(+)-independent. After exposure of slices to H(2)O(2), the ability of the GABA agonist muscimol to increase [Cl(-)]i was attenuated. Thus, ROS, like H(2)O(2), may impair transmembrane Cl(-) gradients and reduce inhibitory neurotransmission, further promoting neuronal damage in oxidative stress-related disease and in aging.

Biology of ischemic cerebral cell death

With the approval of alteplase (tPA) therapy for stroke, it is likely that combination therapy with tPA to restore blood flow, and agents like glutamate receptor antagonists to halt or reverse the cascade of neuronal damage, will dominate the future of stroke care. The authors describe events and potential targets of therapeutic intervention that contribute to the excitotoxic cascade underlying cerebral ischemic cell death. The focal and global animal models of stroke are the basis for the identification of these events and therapeutic targets. The signalling pathways contributing to ischemic neuronal death are discussed based on their cellular localization. Cell surface signalling events include the activities of both voltage-gated K+, Na+, and Ca2+ channels and ligand-gated glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid and adenosine receptors and channels. Intracellular signalling events include alterations in cytosolic and subcellular Ca2+ dynamics, Ca2+ -dependent kinases and immediate early genes whereas intercellular mechanisms include free radical formation and the activation of the immune system. An understanding of the relative importance and temporal sequence of these processes may result in an effective stroke therapy targeting several points in the cascade. The overall goal is to reduce disability and enhance quality of life for stroke survivors.

Ischemic injury and extracellular amino acid accumulation in hippocampal area CA1 are not dependent upon an intact septo-hippocampal pathway

The septo-hippocampal pathway contains a major gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) projection to dendritic fields within the hippocampus. To determine the importance of the septo-hippocampal pathway in ischemia-induced accumulation of GABA and subsequent cell death in area CA1 of hippocampus, septo-hippocampal deafferentation of adult gerbils was performed. Electrolytic lesions were produced in the medial or medial plus lateral septal regions in gerbils 7 days prior to being subjected to 5 min forebrain ischemia. The extent of deafferentation of the dorsal hippocampus was determined histochemically by acetylcholinesterase staining. Both the medial and medial plus lateral septal lesions produced nearly complete loss of acetylcholinesterase staining in the dorsal hippocampus indicating relatively complete deafferentation. During and following ischemia, in vivo microdialysis was used to measure extracellular GABA accumulation, which reached concentrations up to 1060 +/- 143% of basal. Septo-hippocampal deafferentation in both groups of lesioned animals failed to prevent the accumulation of GABA (and glutamate) induced by ischemia, indicating that ischemia-induced GABA accumulation in area CA1 arises principally from intrinsic GABAergic interneurons. Ischemic animals with medial septal lesions did not demonstrate neuroprotection or increased damage in the stratum pyramidale 7 days after reperfusion. Since the septo-hippocampal pathway provides the source of GABAergic disinhibition within the hippocampus, neither disinhibition nor the septo-hippocampal input appear to play an important role in the development of ischemia-induced neuronal death in the hippocampus.