Gamma-aminobutyric acidB receptors and the development of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus

Ontogenetic rules for the molecular diversification of hypothalamic neurons

The hypothalamus is an evolutionarily conserved endocrine interface that, among other roles, links central homeostatic control to adaptive bodily responses by releasing hormones and neuropeptides from its many neuronal subtypes. In its preoptic, anterior, tuberal and mammillary subdivisions, a kaleidoscope of magnocellular and parvocellular neuroendocrine command neurons, local-circuit neurons, and neurons that project to extrahypothalamic areas are intermingled in partially overlapping patches of nuclei. Molecular fingerprinting has produced data of unprecedented mass and depth to distinguish and even to predict the synaptic and endocrine competences, connectivity and stimulus selectivity of many neuronal modalities. These new insights support eminent studies from the past century but challenge others on the molecular rules that shape the developmental segregation of hypothalamic neuronal subtypes and their use of morphogenic cues for terminal differentiation. Here, we integrate single-cell RNA sequencing studies with those of mouse genetics and endocrinology to describe key stages of hypothalamus development, including local neurogenesis, the direct terminal differentiation of glutamatergic neurons, transition cascades for GABAergic and GABAergic cell-derived dopamine cells, waves of local neuronal migration, and sequential enrichment in neuropeptides and hormones. We particularly emphasize how transcription factors determine neuronal identity and, consequently, circuit architecture, and whether their deviations triggered by environmental factors and hormones provoke neuroendocrine illnesses.

GABAB Receptors and Cognitive Processing in Health and Disease

GABA_B receptors are implicated in numerous central nervous system-based behaviours and mechanisms, including cognitive processing in preclinical animal models. Homeostatic changes in the expression and function of these receptors across brain structures have been found to affect cognitive processing. Numerous preclinical studies have focused on the role of GABA_B receptors in learning, memory and cognition per se with some interesting, although sometimes contradictory, findings. The majority of the existing clinical literature focuses on alterations in GABA_B receptor function in conditions and disorders whose main symptomatology includes deficits in cognitive processing. The aim of this chapter is to delineate the role of GABA_B receptors in cognitive processes in health and disease of animal models and human clinical populations. More specifically, this review aims to present literature on the role of GABA_B receptors in animal models with cognitive deficits, especially those of learning and memory. Further, it aims to capture the progress and advances of research studies on the effects of GABA_B receptor compounds in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions with cognitive dysfunctions. The neurodevelopmental conditions covered include autism spectrum disorders, fragile X syndrome and Down's syndrome and the neurodegenerative conditions discussed are Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy and autoimmune anti-GABA_B encephalitis. Although some findings are contradictory, results indicate a possible therapeutic role of GABA_B receptor compounds for the treatment of cognitive dysfunction and learning/memory impairments for some of these conditions, especially in neurodegeneration. Moreover, future research efforts should aim to develop selective GABA_B receptor compounds with minimal, if any, side effects.

Spatially Resolved Analytical Chemistry in Intact, Living Tissues

Tissues are an exciting frontier for bioanalytical chemistry, one in which spatial distribution is just as important as total content. Intact tissue preserves the native cellular and molecular organization and the cell-cell contacts found in vivo. Live tissue, in particular, offers the potential to analyze dynamic events in a spatially resolved manner, leading to fundamental biological insights and translational discoveries. In this Perspective, we provide a tutorial on the four fundamental challenges for the bioanalytical chemist working in living tissue samples as well as best practices for mitigating them. The challenges include (i) the complexity of the sample matrix, which contributes myriad interfering species and causes nonspecific binding of reagents; (ii) hindered delivery and mixing; (iii) the need to maintain physiological conditions; and (iv) tissue reactivity. This framework is relevant to a variety of methods for spatially resolved chemical analysis, including optical imaging, inserted sensors and probes such as electrodes, and surface analyses such as sensing arrays. The discussion focuses primarily on ex vivo tissues, though many considerations are relevant in vivo as well. Our goal is to convey the exciting potential of analytical chemistry to contribute to understanding the functions of live, intact tissues.

Cellular and molecular properties of neural progenitors in the developing mammalian hypothalamus

The neuroendocrine hypothalamus is the central regulator of vital physiological homeostasis and behavior. However, the cellular and molecular properties of hypothalamic neural progenitors remain unexplored. Here, hypothalamic radial glial (hRG) and hypothalamic mantle zone radial glial (hmRG) cells are found to be neural progenitors in the developing mammalian hypothalamus. The hmRG cells originate from hRG cells and produce neurons. During the early development of hypothalamus, neurogenesis occurs in radial columns and is initiated from hRG cells. The radial glial fibers are oriented toward the locations of hypothalamic subregions which act as a scaffold for neuronal migration. Furthermore, we use single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal progenitor subtypes in human developing hypothalamus and characterize specific progenitor genes, such as TTYH1, HMGA2, and FAM107A. We also demonstrate that HMGA2 is involved in E2F1 pathway, regulating the proliferation of progenitor cells by targeting on the downstream MYBL2. Different neuronal subtypes start to differentiate and express specific genes of hypothalamic nucleus at gestational week 10. Finally, we reveal the developmental conservation of nuclear structures and marker genes in mouse and human hypothalamus. Our identification of cellular and molecular properties of neural progenitors provides a basic understanding of neurogenesis and regional formation of the non-laminated hypothalamus.

From organotypic culture to body-on-a-chip: A neuroendocrine perspective

The methods used to study neuroendocrinology have been as diverse as the discoveries to come out of the field. Maintaining live neurones outside of a body in vitro was important from the beginning, building on methods that dated back to at least the first decade of the 20th Century. Neurosecretion defines an essential foundation of neuroendocrinology based on work that began in the 1920s and 1930s. Throughout the first half of the 20th Century, many paradigms arose for studying everything from single neurones to whole organs in vitro. Two of these survived as preeminent systems for use throughout the second half of the century: cell cultures and explant systems. Slice cultures and explants that emerged as organotypic technologies included such neuroendocrine organs such as the brain, pituitary, adrenals and intestine. The vast majority of these studies were carried out in static cultures for which media were changed over a time scale of days. Tissues were used for experimental techniques such as electrical recording of neuronal physiology in single cells and observation by live microscopy. When maintained in vitro, many of these systems only partially capture the in vivo physiology of the organ system of interest, often because of a lack of cellular diversity (eg, neuronal cultures lacking glia). Modern microfluidic methodologies show promise for organ systems, ranging from the reproductive to the gastrointestinal to the brain. Moving forward and striving to understand the mechanisms that drive neuroendocrine signalling centrally and peripherally, there will always be a need to consider the heterogeneous cellular compositions of organs in vivo.

The building of the neocortex with non-hyperpolarizing neurotransmitters

The development of the neocortex requires the synergic action of several secreted molecules to achieve the right amount of proliferation, differentiation, and migration of neural cells. Neurons are well known to release neurotransmitters (NTs) in adult and a growing body of evidences describes the presence of NTs already in the embryonic brain, long before the generation of synapses. NTs are classified as inhibitory or excitatory based on the physiological responses of the target neuron. However, this view is challenged by the fact that glycine and GABA NTs are excitatory during development. Many reviews have described the role of nonhyperpolarizing GABA at this stage. Nevertheless, a global consideration of the inhibitory neurotransmitters and their downstream signaling during the embryonic cortical development is still needed. For example, taurine, the most abundant neurotransmitter during development is poorly studied regarding its role during cortical development. In the light of recent discoveries, we will discuss the functions of glycine, GABA, and taurine during embryonic cortical development with an emphasis on their downstream signaling. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 1023-1037, 2017.

Emerging neurotrophic role of GABAB receptors in neuronal circuit development

The proper development of highly organized structures in the central nervous system is a complex process during which key events – neurogenesis, migration, growth, differentiation, and synaptogenesis – have to take place in an appropriate manner to create functional neuronal networks. It is now well established that GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult mammalian brain, plays more than a classical inhibitory role and can function as an important developmental signal early in life. GABA binds to chloride-permeable ionotropic GABA_A receptors and to G-protein-coupled GABA_B receptors (GABA_B-Rs). Although most of the trophic actions of GABA have been attributed to the activation of GABA_A receptors, recent advances show that GABA_B-Rs also regulate fundamental steps of network development. This review summarizes some of the recent progress about the neurotrophic role of GABA_B-Rs to neuronal development.

Viewing cell movements in the developing neuroendocrine brain

Many studies suggest that migratory guidance cues within the developing brain are diverse across many regions. To better understand the early development and differentiation of select brain regions, an in vitro method was developed using selected inbred and transgenic strains of embryonic mice. In particular, organotypic slices are used to test factors that influence the movements of neurons during brain development. Thick 250 μm slices cut on a vibrating microtome are prepared and maintained in vitro for 0-3 days. Nissl stain analyses often show a uniform distribution of cells in the regions of interest on the day of plating (embryonic days 12-15). After 3 days in vitro, cellular aggregation suggesting nuclear formation or the changing position of cells with a defined phenotype show that reasonably normal cell movements occur in several regions. Movements in vitro that mimic changes in vivo suggest that key factors reside locally within the plane of the slices. Video microscopy studies are used to follow the migration of fluorescently labeled cells in brain slices from mice maintained in serum-free media for 1 to 3 days. Transgenic mice with selective promoter driven expression of fluorescent proteins allow us to view specific cell types (e.g., neurons expressing gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The accessibility of an in vitro system that provides for relatively normal brain development over key brief windows of time allows for the testing of important mechanisms.

Altered position of cell bodies and fibers in the ventromedial region in SF-1 knockout mice

The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH) is a key cell group in the medial-basal hypothalamus that participates in the regulation of energy balance. Previous studies have shown that the cellular organization of the VMH is altered in mice with a disruption of the steroidogenic factor-1 (NR5a1) gene (SF-1 KO mice). The present study examined orexigenic/anorexigenic peptides (neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related peptide (AgRP) and cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART)) and neural connections to and from the VMH in SF1 KO mice. NeuroVue tracing and Golgi staining were used to evaluate connections between the preoptic area (POA) and VMH and the orientation of dendrites in the VMH, respectively. Results of this study reveal changes in the cytoarchitecture of the region of the VMH with respect to the distribution of immunoreactive NPY, AgRP and CART. In WT mice projections from the POA normally surround the VMH while in SF-1 KO mice, projections from the POA stream through the region that would otherwise be VMH. Golgi impregnation of the region revealed fewer dendrites with ventrolateral orientations and in general, more variable dendritic orientations in SF-1 KO mice providing additional evidence that the connectivity of cells in the region is likely altered due to the cellular rearrangements consequent to disruption of the NR5a1 gene. In conclusion, this study greatly extends the data showing that the morphology of the regions containing the VMH is disrupted in SF-1 KO mice and suggests that changes in the location of cells or fibers containing NPY, AgRP and CART may, in part, account for changes in body weight homeostasis in these mice.

Contribution of metabotropic GABA(B) receptors to neuronal network construction

In the 1980s, Bowery and colleagues discovered the presence of a novel, bicuculline-resistant and baclofen-sensitive type of GABA receptor on peripheral nerve terminals, the GABA(B) receptor. Since this pioneering work, GABA(B) receptors have been identified in the Central Nervous System (CNS), where they provide an important inhibitory control of postsynaptic excitability and presynaptic transmitter release. GABA(B) receptors have been implicated in a number of important processes in the adult brain such as the regulation of synaptic plasticity and modulation of rhythmic activity. As a result of these studies, several potential therapeutic applications of GABA(B) receptor ligands have been identified. Recent advances have further shown that GABA(B) receptors play more than a classical inhibitory role in adult neurotransmission, and can in fact function as an important developmental signal early in life. Here we summarize current knowledge on the contribution of GABA(B) receptors to the construction and function of developing neuronal networks.

The Notch effector gene Hes1 regulates migration of hypothalamic neurons, neuropeptide content and axon targeting to the pituitary

Proper development of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis requires precise neuronal signaling to establish a network that regulates homeostasis. The developing hypothalamus and pituitary utilize similar signaling pathways for differentiation in embryonic development. The Notch signaling effector gene Hes1 is present in the developing hypothalamus and pituitary and is required for proper formation of the pituitary, which contains axons of arginine vasopressin (AVP) neurons from the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and supraoptic nucleus (SON). We hypothesized that Hes1 is necessary for the generation, placement and projection of AVP neurons. We found that Hes1 null mice show no significant difference in cell proliferation or death in the developing diencephalon at embryonic day 10.5 (e10.5) or e11.5. By e16.5, AVP cell bodies are formed in the SON and PVN, but are abnormally placed, suggesting that Hes1 may be necessary for the migration of AVP neurons. GAD67 immunoreactivity is ectopically expressed in Hes1 null mice, which may contribute to cell body misplacement. Additionally, at e18.5 Hes1 null mice show continued misplacement of AVP cell bodies in the PVN and SON and additionally exhibit abnormal axonal projection. Using mass spectrometry to characterize peptide content, we found that Hes1 null pituitaries have aberrant somatostatin (SS) peptide, which correlates with abnormal SS cells in the pituitary and misplaced SS axon tracts at e18.5. Our results indicate that Notch signaling facilitates the migration and guidance of hypothalamic neurons, as well as neuropeptide content.

Roles for gamma-aminobutyric acid in the development of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus

The development of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) involves several factors that work together to establish a cell group that regulates neuroendocrine functions and behaviors. Several molecular markers were noted within the developing PVN, including estrogen receptors (ER), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). By contrast, immunoreactive gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was found in cells and fibers surrounding the PVN. Two animal models were used to test the hypothesis that GABA works through GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors to influence the development of the PVN. Treatment with bicuculline to decrease GABA(A) receptor signaling from embryonic day (E) 10 to E17 resulted in fewer cells containing immunoreactive (ir) ERalpha in the region of the PVN vs. control. GABA(B)R1 receptor subunit knockout mice were used to examine the PVN at P0 without GABA(B) signaling. In female but not male GABA(B)R1 subunit knockout mice, the positions of cells containing ir ERalpha shifted from medial to lateral compared with wild-type controls, whereas the total number of ir ERalpha-containing cells was unchanged. In E17 knockout mice, ir nNOS cells and fibers were spread over a greater area. There was also a significant decrease in ir BDNF in the knockout mice in a region-dependent manner. Changes in cell position and protein expression subsequent to disruption of GABA signaling may be due, in part, to changes in nNOS and BDNF signaling. Based on the current study, the PVN can be added as another site where GABA exerts morphogenetic actions in development.

Brain sex differences and hormone influences: a moving experience?

Sex differences in the nervous system come in many forms. Although a majority of sexually dimorphic characteristics in the brain have been described in older animals, mechanisms that determine sexually differentiated brain characteristics often operate during critical perinatal periods. Both genetic and hormonal factors likely contribute to physiological mechanisms in development to generate the ontogeny of sexual dimorphisms in brain. Relevant mechanisms may include neurogenesis, cell migration, cell differentiation, cell death, axon guidance and synaptogenesis. On a molecular level, there are several ways to categorize factors that drive brain development. These range from the actions of transcription factors in cell nuclei that regulate the expression of genes that control cell development and differentiation, to effector molecules that directly contribute to signalling from one cell to another. In addition, several peptides or proteins in these and other categories might be referred to as 'biomarkers' of sexual differentiation with undetermined functions in development or adulthood. Although a majority of sex differences are revealed as a direct consequence of hormone actions, some may only be revealed after genetic or environmental disruption. Sex differences in cell positions in the developing hypothalamus, and steroid hormone influences on cell movements in vitro, suggest that cell migration may be one target for early molecular actions that impact brain development and sexual differentiation.

GABAB receptors role in cell migration and positioning within the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus

The ventromedial (VMN) and arcuate (ARC) nuclei of the hypothalamus are bilateral nuclear groups at the base of the hypothalamus that are organized through the aggregation of neurons born along the third ventricle that migrate laterally. During development, GABAergic neurons and fibers surround the forming (or primordial) VMN while neurons containing GABA receptors are found within the boundaries of the emerging nucleus. To investigate the role that GABAB receptors play in establishing the VMN, Thy-1 yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) mice were utilized for live video microscopy studies. The Thy-1 promoter drives YFP expression in regions of the hypothalamus during development. Administration of the GABAB receptor antagonist saclofen and the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline selectively increased the rate of VMN cell movement in slices placed in vitro at embryonic day 14, when cells that form both the ARC and VMN are migrating away from the proliferative zone surrounding the third ventricle. To further test the role of GABAB receptors in VMN development, GABAB receptor knockout mice were used to examine changes in the positions of phenotypically identified cells within the VMN. Cells containing immunoreactive estrogen receptors (ER) alpha were located in the ventrolateral quadrant of the wild type VMN. In GABABR1 knockout mice, these ERalpha positive neurons were located in more dorsal positions at postnatal day (P) 0 and P4. We conclude that GABA alters cell migration and its effect on final cell positioning may lead to changes in the circuitry and connections within specific nuclei of the developing hypothalamus.

GABA/benzodiazepine receptors in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus regulate both anxiety and panic-related defensive responses in the elevated T-maze

It has been shown that facilitation of GABA-mediated neurotransmission in the medial nucleus of the amygdala and the dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) inhibits the escape, but not the inhibitory avoidance response generated in the elevated T-maze test of anxiety (ETM). These defensive behaviors have been associated with panic and generalized anxiety, respectively. Previous evidence indicates that the dorsomedial part of the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHdm), which is interconnected with these two brain areas, is also part of the neurobiological substrate controlling escape behavior. In the present study, we investigated in male Wistar rats whether the intra-VMHdm injection of GABA-modulating drugs differently affect the two defensive tasks measured in the ETM. The results showed that the microinjection of the benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor agonist midazolam (10, 20 and 40 nmol), the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol (2, 4 and 8 nmol) or the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen (2, 4 and 8 nmol) impaired inhibitory avoidance and escape performance, an anxiolytic and panicolytic-like effect, respectively. On the other hand, local administration of the BZD inverse agonist FG 7142 (20, 40 and 80 pmol) facilitated both behaviors, suggesting anxiogenic and panicogenic-like effects. These results were not due to motor alterations, since the drugs did not affect exploratory behavior in an open field. The data suggest that GABA(A)/BZD and GABA(B) receptors within the VMHdm are involved not only in the control of panic-related, but also of anxiety-related behaviors.

Expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid B receptor subunits in hypothalamus of male and female developing rats

GABA and its receptors show particular ontogenic distributions in different rat brain areas. Recently, GABAB receptors (GBR) have been described to assemble as heterodimers formed by a GBR1a/b and a GBR2 subunit. Here, the ontogeny of rat GBRs and the pattern of subunit expression in both sexes were determined in the hypothalamus, a critical area for homeostatic regulation. Male and female rats were sacrificed at 1, 4, 12, 20, 28, 38 days of life and at adulthood and hypothalami were removed and frozen. Western blots analysis for GBR1 and GBR2 subunits showed that both were expressed in male and female hypothalamic membranes from day 1 to adulthood. In females, both GBR1a and GBR1b were maximally expressed in newborns and decreased towards adulthood. At birth, expression of GBR1a was significantly higher than GBR1b, while at 38 days, GBR1b was more abundant. In males, GBR1a and GBR1b expression was higher in young animals and decreased gradually showing adult levels between the second and third weeks of age without differences between isoforms. Comparing GBR1 variants levels in hypothalamus between sexes, GBR1a was significantly more abundant in females at birth while at 38 days its expression was higher in males; GBR1b showed no sex differences along development. GBR2 was detected in hypothalami of females and males at all ages; maximum levels were observed at 12 days and adult levels were attained at 38 days, without sex differences. This is the first report on the ontogeny of hypothalamic GABAB receptors in male and female rats, with a particular developmental pattern of subunit and isoform expression and presenting some sex differences.

Sex differences in the location of immunochemically defined cell populations in the mouse preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus

The preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus (POA/AH) is sexually dimorphic in many vertebrates. We have defined specific cell populations within the POA/AH using immunocytochemical markers for estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) and the R1 subunit of the GABA(B) receptor (GABA(B)R1). Our previous finding of sex differences in cell migration in this region in embryonic day 15 mice led us to examine sex differences in the location or size of chemically identified cell groups. At embryonic day 17 (E17), cells containing immunoreactive (ir) ERbeta in females were located more dorsal and lateral than those in males. In contrast to this positional sex difference seen at E17, ERbeta expression at P0 and adulthood showed a sex difference in cell number and area of immunoreactivity with a higher expression of ERbeta in males than females. Furthermore, in animals that were genetically deprived of gonadal and adrenal hormones by virtue of a disrupted gene coding for steroidogenic factor 1, cells containing ir ERbeta followed a female phenotype for location at E17 and a female phenotype for number of ir cells at P0 regardless of genetic sex, suggesting that circulating hormones may be influencing cell position in the POA/AH. A second phenotypically identified cell group containing ir GABA(B)R1 also had a sex difference in cell positions at E17. Females expressed GABA(B)R1 in cells with a more dorsal position than in males. These results provide support for the suggestion that sex differences in cellular organization in the developing hypothalamus arise from sex differences in cell migration.

GABA(B1) knockout mice reveal alterations in prolactin levels, gonadotropic axis, and reproductive function

gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been implicated in the control of hypophyseal functions. We evaluated whether the constitutive loss of functional GABA(B) receptors in GABA(B1) knockout (GABA(B1)(-/-)) mice alters hormonal levels, under basal and stimulated conditions, and reproductive function. The serum hormone levels were measured by radioimmunoassay, the estrous cyclicity was evaluated by vaginal lavages, and the mating behavior was determined by the presence of vaginal plugs. A moderate hyperprolactinemic condition was observed, in which prolactin increase and thyroid-stimulating hormone decrease were similar between genotypes. Basal luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and growth hormone levels were similar between genotypes in each sex. Analysis of the gonadotropin axis revealed no differences in puberty onset between female genotypes. In con trast, the estrous cyclicity was significantly disrupted in GABA(B1)(-/-) female mice, showing significantly extended periods in estrus and shortened periods in proestrus. Reproduction was significantly compromised in GABA(B1)(-/-) females, with a significantly lower proportion of mice (37.5%) getting pregnant during the first 30 days of mating as compared with wild-type controls (87.5%). Moreover, only 14% of vaginal plug positive GABA(B1)(-/-) females had successful pregnancies as compared with 75% in the controls. In addition, the postovariectomy LH rise was significantly advanced in GABA(B1)(-/-) mice, while the response to estradiol feedback was similar in both genotypes. In conclusion, our endocrine analysis of GABA(B1)(-/-) mice reveals that GABA(B) receptors are involved in the regulation of basal prolactin titers. Moreover, the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-ovarian axis is seriously disturbed, with alterations in cyclicity, postcastration LH increase, and fertility indexes. The molecular mechanism underlying these hormonal disturbances remains to be addressed.

Loss of steroidogenic factor 1 alters cellular topography in the mouse ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus

Knockout (KO) mice lacking the orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) exhibit marked structural abnormalities of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH). In this study, we sought to determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the VMH abnormalities. To trace SF-1-expressing neurons, we used a SF-1/enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) transgene. Although the total numbers of eGFP-positive cells in wild-type (WT) and SF-1 KO mice were indistinguishable, cells that normally localize precisely within the VMH were scattered more diffusely in adjacent regions in SF-1 KO mice. This abnormal distribution is likely due to the loss of SF-1 expression in VMH neurons rather than secondary effects of deficient steroidogenesis, as redistribution also was seen in mice with a CNS-specific KO of SF-1. Thus, the absence of SF-1 alters the distribution of cells that normally form the VMH within the mediobasal hypothalamus. Consistent with this model, the hypothalamic expression patterns of the transcription factors islet-1 and nkx2.1 also were displaced in SF-1 KO mice. Independent of gene expression, birthdate analyses further suggested that cells with earlier birthdates were affected more severely by the loss of SF-1 than were later born cells. We conclude that the absence of SF-1 causes major changes in cellular arrangement within and around the developing VMH that result from altered cell migration.

Differential expression of ?-aminobutyric acid type B receptor subunit mRNAs in the developing nervous system and receptor coupling to adenylyl cyclase in embryonic neurons

gamma-Aminobutyric acid type B receptors (GABA(B)Rs) mediate both slow inhibitory synaptic activity in the adult nervous system and motility signals for migrating embryonic cortical cells. Previous papers have described the expression of GABA(B)Rs in the adult brain, but the expression and functional significance of these gene products in the embryo are largely unknown. Here we examine GABA(B)R expression from rat embryonic day 10 (E10) to E18 compared with adult and ask whether embryonic cortical neurons contain functional GABA(B)R. GABA(B)R1 transcript levels greatly exceed GABA(B)R2 levels in the developing neural tube at E11, and olfactory bulb and striatum at E17 but equalize in most regions of adult nervous tissue, except for the glomerular and granule cell layers of the main olfactory bulb and the striatum. Consistent with expression differences, the binding affinity of GABA for GABA(B)Rs is significantly lower in adult striatum compared with cerebellum. Multiple lines of evidence from in situ hybridization, RNase protection, and real-time PCR demonstrate that GABA(B)R1a, GABA(B)R1b, GABA(B)R1h (a subunit subtype, lacking a sushi domain, that we have identified in embryonic rat brain), GABA(B)R2, and GABA(B)L transcript levels are not coordinately regulated. Despite the functional requirement for a heterodimer of GABA(B)R subunits, the expression of each subunit mRNA is under independent control during embryonic development, and, by E18, GABA(B)Rs are negatively coupled to adenylyl cyclase in neocortical neurons. The presence of embryonic GABA(B)R transcripts and protein and functional receptor coupling indicates potentially important roles for GABA(B)Rs in modulation of synaptic transmission in the developing embryonic nervous system.

Plasma membrane and vesicular glutamate transporter mRNAs/proteins in hypothalamic neurons that regulate body weight

After synaptic release, glutamate is taken up by the nerve terminal via a plasma membrane-associated protein termed excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3). Following entry into the nerve terminal, glutamate is pumped into synaptic vesicles by a vesicular transport system. Three different vesicular glutamate transporter proteins (VGLUT1-3) representing unique markers for glutamatergic neurons were recently characterized. The presence of EAAT3, glutaminase and VGLUT1-3 was examined in mouse, rat and rabbit species at mRNA and protein levels in hypothalamic neurons which are involved in the regulation of body weight using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. EAAT3 and glutaminase mRNAs were demonstrated in all parts of the arcuate nucleus in the dorsomedial and ventromedial hypothalamic nuclei and lateral hypothalamic area. VGLUT1 mRNA was present in the magnocellular lateral hypothalamic nucleus. VGLUT2 mRNA was demonstrated in a subpopulation of neurons in the arcuate nucleus and in the ventromedial and dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei and lateral hypothalamic area. Few VGLUT3 mRNA expressing neurons were scattered throughout the medial and lateral hypothalamus. EAAT3-like immunoreactivity (-li) was demonstrated in glutamate, neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related peptide (AGRP), pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART), melanin-concentrating hormone and orexin-immunoreactive (-ir) neurons. VGLUT2-li could only be demonstrated in POMC- and CART-ir neurons of the ventrolateral arcuate nucleus. The results show that key neurons involved in regulation of energy balance are glutamatergic and/or densely innervated by glutamatergic nerve terminals. Whereas orexigenic NPY/AGRP neurons situated in the ventromedial part of the arcuate nucleus are mainly GABAergic, it is shown that several anorexigenic POMC/CART neurons of the ventromedial arcuate nucleus are most likely glutamatergic [corrected].

Latent herpes simplex virus infection of sensory neurons alters neuronal gene expression

The persistence of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and the diseases that it causes in the human population can be attributed to the maintenance of a latent infection within neurons in sensory ganglia. Little is known about the effects of latent infection on the host neuron. We have addressed the question of whether latent HSV infection affects neuronal gene expression by using microarray transcript profiling of host gene expression in ganglia from latently infected versus mock-infected mouse trigeminal ganglia. (33)P-labeled cDNA probes from pooled ganglia harvested at 30 days postinfection or post-mock infection were hybridized to nylon arrays printed with 2,556 mouse genes. Signal intensities were acquired by phosphorimager. Mean intensities (n = 4 replicates in each of three independent experiments) of signals from mock-infected versus latently infected ganglia were compared by using a variant of Student's t test. We identified significant changes in the expression of mouse neuronal genes, including several with roles in gene expression, such as the Clk2 gene, and neurotransmission, such as genes encoding potassium voltage-gated channels and a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. We confirmed the neuronal localization of some of these transcripts by using in situ hybridization. To validate the microarray results, we performed real-time reverse transcriptase PCR analyses for a selection of the genes. These studies demonstrate that latent HSV infection can alter neuronal gene expression and might provide a new mechanism for how persistent viral infection can cause chronic disease.

Genes controlling hypothalamic development and sexual differentiation

Steroid hormones dramatically influence the development of numerous sites in the nervous system. Basic mechanisms in neural development provide foci for understanding how factors related to sex can alter the ontogeny of these regions. Sex differences in neurogenesis, cell migration, cell differentiation, cell death, and synaptogenesis are being addressed. Any and all of these events serve as likely targets for genetic or gonadal steroid-dependent mechanisms throughout development. Although the majority of sexually dimorphic characteristics in brain have been described in older animals, many hormonal mechanisms that determine sexually differentiated brain characteristics occur during critical perinatal periods. Genes suggested to contribute to the development of specific hypothalamic nuclear groups have rarely been examined in the context of sex. The identification of sex differences in the expression of some of these genes may suggest early and likely transient molecular events that set the stage for later amplification by hormone actions. Sex differences in the positioning of cells in the developing hypothalamus further suggest that cell migration may be one key target for early gene actions that impact long-term susceptibility to brain sexual differentiation.