Age-related molecular reorganization at the node of Ranvier

Transient demyelination causes long-term cognitive impairment, myelin alteration and network synchrony defects

In the adult brain, activity-dependent myelin plasticity is required for proper learning and memory consolidation. Myelin loss, alteration, or even subtle structural modifications can therefore compromise the network activity, leading to functional impairment. In multiple sclerosis, spontaneous myelin repair process is possible, but it is heterogeneous among patients, sometimes leading to functional recovery, often more visible at the motor level than at the cognitive level. In cuprizone-treated mouse model, massive brain demyelination is followed by spontaneous and robust remyelination. However, reformed myelin, although functional, may not exhibit the same morphological characteristics as developmental myelin, which can have an impact on the activity of neural networks. In this context, we used the cuprizone-treated mouse model to analyze the structural, functional, and cognitive long-term effects of transient demyelination. Our results show that an episode of demyelination induces despite remyelination long-term cognitive impairment, such as deficits in spatial working memory, social memory, cognitive flexibility, and hyperactivity. These deficits were associated with a reduction in myelin content in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HPC), as well as structural myelin modifications, suggesting that the remyelination process may be imperfect in these structures. In vivo electrophysiological recordings showed that the demyelination episode altered the synchronization of HPC-mPFC activity, which is crucial for memory processes. Altogether, our data indicate that the myelin repair process following transient demyelination does not allow the complete recovery of the initial myelin properties in cortical structures. These subtle modifications alter network features, leading to prolonged cognitive deficits in mice.

Volume electron microscopy reveals age-related ultrastructural differences of globular bush cell axons in mouse central auditory system

In mammals, thick axonal calibers wrapped with heavy myelin sheaths are prevalent in the auditory nervous system. These features are crucial for fast traveling of nerve impulses with minimal attenuation required for sound signal transmission. In particular, the long-range projections from the cochlear nucleus - the axons of globular bush cells (GBCs) - to the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) are tonotopically organized. However, it remains controversial in gerbils and mice whether structural and functional adaptations are present among the GBC axons targeting different MNTB frequency regions. By means of high-throughput volume electron microscopy, we compared the GBC axons in full-tonotopy-ranged MNTB slices from the C57BL/6 mice at different ages. Our quantification reveals distinct caliber diameter and myelin profile of the GBC axons with endings at lateral and medial MNTB, arguing for modulation of functionally heterogeneous axon subgroups. In addition, we reported axon-specific differences in axon caliber, node of Ranvier, and myelin sheath among juvenile, adult, and old mice, indicating the age-related changes of GBC axon morphology over time. These findings provide structural insight into the maturation and degeneration of GBC axons with frequency tuning across the lifespan of mice.

Morphological Methods to Evaluate Peripheral Nerve Fiber Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review

Regeneration of damaged peripheral nerves remains one of the main challenges of neurosurgery and regenerative medicine, a nerve functionality is rarely restored, especially after severe injuries. Researchers are constantly looking for innovative strategies for tackling this problem, with the development of advanced tissue-engineered nerve conduits and new pharmacological and physical interventions, with the aim of improving patients' life quality. Different evaluation methods can be used to study the effectiveness of a new treatment, including functional tests, morphological assessment of regenerated nerve fibers and biomolecular analyses of key factors necessary for good regeneration. The number and diversity of protocols and methods, as well as the availability of innovative technologies which are used to assess nerve regeneration after experimental interventions, often makes it difficult to compare results obtained in different labs. The purpose of the current review is to describe the main morphological approaches used to evaluate the degree of nerve fiber regeneration in terms of their usefulness and limitations.

Neurobiological Mechanisms of Cognitive Decline Correlated with Brain Aging

Cognitive decline has emerged as one of the greatest health threats of old age. Meanwhile, aging is the primary risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other prevalent neurodegenerative disorders. Developing therapeutic interventions for such conditions demands a greater understanding of the processes underlying normal and pathological brain aging. Despite playing an important role in the pathogenesis and incidence of disease, brain aging has not been well understood at a molecular level. Recent advances in the biology of aging in model organisms, together with molecular- and systems-level studies of the brain, are beginning to shed light on these mechanisms and their potential roles in cognitive decline. This chapter seeks to integrate the knowledge about the neurological mechanisms of age-related cognitive changes that underlie aging.

Enhancing axonal myelination in seniors: A review exploring the potential impact cannabis has on myelination in the aged brain

Consumption of cannabis is on the rise as public opinion trends toward acceptance and its consequent legalization. Specifically, the senior population is one of the demographics increasing their use of cannabis the fastest, but research aimed at understanding cannabis' impact on the aged brain is still scarce. Aging is characterized by many brain changes that slowly alter cognitive ability. One process that is greatly impacted during aging is axonal myelination. The slow degradation and loss of myelin (i.e., demyelination) in the brain with age has been shown to associate with cognitive decline and, furthermore, is a common characteristic of numerous neurological diseases experienced in aging. It is currently not known what causes this age-dependent degradation, but it is likely due to numerous confounding factors (i.e., heightened inflammation, reduced blood flow, cellular senescence) that impact the many cells responsible for maintaining overall homeostasis and myelin integrity. Importantly, animal studies using non-human primates and rodents have also revealed demyelination with age, providing a reliable model for researchers to try and understand the cellular mechanisms at play. In rodents, cannabis was recently shown to modulate the myelination process. Furthermore, studies looking at the direct modulatory impact cannabis has on microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocyte lineage cells hint at potential mechanisms to prevent some of the more damaging activities performed by these cells that contribute to demyelination in aging. However, research focusing on how cannabis impacts myelination in the aged brain is lacking. Therefore, this review will explore the evidence thus far accumulated to show how cannabis impacts myelination and will extrapolate what this knowledge may mean for the aged brain.

Oligodendroglia heterogeneity in the human central nervous system

It is the centenary of the discovery of oligodendrocytes and we are increasingly aware of their importance in the functioning of the brain in development, adult learning, normal ageing and in disease across the life course, even in those diseases classically thought of as neuronal. This has sparked more interest in oligodendroglia for potential therapeutics for many neurodegenerative/neurodevelopmental diseases due to their more tractable nature as a renewable cell in the central nervous system. However, oligodendroglia are not all the same. Even from the first description, differences in morphology were described between the cells. With advancing techniques to describe these differences in human tissue, the complexity of oligodendroglia is being discovered, indicating apparent functional differences which may be of critical importance in determining vulnerability and response to disease, and targeting of potential therapeutics. It is timely to review the progress we have made in discovering and understanding oligodendroglial heterogeneity in health and neuropathology.

Replenishing the Aged Brains: Targeting Oligodendrocytes and Myelination?

Aging affects almost all the aspects of brain functions, but the mechanisms remain largely undefined. Increasing number of literatures have manifested the important role of glial cells in regulating the aging process. Oligodendroglial lineage cell is a major type of glia in central nervous system (CNS), composed of mature oligodendrocytes (OLs), and oligodendroglia precursor cells (OPCs). OLs produce myelin sheaths that insulate axons and provide metabolic support to meet the energy demand. OPCs maintain the population throughout lifetime with the abilities to proliferate and differentiate into OLs. Increasing evidence has shown that oligodendroglial cells display active dynamics in adult and aging CNS, which is extensively involved in age-related brain function decline in the elderly. In this review, we summarized present knowledge about dynamic changes of oligodendroglial lineage cells during normal aging and discussed their potential roles in age-related functional decline. Especially, focused on declined myelinogenesis during aging and underlying mechanisms. Clarifying those oligodendroglial changes and their effects on neurofunctional decline may provide new insights in understanding aging associated brain function declines.

Oligodendrocytes in the aging brain

More than half of the human brain volume is made up of white matter: regions where axons are coated in myelin, which primarily functions to increase the conduction speed of axon potentials. White matter volume significantly decreases with age, correlating with cognitive decline. Much research in the field of non-pathological brain aging mechanisms has taken a neuron-centric approach, with relatively little attention paid to other neural cells. This review discusses white matter changes, with focus on oligodendrocyte lineage cells and their ability to produce and maintain myelin to support normal brain homoeostasis. Improved understanding of intrinsic cellular changes, general senescence mechanisms, intercellular interactions and alterations in extracellular environment which occur with aging and impact oligodendrocyte cells is paramount. This may lead to strategies to support oligodendrocytes in aging, for example by supporting myelin synthesis, protecting against oxidative stress and promoting the rejuvenation of the intrinsic regenerative potential of progenitor cells. Ultimately, this will enable the protection of white matter integrity thus protecting cognitive function into the later years of life.

The immune response and aging in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) consists of various autoimmune subtypes in which the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is attacked. CIDP can follow a relapsing-remitting or progressive course where the resultant demyelination caused by immune cells (e.g., T cells, macrophages) and antibodies can lead to disability in patients. Importantly, the age of CIDP patients has a role in their symptomology and specific variants have been associated with differing ages of onset. Furthermore, older patients have a decreased frequency of functional recovery after CIDP insult. This may be related to perturbations in immune cell populations that could exacerbate the disease with increasing age. In the present review, the immune profile of typical CIDP will be discussed followed by inferences into the potential role of relevant aging immune cell populations. Atypical variants will also be briefly reviewed followed by an examination of the available studies on the immunology underlying them.

The formation of paranodal spirals at the ends of CNS myelin sheaths requires the planar polarity protein Vangl2

During axonal ensheathment, noncompact myelin channels formed at lateral edges of the myelinating process become arranged into tight paranodal spirals that resemble loops when cut in cross section. These adhere to the axon, concentrating voltage-dependent sodium channels at nodes of Ranvier and patterning the surrounding axon into distinct molecular domains. The signals responsible for forming and maintaining the complex structure of paranodal myelin are poorly understood. Here, we test the hypothesis that the planar cell polarity determinant Vangl2 organizes paranodal myelin. We show that Vangl2 is concentrated at paranodes and that, following conditional knockout of Vangl2 in oligodendrocytes, the paranodal spiral loosens, accompanied by disruption to the microtubule cytoskeleton and mislocalization of autotypic adhesion molecules between loops within the spiral. Adhesion of the spiral to the axon is unaffected. This results in disruptions to axonal patterning at nodes of Ranvier, paranodal axon diameter and conduction velocity. When taken together with our previous work showing that loss of the apico-basal polarity protein Scribble has the opposite phenotype-loss of axonal adhesion but no effect on loop-loop autotypic adhesion-our results identify a novel mechanism by which polarity proteins control the shape of nodes of Ranvier and regulate conduction in the CNS.

Exosomal 2',3'-CNP from mesenchymal stem cells promotes hippocampus CA1 neurogenesis/neuritogenesis and contributes to rescue of cognition/learning deficiencies of damaged brain

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used in clinical studies to treat neurological diseases and damage. However, implanted MSCs do not achieve their regenerative effects by differentiating into and replacing neural cells. Instead, MSC secretome components mediate the regenerative effects of MSCs. MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs)/exosomes carry cargo responsible for rescuing brain damage. We previously showed that EP₄ antagonist-induced MSC EVs/exosomes have enhanced regenerative potential to rescue hippocampal damage, compared with EVs/exosomes from untreated MSCs. Here we show that EP₄ antagonist-induced MSC EVs/exosomes promote neurosphere formation in vitro and increase neurogenesis and neuritogenesis in damaged hippocampi; basal MSC EVs/exosomes do not contribute to these regenerative effects. 2',3'-Cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNP) levels in EP₄ antagonist-induced MSC EVs/exosomes are 20-fold higher than CNP levels in basal MSC EVs/exosomes. Decreasing elevated exosomal CNP levels in EP₄ antagonist-induced MSC EVs/exosomes reduced the efficacy of these EVs/exosomes in promoting β3-tubulin polymerization and in converting toxic 2',3'-cAMP into neuroprotective adenosine. CNP-depleted EP₄ antagonist-induced MSC EVs/exosomes lost the ability to promote neurogenesis and neuritogenesis in damaged hippocampi. Systemic administration of EV/exosomes from EP₄ -antagonist derived MSC EVs/exosomes repaired cognition, learning, and memory deficiencies in mice caused by hippocampal damage. In contrast, CNP-depleted EP₄ antagonist-induced MSC EVs/exosomes failed to repair this damage. Exosomal CNP contributes to the ability of EP₄ antagonist-elicited MSC EVs/exosomes to promote neurogenesis and neuritogenesis in damaged hippocampi and recovery of cognition, memory, and learning. This experimental approach should be generally applicable to identifying the role of EV/exosomal components in eliciting a variety of biological responses.

Oligodendrocyte Neurofascin Independently Regulates Both Myelin Targeting and Sheath Growth in the CNS

Selection of the correct targets for myelination and regulation of myelin sheath growth are essential for central nervous system (CNS) formation and function. Through a genetic screen in zebrafish and complementary analyses in mice, we find that loss of oligodendrocyte Neurofascin leads to mistargeting of myelin to cell bodies, without affecting targeting to axons. In addition, loss of Neurofascin reduces CNS myelination by impairing myelin sheath growth. Time-lapse imaging reveals that the distinct myelinating processes of individual oligodendrocytes can engage in target selection and sheath growth at the same time and that Neurofascin concomitantly regulates targeting and growth. Disruption to Caspr, the neuronal binding partner of oligodendrocyte Neurofascin, also impairs myelin sheath growth, likely reflecting its association in an adhesion complex at the axon-glial interface with Neurofascin. Caspr does not, however, affect myelin targeting, further indicating that Neurofascin independently regulates distinct aspects of CNS myelination by individual oligodendrocytes in vivo.

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Single oligodendrocytes coordinate myelin targeting and growth at the same time

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Oligodendrocyte Neurofascin prevents myelination of cell bodies

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Oligodendrocyte Neurofascin promotes myelin sheath growth

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The neuronal binding partner of Neurofascin, Caspr, promotes myelin sheath growth

Impairment of cognitive flexibility in type 2 diabetic db/db mice

Impaired executive function is a major peril for patients with type 2 diabetes, reducing quality of life and ability for diabetes management. Despite the significance of this impairment, few animal models of type 2 diabetes examine domains of executive function such as cognitive flexibility or working memory. Here, we evaluated these executive function domains in db/db mice, an established model of type 2 diabetes, at 10 and 24 weeks of age. The db/db mice showed impaired cognitive flexibility in the Morris water maze reversal phase. However, the db/db mice did not show apparent working memory disturbance in the spatial working memory version of the Morris water maze or in the radial water maze. We also examined axon initial segments (AIS) and nodes of Ranvier, key axonal domains for action potential initiation and propagation. AIS were significantly shortened in medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of 26-week-old db/db mice compared with controls, similar to our previous findings in 10-week-old mice. Nodes of Ranvier in corpus callosum, previously shown to be unchanged at 10 weeks, were elongated at 26 weeks, suggesting an important role for this domain in disease progression. Together, the findings help establish db/db mice as a model of impaired cognitive flexibility in type 2 diabetes and advance our understanding of its pathophysiology.

Methylglyoxal Disrupts Paranodal Axoglial Junctions via Calpain Activation

Nodes of Ranvier and associated paranodal and juxtaparanodal domains along myelinated axons are essential for normal function of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Disruption of these domains as well as increases in the reactive carbonyl species methylglyoxal are implicated as a pathophysiology common to a wide variety of neurological diseases. Here, using an ex vivo nerve exposure model, we show that increasing methylglyoxal produces paranodal disruption, evidenced by disorganized immunostaining of axoglial cell-adhesion proteins, in both sciatic and optic nerves from wild-type mice. Consistent with previous studies showing that increase of methylglyoxal can alter intracellular calcium homeostasis, we found upregulated activity of the calcium-activated protease calpain in sciatic nerves after methylglyoxal exposure. Methylglyoxal exposure altered clusters of proteins that are known as calpain substrates: ezrin in Schwann cell microvilli at the perinodal area and zonula occludens 1 in Schwann cell autotypic junctions at paranodes. Finally, treatment with the calpain inhibitor calpeptin ameliorated methylglyoxal-evoked ezrin loss and paranodal disruption in both sciatic and optic nerves. Our findings strongly suggest that elevated methylglyoxal levels and subsequent calpain activation contribute to the disruption of specialized axoglial domains along myelinated nerve fibers in neurological diseases.

Klotho Is Neuroprotective in the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1G93A) Mouse Model of ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. ALS neuropathology is associated with increased oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and inflammation. We and others reported that the anti-aging and cognition-enhancing protein Klotho is a neuroprotective, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and promyelinating protein. In mice, its absence leads to an extremely shortened life span and to multiple phenotypes resembling human aging, including motor and hippocampal neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. In contrast, its overexpression extends life span, enhances cognition, and confers resistance against oxidative stress; it also reduces premature mortality and cognitive and behavioral abnormalities in an animal model for Alzheimer's disease (AD). These pleiotropic beneficial properties of Klotho suggest that Klotho could be a potent therapeutic target for preventing neurodegeneration in ALS. Klotho overexpression in the SOD1 mouse model of ALS resulted in delayed onset and progression of the disease and extended survival that was more prominent in females than in males. Klotho reduced the expression of neuroinflammatory markers and prevented neuronal loss with the more profound effect in the spinal cord than in the motor cortex. The effect of Klotho was accompanied by reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines and enhanced the expression of antioxidative and promyelinating factors in the motor cortex and spinal cord of Klotho × SOD1 compared to SOD1 mice. Our study provides evidence that increased levels of Klotho alleviate ALS-associated pathology in the SOD1 mouse model and may serve as a basis for developing Klotho-based therapeutic strategies for ALS.

The Effects of Air Pollution on the Brain: a Review of Studies Interfacing Environmental Epidemiology and Neuroimaging

Purpose of Review

An emerging body of evidence has raised concern regarding the potentially harmful effects of inhaled pollutants on the central nervous system during the last decade. In the general population, traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) exposure has been associated with adverse effects on cognitive, behavior, and psychomotor development in children, and with cognitive decline and higher risk of dementia in the elderly. Recently, studies have interfaced environmental epidemiology with magnetic resonance imaging to investigate in vivo the effects of TRAP on the human brain. The aim of this systematic review was to describe and synthesize the findings from these studies. The bibliographic search was carried out in PubMed with ad hoc keywords.

Recent Findings

The selected studies revealed that cerebral white matter, cortical gray matter, and basal ganglia might be the targets of TRAP. The detected brain damages could be involved in cognition changes.

Summary

The effect of TRAP on cognition appears to be biologically plausible. Interfacing environmental epidemiology and neuroimaging is an emerging field with room for improvement. Future studies, together with inputs from experimental findings, should provide more relevant and detailed knowledge about the nature of the relationship between TRAP exposure and cognitive, behavior, and psychomotor disorders observed in the general population.

Nodes of Ranvier in Glaucoma

Retinal ganglion cell axons of the DBA/2J mouse model of glaucoma, a model characterized by extensive neuroinflammation, preserve synaptic contacts with their subcortical targets for a time after onset of anterograde axonal transport deficits, axon terminal hypertrophy, and cytoskeletal alterations. Though retrograde axonal transport is still evident in these axons, it is unknown if they retain their ability to transmit visual information to the brain. Using a combination of in vivo multiunit electrophysiology, neuronal tract tracing, multichannel immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy, we report that eye-brain signaling deficits precede transport loss and axonal degeneration in the DBA/2J retinal projection. These deficits are accompanied by node of Ranvier pathology - consisting of increased node length and redistribution of the voltage-gated sodium channel Na_v1.6 that parallel changes seen early in multiple sclerosis (MS) axonopathy. Further, with age, axon caliber and neurofilament density increase without corresponding changes in myelin thickness. In contrast to these findings in DBA/2J mice, node pathologies were not observed in the induced microbead occlusion model of glaucoma - a model that lacks pre-existing inflammation. After one week of systemic treatment with fingolimod, an immunosuppressant therapy for relapsing-remitting MS, DBA/2J mice showed a substantial reduction in node pathology and mild effects on axon morphology. These data suggest that neurophysiological deficits in the DBA/2J may be due to defects in intact axons and targeting node pathology may be a promising intervention for some types of glaucoma.

Simultaneous Ablation of Neuronal Neurofascin and Ankyrin G in Young and Adult Mice Reveals Age-Dependent Increase in Nodal Stability in Myelinated Axons and Differential Effects on the Lifespan

Nodes of Ranvier are unique regions where voltage-gated sodium channels are highly enriched to drive saltatory conduction. Genetic ablations in adult mice with loss of specific nodal proteins causes slow but progressive nodal deterioration associated with decreased nerve conduction and axonopathy. What has remained unaddressed is whether loss of nodal proteins at different time points in postnatal life follows similar timelines of nodal disorganization. Here we utilized simultaneous ablation of Neurofascin (NF186) and Ankyrin G (AnkG) in mice of both sexes at three specific time points. We report that concurrent ablation of these core nodal components at postnatal day 13 (P13) leads to accelerated nodal destabilization in comparison with P23, and this disorganization is even slower when ablated at P93. Ablation of NF186 with AnkG at P13 reduced the half-life of NF186 to 15 days compared to 1 month at P23, which increased to 2 months at P93, indicating increasing nodal stability. The half-life of AnkG at the nodes also increased with age but showed enhanced disappearance from the node in the absence of NF186, with a half-life of 3 days at P13 ablation. The nodal disorganization occurred in a sequential manner, with AnkG disappearing first from the nodal areas irrespective of the timing of ablation, and led to decreased nerve conduction and affected axonal health. Together, our studies reveal that nodes of Ranvier in myelinated axons continue to become more stable with age and suggest that nodal disorganization in adult human demyelinating disorders occurs slowly until neurological symptoms become evident.

Reorganization of Destabilized Nodes of Ranvier in βIV Spectrin Mutants Uncovers Critical Timelines for Nodal Restoration and Prevention of Motor Paresis

Disorganization of nodes of Ranvier is associated with motor and sensory dysfunctions. Mechanisms that allow nodal recovery during pathological processes remain poorly understood. A highly enriched nodal cytoskeletal protein βIV spectrin anchors and stabilizes the nodal complex to actin cytoskeleton. Loss of murine βIV spectrin allows the initial nodal organization, but causes gradual nodal destabilization. Mutations in human βIV spectrin cause auditory neuropathy and impairment in motor coordination. Similar phenotypes are caused by nodal disruption due to demyelination. Here we report on the precise timelines of nodal disorganization and reorganization by following disassembly and reassembly of key nodal proteins in βIV spectrin mice of both sexes before and after βIV spectrin re-expression at specifically chosen developmental time points. We show that the timeline of nodal restoration has different outcomes in the PNS and CNS with respect to nodal reassembly and functional restoration. In the PNS, restoration of nodes occurs within 1 month regardless of the time of βIV spectrin re-expression. In contrast, the CNS nodal reorganization and functional restoration occurs within a critical time window; after that, nodal reorganization diminishes, leading to less efficient motor recovery. We demonstrate that timely restoration of nodes can improve both the functional properties and the ultrastructure of myelinated fibers affected by long-term nodal disorganization. Our studies, which indicate a critical timeline for nodal restoration together with overall motor performance and prolonged life span, further support the idea that nodal restoration is more beneficial if initiated before any axonal damage, which is critically relevant to demyelinating disorders.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Nodes of Ranvier are integral to efficient and rapid signal transmission along myelinated fibers. Various demyelinating disorders are characterized by destabilization of the nodal molecular complex, accompanied by severe reduction in nerve conduction and the onset of motor and sensory dysfunctions. This study is the first to report in vivo reassembly of destabilized nodes with sequential improvement in overall motor performance. Our study reveals that nodal restoration is achievable before any axonal damage, and that long-term nodal destabilization causes irreversible axonal structural changes that prevent functional restoration. Our studies provide significant insights into timely restoration of nodal domains as a potential therapeutic approach in treatment of demyelinating disorders.

Aging Induces Changes in the Somatic Nerve and Postsynaptic Component without Any Alterations in Skeletal Muscles Morphology and Capacity to Carry Load of Wistar Rats

The present study aimed to analyze the morphology of the peripheral nerve, postsynaptic compartment, skeletal muscles and weight-bearing capacity of Wistar rats at specific ages. Twenty rats were divided into groups: 10 months-old (ADULT) and 24 months-old (OLD). After euthanasia, we prepared and analyzed the tibial nerve using transmission electron microscopy and the soleus and plantaris muscles for cytofluorescence and histochemistry. For the comparison of the results between groups we used dependent and independent Student's t-test with level of significance set at p ≤ 0.05. For the tibial nerve, the OLD group presented the following alterations compared to the ADULT group: larger area and diameter of both myelinated fibers and axons, smaller area occupied by myelinated and unmyelinated axons, lower numerical density of myelinated fibers, and fewer myelinated fibers with normal morphology. Both aged soleus and plantaris end-plate showed greater total perimeter, stained perimeter, total area and stained area compared to ADULT group (p < 0.05). Yet, aged soleus end-plate presented greater dispersion than ADULT samples (p < 0.05). For the morphology of soleus and plantaris muscles, density of the interstitial volume was greater in the OLD group (p < 0.05). No statistical difference was found between groups in the weight-bearing tests. The results of the present study demonstrated that the aging process induces changes in the peripheral nerve and postsynaptic compartment without any change in skeletal muscles and ability to carry load in Wistar rats.

Expanded phenotypes and outcomes among 256 LGI1/CASPR2-IgG-positive patients

OBJECTIVE

To describe an expanded phenotypic spectrum and longitudinal outcome in 256 LGI1-IgG-seropositive and/or CASPR2-IgG-seropositive patients.

METHODS

Patients were identified through service neural autoantibody evaluation. Ninety-five had longitudinal follow-up (7-456 months; median = 35).

RESULTS

Among 3,910 patients tested, 196 were LGI1-IgG positive, 51 were CASPR2-IgG positive, and 9 were dual positive. Cerebrospinal fluid testing was less sensitive than serum testing, detecting only 24 of 38 (63%) LGI1-IgG-positive and 5 of 6 (83%) CASPR2-IgG-positive patients. LGI1-IgG-positive specimens had higher voltage-gated potassium channel-IgG immunoprecipitation values (0.33nmol/l, range = 0.02-5.14) than CASPR2-IgG-positive specimens (0.10nmol/l, range = 0.00-0.45, p < 0.001). Of patients presenting with pain or peripheral nervous system (PNS) manifestations, 39% were LGI1-IgG seropositive (7% had solely neuropathy or pain). Multivariate analysis identified age as the only significant predictor of central nervous system (CNS) versus PNS involvement (>50 years; odds ratio = 15, p < 0.001). Paroxysmal dizziness spells (PDS), a unique LGI1-IgG accompaniment (14% of patients), frequently delayed the diagnosis. T2-mesiotemporal hyperintensity was more common in LGI1-IgG-positive (41%) than in CASPR2-IgG-positive patients (p = 0.033). T1-bright basal ganglia were confined to LGI1-IgG-positive patients with faciobrachial-dystonic seizures (9 of 39, 31%). Cancer was found in 44% of LGI1-IgG/CASPR2-IgG dual seropositive patients (one-third thymoma). Response to initial immunotherapy was favorable in 97%; mean modified Rankin score was 3 (range = 1-5) at onset and 1.74 (range = 0-6) at last follow-up, with 9% having severe refractory disability, 20% being asymptomatic, 28% receiving immunotherapy, and 58% receiving antiepileptic medication.

INTERPRETATION

Older age is a strong predictor of CNS involvement in patients seropositive for CASPR2-IgG or LGI1-IgG. Pain, peripheral manifestations, and stereotypic paroxysmal dizziness spells are common with LGI1-IgG. Response to initial immunotherapy is often favorable, but some patients remain severely disabled, requiring long-term immunotherapy and/or antiepileptic medications. Ann Neurol 2017;82:79-92.

Effects of Strength Training and Anabolic Steroid in the Peripheral Nerve and Skeletal Muscle Morphology of Aged Rats

Thirty male 20-month-old Wistar rats were divided into groups: IC—initial control (n = 6), FC—final control (n = 6), AC—anabolic hormone control (n = 6), ST—strength trained (n = 6) and STA—strength trained with anabolic hormone (n = 6). All groups were submitted to adaptation, familiarization and maximum load carrying test (MLCT). Strength training (6–8×/session with loads of 50%–100% MLCT, 3×/week and pause of 120 s) was performed in ladder climbing (LC) for 15 weeks. The administration of testosterone propionate (TP) was performed 2×/week (10 mg/kg) in animals in the AC and STA groups. After the experimental period, animals were euthanized and the tibial nerve and plantaris muscle removed and prepared for electron transmission and histochemistry. To compare the groups we used one-way ANOVA (post hoc Bonferroni), student’s t-tests for pre vs. post (dependent and independent variables) comparisons and significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. The following significant results were found: (a) aging decreased the number of myelinated axon fibers; (b) use of isolated TP increased the diameter of myelinated fibers, along with increased thickness of myelin sheath; (c) ST increased area of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers, together with the myelin sheath. These changes made it possible to increase the area occupied by myelinated fibers keeping their quantity and also reduce the interstitial space; and (d) association of anabolic steroid and ST increased the area of unmyelinated axons and thickness of the myelin sheath. Compared to ST, both strategies have similar results. However, Schwann cells increased significantly only in this strategy.

Potassium channel abnormalities are consistent with early axon degeneration of motor axons in the G127X SOD1 mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal neurodegenerative disease, which selectively affects upper and lower motoneurones. The underlying pathophysiology of the disease is complex but electrophysiological studies of peripheral nerves in ALS patients as well as human autopsy studies indicate that a potassium channel dysfunction/loss is present early in the symptomatic phase. It remains unclear to what extent potassium channel abnormalities reflect a specific pathogenic mechanism in ALS. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the temporal changes in the expression and/or function of potassium channels in motoneurones in the adult G127X SOD1 mouse model of ALS, a model which has a very long presymptomatic phase. Evidence from animal models indicates that the early progressive motoneurone dysfunction and degeneration can be largely compensated by motor unit remodeling, delaying the clinical symptom onset. Experiments were therefore performed both before and after symptom onset. Immunohistochemistry of motor axons in the ventral roots of G127X SOD1 mice, was used to investigate juxta-paranodal Kv1.2 potassium channels along with nodal Nav1.6 and the paranodal scaffolding protein Caspr. This allowed an investigation of changes in the distribution of Kv1.2 relative to the general structure of the nodal-paranodal-juxta-paranodal complex. This revealed that the motor axons in the ventral roots of presymptomatic G127X SOD1 mice, already show a disruption in juxta-paranodal Kv1.2 potassium channels. The axonal Kv1.2 disruption was preceded by abnormalities in the distribution of the paranodal scaffolding protein Caspr with the nodal arrangement of Nav1.6 appearing relatively preserved even in symptomatic mice. These changes were accompanied by axon swelling and a slowing of conduction in the peripheral motor axons in symptomatic mice. In vivo electrophysiological intracellular recordings of individual spinal motoneurones revealed that central potassium channel function was preserved or even enhanced with higher amplitude and longer duration after-hyperpolarisations in the G127X SOD1 mice. Our data suggest that the potassium channel abnormalities observed in presymptomatic G127X, rather than representing a specific pathophysiological mechanism targeting potassium channels, most likely reflect early axonal degenerative changes, consistent with the "dying-back" phenomenon observed in other ALS models.

Aging of cerebral white matter

White matter (WM) occupies a large volume of the human cerebrum and is mainly composed of myelinated axons and myelin-producing glial cells. The myelinated axons within WM are the structural foundation for efficient neurotransmission between cortical and subcortical areas. Similar to neuron-enriched gray matter areas, WM undergoes a series of changes during the process of aging. WM malfunction can induce serious neurobehavioral and cognitive impairments. Thus, age-related changes in WM may contribute to the functional decline observed in the elderly. In addition, aged WM becomes more susceptible to neurological disorders, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and neurodegeneration. In this review, we summarize the structural and functional alterations of WM in natural aging and speculate on the underlying mechanisms. We also discuss how age-related WM changes influence the progression of various brain disorders, including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, TBI, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Although the physiology of WM is still poorly understood relative to gray matter, WM is a rational therapeutic target for a number of neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Age-Related Changes in Axonal and Mitochondrial Ultrastructure and Function in White Matter

The impact of aging on CNS white matter (WM) is of general interest because the global effects of aging on myelinated nerve fibers are more complex and profound than those in cortical gray matter. It is important to distinguish between axonal changes created by normal aging and those caused by neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis, stroke, glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injury. Using three-dimensional electron microscopy, we show that in mouse optic nerve, which is a pure and fully myelinated WM tract, aging axons are larger, have thicker myelin, and are characterized by longer and thicker mitochondria, which are associated with altered levels of mitochondrial shaping proteins. These structural alterations in aging mitochondria correlate with lower ATP levels and increased generation of nitric oxide, protein nitration, and lipid peroxidation. Moreover, mitochondria-smooth endoplasmic reticulum interactions are compromised due to decreased associations and decreased levels of calnexin and calreticulin, suggesting a disruption in Ca(2+) homeostasis and defective unfolded protein responses in aging axons. Despite these age-related modifications, axon function is sustained in aging WM, which suggests that age-dependent changes do not lead to irreversible functional decline under normal conditions, as is observed in neurodegenerative diseases.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Aging is a common risk factor for a number of neurodegenerative diseases, including stroke. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage with age are hypothesized to increase risk for stroke. We compared axon-myelin-node-mitochondrion-smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER) interactions in white matter obtained at 1 and 12 months. We show that aging axons have enlarged volume, thicker myelin, and elongated and thicker mitochondria. Furthermore, there are reduced SER connections to mitochondria that correlate with lower calnexin and calreticulin levels. Despite a prominent decrease in number, elongated aging mitochondria produce excessive stress markers with reduced ATP production. Because axons maintain function under these conditions, our study suggests that it is important to understand the process of normal brain aging to identify neurodegenerative changes.

The axon-glia unit in white matter stroke: mechanisms of damage and recovery

Approximately one quarter of all strokes in humans occur in white matter, and the progressive nature of white matter lesions often results in severe physical and mental disability. Unlike cortical grey matter stroke, the pathology of white matter stroke revolves around disrupted connectivity and injured axons and glial cells, rather than neuronal cell bodies. Consequently, the mechanisms behind ischemic damage to white matter elements, the regenerative responses of glial cells and their signaling pathways, all differ significantly from those in grey matter. Development of effective therapies for white matter stroke would require an enhanced understanding of the complex cellular and molecular interactions within the white matter, leading to the identification of new therapeutic targets. This review will address the unique properties of the axon-glia unit during white matter stroke, describe the challenging process of promoting effective white matter repair, and discuss recently-identified signaling pathways which may hold potential targets for repair in this disease. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI: Cell Interactions In Stroke.

Spontaneous Age-related Changes of Peripheral Nerves in Cattle: Morphological and Biochemical Studies

Peripheral nerve function is significantly affected by ageing. During ageing process, multiple changes occur on tissue cells and extracellular matrix. The aim of this work was to study the ageing-associated changes of peripheral nerves in adult and old regularly slaughtered cattle compared with young calves, and correlate them to the features reported in humans and laboratory animals. Samples of axial dorsal metacarpal nerves from 44 cows were collected immediately after slaughtering. Each nerve was dissected and divided into two fragments: one used for morphological evaluation (n = 43) and the other one for biochemical analysis (n = 31). Axonal degeneration, demyelination, thickness of perineurium and endoneurium and increase of mast cells were the most important features detected. The mean amount of glycosaminoglycan quantitative content recorded in the samples increased with the age. Axonal degeneration, demyelination and thickness of endoneurium were positively and significantly correlated with biochemistry. The presence of changes affecting the different elements of the peripheral nerves, similar to that reported in humans and in laboratory species, the easy availability of the nerve tissue in this species, the considerable size of the samples and the life conditions more similar to humans than to laboratory animals, allows the authors to consider cattle as a potential good model for the comparative study of spontaneous ageing nerve lesions.

Subcellular localization of K+ channels in mammalian brain neurons: remarkable precision in the midst of extraordinary complexity

Potassium channels (KChs) are the most diverse ion channels, in part due to extensive combinatorial assembly of a large number of principal and auxiliary subunits into an assortment of KCh complexes. Their structural and functional diversity allows KChs to play diverse roles in neuronal function. Localization of KChs within specialized neuronal compartments defines their physiological role and also fundamentally impacts their activity, due to localized exposure to diverse cellular determinants of channel function. Recent studies in mammalian brain reveal an exquisite refinement of KCh subcellular localization. This includes axonal KChs at the initial segment, and near/within nodes of Ranvier and presynaptic terminals, dendritic KChs found at sites reflecting specific synaptic input, and KChs defining novel neuronal compartments. Painting the remarkable diversity of KChs onto the complex architecture of mammalian neurons creates an elegant picture of electrical signal processing underlying the sophisticated function of individual neuronal compartments, and ultimately neurotransmission and behavior.

Molecular disorganization of axons adjacent to human lacunar infarcts

Cerebral microvascular disease predominantly affects brain white matter and deep grey matter, resulting in ischaemic damage that ranges from lacunar infarcts to white matter hyperintensities seen on magnetic resonance imaging. These lesions are common and result in both clinical stroke syndromes and accumulate over time, resulting in cognitive deficits and dementia. Magnetic resonance imaging studies suggest that these lesions progress over time, accumulate adjacent to prior lesions and have a penumbral region susceptible to further injury. The pathological correlates of this adjacent injury in surviving myelinated axons have not been previously defined. In this study, we sought to determine the molecular organization of axons in tissue adjacent to lacunar infarcts and in the regions surrounding microinfarcts, by determining critical elements in axonal function: the morphology and length of node of Ranvier segments and adjacent paranodal segments. We examined post-mortem brain tissue from six patients with lacunar infarcts and tissue from two patients with autosomal dominant retinal vasculopathy and cerebral leukoencephalopathy (previously known as hereditary endotheliopathy with retinopathy, nephropathy and stroke) who accumulate progressive white matter ischaemic lesions in the form of lacunar and microinfarcts. In axons adjacent to lacunar infarcts yet extending up to 150% of the infarct diameter away, both nodal and paranodal length increase by ∼20% and 80%, respectively, reflecting a loss of normal cell-cell adhesion and signalling between axons and oligodendrocytes. Using premorbid magnetic resonance images, brain regions from patients with retinal vasculopathy and cerebral leukoencephalopathy that harboured periventricular white matter hyperintensities were selected and the molecular organization of axons was determined within these regions. As in regions adjacent to lacunar infarcts, nodal and paranodal length in white matter of these patients is increased. Myelin basic protein and neurofilament immunolabelling demonstrates that axons in these adjacent regions have preserved axonal cytoskeleton organization and are generally myelinated. This indicates that the loss of normal axonal microdomain architecture results from disrupted axoglial signalling in white matter adjacent to lacunar and microinfarcts. The loss of the normal molecular organization of nodes and paranodes is associated with axonal degeneration and may lead to impaired conduction velocity across surviving axons after stroke. These findings demonstrate that the degree of white matter injury associated with cerebral microvascular disease extends well beyond what can be identified using imaging techniques and that an improved understanding of the neurobiology in these regions can drive new therapeutic strategies for this disease entity.

Dissecting mechanisms of brain aging by studying the intrinsic excitability of neurons

Several studies using vertebrate and invertebrate animal models have shown aging associated changes in brain function. Importantly, changes in soma size, loss or regression of dendrites and dendritic spines and alterations in the expression of neurotransmitter receptors in specific neurons were described. Despite this understanding, how aging impacts intrinsic properties of individual neurons or circuits that govern a defined behavior is yet to be determined. Here we discuss current understanding of specific electrophysiological changes in individual neurons and circuits during aging.

The node of Ranvier in CNS pathology

Healthy nodes of Ranvier are crucial for action potential propagation along myelinated axons, both in the central and in the peripheral nervous system. Surprisingly, the node of Ranvier has often been neglected when describing CNS disorders, with most pathologies classified simply as being due to neuronal defects in the grey matter or due to oligodendrocyte damage in the white matter. However, recent studies have highlighted changes that occur in pathological conditions at the node of Ranvier, and at the associated paranodal and juxtaparanodal regions where neurons and myelinating glial cells interact. Lengthening of the node of Ranvier, failure of the electrically resistive seal between the myelin and the axon at the paranode, and retraction of myelin to expose voltage-gated K⁺ channels in the juxtaparanode, may contribute to altering the function of myelinated axons in a wide range of diseases, including stroke, spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. Here, we review the principles by which the node of Ranvier operates and its molecular structure, and thus explain how defects at the node and paranode contribute to neurological disorders.

Differential stability of PNS and CNS nodal complexes when neuronal neurofascin is lost

Fast, saltatory conduction in myelinated nerves requires the clustering of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) at nodes of Ranvier in a nodal complex. The Neurofascin (Nfasc) gene encodes neuronal Neurofascin 186 (Nfasc186) at the node and glial Neurofascin 155 at the paranode, and these proteins play a key role in node assembly. However, their role in the maintenance and stability of the node is less well understood. Here we show that by inducible ablation of Nfasc in neurons in adult mice, Nfasc186 expression is reduced by >99% and 94% at PNS and CNS nodes, respectively. Gliomedin and NrCAM at PNS and brevican at CNS nodes are largely lost with neuronal neurofascin; however, Nav at nodes of Ranvier persist, albeit with ∼40% reduction in expression levels. βIV Spectrin, ankyrin G, and, to a lesser extent, the β1 subunit of the sodium channel, are less affected at the PNS node than in the CNS. Nevertheless, there is a 38% reduction in PNS conduction velocity. Loss of Nfasc186 provokes CNS paranodal disorganization, but this does not contribute to loss of Nav. These results show that Nav at PNS nodes are still maintained in a nodal complex when neuronal neurofascin is depleted, whereas the retention of nodal Nav in the CNS, despite more extensive dissolution of the complex, suggests a supportive role for the partially disrupted paranodal axoglial junction in selectively maintaining Nav at the CNS node.

Impact of age on the cerebrovascular proteomes of wild-type and Tg-SwDI mice

The structural integrity of cerebral vessels is compromised during ageing. Abnormal amyloid (Aβ) deposition in the vasculature can accelerate age-related pathologies. The cerebrovascular response associated with ageing and microvascular Aβ deposition was defined using quantitative label-free shotgun proteomic analysis. Over 650 proteins were quantified in vessel-enriched fractions from the brains of 3 and 9 month-old wild-type (WT) and Tg-SwDI mice. Sixty-five proteins were significantly increased in older WT animals and included several basement membrane proteins (nidogen-1, basement membrane-specific heparan sulfate proteoglycan core protein, laminin subunit gamma-1 precursor and collagen alpha-2(IV) chain preproprotein). Twenty-four proteins were increased and twenty-one decreased in older Tg-SwDI mice. Of these, increases in Apolipoprotein E (APOE) and high temperature requirement serine protease-1 (HTRA1) and decreases in spliceosome and RNA-binding proteins were the most prominent. Only six shared proteins were altered in both 9-month old WT and Tg-SwDI animals. The age-related proteomic response in the cerebrovasculature was distinctly different in the presence of microvascular Aβ deposition. Proteins found differentially expressed within the WT and Tg-SwDI animals give greater insight to the mechanisms behind age-related cerebrovascular dysfunction and pathologies and may provide novel therapeutic targets.

Node of Ranvier disruption as a cause of neurological diseases

Dysfunction and/or disruption of nodes of Ranvier are now recognized as key contributors to the pathophysiology of various neurological diseases. One reason is that the excitable nodal axolemma contains a high density of Nav (voltage-gated Na⁺ channels) that are required for the rapid and efficient saltatory conduction of action potentials. Nodal physiology is disturbed by altered function, localization, and expression of voltage-gated ion channels clustered at nodes and juxtaparanodes, and by disrupted axon–glial interactions at paranodes. This paper reviews recent discoveries in molecular/cellular neuroscience, genetics, immunology, and neurology that highlight the critical roles of nodes of Ranvier in health and disease.

Glycinergic synaptic transmission in the cochlear nucleus of mice with normal hearing and age-related hearing loss

The principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian cochlear nucleus (CN) is glycine. During age-related hearing loss (AHL), glycinergic inhibition becomes weaker in CN. However, it is unclear what aspects of glycinergic transmission are responsible for weaker inhibition with AHL. We examined glycinergic transmission onto bushy cells of the anteroventral CN in normal-hearing CBA/CaJ mice and in DBA/2J mice, a strain that exhibits an early onset AHL. Glycinergic synaptic transmission was examined in brain slices of mice at 10-15 postnatal days old, 20-35 days old, and at 6-7 mo old. Spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSC) event frequency and amplitude were the same among all three ages in both strains of mice. However, the amplitudes of IPSCs evoked (eIPSC) from stimulating the dorsal CN were smaller, and the failure rate was higher, with increasing age due to decreased quantal content in both mouse strains, independent of hearing status. The coefficient of variation of the eIPSC amplitude also increased with age. The decay time constant (τ) of sIPSCs and eIPSCs were constant in CBA/CaJ mice at all ages, but were significantly slower in DBA/2J mice at postnatal days 20-35, following the onset of AHL, and not at earlier or later ages. Our results suggest that glycinergic inhibition at the synapses onto bushy cells becomes weaker and less reliable with age through changes in release. However, the hearing loss in DBA/2J mice is accompanied by a transiently enhanced inhibition, which could disrupt the balance of excitation and inhibition.

Small-molecule Klotho enhancers as novel treatment of neurodegeneration

The majority of neurodegenerative diseases have an important age component, and thus, understanding the molecular changes that occur during normal aging of the brain is of utmost relevance. In search for the basis of the age-related cognitive decline found in humans, monkeys and rodents, we study the rhesus monkey. Surprisingly, there is no loss of neurons in aged monkey brains. However, we reported white matter and myelin abnormalities in aged monkeys, similar to those observed in Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis patients. In a microarray analysis comparing young and old monkey white matter, we discovered that Klotho is downregulated in the aged brain. We then asked whether there is a connection between the age-related cognitive decline, myelin abnormalities and Klotho downregulation. If such a connection is found, compounds that upregulate Klotho expression could become of therapeutic interest for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, and perhaps even Alzheimer's disease.

Promoter methylation and age-related downregulation of Klotho in rhesus monkey

While overall DNA methylation decreases with age, CpG-rich areas of the genome can become hypermethylated. Hypermethylation near transcription start sites typically decreases gene expression. Klotho (KL) is important in numerous age-associated pathways including insulin/IGF1 and Wnt signaling and naturally decreases with age in brain, heart, and liver across species. Brain tissues from young and old rhesus monkeys were used to determine whether epigenetic modification of the KL promoter underlies age-related decreases in mRNA and protein levels of KL. The KL promoter in genomic DNA from brain white matter did not show evidence of oxidation in vivo but did exhibit an increase in methylation with age. Further analysis identified individual CpG motifs across the region of interest with increased methylation in old animals. In vitro methyl modification of these individual cytosine residues confirmed that methylation of the promoter can decrease gene transcription. These results provide evidence that changes in KL gene expression with age may, at least in part, be the result of epigenetic changes to the 5' regulatory region.

The axon initial segment in nervous system disease and injury

The axon initial segment (AIS), with its dense clusters of voltage-gated ion channels decorating the axonal membrane, regulates action potential initiation and modulation. The AIS also functions as a barrier to maintain axodendritic polarity, and its precise axonal location contributes to the fine-tuning of neuronal excitability. Therefore, it is not surprising that mutations in AIS-related genes, disruption of the molecular organization of the AIS and altered AIS ion channel expression, function, location and/or density are emerging as key players in neurological disorders. Here, we consider the role of the AIS in nervous system disease and injury.

Paranodal reorganization results in the depletion of transverse bands in the aged central nervous system

Paranodal axo-glial junctional complexes anchor the myelin sheath to the axon and breakdown of these complexes presumably facilitates demyelination. Myelin deterioration is also prominent in the aging central nervous system (CNS); however, the stability of the paranodal complexes in the aged CNS has not been examined. Here, we show that transverse bands, prominent components of paranodal junctions, are significantly reduced in the aged CNS; however, the number of paired clusters of both myelin and axonal paranodal proteins is not altered. Ultrastructural analyses also reveal that thicker myelin sheaths display a "piling" of paranodal loops, the cytoplasm-containing sacs that demarcate the paranode. Loops involved in piling are observed throughout the paranode and are not limited to loops positioned in either the nodal- or juxtanodal-most regions. Here, we propose that as myelination continues, previously anchored loops lose their transverse bands and recede away from the axolemma. Newly juxtaposed loops then lose their transverse bands, move laterally to fill in the gap left by the receded loops and finally reform their transverse bands. This paranodal reorganization results in conservation of paranodal length, which may be important in maintaining ion channel spacing and axonal function. Furthermore, we propose that transverse band reformation is less efficient in the aged CNS, resulting in the significant reduction of these junctional components. Although demyelination was not observed, we propose that loss of transverse bands facilitates myelin degeneration and may predispose the aged CNS to a poorer prognosis following a secondary insult.

The effects of treadmill training on young and mature rats after traumatic peripheral nerve lesion

The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of a treadmill training program on regeneration in young (3-month-old) and mature (13-month-old) rats with sciatic nerve crush using functional, electrophysiological, and morphometric analyses. When compared to both the young and mature untrained injury groups, those groups that underwent a treadmill training showed improved sensorimotor function evaluated by narrow beam test (p<0.04 and p<0.001, respectively), while muscle action potential amplitude was only greater in the young group (p<0.02). The treadmill training program was able to reduce myelinated fiber density in the young group (p<0.001), which appeared to increase after nerve injury (poly-innervation), but decreased with training, which means that the innervation became more functional. The data indicate that treadmill training is able to promote functional, electrophysiological and morphological recovery in young animals. However, in mature animals, improvement was only seen in terms of functional recovery.

Metabolic-cognitive syndrome: a cross-talk between metabolic syndrome and Alzheimer's disease

A growing body of epidemiological evidence suggested that metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Mets components (impaired glucose tolerance, abdominal or central obesity, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) may be important in the development of age-related cognitive decline (ARCD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). These suggestions proposed in these patients the presence of a "metabolic-cognitive syndrome", i.e. a MetS plus cognitive impairment of degenerative or vascular origin. This could represent a pathophysiological model in which to study in depth the mechanisms linking MetS and MetS components with dementia, particularly AD, and predementia syndromes (ARCD or MCI), suggesting a possible integrating view of the MetS components and their influence on cognitive decline. In the present article, we discussed the role of these factors in the development of cognitive decline and dementia, including underlying mechanisms, supporting their influence on β-amyloid peptide metabolism and tau protein hyperphosphorylation, the principal neuropathological hallmarks of AD. In the next future, trials could then be undertaken to determine if modifications of these MetS components including inflammation, another factor probably related to MetS, could lower risk of developing cognitive decline. Future research aimed at identifying mechanisms that underlie comorbid associations of MetS components will not only provide important insights into the causes and interdependencies of predementia and dementia syndromes, but will also inspire novel strategies for treating and preventing cognitive disorders.

Localization of the paranodal protein Caspr in the mammalian retina

PURPOSE

The retina has the demanding task of encoding all aspects of the visual scene within the space of one fixation period lasting only a few hundred milliseconds. To accomplish this feat, information is encoded in specialized parallel channels and passed on to numerous central nuclei via the optic nerve. These parallel channels achieve specialization in at least three ways: the synaptic networks in which they participate, the neurotransmitter receptors expressed and the types and locations of ion channels or transporters used. Subcellular localization of receptors, channels and transporters is made yet more complex in the retina by the double duty many retinal processes serve. In the present work, we show that the protein Caspr (Contactin Associated Protein), best known for its critical role in the localization of voltage-gated ion channels at the nodes of Ranvier, is present in several types of retinal neurons including amacrine, bipolar, horizontal, and ganglion cells.

METHODS

Using standard double label immunofluorescence protocols, we characterized the pattern of Caspr expression in the rodent retina.

RESULTS

Caspr labeling was observed through much of the retina, including horizontal, bipolar, amacrine, and ganglion cells. Among amacrine cells, Caspr was observed in AII amacrine cells through co-localization with Parvalbumin and Disabled-1 in rat and mouse retinas, respectively. An additional amacrine cell type containing Calretinin also co-localized with Caspr, but did not co-localize with choline-acetyltransferase. Nearly all cells in the ganglion cell layer contain Caspr, including both displaced amacrine and ganglion cells. In the outer retina, Caspr was co-localized with PKC labeling in rod bipolar cell dendrites. In addition, Caspr labeling was found inside syntaxin-4 'sandwiches' in the outer plexiform layer, most likely indicating its presence in cone bipolar cell dendrites. Finally, Caspr was co-localized in segments of horizontal cell dendrites labeled with Calbindin-D28k.

CONCLUSIONS

Caspr is best known for its role in organizing the localization of different voltage-gated ion channels in and around nodes of Ranvier. As neuronal processes in the retina often play a dual role involving both input and output, it is possible that the localization of Caspr in the retina will help us decipher the way retinal cells localize ion channels in their processes to increase computational capacity.

Cerebrovascular disease and dementia: a primate model of hypertension and cognition

There is growing epidemiologic evidence that cardiovascular risk factors such as high serum cholesterol and hypertension are also risk factors for cognitive decline and/or dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. But exactly how these different risk factors are linked to cognition is unclear. One way to address these correlations is by using animal models of cardiovascular disease. Many such models are available, but perhaps none is better suited to studying human cognition than non-human primate models. This article describes a rhesus monkey aorta coarctation model of hypertension and demonstrates how this might prove to be a very valuable model for studying the effect of hypertension on cognition.

Effects of normal aging on prefrontal area 46 in the rhesus monkey

This review is concerned with the effects of normal aging on the structure and function of prefrontal area 46 in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). Area 46 has complex connections with somatosensory, visual, visuomotor, motor, and limbic systems and a key role in cognition, which frequently declines with age. An important question is what alterations might account for this decline. We are nowhere near having a complete answer, but as will be shown in this review, it is now evident that there is no single underlying cause. There is no significant loss of cortical neurons and although there are a few senile plaques in rhesus monkey cortex, their frequency does not correlate with cognitive decline. However, as discussed in this review, the following do correlate with cognitive decline. Loss of white matter has been proposed to result in some disconnections between parts of the central nervous system and changes in the structure of myelin sheaths reduce conduction velocity and the timing in neuronal circuits. In addition, there are reductions in the inputs to cortical neurons, as shown by regression of dendritic trees, loss of dendritic spines and synapses, and alterations in transmitters and receptors. These factors contribute to alterations in the intrinsic and network physiological properties of cortical neurons. As more details emerge, it is to be hoped that effective interventions to retard cognitive decline can be proposed.

Alzheimer's disease as homeostatic responses to age-related myelin breakdown

The amyloid hypothesis (AH) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) posits that the fundamental cause of AD is the accumulation of the peptide amyloid beta (Aβ) in the brain. This hypothesis has been supported by observations that genetic defects in amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin increase Aβ production and cause familial AD (FAD). The AH is widely accepted but does not account for important phenomena including recent failures of clinical trials to impact dementia in humans even after successfully reducing Aβ deposits. Herein, the AH is viewed from the broader overarching perspective of the myelin model of the human brain that focuses on functioning brain circuits and encompasses white matter and myelin in addition to neurons and synapses. The model proposes that the recently evolved and extensive myelination of the human brain underlies both our unique abilities and susceptibility to highly prevalent age-related neuropsychiatric disorders such as late onset AD (LOAD). It regards oligodendrocytes and the myelin they produce as being both critical for circuit function and uniquely vulnerable to damage. This perspective reframes key observations such as axonal transport disruptions, formation of axonal swellings/sphenoids and neuritic plaques, and proteinaceous deposits such as Aβ and tau as by-products of homeostatic myelin repair processes. It delineates empirically testable mechanisms of action for genes underlying FAD and LOAD and provides "upstream" treatment targets. Such interventions could potentially treat multiple degenerative brain disorders by mitigating the effects of aging and associated changes in iron, cholesterol, and free radicals on oligodendrocytes and their myelin.