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Esteban-Linares A, Zhang X, Lee HH, Risner ML, Weiss SM, Xu YQ, Levine E, Li D. Graphene-based microfluidic perforated microelectrode arrays for retinal electrophysiological studies. LAB ON A CHIP 2023; 23:2193-2205. [PMID: 36891773 PMCID: PMC10159897 DOI: 10.1039/d3lc00064h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Perforated microelectrode arrays (pMEAs) have become essential tools for ex vivo retinal electrophysiological studies. pMEAs increase the nutrient supply to the explant and alleviate the accentuated curvature of the retina, allowing for long-term culture and intimate contacts between the retina and electrodes for electrophysiological measurements. However, commercial pMEAs are not compatible with in situ high-resolution optical imaging and lack the capability of controlling the local microenvironment, which are highly desirable features for relating function to anatomy and probing physiological and pathological mechanisms in retina. Here we report on microfluidic pMEAs (μpMEAs) that combine transparent graphene electrodes and the capability of locally delivering chemical stimulation. We demonstrate the potential of μpMEAs by measuring the electrical response of ganglion cells to locally delivered high K+ stimulation under controlled microenvironments. Importantly, the capability for high-resolution confocal imaging of the retina tissue on top of the graphene electrodes allows for further analyses of the electrical signal source. The new capabilities provided by μpMEAs could allow for retinal electrophysiology assays to address key questions in retinal circuitry studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaosi Zhang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Hannah H Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Michael L Risner
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Sharon M Weiss
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Ya-Qiong Xu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA
| | - Edward Levine
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Deyu Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37235, USA.
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2
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Chrobok L, Pradel K, Janik ME, Sanetra AM, Bubka M, Myung J, Ridla Rahim A, Klich JD, Jeczmien-Lazur JS, Palus-Chramiec K, Lewandowski MH. Intrinsic circadian timekeeping properties of the thalamic lateral geniculate nucleus. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:3306-3324. [PMID: 34758124 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Circadian rhythmicity in mammals is sustained by the central brain clock-the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus (SCN), entrained to the ambient light-dark conditions through a dense retinal input. However, recent discoveries of autonomous clock gene expression cast doubt on the supremacy of the SCN and suggest circadian timekeeping mechanisms devolve to local brain clocks. Here, we use a combination of molecular, electrophysiological, and optogenetic tools to evaluate intrinsic clock properties of the main retinorecipient thalamic center-the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) in male rats and mice. We identify the dorsolateral geniculate nucleus as a slave oscillator, which exhibits core clock gene expression exclusively in vivo. Additionally, we provide compelling evidence for intrinsic clock gene expression accompanied by circadian variation in neuronal activity in the intergeniculate leaflet and ventrolateral geniculate nucleus (VLG). Finally, our optogenetic experiments propose the VLG as a light-entrainable oscillator, whose phase may be advanced by retinal input at the beginning of the projected night. Altogether, this study for the first time demonstrates autonomous timekeeping mechanisms shaping circadian physiology of the LGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Chrobok
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamil Pradel
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marcelina Elzbieta Janik
- Department of Glycoconjugate Biochemistry, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Magdalena Sanetra
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Monika Bubka
- Department of Glycoconjugate Biochemistry, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jihwan Myung
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain, and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Brain and Consciousness Research Centre, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Amalia Ridla Rahim
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain, and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Brain and Consciousness Research Centre, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Jasmin Daniela Klich
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jagoda Stanislawa Jeczmien-Lazur
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Palus-Chramiec
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marian Henryk Lewandowski
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
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Chrobok L, Jeczmien-Lazur JS, Bubka M, Pradel K, Klekocinska A, Klich JD, Ridla Rahim A, Myung J, Kepczynski M, Lewandowski MH. Daily coordination of orexinergic gating in the rat superior colliculus-Implications for intrinsic clock activities in the visual system. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21930. [PMID: 34533886 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100779rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The orexinergic system delivers excitation for multiple brain centers to facilitate behavioral arousal, with its malfunction resulting in narcolepsy, somnolence, and notably, visual hallucinations. Since the circadian clock underlies the daily arousal, a timed coordination is expected between the orexin system and its target subcortical visual system, including the superior colliculus (SC). Here, we use a combination of electrophysiological, immunohistochemical, and molecular approaches across 24 h, together with the neuronal tract-tracing methods to investigate the daily coordination between the orexin system and the rodent SC. Higher orexinergic input was found to occur nocturnally in the superficial layers of the SC, in time for nocturnal silencing of spontaneous firing in this visual brain area. We identify autonomous daily and circadian expression of clock genes in the SC, which may underlie these day-night changes. Additionally, we establish the lateral hypothalamic origin of the orexin innervation to the SC and that the SC neurons robustly respond to orexin A via OX2 receptor in both excitatory and GABAA receptor-dependent inhibitory manners. Together, our evidence elucidates the combination of intrinsic and extrinsic clock mechanisms that shape the daily function of the visual layers of the SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Chrobok
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jagoda Stanislawa Jeczmien-Lazur
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Monika Bubka
- Department of Glycoconjugate Biochemistry, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Kamil Pradel
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Klekocinska
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jasmin Daniela Klich
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Amalia Ridla Rahim
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain, and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jihwan Myung
- Graduate Institute of Mind, Brain, and Consciousness, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Brain and Consciousness Research Centre, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Mariusz Kepczynski
- Department of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Marian Henryk Lewandowski
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
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Orexin A excites the rat olivary pretectal nucleus via OX 2 receptor in a daily manner. Brain Res 2021; 1768:147603. [PMID: 34331908 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pronounced environmental changes between the day and night led to evolution of specialised mechanisms organising their daily physiology, named circadian clocks. Currently, it has become clear that the master clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus is not an exclusive brain site to generate daily rhythms. Indeed, several brain areas, including the subcortical visual system have been recently shown to change their neuronal activity across the daily cycle. Here we focus our investigation on the olivary pretectal nucleus (OPN) - a retinorecipient structure primarily involved in the pupillary light reflex. Using the multi-electrode array technology ex vivo we provide evidence for OPN neurons to elevate their firing during the behaviourally quiescent light phase. Additionally, we report the robust responsivity to orexin A via the identified OX2 receptor in this pretectal centre, with higher responsiveness noted during the night. Interestingly, we likewise report a daily variation in the response to PAC1 receptor activation, with implications for the convergence of orexinergic and visual input on the same OPN neurons. Altogether, our report is first to suggest a daily modulation of the OPN activity via intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms, organising its temporal physiology.
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5
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Chrobok L, Klich JD, Jeczmien-Lazur JS, Pradel K, Palus-Chramiec K, Sanetra AM, Piggins HD, Lewandowski MH. Daily changes in neuronal activities of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus under standard and high-fat diet. J Physiol 2021; 600:733-749. [PMID: 34053067 DOI: 10.1113/jp281596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Recently, we found that the dorsal vagal complex displays autonomous circadian timekeeping properties The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) is an executory part of this complex - a source of parasympathetic innervation of the gastrointestinal tract Here, we reveal daily changes in the neuronal activities of the rat DMV, including firing rate, intrinsic excitability and synaptic input - all of these peaking in the late day Additionally, we establish that short term high-fat diet disrupts these daily rhythms, boosting the variability in the firing rate, but blunting the DMV responsiveness to ingestive cues These results help us better understand daily control over parasympathetic outflow and provide evidence on its dependence on the high-fat diet ABSTRACT: The suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus function as the brain's primary circadian clock, but circadian clock genes are also rhythmically expressed in several extra-SCN brain sites where they can exert local temporal control over physiology and behaviour. Recently, we found that the hindbrain dorsal vagal complex possesses strong daily timekeeping capabilities, with the area postrema and nucleus of the solitary tract exhibiting the most robust clock properties. The possibility that the executory part of this complex - the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) - also exhibits daily changes has not been extensively studied. The DMV is the source of vagal efferent motoneurons that regulate gastric motility and emptying and consequently influence meal size and energy homeostasis. We used a combination of multi-channel electrophysiology and patch clamp recordings to gain insight into effects of time of day and diet on these DMV cells. We found that DMV neurons increase their spontaneous activity, excitability and responsiveness to metabolic neuromodulators at late day and this was paralleled with an enhanced synaptic input to these neurons. A high-fat diet typically damps circadian rhythms, but we found that consumption of a high-fat diet paradoxically amplified daily variation of DMV neuronal activity, while blunting the neurons responsiveness to metabolic neuromodulators. In summary, we show for the first time that DMV neural activity changes with time of day, with this temporal variation modulated by diet. These findings have clear implications for our understanding of the daily control of vagal efferents and parasympathetic outflow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Chrobok
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa Street 9, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Jasmin D Klich
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa Street 9, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Jagoda S Jeczmien-Lazur
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa Street 9, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Kamil Pradel
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa Street 9, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Palus-Chramiec
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa Street 9, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Anna M Sanetra
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa Street 9, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
| | - Hugh D Piggins
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Marian H Lewandowski
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa Street 9, Krakow, 30-387, Poland
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Chrobok L, Wojcik M, Klich JD, Pradel K, Lewandowski MH, Piggins HD. Phasic Neuronal Firing in the Rodent Nucleus of the Solitary Tract ex vivo. Front Physiol 2021; 12:638695. [PMID: 33762969 PMCID: PMC7982836 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.638695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Phasic pattern of neuronal activity has been previously described in detail for magnocellular vasopressin neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. This characteristic bistable pattern consists of alternating periods of electrical silence and elevated neuronal firing, implicated in neuropeptide release. Here, with the use of multi-electrode array recordings ex vivo, we aimed to study the firing pattern of neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) - the brainstem hub for homeostatic, cardio-vascular, and metabolic processes. Our recordings from the mouse and rat hindbrain slices reveal the phasic activity pattern to be displayed by a subset of neurons in the dorsomedial NTS subjacent to the area postrema (AP), with the inter-spike interval distribution closely resembling that reported for phasic magnocellular vasopressin cells. Additionally, we provide interspecies comparison, showing higher phasic frequency and firing rate of phasic NTS cells in mice compared to rats. Further, we describe daily changes in their firing rate and pattern, peaking at the middle of the night. Last, we reveal these phasic cells to be sensitive to α 2 adrenergic receptors activation and to respond to electrical stimulation of the AP. This study provides a comprehensive description of the phasic neuronal activity in the rodent NTS and identifies it as a potential downstream target of the AP noradrenergic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Chrobok
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Michal Wojcik
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jasmin Daniela Klich
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamil Pradel
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marian Henryk Lewandowski
- Department of Neurophysiology and Chronobiology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Hugh David Piggins
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom.,School of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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