In situ measurements of enzyme activities in the brain

Methodological limitations in determining astrocytic gene expression

Traditionally, astrocytic mRNA and protein expression are studied by in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunohistochemically. This led to the concept that astrocytes lack aralar, a component of the malate-aspartate-shuttle. At least similar aralar mRNA and protein expression in astrocytes and neurons isolated by fluorescence-assisted cell sorting (FACS) reversed this opinion. Demonstration of expression of other astrocytic genes may also be erroneous. Literature data based on morphological methods were therefore compared with mRNA expression in cells obtained by recently developed methods for determination of cell-specific gene expression. All Na,K-ATPase-α subunits were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry (IHC), but there are problems with the cotransporter NKCC1. Glutamate and GABA transporter gene expression was well determined immunohistochemically. The same applies to expression of many genes of glucose metabolism, whereas a single study based on findings in bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic animals showed very low astrocytic expression of hexokinase. Gene expression of the equilibrative nucleoside transporters ENT1 and ENT2 was recognized by ISH, but ENT3 was not. The same applies to the concentrative transporters CNT2 and CNT3. All were clearly expressed in FACS-isolated cells, followed by biochemical analysis. ENT3 was enriched in astrocytes. Expression of many nucleoside transporter genes were shown by microarray analysis, whereas other important genes were not. Results in cultured astrocytes resembled those obtained by FACS. These findings call for reappraisal of cellular nucleoside transporter expression. FACS cell yield is small. Further development of cell separation methods to render methods more easily available and less animal and cost consuming and parallel studies of astrocytic mRNA and protein expression by ISH/IHC and other methods are necessary, but new methods also need to be thoroughly checked.

GABA metabolism and transport: effects on synaptic efficacy

GABAergic inhibition is an important regulator of excitability in neuronal networks. In addition, inhibitory synaptic signals contribute crucially to the organization of spatiotemporal patterns of network activity, especially during coherent oscillations. In order to maintain stable network states, the release of GABA by interneurons must be plastic in timing and amount. This homeostatic regulation is achieved by several pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms and is triggered by various activity-dependent local signals such as excitatory input or ambient levels of neurotransmitters. Here, we review findings on the availability of GABA for release at presynaptic terminals of interneurons. Presynaptic GABA content seems to be an important determinant of inhibitory efficacy and can be differentially regulated by changing synthesis, transport, and degradation of GABA or related molecules. We will discuss the functional impact of such regulations on neuronal network patterns and, finally, point towards pharmacological approaches targeting these processes.

Vanillin, 4-hydroxybenzyl aldehyde and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol prevent hippocampal CA1 cell death following global ischemia

Mongolian gerbils subjected to transient global ischemia exhibit neuroprotection against ischemic neuronal cell death in the hippocampal CA1 region when treated with vanillin, 4-hydroxybenzyl aldehyde (4-HBAL) and 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (4-HBA), which are active components of Gastrodia elata Blume. Pre- and post-insult vanillin, 4-HBAL and 4-HBA treated-animals showed a significant increase in neuronal survival (66.32%, 43.21% and 64.58%, respectively) compared to vehicle-treated animals. Animals exhibited a gender difference in this neuroprotective effect. To study the neuroprotective mechanism of 4-HBA, we investigated N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor 1 (NR1), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T) immunoreactivity at various times after ischemic insults. Treatment with 4-HBA did not affect NR1 expression levels, down-regulated 8-OHdG immunoreactivity, and increased GABA-T expression levels after global ischemia, suggesting that 4-HBA inhibited NR1 stimulation. Moreover, GABA-T was rapidly increased in the early stage after ischemia, which might enhance the survival of cells by supplying energy to the CA1 region. These results suggest that 4-HBA inhibits oxidative stress and excitotoxicity for at least 12 h and suppresses neuronal death in CA1 region. Diethyl ether fractions of GE scavenged hydroxyl radical (OH.) and showed antioxidant activity on lipid peroxidation. Vanillin and 4-HBA treatment blocked oxidative damage in PC12 cells. The neuroprotective effect has therapeutic significance and these compounds need to be evaluated for potential use in protecting against neuronal cell damage during stroke.

A search for genes that may confer divergent morphology and function in the carotid body between two strains of mice

The carotid body (CB) is the primary hypoxic chemosensory organ. Its hypoxic response appears to be genetically controlled. We have hypothesized that: 1) genes related to CB function are expressed less in the A/J mice (low responder to hypoxia) compared with DBA/2J mice (high responder to hypoxia); and 2) gene expression levels of morphogenic and trophic factors of the CB are significantly lower in the A/J mice than DBA/2J mice. This study utilizes microarray analysis to test these hypotheses. Three sets of CBs were harvested from both strains. RNA was isolated and used for global gene expression profiling (Affymetrix Mouse 430 v2.0 array). Statistically significant gene expression was determined as a minimum six counts of nine pairwise comparisons, a minimum 1.5-fold change, and P ≤ 0.05. Our results demonstrated that 793 genes were expressed less and that 568 genes were expressed more in the A/J strain vs. the DBA/2J strain. Analysis of individual genes indicates that genes encoding ion channels are differentially expressed between the two strains. Genes related to neurotransmitter metabolism, synaptic vesicles, and the development of neural crest-derived cells are expressed less in the A/J CB vs. the DBA/2J CB. Through pathway analysis, we have constructed a model that shows gene interactions and offers a roadmap to investigate CB development and hypoxic chemosensing/chemotransduction processes. Particularly, Gdnf, Bmp2, Kcnmb2, Tph1, Hif1a, and Arnt2 may contribute to the functional differences in the CB between the two strains. Bmp2, Phox2b, Dlx2, and Msx2 may be important for the morphological differences.

Glucose inhibits GABA release by pancreatic beta-cells through an increase in GABA shunt activity

GABA is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system. It is also released by the insulin-producing beta-cells, providing them with a potential paracrine regulator. Because glucose was found to inhibit GABA release, we investigated whether extracellular GABA can serve as a marker for glucose-induced mitochondrial activity and thus for the functional state of beta-cells. GABA release by rat and human beta-cells was shown to reflect net GABA production, varying with the functional state of the cells. Net GABA production is the result of GABA formation through glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) and GABA catabolism involving a GABA-transferase (GABA-T)-mediated shunt to the TCA cycle. GABA-T exhibits K(m) values for GABA (1.25 mM) and for alpha-ketoglutarate (alpha-KG; 0.49 mM) that are, respectively, similar to and lower than those in brain. The GABA-T inhibitor gamma-vinyl GABA was used to assess the relative contribution of GABA formation and catabolism to net production and release. The nutrient status of the beta-cells was found to regulate both processes. Glutamine dose-dependently increased GAD-mediated formation of GABA, whereas glucose metabolism shunts part of this GABA to mitochondrial catabolism, involving alpha-KG-induced activation of GABA-T. In absence of extracellular glutamine, glucose also contributed to GABA formation through aminotransferase generation of glutamate from alpha-KG; this stimulatory effect increased GABA release only when GABA-T activity was suppressed. We conclude that GABA release from beta-cells is regulated by glutamine and glucose. Glucose inhibits glutamine-driven GABA formation and release through increasing GABA-T shunt activity by its cellular metabolism. Our data indicate that GABA release by beta-cells can be used to monitor their metabolic responsiveness to glucose irrespective of their insulin-secretory activity.

Age-related changes of γ-aminobutyric acid transaminase immunoreactivity in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus of the Mongolian gerbil

We investigated the age-related changes of gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase (GABA-T, a GABA degradation enzyme) in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus of the gerbil at postnatal month 1 (PM 1), PM 3, PM 6, PM 12, and PM 24. Age-related changes of GABA-T immunoreactivity were distinct in the hippocampal CA1 region and in the dentate gyrus. GABA-T immunoreactivity was weak at PM 1, but at PM 3, it had increased significantly, and then increased further. Between PM 6 and PM 12, strong GABA-T immunoreactivity was found in nonpyramidal cells (GABAergic) in the stratum pyramidale of the CA1 region, and at PM 6, strong GABA-T immunoreactivity was found in neurons of the dentate gyrus subgranular zone. At PM 24, CA1 pyramidal cells showed strong GABA-T immunoreactivity. Western blot analysis showed a pattern of GABA-T expression similar to that shown by immunohistochemistry at various ages. In conclusion, our results suggest that the age-related changes of GABA-T provide important information about the aged brain with GABA dysfunction.

The temporal alteration of GAD67/GAD65 ratio in the gerbil hippocampal complex following seizure

In the present study, the distribution of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) isoforms in the hippocampus of the Mongolian gerbil and its association with different sequelae of spontaneous seizure were investigated to identify the roles of balance of GAD isoforms in the epileptogenesis and the recovery mechanisms in these animals. The GAD67/GAD65 ratio in the hippocampus of pre-seizure seizure sensitive (SS) gerbil was approximately 3.5-fold higher as compared to seizure resistant (SR) gerbil. Following seizure, this ratio shifted to the level of SR gerbils up to 12 h postical. Therefore, the mismatched GAD67/GAD65 ratio (imbalance of GAD isoform expressions) in the hippocampus of SS gerbil implies that GABAergic neurons may be highly activated in order to regulate the increased neuronal excitability. In addition, the alteration in this ratio after seizure may be the compensatory response for reduction of epileptic activity in this animal.

The alteration of gamma-aminobutyric acid-transaminase expression in the gerbil hippocampus induced by seizure

It is well established that GABA degradation may play a key role in epileptogenesis. However, whether or not the expression of GABA-transaminase (GABA-T), which catalyzes GABA degradation and participates in the neuronal metabolism via GABA shunt, changes chronologically after on-set of seizure remains to be clarified. To identify the change of GABA-T expression in seizure, GABA-T expression in the gerbil hippocampus, associated with different sequelae of spontaneous seizures, was investigated. The distribution pattern of GABA-T immunoreactive neurons in the hippocampus between the seizure-resistant and pre-seizure group of seizure sensitive gerbils was similar. Interestingly, at 30 min postictal, the enhancement of GABA-T immunoreactivity in the perikarya was apparently observed. This contrasted with the decline in GABA-T immunoreactivity in the granular and pyramidal layer. At 12-24 h postictal, GABA-T immunoreactivity in the hilar neurons had declined significantly. However, the GABA-T immunoreactivity in the granular layer increased. These findings suggest that in the gerbil, the alteration in GABA-T expressions may play an important role in the self-recovery mechanism from seizure attack via both GABA degradation and regulation of neuronal metabolism.

Elevation of the gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase expression in the gerbil CA1 area after ischemia-reperfusion damage

gamma-Aminobutyric acid-transaminase (GABA-T) plays an important role in the metabolism of GABA, particularly in the neurons or glial cells. The present study was undertaken to determine the alteration of GABA-T expression in the gerbil hippocampus after ischemia-reperfusion. In the sham, GABA-T(+) neurons were scattered in the hippocampus proper and dentate gyrus. The intensity of the GABA-T immunoreactivity had nearly disappeared in the interneurons at 12 h after ischemia. In contrast, 24 h post-ischemia the dramatic augmentation of GABA-T immunoreactivity in the pyramidal cells was observed in the CA1 area but not in the CA2 or CA3 areas. Forty-eight hours after ischemia-reperfusion, its immunoreactivity was preserved in the CA1 neurons. These results suggest that the over-expression of GABA-T in the CA1 area may be related to delayed neuronal death after ischemia-reperfusion insult.

Intracerebroventricular administration of quinolinic acid induces a selective decrease of inositol(1,4,5)-trisphosphate receptor in rat brain

[3H]inositol(1,4,5)-trisphosphate (IP3) binding studies have shown decreased [3H]IP3 binding to brain tissue in several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. In addition, previous results obtained from brains of Alzheimer patients indicated a reduction of IP3-receptor protein correlated to neuronal loss. The neurotoxic effect of the glutamate receptor agonist quinolinic acid (QUIN) was therefore examined with respect to the level of IP3-receptor immunoreactivity in rat brain. Neuronal lesions were estimated with antibodies to marker proteins for striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein, Mr 32,000; DARPP-32), synaptic vesicles (synaptophysin), mitochondria (phosphate-activated glutaminase; PAG) and glial cells (glial fibrillary acidic protein; GFAP). Injection of QUIN into rat neostriatum induced a massive loss of striatal medium-sized spiny neurons, and led to a comparable loss of IP3-receptor and PAG immunoreactivity, suggesting a neuronal localisation of both these proteins. In an effort to induce less pronounced excitotoxic damage, intracerebroventricular infusion of QUIN was performed. Following this lesion, the neostriatum showed a negligible loss of DARPP-32 immunoreactivity (-11+/-5%), but contained only 43+/-3% of IP3-receptor immunoreactivity levels compared to controls. In the hippocampus, cerebellum and entorhinal cortex, the IP3-receptor loss was less pronounced. The decrease in the level of IP3-receptor immunoreactivity appears to be selective with respect to the other proteins studied, and the IP3-receptor thus shows extreme sensitivity to QUIN neurotoxicity in the neostriatum.

Basic aspects of GABA-transaminase in neuropsychiatric disorders

Over the last two decades, there have been several studies suggesting the major inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is involved directly and/or indirectly in the pathogenesis of many neurologic diseases and psychiatric disorders. GABA is mainly degradated to succinic semialdehyde in a reaction catalyzed by the enzyme GABA-transaminase (GABA-T). Inhibition of this enzyme produces considerable elevation of GABA contents in the brain, and such elevation has been found to correlate with pharmacologic and behavioral effects. We focus attention, from the basic aspects, on brain and platelet GABA-T activities in various species, with a special reference to neuropsychiatric disorders. It seems that the activity of GABA-T in the brain and/or in the blood platelets is correlated to certain neuropsychiatric disorders such as alcoholism, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's disease. In animal and human studies, platelet GABA-T was identified with similar kinetic and inhibitor characteristics to those of the brain. Therefore, in this way, studies of the activity of the enzyme GABA-T in relation to neuropsychiatric disorders could be undertaken to understand, diagnose, and treat GABA-related disorders of the central nervous system.