Cellular and molecular mechanisms of new onset seizure generation

Transcriptional changes in the rat brain induced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation

Introduction

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive technique that uses pulsed magnetic fields to affect the physiology of the brain and central nervous system. Repetitive TMS (rTMS) has been used to study and treat several neurological conditions, but its complex molecular basis is largely unexplored.

Methods

Utilizing three experimental rat models (in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo) and employing genome-wide microarray analysis, our study reveals the extensive impact of rTMS treatment on gene expression patterns.

Results

These effects are observed across various stimulation protocols, in diverse tissues, and are influenced by time and age. Notably, rTMS-induced alterations in gene expression span a wide range of biological pathways, such as glutamatergic, GABAergic, and anti-inflammatory pathways, ion channels, myelination, mitochondrial energetics, multiple neuron-and synapse-specific genes.

Discussion

This comprehensive transcriptional analysis induced by rTMS stimulation serves as a foundational characterization for subsequent experimental investigations and the exploration of potential clinical applications.

Increased seizure sensitivity in pregnant mice with genetic knockdown of acid sensing ion channel 2a is associated with impaired hippocampal inflammatory response

Acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) are mechano- and chemo-receptor channels that are activated by drops in extracellular pH as occurs after neurotransmission. In our previous study, we demonstrated that mice subjected to reduced utero-placental perfusion pressure during pregnancy, to mimic the pregnancy complication of preeclampsia, have reduced hippocampal expression of ASIC2a protein. We also showed that pregnant mice with heterozygous expression of ASIC2a (+/-) had increased sensitivity and severity to pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures; however, the mechanisms by which this occurs remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate key molecular targets involving neurotransmission and inflammation that are differentially changed following seizure exposure in pregnant ASIC2a +/- mice. On gestational day 18.5, ASIC2a wild-type (+/+, n = 7) and +/- (n = 14) mice were injected with 40 mg/kg pentylenetetrazol and monitored for 30 min. Western blot and ELISA analysis revealed no difference in hippocampal synaptosome glutamate-related proteins but an increase in GABA concentration in pregnant +/- mice. Using ELISA and multiplex assays, we found a significant decrease in serum TNFα, and a decreased concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in hippocampal cytosolic fraction. Significant reductions in IL-1β, IL-3, IL-12 (p70), eotaxin, interferon gamma, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1β), in the hippocampal cytosolic fractions of +/- mice were observed compared to +/+ mice. Additionally, there was no difference in hippocampal microglia density or activation in pregnant ASIC2a+/+ vs. +/- mice. These results support the hypothesis that pregnant mice with reduced ASIC2a may not be able to mount an inflammatory response following acute seizure exposure.

Data-Driven Network Dynamical Model of Rat Brains During Acute Ictogenesis

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. Recent findings suggest that the brain is a complex system composed of a network of neurons, and seizure is considered an emergent property resulting from its interactions. Based on this perspective, network physiology has emerged as a promising approach to explore how brain areas coordinate, synchronize and integrate their dynamics, both under perfect health and critical illness conditions. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to present an application of (Dynamic) Bayesian Networks (DBN) to model Local Field Potentials (LFP) data on rats induced to epileptic seizures based on the number of arcs found using threshold analytics. Results showed that DBN analysis captured the dynamic nature of brain connectivity across ictogenesis and a significant correlation with neurobiology derived from pioneering studies employing techniques of pharmacological manipulation, lesion, and modern optogenetics. The arcs evaluated under the proposed approach achieved consistent results based on previous literature, in addition to demonstrating robustness regarding functional connectivity analysis. Moreover, it provided fascinating and novel insights, such as discontinuity between forelimb clonus and generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) dynamics. Thus, DBN coupled with threshold analytics may be an excellent tool for investigating brain circuitry and their dynamical interplay, both in homeostasis and dysfunction conditions.

Astrocytes: GABAceptive and GABAergic Cells in the Brain

Astrocytes, the most numerous glial cells in the brain, play an important role in preserving normal neural functions and mediating the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Recent studies have shown that astrocytes are GABAceptive and GABAergic astrocytes express GABA_A receptors, GABA_B receptors, and GABA transporter proteins to capture and internalize GABA. GABAceptive astrocytes thus influence both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission by controlling the levels of extracellular GABA. Furthermore, astrocytes synthesize and release GABA to directly regulate brain functions. In this review, we highlight recent research progresses that support astrocytes as GABAceptive and GABAergic cells. We also summarize the roles of GABAceptive and GABAergic astrocytes that serve as an inhibitory node in the intercellular communication in the brain. Besides, we discuss future directions for further expanding our knowledge on the GABAceptive and GABAergic astrocyte signaling.

GABAergic Mechanisms Can Redress the Tilted Balance between Excitation and Inhibition in Damaged Spinal Networks

Correct operation of neuronal networks depends on the interplay between synaptic excitation and inhibition processes leading to a dynamic state termed balanced network. In the spinal cord, balanced network activity is fundamental for the expression of locomotor patterns necessary for rhythmic activation of limb extensor and flexor muscles. After spinal cord lesion, paralysis ensues often followed by spasticity. These conditions imply that, below the damaged site, the state of balanced networks has been disrupted and that restoration might be attempted by modulating the excitability of sublesional spinal neurons. Because of the widespread expression of inhibitory GABAergic neurons in the spinal cord, their role in the early and late phases of spinal cord injury deserves full attention. Thus, an early surge in extracellular GABA might be involved in the onset of spinal shock while a relative deficit of GABAergic mechanisms may be a contributor to spasticity. We discuss the role of GABA A receptors at synaptic and extrasynaptic level to modulate network excitability and to offer a pharmacological target for symptom control. In particular, it is proposed that activation of GABA A receptors with synthetic GABA agonists may downregulate motoneuron hyperexcitability (due to enhanced persistent ionic currents) and, therefore, diminish spasticity. This approach might constitute a complementary strategy to regulate network excitability after injury so that reconstruction of damaged spinal networks with new materials or cell transplants might proceed more successfully.