Brain isozyme of glycogen phosphorylase: immunohistological localization within the central nervous system

Brain-Type Glycogen Phosphorylase (PYGB) in the Pathologies of Diseases: A Systematic Review

Glycogen metabolism is a form of crucial metabolic reprogramming in cells. PYGB, the brain-type glycogen phosphorylase (GP), serves as the rate-limiting enzyme of glycogen catabolism. Evidence is mounting for the association of PYGB with diverse human diseases. This review covers the advancements in PYGB research across a range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, nervous system diseases, and other diseases, providing a succinct overview of how PYGB functions as a critical factor in both physiological and pathological processes. We present the latest progress in PYGB in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases and discuss the current limitations and future prospects of this novel and promising target.

Unlocking the Potential of Stroke Blood Biomarkers: Early Diagnosis, Ischemic vs. Haemorrhagic Differentiation and Haemorrhagic Transformation Risk: A Comprehensive Review

Stroke, a complex and heterogeneous disease, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The timely therapeutic intervention significantly impacts patient outcomes, but early stroke diagnosis is challenging due to the lack of specific diagnostic biomarkers. This review critically examines the literature for potential biomarkers that may aid in early diagnosis, differentiation between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, and prediction of hemorrhagic transformation in ischemic stroke. After a thorough analysis, four promising biomarkers were identified: Antithrombin III (ATIII), fibrinogen, and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) for diagnostic purposes; glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), micro RNA 124-3p, and a panel of 11 metabolites for distinguishing between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke; and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), s100b, and interleukin 33 for predicting hemorrhagic transformation. We propose a biomarker panel integrating these markers, each reflecting different pathophysiological stages of stroke, that could significantly improve stroke patients' early detection and treatment. Despite promising results, further research and validation are needed to demonstrate the clinical utility of this proposed panel for routine stroke treatment.

Methodological considerations for studies of brain glycogen

Glycogen stores in the brain have been recognized for decades, but the underlying physiological function of this energy reserve remains elusive. This uncertainty stems in part from several technical challenges inherent in the study of brain glycogen metabolism. These include low glycogen content in the brain, non-homogeneous labeling of glycogen by radiotracers, rapid glycogenolysis during postmortem tissue handling, and effects of the stress response on brain glycogen turnover. Here we briefly review the aspects of the glycogen structure and metabolism that bear on these technical challenges and present ways they can be addressed.

New biomarker for acute ischaemic stroke: plasma glycogen phosphorylase isoenzyme BB

BACKGROUND

Glycogen phosphorylase is the key enzyme that breaks down glycogen to yield glucose-1-phosphate in order to restore depleted energy stores during cerebral ischaemia. We sought to determine whether plasma levels of glycogen phosphorylase BB (GPBB) isoform increased in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (AIS).

METHODS

We studied plasma GPBB levels within 12 hours and again at 48±24 hours of symptom onset in 172 patients with imaging-confirmed AIS and 133 stroke-free individuals. We determined the ability of plasma GPBB to discriminate between cases and controls and examined the predictive value of plasma GPBB for 90-day functional outcome, 90-day survival and acute lesion volumes on neuroimaging.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) GPBB levels were higher in cases (46.3±38.6 ng/mL at first measurement and 38.6±36.5 ng/mL at second measurement) than in controls (4.1±7.6 ng/mL, p<0.01 for both). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for case-control discrimination based on first GPBB measurement was 0.96 (95% CI 0.93 to 0.98). The sensitivity and specificity based on optimal operating point on the ROC curve (7.0 ng/mL) were both 93%. GPBB levels increased in 90% of patients with punctate infarcts (<1.5 mL) and in all patients admitted within the first 4.5 hours of onset. There was no correlation between GPBB concentration and either clinical outcome or acute infarct volume.

CONCLUSION

GPBB demonstrates robust response to acute ischaemia and high sensitivity for small infarcts. If confirmed in more diverse populations that also include stroke mimics, GPBB could find utility as a stand-alone marker for acute brain ischaemia.

Bidirectional Control of Blood Flow by Astrocytes: A Role for Tissue Oxygen and Other Metabolic Factors

Altering cerebral blood flow through the control of cerebral vessel diameter is critical so that the delivery of molecules important for proper brain functioning is matched to the activity level of neurons. Although the close relationship of brain glia known as astrocytes with cerebral blood vessels has long been recognized, it is only recently that these cells have been demonstrated to translate information on the activity level and energy demands of neurons to the vasculature. In particular, astrocytes respond to elevations in extracellular glutamate as a consequence of synaptic transmission through the activation of group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors. These Gq-protein coupled receptors elevate intracellular calcium via IP3 signaling. A close examination of astrocyte endfeet calcium signals has been shown to cause either vasoconstriction or vasodilation. Common to both vasomotor responses is the generation of arachidonic acid in astrocytes by calcium sensitive phospholipase A2. Vasoconstriction ensues from the conversion of arachidonic acid to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, while vasodilation ensues from the production of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids or prostaglandins. Factors that determine whether constrictor or dilatory pathways predominate include brain oxygen, lactate, adenosine as well as nitric oxide. Changing the oxygen level itself leads to many downstream changes that facilitate the switch from vasoconstriction at high oxygen to vasodilation at low oxygen. These findings highlight the importance of astrocytes as sensors of neural activity and metabolism to coordinate the delivery of essential nutrients via the blood to the working cells.

Glycogen metabolism and the homeostatic regulation of sleep

In 1995 Benington and Heller formulated an energy hypothesis of sleep centered on a key role of glycogen. It was postulated that a major function of sleep is to replenish glycogen stores in the brain that have been depleted during wakefulness which is associated to an increased energy demand. Astrocytic glycogen depletion participates to an increase of extracellular adenosine release which influences sleep homeostasis. Here, we will review some evidence obtained by studies addressing the question of a key role played by glycogen metabolism in sleep regulation as proposed by this hypothesis or by an alternative hypothesis named "glycogenetic" hypothesis as well as the importance of the confounding effect of glucocorticoïds. Even though actual collected data argue in favor of a role of sleep in brain energy balance-homeostasis, they do not support a critical and direct involvement of glycogen metabolism on sleep regulation. For instance, glycogen levels during the sleep-wake cycle are driven by different physiological signals and therefore appear more as a marker-integrator of brain energy status than a direct regulator of sleep homeostasis. In support of this we provide evidence that blockade of glycogen mobilization does not induce more sleep episodes during the active period while locomotor activity is reduced. These observations do not invalidate the energy hypothesis of sleep but indicate that underlying cellular mechanisms are more complex than postulated by Benington and Heller.

Axonal and dendritic localization of mRNAs for glycogen-metabolizing enzymes in cultured rodent neurons

BACKGROUND

Localization of mRNAs encoding cytoskeletal or signaling proteins to neuronal processes is known to contribute to axon growth, synaptic differentiation and plasticity. In addition, a still increasing spectrum of mRNAs has been demonstrated to be localized under different conditions and developing stages thus reflecting a highly regulated mechanism and a role of mRNA localization in a broad range of cellular processes.

RESULTS

Applying fluorescence in-situ-hybridization with specific riboprobes on cultured neurons and nervous tissue sections, we investigated whether the mRNAs for two metabolic enzymes, namely glycogen synthase (GS) and glycogen phosphorylase (GP), the key enzymes of glycogen metabolism, may also be targeted to neuronal processes. If it were so, this might contribute to clarify the so far enigmatic role of neuronal glycogen. We found that the mRNAs for both enzymes are localized to axonal and dendritic processes in cultured lumbar spinal motoneurons, but not in cultured trigeminal neurons. In cultured cortical neurons which do not store glycogen but nevertheless express glycogen synthase, the GS mRNA is also subject to axonal and dendritic localization. In spinal motoneurons and trigeminal neurons in situ, however, the mRNAs could only be demonstrated in the neuronal somata but not in the nerves.

CONCLUSIONS

We could demonstrate that the mRNAs for major enzymes of neural energy metabolism can be localized to neuronal processes. The heterogeneous pattern of mRNA localization in different culture types and developmental stages stresses that mRNA localization is a versatile mechanism for the fine-tuning of cellular events. Our findings suggest that mRNA localization for enzymes of glycogen metabolism could allow adaptation to spatial and temporal energy demands in neuronal events like growth, repair and synaptic transmission.

Cav1.4 IT mouse as model for vision impairment in human congenital stationary night blindness type 2

Mutations in the CACNA1F gene encoding the Cav1.4 Ca (2+) channel are associated with X-linked congenital stationary night blindness type 2 (CSNB2). Despite the increasing knowledge about the functional behavior of mutated channels in heterologous systems, the pathophysiological mechanisms that result in vision impairment remain to be elucidated. This work provides a thorough functional characterization of the novel IT mouse line that harbors the gain-of-function mutation I745T reported in a New Zealand CSNB2 family. (1) Electroretinographic recordings in IT mice permitted a direct comparison with human data. Our data supported the hypothesis that a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage-dependence of channel activation-as seen in the IT gain-of-function mutant (2)-may reduce the dynamic range of photoreceptor activity. Morphologically, the retinal outer nuclear layer in adult IT mutants was reduced in size and cone outer segments appeared shorter. The organization of the outer plexiform layer was disrupted, and synaptic structures of photoreceptors had a variable, partly immature, appearance. The associated visual deficiency was substantiated in behavioral paradigms. The IT mouse line serves as a specific model for the functional phenotype of human CSNB2 patients with gain-of-function mutations and may help to further understand the dysfunction in CSNB.

Gene expression suggests spontaneously hypertensive rats may have altered metabolism and reduced hypoxic tolerance

Cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is an important cause of stroke, cognitive decline and vascular dementia (VaD). It is associated with diffuse white matter abnormalities and small deep cerebral ischemic infarcts. The molecular mechanisms involved in the development and progression of SVD are unclear. As hypertension is a major risk factor for developing SVD, Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) are considered an appropriate experimental model for SVD. Prior work suggested an imbalance between the number of blood microvessels and astrocytes at the level of the neurovascular unit in 2-month-old SHR, leading to neuronal hypoxia in the brain of 9-month-old animals. To identify genes and pathways involved in the development of SVD, we compared the gene expression profile in the cortex of 2 and 9-month-old of SHR with age-matched normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats using microarray-based technology. The results revealed significant differences in expression of genes involved in energy and lipid metabolisms, mitochondrial functions, oxidative stress and ischemic responses between both groups. These results strongly suggest that SHR suffer from chronic hypoxia, and therefore are unable to tolerate ischemia-like conditions, and are more vulnerable to high-energy needs than WKY. This molecular analysis gives new insights about pathways accounting for the development of SVD.

Proteomics- and transcriptomics-based screening of differentially expressed proteins and genes in brain of Wig rat: a model for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) research

Two global omics approaches were applied to develop an inventory of differentially expressed proteins and genes in Wig rat, a promising animal model of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The frontal cortex, striatum, and midbrain of Wig rat at 4 weeks of age were dissected for proteomics and transcriptomics analyses. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis detected 13, 1, and 16 differentially expressed silver nitrate-stained spots in the frontal cortex, striatum, and midbrain, respectively. Peptide mass fingerprinting/tandem mass spectrometry identified 19 nonredundant proteins, belonging to 7 functional categories, namely, signal transduction, energy metabolism, cellular transport, protein with binding function, protein synthesis, cytoskeleton, and cell rescue. Interestingly, 10 proteins that were indentified in the present study were also previously reported in studies involving neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease, and Schizophrenia. Moreover, some of the proteins identified in the midbrain were involved in synaptic vesicular transport, suggesting abnormality in neurotransmitter release in this region. On the other hand, transcriptomics analysis of combined frontal cortex, striatum, and midbrain by rat whole genome 44K DNA oligo microarray revealed highly up-regulated (28) and down-regulated (33) genes. Functional categorization of these genes showed cellular transport, metabolism, protein fate, signal transduction, and transcription as the major categories, with 26% genes of unknown function. Some of the identified genes were related to AD, fragile X syndrome, and ADHD. This is a first comprehensive study providing insight into molecular components in Wig rat brain, and will help to elucidate the roles of identified proteins and genes in Wig rat brain, hopefully leading to uncovering the pathogenesis of ADHD.

The micro-architecture of the cerebral cortex: functional neuroimaging models and metabolism

In order to interpret/integrate data obtained with different functional neuroimaging modalities (e.g. fMRI, EEG/MEG, PET/SPECT, fNIRS), forward-generative models of a diversity of brain mechanisms at the mesoscopic level are considered necessary. For the cerebral cortex, the brain structure with possibly the most relevance for functional neuroimaging, a variety of such biophysical models has been proposed over the last decade. The development of technological tools to investigate in vitro the physiological, anatomical and biochemical principles at the microscopic scale in comparative studies formed the basis for such theoretical progresses. However, with the most recent introduction of systems to record electrical (e.g. miniaturized probes chronically/acutely implantable in the brain), optical (e.g. two-photon laser scanning microscopy) and atomic nuclear spectral (e.g. nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) signals using living laboratory animals, the field is receiving even greater attention. Major advances have been achieved by combining such sophisticated recording systems with new experimental strategies (e.g. transgenic/knock-out animals, high resolution stereotaxic manipulation systems for probe-guidance and cellular-scale chemical-delivery). Theoreticians may now be encouraged to re-consider previously formulated mesoscopic level models in order to incorporate important findings recently made at the microscopic scale. In this series of reviews, we summarize the background at the microscopic scale, which we suggest will constitute the foundations for upcoming representations at the mesoscopic level. In this first part, we focus our attention on the nerve ending particles in order to summarize basic principles and mechanisms underlying cellular metabolism in the cerebral cortex. It will be followed by two parts highlighting major features in its organization/working-principles to regulate both cerebral blood circulation and neuronal activity, respectively. Contemporary theoretical models for functional neuroimaging will be revised in the fourth part, with particular emphasis in their applications, advantages/limitations and future prospects.

Characterization of 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-arabinitol (DAB) as an inhibitor of brain glycogen shunt activity

The pharmacological properties of 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-arabinitol (DAB), a potent inhibitor of glycogen phosphorylase and synthase activity in liver preparations, were characterized in different brain tissue preparations as a prerequisite for using it as a tool to investigate brain glycogen metabolism. Its inhibitory effect on glycogen phosphorylase was studied in homogenates of brain tissue and astrocytes and IC50-values close to 400 nM were found. However, the concentration of DAB needed for inhibition of glycogen shunt activity, i.e. glucose metabolism via glycogen, in intact astrocytes was almost three orders of magnitude higher. Additionally, such complete inhibition required a pre-incubation period, a finding possibly reflecting a limited permeability of the astrocytic membrane. DAB did not affect the accumulation of 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate indicating that the transport of DAB is not mediated by the glucose transporter. DAB had no effect on enzymes involving glucose-6-phosphate, i.e. glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucoisomerase and hexokinase. Furthermore, DAB was evaluated in a functional preparation of the isolated mouse optic nerve, in which its presence severely reduced the ability to sustain evoked compound action potentials in the absence of glucose, a condition in which glycogen serves as an important energy substrate. Based on the experimental findings, DAB can be used to evaluate glycogen shunt activity and its functional importance in intact brain tissue and cells at a concentration of 300-1000 muM and a pre-incubation period of 1 h.

Astrocyte glycogen and brain energy metabolism

The brain contains glycogen but at low concentration compared with liver and muscle. In the adult brain, glycogen is found predominantly in astrocytes. Astrocyte glycogen content is modulated by a number of factors including some neurotransmitters and ambient glucose concentration. Compelling evidence indicates that astrocyte glycogen breaks down during hypoglycemia to lactate that is transferred to adjacent neurons or axons where it is used aerobically as fuel. In the case of CNS white matter, this source of energy can extend axon function for 20 min or longer. Likewise, during periods of intense neural activity when energy demand exceeds glucose supply, astrocyte glycogen is degraded to lactate, a portion of which is transferred to axons for fuel. Astrocyte glycogen, therefore, offers some protection against hypoglycemic neural injury and ensures that neurons and axons can maintain their function during very intense periods of activation. These emerging principles about the roles of astrocyte glycogen contradict the long held belief that this metabolic pool has little or no functional significance.

Anoxia-induced changes in pyridine nucleotide redox state in cortical neurons and astrocytes

NAD(P)H autofluorescence was used to verify establishment of metabolic anoxia using primary cultures of cortical neurons and astrocytes. Cells on cover slips were placed in a chamber and O(2) was displaced by continuous infusion of argon. Perfusion with medium at PO(2) < 0.4 mm Hg caused an increase in NAD(P)H fluorescence, albeit to levels lower than that obtained with cyanide. Addition of the nitric oxide-generating agent DETA-NO to the hypoxic medium further increased fluorescence to the level with cyanide. Fluorescence under anoxia remained high in the presence of glucose, but declined in neurons and not in astrocytes when glucose was substituted with 2-deoxyglucose. Reoxygenation of neurons resulted in a decline in fluorescence and a loss in fluorescent gradient between fully reduced and fully oxidized (plus respiratory uncoupler). We conclude that (1) DETA-NO is useful for generating metabolic anoxia in the presence of argon (2) Exogenous glucose is necessary to maintain NAD(P)H in a reduced state during metabolic anoxia in neurons but not astrocytes (3) Neurons undergo a partially irreversible decline in NAD(P)H fluorescence during metabolic anoxia and reoxygenation that could contribute to prolonged metabolic failure.

Glycogen phosphorylase isozymes and energy metabolism in the rat peripheral nervous system--an immunocytochemical study

Glycogen represents the major brain energy reserve which is located mainly in astrocytes. Though the role of brain glycogen has drawn increasing attention, little is known about glycogen metabolism in the peripheral nervous system. In the present work, we have demonstrated immunocytochemically the ubiquitous presence of glycogen phosphorylase (GP), one of the major control sites in glycogen metabolism, in the axons of rat spinal and sciatic nerves, but not in Schwann cells. Application of isozyme-specific antibodies revealed the presence of the GP BB (brain) isoform, but not the MM (muscle) isoform. This is in accord with previous results demonstrating the presence of isoform BB, but not MM, in the few GP-containing brain and spinal cord neurons and in vagus nerve axons. In contrast, brain astrocytes express both isoforms. As GP BB is mainly regulated by the cellular AMP level, a special role of glycogen in the energization of the nerve axons is suggested. The cellular locations of hexokinase, pyruvate dehydrogenase and glucose transporters are discussed in respect to possible metabolic roles of glycogen in peripheral nerves.

Compartmentation of Lactate Originating from Glycogen and Glucose in Cultured Astrocytes

Brain glycogen metabolism was investigated by employing isofagomine, an inhibitor of glycogen phosphorylase. Cultured cerebellar and neocortical astrocytes were incubated in medium containing [U-(13C)]glucose in the absence or presence of isofagomine and the amounts and percent labeling of intra- and extracellular metabolites were determined by mass spectrometry (MS). The percent labeling in glycogen was markedly decreased in the presence of isofagomine. Surprisingly, the percent labeling of intracellular lactate was also decreased demonstrating the importance of glycogen turnover. The decrease was limited to the percent labeling in the intracellular pool of lactate, which was considerably lower compared to that observed in the medium in which it was close to 100%. These findings indicate compartmentation of lactate derived from glycogenolysis and that derived from glycolysis. Inhibiting glycogen degradation had no effect on the percent labeling in citrate. However, the percent labeling of extracellular glutamine was slightly decreased in neocortical astrocytes exposed to isofagomine, indicating an importance of glycogen turnover in the synthesis of releasable glutamine. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that glycogen in cultured astrocytes is continuously synthesized and degraded. Moreover, it was found that lactate originating from glycogen is compartmentalized from that derived from glucose, which lends further support to a compartmentalized metabolism in astrocytes.

A preferential role for glycolysis in preventing the anoxic depolarization of rat hippocampal area CA1 pyramidal cells

During brain anoxia or ischemia, a decrease in the level of ATP leads to a sudden decrease in transmembrane ion gradients [anoxic depolarization (AD)]. This releases glutamate by reversing the operation of glutamate transporters, which triggers neuronal death. By whole-cell clamping CA1 pyramidal cells, we investigated the energy stores that delay the occurrence of the AD in hippocampal slices when O2 and glucose are removed. With glycolytic and mitochondrial ATP production blocked in P12 slices, the AD occurred in approximately 7 min at 33 degrees C, reflecting the time needed for metabolic activity to consume the existing ATP and phosphocreatine, and for subsequent ion gradient decrease. Allowing glycolysis fueled by glycogen, in the absence of glucose, delayed the AD by 5.5 min, whereas superfused glucose prevented the AD for >1 h. With glycolysis blocked, the latency to the AD was 6.5 min longer when mitochondria were allowed to function, demonstrating that metabolites downstream of glycolysis (pyruvate, citric acid cycle intermediates, and amino acid oxidation) provide a significant energy store for oxidative phosphorylation. With glycolysis blocked but mitochondria functioning, superfusing lactate did not significantly delay the AD, showing that ATP production from lactate is much less than that from endogenous metabolites. These data demonstrate a preferential role for glycolysis in preventing the AD. They also define a hierarchy of pool sizes for hippocampal energy stores and suggest that brain ATP production from glial lactate may not be significant in conditions of energy deprivation.

Astrocytes in cerebral ischemic injury: morphological and general considerations

Asrocytic responses constitute one of the earliest and most prominent changes in the CNS following ischemic injury. Astrocytes are known to carry out critical functions such as maintenance of ionic homeostasis, prevention of excitotoxicity, scavenging free radicals, provision of nutrients and growth factors, promotion of neovascularization, and support of synaptogenesis and neurogenesis that potentially may influence the outcome of ischemic injury. This article reviews ischemia-associated alterations in astrocytes and their potential significance. Interactions with neurons, microglia, and endothelial cells are also considered. This article highlights the critical role of astrocytes in the CNS response to ischemic injury.

Brain glycogen re-awakened

The mammalian brain contains glycogen, which is located predominantly in astrocytes, but its function is unclear. A principal role for brain glycogen as an energy reserve, analogous to its role in the periphery, had been universally dismissed based on its relatively low concentration, an assumption apparently reinforced by the limited duration that the brain can function in the absence of glucose. However, during insulin-induced hypoglycaemia, where brain glucose availability is limited, glycogen content falls first in areas with the highest metabolic rate, suggesting that glycogen provides fuel to support brain function during pathological hypoglycaemia. General anaesthesia results in elevated brain glycogen suggesting quiescent neurones allow glycogen accumulation, and as long ago as the 1950s it was shown that brain glycogen accumulates during sleep, is mobilized upon waking, and that sleep deprivation results in region-specific decreases in brain glycogen, implying a supportive functional role for brain glycogen in the conscious, awake brain. Interest in brain glycogen has recently been re-awakened by the first continuous in vivo measurements using NMR spectroscopy, by the general acceptance of metabolic coupling between glia and neurones involving intercellular transfer of energy substrate, and by studies supporting a prominent physiological role for brain glycogen as a provider of supplemental energy substrate during periods of increased tissue energy demand, when ambient normoglycaemic glucose is unable to meet immediate energy requirements.

Role of lactate in the brain energy metabolism: revealed by Bioradiography

To elucidate the role of lactate in the brain, we used a novel method, 'Bioradiography', in which the dynamic process could be followed in living slices by use of positron-emitter-labeled compounds and imaging plates. We studied the incorporation of 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ([18F]FDG) into rat brain slices incubated in oxygenated Krebs-Ringer solution. Under the glucose-free condition, [18F]FDG uptake rate in the cerebral cortex decreased with time and plateaued within 350 min but the addition of 5 mM lactate made the [18F]FDG uptake linear. When an inhibitor of the lactate transporter, 0.5 mM alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (4-CIN) was applied to the glucose-free solution, the uptake rate decreased. Under the normal glucose condition, [18F]FDG uptake linearly increased for 6 h, but when 10 mM lactate was applied, the uptake rate decreased. In contrast, when 0.5 mM 4-CIN was applied to the normal glucose solution, [18F]FDG uptake rate increased. These results suggest that exogenous and endogenous lactate can substitute for glucose in the brain.

Tracing the Neuroanatomical Profiles of Reward Pathways with Markers of Neuronal Activation

Functional neuroanatomical tools have played an important role in proposing which structures underlie brain stimulation reward circuitry. This review focuses on studies employing metabolic markers of neuronal and glial activation, including 2-deoxyglucose, cytochrome oxidase, and glycogen phosphorylase, and a marker of cellular activation, the immediate early gene c-fos. The principles underlying each method, their application to the study of brain stimulation reward, and their strengths and limitations are described. The usefulness of this strategy in identifying candidate structures, and the degree of overlap in the patterns of activation arising from different markers is addressed in detail. How these data have contributed to an understanding of the organization of reward circuitry and directed our thinking towards an alternative framework of neuronal arrangement is discussed in the final section.

Inhibition of glycogen phosphorylase (GP) by CP-91,149 induces growth inhibition correlating with brain GP expression

The role of glycogenolysis in normal and cancer cells was investigated by inhibiting glycogen phosphorylase (GP) with the synthetic inhibitor CP-91,149. A549 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells express solely the brain isozyme of GP, which was inhibited by CP-91,149 with an IC(50) of 0.5 microM. When treated with CP-91,149, A549 cells accumulated glycogen with associated growth retardation. Treated normal skin fibroblasts also accumulated glycogen with G1-cell cycle arrest that was associated with inhibition of cyclin E-CDK2 activity. Overall, cells expressing high levels of brain GP were growth inhibited by CP-91,149 correlating with glycogen accumulation whereas cells expressing low levels of brain GP were not affected by the drug. Analyses of 59 tumor cell lines represented in the NCI drug screen identified that every cell line expressed brain GP but the profile was dominated by a few highly GP expressing cell lines with lower than mean GP-a enzymatic activities. The correlation program, COMPARE, identified that the brain GP protein measured in the NCI cell lines corresponded with brain GP mRNA expression, ADP-ribosyltransferase 3, and colony stimulating factor 2 receptor alpha in the 10,000 gene microarray database with similar correlation coefficients. These results suggest that brain GP is present in proliferating cells and that high protein levels correspond with the ability of CP-91,149 to inhibit cell growth.

Monocarboxylate transporters contribute to the adaptation of neuronal activity to repeated glucose deprivation in the rat lateral septal nucleus

Using optical recording methods in the rat lateral septal nucleus (LSN) slice, we examined the question of whether antecedent hypoglycemia protects neurons from the adverse effects of subsequent hypoglycemic stimuli. The first exposure of LSN neurons to glucose deprivation for 15 min produced a marked depression of neuronal activity. The neuronal activity recovered by reapplication of glucose to the neurons. In neurons previously exposed to glucose deprivation, subsequent applications of glucose-free artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) produced only weak depression of the neuronal activity. The contribution of monocarboxylate transporters to this adaptation of neuronal activity to repeated glucose deprivation was examined in LSN neurons. alpha-Cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (4-CIN, 100 microM), an inhibitor of the monocarboxylate transporters, did not significantly affect the depression of the neuronal activity induced by the first glucose deprivation. However, in the presence of 4-CIN (100 microM), a second glucose deprivation produced a typical depression of the neuronal activity, indicating that 4-CIN had nullified the adaptation of neuronal activity to a second glucose deprivation. Cytochalasin B (CCB, 20 microM), an inhibitor of glucose transporters, depressed the neuronal activity in the presence of 11 mM glucose. Pyruvate (11 mM) partially restored the neuronal activity depressed by pretreatment with CCB (20 microM) for 30-40 min. These results suggest that antecedent glucose deprivation stimulates monocarboxylate-transporters to supply energy substrates to LSN neurons, thus protecting the neurons against subsequent glucose deprivation. .

Immunocytochemical localization of glycogen phosphorylase isozymes in rat nervous tissues by using isozyme-specific antibodies

Isozyme-specific antibodies were raised against peptides from the low-homology regions of the sequences of rat glycogen phosphorylase BB and MM isozymes by immunization of rabbits and guinea pigs. Immunocytochemical double-labelling experiments on frozen sections of rat nervous tissues were performed to investigate the isozyme localization pattern. Astrocytes throughout the brain and spinal cord expressed both isozymes in perfect co-localization. Ependymal cells only expressed the BB isozyme. Most neurones were not immunoreactive. The rare neurones that contained glycogen phosphorylase only expressed the BB isozyme. Nearly all of these neurones formed part of the afferent somatosensory system. These findings stress the general importance of glycogen in neural energy metabolism and indicate a special role for the glycogen phosphorylase BB isozyme in neurones in the somatosensory system.

Activated astrocytes with glycogen accumulation in ischemic penumbra during the early stage of brain infarction: immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies

Brain infarction was induced in rats by injection of microspheres through the right internal carotid artery, and structural changes in the astrocytes were observed during the early period following the infarction. Necrotic foci, varying in size and shape, were found in the right hemisphere. After immunohistochemical staining for GFAP, GFAP-positive astrocytes in the perinecrotic area known as the ischemic penumbra had distinctly increased in number and size with elongation of cytoplasmic processes 3 days after infarction. Electron microscopic observation revealed that glycogen granules had markedly accumulated in the cytoplasm of astrocytes located in the ischemic penumbra 3 and 5 days after infarction. Seven days after infarction, however, the glycogen granules disappeared from the astrocytes. Intermediate filaments increasingly appeared in the protoplasmic astrocytes after 3 days and were abundant in the activated and hypertrophied astrocytes after 7 days. As a result of our present study, we conclude that: (1) the function of glucose uptake from blood vessels was not impaired in the astrocytes under hypoxic conditions; (2) the astrocytes actively ingested blood glucose through the endothelial cells and accumulated it as glycogen for activation of their functions, and the cell volume increased under hypoxic conditions; (3) the depression of energy metabolism and the decrease in the uptake of energy sources in the nerve cells promoted glycogen accumulation in the astrocytes under hypoxic conditions; (4) intermediate filaments (GFAP filaments) increased in number, coincident with the activation and enlargement of the astrocytes; and (5) protoplasmic astrocytes were transformed into fibrous astrocytes in the ischemic penumbra of the brain infarction.

The cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor flavopiridol inhibits glycogen phosphorylase

Flavopiridol has been shown to induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in various tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Using immobilized flavopiridol, we identified glycogen phosphorylases (GP) from liver and brain as flavopiridol binding proteins from HeLa cell extract. Purified rabbit muscle GP also bound to the flavopiridol affinity column. GP is the rate-limiting enzyme in intracellular glycogen breakdown. Flavopiridol significantly inhibited the AMP-activated GP-b form of the purified rabbit muscle isoenzyme (IC50 of 1 microM at 0.8 mM AMP), but was less inhibitory to the active phosphorylated form of GP, GP-a (IC50 of 2.5 microM). The AMP-bound GP-a form was poorly inhibited by flavopiridol (40% at 10 microM). Increasing concentrations of the allosteric effector AMP resulted in a linear decrease in the GP-inhibitory activity of flavopiridol suggesting interference between flavopiridol and AMP. In contrast the GP inhibitor caffeine had no effect on the relative GP inhibition by flavopiridol, suggesting an additive effect of caffeine. Flavopiridol also inhibited the phosphorylase kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation of GP-b by inhibiting the kinase in vitro. Flavopiridol thus is able to interfere with both activating modifications of GP-b, AMP activation and phosphorylation. In A549 NSCLC cells flavopiridol treatment caused glycogen accumulation despite of an increase in GP activity, suggesting direct GP inhibition in vivo rather than inhibition of GP activation by phosphorylase kinase. These results suggest that the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor flavopiridol interferes with glycogen degradation, which may be responsible for flavopiridol's cytotoxicity and explain its resistance in some cell lines.

Frequent p53 mutation in brain (fetal)-type glycogen phosphorylase positive foci adjacent to human 'de novo' colorectal carcinomas

'de novo' carcinogenesis has been advocated besides 'adenoma carcinoma sequence' as another dominant pathway leading to colorectal carcinoma. Our recent study has demonstrated that the distribution of brain (fetal)-type glycogen phosphorylase (BGP) positive foci (BGP foci) has a close relationship with the location of 'de novo' carcinoma. The aims of the present study are to investigate genetic alteration in the BGP foci and to characterize them in the 'de novo' carcinogenesis. 17 colorectal carcinomas without any adenoma component expressing both immunoreactive p53 and BGP protein were selected from 96 resected specimens from our previous study. Further investigations to examine the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-labelling index, and the p53 and the codon 12 of K-ras mutation using the polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism were performed in the BGP foci, BGP negative mucosa and carcinoma. The BGP foci were observed sporadically in the transitional mucosa adjacent to the carcinoma in all cases. The PCNA labelling index in the BGP foci was significantly higher than that in the BGP negative mucosa (P< 0.001). p53 mutations were observed in 8 carcinomas, but no K-ras mutation was detected. Interestingly, although none of the overexpressions of p53 protein was detected immunohistochemically in the BGP positive foci, the p53 gene frequently (41.2% of the BGP foci tested) mutated in spite of no K-ras mutation. The present study demonstrates potentially premalignant foci in the colorectal transitional mucosa with frequent p53 gene mutation. It is suggested that BGP foci are promising candidates for the further investigation of 'de novo' colorectal carcinogenesis.

Isozyme pattern of glycogen phosphorylase in the rat nervous system and rat astroglia-rich primary cultures: electrophoretic and polymerase chain reaction studies

Of the three isozymes of glycogen phosphorylase (GP) known, the brain (B) and muscle (M) isoforms have been reported to occur in brain. We investigated the regional and cellular occurrence of the three isozymes in various parts of the rat nervous system, fetal brain and astroglia-rich primary cultures by means of electrophoresis of native proteins with subsequent activity stain and by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In the cortex, cerebellum, olfactory bulb, brainstem, spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, both mRNA and enzyme protein were found for the B and M isozymes. In addition, the liver (L) isoform mRNA was detected in fetal brain and cultured astrocytes. Our studies indicate that there is no regional difference in distribution pattern between brain regions, spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. In immature brain and cultured glial cells, the additional presence of the L isozyme is possible. These results support the idea that astrocytes express two or even three GP isozymes simultaneously.

Role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in regulating the activity-dependent expression of the glycogen phosphorylase gene in contractile skeletal muscle cells

Nerve-evoked contractile activity in skeletal muscle regulates transcript and protein levels of many metabolic genes in a coordinate fashion, including the muscle isozyme of glycogen phosphorylase (MGP). Cellular signaling mechanisms mediating the activity-dependent modulation of MGP transcript levels were investigated in a spontaneously contractile rat skeletal muscle cell line (Rmo). Mechanisms regulating MGP mRNA levels in Rmo myotubes were compared with those previously shown to modulate the gene encoding the alpha subunit of the acetylcholine receptor (alphaAChR). Reducing the resting membrane potential from -78 to -30 mV, either electrochemically (KCl) or by increasing Na(+) permeability (veratridine): (1) prevented activation of transverse tubules, (2) impeded calcium release by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR), and (3) blocked Rmo contractility. MGP mRNA levels decreased to 30% of control levels and alphaAChR levels increased to 350% following 24 h of depolarization. Differing mechanisms appear to mediate this voltage-dependent regulation of MGP and alphaAChR. Inhibition of SR calcium efflux selectively decreased MGP mRNA levels by 30-50% when using dantrolene, thapsigargin, or a dose of ryanodine shown to inactivate Ca(2+)-induced SR Ca(2+) release (CICR). By contrast, blockade of voltage sensors in transverse tubules with nifedipine, a dihydroaminopyridine (DHAP) antagonist, selectively increased alphaAChR mRNA levels by twofold. These data indicate that the voltage-dependent regulation of AChR gene expression differs from that modulating the MGP gene. KCl-induced depolarization and dantrolene both inhibit pulsatile SR Ca(2+) efflux in Rmo myotubes, but by differing mechanisms. Depolarization and dantrolene comparably reduced MGP mRNA levels and decreased MGP transcript stability from a t(1/2) of 24 h to 14.5 and 16 h, respectively. Reduced transcript stability can account for the observed reduction in mRNA levels of MGP in noncontractile Rmo myotubes and could be a significant regulatory mechanism in skeletal muscle that coordinates the activity-dependent expression of MGP with other glycogenolytic genes.

Expression of brain-type glycogen phosphorylase is a potentially novel early biomarker in the carcinogenesis of human colorectal carcinomas

OBJECTIVE

Our previous studies have demonstrated the significant role of brain-type glycogen phosphorylase (BGP) in the carcinogenesis of gastric carcinoma. The aims of the present study were to investigate the expression of BGP in colorectal carcinoma as well as the timing of this expression in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence (ACS), in comparison with the overexpression of p53 protein. We also sought to identify this marker in the particular colorectal mucosa bearing de novo carcinoma.

METHODS

The expression of BGP and p53 protein in colorectal carcinoma using affinity purified specific anti-human BGP antibody (Ab) and anti-p53 Ab was studied using 96 resected specimens. Further investigation to examine the timing of BGP expression in comparison with p53 overexpression was carried out using 13, 18, eight, and 16 specimens of adenoma with mild, moderate, and severe dysplasia, and carcinoma in adenoma, respectively. The BGP immunohistochemistry in whole resected human colorectal mucosa (two with carcinoma and one with ulcer) was carried out using specific anti-BGP and anti-p53 Ab.

RESULTS

The BGP visualized by immunohistochemistry was commonly present in colorectal carcinoma (83.3%). The expression of this molecule during ACS showed excellent correlation with the increased dysplasia and was found before p53 overexpression, whereas no BGP expression was seen in the normal human large intestine remote from the cancer foci. Positive staining in overtly normal-looking colonic mucosa was observed mainly around carcinomas without any adenoma component.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study is the first to localize the BGP molecule in colorectal carcinoma, adenoma, and normal mucosa. It is suggested that BGP is a novel biomarker for carcinogenesis in both the pathways of ACS and the de novo colorectal carcinoma.

Nuclear localization of brain-type glycogen phosphorylase in some gastrointestinal carcinoma

Our previous reports have demonstrated frequent and strong expression of glycogen phosphorylase (EC 2.4.1.1) activity mainly in the cytoplasm of gastric carcinoma. Although previous studies have suggested the phosphorylase glycosyltransferase system to be in the nucleus from enzyme histochemical analyses, intranuclear localization of the phosphorylase has not been fully established. The aims of the present study are to investigate the nuclear localization of glycogen phosphorylase and to identify the isoform of phosphorylase in the nucleus of gastrointestinal carcinoma. The activity of glycogen phosphorylase in carcinoma cells corresponding to the nucleus was demonstrated using enzyme cytochemical analysis. The phosphorylase activity coincided with localization revealed by immunocytochemistry using affinity-purified specific anti-human brain-type glycogen phosphorylase antibody. The isoform expressed in the nuclei of carcinoma cells was identified as being only the brain type according to a polymerase chain reaction-based assay using RNA obtained from gastric carcinoma cells and primers specific to muscle, liver and brain types of glycogen phosphorylase. The intranuclear localization of the brain-type isoform was confirmed by immunoelectron microscopical analyses. Further investigation to examine the nuclear localization in human carcinoma tissue (145 and 25 specimens with gastric and colonic carcinoma respectively) was carried out by immunohistochemistry using specific anti-brain-type antibody. Nuclear immunostaining was observed in seven cases out of 145 gastric carcinoma. The present study is the first to clarify the nuclear localization of glycogen phosphorylase with enzymatic activity in gastrointestinal carcinoma. The isoform of the enzyme expressed in the carcinoma was identified as the brain type. These results warrant further studies on the mechanisms for transporting the large molecule of brain-type glycogen phosphorylase to nuclei and its function in the nucleus of carcinoma cells.

Endogenous monocarboxylates sustain hippocampal synaptic function and morphological integrity during energy deprivation

The ability to fuel neurons via glycogenolysis is believed to be an important function of glia. Indeed, the slow, rather than immediate, depression of synaptic transmission in hippocampal slices during exogenous glucose deprivation suggests that intrinsic energy reservoirs help to sustain neurotransmission. It is believed that glia fuel neighboring neurons via diffusible monocarboxylates such as pyruvate and lactate, although a role for glucose has been proposed also. Using alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamate (4-CIN) to inhibit monocarboxylate transport and cytochalasin B (CCB) to inhibit glucose transport, we examined the role of glucose and monocarboxylates in supporting the functional and morphological integrity of hippocampal neurons during glucose deprivation. Although 200 microM 4-CIN failed to depress EPSPs supported by 10 mM glucose, pretreatment with 4-CIN accelerated the depression of EPSPs during glucose deprivation. 4-CIN also accelerated the decline in glucose-supported EPSPs after administration of 50 microM CCB, whereas CCB failed to alter the slow decay of pyruvate-supported EPSPs during pyruvate deprivation. 4-CIN did not alter the morphology of pyramidal neurons in the presence of 10 mM glucose but produced significant damage during glucose deprivation or CCB administration. These results suggest that endogenous monocarboxylates rather than glucose maintain neuronal integrity during energy deprivation. Furthermore, EPSPs supported by 2-3.3 mM glucose were sensitive to 4-CIN, suggesting that endogenous monocarboxylates are involved in maintaining neuronal function even under conditions of mild glucose deprivation.

Chicks injected with antisera to either S-100 alpha or S-100 beta protein develop amnesia for a passive avoidance task

The cellular expression of S-100 beta protein is upregulated in Alzheimer's disease and in Down's syndrome, and this protein has been implicated in memory-related processes in laboratory animals. However, the possibility that the alpha subunit of S-100 is also involved in memory has not yet been examined. In the present study, day-old black Australorp white Leghorn cockerel chicks (Gallus domesticus) received injections of monoclonal antisera to S-100 alpha (1:50) or S-100 beta (1:500) into each hemisphere immediately after training on a one-trial passive avoidance task. The chicks displayed significantly lower retention levels than control birds that had been injected with antisera to carbonic anhydrase, or with saline (p < .01). S-100 alpha antisera had an amnestic effect when injected between 0 and 20 min after training, with memory deficits occurring from 30 min post-learning, at the point of transition between the A and the B phases of the Gibbs-Ng intermediate memory stage. By contrast, the S-100 beta antisera needed to be injected either 5 min before or immediately after training and produced amnesia 10 min earlier, at the start of the A phase of the intermediate memory stage. We conclude that the two subunits of the S-100 protein are required at different points in the sequence of events leading to the consolidation of passive avoidance memory.

Ultrastructural localization of glycogen phosphorylase predominantly in astrocytes of the gerbil brain

The localization of glycogen phosphorylase in gerbil brain was determined by immunoelectron microscopy using the pre-embedding peroxidase technique. Electron-dense granular reaction product of peroxidase activity was observed in astrocytes of all brain regions examined (cerebral cortex, striatum, cerebellar cortex, hippocampal formation, corpus callosum, mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus). The reaction product was distributed in a diffuse pattern throughout the cytoplasmic matrix of perikarya and processes; sometimes the nucleus of labeled astrocytes also contains immunopositive material. The light microscopically visible glycogen phosphorylase immunoreactivity associated with capillaries could be characterized as a staining of astrocytic endfeet ensheathing capillaries. Endothelial cells and pericytes were never labeled. In addition to astrocytes, ependymal cells also presented immunopositive material in their cytoplasm. On the other hand, no reaction product was observed in cells identified as oligodendroglia or microglia. Neurons (with the exception of neurons of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus), their processes, and their synaptic endings were free of reaction product. In the neuropil we frequently observed immunopositive glial processes adjacent to synaptic structures. This intimate spatial relationship may be interpreted as a morphological sign of a metabolic interaction. The data support the hypothesis that astroglia play a key role in glycogen metabolism and energization of the brain.

Cloning, localization and induction of mouse brain glycogen synthase

The cDNA for mouse brain glycogen synthase has been isolated by screening a mouse cerebral cortical astrocyte lambda ZAP II cDNA library. The mouse brain glycogen synthase cDNA is 3.5 kilobases in length and encodes a protein of 737 amino acids. The coding sequence of mouse brain glycogen synthase cDNA shares approximately 87% nucleotide identity and approximately 96% amino acid identity with the muscle isozyme, while the degree of identity is lower with the liver isozyme. The regional distribution of glycogen synthase mRNA determined by in situ hybridization in the mouse brain reveals a wide distribution throughout the central nervous system with highest densities observed in the cerebellum, hippocampus and olfactory bulb. At the cellular level the expression of brain glycogen synthase mRNA is localized both in astrocytes and neurons with, however, the higher levels observed in astrocytes. Vasoactive intestinal peptide and noradrenaline, two neurotransmitters previously shown to induce a glycogen resynthesis in cultured astrocytes, upregulate the expression of glycogen synthase mRNA in this cell type but not in neurons.

Astrocytes and the delivery of glucose from plasma to neurons

Conventional kinetic models of brain glucose uptake and metabolism that visualize brain glucose as being in a single pool in equilibrium with plasma, are unable to account for some recently described experimental findings. These include microdialysis demonstrations of a brain extracellular fluid glucose concentration that is both low, and significantly affected by changes in neuronal activity; and observations of transient glucose export (transient negative whole-brain arteriovenous differences) in certain neuro-intensive care settings. A kinetic model that treats brain glucose as divided into more than one, kinetically distinct, compartment, implying the presence of a glucose "reservoir" behind the blood-brain barrier, and with plasma glucose initially entering a compartment other than the brain extracellular fluid, is more consistent with these experimental observations. Neuroanatomical considerations suggest that plasma glucose may initially exchange with an intracellular astrocytic glucose pool, rather than the brain extracellular fluid. Astrocyte glycogen, mobilized at times of increased neuronal activity, could form the reservoir whose presence is inferred from demonstrations of transient glucose export, but only if glycogenolytic products can be exported from astrocytes as glucose. This hypothesis is considered in the light of the frequently suggested concept of a "nutritional" role for perivascular astrocytes and invertebrate glia, taking up blood-borne glucose and passing on metabolic substrates to neurons. The implications of this model for 2-deoxyglucose-based methods for regional cerebral metabolic rate estimation are discussed. In general, errors due to the approximations inherent in the conventional three compartment kinetic model, may be expected to become less significant as metabolism is averaged over space and time. Thus the three-compartment model is probably acceptable for the description of metabolism at the relatively low spatial and temporal resolution of these techniques.

Glycogen phosphorylase activity in the cerebral cortex of rats during development: effect of homocysteine-induced seizures

The aim of the present study was to examine the total, as well as the active form of glycogen phosphorylase in the rat cerebral cortex during development, and to assess the response of the enzyme to induced seizures. Seizures were induced in 7-, 12- and 18-day-old male Wistar rats by i.p. administration of DL-homocysteine thiolactone HCl. Total glycogen phosphorylase activity increased from 54.76 + 2.33 to 181.14 +/- 5.79 micromol/g/h and phosphorylase a from 3.45 +/- 0.45 to 63.73 +/- 1.41 micromol/g/h, from postnatal day 7 to 18, respectively. In 7-day-old pups phosphorylase a corresponded to only 6% of total activity. At the onset of seizures a marked rise (34-90%) in active phosphorylase occurred in all age groups. Thus, in the brains of immature animals a rapid conversion of phosphorylase b to a can occur in response to increased cellular activity. However, in 7-day-old rats, in spite of marked activation, phosphorylase a remained very low (6.0 +/- 0.42 micromol/g/h) and can thus explain the slow onset of glycogenolysis in this age group. Cyclic AMP levels remained unchanged at the onset of seizures in 7- and 12-day-old pups, and only a mild (+ 25%) rise was observed in 18-day-old rats. The marked increase of phosphorylase a in 7- and 12-day-old rats thus occurred in the presence of unchanged levels of cAMP, suggesting the involvement of cAMP-independent mechanism of activation, in which Ca2+ most probably plays a role.

Activation of glycogen phosphorylase by serotonin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in astroglial-rich primary cultures: involvement of the 5-HT2A receptor

Neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and ions regulate glycogen levels in the brain by modulating the activity of glycogen synthase (GSase) and glycogen phosphorylase (GPase). GPase is co-localized with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), an astroglia-specific marker, suggesting that glycogen is localized in astroglial cells. Additionally, functional serotonin (5-HT) receptors are found in both neurons and glia, and 5-HT is known to stimulate glycogenolysis. It is reported that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), a drug of abuse, stimulates the release and inhibits the reuptake of 5-HT, and selectively inhibits the activity of MAO-A. These biochemical consequences of MDMA lead to increased extra-cellular 5-HT levels. This study investigates the effects of MDMA(+) and serotonin (5-HT) on glycogen metabolism in the rat brain. A histochemical method was designed to visualize active glycogen phosphorylase (GPase) in an astroglial-rich primary culture. Serotonin activated GPase in a concentration-dependent manner (100 nM-100 microM). Maximal activation by 5-HT was achieved by 50 microM and resulted in a 167% increase in the number of reactive sites (P < 0.001). MDMA(+) (500 nM-50 microM) directly stimulated GPase activity with maximal activation induced by 5 microM, which caused a 70% increase in the number of reactive sites (P < 0.001). The 5-HT2 receptor agonist, 1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-bromophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOB), also displayed a concentration-dependent increase in the number of GPase reactive sites. Maximal stimulation by DOB occurred at 100 nM which increased the number of reactive sites by 166% (P < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunocytochemical localization of glycogen phosphorylase in primary sensory ganglia of the peripheral nervous system of the rat

Neuronal localization was investigated of glycogen phosphorylase (GP) in ganglia of the peripheral nervous system of the rat. Immunofluorescence and immunoenzymatic procedures were applied with a monoclonal anti-bovine brain GP antibody on paraformaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. Immunoreactivity was only present in the somatic neurons of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus in the brain stem and in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), but not in the autonomic neurons of the superior cervical ganglia or in the sensory nuclei of the spinal cord. GP immunoreactivity was present as early as day 1 after birth. In the adult rat, staining was present in neurons of different sizes, and to varying intensities. No relationship was apparent between the staining intensities and morphologically distinguishable types of neurons. In DRG, the type of reactivity was the same from cervical to sacral ganglia. The selected occurrence of GP in specific neurons of the peripheral nervous system in contrast to the ubiquitous occurrence in all astrocytes of the central nervous system may indicate a different role of neuronal glycogen compared to astrocytic glycogen.

Immunocytochemical demonstration of glycogen phosphorylase in Müller (glial) cells of the mammalian retina

Glycogen phosphorylase (GP) was immunocytochemically detected in Müller cells of the rabbit and rat retina using a monoclonal antibody raised against bovine brain GP. Immunofluorescence and immunoenzymatic procedure were applied on isolated, Müller cells and sections of paraformaldehyde-fixed, paraffin-embedded retinas. All methods used revealed positive immunostaining. GP immunoreactivity was most intense in the Müller cell endfeet and the pericarya, corresponding to the nerve fibre layer and the inner nuclear layer in the retina. The presence of GP in Müller cells stresses the important role of these glial cells in the energy metabolism of the mammalian retina.

Astrocytic glycogenolysis energizes memory processes in neonate chicks

In previous pharmaco-behavioural experiments, we have shown that three sequential stages can be distinguished in discrimination memory for a single trial passive avoidance experience in neonate chicks: a short-term (STM) stage, available for 10 min following learning; an intermediate (ITM) stage, operating between 20 and 50 min (ITMB) post-learning; and a long-term (LTM) stage formed by 60 min after learning. The ITM stage can be divided into two parts: a first phase (ITMA) which is susceptible to inhibition by the uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation (and thus of oxidative metabolism), 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), and a second DNP-insensitive phase (ITMB). ITMA occurs between 20 and 30 min post-training and ITMB between 30 and 50 min. In the present study we have shown: (1) that day-old chicks trained in the passive avoidance task and immediately thereafter injected with the glycolytic inhibitor iodoacetate show retention deficits that are first evident 30 min post-training, and (2) that glycogenolysis, i.e. breakdown of glycogen, a high-molecular carbohydrate energy store localized in astrocytes, occurs in the forebrains of trained, but otherwise untreated birds, between 35 and 55 min after learning. These findings strongly suggest that glycolysis, including astrocytically localized glycogenolysis, is essential to provide energy for active processes occurring during ITMB and that these processes are indispensable for subsequent development of long-term memory.

Utilization of mannose by astroglial cells

Uptake and metabolism of mannose were studied in astroglia-rich primary cultures derived from neonatal rat brains. A saturable component of mannose uptake was found with half-maximal uptake at 6.7 +/- 1.0 mM mannose. In addition, a non-saturable component dominated the uptake at high concentrations of mannose. Glucose, cytochalasin B, or phloretin in the incubation buffer inhibited the carrier-mediated uptake of mannose. Within the astroglial cells mannose is phosphorylated to mannose-6-phosphate. In cell homogenates, the KM value of mannose-phosphorylating activity was determined to be 24 +/- 7 microM. The Vmax value of this activity is only 40% that of glucose-phosphorylating activity. Mannose-6-phosphate was converted to fructose-6-phosphate by mannose-6-phosphate isomerase. The specific activity of this enzyme in homogenates of astroglial cultures was higher than that of hexokinase. Two products of mannose utilization in astroglial cells are glycogen and lactate. The amounts of each of these products increased with increasing concentrations of mannose. In contrast to the generation of lactate, that of glycogen from mannose was enhanced in the presence of insulin. In conclusion, we suggest that mannose is taken up into the cells of astroglia-rich primary cultures by the glial glucose transporter and is metabolized to fructose-6-phosphate within the astroglial cells.

Immunocytochemical detection of the microsomal glucose-6-phosphatase in human brain astrocytes

Using an antibody raised against the catalytic subunit of glucose-6-phosphatase, this enzyme was immunolocalized in many astrocytes in 20 normal human brains. Double immunofluorescence studies showed co-localization of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) with glucose-6-phosphatase in astrocytes. However, not all GFAP-positive cells were also glucose-6-phosphatase positive, indicating that some astrocytes do not contain demonstrable expression of this enzyme. Reactive astrocytes in a variety of abnormal brains were strongly glucose-6-phosphatase positive, but neoplastic astrocytes were often only weakly positive. Expression of the enzyme could not be demonstrated in radial glia, neurons or oligodendroglia. Astrocytes normally contain glycogen and the demonstration that some astrocytes also contain glucose-6-phosphatase indicates that they are competent for both glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis, which may be critical for neuronal welfare.

Glycogen in astrocytes: possible function as lactate supply for neighboring cells

In order to contribute to the elucidation of the function of astrocyte glycogen in brain, studies on the fate of the glucosyl residues of glycogen were carried out on astroglia-rich primary cultures derived from the brains of newborn rats. On glucose deprivation astroglial cells rapidly deplete their glycogen. In contrast to the situation with hepatocytes, only lactate, but not glucose, is detectable in the medium surrounding the astroglial cells. Besides glucose, astroglial cultures can also use mannose as a substrate for the synthesis of glycogen and the generation of lactate. Although mannose-fed astroglial cells contain glucose-6-phosphate, they do not release a measurable amount of glucose into the culture medium. Instead of glucose the astroglial cells release high amounts of lactate into the culture medium. Gluconolactone or 2-deoxyglucose which prevent glycogen breakdown in astroglial cells after glucose deprivation, allow to discriminate between lactate generated from glycogen and lactate from other sources. The amount of lactate found in the medium in the absence of gluconolactone (or 2-deoxyglucose) exceeds the amount found in the presence of either compound by the lactate equivalents calculated to be contained in the cellular glycogen. In conclusion, glycogen in astrocytes can be considered as a store for lactate rather than for glucose.

Glycogen phosphorylase activity and immunoreactivity during pre- and postnatal development of rat brain

Catalytic activity and immunoreactivity of glycogen phosphorylase were studied in pre- and postnatal rat brain. The catalytic activity was assayed in brain homogenates; immunoreactivity was investigated by immunoblot analysis using a monoclonal anti-bovine brain glycogen phosphorylase antibody. The cellular localization and intensity of immunoreactivity were analysed on paraffin-embedded sections utilizing the same monoclonal antibody. The catalytic activity increased 10-fold from embryonic day 16 to adult; immunoreactivity became detectable on embryonic day 16 and increased in intensity as the enzyme activity rose to adult values. The first cellular elements to be stained immunohistochemically were ependymal cells lining the ventricles, ependymal cells of the choroid plexus, meningeal cells and a selected population of neurons in the brain stem. The immunoreactivity of plexus cells and meningeal cells was reduced or absent in the adult rat brain. The earliest appearance of glycogen phosphorylase immunoreactivity in astroglial cells was seen at postnatal day 9 in the hippocampus. The staining pattern of the adult brain was reached at day 22 post partum. The developmental changes in glycogen deposition and in glycogen phophorylase activity and immunoreactivity may indicate a variable physiological role of glycogen metabolism for different cell types in the pre- and postnatal periods.

Differences in glycogen metabolism in astroglia-rich primary cultures and sorbitol-selected astroglial cultures derived from mouse brain

Recently it has become possible by chemical selection using sorbitol instead of glucose in the culture medium to produce pure astroglial cultures from astroglia-rich primary cultures from mouse brain. The glycogen-degrading enzyme glycogen phosphorylase in brain is localized in astrocytes and ependymal cells. In view of this fact it appeared necessary to study the influence of glucose and other hexoses on the glycogen metabolism in these cultures lacking the influence of other cell types in comparison to the astroglia-rich primary cultures containing several types of cells. The sorbitol-fed selected cultures and the glucose-deprived astroglia-rich primary cultures contain less than 10% of the glycogen encountered in glucose-fed primary cultures. During incubation with glucose the glycogen content of the selected cultures and the glucose-deprived primary cultures increases by more than one order of magnitude. Nevertheless, not all cells are found to have accumulated glycogen. The time course of the replenishment of glycogen is similar in both types of culture, although maximal levels reached in the selected cultures are 3 times those in the astroglia-rich primary cultures. This difference might be explained by the fact that the ratio of the maximal activities of glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase in selected cultures was found to be twice that in the unselected cultures. During glucose deprivation the glycogen content is reduced in both culture systems with half-maximal contents being reached at 15 min (primary culture) and 45 min (selected culture). Both types of culture can also utilize mannose for the synthesis of glycogen and the production of lactate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age-related gliosis in the white matter of mice

A histopathologic study of the brains from 96 mice, ranging in age from 3 to 57 months in age, documents an age-associated increase in hypertrophic astrocytes in white matter. This report of gliosis is distinct from previously reported proliferation of glial cells in the grey matter. Four genotypes, CBA/HT6J, C57BL/6J, B6CBAT6F1J, and B6C3F1 were positive for this age-related lesion. Most very old mice utilized in this study were calorically restricted, a dietary manipulation long known to result in increased longevity in rodents. Caloric restriction appears to delay the age associated increase of this lesion. Immunoperoxidase staining for the astrocyte-specific glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) confirmed the progressive increase in the density of stainable astrocytes with increase in age. GFAP staining of white matter increased in both diet groups with age. These findings present an interesting model for the study of aberrant cellular activity and perhaps neurodegeneration, modulated by caloric restriction.

Inhibition by 2-deoxyglucose and 1,5-gluconolactone of glycogen mobilization in astroglia-rich primary cultures

The presence of glycogen in astroglia-rich primary cultures derived from the brains of newborn rats depends on the availability of glucose in the culture medium. On glucose deprivation, glycogen vanishes from the astroglial cultures. This decrease of glycogen content is completely prevented if 2-deoxyglucose in a concentration of > 1 mM or 1,5-gluconolactone (20 mM) is present in the culture medium. 2-Deoxyglucose itself or 3-O-methylglucose, a glucose derivative that is not phosphorylated by hexokinase, does not reduce the activity of glycogen phosphorylase purified from bovine brain or in the homogenate of astroglia-rich rat primary cultures. In contrast, deoxyglucose-6-phosphate strongly inhibits the glycogen phosphorylase activities of the preparations. Half-maximal effects were obtained at deoxyglucose-6-phosphate concentrations of 0.75 (phosphorylase a, astroglial culture), 5 (phosphorylase b, astroglial culture), 2 (phosphorylase a, bovine brain), or 9 mM (phosphorylase b, bovine brain). Thus, the block of glycogen degradation in these cells appears to be due to inhibition of glycogen phosphorylase by deoxyglucose-6-phosphate rather than deoxyglucose itself. These results suggest that glucose-6-phosphate, rather than glucose, acts as a physiological negative feedback regulator of the brain isoenzyme of phosphorylase and thus of glycogen degradation in astrocytes.

Sensory stimulation induces local cerebral glycogenolysis: demonstration by autoradiography

Brain glycogen stores are localized primarily to glia and undergo continuous utilization and resynthesis. To study the function of glycogen under normal conditions in brain, we developed an autoradiographic method of demonstrating local-glycogen utilization in the awake rat. The method employs labeling of brain glycogen with 14C(3,4)glucose, in situ microwave fixation of brain metabolism, and anhydrous tissue preparation. With this technique, tactile stimulation of the rat face and vibrissae was found to accelerate the utilization of labeled glycogen in brain regions known to receive sensory input from face and vibrissae: the contralateral somatosensory cortex and the ipsilateral trigeminal, sensory and motor nuclei. These findings demonstrate a link between neuronal activity and local glycogen utilization in mammalian brain and suggest that, like other tissues, brain may respond to sudden increases in energy demand in part by rapid glycolytic metabolism of glycogen. As cerebral glycogen is restricted primarily to glia, these observations also support a close coupling of glial energy metabolism with neuronal activity.

A comparison of glycogen phosphorylase a and cytochrome oxidase histochemical staining in rat brain

The utility of metabolic markers that index functional neuronal circuits is widely appreciated. The present study asks whether patterns of the metabolic enzyme, active glycogen phosphorylase, parallel those of the neuronal marker, cytochrome oxidase. Fresh frozen rat brain sections (30 microns) were processed for either active glycogen phosphorylase or cytochrome oxidase at each of ten levels of the neuraxis. Although these metabolic markers predominate in different cellular compartments--glycogen phosphorylase in the astrocytic compartment and cytochrome oxidase in the neuronal compartment--the patterns of high, moderate, and low levels of activity for both enzymes were generally parallel. These similarities extended to detailed patterns of heterogeneous staining within structures, in particular, to laminated and modular distribution within cerebral and cerebellar cortical structures. The modular distribution was evident in barrel structures in the cerebral cortex and in parasagittal compartments in the vermis of the cerebellum. Conspicuous differences between the two patterns occurred in white matter, in subcortical grey matter regions such as the nucleus accumbens, diagonal band, amygdala, and globus pallidus, and in the superior olivary nuclei of the brainstem as well as in nonneural structures such as the choroid plexus and ependyma. Discrete patchiness was characteristic of active glycogen phosphorylase distribution in the limbic neuropil of the dentate gyrus and entorhinal cortex. The strong parallels between active glycogen phosphorylase and cytochrome oxidase distribution support the view that glycogen phosphorylase, despite its glial localization, can reflect neuronal metabolic demands.