GABAA receptor pharmacology

Comparison of Behavioral Effects of GABAergic Low- and High-Efficacy Neuroactive Steroids in the Zebrafish Larvae Assay

Activation of the GABAA receptor is associated with numerous behavioral end points ranging from anxiolysis to deep anesthesia. The specific behavioral effect of a GABAergic compound is considered to correlate with the degree of its functional effect on the receptor. Here, we tested the hypothesis that a low-efficacy allosteric potentiator of the GABAA receptor may act, due to a ceiling effect, as a sedative with reduced and limited action. We synthesized a derivative, named (3α,5β)-20-methyl-pregnane-3,20-diol (KK-235), of the GABAergic neurosteroid 5β-pregnane-3α,20α-diol. Using electrophysiology, we showed that KK-235 is a low-efficacy potentiator of the synaptic-type α1β2γ2L GABAA receptor. In the zebrafish larvae behavioral assay, KK-235 was found to only partially block the inverted photomotor response (PMR) and to weakly reduce swimming behavior, whereas the high-efficacy GABAergic steroid (3α,5α,17β)-3-hydroxyandrostane-17-carbonitrile (ACN) fully blocked PMR and spontaneous swimming. Coapplication of KK-235 reduced the potentiating effect of ACN in an electrophysiological assay and dampened its sedative effect in behavioral experiments. We propose that low-efficacy GABAergic potentiators may be useful as sedatives with limited action.

COMPARISON OF THREE MIDAZOLAM-BASED SEDATION PROTOCOLS IN BUDGERIGARS (MELOPSITTACUS UNDULATUS) AND BLACK-CHEEKED LOVEBIRDS (AGAPORNIS NIGRIGENIS)

This randomized, crossover study evaluated three sedation protocols administered subcutaneously in nine budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and nine black-cheeked lovebirds (Agapornis nigrigenis). All protocols included midazolam (5 mg/kg), combined with butorphanol (5 mg/kg) (BM), medetomidine (20 lg/kg) (MM), or alfaxalone (13 mg/kg) (AM). Mortalities from suspected cardiorespiratory arrest were observed when AM was used in lovebirds, even after reduction of alfaxalone dosage to 3 mg/kg, and therefore this protocol was excluded from further use in this species. Induction and recovery times were recorded and their quality assessed. Sedation depth and heart and respiratory rates were measured every 5 min and radiographic positioning was attempted at 10 and 20 min. At 30 min, midazolam and medetomidine were reversed with flumazenil (0.05 mg/kg, SC), and atipamezole (0.2 mg/kg, SC), respectively. MM consistently provided deep sedation in both species, with successful radiographic positioning at every attempt. As expected, heart rate was often lower with MM than with other protocols, but no associated complications were noted. In budgerigars, BM had the lowest radiographic positioning success rate (10 min: 5/9, 20 min: 3/9), whereas in lovebirds it provided significantly deeper sedation (P < 0.001), allowing radiographic positioning in all subjects. In both species, BM provided the shortest recovery times. AM resulted in reliable radiographic positioning of all budgerigars at 10 min, but not at 20 min (5/ 9), and provided consistently poor recoveries. This study highlights how differently two psittacine species of similar size may react to the same sedation protocols. AM sedation cannot be fully reversed and produced significant undesirable effects, several of which have been previously reported with alfaxalone administration to avian species. The authors therefore caution against using alfaxalone-midazolam combinations in budgerigars and black-cheeked lovebirds. Both BM and MM provided reliable sedation in these species, and appear to be suitable alternatives to AM.

Behavioral, electrocorticographic and electrocardiologic changes in Colossoma macropomum (Tambaqui) in the effect of cunaniol

The Clibadium spp. is a shrub of occurrence in the Amazon, popularly known as Cunambi. The compounds in the leaves demonstrate ichthyotoxic properties, and its major substance, cunaniol, is a powerful central nervous system stimulant with proconvulsant activity. Few current studies relate behavioral changes to the electrophysiological profile of fish poisoning. This study aimed to describe the behavioral, electromyographic, electroencephalographic, electrocardiographic, and seizure control characteristics of anticonvulsant drugs in Colossoma macropomum submitted to cunaniol intoxication during bathing containing 0.3 μg/L cunaniol. The behavioral test showed rapid evolution presenting excitability and spasms, which were confirmed by the analysis of Electroencephalogram (EEG), Electromyogram (EMG), and changes in cardiac function detected in the ECG. Cunaniol-induced excitability control was evaluated using three anticonvulsant agents: Phenytoin, Phenobarbital, and Diazepam. While phenytoin was not effective in seizure control, diazepam proved to be the most efficient. These results demonstrate the susceptibility of Colossoma macropomum to cunaniol poisoning, given that the central nervous system and electrocardiographic changes were considered severe.

Repositioning of Benzodiazepine Drugs and Synergistic Effect with Ciprofloxacin Against ESKAPE Pathogens

Infectious diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Combating them becomes more complex when caused by the pathogens of the ESKAPE group, which are Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. The purpose of this study was to investigate the repositioning potential of the benzodiazepines clonazepam and diazepam individually and in combination with the antibacterial ciprofloxacin against ESKAPE. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration against seven American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) reference standard strains and 64 ESKAPE clinical isolates were determined. In addition, the interaction with ciprofloxacin was determined by the checkerboard method and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) of clonazepam against 11 ESKAPE and diazepam against five ESKAPE. We also list the results found and their clinical significance. Benzodiazepines showed similar antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative. The checkerboard and FICI results showed a synergistic effect of these drugs when associated with ciprofloxacin against almost all tested isolates. Viewing the clinical cases studied, benzodiazepines have potential as treatment alternatives. The results allow us to conclude that clonazepam and diazepam, when in combination with ciprofloxacin, have promising activity against ESKAPE, therefore, assuming the position of candidates for repositioning.

Advances and Challenges of Cannabidiol as an Anti-Seizure Strategy: Preclinical Evidence

The use of Cannabis for medicinal purposes has been documented since ancient times, where one of its principal cannabinoids extracted from Cannabis sativa, cannabidiol (CBD), has emerged over the last few years as a promising molecule with anti-seizure potential. Here, we present an overview of recent literature pointing out CBD's pharmacological profile (solubility, metabolism, drug-drug interactions, etc.,), CBD's interactions with multiple molecular targets as well as advances in preclinical research concerning its anti-seizure effect on both acute seizure models and chronic models of epilepsy. We also highlight the recent attention that has been given to other natural cannabinoids and to synthetic derivatives of CBD as possible compounds with therapeutic anti-seizure potential. All the scientific research reviewed here encourages to continue to investigate the probable therapeutic efficacy of CBD and its related compounds not only in epilepsy but also and specially in drug-resistant epilepsy, since there is a dire need for new and effective drugs to treat this disease.

General anesthesia and sleep: like and unlike

General anesthesia and sleep have long been discussed in the neurobiological context owingto their commonalities, such as unconsciousness, immobility, non-responsiveness to externalstimuli, and lack of memory upon returning to consciousness. Sleep is regulated bycomplex interactions between wake-promoting and sleep-promoting neural circuits. Anestheticsexert their effects partly by inhibiting wake-promoting neurons or activating sleep-promotingneurons. Unconscious but arousable sedation is more related to sleep-wake circuitries,whereas unconscious and unarousable anesthesia is independent of them. Generalanesthesia is notable for its ability to decrease sleep propensity. Conversely, increasedsleep propensity due to insufficient sleep potentiates anesthetic effects. Taken together, it isplausible that sleep and anesthesia are closely related phenomena but not the same ones.Further investigations on the relationship between sleep and anesthesia are warranted.

Computational simulations and Ca2+ imaging reveal that slow synaptic depolarizations (slow EPSPs) inhibit fast EPSP evoked action potentials for most of their time course in enteric neurons

Transmission between neurons in the extensive enteric neural networks of the gut involves synaptic potentials with vastly different time courses and underlying conductances. Most enteric neurons exhibit fast excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSPs) lasting 20–50 ms, but many also exhibit slow EPSPs that last up to 100 s. When large enough, slow EPSPs excite action potentials at the start of the slow depolarization, but how they affect action potentials evoked by fast EPSPs is unknown. Furthermore, two other sources of synaptic depolarization probably occur in enteric circuits, activated via GABA_A or GABA_C receptors; how these interact with other synaptic depolarizations is also unclear. We built a compartmental model of enteric neurons incorporating realistic voltage-dependent ion channels, then simulated fast EPSPs, slow EPSPs and GABA_A or GABA_C ligand-gated Cl^- channels to explore these interactions. Model predictions were tested by imaging Ca²⁺ transients in myenteric neurons ex vivo as an indicator of their activity during synaptic interactions. The model could mimic firing of myenteric neurons in mouse colon evoked by depolarizing current during intracellular recording and the fast and slow EPSPs in these neurons. Subthreshold fast EPSPs evoked spikes during the rising phase of a slow EPSP, but suprathreshold fast EPSPs could not evoke spikes later in a slow EPSP. This predicted inhibition was confirmed by Ca²⁺ imaging in which stimuli that evoke slow EPSPs suppressed activity evoked by fast EPSPs in many myenteric neurons. The model also predicted that synchronous activation of GABA_A receptors and fast EPSPs potentiated firing evoked by the latter, while synchronous activation of GABA_C receptors with fast EPSPs, potentiated firing and then suppressed it. The results reveal that so-called slow EPSPs have a biphasic effect being likely to suppress fast EPSP evoked firing over very long periods, perhaps accounting for prolonged quiescent periods seen in enteric motor patterns.

The gastrointestinal tract is the only organ with an extensive semi-autonomous nervous system that generates complex contraction patterns independently. Communication between neurons in this “enteric” nervous system is via depolarizing synaptic events with dramatically different time courses including fast synaptic potentials lasting around 20–50 ms and slow depolarizing synaptic potentials lasting for 10–120 s. Most neurons have both. We explored how slow synaptic depolarizations affect generation of action potentials by fast synaptic potentials using computational simulation of small networks of neurons implemented as compartmental models with realistic membrane ion channels. We found that slow synaptic depolarizations have biphasic effects; they initially make fast synaptic potentials more likely to trigger action potentials, but then actually prevent action potential generation by fast synaptic potentials with the inhibition lasting several 10s of seconds. We confirmed the inhibitory effects of the slow synaptic depolarizations using live Ca²⁺ imaging of enteric neurons from mouse colon in isolated tissue. Our results identify a novel form of synaptic inhibition in the enteric nervous system of the gut, which may account for the vastly differing time courses between signalling in individual gut neurons and rhythmic contractile patterns that often repeat at more than 60 s intervals.

Safety of general anaesthetics on the developing brain: are we there yet?

Thirty years ago, neurotoxicity induced by general anaesthetics in the developing brain of rodents was observed. In both laboratory-based and clinical studies, many conflicting results have been published over the years, with initial data confirming both histopathological and neurodevelopmental deleterious effects after exposure to general anaesthetics. In more recent years, animal studies using non-human primates and new human cohorts have identified some specific deleterious effects on neurocognition. A clearer pattern of neurotoxicity seems connected to exposure to repeated general anaesthesia. The biochemistry involved in this neurotoxicity has been explored, showing differential effects of anaesthetic drugs between the developing and developed brains. In this narrative review, we start with a comprehensive description of the initial concerning results that led to recommend that any non-essential surgery should be postponed after the age of 3 yr and that research into this subject should be stepped up. We then focus on the neurophysiology of the developing brain under general anaesthesia, explore the biochemistry of the observed neurotoxicity, before summarising the main scientific and clinical reports investigating this issue. We finally discuss the GAS trial, the importance of its results, and some potential limitations that should not undermine their clinical relevance. We finally suggest some key points that could be shared with parents, and a potential research path to investigate the biochemical effects of general anaesthesia, opening up perspectives to understand the neurocognitive effects of repetitive exposures, especially in at-risk children.

Inhibitory co-transmission from midbrain dopamine neurons relies on presynaptic GABA uptake

Dopamine (DA)-releasing neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc^DA) inhibit target cells in the striatum through postsynaptic activation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for GABAergic signaling remain unclear, as SNc^DA neurons lack enzymes typically required to produce GABA or package it into synaptic vesicles. Here, we show that aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a1 (Aldh1a1), an enzyme proposed to function as a GABA synthetic enzyme in SNc^DA neurons, does not produce GABA for synaptic transmission. Instead, we demonstrate that SNc^DA axons obtain GABA exclusively through presynaptic uptake using the membrane GABA transporter Gat1 (encoded by Slc6a1). GABA is then packaged for vesicular release using the vesicular monoamine transporter Vmat2. Our data therefore show that presynaptic transmitter recycling can substitute for de novo GABA synthesis and that Vmat2 contributes to vesicular GABA transport, expanding the range of molecular mechanisms available to neurons to support inhibitory synaptic communication.

Melani and Tritsch demonstrate that inhibitory co-transmission from midbrain dopaminergic neurons does not depend on cell-autonomous GABA synthesis but instead on presynaptic import from the extracellular space through the membrane transporter Gat1 and that GABA loading into synaptic vesicles relies on the vesicular monoamine transporter Vmat2.

A theory of the anxiolytic action of flumazenil in anxiety disorders

BACKGROUND

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent affecting up to 33.7% of people over a lifetime. Although many treatment options are available, they are often associated with unacceptable side-effect profiles and approximately one in three patients are treatment resistant. Allopregnanolone, a neuroactive steroid acting as a positive allosteric modulator at the GABA_A receptor, is synthesised in response to stress and acts to negatively modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

FINDINGS

After chronic exposure to and withdrawal from allopregnanolone, an increase in α₄β₂δ GABA_A receptors results in a reduced inhibitory effect of allopregnanolone, resulting in decreased inhibition and, therefore, increased neuronal excitability. The relationship between allopregnanolone and increased α₄β₂δ GABA_A receptors has been demonstrated in animal models during methamphetamine withdrawal and puberty, events both associated with stress. The effect of allopregnanolone during these events is anxiogenic, a paradoxical action to its usual anxiolytic effects. Flumazenil, the GABA_A receptor antagonist, has been shown to cause receptor internalisation of α₄β₂δ GABA_A receptors, which may results in anxiolysis.

CONCLUSION

We propose that chronic stress and chronic exposure to and withdrawal from allopregnanolone in anxiety disorders result in alterations in GABA_A receptor function, which can be corrected by flumazenil. As such, flumazenil may exhibit anxiolytic properties in patients with increased α₄β₂δ GABA_A receptor expression.

Hydroalcoholic Extract of Ashwagandha Improves Sleep by Modulating GABA/Histamine Receptors and EEG Slow-Wave Pattern in In Vitro - In Vivo Experimental Models

Withania somnifera (ashwagandha) has been used traditionally as a remedy for insomnia and to enhance cognitive function. The effects of ashwagandha extract (AE, 35% withanolide glycosides, Shoden^Ⓡ) on the expression levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)_Aρ1 and histamine H3 receptors in Rattus norvegicus glioblastoma (C6) cell lines were studied using semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reactions. The effects of AE on sleep onset and duration were studied in Swiss albino mice using the pentobarbital-induced sleep model. Furthermore, the effects on nonrapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement sleep patterns were studied in Wistar rats with electroencephalogram (EEG) to support the improvement in sleep quality. There was an increase in gene expression levels of GABA_Aρ1 receptor (1.38 and 1.94 folds) and histamine H3 (1.14 and 1.29 folds) receptors induced by AE at doses of 15 and 30 μg/mL compared to control. AE at doses of 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg body weight showed a significant decrease in time to sleep onset and increased total sleep duration in the pentobarbital-induced sleep model. At 50 mg/kg body weight dosage level, a 34% decrease (P<0.0001) in sleep onset time and 47% increase (P<0.0001) in sleep duration was observed. The EEG study showed significant improvement in alpha, beta, theta, delta, and gamma bands at doses of 10, 25, and 50 mg/kg body weight with delta waves showing increases of 30%, 46% (P<0.05), and 34%, respectively. The induction of sleep, GABA-mimetic action, NREM sleep, and the effects on slow-wave cycles support the calming property of AE in improving the quality of sleep.

The Interaction of Central Nervous System and Acute Kidney Injury: Pathophysiology and Clinical Perspectives

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common disorder in critically ill hospitalized patients. Its main pathological feature is the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). This disease shows a high fatality rate. The reason is that only renal replacement therapy and supportive care can reduce the impact of the disease, but those measures cannot significantly improve the mortality. This review focused on a generalization of the interaction between acute kidney injury and the central nervous system (CNS). It was found that the CNS further contributes to kidney injury by regulating sympathetic outflow and oxidative stress in response to activation of the RAS and increased pro-inflammatory factors. Experimental studies suggested that inhibiting sympathetic activity and RAS activation in the CNS and blocking oxidative stress could effectively reduce the damage caused by AKI. Therefore, it is of significant interest to specify the mechanism on how the CNS affects AKI, as we could use such mechanism as a target for clinical interventions to further reduce the mortality and improve the complications of AKI.

Systematic Review Registration: [www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [registration number].

Heterogeneous Responses to Changes in Inhibitory Synaptic Strength in Networks of Spiking Neurons

How does the dynamics of neurons in a network respond to changes in synaptic weights? Answer to this question would be important for a full understanding of synaptic plasticity. In this article, we report our numerical study of the effects of changes in inhibitory synaptic weights on the spontaneous activity of networks of spiking neurons with conductance-based synapses. Networks with biologically realistic features, which were reconstructed from multi-electrode array recordings taken in a cortical neuronal culture, and their modifications were used in the simulations. The magnitudes of the synaptic weights of all the inhibitory connections are decreased by a uniform amount subjecting to the condition that inhibitory connections would not be turned into excitatory ones. Our simulation results reveal that the responses of the neurons are heterogeneous: while the firing rate of some neurons increases as expected, the firing rate of other neurons decreases or remains unchanged. The same results show that heterogeneous responses also occur for an enhancement of inhibition. This heterogeneity in the responses of neurons to changes in inhibitory synaptic strength suggests that activity-induced modification of synaptic strength does not necessarily generate a positive feedback loop on the dynamics of neurons connected in a network. Our results could be used to understand the effects of bicuculline on spiking and bursting activities of neuronal cultures. Using reconstructed networks with biologically realistic features enables us to identify a long-tailed distribution of average synaptic weights for outgoing links as a crucial feature in giving rise to bursting in neuronal networks and in determining the overall response of the whole network to changes in synaptic strength. For networks whose average synaptic weights for outgoing links have a long-tailed distribution, bursting is observed and the average firing rate of the whole network increases upon inhibition suppression or decreases upon inhibition enhancement. For networks whose average synaptic weights for outgoing links are approximately normally distributed, bursting is not found and the average firing rate of the whole network remains approximately constant upon changes in inhibitory synaptic strength.

GABAergic dysfunction, neural network hyperactivity and memory impairments in human aging and Alzheimer's disease

In this review, we focus on the potential role of the γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) system in age-related episodic memory impairments in humans, with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD). Well-established animal models have shown that GABA plays a central role in regulating and synchronizing neuronal signaling in the hippocampus, a brain area critical for episodic memory that undergoes early and significant morphologic and functional changes in the course of AD. Neuroimaging research in humans has documented hyperactivity in the hippocampus and losses of resting state functional connectivity in the Default Mode Network, a network that itself prominently includes the hippocampus-presaging episodic memory decline in individuals at-risk for AD. Apolipoprotein ε4, the highest genetic risk factor for AD, is associated with GABAergic dysfunction in animal models, and episodic memory impairments in humans. In combination, these findings suggest that GABA may be the linchpin in a complex system of factors that eventually leads to the principal clinical hallmark of AD: episodic memory loss. Here, we will review the current state of literature supporting this hypothesis. First, we will focus on the molecular and cellular basis of the GABAergic system and its role in memory and cognition. Next, we report the evidence of GABA dysregulations in AD and normal aging, both in animal models and human studies. Finally, we outline a model of GABAergic dysfunction based on the results of functional neuroimaging studies in humans, which have shown hippocampal hyperactivity to episodic memory tasks concurrent with and even preceding AD diagnosis, along with factors that may modulate this association.

Nicotinic receptor modulation of primary afferent excitability with selective regulation of Aδ-mediated spinal actions

Somatosensory input strength can be modulated by primary afferent depolarization (PAD) generated predominantly via presynaptic GABA_A receptors on afferent terminals. We investigated whether ionotropic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) also provide modulatory actions, focusing on myelinated afferent excitability in in vitro murine spinal cord nerve-attached models. Primary afferent stimulation-evoked synaptic transmission was recorded in the deep dorsal horn as extracellular field potentials (EFPs), whereas concurrently recorded dorsal root potentials (DRPs) were used as an indirect measure of PAD. Changes in afferent membrane excitability were simultaneously measured as direct current (DC)-shifts in membrane polarization recorded in dorsal roots or peripheral nerves. The broad nAChR antagonist d-tubocurarine (d-TC) selectively and strongly depressed Aδ-evoked synaptic EFPs (36% of control) coincident with similarly depressed A-fiber DRP (43% of control), whereas afferent electrical excitability remained unchanged. In comparison, acetylcholine (ACh) and the nAChR agonists, epibatidine and nicotine, reduced afferent excitability by generating coincident depolarizing DC-shifts in peripheral axons and intraspinally. Progressive depolarization corresponded temporally with the emergence of spontaneous axonal spiking and reductions in the DRP and all afferent-evoked synaptic actions (31%-37% of control). Loss of evoked response was long-lasting, independent of DC repolarization, and likely due to mechanisms initiated by spontaneous C-fiber activity. DC-shifts were blocked with d-TC but not GABA_A receptor blockers and retained after tetrodotoxin block of voltage-gated Na⁺ channels. Notably, actions tested were comparable between three mouse strains, in rat, and when performed in different labs. Thus, nAChRs can regulate afferent excitability via two distinct mechanisms: by central Aδ-afferent actions, and by transient extrasynaptic axonal activation of high-threshold primary afferents.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Primary afferents express many nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) subtypes but whether activation is linked to presynaptic inhibition, facilitation, or more complex and selective activity modulation is unknown. Recordings of afferent-evoked responses in the lumbar spinal cord identified two nAChR-mediated modulatory actions: 1) selective control of Aδ afferent transmission and 2) robust changes in axonal excitability initiated via extrasynaptic shifts in DC polarization. This work broadens the diversity of presynaptic modulation of primary afferents by nAChRs.

Amygdala: Neuroanatomical and Morphophysiological Features in Terms of Neurological and Neurodegenerative Diseases

The amygdala is one of the most discussed structures of the brain. Correlations between its level of activity, size, biochemical organization, and various pathologies are the subject of many studies, and can serve as a marker of existing or future disease. It is hypothesized that the amygdala is not just a structural unit, but includes many other regions in the brain. In this review, we present the updated neuroanatomical and physiological aspects of the amygdala, discussing its involvement in neurodegenerative and neurological diseases. The amygdala plays an important role in the processing of input signals and behavioral synthesis. Lesions in the amygdala have been shown to cause neurological disfunction of ranging severity. Abnormality in the amygdala leads to conditions such as depression, anxiety, autism, and also promotes biochemical and physiological imbalance. The amygdala collects pathological proteins, and this fact can be considered to play a big role in the progression and diagnosis of many degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Lewy body diseases, and hippocampal sclerosis. The amygdala has shown to play a crucial role as a central communication system in the brain, therefore understanding its neuroanatomical and physiological features can open a channel for targeted therapy of neurodegenerative diseases.

Receptors and Channels Possibly Mediating the Effects of Phytocannabinoids on Seizures and Epilepsy

Epilepsy contributes to approximately 1% of the global disease burden. By affecting especially young children as well as older persons of all social and racial variety, epilepsy is a present disorder worldwide. Currently, only 65% of epileptic patients can be successfully treated with antiepileptic drugs. For this reason, alternative medicine receives more attention. Cannabis has been cultivated for over 6000 years to treat pain and insomnia and used since the 19th century to suppress epileptic seizures. The two best described phytocannabinoids, (−)-trans-Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are claimed to have positive effects on different neurological as well as neurodegenerative diseases, including epilepsy. There are different cannabinoids which act through different types of receptors and channels, including the cannabinoid receptor 1 and 2 (CB₁, CB₂), G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) and 18 (GPR18), opioid receptor µ and δ, transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) and 2 (TRPV2), type A γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABA_AR) and voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC). The mechanisms and importance of the interaction between phytocannabinoids and their different sites of action regarding epileptic seizures and their clinical value are described in this review.

Gonadal hormone-independent sex differences in GABAA receptor activation in rat embryonic hypothalamic neurons

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

GABA_A receptor functions are dependent on subunit composition, and, through their activation, GABA can exert trophic actions in immature neurons. Although several sex differences in GABA-mediated responses are known to be dependent on gonadal hormones, few studies have dealt with sex differences detected before the critical period of brain masculinisation. In this study, we assessed GABA_A receptor functionality in sexually segregated neurons before brain hormonal masculinisation.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Ventromedial hypothalamic neurons were obtained from embryonic day 16 rat brains and grown in vitro for 2 days. Calcium imaging and electrophysiology recordings were carried out to assess GABA_A receptor functional parameters.

KEY RESULTS

GABA_A receptor activation elicited calcium entry in immature hypothalamic neurons mainly through L-type voltage-dependent calcium channels. Nifedipine blocked calcium entry more efficiently in male than in female neurons. There were more male than female neurons responding to GABA, and they needed more time to return to resting levels. Pharmacological characterisation revealed that propofol enhanced GABA_A -mediated currents and blunted GABA-mediated calcium entry more efficiently in female neurons than in males. Testosterone treatment did not erase such sex differences. These data suggest sex differences in the expression of GABA_A receptor subtypes.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

GABA-mediated responses are sexually dimorphic even in the absence of gonadal hormone influence, suggesting genetically biased differences. These results highlight the importance of GABA_A receptors in hypothalamic neurons even before hormonal masculinisation of the brain.

The Pharmacology of Visual Hallucinations in Synucleinopathies

Visual hallucinations (VH) are commonly found in the course of synucleinopathies like Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. The incidence of VH in these conditions is so high that the absence of VH in the course of the disease should raise questions about the diagnosis. VH may take the form of early and simple phenomena or appear with late and complex presentations that include hallucinatory production and delusions. VH are an unmet treatment need. The review analyzes the past and recent hypotheses that are related to the underlying mechanisms of VH and then discusses their pharmacological modulation. Recent models for VH have been centered on the role played by the decoupling of the default mode network (DMN) when is released from the control of the fronto-parietal and salience networks. According to the proposed model, the process results in the perception of priors that are stored in the unconscious memory and the uncontrolled emergence of intrinsic narrative produced by the DMN. This DMN activity is triggered by the altered functioning of the thalamus and involves the dysregulated activity of the brain neurotransmitters. Historically, dopamine has been indicated as a major driver for the production of VH in synucleinopathies. In that context, nigrostriatal dysfunctions have been associated with the VH onset. The efficacy of antipsychotic compounds in VH treatment has further supported the notion of major involvement of dopamine in the production of the hallucinatory phenomena. However, more recent studies and growing evidence are also pointing toward an important role played by serotonergic and cholinergic dysfunctions. In that respect, in vivo and post-mortem studies have now proved that serotonergic impairment is often an early event in synucleinopathies. The prominent cholinergic impairment in DLB is also well established. Finally, glutamatergic and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic modulations and changes in the overall balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling are also contributing factors. The review provides an extensive overview of the pharmacology of VH and offers an up to date analysis of treatment options.

Pyrazolone structural motif in medicinal chemistry: Retrospect and prospect

The pyrazolone structural motif is a critical element of drugs aimed at different biological end-points. Medicinal chemistry researches have synthesized drug-like pyrazolone candidates with several medicinal features including antimicrobial, antitumor, CNS (central nervous system) effect, anti-inflammatory activities and so on. Meanwhile, SAR (Structure-Activity Relationship) investigations have drawn attentions among medicinal chemists, along with a plenty of analogues have been derived for multiple targets. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the biological activity and SAR for pyrazolone analogues, wishing to give an overall retrospect and prospect on the pyrazolone derivatives.

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The pyrazolone structural motif is a critical element of drugs aimed at different biological end-points.

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The pyrazolone analogues have been carried out to drug-like candidates with broad range of medicinal properties.

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This review wishes to give an overall retrospect and prospect on the pyrazolone derivatives.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Heterocyclic γ-Amino-Acid and Diamine Derivatives by Three-Component Radical Cascade Reactions

An enantioselective three-component radical reaction of quinolines or pyridines with enamides and α-bromo carbonyl compounds by dual photoredox and chiral Brønsted acid catalysis is presented. A range of valuable chiral γ-amino-acid derivatives are accessible in high chemo-, regio-, and enantioselectivity from simple, readily available starting materials under mild reaction conditions. Using the same strategy, the asymmetric synthesis of 1,2-diamine derivatives is also reported.

Anxiolytic-Like Effects of Bergamot Essential Oil Are Insensitive to Flumazenil in Rats

Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental disorders, and benzodiazepines (BDZs), acting on gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptor complex, represent the most common antianxiety medications in the world. However, chronic BDZ use elicits several adverse reactions. Reportedly, aromatherapy is safer for the management of anxiety. Bergamot essential oil (BEO) extracted from Citrus bergamia Risso et Poiteau fruit, like other essential oils, is widely used in aromatherapy to relieve symptoms of stress-induced anxiety. Interestingly, preclinical data indicate that BEO induces anxiolytic-like/relaxant effects in animal behavioural tasks not superimposable to those of benzodiazepine diazepam. To better elucidate the involvement of GABAergic transmission, the present study examines the effects of pretreatment with flumazenil (FLZ), a benzodiazepine site antagonist, on BEO effects using open-field task (OFT) in rats. The data yielded show that FLZ does not significantly affect behavioural effects of the phytocomplex. These results demonstrate the lack of overlapping between BEO and BDZ behavioural effects, contributing to the characterization of the neurobiological profile of the essential oil for its rational use in aromatherapy.

Suspected neurological toxicity after oral application of fluralaner (Bravecto®) in a Kooikerhondje dog

Background

Although the new isoxazoline drug fluralaner (Bravecto®) is generally well tolerated in dogs, adverse drug reactions involving neurological dysfunction occurred in individual dogs. However, most of these cases are documented inadequately and none of them is reported and discussed in the literature. As isoxazoline drugs target neuronal chloride channels with a clear preference for invertebrates, they are considered to have a good safety profile. However, pharmacodynamic effects in the nervous system of vertebrates cannot be ruled out completely.

Case presentation

A seven-month-old female Kooikerhondje dog was treated with Bravecto® at the recommended dose. About 24 h after administration, the dog exhibited signs of neurological toxicity, including generalized ataxia, myoclonic jerks, tremor of head and body, muscle twitching and oral dysphagia. All symptoms were transient and the dog fully recovered without any treatment after 10 h.

Conclusion

This case report describes transient occurrence of neurological dysfunction after administration of Bravecto®. It may help to better classify adverse drug reactions after application of isoxazoline drugs and documents a good prognosis even after occurrence of severe neurological dysfunction in the present case.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-019-2016-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

In silico structure-based design of GABAB receptor agonists using a combination of docking and QSAR

The study of γ-aminobutyric acid B receptor (GABA_B ) activation is of great interest for several brain disorders. The search of new GABA_B receptor agonists has been carried out by many research groups. As a result, Baclofen has become the prototypical GABA_B receptor agonist. However, several attempts have been made to modify its structure to generate derivatives with improved activity. In this work, we carried out a theoretical and computational study for a wide range of GABA_B receptor agonists reported in the literature. Molecular docking and QSAR techniques were combined by using the interaction energies of the agonists with the key residues of GABA_B receptor, as molecular descriptors for the QSAR construction. The resulting mathematical model suggests that the activity of GABA_B receptor agonists is influenced by three factors: their shape and molecular size (PW5 and PJI2), their constitutional features (E_LUMO and T(N…O)) and the energy interaction with GABA_B receptor (E_TRP278 ). This model was validated by the QUIK, REDUNDANCY and OVERFITTING rules, and its predicted ability was tasted by the Q_LOO , Q_ASYM , R 0 2 and r m 2 rules. Finally, six new compounds are proposed (35-40) with high potential to be used as GABA_B receptor agonists.

Rich-club connectivity, diverse population coupling, and dynamical activity patterns emerging from local cortical circuits

Experimental studies have begun revealing essential properties of the structural connectivity and the spatiotemporal activity dynamics of cortical circuits. To integrate these properties from anatomy and physiology, and to elucidate the links between them, we develop a novel cortical circuit model that captures a range of realistic features of synaptic connectivity. We show that the model accounts for the emergence of higher-order connectivity structures, including highly connected hub neurons that form an interconnected rich-club. The circuit model exhibits a rich repertoire of dynamical activity states, ranging from asynchronous to localized and global propagating wave states. We find that around the transition between asynchronous and localized propagating wave states, our model quantitatively reproduces a variety of major empirical findings regarding neural spatiotemporal dynamics, which otherwise remain disjointed in existing studies. These dynamics include diverse coupling (correlation) between spiking activity of individual neurons and the population, dynamical wave patterns with variable speeds and precise temporal structures of neural spikes. We further illustrate how these neural dynamics are related to the connectivity properties by analysing structural contributions to variable spiking dynamics and by showing that the rich-club structure is related to the diverse population coupling. These findings establish an integrated account of structural connectivity and activity dynamics of local cortical circuits, and provide new insights into understanding their working mechanisms.

To integrate essential anatomical and physiological properties of local cortical circuits and to elucidate mechanistic links between them, we develop a novel circuit model capturing key synaptic connectivity features. We show that the model explains the emergence of a range of connectivity patterns such as rich-club connectivity, and gives rise to a rich repertoire of cortical states. We identify both the anatomical and physiological mechanisms underlying the transition of these cortical states, and show that our model reconciles an otherwise disparate set of key physiological findings on neural activity dynamics. We further illustrate how these neural dynamics are related to the connectivity properties by analysing structural contributions to variable spiking dynamics and by showing that the rich-club structure is related to diverse neural population correlations as observed recently. Our model thus provides a framework for integrating and explaining a variety of neural connectivity properties and spatiotemporal activity dynamics observed in experimental studies, and provides novel experimentally testable predictions.

Delayed treatment of α5 GABAA receptor inverse agonist improves functional recovery by enhancing neurogenesis after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat MCAO model

Development of effective therapeutics and treatment strategy to promote recovery after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury necessitates further understandings of the complex pathophysiology of ischemic stroke. Given that α5-GABA_AR inhibition has been shown to be involved in functional recovery after stroke, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of treatment timing of α5 GABA_AR inhibition on post-middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) functional recovery. To this end, we examined the effects of L655,708 (α5 GABA_AR inverse agonist) treatment at 3 or 7 days post-ischemia on apoptosis and neurogenesis in the peri-infarct region, brain infarction size, as well as modified neurological severity score (mNSS) and rotarod test time in rats. Consistent with previous reports, we found that when the treatment of L655,708 was initiated at post-MCAO day 3, it did not alter the functional recovery in rats. However, when the treatment of L655,708 was initiated at post-MCAO day 7, it demonstrated beneficial effects on functional recovery in rats. Interestingly, this phenomenon was not associated with altered brain infarction size nor with changes in brain cell apoptosis. However, we found that delayed treatment of L655,708 at post-MCAO day 7 significantly increased neurogenesis in peri-infarct zone in rats. These results suggested that removing α5 GABA_AR-mediated tonic inhibition after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury may be an effective therapeutic strategy for promoting functional recovery from stroke.

Organic and Peptidyl Constituents of Snake Venoms: The Picture Is Vastly More Complex Than We Imagined

Small metabolites and peptides in 17 snake venoms (Elapidae, Viperinae, and Crotalinae), were quantified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Each venom contains >900 metabolites and peptides. Many small organic compounds are present at levels that are probably significant in prey envenomation, given that their known pharmacologies are consistent with snake envenomation strategies. Metabolites included purine nucleosides and their bases, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, guanidino compounds, carboxylic acids, amines, mono- and disaccharides, and amino acids. Peptides of 2⁻15 amino acids are also present in significant quantities, particularly in crotaline and viperine venoms. Some constituents are specific to individual taxa, while others are broadly distributed. Some of the latter appear to support high anabolic activity in the gland, rather than having toxic functions. Overall, the most abundant organic metabolite was citric acid, owing to its predominance in viperine and crotaline venoms, where it chelates divalent cations to prevent venom degradation by venom metalloproteases and damage to glandular tissue by phospholipases. However, in terms of their concentrations in individual venoms, adenosine, adenine, were most abundant, owing to their high titers in Dendroaspis polylepis venom, although hypoxanthine, guanosine, inosine, and guanine all numbered among the 50 most abundant organic constituents. A purine not previously reported in venoms, ethyl adenosine carboxylate, was discovered in D. polylepis venom, where it probably contributes to the profound hypotension caused by this venom. Acetylcholine was present in significant quantities only in this highly excitotoxic venom, while 4-guanidinobutyric acid and 5-guanidino-2-oxopentanoic acid were present in all venoms.

Silver-catalyzed regioselective hydroamination of alkenyl diazoacetates to synthesize γ-amino acid equivalents

A simple protocol to directly access γ-amino acid derivatives by intermolecular regioselective hydroamination of trichloroethyl alkenyldiazoacetates with carbamate using a silver tetrafluoroborate catalyst is described. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations to analyze the reaction mechanism revealed that multiple attractive interactions occur in a transition state to promote the vinylogous addition of nitrogen nucleophiles.

Structure of a human synaptic GABAA receptor

Fast inhibitory neurotransmission in the brain is principally mediated by the neurotransmitter GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and its synaptic target, the type A GABA receptor (GABAA receptor). Dysfunction of this receptor results in neurological disorders and mental illnesses including epilepsy, anxiety and insomnia. The GABAA receptor is also a prolific target for therapeutic, illicit and recreational drugs, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, anaesthetics and ethanol. Here we present high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures of the human α1β2γ2 GABAA receptor, the predominant isoform in the adult brain, in complex with GABA and the benzodiazepine site antagonist flumazenil, the first-line clinical treatment for benzodiazepine overdose. The receptor architecture reveals unique heteromeric interactions for this important class of inhibitory neurotransmitter receptor. This work provides a template for understanding receptor modulation by GABA and benzodiazepines, and will assist rational approaches to therapeutic targeting of this receptor for neurological disorders and mental illness.

Structure-Dependent Activity of Natural GABA(A) Receptor Modulators

GABA(A) receptors are ligand-gated ion channels consisting of five subunits from eight subfamilies, each assembled in four hydrophobic transmembrane domains. This pentameric structure not only allows different receptor binding sites, but also various types of ligands, such as orthosteric agonists and antagonists, positive and negative allosteric modulators, as well as second-order modulators and non-competitive channel blockers. A fact, that is also displayed by the variety of chemical structures found for both, synthetic as well as nature-derived GABA(A)-receptor modulators. This review covers the literature for natural GABA(A)-receptor modulators until the end of 2017 and discusses their structure-activity relationship.

Maturational Changes of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid A Receptors Measured With Benzodiazepine Binding of Iodine 123 Iomazenil Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography

BACKGROUND

Iodine 123 (I-123) iomazenil is a specific ligand of the central benzodiazepine receptor, which is a part of the postsynaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor complex. We performed statistical image processing of I-123 iomazenil single-photon emission computed tomography to elucidate maturational changes in the GABAergic system.

METHODS

Thirty patients (18 boys and 12 girls, aged 17 days to 14 years) with cryptogenic focal epilepsy were enrolled and underwent I-123 iomazenil single-photon emission computed tomography. We used a semiquantitative analytical method consisting of brain surface extraction, anatomic normalization, and a three-parameter exponential model. We then assessed developmental changes in benzodiazepine receptor binding activity in 18 regions of interest in both hemispheres.

RESULTS

The highest benzodiazepine receptor binding activity was observed during early infancy in all regions of interest. Benzodiazepine receptor binding activity then decreased exponentially across development. Benzodiazepine receptor binding in the primary sensorimotor cortex, primary visual cortex, cerebellar vermis, and striatum declined more rapidly than that in the cerebellar hemispheres and the frontal cortex. The pons and the thalamus had the lowest benzodiazepine receptor binding activities during the neonatal period, and benzodiazepine receptor binding in these areas declined gradually after infancy toward adolescence. There were no differences in adjusted benzodiazepine receptor binding activity according to laterality or sex.

CONCLUSIONS

Benzodiazepine receptor binding activity decreased exponentially during infancy in all regions of interest. Binding activity in the primary somatosensory and motor cortices (M1 and S1), the primary and association visual areas, the cerebellar vermis, and the striatum (caudate nucleus and putamen) tended to decline more rapidly than that in the cerebellar hemisphere and the frontal association cortex.

Development of a New Self-Reporting Instrument Measuring Benefits and Side Effects of Corticosteroids in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: Report from a Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

There is no cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD); treatment is symptomatic and corticosteroids slow the progression. Side effects of corticosteroids - especially the physical effects - have been described, however patients' and caregivers perception on chronic corticosteroid treatment and their side effects is less well known, in particular with regards to cognition, behaviour, and emotional functioning.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this pilot study was to (i) construct a self-report questionnaire to assess the perceived benefits and side effects of corticosteroids for patients with DMD and their parents. Furthermore we aimed to (ii) investigate the psychometric qualities of this questionnaire, (iii) whether there was a difference between parents' and patient's perceptions, and finally (iv) to what extent reported side effects may alter over time.

METHODS

A 23-item questionnaire (SIDECORT: side effect of corticosteroids) was constructed to assess the perception of these benefits and side effects in a systematic manner.

RESULTS

In total, 86 patients (aged 5 - 28 years) and 125 of their parents completed the questionnaire. Internal consistency was good. Using factor analyses on the side effect items as reported by parents, two underlying factors were found, with the first factor describing cognitive, behavioural and emotional functioning, and the second factor describing physical functioning. The potential benefits of corticosteroids were highly rated among both parents and patients, although parents rated the importance of the benefits higher than their sons (p = 0.002). Similarly, parents rated the severity of the side effects generally higher than their sons (p = 0.011), especially with regards to the physical side effects (p = 0.014). Based on the parent's perception, the neurodevelopmental side effects generally appeared to decline the longer corticosteroids were used.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first explicit study on perceived cognitive-, behavioural-, and emotional side effects and the allocation of benefits to corticosteroids in DMD. On the basis of our research we suggest a short form questionnaire, which proves to be reliable and valid for research- and clinical practice. This questionnaire could provide useful insights for the care of boys and men with DMD.

Azogabazine; a photochromic antagonist of the GABAA receptor

The design and synthesis of azogabazine is described, which represents a highly potent (IC50 = 23 nM) photoswitchable antagonist of the GABAA receptor. An azologization strategy is adopted, in which a benzyl phenyl ether in a high affinity gabazine analogue is replaced by an azobenzene, with resultant retention of antagonist potency. We show that cycling from blue to UV light, switching between trans and cis isomeric forms, leads to photochemically controlled antagonism of the GABA ion channel.

GABAergic mechanisms involved in the prepulse inhibition of auditory evoked cortical responses in humans

Despite their essential roles in signal processing in the brain, the functions of interneurons currently remain unclear in humans. We recently developed a method using the prepulse inhibition of sensory evoked cortical responses for functional measurements of interneurons. When a sensory feature is abruptly changed in a continuous sensory stimulus, change-related cortical responses are recorded using MEG. By inserting a weak change stimulus (prepulse) before the test change stimulus, it is possible to observe the inhibition of the test response. By manipulating the prepulse–test interval (PTI), several peaks appear in inhibition, suggesting the existence of temporally distinct mechanisms. We herein attempted to separate these components through the oral administration of diazepam and baclofen. The test stimulus and prepulse were an abrupt increase in sound pressure in a continuous click train of 10 and 5 dB, respectively. The results obtained showed that the inhibition at PTIs of 10 and 20 ms was significantly greater with diazepam than with the placebo administration, suggesting increased GABA_A-mediated inhibition. Baclofen decreased inhibition at PTIs of 40 and 50 ms, which may have been due to the activation of GABA_B autoreceptors. Therefore, the present study separated at least two inhibitory mechanisms pharmacologically.

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) signalling in plants

The role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a signal in animals has been documented for over 60 years. In contrast, evidence that GABA is a signal in plants has only emerged in the last 15 years, and it was not until last year that a mechanism by which this could occur was identified-a plant 'GABA receptor' that inhibits anion passage through the aluminium-activated malate transporter family of proteins (ALMTs). ALMTs are multigenic, expressed in different organs and present on different membranes. We propose GABA regulation of ALMT activity could function as a signal that modulates plant growth, development, and stress response. In this review, we compare and contrast the plant 'GABA receptor' with mammalian GABAA receptors in terms of their molecular identity, predicted topology, mode of action, and signalling roles. We also explore the implications of the discovery that GABA modulates anion flux in plants, its role in signal transduction for the regulation of plant physiology, and predict the possibility that there are other GABA interaction sites in the N termini of ALMT proteins through in silico evolutionary coupling analysis; we also explore the potential interactions between GABA and other signalling molecules.

GABA-ρ receptors: distinctive functions and molecular pharmacology

The homomeric GABA-ρ ligand-gated ion channels (also known as GABA_C or GABA_A -ρ receptors) are similar to heteromeric GABA_A receptors in structure, function and mechanism of action. However, their distinctive pharmacological properties and distribution make them of special interest. This review focuses on GABA-ρ ion channel structure, ligand selectivity toward ρ receptors over heteromeric GABA_A receptor sub-types and selectivity between different homomeric ρ sub-type receptors. Several GABA analogues show selectivity at homomeric GABA-ρ receptors over heteromeric GABA_A receptors. More recently, some synthetic ligands have been found to show selectivity at receptors formed from one ρ subtype over others. The unique pharmacological profiles of these agents are discussed in this review. The classical binding site of GABA within the orthosteric site of GABA-ρ homomeric receptors is discussed in detail regarding the loops and residues that constitute the binding site. The ligand-residue interactions in this classical binding and those of mutant receptors are discussed. The structure and conformations of GABA are discussed in regard to its flexibility and molecular properties. Although the binding mode of GABA is difficult to predict, several interactions between GABA and the receptor assist in predicting its potential conformation and mode of action. The structure-activity relationships of GABA and structurally key ligands at ρ receptors are described and discussed.

Synthesis, Modelling, and Anticonvulsant Studies of New Quinazolines Showing Three Highly Active Compounds with Low Toxicity and High Affinity to the GABA-A Receptor

Some novel fluorinated quinazolines (5a–j) were designed and synthesized to be evaluated for their anticonvulsant activity and their neurotoxicity. Structures of all newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by their infrared (IR), mass spectrometry (MS) spectra, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ¹³C-NMR, and elemental analysis (CHN). The anticonvulsant activity was evaluated by a subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) test and maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizure test, while neurotoxicity was evaluated by a rotorod test. The molecular docking was performed for all newly-synthesized compounds to assess their binding affinities to the GABA-A receptor in order to rationalize their anticonvulsant activities in a qualitative way. The data obtained from the molecular modeling was correlated with that obtained from the biological screening. These data showed considerable anticonvulsant activity for all newly-synthesized compounds. Compounds 5b, 5c, and 5d showed the highest binding affinities toward the GABA-A receptor, along with the highest anticonvulsant activities in experimental mice. These compounds also showed low neurotoxicity and low toxicity in the median lethal dose test compared to the reference drugs. A GABA enzymatic assay was performed for these highly active compounds to confirm the obtained results and explain the possible mechanism for anticonvulsant action. The most active compounds might be used as leads for future modification and optimization.

GABA Australis, some reflections on the history of GABA receptor research in Australia

Research on GABA receptors has a long history in Australia dating from 1958 with David Curtis and his colleagues in Canberra. This review traces many of the advances made in Australia guided by highly cited publications and some obscure ones. It covers the discovery of key chemicals with which to investigate GABA receptor function including bicuculline, muscimol, phaclofen, THIP and (+)-CAMP. Also described are findings relevant to the involvement of mutant GABA receptors in inherited epilepsy. The modulation of GABA receptors by a bewildering range of chemicals, especially by flavonoids and terpenoids, is discussed.

Pharmacological response sensitization in nerve cell networks exposed to the antibiotic gentamicin

Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is used in clinical, organismic, and agricultural applications to combat gram-negative, aerobic bacteria. The clinical use of gentamicin is widely linked to various toxicities, but there is a void in our knowledge about the neuromodulatory or neurotoxicity effects of gentamicin. This investigation explored the electrophysiologic effects of gentamicin on GABAergic pharmacological profiles in spontaneously active neuronal networks in vitro derived from auditory cortices of E16 mouse embryos and grown on microelectrode arrays. Using the GABA_A agonist muscimol as the test substance, responses from networks to dose titrations of muscimol were compared in the presence and absence of 100µM gentamicin (the recommended concentration for cell culture conditions). Spike-rate based EC₅₀ values were generated using sigmoidal fit concentration response curves (CRCs). Exposure to 100µM gentamicin exhibited a muscimol EC₅₀±S.E.M. of 80±6nM (n=10). The EC₅₀ value obtained in the absence of gentamicin was 124±11nM (n=10). The 35% increase in potency suggests network sensitization to muscimol in the presence of gentamicin. Action potential (AP) waveform analyses of neurons exposed to gentamicin demonstrated a concentration-dependent decrease in AP amplitudes (extracellular recordings), possibly reflecting gentamicin effects on voltage-gated ion channels. These in vitro results reveal alteration of pharmacological responses by antibiotics that could have significant influence on the behavior and performance of animals.

Stereochemical Control of Enzymatic Carbon-Carbon Bond-Forming Michael-Type Additions by "Substrate Engineering"

The enzyme 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase (4-OT) promiscuously catalyzes the Michael-type addition of acetaldehyde to β-nitrostyrene derivatives to yield chiral γ-nitroaldehydes, which are important precursors for pharmaceutically active γ-aminobutyric acids. In this study, we investigated the effect of different substituents at the aromatic ring of the Michael acceptor on the catalytic efficiency and stereoselectivity of the 4-OT-catalyzed acetaldehyde addition reactions. Highly enantioenriched (R)- and (S)-γ-nitroaldehydes and 4-substituted chroman-2-ol could be obtained in good to excellent yields by applying different substituents at appropriate positions of the aromatic substrate. Stereochemical control of these enzymatic Michael-type additions by "substrate engineering" allowed the enantioselective synthesis of valuable γ-aminobutyric acid precursors. In addition, the results suggest a novel enzymatic synthesis route towards precursors for chromans and derivatives, which are valuable scaffolds for preparing biologically active natural products.

Oxytocin modulates GABAAR subunits to confer neuroprotection in stroke in vitro

Oxytocin protects against ischemia-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, and is associated with GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid, an inhibitory neurotransmitter) signaling transduction in neurons. However, the molecular mechanism by which oxytocin affords neuroprotection, especially the interaction between oxytocin receptor and GABA_A receptor (GABA_AR), remains to be elucidated. Primary rat neural cells were exposed to oxytocin before induction of experimental acute stroke model via oxygen-glucose deprivation-reperfusion (OGD/R) injury. Pretreatment with oxytocin increased cell viability, decreased the cell damage against oxidative stress, and prevented the release of high mobility group box1 during OGD/R. However, introduction of oxytocin during OGD/R did not induce neuroprotection. Although oxytocin did not affect the glutathione-related cellular metabolism before OGD, oxytocin modulated the expression levels of GABA_AR subunits, which function to remove excessive neuronal excitability via chloride ion influx. Oxytocin-pretreated cells significantly increased the chloride ion influx in response to GABA and THIP (δ-GABA_AR specific agonist). This study provides evidence that oxytocin regulated GABA_AR subunits in affording neuroprotection against OGD/R injury.

RNA binding protein Nova1 promotes tumor growth in vivo and its potential mechanism as an oncogene may due to its interaction with GABAA Receptor-γ2

Background

The mechanism of Nova1’s role in hepatocellular carcinoma has not been delineated. Also its interaction with GABA_A receptor γ2 in HCC is unveiled. This study is aimed to make it clear the distribution, prognostic value of GABA_ARγ2 in human hepatocellular carcinoma. And its role in HCC tumorigenesis under the regulation of its alternative splicing factor Nova1.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry staining was used to investigate the distribution and clinical significance of GABA_ARγ2 protein expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. In vivo tumorigenticity test was conducted in nude mice by regulation the expression of Nova1. Later, western blot and co-immunoprecipitation were carried out to verify the interaction between Nova1 and GABA_ARγ2 in HCC tissue.

Results

Immunohistochemical staining showed GABA_ARγ2 expression in HCC. Survival analysis showed intratumoral GABA_ARγ2 was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS). Up-regulation of Nova1 expression promotes subcutaneous HCC growth in nude mice and western blot showed the ectopic expression of Nova-1 restro-regulates the expression of GABA_ARγ2 and GABA. Protein level interaction of GABA_ARγ2 and Nova-1 was evidenced by co-immunoprecipitation.

Conclusions

Nova1 interacts with GABA_ARγ2 not only in CNS but also in HCC. Nova1’s potential mechanism as an oncogene may due to its interaction with GABA_A Rγ2. A better understanding of the mechanism of Nova1 for HCC progression provides a novel target for an optimal immunotherapy against this fatal malignancy.