Parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the hippocampus of the gerbil after transient forebrain ischaemia: a qualitative and quantitative sequential study

Antiepileptogenic and neuroprotective effect of mefloquine after experimental status epilepticus

Acquired temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and hippocampal inhibitory neuron dysfunction is often refractory to current therapies. Gap junctional or electrical coupling between inhibitory neurons has been proposed to facilitate network synchrony and intercellular molecular exchange suggesting a role in both seizures and neurodegeneration. While gap junction blockers can limit acute seizures, whether blocking neuronal gap junctions can modify development of chronic epilepsy has not been examined. This study examined whether mefloquine, a selective blocker of Connexin 36 gap junctions which are well characterized in inhibitory neurons, can limit epileptogenesis and related cellular and behavioral pathology in a model of acquired TLE. A single, systemic dose of mefloquine administered early after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) in rat reduced both development of SRS and behavioral co-morbidities. Immunostaining for interneuron subtypes identified that mefloquine treatment likely reduced delayed inhibitory neuronal loss after SE. Uniquely, parvalbumin expressing neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus appeared relatively resistant to early cell loss after SE. Functionally, whole cell patch clamp recordings revealed that mefloquine treatment preserved inhibitory synaptic drive to projection neurons one week and one month after SE. These results demonstrate that mefloquine, a drug already approved for malaria prophylaxis, is potentially antiepileptogenic and can protect against progressive interneuron loss and behavioral co-morbidities of epilepsy.

Osteopontin mediates the formation of corpora amylacea-like structures from degenerating neurons in the CA1 region of the rat hippocampus after ischemia

We previously demonstrated that osteopontin (OPN) is closely associated with calcium precipitation in response to ischemic brain insults. The present study was designed to elucidate the possible association between deposition of OPN and progressive neurodegeneration in the ischemic hippocampus. To address this, we analyzed the OPN deposits in the rat hippocampus after global cerebral ischemia in the chronic phase (4 to 12 weeks) after reperfusion using immunoelectron microscopy and correlative light and electron microscopy. We identified three different types of OPN deposits based on their morphological characteristics, numbered according to the order in which they evolved. Dark degenerative cells that retained cellular morphology were frequently observed in the pyramidal cell layer, and type I OPN deposits were degenerative mitochondria that accumulated among these cells. Type II deposits evolved into more complex amorphous structures with prominent OPN deposits within their periphery and within degenerative mitochondria-like structures. Finally, type III had large concentric laminated structures with irregularly shaped bodies in the center of the deposits. In all types, OPN expression was closely correlated with calcification, as confirmed by calcium fixation and Alizarin Red staining. Notably, type II and III deposits were highly reminiscent of corpora amylacea, glycoprotein-rich aggregates found in aged brains, or neurodegenerative disease, which was further confirmed by ubiquitin expression and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Overall, our data provide a novel link between ongoing neurodegeneration and the formation of corpora amylacea-like structures and calcium deposits in the ischemic hippocampus, suggesting that OPN may play an important role in such processes.

Transient Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation Causes Region- and Cell Type-Dependent Functional Deficits in the Mouse Hippocampus In Vitro

Neurons are highly vulnerable to conditions of hypoxia-ischemia (HI) such as stroke or transient ischemic attacks. Recovery of cognitive and behavioral functions requires re-emergence of coordinated network activity, which, in turn, relies on the well-orchestrated interaction of pyramidal cells (PYRs) and interneurons. We therefore modelled HI in the mouse hippocampus, a particularly vulnerable region showing marked loss of PYR and fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs) after hypoxic-ischemic insults. Transient oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in ex vivo hippocampal slices led to a rapid loss of neuronal activity and spontaneous network oscillations (sharp wave-ripple complexes; SPW-Rs), and to the occurrence of a spreading depolarization. Following reperfusion, both SPW-R and neuronal spiking resumed, but FSI activity remained strongly reduced compared with PYR. Whole-cell recordings in CA1 PYR revealed, however, a similar reduction of both EPSCs and IPSCs, leaving inhibition-excitation (I/E) balance unaltered. At the network level, SPW-R incidence was strongly reduced and the remaining network events showed region-specific changes including reduced ripple energy in CA3 and increased ripple frequency in CA1. Together, our data show that transient hippocampal energy depletion results in severe functional alterations at the cellular and network level. While I/E balance is maintained, synaptic activity, interneuron spiking and coordinated network patterns remain reduced. Such alterations may be network-level correlates of cognitive and functional deficits after cerebral HI.

Quercetin attenuates the reduction of parvalbumin in middle cerebral artery occlusion animal model

Background

Calcium is a critical factor involved in modulation of essential cellular functions. Parvalbumin is a calcium buffering protein that regulates intracellular calcium concentrations. It prevents rises in calcium concentrations and inhibits apoptotic processes during ischemic injury. Quercetin exerts potent antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects during brain ischemia. We investigated whether quercetin can regulate parvalbumin expression in cerebral ischemia and glutamate toxicity-induced neuronal cell death. Adult male rats were treated with vehicle or quercetin (10 mg/kg) 30 min prior to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and cerebral cortical tissues were collected 24 h after MCAO. We used various techniques including Western blot, reverse transcription-PCR, and immunohistochemical staining to elucidate the changes of parvalbumin expression.

Results

Quercetin ameliorated MCAO-induced neurological deficits and behavioral changes. Moreover, quercetin prevented MCAO-induced a decrease in parvalbumin expression.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that quercetin exerts a neuroprotective effect through regulation of parvalbumin expression.

CD200 Change Is Involved in Neuronal Death in Gerbil Hippocampal CA1 Field Following Transient Forebrain Ischemia and Postischemic Treatment with Risperidone Displays Neuroprotection without CD200 Change

It has been reported that CD200 (Cluster of Differentiation 200), expressed in neurons, regulates microglial activation in the central nervous system, and a decrease in CD200 expression causes an increase in microglial activation and neuronal loss. The aim of this study was to investigate time-dependent changes in CD200 expression in the hippocampus proper (CA1, 2, and 3 fields) after transient forebrain ischemia for 5 min in gerbils. In this study, 5-min ischemia evoked neuronal death (loss) of pyramidal neurons in the CA1 field, but not in the CA2/3 fields, at 5 days postischemia. In the sham group, CD200 expression was found in pyramidal neurons of the CA1 field, and the immunoreactivity in the group with ischemia was decreased at 6 h postischemia, dramatically increased at 12 h postischemia, decreased (to level found at 6 h postischemia) at 1 and 2 days postischemia, and significantly increased again at 5 days postischemia. At 5 days postischemia, CD200 immunoreactivity was strongly expressed in microglia and GABAergic neurons. However, in the CA3 field, the change in CD200 immunoreactivity in pyramidal neurons was markedly weaker than that in the CA1 field, showing there was no expression of CD 200 in microglia and GABAergic neurons. In addition, treatment of 10 mg/kg risperidone (an atypical antipsychotic drug) after the ischemia hardly changed CD200 immunoreactivity in the CA1 field, showing that CA1 pyramidal neurons were protected from the ischemic injury. These results indicate that the transient ischemia-induced change in CD200 expression may be associated with specific and selective neuronal death in the hippocampal CA1 field following transient forebrain ischemia.

In vivo Neuroregeneration to Treat Ischemic Stroke Through NeuroD1 AAV-Based Gene Therapy in Adult Non-human Primates

Stroke may cause severe death and disability but many clinical trials have failed in the past, partially because the lack of an effective method to regenerate new neurons after stroke. In this study, we report an in vivo neural regeneration approach through AAV NeuroD1-based gene therapy to repair damaged brains after ischemic stroke in adult non-human primates (NHPs). We demonstrate that ectopic expression of a neural transcription factor NeuroD1 in the reactive astrocytes after monkey cortical stroke can convert 90% of the infected astrocytes into neurons. Interestingly, astrocytes are not depleted in the NeuroD1-converted areas, consistent with the proliferative capability of astrocytes. Following ischemic stroke in monkey cortex, the NeuroD1-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron (AtN) conversion significantly increased local neuronal density, reduced microglia and macrophage, and surprisingly protected parvalbumin interneurons in the converted areas. Furthermore, the NeuroD1 gene therapy showed a broad time window in AtN conversion, from 10 to 30 days following ischemic stroke. The cortical astrocyte-converted neurons showed Tbr1+ cortical neuron identity, similar to our earlier findings in rodent animal models. Unexpectedly, NeuroD1 expression in converted neurons showed a significant decrease after 6 months of viral infection, indicating a downregulation of NeuroD1 after neuronal maturation in adult NHPs. These results suggest that in vivo cell conversion through NeuroD1-based gene therapy may be an effective approach to regenerate new neurons for tissue repair in adult primate brains.

Calcium-Binding Proteins as Determinants of Central Nervous System Neuronal Vulnerability to Disease

Neuronal subpopulations display differential vulnerabilities to disease, but the factors that determine their susceptibility are poorly understood. Toxic increases in intracellular calcium are a key factor in several neurodegenerative processes, with calcium-binding proteins providing an important first line of defense through their ability to buffer incoming calcium, allowing the neuron to quickly achieve homeostasis. Since neurons expressing different calcium-binding proteins have been reported to be differentially susceptible to degeneration, it can be hypothesized that rather than just serving as markers of different neuronal subpopulations, they might actually be a key determinant of survival. In this review, we will summarize some of the evidence that expression of the EF-hand calcium-binding proteins, calbindin, calretinin and parvalbumin, may influence the susceptibility of distinct neuronal subpopulations to disease processes.

Proportional loss of parvalbumin-immunoreactive synaptic boutons and granule cells from the hippocampus of sea lions with temporal lobe epilepsy

One in 26 people develop epilepsy and in these temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is common. Many patients display a pattern of neuron loss called hippocampal sclerosis. Seizures usually start in the hippocampus but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. One possibility is insufficient inhibition of dentate granule cells. Normally parvalbumin-immunoreactive (PV) interneurons strongly inhibit granule cells. Humans with TLE display loss of PV interneurons in the dentate gyrus but questions persist. To address this, we evaluated PV interneuron and bouton numbers in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) that naturally develop TLE after exposure to domoic acid, a neurotoxin that enters the marine food chain during harmful algal blooms. Sclerotic hippocampi were identified by the loss of Nissl-stained hilar neurons. Stereological methods were used to estimate the number of granule cells and PV interneurons per dentate gyrus. Sclerotic hippocampi contained fewer granule cells, fewer PV interneurons, and fewer PV synaptic boutons, and the ratio of granule cells to PV interneurons was higher than in controls. To test whether fewer boutons was attributable to loss versus reduced immunoreactivity, expression of synaptotagmin-2 (syt2) was evaluated. Syt2 is also expressed in boutons of PV interneurons. Sclerotic hippocampi displayed proportional losses of syt2-immunoreactive boutons, PV boutons, and granule cells. There was no significant difference in the average numbers of PV- or syt2-positive boutons per granule cell between control and sclerotic hippocampi. These findings do not address functionality of surviving synapses but suggest reduced granule cell inhibition in TLE is not attributable to anatomical loss of PV boutons.

Developmental Expression of Calcium-Binding Protein-Containing Neurons in Neocortical Transplants

The present study examined the development of calcium binding protein-containing neurons in a timed series of fetal neocortical transplants. The immunoexpression of parvalbumin and calbindin, which are subpopulations of GABAergic neurons, have been widely studied in normal development and in disease and injury states. Because of their purported resistance to oxidative injury by their ability to buffer Ca++ influx, these neurons have been particularly studied following ischemia. Because it is likely that oxidative stress is associated with the grafting procedure, we sought to determine if these neurons displayed enhanced survival characteristics. Normally, parvalbumin and calbindin represent about 5-10% of cortical neurons. Within 2-4 wk after grafting the expression of both proteins increased markedly in that a relatively larger number of neurons (27% for parvalbumin) were immunopositive. This increase was transitory, however, and by 4 mo and beyond, confocal microscopic data showed a reduction of over 50% of parvalbumin (+) neurons and processes. Calbindin (+) processes showed a qualitative change in that they were smaller with less terminal branching. Electron microscopy confirmed a substantial reduction in parvalbumin synaptic contacts. Interestingly, in older grafts, remaining parvalbumin neurons were those that were strongly NSE (+) suggesting a link between normal metabolism and Ca++ buffering in grafted neurons. It is possible that in early grafts certain neuronal populations transiently upregulated calcium binding proteins as a defensive mechanism against Ca++ influx associated with oxidative stress. Over time, however, following physiological normalization within grafts, the calcium binding protein (+) neurons are diminished, possibly due to lack of appropriate afferent input to the interneuronal pool.

Prolonged deficits in parvalbumin neuron stimulation-evoked network activity despite recovery of dendritic structure and excitability in the somatosensory cortex following global ischemia in mice

Relatively few studies have examined plasticity of inhibitory neuronal networks following stroke in vivo, primarily due to the inability to selectively monitor inhibition. We assessed the structure of parvalbumin (PV) interneurons during a 5 min period of global ischemia and reperfusion in mice, which mimicked cerebral ischemia during cardiac arrest or forms of transient ischemic attack. The dendritic structure of PV-neurons in cortical superficial layers was rapidly swollen and beaded during global ischemia, but recovered within 5-10 min following reperfusion. Using optogenetics and a multichannel optrode, we investigated the function of PV-neurons in mouse forelimb somatosensory cortex. We demonstrated pharmacologically that PV-channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) stimulation evoked activation in layer IV/V, which resulted in rapid current sinks mediated by photocurrent and action potentials (a measure of PV-neuron excitability), which was then followed by current sources mediated by network GABAergic synaptic activity. During ischemic depolarization, the PV-ChR2-evoked current sinks (excitability) were suppressed, but recovered rapidly following reperfusion concurrent with repolarization of the DC-EEG. In contrast, the current sources reflecting GABAergic synaptic network activity recovered slowly and incompletely, and was coincident with the partial recovery of the forepaw stimulation-evoked current sinks in layer IV/V 30 min post reperfusion. Our in vivo data suggest that the excitability of PV inhibitory neurons was suppressed during global ischemia and rapidly recovered during reperfusion. In contrast, PV-ChR2 stimulation-evoked GABAergic synaptic network activity exhibited a prolonged suppression even ∼1 h after reperfusion, which could contribute to the dysfunction of sensation and cognition following transient global ischemia.

Changes in the expression of DNA-binding/differentiation protein inhibitors in neurons and glial cells of the gerbil hippocampus following transient global cerebral ischemia

Inhibitors of DNA-binding/differentiation (ID) proteins bind to basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors, including those that regulate differentiation and cell-cycle progression during development, and regulate gene transcription. However, little is known about the role of ID proteins in the brain under transient cerebral ischemic conditions. In the present study, we examined the effects of ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury on the immunoreactivity and protein levels of IDs 1–4 in the gerbil hippocampus proper Cornu Ammonis regions CA1–3 following 5 min of transient cerebral ischemia. Strong ID1 immunoreactivity was detected in the nuclei of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal CA1–3 regions; immunoreactivity was significantly changed following I-R in the CA1 region, but not in the CA2/3 region. Five days following I-R, ID1 immunoreactivity was not detected in the CA1 pyramidal neurons. ID1 immunoreactivity was detected only in GABAergic interneurons in the ischemic CA1 region. Weak ID4 immunoreactivity was detected in non-pyramidal cells, and immunoreactivity was again only changed in the ischemic CA1 region. Five days following I-R, strong ID4 immunoreactivity was detected in non-pyramidal cells, which were identified as microglia, and not astrocytes, in the ischemic CA1 region. Furthermore, changes in the protein levels of ID1 and ID4 in the ischemic CA1 region studied by western blot were consistent with patterns of immunoreactivity. In summary, these results indicate that immunoreactivity and protein levels of ID1 and ID4 are distinctively altered following transient cerebral ischemia only in the CA1 region, and that the changes in ID1 and ID4 expression may relate to the ischemia-induced delayed neuronal death.

Medial premotor cortex shows a reduction in inhibitory markers and mediates recovery in a mouse model of focal stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Motor recovery after ischemic stroke in primary motor cortex is thought to occur in part through training-enhanced reorganization in undamaged premotor areas, enabled by reductions in cortical inhibition. Here we used a mouse model of focal cortical stroke and a double-lesion approach to test the idea that a medial premotor area (medial agranular cortex [AGm]) reorganizes to mediate recovery of prehension, and that this reorganization is associated with a reduction in inhibitory interneuron markers.

METHODS

C57Bl/6 mice were trained to perform a skilled prehension task to an asymptotic level of performance after which they underwent photocoagulation-induced stroke in the caudal forelimb area. The mice were then retrained and inhibitory interneuron immunofluorescence was assessed in prechosen, anatomically defined neocortical areas. Mice then underwent a second photocoagulation-induced stroke in AGm.

RESULTS

Focal caudal forelimb area stroke led to a decrement in skilled prehension. Training-associated recovery of prehension was associated with a reduction in parvalbumin, calretinin, and calbindin expression in AGm. Subsequent infarction of AGm led to reinstatement of the original deficit.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that with training, AGm can reorganize after a focal motor stroke and serve as a new control area for prehension. Reduced inhibition may represent a marker for reorganization or it is necessary for reorganization to occur. Our mouse model, with all of the attendant genetic benefits, may allow us to determine at the cellular and molecular levels how behavioral training and endogenous plasticity interact to mediate recovery.

Ferulic acid attenuates the focal cerebral ischemic injury-induced decrease in parvalbumin expression

Ferulic acid exerts a neuroprotective effect through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation properties. Parvalbumin has calcium buffering capacity and protects neuronal cells from cytotoxic Ca(2+) overload. This study investigated whether ferulic acid regulates parvalbumin expression in cerebral ischemia and glutamate toxicity-induced neuronal cell death. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were immediately treated with vehicle or ferulic acid (100 mg/kg, i.v.) after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and cerebral cortex tissues were collected 24 h after MCAO. A proteomics approach elucidated the decrease of parvalbumin in MCAO-operated animals, and ferulic acid treatment attenuated the injury-induced decrease in parvalbumin expression. Moreover, RT-PCR and Western blot analyses clearly showed that ferulic acid treatment prevents the injury-induced decrease in parvalbumin levels. The number of parvalbumin-positive cells also decreased in MCAO-operated animals, and ferulic acid attenuated this injury-induced decrease in parvalbumin-positive cells. In cultured hippocampal cells, glutamate toxicity significantly increased the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, whereas this increase in Ca(2+) levels was inhibited by ferulic acid treatment. In addition, ferulic acid treatment attenuated the glutamate exposure-induced decrease in parvalbumin levels. These results suggest that ferulic acid exerts a neuroprotective effect by attenuating the injury-induced decrease of parvalbumin and modulating intracellular Ca(2+) levels.

Tonic NMDA receptor-mediated current in prefrontal cortical pyramidal cells and fast-spiking interneurons

Tonically activated neuronal currents mediated by N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) have been hypothesized to contribute to normal neuronal function as well as to neuronal pathology resulting from excessive activation of glutamate receptors (e.g., excitotoxicity). Whereas cortical excitatory cells are very vulnerable to excitotoxic insult, the data regarding resistance of inhibitory cells (or interneurons) are inconsistent. Types of neurons with more pronounced tonic NMDAR current potentially associated with the activation of extrasynaptic NMDARs could be expected to be more vulnerable to excessive activation by glutamate. In this study, we compared tonic activation of NMDARs in excitatory pyramidal cells and inhibitory fast-spiking interneurons in prefrontal cortical slices. We assessed tonic NMDAR current by measuring holding current shift as well as noise reduction following NMDAR blockade after removal of spontaneous glutamate release. In addition, we compared NMDAR miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in both cell types. We have demonstrated for the first time that tonic NMDAR currents are present in inhibitory fast-spiking interneurons. We found that the magnitude of tonic NMDAR current is similar in pyramidal cells and fast-spiking interneurons, and that quantal release of glutamate does not significantly impact tonic NMDAR current.

Hypoglossal motor neurons display a reduced calcium increase after axotomy in mice with upregulated parvalbumin

Motor neurons that exhibit differences in vulnerability to degeneration have been identified in motor neuron disease and in its animal models. The oculomotor and hypoglossal neurons are regarded as the prototypes of the resistant and susceptible cell types, respectively. Because an increase in the level of intracellular calcium has been proposed as a feature amplifying degenerative processes, we earlier studied the calcium increase in these motor neurons after axotomy in Balb/c mice and demonstrated a correlation between the susceptibility to degeneration and the intracellular calcium increase, with an inverse relation with the calcium buffering capacity, characterized by the parvalbumin or calbindin-D(28k) content. Because the differential susceptibility of the cells might also be attributed to their different cellular environments, in the present experiments, with the aim of verifying directly that a higher calcium buffering capacity is indeed responsible for the enhanced resistance, motor neurons were studied in their original milieu in mice with a genetically increased parvalbumin level. The changes in intracellular calcium level of the hypoglossal and oculomotor neurons after axotomy were studied electron microscopically at a 21-day interval after axotomy, during which time no significant calcium increase was detected in the hypoglossal motor neurons, the response being similar to that of the oculomotor neurons. The hypoglossal motor neurons of the parental mice, used as positive controls, exhibited a transient, significant elevation of calcium. These data provide more direct evidence of the protective role of parvalbumin against the degeneration mediated by a calcium increase in the acute injury of motor neurons.

Age-related changes of NGF, BDNF, parvalbumin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in the mouse hippocampal CA1 sector

We investigated the age-related alterations in nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), parvalbumin and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunoreactivity of the mouse hippocampal CA1 sector. NGF and BDNF immunoreactivity was unchanged in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons from 2 to 50-59 weeks of birth. In contrast, a significant increase in the NGF and BDNF immunoreactivity was observed in glial cells of the hippocampal CA1 sector from 40-42 to 50-59 weeks of birth. On the other hand, the number of parvalbumin- and nNOS-positive interneurons was unchanged in the hippocampal CA1 sector during aging processes, except for a significant decrease of nNOS-positive interneurons 2 weeks of birth. Our results indicate that NGF and BDNF immunoreactivity was unaltered in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons during aging processes. In contrast, a significant increase in the NGF and BDNF immunoreactivity was observed in glial cells of the hippocampal CA1 sector during aging processes. The present study also shows that the number of parvalbumin- and nNOS-positive interneurons was unchanged in the hippocampal CA1 sector during aging processes, except for a significant decrease of nNOS-positive interneurons 2 weeks of birth. These results demonstrate that the expression of glial NGF and BDNF may play a key role for helping survival and maintenance of pyramidal neurons and neuronal functions in the hippocampal CA1 sector during aging processes. Furthermore, our findings suggest that parvalbumin- and nNOS-positive interneurons in the hippocampal CA1 sector are resistant to aging processes. Moreover, our findings suggest that nitric oxide synthesized by the nNOS may play some role for neuronal growth during postnatal development.

Loss of GABAergic neurons in the subiculum and its functional implications in temporal lobe epilepsy

Clinical and experimental evidence suggest that the subiculum plays an important role in the maintenance of temporal lobe seizures. Using the pilocarpine-model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the present study examines the vulnerability of GABAergic subicular interneurons to recurrent seizures and determines its functional implications. In the subiculum of pilocarpine-treated animals, the density of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) mRNA-positive cells was reduced in all layers. Our data indicate a substantial loss of parvalbumin-immunoreactive neurons in the pyramidal cell and molecular layer whereas calretinin-immunoreactive cells were predominantly reduced in the molecular layer. Though the subiculum of pilocarpine-treated rats showed an increased intensity of GAD65 immunoreactivity, the density of GAD65 containing synaptic terminals in the pyramidal cell layer was decreased indicating an increase in the GAD65 intensity of surviving synaptic terminals. We observed a decrease in evoked inhibitory post-synaptic currents that mediate dendritic inhibition as well as a decline in the frequency of miniature inhibitory post-synaptic currents (mIPSCs) that are restricted to the perisomatic region. The decrease in mIPSC frequency (-30%) matched with the reduced number of perisomatic GAD-positive terminals (-28%) suggesting a decrease of pre-synaptic GABAergic input onto pyramidal cells in epileptic animals. Though cell loss in the subiculum has not been considered as a pathogenic factor in human and experimental TLE, our data suggest that the vulnerability of subicular GABAergic interneurons causes an input-specific disturbance of the subicular inhibitory system.

The functional genome of CA1 and CA3 neurons under native conditions and in response to ischemia

BACKGROUND

The different physiological repertoire of CA3 and CA1 neurons in the hippocampus, as well as their differing behaviour after noxious stimuli are ultimately based upon differences in the expressed genome. We have compared CA3 and CA1 gene expression in the uninjured brain, and after cerebral ischemia using laser microdissection (LMD), RNA amplification, and array hybridization.

RESULTS

Profiling in CA1 vs. CA3 under normoxic conditions detected more than 1000 differentially expressed genes that belong to different, physiologically relevant gene ontology groups in both cell types. The comparison of each region under normoxic and ischemic conditions revealed more than 5000 ischemia-regulated genes for each individual cell type. Surprisingly, there was a high co-regulation in both regions. In the ischemic state, only about 100 genes were found to be differentially expressed in CA3 and CA1. The majority of these genes were also different in the native state. A minority of interesting genes (e.g. inhibinbetaA) displayed divergent expression preference under native and ischemic conditions with partially opposing directions of regulation in both cell types.

CONCLUSION

The differences found in two morphologically very similar cell types situated next to each other in the CNS are large providing a rational basis for physiological differences. Unexpectedly, the genomic response to ischemia is highly similar in these two neuron types, leading to a substantial attenuation of functional genomic differences in these two cell types. Also, the majority of changes that exist in the ischemic state are not generated de novo by the ischemic stimulus, but are preexistant from the genomic repertoire in the native situation. This unexpected influence of a strong noxious stimulus on cell-specific gene expression differences can be explained by the activation of a cell-type independent conserved gene-expression program. Our data generate both novel insights into the relation of the quiescent and stimulus-induced transcriptome in different cells, and provide a large dataset to the research community, both for mapping purposes, as well as for physiological and pathophysiological research.

Comparison of single- and repeated-ischemia-induced changes in expression of flip and flop splice variants of AMPA receptor subtypes GluR1 and GluR2 in the rats hippocampus CA1 subregion

In addition to their role in physiological activities, ionotropic glutamate alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate receptors (AMPARs) play an important role in neuronal death, especially that following ischemic insults. In this study, we examined the effect of single (SI) and twice repeated (RI)-4-vessel occlusion-ischemia on rat performance in the 8-armed radial maze test. Moreover, the effects of SI and RI on the AMPARs subunits glutamate receptor (GluR) 1 and GluR2 flip and flop variants composition in the CA1 subregion of the hippocampus were investigated using RT-PCR, normalized to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), and expressed as their ratios to the latter. The results showed that SI and RI impaired the maze performance by decreasing correct choices and increasing the error choices, but RI increased error choices to a greater extent than the SI. The SI reduced only GluR1 flip/GAPDH on day 1. The SI did not alter ratios of GluR2 variants to those of GluR1. On the other hand, the RI decreased GluR2 flip and flop variants after 1 and 3 days, respectively, whereas after 7 days, it increased the flip variant of both GluR1 and GluR2. Moreover, the RI reduced ratios of GluR2 variants to those of GluR1. These results reveal the differential effects of the SI and RI on memory and expression of the AMPARs subunits GluR1 and GluR2 and their flip and flop variants in the CA1.

Axotomy induces contrasting changes in calcium and calcium-binding proteins in oculomotor and hypoglossal nuclei of Balb/c mice

Motor neurons with different susceptibility to degeneration have been identified in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Increase of intracellular calcium has been proposed as a mediator, amplifying the damage through a positive feedback of the known pathological processes. Accordingly, the potential of motor neurons to limit calcium increases during injury might be proportional to their viability. A basic mechanism of reducing calcium amplitudes depends on the calcium-buffering capacity, determined by the calcium-binding protein content. In this study, oculomotor and hypoglossal neurons, prototypes of resistant and vulnerable motor neurons in ALS were examined in axotomy experiments. Total calcium-, parvalbumin-, and calbindin-D28k levels of motor neurons of adult mice were characterized by electron microscopic histochemistry and light microscopic immunostaining. In hypoglossal neurons, compared with oculomotor neurons, larger and more enduring increases of calcium were detected. The perikarya of hypoglossal neurons remained immunonegative for both parvalbumin and calbindin-D28k. Qualitatively, no major cell loss was noted after axotomy, but a decreased neuronal marker staining at days 1-14 suggested a reversible injury of hypoglossal neurons. Oculomotor neurons were not stained for calbindin-D28k but stained for parvalbumin in control conditions, staining which increased at postoperative days 7-14 before returning to baseline. Neuronal marker staining did not change in these cells during the observed period. The higher level of parvalbumin in resistant motor neurons and their ability to up-regulate parvalbumin after injury, paralleled by a smaller increase of intracellular calcium suggest that parvalbumin may have a protective effect in these cells.

BDNF up-regulates TrkB protein and prevents the death of CA1 neurons following transient forebrain ischemia

The neurotrophin family of growth factors, which includes Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Neurotrophin-3 (NT3) and Neurotrophin-4/5 (NT4/5) bind and activate specific tyrosine kinase (Trk) receptors to promote cell survival and growth of different cell populations. For these reasons, growing attention has been paid to the use of neurotrophins as therapeutic agents in neurodegeneration, and to the regulation of the expression of their specific receptors by the ligands. BDNF expression, as revealed by immunohistochemistry, is found in the pre-subiculum, CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Strong TrkB immunoreactivity is present in most CA3 neurons but only in scattered neurons of the CA1 area. Weak TrkB immunoreactivity is found in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus. Unilateral grafting of BDNF-transfected fibroblasts into the hippocampus resulted in a marked increase in the intensity of the immunoreaction and in the number of TrkB-immunoreactive neurons in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, pre-subiculum and CA1 area in the vicinity of the graft. No similar effects were produced after the injection of control mock-transfected fibroblasts. Delayed cell death in the CA1 area was produced following 5 min of forebrain ischemia in the gerbil. The majority of living cells in the CA1 area at the fourth day were BDNF/TrkB immunoreactive. Unilateral grafting of control mock-transfected or BDNF fibroblasts two days before ischemia resulted in a moderate non-specific protection of TrkB-negative, but not TrkB-positive cells, in the CA1 area of the grafted side. This finding is in line with a vascular and glial reaction, as revealed, by immunohistochemistry using astroglial and microglial cell markers. This astroglial response was higher in the grafted side than in the contralateral side in ischemic gerbils, but no differences were seen between BDNF-producing and non-BDNF-producing grafts. However, grafting of BDNF-producing fibroblasts two days before ischemia significantly and specifically prevented nerve cells from dying in the CA1 area of the ipsilateral hippocampus. Cell survival was associated with increased TrkB immunoreactivity as the majority of living cells were TrkB immunoreactive. Thus, our results show that BDNF is able to up-regulate the expression of TrkB in control and pathological states, and that BDNF prevention of neuronal death following transient forebrain ischemia is associated with increased expression of its specific receptor.

Changes of parvalbumin immunoreactive neurons and GFAP immunoreactive astrocytes in the rat lateral geniculate nucleus following monocular enucleation

The expression of calcium binding proteins (CaBPs) has been linked to protection of neurons. The present study investigated the effects of monocular enucleation on the distribution of parvalbumin immunoreactive (PV-IR) neurons and glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactive (GFAP-IR) astrocytes in both the dorsal (dLGN) and ventral (vLGN) regions of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). Our results demonstrated an increase in PV-IR neuronal density on the contralateral vLGN at 1-week post-enucleation (PE), which was maintained without significant change for 12 weeks. By contrast, PV-IR neurons in dLGN decreased significantly at all time point examined. The number of GFAP-IR astrocytes showed an initial increase from 1 to 4 weeks PE and then gradually decreased until 48 weeks in both regions of the LGN with contralateral side predominance. The present results suggest that monocular enucleation results in variable expression of PV-IR neurons and GFAP-IR astrocytes in the LGN complex, which may play an important role in neuronal degeneration and neuroplasticity of the rat visual system.

Depressed responses to applied and synaptically-released GABA in CA1 pyramidal cells, but not in CA1 interneurons, after transient forebrain ischemia

Transient cerebral ischemia kills CA1 pyramidal cells of the hippocampus, whereas most CA1 interneurons survive. It has been proposed that calcium-binding proteins, neurotrophins, and/or inhibitory neuropeptides protect interneurons from ischemia. However, different synaptic responses early after reperfusion could also underlie the relative vulnerabilities to ischemia of pyramidal cells and interneurons. In this study, we used gramicidin perforated patch recording in ex vivo slices to investigate gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synaptic function in CA1 pyramidal cells and interneurons 4 h after a bilateral carotid occlusion accompanied by hypovolemic hypotension. At this survival time, the amplitudes of both miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) and GABA-evoked currents were reduced in CA1 pyramidal cells, but not in CA1 interneurons. In addition, the mean rise time of mIPSCs was reduced in pyramidal cells. The reversal potential for the GABA current (E(GABA)) did not shift toward depolarizing values in either cell type, indicating that the driving force for chloride was unchanged at this survival time. We conclude that early during reperfusion GABAergic neurotransmission is attenuated exclusively in pyramidal neurons. This is likely explained by reduced GABAA receptor sensitivity or clustering and possibly also reduced GABA release, rather than by an elevation of intracellular chloride. Impaired GABA function may contribute to ischemic neuronal death by enhancing the excitability of CA1 pyramidal cells and facilitating N-methyl-D-aspartic acid channel opening. Therefore, normalizing GABAergic function might be a useful pharmacological approach to counter excessive, and potentially excitotoxic, glutamatergic activity during the postischemic period.

Alterations of interneurons of the gerbil hippocampus after transient cerebral ischemia: effect of pitavastatin

We investigated the immunohistochemical alterations of parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons in the hippocampus after transient cerebral ischemia in gerbils in comparison with neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-expressing interneurons. We also examined the effect of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitor pitavastatin against the damage of neurons and interneurons in the hippocampus after cerebral ischemia. Severe neuronal damage was observed in the hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons 5 and 14 days after ischemia. The PV immunoreactivity was unchanged up to 2 days after ischemia. At 5 and 14 days after ischemia, in contrast, a conspicuous reduction of PV immunoreactivity was observed in interneurons of the hippocampal CA1 sector. Furthermore, a significant decrease of PV immunoreactivity was found in interneurons of the hippocampal CA3 sector. No damage of nNOS-immunopositive interneurons was detected in the gerbil hippocampus up to 1 day after ischemia. Thereafter, a decrease of nNOS immunoreactive interneurons was found in the hippocampal CA1 sector up to 14 days after ischemia. Pitavastatin significantly prevented the neuronal cell loss in the hippocampal CA1 sector 5 days after ischemia. Our immunohistochemical study also showed that pitavastatin prevented significant decrease of PV- and nNOS-positive interneurons in the hippocampus after ischemia. Double-labeled immunostainings showed that PV immunoreactivity was not found in nNOS-immunopositive interneurons of the brain. The present study demonstrates that cerebral ischemia can cause a loss of both PV- and nNOS-immunoreactive interneurons in the hippocampal CA1 sector. Our findings also show that the damage to nNOS-immunopositive interneurons may precede the neuronal cell loss in the hippocampal CA1 sector after ischemia and nNOS-positive interneurons may play some role in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic diseases. Furthermore, our present study indicates that pitavastatin can prevent the damage of interneurons in the hippocampus after cerebral ischemia. Thus, our study provides valuable information for the pathogenesis after cerebral ischemia.

Impaired and repaired inhibitory circuits in the epileptic human hippocampus

This review focuses on the epileptic human temporal lobe, primarily on recent findings related to changes in hippocampal GABAergic interneuron circuits that have a central role in epileptogenesis. Relying on correlations to animal studies, we provide a functional interpretation of the different changes in perisomatic inhibition (controlling output synchrony) and dendritic inhibition (controlling input plasticity), and the potential consequences of the loss of interneuron-selective interneurons. The highly heterogeneous, but specific, alterations of GABAergic interneuron circuits have important implications for the pharmacotherapy of epilepsy.

Uridine release during aminopyridine-induced epilepsy

Uridine, like adenosine, is released under sustained depolarization and it can inhibit hippocampal neuronal activity, suggesting that uridine may be released during seizures and can be involved in epileptic mechanisms. In an in vivo microdialysis study, we measured the extracellular changes of nucleoside and amino acid levels and recorded cortical EEG during 3-aminopyridine-induced epilepsy. Applying silver impregnation and immunohistochemistry, we examined the degree of hippocampal cell loss. We found that extracellular concentration of uridine, adenosine, inosine, and glutamate increased significantly, while glutamine level decreased during seizures. The release of uridine correlated with seizure activity. Systemic and local uridine application was ineffective. The number of parvalbumin- and calretinin-containing interneurons of dorsal hippocampi decreased. We conclude that uridine is released during epileptic activity, and suggest that as a neuromodulator, uridine may contribute to epilepsy-related neuronal activity changes, but uridine analogues having slower turnover would be needed for further investigation of physiological role of uridine.

Selective neuronal vulnerability following mild focal brain ischemia in the mouse

The evolution of cellular damage over time and the selective vulnerability of different neuronal subtypes was characterized in the striatum following 30-minute middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion in the mouse. Using autoradiography we found an increase in the density of [3H]PK11195 binding sites--likely reflecting microglial activation--in the lesion border at 3 days and in the whole striatum from 10 days to 6 weeks. This was accompanied by a distinct loss of [3H]flumazenil and [3H]CGP39653 binding sites from 10 days up to 6 weeks reflecting neuronal loss. Brain ischemia resulted in a substantial loss of medium spiny projection neurons as seen at three days by Nissl staining, TUNEL and immunocytochemistry using antibodies against microtubule-associated protein (MAP2), NeuN, mu-opioid receptors, substance P, L-enkephalin, neurokinin B, choline acetyltransferase, parvalbumin, calretinin and somatostatin. Both patch and matrix compartments were involved in ischemic damage. In contrast, the numbers of cholinergic, GABAergic, and somatostatin-containing interneurons in the ischemic striatum were not different from those in the contralateral hemisphere at 3 and 14 days. A low density of glutamate receptors, the ability to sequester calcium by calcium-binding proteins and other hitherto unidentified factors may explain this relative resistance of interneurons to acute ischemia.

Neonatal monosodium glutamate treatment modifies glutamic acid decarboxylase activity during rat brain postnatal development

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) produces neurodegeneration in several brain regions when it is administered to neonatal rats. From an early embryonic age to adulthood, GABA neurons appear to have functional glutamatergic receptors, which could convert them in an important target for excitotoxic neurodegeneration. Changes in the activity of the GABA synthesizing enzyme, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), have been shown after different neuronal insults. Therefore, this work evaluates the effect of neonatal MSG treatment on GAD activity and kinetics in the cerebral cortex, striatum, hippocampus and cerebellum of the rat brain during postnatal development. Neonatal MSG treatment decreased GAD activity in the cerebral cortex at 21 and 60 postnatal days (PD), mainly due to a reduction in the enzyme affinity (K(m)). In striatum, the GAD activity and the enzyme maximum velocity (V(max)) were increased at PD 60 after neonatal MSG treatment. Finally, in the hippocampus and cerebellum, the GAD activity and V(max) were increased, but the K(m) was found to be lower in the experimental group. The results could be related to compensatory mechanisms from the surviving GABAergic neurons, and suggest a putative adjustment in the GAD isoform expression throughout the development of the postnatal brain, since this enzyme is regulated by the synaptic activity under physiological and/or pathophysiological conditions.

Parvalbumin neuron circuits and microglia in three dopamine-poor cortical regions remain sensitive to amphetamine exposure in the absence of hyperthermia, seizure and stroke

The dopamine-releasing and depleting substance amphetamine (AMPH) can make cortical neurons susceptible to damage, and the prevention of hyperthermia, seizures and stroke is thought to block these effects. Here we report a 2-day AMPH treatment paradigm which affected only interneurons in three cortical regions with average or below-average dopamine input. AMPH (six escalating doses/day ranging from 5 to 30 mg/kg for 2 days) was given at 17-18 degrees C ambient temperature (T) to adult male rats. During the 2-day AMPH treatment, peak body T stayed below 38.9 degrees C in 40% of the AMPH treated rats. In 60% of the rats, deliberate cooling suppressed (<39.5 degrees C) or minimized (<40.0 degrees C) hyperthermia. Escalation of stereotypes to seizure-like behaviors was rare and post-mortem morphological signs of stroke were absent. Neurons labeled with the anionic, neurodegeneration-marker dye Fluoro-Jade (F-J) were seen 1 day after dosing, peaked 3 days later, but were barely detectable 14 days after dosing. Only nonpyramidal neurons in layer IV of the somatosensory barrel cortex and in layer II of the piriform cortex and posterolateral cortical amygdaloid nucleus were labeled with Fluoro-Jade. Isolectin B-labeled activated microglia were only detected in their neighborhood. F-J labeled neurons were extremely rare in cortical regions rich in dopamine (e.g. cingulate cortex), and were absent in cortical regions with no dopamine (e.g. visual cortex). Parvalbumin was seen in some Fluoro-Jade-labeled neurons and parvalbumin immunostaining in local axon plexuses intensified. This AMPH paradigm affected fewer cortical regions, and caused smaller reduction in striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity than previous 1-day AMPH regimens generating seizures or severe (above 40 degrees C) hyperthermia. Correlation between peak or mean body T and the extent of neurodegeneration or microgliosis was below statistical significance. Astrogliosis (elevated levels of the astroglia-marker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)) was detected in many brain regions. In the striatum and midbrain, F-J labeled neurons and activated microglia were absent, but astrogliosis, decreased TH immunolabel, and swollen TH fibers were detected. In sum, after this AMPH treatment, cortical pyramidal neurons were spared, but astrogliosis was brain-wide and some interneurons and microglia in three cortical regions with average or below-average dopamine input remained sensitive to AMPH exposure.

Preservation of perisomatic inhibitory input of granule cells in the epileptic human dentate gyrus

Temporal lobe epilepsy is known to be associated with hyperactivity that is likely to be generated or amplified in the hippocampal formation. The majority of granule cells, the principal cells of the dentate gyrus, are found to be resistant to damage in epilepsy, and may serve as generators of seizures if their inhibition is impaired. Therefore, the parvalbumin-containing subset of interneurons, known to provide the most powerful inhibitory input to granule cell somata and axon initial segments, were examined in human control and epileptic dentate gyrus. A strong reduction in the number of parvalbumin-containing cells was found in the epileptic samples especially in the hilar region, although in some patches of the granule cell layer parvalbumin-positive terminals that form vertical clusters characteristic of axo-axonic cells were more numerous than in controls. Analysis of the postsynaptic target elements of parvalbumin-positive axon terminals showed that they form symmetric synapses with somata, dendrites, axon initial segments and spines as in the control, but the ratio of axon initial segment synapses was increased in the epileptic tissue (control: 15.9%, epileptic: 31.3%). Furthermore, the synaptic coverage of granule cell axon initial segments increased more than three times (control: 0.52, epileptic: 2.10 microm synaptic length/100 microm axon initial segment membrane) in the epileptic samples, whereas the amount of somatic symmetric synapses did not change significantly. Although the number of parvalbumin-positive interneurons is decreased, the perisomatic inhibitory input of dentate granule cells is preserved in temporal lobe epilepsy. Basket and axo-axonic cell terminals - whether positive or negative for parvalbumin - are present, moreover, the axon collaterals targeting axon initial segments sprout in the epileptic dentate gyrus. We suggest that perisomatic inhibitory interneurons survive in epilepsy, but their somadendritic compartment and partly the axon loses parvalbumin or immunoreactivity for parvalbumin. The hyperinnervation of axon initial segments might be a compensatory change in the inhibitory network, but at the same time may lead to a more effective synchronization of granule cell firing that could contribute to the generation or amplification of epileptic seizures.

Stereological assessment of vulnerability of immunocytochemically identified striatal and hippocampal neurons after global cerebral ischemia in rats

Detailed quantitative analysis of the vulnerability of different hippocampal and striatal neurons to global forebrain ischemia has not previously been performed. Here we have studied the survival of immunocytochemically identified neurons using an unbiased stereological method in rats subjected to global forebrain ischemia for 30 min and sacrificed 48 h, 1 week or 4 weeks thereafter. Within the hippocampal formation, there was extensive, progressive loss of CA1 pyramidal neurons and dentate hilar neuropeptide Y (NPY)-positive interneurons. In contrast, no reduction of the number of CA3 and CA4 pyramidal neurons or hilar parvalbumin-positive interneurons was detected. In the dorsolateral striatum, the insult caused a major loss of projection neurons immunoreactive to dopamine- and adenosine 3':5'-monophosphate-regulated phosphoprotein with a molecular weight of 32 kilodalton (DARPP-32). The number of parvalbumin-positive striatal interneurons was significantly reduced, while NPY-positive interneurons were resistant. All striatal cholinergic interneurons survived the ischemic insult. At 48 h following the ischemia, the cholinergic interneurons within the lesioned striatum transiently expressed the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)), as shown by double-label immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the number of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT)- and TrkA-immunoreactive interneurons at 4 weeks after the insult. Injections with the cell mitotic division marker BrdU provided no evidence that the elevated cholinergic cell number was due to neurogenesis. Probably, the higher number of ChAT- and TrkA-positive interneurons reflected increased intracellular levels of the corresponding proteins leading to more cells detectable with immunocytochemistry. This study gives the first quantitative description of the vulnerability of defined hippocampal and striatal neurons after global forebrain ischemia. The ischemia-induced increases of p75(NTR), TrkA and ChAT in cholinergic striatal interneurons at various time points after the insult suggest that neurotrophin signaling might be important for the survival and function of these cells in the post-ischemic phase.

Calretinin and calbindin D-28k delay the onset of cell death after excitotoxic stimulation in transfected P19 cells

In some neurological diseases, injury to neurones reflects an over-stimulation of their receptors for excitatory amino acids. This response may disturb the Ca(2+)-homeostasis and lead to a pronounced and sustained increase in the intracellular concentration of this ion. On the basis of data derived from correlative studies, calcium-binding proteins have been postulated to play a protective role in these pathologies. We tested, directly, the capacity of the three calcium-binding proteins calretinin (CR), calbindin D-28k (CB) and parvalbumin (PV) to buffer [Ca(2+)], and to protect cells against excitotoxic death. We used P19 murine embryonic carcinoma cells, which can be specifically induced (by retinoic acid) to transform into nerve-like ones. The differentiated cells express functional glutamate-receptors and are susceptible to excitotoxic shock. Undifferentiated P19-cells were stably transfected with the cDNA for CR, CB or PV, induced to differentiate, and then exposed to NMDA, a glutamate-receptor agonist. The survival rates of clones expressing CR, CB or PV were compared with those of untransfected P19-cells using the lactate-dehydrogenase assay. CR- and CB-expressing cells were protected from death during the first 2 h of exposure to NMDA. This protection was, however, transient, and did not suffice to rescue P19-cells after prolonged stimulation. Two of the three PV-transfected clones raised were vulnerable to NMDA-induced excitotoxicity; the third, which expressed the lowest level of PV, was protected to a similar degree as that found for the CR- and CB-transfected clones. Our results indicate that in the P19-cell model, CR and CB can help to delay the onset of cell death after excitotoxic stimulation.

The total number of neurons and calcium binding protein positive neurons during aging in the cochlear nucleus of CBA/CaJ mice: a quantitative study

The quantitative stereological method, the optical fractionator, was used for determining the total number of neurons and the total number of neurons immunostained with parvalbumin, calbindin-D28k (calbindin), and calretinin in the dorsal and posteroventral cochlear nucleus (DCN and PVCN) in CBA/CaJ (CBA) mice during aging (1-39 months old). CBA mice have only a modest sensorineural pathology late in life. An age-related decrease of the total number of neurons was demonstrated in the DCN (r=-0.54, P<0.03), while the total number of neurons in the PVCN did not show any significant age-related differences (r=0.16, P=0.57). In the DCN 5.5% of neurons were parvalbumin positive in the very old (30-39 months) mice, vs. 2.2% in the 1 month old mice. In the DCN 3% of the neurons were calbindin immunopositive in the 30-39 months mice compared to 1.9% in the 1 month old group. In the PVCN, 20% of the neurons in the very old mice were parvalbumin immunopositive, compared to 12% in the young mice. Calbindin did not show any significant age-related differences in the PVCN. The total number of calretinin immunopositive neurons both in the DCN and PVCN did not show any significant change with increasing age. In conclusion, the total neuronal number in the DCN and PVCN was age-related and region-specific. While the neuronal number in the DCN and PVCN was decreased or unchanged, respectively, the calcium binding protein positive neuronal number showed a graded increase during aging in a region-specific and protein-specific manner.

Glutamic acid decarboxylase-67-positive hippocampal interneurons undergo a permanent reduction in number following kainic acid-induced degeneration of ca3 pyramidal neurons

Kainic acid (KA)-induced degeneration of CA3 pyramidal neurons leads to synaptic reorganization and hyperexcitability in both dentate gyrus and CA1 region of the hippocampus. We hypothesize that the substrate for hippocampal inhibitory circuitry incurs significant and permanent alterations following degeneration of CA3 pyramidal neurons. We quantified changes in interneuron density (N(v)) in all strata of the dentate gyrus and the CA1 and CA3 subfields of adult rats at 1, 4, and 6 months following intracerebroventricular (icv) KA administration, using glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 (GAD-67) immunocytochemistry. At 1 month postlesion, GAD-67-positive interneuron density was significantly reduced in all strata of every hippocampal region except stratum pyramidale of CA1. The reduction in GAD-67-positive interneuron density either persisted or exacerbated at 4 and 6 months postlesion in every stratum of all hippocampal regions. Further, the soma of remaining GAD-67-positive interneurons in dentate gyrus and CA3 subfield showed significant hypertrophy. Thus, both permanent reductions in the density of GAD-67-positive interneurons in all hippocampal regions and somatic hypertrophy of remaining GAD-67-positive interneurons in dentate gyrus and CA3 subfield occur following icv KA. In contrast, the density of interneurons visualized with Nissl in CA1 and CA3 regions was nearly equivalent to that in the intact hippocampus at all postlesion time points. Collectively, these results suggest that persistent reductions in GAD-67-positive interneuron density observed throughout the hippocampus following CA3 lesion are largely due to a permanent loss of GAD-67 expression in a significant fraction of interneurons, rather than widespread degeneration of interneurons. Nevertheless, a persistent decrease in interneuron activity, as evidenced by permanent down-regulation of GAD-67 in a major fraction of interneurons, would likely enhance the degree of hyperexcitability in the CA3-lesioned hippocampus.

Ischemia-induced degeneration of CA1 pyramidal cells decreases seizure severity in a subgroup of epileptic gerbils and affects parvalbumin immunoreactivity of CA1 interneurons

Mongolian gerbils are epilepsy-prone animals. In adult gerbils two major groups can be differentiated according to their seizure behavior: Highly seizure-sensitive gerbils exhibit facial and forelimb clonus or generalized tonic-clonic seizures from the first test on, while kindled-like gerbils are seizure free for the first three to six consecutive tests, later develop forelimb myoclonus, and eventually progress to generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In the hippocampus, seizure history of the individual animal is mirrored in the intensity in which GABAergic neurons are immunostained for the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin: they lose parvalbumin with increasing seizure incidence. In a first step to clarify the influence of hippocampal projection neurons on spontaneous seizure behavior and related parvalbumin expression, we induced degeneration of the CA1 pyramidal cells by transient forebrain ischemia. This results in a decreased seizure sensitivity in highly seizure-sensitive gerbils. The kindling-like process, however, is not permanently blocked by the ischemic nerve cell loss, suggesting that an intact CA1 field is not a prerequisite for the development of seizure behavior. The seizure-induced loss of parvalbumin from the ischemia-resistant interneurons recovers after ischemia. Thus, changes in parvalbumin content brought about by repeated seizures are not permanent but can rather be modulated by novel stimuli.

Postnatal development of parvalbumin and calbindin D-28k immunoreactivities in the canine hippocampus

The calcium-binding proteins, parvalbumin and calbindin D-28k, are markers of different classes of GABAergic interneurons and display different functions. The present study was attempted to determine immunoreactivities and colocalization of the parvalbumin and calbindin D-28k in the developing canine hippocampus by immunohistochemistry. The calcium-binding protein-containing neurons showed different developmental patterns. The first appearance of parvalbumin immunoreactive nonpyramidal cells was observed at P7. Parvalbumin immunoreactivity was elicited by the sequence from CA3 to CA1 to reach an adult-like distribution pattern, which was reached at P60, while calbindin D-28k immunoreactivity appeared from P0, including pyramidal and nonpyramidal cells. The characteristic distribution of calbindin D-28k immunoreactive pyramidal cells was clarified by P28, and an adult-like distribution pattern was reached by the end of the second postnatal month. Double-labeled nonpyramidal cells were frequently seen in the subareas, CA3 of P14/CA1-CA2 of P28, where parvalbumin immunoreactive nonpyramidal cells were emerging. These data suggest that the colocalization of the two calcium-binding proteins during development is related closely to the area-specific maturation of parvalbumin expression, although either prenatal expression of calbindin D-28k or parvalbumin was not determined.

Effects of dizocilpine pretreatment on parvalbumin immunoreactivity and Fos expression after cerebral ischemia in the hippocampus of the Mongolian gerbil

The mechanisms of ischemic neuronal death have been focused on glutamate receptor activation and subsequent elevation of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dizocilpine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, pretreatment on Fos expression and parvalbumin (PV, calcium binding protein) immunoreactivity in the hippocampus of the mongolian gerbil after global ischemic insults. The number of PV-immunoreactive (PV-ir) neurons in CA1 were significantly decreased from 1 day after cerebral ischemia, while dizocilpine pretreatment completely suppressed the loss of PV-ir neurons in CA1. Dizocilpine pretreatment also protected the structural loss of microtubule-associated protein 2 immunoreactivity in CA1 after ischemic insults. In addition, dizocilpine pretreatment increased Fos expression in both hippocampal CA3 and CA4 after 3 hr ischemic reperfusion as compared to that of the saline pretreated group. Subsequently, the Fos-defined cellular activity of PV-ir neurons was slightly increased by dizocilpine pretreatment in the hippocampal area. This study demonstrated that NMDA receptor mediated calcium influx was associated with the loss of PV-ir neurons in CA1 hippocampal region, and that dizocilpine pretreatment increased Fos expression and the neuronal activity of PV-ir neurons in the non-vulnerable region of hippocampus after cerebral ischemia. Based on this data, we conclude that the protective effect of dizocilpine may be induced by the regulation of calcium overload, or by the upregulation of a neuroregenerative initiator such as Fos protein.

Vulnerability of the dentate gyrus to aging and intracerebroventricular administration of kainic acid

The hippocampal formation is highly vulnerable to the aging process, demonstrating functional alterations in circuitry with aging. Aging may also change the sensitivity of the hippocampal formation to excitotoxic lesions. In this study, using young adult, middle aged, and aged Fischer 344 rats, we evaluated morphometric changes in the dentate gyrus as a function of age and also in response to an administration of an excitotoxin (kainic acid) into the right lateral ventricle. The dentate gyrus was measured for changes in the area of dentate hilus and the dentate granule cell layer, alterations in the width of the dentate granule cell layer, and degree of dentate hilar cell loss. With aging, the hilar area increased in size while the area and width of the dentate granule cell layer remained constant. However, the most striking change with aging was a significant reduction in the number of dentate hilar neurons. Intracerebroventricular kainic acid produced consistent lesions in the entire ipsilateral CA3 region, and the size of CA3 lesion was identical in all three ages of animals. Following the lesion, areas of both the dentate hilus and the granule cell layer were significantly decreased in only young adult and middle aged animals whereas the width of the dentate granule cell layer was significantly increased only in the middle aged group. In contrast, dentate hilar neurons were significantly reduced in all ages of animals with the maximum reductions in neuron number observed in the aged group. Thus, aging in the dentate gyrus is characterized by a significantly decreased number of dentate hilar neurons and also a significantly increased susceptibility of dentate hilar neurons to excitotoxic damage.

Loss of perikaryal parvalbumin immunoreactivity from surviving GABAergic neurons in the CA1 field of epileptic gerbils

The Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) is known as a genetic model of epilepsy. Seizure behavior ranges from subtle events like arrest of motor activity and facial spasms to grand mal seizures followed by automatisms. Exploratory behavior in a stressful situation represents the most effective environment for provoking seizures in gerbils. Modifications of the inhibitory hippocampal circuits have been suggested as a cause of seizure susceptibility in the gerbil. This study presents a quantitative analysis of the hippocampal parvalbumin (PV)-immunoreactive and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-immunoreactive neurons in gerbils whose seizure sensitivity had been scored. PV is a cytosolic calcium-binding protein synthesized by a subpopulation of GABAergic neurons and thought to be responsible for the fast spiking capability of this subset of neurons. We show that the number of PV-immunoreactive neurons in the CA1 field of the gerbil hippocampus decreases in repeatedly seizing animals as compared to non-seizing controls. The lowest density of PV-immunoreactive neurons was observed 1 hour after the last generalized seizure. No changes in the density of GABA-immunoreactive neurons in field CA1 paralleled the obvious loss of perikaryal PV-immunoreactivity. The CA1 field represents the final output region to extrahippocampal brain areas, and its recruitment or not into seizure activity is crucial for the spreading of hippocampal discharges to the adjacent neocortex. A reduction of such a calcium-buffering system in the soma and dendrites may affect the spike characteristics of PV-containing GABAergic neurons and may alter their response to glutamatergic transmission. A reduced inhibitory control of pyramidal cells may ensue, facilitating neuronal excitability as a result.

Effect of transient cerebral ischemia on gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptor alpha 1-subunit-immunoreactive interneurons in the gerbil CA1 hippocampus

Following transient cerebral ischemia, pyramidal cells within area CA1 of the hippocampus exhibit delayed neuronal death. While interneurons within this sector continue to survive long-term, there is evidence that some interneurons in area CA1 are vulnerable to damage. To determine the nature of vulnerability in a neurochemically heterogeneous population of interneurons throughout area CA1, we examined the labeling of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons with an antibody to the GABAA receptor alpha 1-subunit 1-35 days following cerebral ischemia in the Mongolian gerbil. Unlike some other GABA interneuron markers, this antibody labels both the dendrites and soma of interneurons, allowing dendritic structure to be examined. Three to four days following ischemia, the pyramidal cells in area CA1 had degenerated, and the alpha 1-subunit-positive interneurons in all layers of area CA1 had developed severely beaded dendrites. At longer survival times (21-35 days), the alpha 1-subunit-immunolabeled dendrites of these interneurons had a fragmented appearance. In contrast, interneurons bordering str. oriens and alveus typically exhibited normal dendritic morphology. Despite the pathologic changes, there was no evidence of interneuron loss in area CA1 up to 35 days post-ischemia. Normal interneuron morphology was also observed in area CA3 and dentate gyrus, regions where neither pyramidal neurons nor granule cells, respectively, die following 5 min of cerebral ischemia. To determine if the ischemia-induced changes in interneuron morphology could be prevented, diazepam was administered 30 and 90 min following ischemia. Diazepam produces long-term neuroprotection of area CA1 pyramidal neurons. In gerbils sacrificed 35 days after ischemia, diazepam markedly attenuated the dendritic beading of the area CA1 interneurons. In addition, the dendrites did not display the fragmented labeling by the alpha 1-subunit antibody. Thus, despite their long-term survival, CA1 hippocampal interneurons in the gerbil can express severe structural abnormalities after transient cerebral ischemia coincident with pyramidal cell degeneration, and the injury to the dendrites can be prevented by the neuroprotectant diazepam.