Somatostatin neurons are a subpopulation of GABA neurons in the rat dentate gyrus: evidence from colocalization of pre-prosomatostatin and glutamate decarboxylase messenger RNAs

Bed nuclei of the stria terminalis: A key hub in the modulation of anxiety

The bed nuclei of the stria terminalis (BST) is recognised as a pivotal integrative centre for monitoring emotional valence. It is implicated in the regulation of diverse affective states and motivated behaviours, and decades of research have firmly established its critical role in anxiety-related behavioural processes. Researchers have recently intricately dissected the BST's dynamic activities, its connection patterns and its functions with respect to specific cell types using multiple techniques such as optogenetics, in vivo calcium imaging and transgenic tools to unmask the complex circuitry mechanisms that underlie anxiety. In this review, we principally focus on studies of anxiety-involved neuromodulators within the BST and provide a comprehensive architecture of the anxiety network-highlighting the BST as a key hub in orchestrating anxiety-like behaviour. We posit that these promising efforts will contribute to the identification of an accurate roadmap for future treatment of anxiety disorders.

Loss of Glutamate Decarboxylase 67 in Somatostatin-Expressing Neurons Leads to Anxiety-Like Behavior and Alteration in the Akt/GSK3β Signaling Pathway

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder worldwide. Several lines of evidence suggest that the dysfunction of somatostatin (SOM) neurons is associated with the pathophysiology of MDD. Importantly, most SOM neurons are γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneurons. However, whether the dysfunction of GABAergic neurotransmission from SOM neurons contributes to the pathophysiology of MDD remains elusive. To address this issue, we investigated the emotional behaviors and relevant molecular mechanism in mice lacking glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), an isoform of GABA-synthesizing enzyme, specifically in SOM neurons (SOM-GAD67 mice). The SOM-GAD67 mice exhibited anxiety-like behavior in the open-field test without an effect on locomotor activity. The SOM-GAD67 mice showed depression-like behavior in neither the forced swimming test nor the sucrose preference test. In addition, the ability to form contextual fear memory was normal in the SOM-GAD67 mice. Furthermore, the plasma corticosterone level was normal in the SOM-GAD67 mice both under baseline and stress conditions. The expression ratios of p-Akt^Ser473/Akt and p-GSK3β^Ser9/GSK3β were decreased in the frontal cortex of SOM-GAD67 mice. Taken together, these data suggest that the loss of GAD67 from SOM neurons may lead to the development of anxiety-like but not depression-like states mediated by modification of Akt/GSK3β activities.

Dysmaturation of Somatostatin Interneurons Following Umbilical Cord Occlusion in Preterm Fetal Sheep

INTRODUCTION

Cerebral white matter injury is the most common neuropathology observed in preterm infants. However, there is increasing evidence that gray matter development also contributes to neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Fetal cerebral ischemia can lead to both neuronal and non-neuronal structural-functional abnormalities, but less is known about the specific effects on interneurons.

OBJECTIVE

In this study we used a well-established animal model of fetal asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep to study neuropathological outcome. We used comprehensive stereological methods to investigate the total number of oligodendrocytes, neurons and somatostatin (STT) positive interneurons as well as 3D morphological analysis of STT cells 14 days following umbilical cord occlusion (UCO) in fetal sheep.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Induction of asphyxia was performed by 25 min of complete UCO in five preterm fetal sheep (98-100 days gestational age). Seven, non-occluded twins served as controls. Quantification of the number of neurons (NeuN), STT interneurons and oligodendrocytes (Olig2, CNPase) was performed on fetal brain regions by applying optical fractionator method. A 3D morphological analysis of STT interneurons was performed using IMARIS software.

RESULTS

The number of Olig2, NeuN, and STT positive cells were reduced in IGWM, caudate and putamen in UCO animals compared to controls. There were also fewer STT interneurons in the ventral part of the hippocampus, the subiculum and the entorhinal cortex in UCO group, while other parts of cortex were virtually unaffected (p > 0.05). Morphologically, STT positive interneurons showed a markedly immature structure, with shorter dendritic length and fewer dendritic branches in cortex, caudate, putamen, and subiculum in the UCO group compared with control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The significant reduction in the total number of neurons and oligodendrocytes in several brain regions confirm previous studies showing susceptibility of both neuronal and non-neuronal cells following fetal asphyxia. However, in the cerebral cortex significant dysmaturation of STT positive neurons occurred in the absence of cell loss. This suggests an abnormal maturation pattern of GABAergic interneurons in the cerebral cortex, which might contribute to neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants and could implicate a novel target for neuroprotective therapies.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Somatostatin-Based Signaling in Two Model Neural Networks, the Retina and the Hippocampus

Neural inhibition plays a key role in determining the specific computational tasks of different brain circuitries. This functional "braking" activity is provided by inhibitory interneurons that use different neurochemicals for signaling. One of these substances, somatostatin, is found in several neural networks, raising questions about the significance of its widespread occurrence and usage. Here, we address this issue by analyzing the somatostatinergic system in two regions of the central nervous system: the retina and the hippocampus. By comparing the available information on these structures, we identify common motifs in the action of somatostatin that may explain its involvement in such diverse circuitries. The emerging concept is that somatostatin-based signaling, through conserved molecular and cellular mechanisms, allows neural networks to operate correctly.

Chronic activation of the relaxin-3 receptor on GABA neurons in rat ventral hippocampus promotes anxiety and social avoidance

Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in modern society and better treatments are required. Key brain areas and signaling systems underlying anxiety include prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, and monoaminergic and peptidergic systems, respectively. Hindbrain GABAergic projection neurons that express the peptide, relaxin-3, broadly innervate the forebrain, particularly the septum and hippocampus, and relaxin-3 acts via a G_i/o -protein-coupled receptor known as the relaxin-family peptide 3 receptor (RXFP3). Thus, relaxin-3/RXFP3 signaling is implicated in modulation of arousal, motivation, mood, memory, and anxiety. Ventral hippocampus (vHip) is central to affective and cognitive processing and displays a high density of relaxin-3-positive nerve fibers and RXFP3 binding sites, but the identity of target neurons and associated effects on behavior are unknown. Therefore, in adult, male rats, we assessed the neurochemical nature of hippocampal RXFP3 mRNA-expressing neurons and anxiety-like and social behavior following chronic RXFP3 activation in vHip by viral vector expression of an RXFP3-selective agonist peptide, R3/I5. RXFP3 mRNA detected by fluorescent in situ hybridization was topographically distributed across the hippocampus in somatostatin- and parvalbumin-mRNA expressing GABA neurons. Chronic RXFP3 activation in vHip increased anxiety-like behavior in the light-dark box and elevated-plus maze, but not the large open-field test, and reduced social interaction with a conspecific stranger. Our data reveal disruptive effects of persistent RXFP3 signaling on hippocampal GABA networks important in anxiety; and identify a potential therapeutic target for anxiety disorders that warrants further investigation in relevant preclinical models.

What California sea lions exposed to domoic acid might teach us about autism: lessons for predictive and preventive medicine

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) shares many biological and behavioral similarities with the deleterious effects of domoic acid (DA) exposure. DA is produced by marine algae and most commonly by species of Pseudo-nitzschia. Humans and marine mammals can be exposed to DA when they consume whole fish or shellfish. The mammalian fetus is highly sensitive to the deleterious effects of DA exposure. Both ASD and exposures to toxic levels of DA feature repetitive behaviors, challenges with social interaction, and seizures. They can also share a commonality in brain anatomy and function, particularly the balance between excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms. The current article is relevant to predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine for three reasons. First, shellfish consumption may be a risk factor for ASD and the regulatory limit for DA should be adjusted to prevent this possibility. Human contributions to increased algal production of DA in coastal waters should be identified and reduced. Second, evaluations of sentinel species wild and free-roaming in the environment, though typically outside the purview of biomedical research, should be much more fully employed to gain insights to risk factors for human disease. To better identify and prevent disease, biomedical researchers should study wild populations. Third, studies of DA exposure highlight the possibility that glutamate additives to processed foods may also have deleterious impacts on human brain development and behavior.

Hippocampal-like circuitry in the pallium of an electric fish: Possible substrates for recursive pattern separation and completion

Teleost fish are capable of complex behaviors, including social and spatial learning; lesion studies show that these abilities require dorsal telencephalon (pallium). The teleost telencephalon has subpallial and pallial components. The subpallium is well described and highly conserved. In contrast, the teleost pallium is not well understood and its relation to that of other vertebrates remains controversial. Here we analyze the connectivity of the subdivisions of dorsal pallium (DD) of an electric gymnotiform fish, Apteronotus leptorhynchus: superficial (DDs), intermediate (DDi) and magnocellular (DDmg) components. The major pathways are recursive: the dorsolateral pallium (DL) projects strongly to DDi, with lesser inputs to DDs and DDmg. DDi in turn projects strongly to DDmg, which then feeds back diffusely to DL. Our quantitative analysis of DDi connectivity demonstrates that it is a global recurrent network. In addition, we show that the DD subnuclei have complex reciprocal connections with subpallial regions. Specifically, both DDi and DDmg are reciprocally connected to pallial interneurons within the misnamed rostral entopeduncular nucleus (Er). Based on DD connectivity, we illustrate the close similarity, and possible homology, between hippocampal and DD/DL circuitry. We hypothesize that DD/DL circuitry can implement the same pattern separation and completion computations ascribed to the hippocampal dentate gyrus and CA3 fields. We further contend that the DL to DDi to DDmg to DL feedback loop makes the pattern separation/completion operations recursive. We discuss our results with respect to recent studies on fear avoidance conditioning in zebrafish and attention and spatial learning in a pulse gymnotiform fish. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:8-46, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Fetal domoic acid exposure affects lateral amygdala neurons, diminishes social investigation and alters sensory-motor gating

Domoic acid (DA) is an algal neurotoxin that accumulates in marine fish and shellfish. DA can move across the placenta and concentrate in amniotic fluid, which can be swallowed during late gestation. DA also transfers to infants via milk. Preclinical studies to determine effects of developmental DA expose have primarily involved DA exposure during the postnatal period and little is known about late CNS effects following prenatal DA. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that prenatal exposure of FVB mice to low levels of DA would result in diminished social interaction and sensory motor gating associated with alterations in parvalbumin immunoreactivity in relevant brain regions undergoing development during and following DA exposure. In addition to parvalbumin, we stained with NeuN for a neuronal specific nuclear protein to determine if neuronal loss followed prenatal DA exposure. A single moderate dose of DA administered during gestation produces diminishes social investigation and alters sensorimotor gating, behavioral effects more pronounced in males than females. These behavioral changes were associated with discrete alterations in the parvalbumin-positive subtype of GABAergic neurons in the dentate gyrus and lateral amygdala.

Dysfunction of hippocampal interneurons in epilepsy

Gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA)-containing interneurons are crucial to both development and function of the brain. Down-regulation of GABAergic inhibition may result in the generation of epileptiform activity. Loss, axonal sprouting, and dysfunction of interneurons are regarded as mechanisms involved in epileptogenesis. Recent evidence suggests that network connectivity and the properties of interneurons are responsible for excitatory-inhibitory neuronal circuits. The balance between excitation and inhibition in CA1 neuronal circuitry is considerably altered during epileptic changes. This review discusses interneuron diversity, the causes of interneuron dysfunction in epilepsy, and the possibility of using GABAergic neuronal progenitors for the treatment of epilepsy.

Immunofluorescently labeling glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 coupled with confocal imaging for identifying GABAergic somata in the rat dentate gyrus-A comparison with labeling glutamic acid decarboxylase 67

As γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is synthesized by two isoforms of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), namely, GAD65 and GAD67, immunohistochemically targeting either isoform of GAD is theoretically useful for identifying GABAergic cell bodies. In practice, targeting GAD67 remains to be a popular choice. However, identifying GABAergic cell bodies with GAD67 immunoreactivity in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, especially in the hilus, is not without pitfalls. In the present study, we compared the characteristics of GAD65 immunoreactivity to GAD67 immunoreactivity in the rat dentate gyrus and examined perikaryal expression of GAD65 in four neurochemically prevalent subgroups of interneurons in the hilus. Experiments were done in normal adult Sprague-Dawley rats and GAD67-GFP knock-in mice. Horizontal hippocampal slices cut from the ventral portion of hippocampi were immunofluorescently stained and scanned using a confocal microscope. Immunoreactivity for both GAD67 and GAD65 was visible throughout the dentate gyrus. Perikaryal GAD67 immunoreactivity was denser but variable in terms of distribution pattern and intensity among cells whereas perikaryal GAD65 immunoreactivity displayed similar distribution pattern and staining intensity. Among different layers of the dentate gyrus, GAD67 immunoreactivity was densest in the hilus despite GAD65 immunoreactivity being more intense in the granule cell layer. Co-localization experiments showed that GAD65, but not GAD67, was expressed in all hilar calretinin (CR)-, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)-, parvalbumin (PV)- or somatostatin (SOM)-positive somata. Labeling CR, nNOS, PV, and SOM in sections obtained from GAD67-GFP knock-in mice revealed that a large portion of SOM-positive cells had weak GFP expression. In addition, double labeling of GAD65/GABA and GAD67/GABA showed that nearly all of GABA-immunoreactive cells had perikaryal GAD65 expression whereas more than one-tenth of GABA-immunoreactive cells lacked perikaryal GAD67 immunoreactivity. Inhibition of axonal transport with colchicine dramatically improved perikaryal GAD65 immunoreactivity in GABAergic cells without significant augmentation to be seen in granule cells. Double labeling GAD65 and GAD67 in the sections obtained from colchicine-pretreated animals confirmed that a portion of GAD65-immunoreactive cells had weak or even no GAD67 immunoreactivity. We conclude that for confocal imaging, immunofluorescently labeling GAD65 for identifying GABAergic somata in the hilus of the dentate gyrus has advantages over labeling GAD67 in terms of easier recognition of perikaryal labeling and more consistent expression in GABAergic somata. Inhibition of axonal transport with colchicine further improves perikaryal GAD65 labeling, making GABAergic cells more distinguishable.

Basal forebrain administration of the somatostatin-analog octreotide does not affect cortical EEG in urethane anaesthetized rats

Basal forebrain (BF) plays an important role in the regulation of cortical activation. Somatostatin (SOM) is present both in local neurons as well as in fibers in the BF. In previous studies, SOM axons were found to innervate corticopetal cholinergic cells and SOM was found to presynaptically modulate GABA and glutamate release onto cholinergic neurons in the BF. However, no systematic analysis is available about the EEG effects of SOM or its analog, octreotide (OCTR) injected directly into the BF. In the present experiments, EEG changes were examined following an OCTR injection (0.5 microliter, 500 nmol) into the BF areas containing several choline acetyl transferase-immunoreactive neurons of urethane-anaesthetized rats. Fronto-occipital EEG was recorded on both sides and relative EEG power was calculated in the delta (0-3 Hz), theta (3-9 Hz), alpha (9-16 Hz) and beta (16-48 Hz) frequency bands. OCTR injected to the BF failed to induce significant EEG changes and did not affect tail pinch-evoked cortical activation. Lack of effect may be attributed to the urethane anaesthesia as well as to the possible complex interactions between SOM and BF cholinergic and GABAergic neurons.

Somatostatin varicosities contain the vesicular GABA transporter and contact orexin neurons in the hypothalamus

Somatostatin (SST) is a neuropeptide with known inhibitory actions in the hypothalamus, where it inhibits release of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), while also influencing the sleep-wake cycle. Here we investigated in the rat whether SST neurons might additionally release GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) or glutamate in different regions and whether they might contact orexin neurons that play an important role in the maintenance of wakefulness. In dual-immunostained sections viewed by epifluorescence microscopy, we examined if SST varicosities were immunopositive for the vesicular transporter for GABA (VGAT) or glutamate (VGLUT2) in the posterolateral hypothalamus and neighboring arcuate nucleus and median eminence. Of the SST varicosities in the posterolateral hypothalamus, 18% were immunopositive for VGAT, whereas ≤ 1% were immunopositive for VGLUT2. In the arcuate and median eminence, 26 and 64% were VGAT+ and < 3% VGLUT2 + , respectively. In triple-immunostained sections viewed by epifluorescence and confocal microscopy, SST varicosities were seen in contact with orexin somata, and of these varicosities, a significant proportion (23%) contained VGAT along with synaptophysin, the presynaptic marker for small synaptic vesicles, and a similar proportion (25%) abutted puncta that were immunostained for gephyrin, the postsynaptic marker for GABAergic synapses. Our results indicate that a significant proportion of SST varicosities in the hypothalamus have the capacity to release GABA, to form inhibitory synapses upon orexin neurons, and accordingly through their peptide and/or amino acid, to inhibit orexin neurons, as well as GHRH neurons. Thus while regulating GHRH release, SST neurons could serve to attenuate arousal and permit progression through the sleep cycle.

The anxiolytic effects of somatostatin following intra-septal and intra-amygdalar microinfusions are reversed by the selective sst2 antagonist PRL2903

Somatostatin (SST) is a polypeptide with two biological isoforms (SST14, and SST28), and five SST receptor subtypes (sst1-5). Together, they mediate a number of neural and hormonal functions. Recently, we found that intracerebroventricular (ICV), intra-amygdalar, and intra-septal microinfusions of SST14, SST28, and a selective sst2 receptor agonist L-779976 all produced anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus-maze, a widely used animal model of anxiety. The receptor specificity of these anxiolytic-like effects, however, has not been conclusively established. Accordingly, the anxiolytic effects of SST in the elevated plus-maze were assessed following intra-septal or intra-amygalar microinfusions of 1) SST (1.5μg per hemisphere), 2) the highly selective sst2 receptor antagonist PRL2903 (1.5μg per hemisphere), or 3) the combination of SST and PRL2903 (each 1.5μg per hemisphere). Antagonism of the anxiolytic effects of SST in the plus-maze by PRL2903 should result in open-arm exploration that is equivalent to that of 4) vehicle-injected control rats. Both intra-septal and intra-amygdalar microinfusions of SST produced anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus-maze, consistent with results found previously after ICV microinfusions (see Engin et al., 2008; Engin and Treit, 2009; Yeung et al., 2011). More importantly, infusion of PRL2903 completely reversed the anxiolytic effects of SST in both the amygdala and the septum. These results show that somatostatin's anxiolytic effects are mediated by sst2 receptors contained in the amygdala and septum of the rat brain.

Synaptic reorganization of inhibitory hilar interneuron circuitry after traumatic brain injury in mice

Functional plasticity of synaptic networks in the dentate gyrus has been implicated in the development of posttraumatic epilepsy and in cognitive dysfunction after traumatic brain injury, but little is known about potentially pathogenic changes in inhibitory circuits. We examined synaptic inhibition of dentate granule cells and excitability of surviving GABAergic hilar interneurons 8-13 weeks after cortical contusion brain injury in transgenic mice that express enhanced green fluorescent protein in a subpopulation of inhibitory neurons. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings in granule cells revealed a reduction in spontaneous and miniature IPSC frequency after head injury; no concurrent change in paired-pulse ratio was found in granule cells after paired electrical stimulation of the hilus. Despite reduced inhibitory input to granule cells, action potential and EPSC frequencies were increased in hilar GABA neurons from slices ipsilateral to the injury versus those from control or contralateral slices. Furthermore, increased excitatory synaptic activity was detected in hilar GABA neurons ipsilateral to the injury after glutamate photostimulation of either the granule cell or CA3 pyramidal cell layers. Together, these findings suggest that excitatory drive to surviving hilar GABA neurons is enhanced by convergent input from both pyramidal and granule cells, but synaptic inhibition of granule cells is not fully restored after injury. This rewiring of circuitry regulating hilar inhibitory neurons may reflect an important compensatory mechanism, but it may also contribute to network destabilization by increasing the relative impact of surviving individual interneurons in controlling granule cell excitability in the posttraumatic dentate gyrus.

Selective loss and axonal sprouting of GABAergic interneurons in the sclerotic hippocampus induced by LiCl-pilocarpine

In this study, we performed immunohistochemistry for somatostatin (SS), neuropeptide Y (NPY), and parvalbumin (PV) in LiCl-pilocarpine-treated rats to observe quantitative changes and axonal sprouting of GABAergic interneurons in the hippocampus, especially in the sclerotic hippocampus. Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) was performed to detect the specific degeneration of GABAergic interneurons. Compared with age-matched control rats, there were fewer SS/NPY/PV-immunoreactive (IR) interneurons in the hilus of the sclerotic hippocampus in pilocarpine-treated rats; hilar dentritic inhibitory interneurons were most vulnerable. FJB stain revealed degeneration was evident at 2 months after status epilepticus. Some SS-IR and NPY-IR interneurons were also stained for FJB, but there was no evidence of degeneration of PV-IR interneurons. Axonal sprouting of GABAergic interneurons was present in the hippocampus of epileptic rats, and a dramatic increase of SS-IR fibers was observed throughout all layers of CA1 region in the sclerotic hippocampus. These results confirm selective loss and degeneration of a specific subset of GABAergic interneurons in specific subfields of the hippocampus. Axonal sprouting of inhibitory GABAergic interneurons, especially numerous increase of SS-IR neutrophils within CA1 region of the sclerotic hippocampus, may constitute the aberrant inhibitory circum and play a significant role in the generation and compensation of temporal lobe epilepsy.

Heterogeneity of the supramammillary-hippocampal pathways: evidence for a unique GABAergic neurotransmitter phenotype and regional differences

The supramammillary nucleus (SuM) provides substantial projections to the hippocampal formation. This hypothalamic structure is involved in the regulation of hippocampal theta rhythm and therefore the control of hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions as well as emotional behavior. A major goal of this study was to characterize the neurotransmitter identity of the SuM-hippocampal pathways. Our findings demonstrate two distinct neurochemical pathways in rat. The first pathway originates from neurons in the lateral region of the SuM and innervates the supragranular layer of the dorsal dentate gyrus and, to a much lesser extent, the ventral dentate gyrus. This pathway displays a unique dual phenotype for GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission. Axon terminals contain markers of GABAergic neurotransmission, including the synthesizing enzyme of GABA, glutamate decarboxylase 65, and the vesicular GABA transporter and also a marker of glutamatergic neurotransmission, the vesicular glutamate transporter 2. The second pathway originates from neurons in the most posterior and medial part of the SuM and innervates exclusively the inner molecular layer of the ventral dentate gyrus and the CA2/CA3a pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus. The axon terminals from the medial part of the SuM contain the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 only. These data demonstrate for the first time the heterogeneity of the SuM-hippocampal pathways, not only from an anatomical but also a neurochemical point of view. These pathways, implicated in different neuronal networks, could modulate different hippocampal activities. They are likely to be involved differently in the regulation of hippocampal theta rhythm and associated cognitive functions as well as emotional behavior.

Interneuron subtype specific activation of mGluR1/5 during epileptiform activity in hippocampus

PURPOSE

Specific inhibitory interneurons in area CA1 of the hippocampus, notably those located in stratum oriens-alveus (O/A-INs), are selectively vulnerable in patients and animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The excitotoxic mechanisms underlying the selective vulnerability of interneurons have not been identified but could involve group I metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes (mGluR1/5), which have generally proconvulsive actions and activate prominent cationic currents and calcium responses specifically in O/A-INs.

METHODS

In this study, we examine the role of mGluR1/5 in interneurons during epileptiform activity using whole-cell recordings from CA1 O/A-INs and selective antagonists of mGluR1α (LY367385) and mGluR5 (MPEP) in a disinhibited rat hippocampal slice model of epileptiform activity.

RESULTS

Our data indicate more prominent epileptiform burst discharges and paroxysmal depolarizations (PDs) in O/A-INs than in interneurons located at the border of strata radiatum and lacunosum/moleculare (R/LM-INs). In addition, mGluR1 and mGluR5 significantly contributed to epileptiform responses in O/A-INs but not in R/LM-INs. Epileptiform burst discharges in O/A-INs were partly dependent on mGluR5. PDs and associated postsynaptic currents were dependent on both mGluR1α and mGluR5. These receptors contributed differently to postsynaptic currents underlying PDs, with mGluR5 contributing to the fast and slow components and mGluR1α to the slow component.

DISCUSSION

These findings support interneuron subtype-specific activation and differential contributions of mGluR1α and mGluR5 to epileptiform activity in O/A-INs, which could be important for their selective vulnerability in TLE.

Excitatory input onto hilar somatostatin interneurons is increased in a chronic model of epilepsy

The density of somatostatin (SOM)-containing GABAergic interneurons in the hilus of the dentate gyrus is significantly decreased in both human and experimental temporal lobe epilepsy. We used the pilocarpine model of status epilepticus and temporal lobe epilepsy in mice to study anatomical and electrophysiological properties of surviving somatostatin interneurons and determine whether compensatory functional changes occur that might offset loss of other inhibitory neurons. Using standard patch-clamp techniques and pipettes containing biocytin, whole cell recordings were obtained in hippocampal slices maintained in vitro. Hilar SOM cells containing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were identified with fluorescent and infrared differential interference contrast video microscopy in epileptic and control GIN (EGFP-expressing Inhibitory Neurons) mice. Results showed that SOM cells from epileptic mice had 1) significant increases in somatic area and dendritic length; 2) changes in membrane properties, including a small but significant decrease in resting membrane potential, and increases in time constant and whole cell capacitance; 3) increased frequency of slowly rising spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) due primarily to increased mEPSC frequency, without changes in the probability of release; 4) increased evoked EPSC amplitude; and 5) increased spontaneous action potential generation in cell-attached recordings. Results suggest an increase in excitatory innervation, perhaps on distal dendrites, considering the slower rising EPSCs and increased output of hilar SOM cells in this model of epilepsy. In sum, these changes would be expected to increase the inhibitory output of surviving SOM interneurons and in part compensate for interneuronal loss in the epileptogenic hippocampus.

Hippocampal sst(1) receptors are autoreceptors and do not affect seizures in rats

Somatostatin-14 (SRIF-14) exerts anticonvulsive effects in several rat seizure models, generally attributed to sst(2) receptor activation. Whereas sst(1) immunoreactivity has been localized to both polymorphic interneurons and principal cells in the rat hippocampus, its potential role as an inhibitory autoreceptor or as a receptor involved in mediating anticonvulsive actions remains unknown. We showed that intrahippocampal administration of the sst(1) antagonist SRA880 (1 microM) induced a robust increase in hippocampal SST-14 levels without affecting gamma-aminobutyric acid levels in conscious rats, indicating that the sst(1) receptor acts as an inhibitory autoreceptor. SRA880 did not affect seizure severity and did not reverse the anticonvulsive action of SRIF-14 (1 microM) against pilocarpine-induced seizures, suggesting that hippocampal sst(1) receptors are not involved in the anticonvulsive effects of SRIF-14.

Initial loss but later excess of GABAergic synapses with dentate granule cells in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy

Many patients with temporal lobe epilepsy display neuron loss in the dentate gyrus. One potential epileptogenic mechanism is loss of GABAergic interneurons and inhibitory synapses with granule cells. Stereological techniques were used to estimate numbers of gephyrin-positive punctae in the dentate gyrus, which were reduced short-term (5 days after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus) but later rebounded beyond controls in epileptic rats. Stereological techniques were used to estimate numbers of synapses in electron micrographs of serial sections processed for postembedding GABA-immunoreactivity. Adjacent sections were used to estimate numbers of granule cells and glutamic acid decarboxylase-positive neurons per dentate gyrus. GABAergic neurons were reduced to 70% of control levels short-term, where they remained in epileptic rats. Integrating synapse and cell counts yielded average numbers of GABAergic synapses per granule cell, which decreased short-term and rebounded in epileptic animals beyond control levels. Axo-shaft and axo-spinous GABAergic synapse numbers in the outer molecular layer changed most. These findings suggest interneuron loss initially reduces numbers of GABAergic synapses with granule cells, but later, synaptogenesis by surviving interneurons overshoots control levels. In contrast, the average number of excitatory synapses per granule cell decreased short-term but recovered only toward control levels, although in epileptic rats excitatory synapses in the inner molecular layer were larger than in controls. These findings reveal a relative excess of GABAergic synapses and suggest that reports of reduced functional inhibitory synaptic input to granule cells in epilepsy might be attributable not to fewer but instead to abundant but dysfunctional GABAergic synapses.

Surviving hilar somatostatin interneurons enlarge, sprout axons, and form new synapses with granule cells in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy

In temporal lobe epilepsy, seizures initiate in or near the hippocampus, which frequently displays loss of neurons, including inhibitory interneurons. It is unclear whether surviving interneurons function normally, are impaired, or develop compensatory mechanisms. We evaluated GABAergic interneurons in the hilus of the dentate gyrus of epileptic pilocarpine-treated GIN mice, specifically a subpopulation of somatostatin interneurons that expresses enhanced green fluorescence protein (GFP). GFP-immunocytochemistry and stereological analyses revealed substantial loss of GFP-positive hilar neurons (GPHNs) but increased GFP-positive axon length per dentate gyrus in epileptic mice. Individual biocytin-labeled GPHNs in hippocampal slices from epileptic mice also had larger somata, more axon in the molecular layer, and longer dendrites than controls. Dual whole-cell patch recording was used to test for monosynaptic connections from hilar GPHNs to granule cells. Unitary IPSCs (uIPSCs) recorded in control and epileptic mice had similar average rise times, amplitudes, charge transfers, and decay times. However, the probability of finding monosynaptically connected pairs and evoking uIPSCs was 2.6 times higher in epileptic mice compared to controls. Together, these findings suggest that surviving hilar somatostatin interneurons enlarge, extend dendrites, sprout axon collaterals in the molecular layer, and form new synapses with granule cells. These epilepsy-related changes in cellular morphology and connectivity may be mechanisms for surviving hilar interneurons to inhibit more granule cells and compensate for the loss of vulnerable interneurons.

Anxiolytic and antidepressant actions of somatostatin: the role of sst2 and sst3 receptors

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

Somatostatin is a cyclic polypeptide that inhibits the release of a variety of regulatory hormones (e.g., growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, and thyrotropin). Somatostatin is also widely distributed within the central nervous system (CNS), acting both as a neurotransmitter and as a neuromodulator. Recently, we showed that intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of somatostatin reduced anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors in animal models. The somatostatin receptor subtypes that are involved in these behavioral effects, however, have not been investigated. In the CNS, the neurotransmitter actions of somatostatin are mediated through five G-protein coupled receptors (sst1 to sst5).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined the behavioral effects of i.c.v. microinfusions of different doses of selective agonists of each of the five somatostatin receptor subtypes. Their behavioral effects were assessed in the elevated plus-maze and the forced swim apparatus, rodent models of anxiolytic and antidepressant drug effects, respectively.

RESULTS

Anxiety-like behavior was reduced following i.c.v. infusions of a selective sst2 receptor agonist, but not after infusions of the other four receptor agonists. An antidepressant-like effect was observed following infusions of either sst2 or sst3 agonists.

CONCLUSIONS

The results add to our nascent understanding of the role of somatostatin in anxiety- and depression-like behavior and suggest a clinical role for somatostatin agonists for the simultaneous treatment of anxiety and depression, which are often comorbid.

Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of intracerebroventricularly administered somatostatin: behavioral and neurophysiological evidence

Somatostatin (SST) is a cyclic polypeptide that inhibits the release of a variety of regulatory hormones (e.g. growth hormone, insulin, glucagon, thyrotropin). Moreover, SST is widely distributed within the CNS, acting both as a neurotransmitter and as a neuromodulator of other neurotransmitter systems. However, despite its extensive expression in limbic areas, and its co-localization with GABA, a neurotransmitter previously implicated in emotion, the effects of SST on anxiety and depression have not been investigated. By performing intraventricular infusions in rats we demonstrate, for the first time, that SST has anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in the elevated plus-maze and forced swim test, respectively. In addition, by performing local field potential recordings of hippocampal theta activity evoked by reticular stimulation in urethane-anesthetized rats we also show that SST application suppresses the frequency of theta in a similar fashion to diazepam. This neurophysiological signature, common to all classes of anxiolytic drugs (i.e. benzodiazepines, selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors, 5-HT1A agonists) provides strong converging evidence for the anxiolytic-like characteristics of SST. Our pharmacological antagonism experiments with bicuculline further suggest that the anxiolytic effect of SST may be attributable to the interaction of SST with GABA, whereas the antidepressant-like effect of SST may be GABA-independent. In addition to contributing to the current understanding of the role of neuropeptides in mood and emotion, these findings support a clinical role for SST (or its analogues) in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Status epilepticus-induced somatostatinergic hilar interneuron degeneration is regulated by striatal enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase

Excitotoxic cell death is one of the precipitating events in the development of temporal lobe epilepsy. Of particular prominence is the loss of GABAergic hilar neurons. Although the molecular mechanisms responsible for the selective vulnerability of these cells are not well understood, activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway has been implicated in neuroprotective responses to excitotoxicity in other neuronal populations. Here, we report that high levels of the striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP), a key regulator of ERK/MAPK signaling, are found in vulnerable somatostatin-immunoreactive hilar interneurons. Under both control conditions and after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE), ERK/MAPK activation was repressed in STEP-immunoreactive hilar neurons. This contrasts with robust SE-induced ERK/MAPK activation in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus, a cell region that does not express STEP. During pilocarpine-induced SE, in vivo disruption of STEP activity allowed activation of the MAPK pathway, leading to immediate-early gene expression and significant rescue from cell death. Thus, STEP increases the sensitivity of neurons to SE-induced excitotoxicity by specifically blocking a latent neuroprotective response initiated by the MAPK pathway. These findings identify a key set of signaling events that render somatostatinergic hilar interneurons vulnerable to SE-induced cell death.

Selective loss of dentate hilar interneurons contributes to reduced synaptic inhibition of granule cells in an electrical stimulation-based animal model of temporal lobe epilepsy

Neuropeptide-containing hippocampal interneurons and dentate granule cell inhibition were investigated at different periods following electrical stimulation-induced, self-sustaining status epilepticus (SE) in rats. Immunohistochemistry for somatostatin (SOM), neuropeptide Y (NPY), parvalbumin (PV), cholecystokinin (CCK), and Fluoro-Jade B was performed on sections from hippocampus contralateral to the stimulated side and studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Compared to paired age-matched control animals, there were fewer SOM and NPY-immunoreactive (IR) interneurons in the hilus of the dentate gyrus in animals with epilepsy (40-60 days after SE), and 1, 3, and 7 days following SE. In the hilus of animals that had recently undergone SE, some SOM-IR and NPY-IR interneurons also stained for Fluoro-Jade B. Furthermore, there was electron microscopic evidence of the degeneration of SOM-IR interneurons following SE. In contrast, the number of CCK and PV-IR basket cells in epileptic animals was similar to that in controls, although it was transiently diminished following SE; there was no evidence of degeneration of CCK or PV-IR interneurons. Patch-clamp recordings revealed a diminished frequency of inhibitory postsynaptic currents in dentate granule cells (DGCs) recorded from epileptic animals and animals that had recently undergone SE compared with controls. These results confirm the selective vulnerability of a particular subset of dentate hilar interneurons after prolonged SE. This loss may contribute to the reduced GABAergic synaptic inhibition of granule cells in epileptic animals.

GABA excitation in mouse hilar neuropeptide Y neurons

Neuropeptide Y-containing interneurons in the dentate hilar area play an important role in inhibiting the activity of hippocampal circuitry. Hilar cells are often among the first lost in hippocampal epilepsy. As many types of neurons are found in the hilus, we used a new transgenic mouse expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) in a subset of neurons that colocalized neuropeptide Y (NPY), somatostatin (SST), and GABA for whole-cell, perforated, and cell-attached recording in 240 neurons. As these neurons have not previously been identifiable in live slices, they have not been the focus of physiological analysis. Hilar NPY neurons showed modest spike frequency adaptation, a large 15.6 +/- 1.0 mV afterhyperpolarization, a mean input resistance of 335 +/- 26 M Omega, and were capable of fast-firing. Muscimol-mediated excitatory actions were found in a nominally Ca(2+)-free/high-Mg(2+) bath solution using cell-attached recording. GABA(A) receptor antagonists inhibited half the recorded neurons and blocked burst firing. Gramicidin perforated-patch recording revealed a GABA reversal potential positive to both the resting membrane potential and spike threshold. Together, these data suggest GABA is excitatory to many NPY cells. NPY and SST consistently hyperpolarized and reduced spike frequency in these neurons. No hyperpolarization of NPY on membrane potential was detected in the presence of tetrodotoxin, AP5, CNQX and bicuculline, supporting an indirect effect. Under similar conditions, SST hyperpolarized the cells, suggesting a direct postsynaptic action. Depolarizing actions of GABA and GABA-dependent burst-firing may synchronize a rapid release of GABA, NPY, and SST, leading to pre- and postsynaptic inhibition of excitatory hippocampal circuits.

Interneurons of the dentate gyrus: an overview of cell types, terminal fields and neurochemical identity

Interneurons of the dentate gyrus are a diverse group of neurons that use GABA as their primary neurotransmitter. Morphological studies of these neurons have been challenging since no single neuroanatomical method provides a complete view of these interneurons. However, through the integration of findings obtained from multiple methods, an interesting picture of this complex group of neurons is emerging, and this review focuses on studies in rats and mice. In situ hybridization of mRNAs for the two isoforms of the GABA synthesizing enzyme, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65 and GAD67), demonstrates the abundance of GABA neurons in the dentate gyrus and their high concentration in the hilus and along the base of the granule cell layer. Likewise, immunohistochemical studies, particularly of GAD65, demonstrate the rich fields of GABA terminals not only around the somata of granule cells but also in the dendritic regions of the molecular layer. This broad group of GABA neurons and their terminals can be subdivided according to their morphological characteristics, including the distribution of their axonal plexus, and their neurochemical identity. Intracellular labeling of single interneurons has been instrumental in demonstrating the extensiveness of their axonal plexus and the relatively specific spatial distribution of their axonal fields. These findings have led to the broad classification of interneurons into those that terminate primarily at perisomatic regions and those that innervate the dendrites of granule cells. The interneurons also can be classified according to their neuropeptide and calcium-binding protein content. These and other molecules contribute to the rich diversity of dentate interneurons and may provide opportunities for selectively regulating specific groups of GABA neurons in the dentate gyrus in order to enhance their function or protect vulnerable neurons from damage.

Ultrastructure and synaptic connectivity of cell types in the adult rat dentate gyrus

The rat hippocampal dentate gyrus is an extensively studied structural component of the limbic system. It is the first station in the classical tri-synaptic circuit of the hippocampus in that its major input arises from the entorhinal cortex via the perforant pathway. The second part of this circuit arises from the projection cells of the dentate gyrus, the granule cells, which send their axons to the pyramidal cells of CA3. Within the dentate gyrus, there also is an extensive inhibitory network of cells that are involved in synchronizing the rhythmic firing of the granule cells. This chapter provides a review of the ultrastructural features and synaptic connectivity of both projection cells and local circuit neurons in the dentate gyrus.

Expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase and identification of GABAergic cells in the ischemic rat dentate gyrus

We have investigated the glutamic acid dexcarboxylase (GAD) mRNA and protein isoforms as markers for ischemic loss of GABAergic neurons in the dentate hilus. Stereological counts of these neurons were performed in rats surviving 8 days after 10 min of transient forebrain ischemia, and in control rats (sham-operated and naïve). GAD65 and GAD67 were detected by both in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry. No differences (three-way ANOVA, P > 0.05) were found between treatments (ischemia, sham-operated or naïve) when cell counts of identical GAD isoforms were compared at the same level (mRNA or protein). However, irrespective of treatments, the number of neurons expressing GAD65 mRNA was significantly higher than the number of neurons expressing GAD65 protein, and the number of neurons expressing GAD67 mRNA was significantly lower than the number of neurons expressing GAD67 protein. In parallel, we investigated the colocalization of the cell death marker Fluorojade B (FJB) with somatostatin- or GAD67-immunoreactivity in hilus of control and ischemic rats. Although the majority of FJB positive cells also contained somatostatin, a small number of GAD67 immunoreactive neurons contained FJB, suggesting that a small number of GABAergic neurons die after ischemia. In conclusion, this study provides direct evidence that a small proportion of GABAergic hilar neurons succumbs to ischemia. Stereological counts of neurons identified from their expression of either GAD isoform of mRNA or protein revealed a high inter-animal variation at any detection level in both naïve, sham-operated and ischemic rats. Therefore, counts of GABAergic neurons should be carefully interpreted in accordance with the marker used for identification.

Somatostatin presynaptically inhibits both GABA and glutamate release onto rat basal forebrain cholinergic neurons

A whole cell patch-clamp study was carried out in slices obtained from young rat brain to elucidate the roles of somatostatin in the modulation of synaptic transmission onto cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain (BF), a region that contains cholinergic and GABAergic corticopetal neurons and somatostatin (SS)-containing local circuit neurons. Cholinergic neurons within the BF were identified by in vivo prelabeling with Cy3 IgG. Because in many cases SS is contained in GABAergic neurons in the CNS, we investigated whether exogenously applied SS can influence GABAergic transmission onto cholinergic neurons. Bath application of somatostatin (1 muM) reduced the amplitude of the evoked GABAergic inhibitory presynaptic currents (IPSCs) in cholinergic neurons. SS also reduced the frequency of miniature IPSCs (mIPSCs) without affecting their amplitude distribution. SS-induced effect on the mIPSC frequency was significantly larger in the solution containing 7.2 mM Ca(2+) than in the standard (2.4 mM Ca(2+)) external solution. Similar effects were observed in the case of non-NMDA glutamatergic excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). SS inhibited the amplitude of evoked EPSCs and reduced the frequency of miniature EPSCs dependent on the external Ca(2+) concentration with no effect on their amplitude distribution. Pharmacological analyses using SS-receptor subtype-specific drugs suggest that SS-induced action of the IPSCs is mediated mostly by the sst(2) subtype, whereas sst subtypes mediating SS-induced inhibition of EPSCs are mainly sst(1) or sst(4). These findings suggest that SS presynaptically inhibits both GABA and glutamate release onto BF cholinergic neurons in a Ca(2+)-dependent way, and that SS-induced effect on IPSCs and EPSCs are mediated by different sst subtypes.

The somatostatin sst2A receptor in the rat trigeminal ganglion

Immunohistochemistry for the somatostatin sst2A receptor was performed on the rat trigeminal ganglion to know its function in the trigeminal nervous system. The immunoreactivity was detected in 9.4% of primary sensory neurons in the ganglion. These neurons were small to medium-sized (range=106.5-1123.2 microm(2); mean+/-S.D.=506.3+/-213.2 microm(2)) and predominantly located in the rostromedial part of the ophthalmo-maxillary division. They were also immunoreactive for calcitonin gene-related peptide and the vanilloid receptor subtype 1. In addition, 13.7% of trigeminal neurons which were retrogradely traced with fluorogold from the nasal mucosa exhibited sst2A receptor-immmunoreactivity. Trigeminal neurons which innervated the facial skin and tooth pulp were devoid of the immunoreactivity. In the brainstem trigeminal sensory nuclear complex, both the neuronal cell body and the neuropil exhibited sst2A receptor-immunoreactivity in the superficial medullary dorsal horn.The present study indicates that sst2A receptor-immunoreactive trigeminal nociceptors innervate the nasal mucosa. They may project to the superficial laminae of the medullary dorsal horn.

Patterns of expression of neuropeptides in GABAergic nonprincipal neurons in the mouse hippocampus: Quantitative analysis with optical disector

Neuropeptides are widely distributed in the central nervous system and are considered to play important roles in the regulation of neuronal activity. This study shows the patterns of expression of four neuropeptides [neuropeptide Y (NPY), somatostatin (SOM), cholecystokinin (CCK), and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP)] in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurons of the mouse hippocampus, with particular reference to the areal and dorsoventral difference. First, we estimated the numerical densities (NDs) of GABAergic neurons containing these neuropeptides using the optical disector. The NDs of NPY- and SOM-positive GABAergic neurons were generally higher than those of CCK- and VIP-positive GABAergic neurons. In the whole area of the hippocampus, the ND of NPY-positive GABAergic neurons showed no significant dorsoventral difference (1.90 x 10(3)/mm(3) in the dorsal level, 2.09 x 10(3)/mm(3) in the ventral level), whereas the ND of SOM-positive GABAergic neurons was higher in the ventral level (1.44 x 10(3)/mm(3)) than in the dorsal level (0.80 x 10(3)/mm(3)). The ND of CCK-positive GABAergic neurons was also higher in the ventral level (0.57 x 10(3)/mm(3)) than in the dorsal level (0.33 x 10(3)/mm(3)). Similarly, the ND of VIP-positive GABAergic neurons was higher in the ventral level (0.61 x 10(3)/mm(3)) than in the dorsal level (0.43 x 10(3)/mm(3)). Next, we calculated the proportions of GABAergic neurons containing these neuropeptides among the total GABAergic neurons. In the whole area of the hippocampus, NPY-, SOM-, CCK-, and VIP-positive neurons accounted for about 31%, 17%, 7%, and 8% of GABAergic neurons, respectively. The present data establish a baseline for examining potential roles of GABAergic neurons in the hippocampal network activity in mice.

A group of glutamatergic interneurons expressing high levels of both neurokinin-1 receptors and somatostatin identifies the region of the pre-Bötzinger complex

The pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC) is a physiologically defined group of ventrolateral medullary neurons that plays a central role in respiratory rhythm generation. These cells are located in a portion of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) that is difficult to identify precisely for lack of a specific marker. We sought to determine whether somatostatin (SST) might be a marker for this region. The rat pre-BötC area was defined as a 500-microm-long segment of ventrolateral medulla coextensive with the ventral respiratory group. This region was identified by juxtacellular labeling of neurons with respiratory-related activity and by its location rostral to the phrenic premotor neurons. It contained most of the SST-ir neuronal somata of the RVLM. These cells were small (107 microm(2)) and expressed high levels of preprosomatostatin mRNA. They were strongly neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R)-ir and were selectively destroyed by saporin conjugated with an NK1R agonist (SSP-SAP). Most SST-ir neurons (>90%) contained vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) mRNA, and terminals immunoreactive for SST and VGLUT2 protein were found in their midst. Few SST-ir neurons contained GAD-67 mRNA (<1%) or preproenkephalin mRNA (6%). Retrograde labeling experiments demonstrated that over 75% of the SST-ir neurons project to the contralateral pre-BötC area, but none projects to the spinal cord. In conclusion, the RVLM contains many neurons that express preprosomatostatin mRNA. A subgroup of these cells contains high levels of SST and NK1R immunoreactivity in their somata. These glutamatergic interneurons identify a narrow region of the RVLM that appears to be coextensive with the pre-BötC of adult rats.

Distally directed dendrotoxicity induced by kainic Acid in hippocampal interneurons of green fluorescent protein-expressing transgenic mice

Excitotoxicity, resulting from the excessive release of glutamate, is thought to contribute to a variety of neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Excitotoxic damage to dendrites, i.e., dendrotoxicity, is often characterized by the formation of large dendritic swellings, or "beads." Here, we show that hippocampal interneurons that express the neuropeptide somatostatin are highly vulnerable to the excitotoxic effects of the ionotropic glutamate receptor agonist kainate. Brief, focal iontophoretic application of kainate rapidly induced bead formation in dendrites of somatostatinergic interneurons that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) from mice of the transgenic line GIN (GFP-expressing inhibitory neurons). Surprisingly, beads often did not form at the site of kainate application or even in the dendritic segment to which kainate was applied; instead, dendritic beading occurred more distally, often encompassing all branches distal to the application site. We have termed this phenomena, "distally directed dendrotoxicity." Distally directed beading was induced regardless of the branch order of the site of application and was found to be dependent on activation of voltage-gated sodium channels. Subsequent to induction, distally directed beading would reverse in most cells; in other cells, however, beading irreversibly invaded proximal dendritic segments and gradually encompassed the entire dendritic tree. These results demonstrate that distal dendritic segments are highly vulnerable to excitotoxic injury and imply that excessive excitatory activity originating in one synaptic pathway can impact synapses at more distal dendritic segments of the same neuron. The discovery of this phenomenon will likely be important in understanding interneuronal dysfunction following excitotoxic injury.

Immunocytochemical characterization of hippocamposeptal projecting GABAergic nonprincipal neurons in the mouse brain: a retrograde labeling study

The neurochemical contents of hippocamposeptal projecting nonprincipal neurons were examined in the mouse brain by using retrograde labeling techniques. We used the immunofluorescent multiple labeling method with a confocal laser-scanning microscope. First of all, the hippocamposeptal projecting nonprincipal neurons were glutamic acid decarboxylase 67-immunoreactive (IR), i.e., these hippocamposeptal projecting nonprincipal neurons were immunocytochemically GABAergic in the mouse brain. Next, most (93.0%) of the hippocamposeptal projecting GABAergic neurons were somatostatin-like immunoreactive (SS-LIR). The SS-LIR hippocamposeptal projecting neurons were frequently found in the stratum oriens of the CA1 and CA3 regions, and were also occasionally found in the stratum radiatum, stratum lucidum, and stratum pyramidale of the CA3 region. They were also frequently found in the dentate hilus. On the other hand, at least 40.6% of SS-LIR neurons in the hippocampus projected to the medial septum. Next, 38.0% of hippocamposeptal projecting GABAergic neurons were calbindin D28K (CB)-IR. Although the distribution of the CB-IR hippocamposeptal projecting neurons was generally similar to that of the SS-LIR projecting neurons in Ammon's horn, they were never seen in the dentate hilus. At least 22.1% of CB-IR GABAergic neurons in the hippocampus projected to the medial septum. Furthermore, 5.8% of hippocamposeptal projecting GABAergic neurons were parvalbumin-IR, which were most always found in Ammon's horn. Finally, no hippocamposeptal projecting GABAergic neurons were neuronal nitric oxide synthase-IR nor calretinin-IR. These results indicate that the SS-LIR neurons play a crucial role in the hippocamposeptal projection of the mouse brain, and they are also assumed to be involved in the theta oscillation of the mouse hippocampus.

Axon arbors and synaptic connections of a vulnerable population of interneurons in the dentate gyrus in vivo

The predominant gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neuron class in the hilus of the dentate gyrus consists of spiny somatostatinergic interneurons. We examined the axon projections and synaptic connections made by spiny hilar interneurons labeled with biocytin in gerbils in vivo. Axon length was 152-497 mm/neuron. Sixty to 85% of the axon concentrated in the outer two thirds of the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus. The septotemporal span of the axon arbor extended over 48-82% of the total hippocampal length, which far exceeds the septotemporal span of axons of granule cells whose complete axon arbors extended over 15-29%. A three-dimensionally reconstructed 216-microm-long spiny hilar interneuron axon segment in the outer third of the molecular layer formed an average of 1 synapse every 5.1 microm. Of the 42 symmetric (inhibitory) synapses formed by the reconstructed segment, 88% were with spiny dendrites of presumed granule cells, and 67% were with dendritic spines that also receive an asymmetric (excitatory) contact from an unlabeled axon terminal. Postembedding GABA-immunocytochemistry revealed that 55% of the GABAergic synapses in the outer third of the molecular layer were with spines. Therefore, in the outer molecular layer, spiny hilar interneurons form synaptic contacts that appear to be positioned to exert inhibitory control near sites of excitatory synaptic input from the entorhinal cortex to granule cell dendritic spines. These findings demonstrate far-reaching, yet highly specific, connectivity of individual interneurons and suggest that the loss of spiny hilar interneurons, as occurs in temporal lobe epilepsy, may contribute to hyperexcitability in the hippocampus.

Acute stress and dexamethasone rapidly increase hippocampal somatostatin synthesis and release from the dentate gyrus hilus

Somatostatin is a neuropeptide whose facilitatory action in the generation of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus has been associated with memory processes. Since stress and memory seem to share some neural pathways, we studied somatostatin release from dentate gyrus hilar cells of the hippocampus in unanesthetized free-moving rats subjected to stress or dexamethasone treatments. In parallel, the number of dentate gyrus hilar cells expressing somatostatin mRNA was quantified by nonradioactive in situ hybridization in these two experimental conditions. Rats were stereotaxically implanted with a push-pull cannula in the dentate gyrus hilar region. Animals were perfused 1 week later in basal or stress (30 min immobilization stress) conditions. The other group was intraperitoneally injected with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (3 mg/kg b.w.). Samples were collected every 15 min for somatostatin radioimmunoassay. In parallel, in other groups of animals undergoing the same treatments, brains were removed for in situ hybridization studies with an oligonucleotide labeled with digoxigenin that recognizes somatostatin-14. The results showed that stress induced a significant increase in somatostatin release from dentate gyrus hilar cells 30-45 min after immobilization stress application. Dexamethasone-injected animals exhibited a similar response 45 min after drug administration. In situ hybridization analysis revealed that the two treatments significantly increased the number of cells expressing somatostatin mRNA in the hilar region. In conclusion, somatostatin interneurons of the hippocampal hilar region appear to be a novel stress stimulus target. Their rapid reactivity, expressed as modifications of both somatostatin release and number of cells expressing somatostatin mRNA, provides an interesting model of neuronal plasticity.

Somatostatin-immunoreactive interneurons contribute to lateral inhibitory circuits in the dentate gyrus of control and epileptic rats

Lateral inhibition, a feature of neuronal circuitry that enhances signaling specificity, has been demonstrated in the rat dentate gyrus. However, neither the underlying neuronal circuits, nor the ways in which these circuits are altered in temporal lobe epilepsy, are completely understood. This study examines the potential contribution of one class of inhibitory interneurons to lateral inhibitory circuits in the dentate gyrus of both control and epileptic rats. The retrograde tracer wheat germ ag-glutinin-apo-horse radish peroxidase-gold (WGA-apo-HRP-gold) was injected into the septal dentate gyrus. Neurons double-labeled for glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and the retrograde tracer are concentrated in the hilus and may contribute to lateral inhibition. Neurons double-labeled for somatostatin and the retrograde tracer account for at least 28% of GAD-positive neurons with axon projections appropriate for generating lateral inhibition in control rats. Despite an overall loss of somatostatin-expressing cells in epileptic animals, the number of somatostatin-positive interneurons with axon projections appropriate for generating lateral inhibition is similar to that seen in controls. These findings suggest that somatostatinergic interneurons participate in lateral inhibitory circuits in the dentate gyrus of both control and epileptic rats, and that surviving somatostatinergic interneurons might sprout new axon collaterals in epileptic animals.

Heightened seizure severity in somatostatin knockout mice

Patients and experimental models of temporal lobe epilepsy display loss of somatostatinergic neurons in the dentate gyrus. To determine if loss of the peptide somatostatin contributes to epileptic seizures we examined kainate-evoked seizures and kindling in somatostatin knockout mice. Somatostatin knockout mice were not observed to experience spontaneous seizures. Timm staining, acetylcholinesterase histochemistry, and immunocytochemistry for NPY, calbindin, calretinin, and parvalbumin revealed no compensatory changes or developmental abnormalities in the dentate gyrus of somatostatin knockout mice. Optical fractionator counting of Nissl-stained hilar neurons showed similar numbers of neurons in wild type and somatostatin knockout mice. Mice were treated systemically with kainic acid to evoke limbic seizures. Somatostatin knockout mice tended to have a shorter average latency to stage 5 seizures, their average maximal behavioral seizure score was higher, and they tended to be more likely to die than controls. In response to kindling by daily electrical stimulation of the perforant path, to more specifically challenge the dentate gyrus, mean afterdischarge duration in somatostatin knockout mice was slightly longer, but the number of treatments to five stage 4-5 seizures was similar to controls. Although we cannot exclude the possibility of undetected compensatory mechanisms in somatostatin knockout mice, these findings suggest that somatostatin may be mildly anticonvulsant, but its loss alone is unlikely to account for seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Heat shock protein 27 shows a distinctive widespread spatial and temporal pattern of induction in CNS glial and neuronal cells compared to heat shock protein 70 and caspase 3 following kainate administration

Kainate-induced status epilepticus is associated with both apoptotic and necrotic cell death and induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in hippocampal and cortical regions of the rodent brain. In the present study we have examined the temporal, spatial and cellular expression patterns of mRNAs for the highly inducible HSPs, HSP70 and HSP27, together with the apoptotic marker, caspase 3 (CPP32) in rat brain after systemic administration of kainate. HSP70 mRNA was transiently induced in the forebrain by kainate, principally in the CA1, CA3 and hilar cells of the hippocampal formation, in piriform cortex and discrete thalamic nuclei. Maximal expression was seen at 8 h after kainate which then declined to background levels by 7 days. Labelling was predominantly neuronal. In contrast, HSP27 mRNA expression was more widespread. Intense labelling was observed in CA1, CA3 and the hilar region at 8 h after kainate but the expression profile for HSP27 mRNA expanded considerably with intense signals seen in corpus callosum, cortex and thalamus at 24 h post kainate. Emulsion autoradiographs indicated a predominantly glial localisation for HSP27 mRNA. In the hilus, a distinct subpopulation of interneurones were found to express HSP27 mRNA. CPP32 mRNA was upregulated in CA1, CA3 and hilus of the hippocampal formation and in piriform cortex. CPP32 mRNA expression was more restricted and similar in distribution to HSP70 mRNA being localised to neurones. The present study demonstrates the unique early expression of HSP27 mRNA by glial cells and distinct populations of neurones which extends beyond those in which HSP70 and CPP32 induction occurs with subsequent cell loss.

Somatostatin-IR neurons are a major subpopulation of the cuneothalamic neurons in the rat cuneate nucleus

This study was aimed to localize and characterize the somatostatin-immunoreactive (SOM-IR) neurons in the rat cuneate nucleus (CN). By immuno-histochemistry, the SOM-IR neurons, which were widely distributed in the nucleus, were round, spindle or multiangular in shape (mean area = 226.1 +/ -3.1 microm(2), n = 1016). By electron microscopy, the neurons shared all the ultrastructural features of the cuneothalamic neurons (CTNs) which showed a slightly indented nucleus and a fairly rich cytoplasm containing well-developed Golgi apparatuses and rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER). The SOM immunoreaction product filled the cytoplasm of the neurons extending from the soma to the proximal and distal dendrites, which were postsynaptic to unlabeled boutons. In addition to soma and dendrites, SOM-IR boutons were also identified which made axodendritic synaptic contacts with SOM-IR dendrites. The SOM-IR neurons were characterized by using anti-SOM pre-embedding immunolabeling coupled with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) retrograde method, or SOM immunolabeling along with anti-glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glycine post-embedding immunolabeling for identification of CTNs, glutamate-IR, GABA-IR and glycine-IR neurons, respectively. It was shown that more then 80% of the CTNs contained SOM and, furthermore, they contained glutamate but not GABA or glycine. On the basis of present findings, it is suggested the majority of the SOM-IR neurons in the rat CN are CTNs and that they may be involved in modulation of somatosensory synaptic transmission.

Testing the disinhibition hypothesis of epileptogenesis in vivo and during spontaneous seizures

The "disinhibition" hypothesis contends that (1) seizures begin when granule cells in the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus are disinhibited and (2) disinhibition occurs because GABAergic interneurons are excessively inhibited by other GABAergic interneurons. We tested the disinhibition hypothesis using the experimental model that inspired it-naturally epileptic Mongolian gerbils. To determine whether there is an excess of GABAergic interneurons in the dentate gyrus of epileptic gerbils, as had been reported previously, GABA immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization of GAD67 mRNA, and the optical fractionator method were used. There were no significant differences in the numbers of GABAergic interneurons. To determine whether granule cells in epileptic gerbils were disinhibited during the interictal period, IPSPs were recorded in vivo with hippocampal circuits intact in urethane-anesthetized gerbils. The reversal potentials and conductances of IPSPs in granule cells in epileptic versus control gerbils were similar. To determine whether the level of inhibitory control in the dentate gyrus transiently decreases before seizure onset, field potential responses to paired-pulse perforant path stimulation were obtained from the dorsal hippocampus while epileptic gerbils experienced spontaneous seizures. Evidence of reduced inhibition was found after, but not before, seizure onset, indicating that seizures are not triggered by disinhibition in this region. However, seizure-induced depression of inhibition may amplify and promote the spread of seizure activity to other brain regions. These findings do not support the disinhibition hypothesis and suggest that in this model of epilepsy seizures initiate by another mechanism or at a different site.

Immunohistochemical localization of the somatostatin sst(4) receptor in rat brain

The biological actions of the neuromodulator somatostatin are mediated through a family of G-protein-coupled receptors, of which five members, sst(1-5), have been identified. Although the messenger RNA distribution of the sst(4) receptor has been reported, no information about the distribution of the receptor protein in the central nervous system is available. We have therefore raised a polyclonal peptide antibody against a rat carboxy-terminal sst(4) peptide. The selectivity of the affinity-purified antibody was demonstrated by western blotting of membrane proteins isolated from Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells expressing the recombinant sst(4) receptor and from the rat hippocampus. This resulted in both cases in the identification of a single band of approximately 42,000 mol. wt. Furthermore, the sst(4) receptor antibody selectively labelled Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells expressing the recombinant sst(4) receptor in immunocytochemistry. No cross-reactivity was observed with other recombinant somatostatin receptors. Immunohistochemistry on adult rat brain sections showed the sst(4) receptor to have a widespread distribution. This included labelling of cell bodies as well as processes in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and several nuclei in the brainstem. All signals were absent following antibody preabsorption with the synthetic sst(4) peptide. This study provides the first detailed analysis of the distribution of sst(4) receptor protein in the rat brain.

Overexpression of GluR6 in rat hippocampus produces seizures and spontaneous nonsynaptic bursting in vitro

We hypothesized that overexpression of specific glutamate receptors within the hippocampus would induce seizures and the associated cellular changes seen in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The GluR6 kainate receptor was overexpressed by injecting rat hippocampi with HSVGluR6, a viral vector transducing fully edited GluR6. These animals experienced limbic seizures approximately 4 h following the injection. Control animals injected with HSVlac, a vector expressing beta-galactosidase, did not have seizures. Recordings from hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells were performed 12 to 48 h and 1 week to 1 month postinjection. We observed nonsynaptic Na(+)-mediated bursting in 77.5% of cells 12 to 48 h following injection of HSVGluR6 but not HSVlac. The synaptic responses were normal in both groups. However, the physiological properties of cells from HSVGluR6-injected hippocampi changed over time. Two weeks following HSVGluR6 injection, synaptic bursts could be evoked, but intrinsic bursting became rare. These changes persisted for at least 1 month. We postulate that this transition from intrinsic to synaptic hyperexcitability may be important in the development of TLE.

Novel hippocampal interneuronal subtypes identified using transgenic mice that express green fluorescent protein in GABAergic interneurons

The chief inhibitory neurons of the mammalian brain, GABAergic neurons, are comprised of a myriad of diverse neuronal subtypes. To facilitate the study of these neurons, transgenic mice were generated that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in subpopulations of GABAergic neurons. In one of the resulting transgenic lines, called GIN (GFP-expressing Inhibitory Neurons), EGFP was found to be expressed in a subpopulation of somatostatin-containing GABAergic interneurons in the hippocampus and neocortex. In both live and fixed brain preparations from these mice, detailed microanatomical features of EGFP-expressing interneurons were readily observed. In stratum oriens of the hippocampus, EGFP-expressing interneurons were comprised almost exclusively of oriens/alveus interneurons with lacunosum-moleculare axon arborization (O-LM cells). In the neocortex, the somata of EGFP-expressing interneurons were largely restricted to layers II-IV and upper layer V. In hippocampal area CA1, two previously uncharacterized subtypes of interneurons were identified using the GIN mice: stratum pyramidale interneurons with lacunosum-moleculare axon arborization (P-LM cells) and stratum radiatum interneurons with lacunosum-moleculare axon arborization (R-LM cells). These newly identified interneuronal subtypes appeared to be closely related to O-LM cell, as they selectively innervate stratum lacunosum-moleculare. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that these cells were fast-spiking and showed virtually no spike frequency accommodation. The microanatomical features of these cells suggest that they function primarily as "input-biasing" neurons, in that synaptic volleys in stratum radiatum would lead to their activation, which in turn would result in selective suppression of excitatory input from the entorhinal cortex onto CA1 pyramidal cells.

Distribution, targeting, and internalization of the sst4 somatostatin receptor in rat brain

Somatostatin mediates its diverse physiological effects through a family of five G-protein-coupled receptors (sst(1)-sst(5)); however, knowledge about the distribution of individual somatostatin receptor proteins in mammalian brain is incomplete. In the present study, we have examined the regional and subcellular distribution of the somatostatin receptor sst(4) in the rat CNS by raising anti-peptide antisera to the C-terminal tail of sst(4). The specificity of affinity-purified antibodies was demonstrated using immunofluorescent staining of HEK 293 cells stably transfected with an epitope-tagged sst(4) receptor. In Western blotting, the antiserum reacted specifically with a broad band in rat brain, which migrated at approximately 70 kDa before and approximately 50 kDa after enzymatic deglycosylation. sst(4)-Like immunoreactivity was most prominent in many forebrain regions, including the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum, amygdala, and hypothalamus. Analysis at the electron microscopic level revealed that sst(4)-expressing neurons target this receptor preferentially to their somatodendritic domain. Like the sst(2A) receptor, sst(4)-immunoreactive dendrites were often closely apposed by somatostatin-14-containing fibers and terminals. However, unlike the sst(2A) receptor, sst(4) was not internalized in response to intracerebroventricular administration of somatostatin-14. After percussion trauma of the cortex, neuronal sst(4) receptors progressively declined at the sites of damage. This decline coincided with an induction of sst(4) expression in cells with a glial-like morphology. Together, this study provides the first description of the distribution of immunoreactive sst(4) receptor proteins in rat brain. We show that sst(4) is strictly somatodendritic and most likely functions in a postsynaptic manner. In addition, the sst(4) receptor may have a previously unappreciated function during the neuronal degeneration-regeneration process.

Sparse colocalization of somatostatin- and GABA-immunoreactivity in the entorhinal cortex of the rat

We studied the regional and laminar distribution of neurons expressing immunoreactivity with antibodies against the neuropeptide somatostatin (SOM) in the entorhinal cortex of colchicine-treated rats. We further determined whether these neurons also express immunoreactivity with antibodies against the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Frontally and horizontally cut brain sections were subjected to double immunofluorescence histochemistry and investigated in a two-laser confocal laser scanning fluorescence microscope. The exact position of each single- or double-labeled cell was obtained via the preparation of large-scale digital fluorescence images superimposed on a brightfield digital image obtained postscanning after decoverslipping and staining with cresyl violet. Three types of SOM-positive cells were found: big multipolar cells (10-15% of the SOM-positive cells), oval cells (15-20%), and small spherical cells (majority of SOM-positive cells). Most cells were seen in layer III. In addition, we found immunoreactive cells in the other layers, with the fewest cells in layers I and IV (lamina dissecans). Of the SOM-positive cells, 18% also expressed GABA immunoreactivity; of the GABA-positive cells, 8% were also immunoreactive for SOM. Double-labeled cells were mostly small spherical cells and, infrequently, multipolar. These data indicate that in the entorhinal cortex, a large proportion of the cells belonging to the SOM population do not express GABA. We speculate that there may be several subpopulations of SOM cells, of which the largest may consist of non-GABAergic, excitatory interneurons.

Overexpression of neuropeptide Y induced by brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the rat hippocampus is long lasting

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in hippocampal neuroplasticity. In particular, BDNF upregulation in the hippocampus by epileptic seizures suggests its involvement in the neuronal rearrangements accompanying epileptogenesis. We have shown previously that chronic infusion of BDNF in the hippocampus induces a long-term delay in hippocampal kindling progression. Although BDNF has been shown to enhance the excitability of this structure upon acute application, long-term transcriptional regulations leading to increased inhibition within the hippocampus may account for its suppressive effects on epileptogenesis. Therefore, the long-term consequences of a 7-day chronic intrahippocampal infusion of BDNF (12 microg/day) were investigated up to 2 weeks after the end of the infusion, on the expression of neurotransmitters contained in inhibitory hippocampal interneurons and which display anti-epileptic properties. Our results show that BDNF does not modify levels of immunostaining for glutamic acid decarboxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis, and somatostatin. Conversely, BDNF induces a long-lasting increase of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the hippocampus, measured by immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassay, outlasting the end of the infusion by at least 7 days. The distribution of BDNF-induced neuropeptide Y immunoreactivity is similar to the pattern observed in animals submitted to hippocampal kindling, with the exception of mossy fibres which only become immunoreactive following seizure activity. The enduring increase of neuropeptide Y expression induced by BDNF in the hippocampus suggests that this neurotrophin can trigger long-term genomic effects, which may contribute to the neuroplasticity of this structure, in particular during epileptogenesis.