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Leite-Aguiar R, Bello-Santos VG, Castro NG, Coutinho-Silva R, Savio LEB. Techniques for evaluating the ATP-gated ion channel P2X7 receptor function in macrophages and microglial cells. J Immunol Methods 2024; 532:113727. [PMID: 38997100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2024.113727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Resident macrophages are tissue-specific innate immune cells acting as sentinels, constantly patrolling their assigned tissue to maintain homeostasis, and quickly responding to pathogenic invaders or molecular danger signals molecules when necessary. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), when released to the extracellular medium, acts as a danger signal through specific purinergic receptors. Interaction of ATP with the purinergic receptor P2X7 activates macrophages and microglial cells in different pathological conditions, triggering inflammation. The highly expressed P2X7 receptor in these cells induces cell membrane permeabilization, inflammasome activation, cell death, and the production of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and nitrogen and oxygen-reactive species. This review explores the techniques to evaluate the functional and molecular aspects of the P2X7 receptor, particularly in macrophages and microglial cells. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry or immunohistochemistry are essential for assessing gene and protein expression in these cell types. Evaluation of P2X7 receptor function involves the use of ATP and selective agonists and antagonists and diverse techniques, including electrophysiology, intracellular calcium measurements, ethidium bromide uptake, and propidium iodide cell viability assays. These techniques are crucial for studying the role of P2X7 receptors in immune responses, neuroinflammation, and various pathological conditions. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the functional and molecular aspects of the P2X7 receptor in macrophages and microglia is vital for unraveling its involvement in immune modulation and its potential as a therapeutic target. The methodologies presented and discussed herein offer valuable tools for researchers investigating the complexities of P2X7 receptor signaling in innate immune cells in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raíssa Leite-Aguiar
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Robson Coutinho-Silva
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz Eduardo Baggio Savio
- Laboratório de Imunofisiologia, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil..
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Barbaresi P, Fabri M, Lorenzi T, Sagrati A, Morroni M. Intrinsic organization of the corpus callosum. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1393000. [PMID: 39035452 PMCID: PMC11259024 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1393000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The corpus callosum-the largest commissural fiber system connecting the two cerebral hemispheres-is considered essential for bilateral sensory integration and higher cognitive functions. Most studies exploring the corpus callosum have examined either the anatomical, physiological, and neurochemical organization of callosal projections or the functional and/or behavioral aspects of the callosal connections after complete/partial callosotomy or callosal lesion. There are no works that address the intrinsic organization of the corpus callosum. We review the existing information on the activities that take place in the commissure in three sections: I) the topographical and neurochemical organization of the intracallosal fibers, II) the role of glia in the corpus callosum, and III) the role of the intracallosal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Barbaresi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mara Fabri
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Teresa Lorenzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Andrea Sagrati
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Manrico Morroni
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria, Ancona, Italy
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Tewari M, Michalski S, Egan TM. Modulation of Microglial Function by ATP-Gated P2X7 Receptors: Studies in Rat, Mice and Human. Cells 2024; 13:161. [PMID: 38247852 PMCID: PMC10814008 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
P2X receptors are a family of seven ATP-gated ion channels that trigger physiological and pathophysiological responses in a variety of cells. Five of the family members are sensitive to low concentrations of extracellular ATP, while the P2X6 receptor has an unknown affinity. The last subtype, the P2X7 receptor, is unique in requiring millimolar concentrations to fully activate in humans. This low sensitivity imparts the agonist with the ability to act as a damage-associated molecular pattern that triggers the innate immune response in response to the elevated levels of extracellular ATP that accompany inflammation and tissue damage. In this review, we focus on microglia because they are the primary immune cells of the central nervous system, and they activate in response to ATP or its synthetic analog, BzATP. We start by introducing purinergic receptors and then briefly consider the roles that microglia play in neurodevelopment and disease by referencing both original works and relevant reviews. Next, we move to the role of extracellular ATP and P2X receptors in initiating and/or modulating innate immunity in the central nervous system. While most of the data that we review involve work on mice and rats, we highlight human studies of P2X7R whenever possible.
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Augusto-Oliveira M, Arrifano GP, Delage CI, Tremblay MÈ, Crespo-Lopez ME, Verkhratsky A. Plasticity of microglia. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:217-250. [PMID: 34549510 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Microglial cells are the scions of foetal macrophages which invade the neural tube early during embryogenesis. The nervous tissue environment instigates the phenotypic metamorphosis of foetal macrophages into idiosyncratic surveilling microglia, which are generally characterised by a small cell body and highly ramified motile processes that constantly scan the nervous tissue for signs of changes in homeostasis and allow microglia to perform crucial homeostatic functions. The surveilling microglial phenotype is evolutionarily conserved from early invertebrates to humans. Despite this evolutionary conservation, microglia show substantial heterogeneity in their gene and protein expression, as well as morphological appearance. These differences are age, region and context specific and reflect a high degree of plasticity underlying the life-long adaptation of microglia, supporting the exceptional adaptive capacity of the central nervous system. Microgliocytes are essential elements of cellular network formation and refinement in the developing nervous tissue. Several distinct patrolling modes of microglial processes contribute to the formation, modification, and pruning of synapses; to the support and protection of neurones through microglial-somatic junctions; and to the control of neuronal and axonal excitability by specific microglia-axonal contacts. In pathology, microglia undergo proliferation and reactive remodelling known as microgliosis, which is context dependent, yet represents an evolutionarily conserved defence response. Microgliosis results in the emergence of multiple disease and context-specific reactive states; in addition, neuropathology is associated with the appearance of specific protective or recovery microglial forms. In summary, the plasticity of microglia supports the development and functional activity of healthy nervous tissue and provides highly sophisticated defences against disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Brazil
| | - Gabriela P Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Brazil
| | - Charlotte Isabelle Delage
- Division of Medical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, Medical Sciences Building, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada.,Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.,Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, 3801 University Street, Montreal, QC, H3A 2B4, Canada.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Pavillon Ferdinand-Vandry, Bureau 4835, 1050 Avenue de la Médecine, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Life Sciences Center, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110, Belém, Brazil
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, U.K.,Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.,Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania
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Verkhratsky A, Sun D, Tanaka J. Snapshot of microglial physiological functions. Neurochem Int 2021; 144:104960. [PMID: 33460721 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.104960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Microglia as a defensive arm of the nervous system emerged early in evolution. The surveilling microglia with motile and ramified processes are the main phenotype in the healthy CNS; the surveilling microglial patrol neuronal somata, dendrites, dendritic spines and axons. Increasing evidence suggests that microglia play fundamental roles in development, maturation and ageing of the brain, as well as contribute to a variety of physiological brain processes including sleep and circadian rhythm. Physiological state of microglia is tightly regulated by brain microenvironment and controlled by a sophisticated system of receptors and signalling cascades including ionotropic and metabotropic purinoceptors, pattern-recognition receptors, and receptors for chemokines and cytokines. Microglia also utilise ion channels and transporters in regulating ionic homeostasis and various aspects of microglial function. The major ion transporters expressed by microglia include Na+/H+ exchanger 1 and Na+/Ca2+ exchangers, which are involved in regulation of pHi and Ca2+ homeostasis during microglial physiological responses. Microglial cells control development, maturation and plasticity of neuronal ensembles through controlled physiological phagocytosis of synapses or synaptic fragments - processes known as synaptic pruning and trogocytosis. This special issue on "Physiological roles of microglia" is an assembly of papers written by the leading experts in this research field. We start this special issue with this snapshot of microglial physiological functions as a prelude to the indepth discussion of microglia in physiological processes in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK; Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Dandan Sun
- Department of Neurology and Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA; Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Geriatric Research, Educational and Clinical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Junya Tanaka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Ehime University, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan.
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Purinergic signaling orchestrating neuron-glia communication. Pharmacol Res 2020; 162:105253. [PMID: 33080321 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses the evidence supporting a role for ATP signaling (operated by P2X and P2Y receptors) and adenosine signaling (mainly operated by A1 and A2A receptors) in the crosstalk between neurons, astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes. An initial emphasis will be given to the cooperation between adenosine receptors to sharpen information salience encoding across synapses. The interplay between ATP and adenosine signaling in the communication between astrocytes and neurons will then be presented in context of the integrative properties of the astrocytic syncytium, allowing to implement heterosynaptic depression processes in neuronal networks. The process of microglia 'activation' and its control by astrocytes and neurons will then be analyzed under the perspective of an interplay between different P2 receptors and adenosine A2A receptors. In spite of these indications of a prominent role of purinergic signaling in the bidirectional communication between neurons and glia, its therapeutical exploitation still awaits obtaining an integrated view of the spatio-temporal action of ATP signaling and adenosine signaling, clearly distinguishing the involvement of both purinergic signaling systems in the regulation of physiological processes and in the control of pathogenic-like responses upon brain dysfunction or damage.
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Jia J, Liu C, Han Y, Han H, Zhong M, Gao Y. miR-146a alleviates the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons induced by microglia activation via targeting TRAF6. Hum Exp Toxicol 2020; 39:1650-1660. [PMID: 32633138 DOI: 10.1177/0960327120930069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify the role of miR-146a and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) for improving the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons induced by microglia activation. METHODS Mouse microglial cell line (BV2 cell) was employed and treated with lipopolysaccharide. Mouse hippocampal nerve cell line (HT22 cell) was then grown in BV2 conditioned medium, and miR-146a overexpression and silencing cell lines were constructed. CCK8 and clone formation test were utilized to evaluate the proliferation ability of the transfected cells, and the level of inflammatory factors was measured by ELISA. Apoptosis was determined extensively by flow cytometry. The apoptosis-related protein and TRAF6 protein expressions were verified by Western blot. TRAF6 was identified to be the target gene of miR-146a based on double Luciferase Report. Finally, both TRAF6 and miR-146a were used to treat HT22 cells and the above indexes were detected repeatedly. RESULTS Interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6 expressions in BV2 cells increased significantly. miR-146a overexpression distinctly increased the cell proliferation ability and B-cell lymphoma-2 expression ((Bcl-2, p < 0.05); meanwhile, the apoptosis rate of cells, apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2 associated X and cleaved caspase-3), and TRAF6 gene and protein expressions were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). However, these above results were reversed for miR-146a silence. There is a targeting relationship between miR-146a and TRAF6. Silencing TRAF6 gene can promote HT22 cells' proliferation and inhibit apoptosis. The effect of miR-146a on HT22 cells was reversed by adding TRAF6 mimics to miR-146a overexpression cells. CONCLUSION miR-146a can inhibit the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons caused by microglia activation via targeting TRAF6 and down-regulating its expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Jia
- Department of Psychiatry, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - C Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Y Han
- Department of Medical, Binzhou Youfu Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - H Han
- Department of Psychiatry, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - M Zhong
- Department of Psychiatry, Binzhou Youfu Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Y Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, China
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Regulation of Microglial Functions by Purinergic Mechanisms in the Healthy and Diseased CNS. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051108. [PMID: 32365642 PMCID: PMC7290360 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS), exist in a process-bearing, ramified/surveying phenotype under resting conditions. Upon activation by cell-damaging factors, they get transformed into an amoeboid phenotype releasing various cell products including pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, proteases, reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, and the excytotoxic ATP and glutamate. In addition, they engulf pathogenic bacteria or cell debris and phagocytose them. However, already resting/surveying microglia have a number of important physiological functions in the CNS; for example, they shield small disruptions of the blood–brain barrier by their processes, dynamically interact with synaptic structures, and clear surplus synapses during development. In neurodegenerative illnesses, they aggravate the original disease by a microglia-based compulsory neuroinflammatory reaction. Therefore, the blockade of this reaction improves the outcome of Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, etc. The function of microglia is regulated by a whole array of purinergic receptors classified as P2Y12, P2Y6, P2Y4, P2X4, P2X7, A2A, and A3, as targets of endogenous ATP, ADP, or adenosine. ATP is sequentially degraded by the ecto-nucleotidases and 5′-nucleotidase enzymes to the almost inactive inosine as an end product. The appropriate selective agonists/antagonists for purinergic receptors as well as the respective enzyme inhibitors may profoundly interfere with microglial functions and reconstitute the homeostasis of the CNS disturbed by neuroinflammation.
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Abstract
Microglial cells derive from fetal macrophages which immigrate into and disseminate throughout the central nervous system (CNS) in early embryogenesis. After settling in the nerve tissue, microglial progenitors acquire an idiosyncratic morphological phenotype with small cell body and moving thin and highly ramified processes currently defined as "resting or surveillant microglia". Physiology of microglia is manifested by second messenger-mediated cellular excitability, low resting membrane conductance, and expression of receptors to pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs and DAMPs), as well as receptors to classical neurotransmitters and neurohormones. This specific physiological profile reflects adaptive changes of myeloid cells to the CNS environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Garaschuk
- Department of Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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10
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Distinguishing features of microglia- and monocyte-derived macrophages after stroke. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 135:551-568. [PMID: 29249001 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1795-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
After stroke, macrophages in the ischemic brain may be derived from either resident microglia or infiltrating monocytes. Using bone marrow (BM)-chimerism and dual-reporter transgenic fate mapping, we here set out to delimit the responses of either cell type to mild brain ischemia in a mouse model of 30 min transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). A discriminatory analysis of gene expression at 7 days post-event yielded 472 transcripts predominantly or exclusively expressed in blood-derived macrophages as well as 970 transcripts for microglia. The differentially regulated genes were further collated with oligodendrocyte, astrocyte, and neuron transcriptomes, resulting in a dataset of microglia- and monocyte-specific genes in the ischemic brain. Functional categories significantly enriched in monocytes included migration, proliferation, and calcium signaling, indicative of strong activation. Whole-cell patch-clamp analysis further confirmed this highly activated state by demonstrating delayed outward K+ currents selectively in invading cells. Although both cell types displayed a mixture of known phenotypes pointing to the significance of 'intermediate states' in vivo, blood-derived macrophages were generally more skewed toward an M2 neuroprotective phenotype. Finally, we found that decreased engraftment of blood-borne cells in the ischemic brain of chimeras reconstituted with BM from Selplg-/- mice resulted in increased lesions at 7 days and worse post-stroke sensorimotor performance. In aggregate, our study establishes crucial differences in activation state between resident microglia and invading macrophages after stroke and identifies unique genomic signatures for either cell type.
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Swiatkowski P, Murugan M, Eyo UB, Wang Y, Rangaraju S, Oh SB, Wu LJ. Activation of microglial P2Y12 receptor is required for outward potassium currents in response to neuronal injury. Neuroscience 2016; 318:22-33. [PMID: 26791526 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Microglia, the resident immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS), constantly survey the surrounding neural parenchyma and promptly respond to brain injury. Activation of purinergic receptors such as P2Y12 receptors (P2Y12R) in microglia has been implicated in chemotaxis toward ATP that is released by injured neurons and astrocytes. Activation of microglial P2Y12R elicits outward potassium current that is associated with microglial chemotaxis in response to injury. This study aimed at investigating the identity of the potassium channel implicated in microglial P2Y12R-mediated chemotaxis following neuronal injury and understanding the purinergic signaling pathway coupled to the channel. Using a combination of two-photon imaging, electrophysiology and genetic tools, we found the ATP-induced outward current to be largely dependent on P2Y12R activation and mediated by G-proteins. Similarly, P2Y12R-coupled outward current was also evoked in response to laser-induced single neuron injury. This current was abolished in microglia obtained from mice lacking P2Y12R. Dissecting the properties of the P2Y12R-mediated current using a pharmacological approach revealed that both the ATP and neuronal injury-induced outward current in microglia was sensitive to quinine (1mM) and bupivacaine (400μM), but not tetraethylammonium (TEA) (10mM) and 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) (5mM). These results suggest that the quinine/bupivacaine-sensitive potassium channels are the functional effectors of the P2Y12R-mediated signaling in microglia activation following neuronal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Swiatkowski
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States; Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - M Murugan
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - U B Eyo
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Y Wang
- Stomatological Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - S Rangaraju
- Department of Neurology, Emory University School of Medicine, 12 Executive Park Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30329, United States
| | - S B Oh
- Department of Neurobiology and Physiology, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - L-J Wu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States.
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12
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Habib P, Beyer C. Regulation of brain microglia by female gonadal steroids. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 146:3-14. [PMID: 24607811 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Microglial cells are the primary mediators of the CNS immune defense system and crucial for shaping inflammatory responses. They represent a highly dynamic cell population which is constantly moving and surveying their environment. Acute brain damage causes a local attraction and activation of this immune cell type which involves neuron-to-glia and glia-to-glia interactions. The prevailing view attributes microglia a "negative" role such as defense and debris elimination. More topical studies also suggest a protective and "positive" regulatory function. Estrogens and progestins exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in the CNS in acute and chronic brain diseases. Recent work revealed that microglial cells express subsets of classical and non-classical estrogen and progesterone receptors in a highly dynamic way. In this review article, we would like to stress the importance of microglia for the spreading of neural damage during hypoxia, their susceptibility to functional modulation by sex steroids, the potency of sex hormones to switch microglia from a pro-inflammatory M1 to neuroprotective M2 phenotype, and the regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory properties including the inflammasome. We will further discuss the possibility that the neuroprotective action of sex steroids in the brain involves an early and direct modulation of local microglia cell function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Sex steroids and brain disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pardes Habib
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Cordian Beyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
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Ikeda M, Tsuno S, Sugiyama T, Hashimoto A, Yamoto K, Takeuchi K, Kishi H, Mizuguchi H, Kohsaka SI, Yoshioka T. Ca(2+) spiking activity caused by the activation of store-operated Ca(2+) channels mediates TNF-α release from microglial cells under chronic purinergic stimulation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2013; 1833:2573-2585. [PMID: 23830920 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2013.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2012] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines released from microglia mediate defensive responses in the brain, but the underlying mechanisms are obscure. One proposed process is that nucleotide leakage or release from surrounding cells is sensed by metabotropic (P2Y) and ionotropic (P2X) purinergic receptors, which may trigger long-term intracellular Ca(2+) flux and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) release. Indeed, 3h of exposure to ATP was required to evoke TNF-α release from a murine microglial cell line (MG5). A Ca(2+) chelator, ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA), reduced ATP-induced TNF-α release, suggesting that intracellular Ca(2+) is important in this response. Therefore, Ca(2+) sensor genes (YC3.6) were transfected into MG5 cells to investigate the Ca(2+) dynamics underlying ATP-induced TNF-α release. The results demonstrated ATP-induced biphasic Ca(2+) mobilization mediated by P2Y (~5min) and P2X7 receptors (5-30min). Moreover, Ca(2+) spiking activity in cell processes progressively increased with a reduction in P2X7 receptor-mediated Ca(2+) elevation during 3-h ATP stimulation. Increased Ca(2+) spiking activity paralleled the reduction in thapsigargin-sensitive internal Ca(2+) stores, dendrite extension, and expression of macrophage scavenger receptors with collagenous structure. The Ca(2+) spiking activity was enhanced by a P2X7 receptor antagonist (A438079), but inhibited by a store-operated channel antagonist (SKF96365) or by co-transfection of small interference ribonucleic acid (siRNA) targeted on the channel component (Orai1). Furthermore, ATP-induced TNF-α release was enhanced by A438079 but was inhibited by SKF96365. Because store-operated channels (Stim1/Orai1) were expressed both in MG5 and primary microglial cultures, we suggest that P2X7 receptor signaling inhibits store-operated channels during ATP stimulation, and disinhibition of this process gates TNF-α release from microglial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Ikeda
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama City, Toyama 930-8555, Japan; Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama City, Toyama 930-8555, Japan.
| | - Saki Tsuno
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama City, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Takashi Sugiyama
- Advanced Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan; Advanced Core Technology Department, Research and Development Division, Corporate R&D Center, Olympus Corporation, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-8512, Japan
| | - Ayami Hashimoto
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama City, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Kurumi Yamoto
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, University of Toyama, Toyama City, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Kouhei Takeuchi
- Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama City, Toyama 930-8555, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kishi
- Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama City, Toyama 930-8555, Japan; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630, Sugitani, Toyama 930-01, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Mizuguchi
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita City, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Laboratory of Stem Cell Regulation, National Institute of Biomedical Innovation, Suita City, Osaka 567-0085, Japan; The Center for Advanced Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita City, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Kohsaka
- Department of Neurochemistry, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8502, Japan
| | - Tohru Yoshioka
- Advanced Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-8555, Japan; Graduate School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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14
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P2X7 receptor activation regulates microglial cell death during oxygen-glucose deprivation. Neuropharmacology 2013; 73:311-9. [PMID: 23770338 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Brain-resident microglia may promote tissue repair following stroke but, like other cells, they are vulnerable to ischemia. Here we identify mechanisms involved in microglial ischemic vulnerability. Using time-lapse imaging of cultured BV2 microglia, we show that simulated ischemia (oxygen-glucose deprivation; OGD) induces BV2 microglial cell death. Removal of extracellular Ca(2+) or application of Brilliant Blue G (BBG), a potent P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) antagonist, protected BV2 microglia from death. To validate and extend these in vitro findings, we assessed parenchymal microglia in freshly isolated hippocampal tissue slices from GFP-reporter mice (CX3CR1(GFP/+)). We confirmed that calcium removal or application of apyrase, an ATP-degrading enzyme, abolished OGD-induced microglial cell death in situ, consistent with involvement of ionotropic purinergic receptors. Indeed, whole cell recordings identified P2X7R-like currents in tissue microglia, and OGD-induced microglial cell death was inhibited by BBG. These pharmacological results were complemented by studies in tissue slices from P2X7R null mice, in which OGD-induced microglia cell death was reduced by nearly half. Together, these results indicate that stroke-like conditions induce calcium-dependent microglial cell death that is mediated in part by P2X7R. This is the first identification of a purinergic receptor regulating microglial survival in living brain tissues. From a therapeutic standpoint, these findings could help direct novel approaches to enhance microglial survival and function following stroke and other neuropathological conditions.
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15
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Eyo UB, Dailey ME. Microglia: key elements in neural development, plasticity, and pathology. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2013; 8:494-509. [PMID: 23354784 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-013-9434-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A century after Cajal identified a "third element" of the nervous system, many issues have been clarified about the identity and function of one of its major components, the microglia. Here, we review recent findings by microgliologists, highlighting results from imaging studies that are helping provide new views of microglial behavior and function. In vivo imaging in the intact adult rodent CNS has revolutionized our understanding of microglial behaviors in situ and has raised speculation about their function in the uninjured adult brain. Imaging studies in ex vivo mammalian tissue preparations and in intact model organisms including zebrafish are providing insights into microglial behaviors during brain development. These data suggest that microglia play important developmental roles in synapse remodeling, developmental apoptosis, phagocytic clearance, and angiogenesis. Because microglia also contribute to pathology, including neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorders, ischemic injury, and neuropathic pain, promising new results raise the possibility of leveraging microglia for therapeutic roles. Finally, exciting recent work is addressing unanswered questions regarding the nature of microglial-neuronal communication. While it is now apparent that microglia play diverse roles in neural development, behavior, and pathology, future research using neuroimaging techniques will be essential to more fully exploit these intriguing cellular targets for effective therapeutic intervention applied to a variety of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ukpong B Eyo
- Department of Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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16
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Kane CJM, Phelan KD, Drew PD. Neuroimmune mechanisms in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Dev Neurobiol 2012; 72:1302-16. [PMID: 22623427 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a major health concern worldwide and results from maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. It produces tremendous individual, social, and economic losses. This review will first summarize the structural, functional, and behavior changes seen in FASD. The development of the neuroimmune system will be then be described with particular emphasis on the role of microglial cells in the normal regulation of homeostatic function in the central nervous system (CNS) including synaptic transmission. The impact of alcohol on the neuroimmune system in the developing CNS will be discussed in the context of several key immune molecules and signaling pathways involved in neuroimmune mechanisms that contribute to FASD. This review concludes with a summary of the development of early therapeutic approaches utilizing immunosuppressive drugs to target alcohol-induced pathologies. The significant role played by neuroimmune mechanisms in alcohol addiction and pathology provides a focus for future research aimed at understanding and treating the consequences of FASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia J M Kane
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA.
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17
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Tress O, Maglione M, May D, Pivneva T, Richter N, Seyfarth J, Binder S, Zlomuzica A, Seifert G, Theis M, Dere E, Kettenmann H, Willecke K. Panglial gap junctional communication is essential for maintenance of myelin in the CNS. J Neurosci 2012; 32:7499-518. [PMID: 22649229 PMCID: PMC6703577 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0392-12.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Revised: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we have investigated the contribution of oligodendrocytic connexin47 (Cx47) and astrocytic Cx30 to panglial gap junctional networks as well as myelin maintenance and function by deletion of both connexin coding DNAs in mice. Biocytin injections revealed complete disruption of oligodendrocyte-to-astrocyte coupling in the white matter of 10- to 15-d-old Cx30/Cx47 double-deficient mice, while oligodendrocyte-to-oligodendrocyte coupling was maintained. There were no quantitative differences regarding cellular networks in acute brain slices obtained from Cx30/Cx47 double-null mice and control littermates, probably caused by the upregulation of oligodendrocytic Cx32 in Cx30/Cx47 double-deficient mice. We observed early onset myelin pathology, and ∼40% of Cx30/Cx47 double-deficient animals died within 42 to 90 d after birth, accompanied by severe motor impairments. Histological and ultrastructural analyses revealed severe vacuolization and myelination defects in all white matter tracts of the CNS. Furthermore, Cx30/Cx47 double-deficient mice exhibited a decreased number of oligodendrocytes, severe astrogliosis, and microglial activation in white matter tracts. Although less affected concerning motor impairment, surviving double-knock-out (KO) mice showed behavioral alterations in the open field and in the rotarod task. Vacuole formation and thinner myelin sheaths were evident also with adult surviving double-KO mice. Since interastrocytic coupling due to Cx43 expression and interoligodendrocytic coupling because of Cx32 expression are still maintained, Cx30/Cx47 double-deficient mice demonstrate the functional role of both connexins for interastrocytic, interoligodendrocytic, and panglial coupling, and show that both connexins are required for maintenance of myelin.
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MESH Headings
- 2',3'-Cyclic-Nucleotide Phosphodiesterases/metabolism
- Actins/metabolism
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Biophysics
- Central Nervous System/cytology
- Central Nervous System/growth & development
- Connexin 30
- Connexins/deficiency
- Connexins/metabolism
- Electric Stimulation
- Exploratory Behavior/physiology
- Gap Junctions/physiology
- Gap Junctions/ultrastructure
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/genetics
- Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein/metabolism
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/genetics
- Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism
- Habituation, Psychophysiologic/genetics
- In Vitro Techniques
- Kaplan-Meier Estimate
- Maze Learning/physiology
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Motor Activity/genetics
- Myelin Sheath/physiology
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Neuroglia/cytology
- Neuroglia/physiology
- Neuroglia/ultrastructure
- Oligodendrocyte Transcription Factor 2
- Oligodendroglia/cytology
- Oligodendroglia/physiology
- Oligodendroglia/ultrastructure
- Patch-Clamp Techniques
- Psychomotor Performance/physiology
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Recognition, Psychology/physiology
- Silver Staining
- Statistics, Nonparametric
- Gap Junction beta-1 Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Tress
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, 53117 Bonn, Germany
| | - Marta Maglione
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dennis May
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, 53117 Bonn, Germany
| | - Tatjyana Pivneva
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, 01024, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Nadine Richter
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Seyfarth
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sonja Binder
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Armin Zlomuzica
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Gerald Seifert
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Theis
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Helmut Kettenmann
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus Willecke
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, 53117 Bonn, Germany
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18
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Activation of serotonin receptors promotes microglial injury-induced motility but attenuates phagocytic activity. Brain Behav Immun 2012; 26:419-28. [PMID: 22198120 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 11/21/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia, the brain immune cell, express several neurotransmitter receptors which modulate microglial functions. In this project we studied the impact of serotonin receptor activation on distinct microglial properties as serotonin deficiency not only has been linked to a number of psychiatric disease like depression and anxiety but may also permeate from the periphery through blood-brain barrier openings seen in neurodegenerative disease. First, we tested the impact of serotonin on the microglial response to an insult caused by a laser lesion in the cortex of acute slices from Cx3Cr1-GFP-/+ mice. In the presence of serotonin the microglial processes moved more rapidly towards the laser lesion which is considered to be a chemotactic response to ATP. Similarly, the chemotactic response of cultured microglia to ATP was also enhanced by serotonin. Quantification of phagocytic activity by determining the uptake of microspheres showed that the amoeboid microglia in slices from early postnatal animals or microglia in culture respond to serotonin application with a decreased phagocytic activity whereas we could not detect any significant change in ramified microglia in situ. The presence of microglial serotonin receptors was confirmed by patch-clamp experiments in culture and amoeboid microglia and by qPCR analysis of RNA isolated from primary cultured and acutely isolated adult microglia. These data suggest that microglia express functional serotonin receptors linked to distinct microglial properties.
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19
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Abstract
Different types of ionotropic P2X purinoceptors are expressed in all major types of neuroglia, where they mediate a variety of physiological and pathological signaling. Cortical astrocytes express specific P2X1/5 heteromeric receptors that are activated by ongoing synaptic transmission and can trigger fast local signaling through elevation in cytoplasmic Ca2+ and Na+ concentrations. Oligodendrocytes express several types of P2X receptors that may control their development and mediate axonal-glial interactions. In microglia, P2X4 and P2X7 receptors regulate numerous events associated with microglial activation, motility, and release of proinflammatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK ; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain ; Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Yuri Pankratov
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Ulyana Lalo
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
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20
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Tress O, Maglione M, Zlomuzica A, May D, Dicke N, Degen J, Dere E, Kettenmann H, Hartmann D, Willecke K. Pathologic and phenotypic alterations in a mouse expressing a connexin47 missense mutation that causes Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease in humans. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002146. [PMID: 21750683 PMCID: PMC3131295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junction channels are intercellular conduits that allow diffusional exchange of ions, second messengers, and metabolites. Human oligodendrocytes express the gap junction protein connexin47 (Cx47), which is encoded by the GJC2 gene. The autosomal recessive mutation hCx47M283T causes Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease 1 (PMLD1), a progressive leukodystrophy characterized by hypomyelination, retarded motor development, nystagmus, and spasticity. We introduced the human missense mutation into the orthologous position of the mouse Gjc2 gene and inserted the mCx47M282T coding sequence into the mouse genome via homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Three-week-old homozygous Cx47M282T mice displayed impaired rotarod performance but unchanged open-field behavior. 10-15-day-old homozygous Cx47M282T and Cx47 null mice revealed a more than 80% reduction in the number of cells participating in glial networks after biocytin injections into oligodendrocytes in sections of corpus callosum. Homozygous expression of mCx47M282T resulted in reduced MBP expression and astrogliosis in the cerebellum of ten-day-old mice which could also be detected in Cx47 null mice of the same age. Three-month-old homozygous Cx47M282T mice exhibited neither altered open-field behavior nor impaired rotarod performance anymore. Adult mCx47M282T expressing mice did not show substantial myelin alterations, but homozygous Cx47M282T mice, additionally deprived of connexin32, which is also expressed in oligodendrocytes, died within six weeks after birth and displayed severe myelin defects accompanied by astrogliosis and activated microglia. These results strongly suggest that PMLD1 is caused by the loss of Cx47 channel function that results in impaired panglial coupling in white matter tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Tress
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marta Maglione
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Armin Zlomuzica
- Center for the Study and Treatment of Mental Health, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dennis May
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nikolai Dicke
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Joachim Degen
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI), UMR 7102, Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, Paris, France
| | - Helmut Kettenmann
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dieter Hartmann
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Willecke
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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21
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Abstract
Microglial cells are the resident macrophages in the central nervous system. These cells of mesodermal/mesenchymal origin migrate into all regions of the central nervous system, disseminate through the brain parenchyma, and acquire a specific ramified morphological phenotype termed "resting microglia." Recent studies indicate that even in the normal brain, microglia have highly motile processes by which they scan their territorial domains. By a large number of signaling pathways they can communicate with macroglial cells and neurons and with cells of the immune system. Likewise, microglial cells express receptors classically described for brain-specific communication such as neurotransmitter receptors and those first discovered as immune cell-specific such as for cytokines. Microglial cells are considered the most susceptible sensors of brain pathology. Upon any detection of signs for brain lesions or nervous system dysfunction, microglial cells undergo a complex, multistage activation process that converts them into the "activated microglial cell." This cell form has the capacity to release a large number of substances that can act detrimental or beneficial for the surrounding cells. Activated microglial cells can migrate to the site of injury, proliferate, and phagocytose cells and cellular compartments.
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22
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Lalo U, Verkhratsky A, Pankratov Y. Ionotropic ATP receptors in neuronal-glial communication. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2011; 22:220-8. [PMID: 21320623 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2011.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2010] [Revised: 01/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
In the central nervous system ATP is released from both neurones and astroglial cells acting as a homo- and heterocellular neurotransmitter. Glial cells express numerous purinoceptors of both ionotropic (P2X) and metabotropic (P2Y) varieties. Astroglial P2X receptors can be activated by ongoing synaptic transmission and can mediate fast local signalling through elevation in cytoplasmic Ca(2+) and Na(+) concentrations. These ionic signals can be translated into various physiological messages by numerous pathways, including release of gliotransmitters, metabolic support of neurones and regulation of activity of postsynaptic glutamate and GABA receptors. Ionotropic purinoceptors represent a novel pathway of glia-driven modulation of synaptic signalling that involves the release of ATP from neurones and astrocytes followed by activation of P2X receptors which can regulate synaptic activity by variety of mechanisms expressed in both neuronal and glial compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulyana Lalo
- Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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23
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Maglione M, Tress O, Haas B, Karram K, Trotter J, Willecke K, Kettenmann H. Oligodendrocytes in mouse corpus callosum are coupled via gap junction channels formed by connexin47 and connexin32. Glia 2010; 58:1104-17. [PMID: 20468052 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
According to previously published ultrastructural studies, oligodendrocytes in white matter exhibit gap junctions with astrocytes, but not among each other, while in vitro oligodendrocytes form functional gap junctions. We have studied functional coupling among oligodendrocytes in acute slices of postnatal mouse corpus callosum. By whole-cell patch clamp we dialyzed oligodendrocytes with biocytin, a gap junction-permeable tracer. On average 61 cells were positive for biocytin detected by labeling with streptavidin-Cy3. About 77% of the coupled cells stained positively for the oligodendrocyte marker protein CNPase, 9% for the astrocyte marker GFAP and 14% were negative for both CNPase and GFAP. In the latter population, the majority expressed Olig2 and some NG2, markers for oligodendrocyte precursors. Oligodendrocytes are known to express Cx47, Cx32 and Cx29, astrocytes Cx43 and Cx30. In Cx47-deficient mice, the number of coupled cells was reduced by 80%. Deletion of Cx32 or Cx29 alone did not significantly reduce the number of coupled cells, but coupling was absent in Cx32/Cx47-double-deficient mice. Cx47-ablation completely abolished coupling of oligodendrocytes to astrocytes. In Cx43-deficient animals, oligodendrocyte-astrocyte coupling was still present, but coupling to oligodendrocyte precursors was not observed. In Cx43/Cx30-double deficient mice, oligodendrocyte-to-astrocyte coupling was almost absent. Uncoupled oligodendrocytes showed a higher input resistance. We conclude that oligodendrocytes in white matter form a functional syncytium predominantly among each other dependent on Cx47 and Cx32 expression, while astrocytic connexins expression can promote the size of this network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Maglione
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Cellular Neuroscience, 13092 Berlin, Germany
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24
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Verkhratsky A, Parpura V, Rodríguez JJ. Where the thoughts dwell: the physiology of neuronal-glial "diffuse neural net". ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 66:133-51. [PMID: 20546785 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2010.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Revised: 05/11/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the production of thoughts by exceedingly complex cellular networks that construct the human brain constitute the most challenging problem of natural sciences. Our understanding of the brain function is very much shaped by the neuronal doctrine that assumes that neuronal networks represent the only substrate for cognition. These neuronal networks however are embedded into much larger and probably more complex network formed by neuroglia. The latter, although being electrically silent, employ many different mechanisms for intercellular signalling. It appears that astrocytes can control synaptic networks and in such a capacity they may represent an integral component of the computational power of the brain rather than being just brain "connective tissue". The fundamental question of whether neuroglia is involved in cognition and information processing remains, however, open. Indeed, a remarkable increase in the number of glial cells that distinguishes the human brain can be simply a result of exceedingly high specialisation of the neuronal networks, which delegated all matters of survival and maintenance to the neuroglia. At the same time potential power of analogue processing offered by internally connected glial networks may represent the alternative mechanism involved in cognition.
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25
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Burnstock G, Fredholm BB, North RA, Verkhratsky A. The birth and postnatal development of purinergic signalling. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2010; 199:93-147. [PMID: 20345419 DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2010.02114.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The purinergic signalling system is one of the most ancient and arguably the most widespread intercellular signalling system in living tissues. In this review we present a detailed account of the early developments and current status of purinergic signalling. We summarize the current knowledge on purinoceptors, their distribution and role in signal transduction in various tissues in physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Burnstock
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London, UK.
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26
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Verkhrasky A, Krishtal OA, Burnstock G. Purinoceptors on Neuroglia. Mol Neurobiol 2009; 39:190-208. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-009-8063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2009] [Accepted: 02/24/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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27
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Cheung G, Kann O, Kohsaka S, Făerber K, Kettenmann H. GABAergic activities enhance macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha release from microglia (brain macrophages) in postnatal mouse brain. J Physiol 2008; 587:753-68. [PMID: 19047202 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2008.163923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells (brain macrophages) invade the brain during embryonic and early postnatal development, migrate preferentially along fibre tracts to their final position and transform from an amoeboid to a ramified morphology. Signals by which the invading microglia communicate with other brain cells are largely unknown. Here, we studied amoeboid microglia in postnatal corpus callosum obtained from 6- to 8-day-old mice. These cells accumulated on the surface of acute brain slices. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that the specific GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol triggered a transient increase in conductance typical for inward rectifying potassium channels in microglia. This current increase was not mediated by microglial GABA(A) receptors since microglial cells removed from the slice surface no longer reacted and cultured microglia only responded when a brain slice was placed in their close vicinity. Muscimol triggered a transient increase in extracellular potassium concentration ([K(+)](o)) in brain slices and an experimental elevation of [K(+)](o) mimicked the muscimol response in microglial cells. Moreover, in adult brain slices, muscimol led only to a minute increase in [K(+)](o) and microglial cells failed to respond to muscimol. In turn, an increase in [K(+)](o) stimulated the release of chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP1-alpha) from brain slices and from cultures of microglia but not astrocytes. Our observations indicate that invading microglia in early postnatal development sense GABAergic activities indirectly via sensing changes in [K(+)](o) which results in an increase in MIP1-alpha release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle Cheung
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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28
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P2X1 and P2X5 subunits form the functional P2X receptor in mouse cortical astrocytes. J Neurosci 2008; 28:5473-80. [PMID: 18495881 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1149-08.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ATP plays an important role in signal transduction between neuronal and glial circuits and within glial networks. Here we describe currents activated by ATP in astrocytes acutely isolated from cortical brain slices by non-enzymatic mechanical dissociation. Brain slices were prepared from transgenic mice that express enhanced green fluorescent protein under the control of the human glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter. Astrocytes were studied by whole-cell voltage clamp. Exogenous ATP evoked inward currents in 75 of 81 astrocytes. In the majority ( approximately 65%) of cells, ATP-induced responses comprising a fast and delayed component; in the remaining subpopulation of astrocytes, ATP triggered a smoother response with rapid peak and slowly decaying plateau phase. The fast component of the response was sensitive to low concentrations of ATP (with EC(50) of approximately 40 nm). All ATP-induced currents were blocked by pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonate (PPADS); they were insensitive to ivermectin. Quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated strong expression of P2X(1) and P2X(5) receptor subunits and some expression of P2X(2) subunit mRNAs. The main properties of the ATP-induced response in cortical astrocytes (high sensitivity to ATP, biphasic kinetics, and sensitivity to PPADS) were very similar to those reported for P2X(1/5) heteromeric receptors studied previously in heterologous expression systems.
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29
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Wu LJ, Vadakkan KI, Zhuo M. ATP-induced chemotaxis of microglial processes requires P2Y receptor-activated initiation of outward potassium currents. Glia 2007; 55:810-21. [PMID: 17357150 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Microglial cells are the resident macrophages that are involved in brain injuries and infections. Recent studies using transcranial two-photon microscopy have shown that ATP and P2Y receptors mediated rapid chemotactic responses of miroglia to local injury. However, the molecular mechanism for microglial chemotaxis toward ATP is still unknown. To address this question, we employed a combination of simultaneous perforated whole-cell recordings and time-lapse confocal imaging in GFP-labeled microglia in acute brain slices from adult mice. We found that ATP-induced rapid chemotaxis is correlated with P2Y receptor associated-outward potassium current in microglia. Activation of both P2Y receptor and its associated potassium channels are required for ATP-induced chemotaxis and baseline motility of microglial cells. The chemotaxis required the activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase but not mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Our results provide strong evidence that P2Y receptor-associated outward potassium channels and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway are important for ATP-induced microglial motility in acute brain slices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long-Jun Wu
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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30
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Kurpius D, Nolley EP, Dailey ME. Purines induce directed migration and rapid homing of microglia to injured pyramidal neurons in developing hippocampus. Glia 2007; 55:873-84. [PMID: 17405148 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic CNS injury activates and mobilizes resident parenchymal microglia (MG), which rapidly accumulate near injured neurons where they transform into phagocytes. The mechanisms underlying this rapid 'homing' in situ are unknown. Using time-lapse confocal imaging in acutely excised neonatal hippocampal slices, we show that rapid accumulation of MG near somata of injured pyramidal neurons in the stratum pyramidale (SP) results from directed migration from tissue regions immediately adjacent to (<200 microm from) the SP. Time-lapse sequences also reveal a 'spreading activation wave' wherein MG situated progressively farther from the SP begin to migrate later and exhibit less directional migration toward the SP. Because purines have been implicated in MG activation and chemotaxis, we tested whether ATP/ADP released from injured pyramidal neurons might account for these patterns of MG behavior. Indeed, application of apyrase, which degrades extracellular ATP/ADP, inhibits MG motility and homing to injured neurons in the SP. Moreover, bath application of exogenous ATP/ADP disrupts MG homing by inducing directional migration toward the slice exterior and away from injured neurons. These results indicate that extracellular ATP/ADP is both necessary and sufficient to induce directional migration and rapid homing of neonatal MG to injured neurons in situ. Rapid, ATP/ADP-dependent MG homing may promote clearance of dead and dying cells and help limit secondary damage during the critical first few hours after neuronal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Kurpius
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1324, USA
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Sperlágh B, Illes P. Purinergic modulation of microglial cell activation. Purinergic Signal 2006; 3:117-27. [PMID: 18404425 PMCID: PMC2096753 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-006-9043-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2006] [Accepted: 01/13/2006] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells are resident macrophages in the brain and their activation is an important part of the brain immune response and the pathology of the major CNS diseases. Microglial activation is triggered by pathological signals and is characterized by morphological changes, proliferation, phagocytosis and the secretion of various cytokines and inflammatory mediators, which could be both destructive and protective for the nervous tissue. Purines are one of the most important mediators which regulate different aspects of microglial function. They could be released to the extracellular space from neurons, astrocytes and from the microglia itself, upon physiological neuronal activity and in response to pathological stimuli and cellular damage. Microglial activation is regulated by various subtypes of nucleotide (P2X, P2Y) and adenosine (A₁, A(₂A) and A₃) receptors, which control ionic conductances, membrane potential, gene transcription, the production of inflammatory mediators and cell survival. Among them, the role of P2X₇ receptors is especially well delineated, but P2X₄, various P2Y, A₁, A(₂A) and A₃ receptors also powerfully participate in the microglial response. The pathological role of microglial purine receptors has also been demonstrated in disease models; e.g., in ischemia, sclerosis multiplex and neuropathic pain. Due to their upregulation and selective activation under pathological conditions, they provide new avenues in the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beáta Sperlágh
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, 1450, Budapest, Hungary
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32
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Abstract
In this review we summarize mechanisms of Ca(2+) signaling in microglial cells and the impact of Ca(2+) signaling and Ca(2+) levels on microglial function. So far, Ca(2+) signaling has been only characterized in cultured microglia and thus these data refer rather to activated microglia as observed in pathology when compared with the resting form found under physiological conditions. Purinergic receptors are the most prominently expressed ligand-gated Ca(2+)-permeable channels in microglia and control several microglial functions such as cytokine release in a Ca(2+)-dependent fashion. A large variety of metabotropic receptors are linked to Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores. Depletion of these intracellular stores triggers a capacitative Ca(2+) entry. While microglia are already in an activated state in culture, they can be further activated, for example, by exposure to bacterial endotoxin. This activation leads to a chronic increase of [Ca(2+)](i) and this Ca(2+) increase is a prerequisite for the release of nitric oxide and cytokines. Moreover, several factors (TNFalpha, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma) regulate resting [Ca(2+)](i) levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Färber
- Cellular Neuroscience, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Straβe 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Helmut Kettenmann
- Cellular Neuroscience, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Straβe 10, 13092 Berlin, Germany
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Florenzano F, Viscomi MT, Cavaliere F, Volonté C, Molinari M. The role of ionotropic purinergic receptors (P2X) in mediating plasticity responses in the central nervous system. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2006; 557:77-100. [PMID: 16955705 DOI: 10.1007/0-387-30128-3_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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34
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Färber K, Kettenmann H. Purinergic signaling and microglia. Pflugers Arch 2006; 452:615-21. [PMID: 16791619 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-006-0064-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2006] [Accepted: 03/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Microglial cells are considered as the pathologic sensors of the brain. In this paper, we review mechanisms of purinergic signaling in microglia. As ATP is not only considered as a physiological signaling substance but is also elevated in pathology, it is not surprising that microglia express a variety of P2X, P2Y and adenosin receptors. As a rapid physiological event, ATP triggers a cationic conductance, increases the potassium conductance and also elicits a calcium response. As a long-term effect, purinergic receptor activation is linked to the movement of microglial processes and, in the context of pathology, to chemotaxis. The purinoreceptors also modulate the release of substances from microglia, such as cytokines, nitric oxide, or superoxide, which are important in the context of a pathologic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Färber
- Cellular Neuroscience, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13092, Berlin, Germany
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35
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North RA, Verkhratsky A. Purinergic transmission in the central nervous system. Pflugers Arch 2006; 452:479-85. [PMID: 16688467 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-006-0060-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2006] [Accepted: 03/06/2006] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), discovered in 1929 by Karl Lohman, Cyrus Hartwell Fiske, and Yellagaprada SubbaRow, acts as an important extracellular signaling molecule. In the CNS, ATP can be released from synaptic terminals, either on its own or together with other neurotransmitters. After the release from the presynaptic terminals, ATP binds to a plethora of ionotropic and metabotropic receptors, which mediate its action as an excitatory neurotransmitter. Furthermore, ATP also acts as an important mediator in neuronal-glial communications because glial cells are endowed with numerous ATP receptors, which trigger Ca(2+) signaling events and membrane currents in both macro and microglia. In addition, ATP can be released from astroglial cells, thereby acting as a mediator of glial-glial and glial-neuronal signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Alan North
- Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, 1.124 Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
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36
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Xiang Z, Burnstock G. Expression of P2X receptors on rat microglial cells during early development. Glia 2005; 52:119-26. [PMID: 15920729 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
We have used single- and double-labeling immunfluorescence and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) methods to examine expression of P2X receptor subtypes on microglial cells of brain in late embryonic and postnatal rat, in the N9 microglial cell line and primary cultured microglial cells. P2X1, P2X4, and P2X7 receptors were shown on microglial cells from late embryonic day 16. Almost all the microglial cells that were positive for the marker ED1, expressed P2X1 and P2X4 receptors, whereas only about 30% of the cells with ED1-immunoreactivity were found to express the P2X7 receptor. Positive cells were localized mainly in the white matter and around ventricles. From postnatal day 7, many microglial cells with P2X4 receptor-immunoreactivity were seen around the blood vessels. At postnatal day 30, microglial cells with P2X1 receptor-immunoreactivity disappeared and the cells with P2X4 receptor-immunoreactivity were mainly localized around blood vessels and lining the subarachnoid space. From postnatal day 30, the microglial cells with P2X7 receptor-immunoreactivity were found to be distributed widely in the forebrain. Cells with P2X7 receptor-immunoreactivity from P30 were not labeled by ED1, but some were labeled by isolectin B4. The expression of P2X1, P2X4, and P2X7 receptor mRNA and protein on primary cultures of rat microglial cells and on the N9 microglial cell line was demonstrated with immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. This is the first report that the P2X1 receptor is expressed on microglial cells, at least in early development, before postnatal day 30.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghua Xiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Second Military Medical University, 200433 Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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37
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Färber K, Kettenmann H. Physiology of microglial cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 48:133-43. [PMID: 15850652 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2004.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2004] [Accepted: 12/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Microglial cells in culture and in situ express a defined pattern of K(+) channels, which is distinct from that of other glial cells and neurons. This pattern undergoes defined changes with microglial activation. As expected for a cell with immunological properties, microglia express a variety of cytokine and chemokine receptors, which are linked to the mobilization of Ca(2+) (cytosolic free calcium) from internal stores. Microglial cells also have the capacity to respond to neuronal activity: they express receptors for the major excitatory receptor glutamate and the main inhibitory receptor GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid). By expressing purinergic receptors, microglia can sense astrocyte activity in the form of Ca(2+) waves. Activation of transmitter receptors can affect cytokine release which is a potential means as to how brain activity can affect immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Färber
- Cellular Neuroscience, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
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38
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Färber K, Pannasch U, Kettenmann H. Dopamine and noradrenaline control distinct functions in rodent microglial cells. Mol Cell Neurosci 2005; 29:128-38. [PMID: 15866053 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2005.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2004] [Revised: 01/06/2005] [Accepted: 01/12/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells are the immune-competent elements of the brain. They not only express receptors for chemokines and cytokines but also for neurotransmitters such as GABA [Charles et al., Mol. Cell Neurosci. 24 (2003) 214], glutamate [Noda et al., J. Neurosci. 20 (2000) 251], and adrenaline [Mori et al., Neuropharmacology 43 (2002) 1026]. Here we report the functional expression of dopamine receptors in mouse and rat microglia, in culture and brain slices. Using the patch clamp technique as the functional assay we identified D1- and D2-like dopamine receptors using subtype-specific ligands. They triggered the inhibition of the constitutive potassium inward rectifier and activated potassium outward currents in a subpopulation of microglia. Chronic dopamine receptor stimulation enhanced migratory activity and attenuated the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide (NO) release similar as by stimulation of adrenergic receptors. While, however, noradrenaline attenuated the LPS-induced release of TNF-alpha and IL-6, dopamine was ineffective in modulating this response. We conclude that microglia express dopamine receptors which are distinct in function from adrenergic receptors.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenergic Agonists/pharmacology
- Animals
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Cell Movement/physiology
- Cells, Cultured
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Dopamine/pharmacology
- Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology
- Membrane Potentials/drug effects
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Microglia/cytology
- Microglia/drug effects
- Microglia/physiology
- Nitric Oxide/metabolism
- Norepinephrine/pharmacology
- Organ Culture Techniques
- Patch-Clamp Techniques
- Potassium/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha/physiology
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta/physiology
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/agonists
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/genetics
- Receptors, Dopamine D1/physiology
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/agonists
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/genetics
- Receptors, Dopamine D2/physiology
- Sympathomimetics/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Färber
- Cellular Neuroscience, Max-Delbrueck-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
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39
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Bianco F, Fumagalli M, Pravettoni E, D'Ambrosi N, Volonte C, Matteoli M, Abbracchio MP, Verderio C. Pathophysiological roles of extracellular nucleotides in glial cells: differential expression of purinergic receptors in resting and activated microglia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 48:144-56. [PMID: 15850653 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2004.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2004] [Accepted: 12/09/2004] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Microglial cells are the major cellular elements with immune function inside the CNS and play important roles in orchestrating inflammatory brain response to hypoxia and trauma. Although a complete knowledge of the endogenous factors leading to a prompt activation of microglia is not yet available, activation of P2 purinoreceptors by extracellular ATP has been indicated as a primary factor in microglial response. A still unresolved question, however, is which subtype(s) of P2 receptors mediate(s) the response to ATP. By a combination of RT-PCR, Western blotting, and single-cell calcium imaging, we assessed the presence and the activity of P2 receptor subtypes in the mouse microglial cell line N9. All members of the P2 receptor family, including the recently reported receptor for sugar nucleotides (P2Y(14)), were found to be present in these cells at mRNA and/or protein level. The functionality of the receptors was assessed by analysis of the calcium responses evoked by specific agonists both in N9 cells and in primary microglia from rat brain. Interestingly, a different functional profile of P2 receptors was observed in resting or in LPS-activated N9 cells. Overnight exposure to LPS increased P2Y(6) and P2Y(14), decreased P2X(7), and left unchanged P2Y(1) and P2Y(2,4) receptor activity. The change in the P2 receptor profile in activated cells suggests selective roles for specific P2 receptor subtypes in microglial activation triggered by LPS. We speculate that modulation of microglial cell function via subtype-selective P2 receptor ligands may open up new strategies in the therapeutic management of inflammatory neurological diseases characterized by abnormal microglia response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Bianco
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Milan, Italy
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40
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Kuhn SA, van Landeghem FKH, Zacharias R, Färber K, Rappert A, Pavlovic S, Hoffmann A, Nolte C, Kettenmann H. Microglia express GABA(B) receptors to modulate interleukin release. Mol Cell Neurosci 2004; 25:312-22. [PMID: 15019947 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2003.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2003] [Revised: 10/20/2003] [Accepted: 10/30/2003] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) can act as a neuroprotective agent besides its well-established role as the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. Here we report that microglial cells express GABA(B) receptors indicating that these prominent immunocompetent cells in the brain are a target for GABA. Agonists of GABA(B) receptors triggered the induction of K(+) conductance in microglial cells from acute brain slices and in culture. Both subunits of GABA(B) receptors were identified in cultured microglia by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry, and were detected on a subpopulation of microglia in situ by immunohistochemistry. In response to facial nerve axotomy, we observed an increase in GABA(B) receptor expressing microglial cells in the facial nucleus. We activated microglial cells in culture with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce the release of interleukin-6 and interleukin-12p40. This release activity was attenuated by simultaneous activation of the GABA(B) receptors indicating that GABA can modulate the microglial immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne A Kuhn
- Department of Cellular Neuroscience, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, D-13125 Berlin, Germany
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41
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Burnstock G, Knight GE. Cellular Distribution and Functions of P2 Receptor Subtypes in Different Systems. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CYTOLOGY 2004; 240:31-304. [PMID: 15548415 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7696(04)40002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 581] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This review is aimed at providing readers with a comprehensive reference article about the distribution and function of P2 receptors in all the organs, tissues, and cells in the body. Each section provides an account of the early history of purinergic signaling in the organ?cell up to 1994, then summarizes subsequent evidence for the presence of P2X and P2Y receptor subtype mRNA and proteins as well as functional data, all fully referenced. A section is included describing the plasticity of expression of P2 receptors during development and aging as well as in various pathophysiological conditions. Finally, there is some discussion of possible future developments in the purinergic signaling field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Burnstock
- Autonomic Neuroscience Institute, Royal Free and University College Medical School, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
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42
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Gendron FP, Chalimoniuk M, Strosznajder J, Shen S, González FA, Weisman GA, Sun GY. P2X7 nucleotide receptor activation enhances IFN gamma-induced type II nitric oxide synthase activity in BV-2 microglial cells. J Neurochem 2003; 87:344-52. [PMID: 14511112 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01995.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Under normal and pathological conditions, brain cells release nucleotides that regulate a wide range of cellular responses due to activation of P2 nucleotide receptors. In this study, the effect of extracellular nucleotides on IFN gamma-induced NO release in murine BV-2 microglial cells was investigated. BV-2 cells expressed mRNA for metabotropic P2Y and ionotropic P2X receptors. Among the P2 receptor agonists tested, ATP, ADP, 2',3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (BzATP), and 2-methylthio-ATP (2-MeSATP), but not UTP, enhanced IFN gamma-induced iNOS expression and NO production, suggesting that the uridine nucleotide receptors P2Y2 and P2Y6 are not involved in this response. U0126, an antagonist for MEK1/2, a kinase that phosphorylates the extracellular signal-regulated kinases ERK1/2, decreased IFN gamma-induced NO production. BzATP, a potent P2X7 receptor agonist, was more effective than ATP, ADP, or 2-MeSATP at enhancing IFN gamma-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Consistent with activation of the P2X7 receptor, periodate-oxidized ATP, a P2X7 receptor antagonist, and suramin, a non-specific P2 receptor antagonist, inhibited the effect of ATP or BzATP on IFN gamma-induced NO production, whereas pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS), an antagonist of several P2X receptor subtypes, was ineffective. These results suggest that activation of P2X7 receptors may contribute to inflammatory responses in microglial cells seen in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernand-Pierre Gendron
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri 65212, USA
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43
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Bowler JW, Jayne Bailey R, Alan North R, Surprenant A. P2X4, P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptors on rat alveolar macrophages. Br J Pharmacol 2003; 140:567-75. [PMID: 12970084 PMCID: PMC1574050 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
ATP receptors present on rat alveolar macrophages (NR8383 cells) were identified by recordings of membrane current, measurements of intracellular calcium, RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. In whole-cell recordings with a sodium-based internal solution, ATP evoked an inward current at -60 mV. This reversed at 0 mV. The EC50 for ATP was 18 microM in normal external solution (calcium 2 mm, magnesium 1 mm). The currents evoked by 2',3-O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl-ATP were about five-fold smaller than those observed with ATP. ADP, UTP and alphabeta-methylene-ATP (alphabetameATP) (up to 100 microM) had no effect. ATP-evoked currents were potentiated up to ten-fold by ivermectin and were unaffected by suramin (30-100 microM), pyridoxal-phosphate-6-azophenyl-(2,4-sulphonic acid) (30-100 microM), and brilliant blue G (1 microM). In whole-cell recordings with a potassium-based internal solution and low EGTA (0.01 mm), ATP evoked an inward current at -60 mV that was followed by larger outward current. ADP and UTP (1-100 microM) evoked only outward currents; these reversed polarity at the potassium equilibrium potential and were blocked by apamin (10 nm). Outward currents were also blocked by the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 (1 microM), and they were not seen with higher intracellular EGTA (10 mm). Suramin (30 microM) blocked the outward currents evoked by ATP and UTP, but not that evoked by ADP. PPADS (10 microM) blocked the ADP-evoked outward current without altering the ATP or UTP currents. RT-PCR showed transcripts for P2X subunits 1, 4 and 7 (not 2, 3, 5, 6) and P2Y receptors 1, 2, 4 and 12 (not 6). Immunocytochemistry showed strong P2X4 receptor expression partly associated with the membrane, weak P2X7 staining that was not associated with the cell membrane, and no P2X1 receptor immunoreactivity. We conclude that rat alveolar macrophages express (probably homomeric) P2X4 receptors, but find no evidence for other functional P2X subtypes. The P2Y receptors are most likely P2Y1 and P2Y2 and these couple through phospholipase C to an increase in intracellular calcium and the opening of SK type potassium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Bowler
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN
| | - R Jayne Bailey
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN
| | - R Alan North
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN
| | - Annmarie Surprenant
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN
- Author for correspondence:
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44
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Boucsein C, Zacharias R, Färber K, Pavlovic S, Hanisch UK, Kettenmann H. Purinergic receptors on microglial cells: functional expression in acute brain slices and modulation of microglial activation in vitro. Eur J Neurosci 2003; 17:2267-76. [PMID: 12814360 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.02663.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Microglial cells are the pathologic sensors in the brain. ATP released from damaged cells is a candidate for signalling neural injury to microglia. Moreover, ATP is an extracellular messenger for propagating astrocyte activity in the form of Ca2+ waves. To test for the functional expression of purinoreceptors in microglial cells we employed the patch-clamp technique in acute slices of adult mouse brain. ATP triggered a nonselective cationic and a K+ current. Pharmacological screening with purinergic ligands indicated the presence of P2Y1 and P2Y2/4 receptors linked to the activation of a K+ current and P2X receptors, including P2X7, linked to the activation of a nonselective cationic current. These findings suggest that microglial cells in situ express different purinergic receptors with distinct sensitivity and functional coupling. To test for the involvement of purinoreceptors in microglial activation, we stimulated cultured microglial cells with lipopolysaccharide and measured the release of tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, interleukin-12 and macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha, induction of K+ outward currents and nitric oxide release. All these parameters were reduced in the presence of purinergic ligands, indicating that purinergic receptor activation attenuated indicators of microglial activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Boucsein
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Cellular Neuroscience, Robert-Rössle-Strasse10, D-13092, Berlin, Germany
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45
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Brough D, Le Feuvre RA, Wheeler RD, Solovyova N, Hilfiker S, Rothwell NJ, Verkhratsky A. Ca2+ stores and Ca2+ entry differentially contribute to the release of IL-1 beta and IL-1 alpha from murine macrophages. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2003; 170:3029-36. [PMID: 12626557 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.170.6.3029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-1 is a primary mediator of immune responses to injury and infection, but the mechanism of its cellular release is unknown. IL-1 exists as two agonist forms (IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta) present in the cytosol of activated monocytes/macrophages. IL-1 beta is synthesized as an inactive precursor that lacks a signal sequence, and its trafficking does not use the classical endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi route of secretion. Using primary cultured murine peritoneal macrophages, we demonstrate that P2X7 receptor activation causes release of IL-1 beta and IL-1 alpha via a common pathway, dependent upon the release of Ca(2+) from endoplasmic reticulum stores and caspase-1 activity. Increases in intracellular Ca(2+) alone do not promote IL-1 secretion because a concomitant efflux of K(+) through the plasmalemma is required. In addition, we demonstrate the existence of an alternative pathway for the secretion of IL-1 alpha, independent of P2X7 receptor activation, but dependent upon Ca(2+) influx. The identification of these mechanisms provides insight into the mechanism of IL-1 secretion, and may lead to the identification of targets for the therapeutic modulation of IL-1 action in inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Brough
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Polazzi E, Contestabile A. Reciprocal interactions between microglia and neurons: from survival to neuropathology. Rev Neurosci 2003; 13:221-42. [PMID: 12405226 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro.2002.13.3.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Microglia represent a major cellular component of the brain, where they constitute a widely distributed network of immunoprotective cells. During the last decades, it has become clear that the functions traditionally ascribed to microglia, i.e. to dispose of dead cells and debris and to mediate brain inflammatory states, are only a fraction of a much wider repertoire of functions spanning from brain development to aging and neuropathology. The aim of the present survey is to critically discuss some of these functions, focusing in particular on the reciprocal microglia-neuron interactions and on the complex signaling systems subserving them. We consider first some of the functional interactions dealing with invasion, proliferation and migration of microglia as well as with the establishment of the initial blueprint of neural circuits in the developing brain. The signals related to the suppression of immunological properties of microglia by neurons in the healthy brain, and the derangement from this physiological equilibrium in aging and diseases, are then examined. Finally, we make a closer examination of the reciprocal signaling between damaged neurons and microglia and, on these bases, we propose that microglial activation, consequent to neuronal injury, is primarily aimed at neuroprotection. The loss of specific communication between damaged neurons and microglia is viewed as responsible for the turning of microglia to a hyperactivated state, which allows them to escape neuronal control and to give rise to persistent inflammation, resulting in exacerbation of neuropathology. The data surveyed here point at microglial-neuron interactions as the basis of a complex network of signals conveying messages with high information content and regulating the most important aspects of brain function. This network shares similar features with some fundamental principles governing the activity of brain circuits: it is provided with memory and it continuously evolves in relation to the flow of time and information.
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Tanaka S, Koike T. Selective inflammatory stimulations enhance release of microglial response factor (MRF)-1 from cultured microglia. Glia 2002; 40:360-71. [PMID: 12420315 DOI: 10.1002/glia.10142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The mrf-1 gene has been isolated from microglia exposed to cultured cerebellar granule neurons undergoing apoptosis. We have shown that mrf-1 is upregulated in response to neuronal death and degeneration both in vitro and in vivo. However, the exact role of MRF-1 remains unknown. Here we show that MRF-1 is released from cultured rat microglia, and its release is greatly enhanced under inflammatory conditions. When microglia were treated with ATP, the amount of MRF-1 that was released increased 10-fold compared to the basal level of release. Enhanced MRF-1 release was induced within 10 min and peaked within 1 h; after approximately 4 h, the MRF-1 release had returned to normal. MRF-1 release was stimulated by 2-methyl-thio-ATP (five-fold) and a P2X(7) selective agonist, 2'- and 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP (ten-fold). Moreover, the ATP-stimulated MRF-1 release was inhibited by a P2X(7) selective antagonist, oxidized ATP (oATP), and also under a Ca(2+)-free condition. These results indicate that the effects of ATP are dependent on Ca(2+) influx through P2X(7) receptors. MRF-1 release was enhanced by Ca(2+)-ionophore A23187 (sixfold), thapsigargin (threefold); however, it was not enhanced by glutamate or lipopolysaccharide. Moreover, a platelet-activating factor enhanced microglial MRF-1 release in a dose-dependent manner. We also showed that a conditioned medium from cerebellar granule neurons undergoing apoptosis markedly increased MRF-1 release from microglia; that effect was significantly inhibited by oATP. These results indicate that selective inflammatory stimulations, including ATP and PAF, enhance MRF-1 release from microglia through a Ca(2+)-dependent mechanism and suggest that MRF-1 may play a role in cell-cell interactions under inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuuitsu Tanaka
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Division of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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Abstract
P2X receptors are membrane ion channels that open in response to the binding of extracellular ATP. Seven genes in vertebrates encode P2X receptor subunits, which are 40-50% identical in amino acid sequence. Each subunit has two transmembrane domains, separated by an extracellular domain (approximately 280 amino acids). Channels form as multimers of several subunits. Homomeric P2X1, P2X2, P2X3, P2X4, P2X5, and P2X7 channels and heteromeric P2X2/3 and P2X1/5 channels have been most fully characterized following heterologous expression. Some agonists (e.g., alphabeta-methylene ATP) and antagonists [e.g., 2',3'-O-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)-ATP] are strongly selective for receptors containing P2X1 and P2X3 subunits. All P2X receptors are permeable to small monovalent cations; some have significant calcium or anion permeability. In many cells, activation of homomeric P2X7 receptors induces a permeability increase to larger organic cations including some fluorescent dyes and also signals to the cytoskeleton; these changes probably involve additional interacting proteins. P2X receptors are abundantly distributed, and functional responses are seen in neurons, glia, epithelia, endothelia, bone, muscle, and hemopoietic tissues. The molecular composition of native receptors is becoming understood, and some cells express more than one type of P2X receptor. On smooth muscles, P2X receptors respond to ATP released from sympathetic motor nerves (e.g., in ejaculation). On sensory nerves, they are involved in the initiation of afferent signals in several viscera (e.g., bladder, intestine) and play a key role in sensing tissue-damaging and inflammatory stimuli. Paracrine roles for ATP signaling through P2X receptors are likely in neurohypophysis, ducted glands, airway epithelia, kidney, bone, and hemopoietic tissues. In the last case, P2X7 receptor activation stimulates cytokine release by engaging intracellular signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Alan North
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, United Kingdom.
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Kaya N, Tanaka S, Koike T. ATP selectively suppresses the synthesis of the inflammatory protein microglial response factor (MRF)-1 through Ca(2+) influx via P2X(7) receptors in cultured microglia. Brain Res 2002; 952:86-97. [PMID: 12363408 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(02)03200-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are known to express purinergic receptors for extracellular ATP of both P2Y and P2X subtypes. In the CNS, ATP is released from neurons and acts as a signal between neurons and glia. The mrf-1 gene encodes a 17-kDa protein with a single calcium-binding (EF-hand) motif and is expressed specifically in microglia. The gene was isolated from activated microglia in response to apoptosis of cerebellar granule neurons in culture and is upregulated in response to neuronal death and degeneration in vivo. We have found that ATP suppresses the synthesis of the inflammation-related protein MRF-1 in cultured rat microglia. When microglia were treated with ATP (1 mM) for 6 h, mrf-1 mRNA levels decreased to approximately 50% compared to those in the control. This effect was dependent on both the treatment period and the dose of ATP. After ATP (1 mM) treatment for 16 h, levels of mrf-1 mRNA decreased to 37.3% and MRF-1 levels decreased to 55.0% compared to those in the control. A decrease in MRF-1 or its mRNA was also induced by benzoylbenzoyl-ATP (0.1 mM), a P2X(7) receptor-selective agonist, and by the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 (2 micro M), dependent on extracellular Ca(2+). Moreover, ATP modified neither the MRF-1 degradation rate nor total protein synthesis. These results indicate that ATP selectively suppresses MRF-1 synthesis at the transcription level via Ca(2+) influx through P2X(7) receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Kaya
- Division of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10 Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
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Banati RB. Brain plasticity and microglia: is transsynaptic glial activation in the thalamus after limb denervation linked to cortical plasticity and central sensitisation? JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, PARIS 2002; 96:289-99. [PMID: 12445908 DOI: 10.1016/s0928-4257(02)00018-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are a subset of tissue-macrophages that are ubiquitously distributed throughout the entire CNS. In health, they remain largely dormant until activated by a pathological stimulus. The availability of more sensitive detection techniques has allowed the early measurement of the cell responses of microglia in areas with few signs of active pathology. Subtle neuronal injury can induce microglial activation in retrograde and anterograde projection areas remote from the primary lesion focus. There is also evidence that in cases of long-standing abnormal neuronal activity, such as in patients after limb amputation with chronic pain and phantom sensations, glial activation may occur transsynaptically in the thalamus. Such neuronally driven glial responses may be related to the emergence central sensitisation in chronic pain states or plasticity phenomena in the cerebral cortex. It is suggested, that such persistent low-level microglial activation is not adequately described by the traditional concept of phagocyte-mediated tissue damage that largely evolved from studies of acute brain lesion models or acute human brain pathology. Due to the presence of signal molecules that can act on neurons and microglia alike, the communication between neurons and microglia is likely to be bi-directional. Persistent subtle microglial activity may modulate basal synaptic transmission and thus neuronal functioning either directly or through the interaction with astrocytes. The activation of microglia leads to the emergence of microstructural as well as functional compartments in which neurokines, interleukins and other signalling molecules introduce a qualitatively different, more open mode of cell-cell communication that is normally absent from the healthy adult brain. This 'neo-compartmentalisation', however, occurs along predictable neuronal pathways within which these glial changes are themselves under the modulatory influence of neurons or other glial cells and are subject to the evolving state of the pathology. Depending on the disease state, yet relatively independent of the specific disease cause, fluctuations in the modulatory influence by non-neuronal cells may form the cellular basis for the variability of brain plasticity phenomena, i.e. the plasticity of plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Banati
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Department of Neuropathology, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College School of Medicine, London W6 8RF, UK.
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