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Xue T, Wang S, Chen S, Wang H, Liu C, Shi L, Bai Y, Zhang C, Han C, Zhang J. Subthalamic nucleus stimulation attenuates motor seizures via modulating the nigral orexin pathway. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1157060. [PMID: 37214393 PMCID: PMC10196042 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1157060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Focal motor seizures that originate in the motor region are a considerable challenge because of the high risk of permanent motor deficits after resection. Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is a potential treatment for motor epilepsy that may enhance the antiepileptic actions of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Orexin and its receptors have a relationship with both STN-DBS and epilepsy. We aimed to investigate whether and how STN inputs to the SNr regulate seizures and the role of the orexin pathway in this process. Methods A penicillin-induced motor epileptic model in adult male C57BL/6 J mice was established to evaluate the efficacy of STN-DBS in modulating seizure activities. Optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches were employed to regulate STN-SNr circuits. Selective orexin receptor type 1 and 2 antagonists were used to inhibit the orexin pathway. Results First, we found that high-frequency ipsilateral or bilateral STN-DBS was effective in reducing seizure activity in the penicillin-induced motor epilepsy model. Second, inhibition of STN excitatory neurons and STN-SNr projections alleviates seizure activities, whereas their activation amplifies seizure activities. In addition, activation of the STN-SNr circuits also reversed the protective effect of STN-DBS on motor epilepsy. Finally, we observed that STN-DBS reduced the elevated expression of orexin and its receptors in the SNr during seizures and that using a combination of selective orexin receptor antagonists also reduced seizure activity. Conclusion STN-DBS helps reduce motor seizure activity by inhibiting the STN-SNr circuit. Additionally, orexin receptor antagonists show potential in suppressing motor seizure activity and may be a promising therapeutic option in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shujun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huizhi Wang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yutong Bai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunkui Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunlei Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianguo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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2
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Bröer S. Not Part of the Temporal Lobe, but Still of Importance? Substantia Nigra and Subthalamic Nucleus in Epilepsy. Front Syst Neurosci 2020; 14:581826. [PMID: 33381016 PMCID: PMC7768985 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.581826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The most researched brain region in epilepsy research is the temporal lobe, and more specifically, the hippocampus. However, numerous other brain regions play a pivotal role in seizure circuitry and secondary generalization of epileptic activity: The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) and its direct input structure, the subthalamic nucleus (STN), are considered seizure gating nuclei. There is ample evidence that direct inhibition of the SNr is capable of suppressing various seizure types in experimental models. Similarly, inhibition via its monosynaptic glutamatergic input, the STN, can decrease seizure susceptibility as well. This review will focus on therapeutic interventions such as electrical stimulation and targeted drug delivery to SNr and STN in human patients and experimental animal models of epilepsy, highlighting the opportunities for overcoming pharmacoresistance in epilepsy by investigating these promising target structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Bröer
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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3
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Sirvanci S, Akakin D, Gulcebi İdrizoglu M, Kaya OT, Karamahmutoglu T, Turgan Aşık ZN, Onat F. Ultrastructural GABA immunogold labeling in the substantia nigra pars reticulata of kindled genetic absence epilepsy rats. Ultrastruct Pathol 2020; 44:379-386. [PMID: 33118420 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2020.1839153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) is a well-known animal model of absence epilepsy and they are resistant to electrical kindling stimulations. The present study aimed to examine possible differences in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and synapse counts in the substantia nigra pars reticulata anterior (SNRa) and posterior (SNRp) regions between GAERS and Wistar rats receiving kindling stimulations. Animals in the kindling group either received six stimulations in the amygdala and had grade 2 seizures or they were kindled, having grade five seizures. Rats were decapitated one hour after the last stimulation. SNR regions were obtained after vibratome sectioning of the brain tissue. GABA immunoreactivity was detected by immunogold method and synapses were counted. Sections were observed by transmission electron microscope and analyzed by Image J program. GABA density in the SNRa region of fully kindled GAERS and Wistar groups increased significantly compared to that of their corresponding grade 2 groups. The number of synapses increased significantly in kindled and grade 2 GAERS groups, compared to kindled and grade 2 Wistar groups, respectively, in the SNRa region. GABA density in the SNRp region of kindled GAERS group increased significantly compared to that of GAERS grade 2 group. In the SNRp region, both kindled and grade 2 GAERS groups were found to have increased number of synapses compared to that of GAERS control group. We concluded that both SNRa and SNRp regions may be important in modulating resistance of GAERS to kindling stimulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serap Sirvanci
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University , Maltepe, Turkey
| | - Dilek Akakin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University , Maltepe, Turkey
| | | | - Ozlem Tugce Kaya
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University , Maltepe, Turkey
| | - Tugba Karamahmutoglu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Marmara University , Maltepe, Turkey
| | - Zehra Nur Turgan Aşık
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Marmara University , Maltepe, Turkey
| | - Filiz Onat
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Marmara University , Maltepe, Turkey
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4
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Chávez-Pichardo ME, Reyes-Bravo DY, Mendoza-Trejo MS, Marín-López AG, Giordano M, Hernández-Chan N, Domínguez-Marchan K, Ortega-Rosales LC, Rodríguez VM. Brain alterations in GABA, glutamate and glutamine markers after chronic atrazine exposure in the male albino rat. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:3217-3230. [PMID: 32561961 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02806-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Atrazine (ATR; 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s-triazine) is an herbicide widely used to kill annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in crops such as corn, sorghum, and sugarcane. Studies in rodents have shown that chronic ATR exposure is associated with alterations in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway such as hyperactivity, decreased striatal dopamine levels, and diminished numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase positive cells in substantia nigra pars compacta. However, the effects of ATR on neurotransmitters such as GABA and glutamate have been scarcely studied. To evaluate the impact of ATR on motor and anxiety tasks, tissue levels of GABA, glutamate, glutamine, and extracellular and potassium-evoked release of glutamate in the striatum, we daily exposed Sprague-Dawley male rats to 1 or 10 mg ATR/kg of body weight for 12-14 months. As previously reported, chronic ATR exposure causes hyperactivity in the group exposed to 10 mg ATR/kg and increased anxiety in both groups exposed to ATR. GABA, glutamate, and glutamine levels were differentially altered in brain regions related to nigrostriatal and mesolimbic systems, the amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex. The groups exposed to 10 mg ATR/kg showed increased extracellular levels and release of glutamate in the striatum. These neurochemical alterations could underlie the behavioral changes observed in rats. These results indicate that chronic exposure to the herbicide ATR disrupts the neurochemistry of several brain structures and could be a risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Chávez-Pichardo
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, México
| | - D Y Reyes-Bravo
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, México
| | - M S Mendoza-Trejo
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, México
| | - A G Marín-López
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, México
| | - M Giordano
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, México
| | - N Hernández-Chan
- Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - K Domínguez-Marchan
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, México
| | - L C Ortega-Rosales
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, México
| | - V M Rodríguez
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro, Querétaro, 76230, México.
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5
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Backofen-Wehrhahn B, Gey L, Bröer S, Petersen B, Schiff M, Handreck A, Stanslowsky N, Scharrenbroich J, Weißing M, Staege S, Wegner F, Niemann H, Löscher W, Gernert M. Anticonvulsant effects after grafting of rat, porcine, and human mesencephalic neural progenitor cells into the rat subthalamic nucleus. Exp Neurol 2018; 310:70-83. [PMID: 30205107 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cell transplantation based therapy is a promising strategy for treating intractable epilepsies. Inhibition of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) is a powerful experimental approach for remote control of different partial seizure types, when targeting the seizure focus is not amenable. Here, we tested the hypothesis that grafting of embryonic/fetal neural precursor cells (NPCs) from various species (rat, human, pig) into STN or SNr of adult rats induces anticonvulsant effects. To rationally refine this approach, we included NPCs derived from the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) and ventral mesencephalon (VM), both of which are able to develop a GABAergic phenotype. All VM- and MGE-derived cells showed intense migration behavior after grafting into adult rats, developed characteristics of inhibitory interneurons, and survived at least up to 4 months after transplantation. By using the intravenous pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure threshold test in adult rats, transient anticonvulsant effects were observed after bilateral grafting of NPCs derived from human and porcine VM into STN, but not after SNr injection (site-specificity). In contrast, MGE-derived NPCs did not cause anticonvulsant effects after grafting into STN or SNr (cell-specificity). Neither induction of status epilepticus by lithium-pilocarpine to induce neuronal damage prior to the PTZ test nor pretreatment of MGE cells with retinoic acid and potassium chloride to increase differentiation into GABAergic neurons could enhance anticonvulsant effectiveness of MGE cells. This is the first proof-of-principle study showing anticonvulsant effects by bilateral xenotransplantation of NPCs into the STN. Our study highlights the value of VM-derived NPCs for interneuron-based cell grafting targeting the STN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Backofen-Wehrhahn
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
| | - Laura Gey
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sonja Bröer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Björn Petersen
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Mariensee, Germany
| | - Miriam Schiff
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
| | - Annelie Handreck
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Jessica Scharrenbroich
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Weißing
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
| | - Selma Staege
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany; Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian Wegner
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany; Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Niemann
- Institute of Farm Animal Genetics, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Mariensee, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manuela Gernert
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany.
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6
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Behavioral effects and neuroanatomical targets of acute atrazine exposure in the male Sprague-Dawley rat. Neurotoxicology 2017; 58:161-170. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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7
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GABA-ergic cell therapy for epilepsy: Advances, limitations and challenges. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 62:35-47. [PMID: 26748379 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Diminution in the number of gamma-amino butyric acid positive (GABA-ergic) interneurons and their axon terminals, and/or alterations in functional inhibition are conspicuous brain alterations believed to contribute to the persistence of seizures in acquired epilepsies such as temporal lobe epilepsy. This has steered a perception that replacement of lost GABA-ergic interneurons would improve inhibitory synaptic neurotransmission in the epileptic brain region and thereby reduce the occurrence of seizures. Indeed, studies using animal prototypes have reported that grafting of GABA-ergic progenitors derived from multiple sources into epileptic regions can reduce seizures. This review deliberates recent advances, limitations and challenges concerning the development of GABA-ergic cell therapy for epilepsy. The efficacy and limitations of grafts of primary GABA-ergic progenitors from the embryonic lateral ganglionic eminence and medial ganglionic eminence (MGE), neural stem/progenitor cells expanded from MGE, and MGE-like progenitors generated from human pluripotent stem cells for alleviating seizures and co-morbidities of epilepsy are conferred. Additional studies required for possible clinical application of GABA-ergic cell therapy for epilepsy are also summarized.
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8
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Handreck A, Backofen-Wehrhahn B, Bröer S, Löscher W, Gernert M. Anticonvulsant Effects by Bilateral and Unilateral Transplantation of GABA-Producing Cells into the Subthalamic Nucleus in an Acute Seizure Model. Cell Transplant 2014. [DOI: 10.3727/096368912x658944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural transplantation of GABA-producing cells into key structures within seizure-suppressing circuits holds promise for medication-resistant epilepsy patients not eligible for resection of the epileptic focus. The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr), a basal ganglia output structure, is well known to modulate different seizure types. A recent microinjection study by our group indicated that the subthalamic nucleus (STN), which critically regulates nigral activity, might be a more promising target for focal therapy in epilepsies than the SNr. As a proof of principle, we therefore assessed the anticonvulsant efficacy of bilateral and unilateral allografting of GABA-producing cell lines into the STN using the timed intravenous pentylenetetrazole seizure threshold test, which allows repeated seizure threshold determinations in individual rats. We observed (a) that grafted cells survived up to the end of the experiments, (b) that anticonvulsant effects can be induced by bilateral transplantation into the STN using immortalized GABAergic cells derived from the rat embryonic striatum and cells additionally transfected to obtain higher GABA synthesis than the parent cell line, and (c) that anticonvulsant effects were observed even after unilateral transplantation into the STN. Neither grafting of control cells nor transplantation outside the STN induced anticonvulsant effects, emphasizing the site and cell specificity of the observed anticonvulsant effects. To our knowledge, the present study is the first showing anticonvulsant effects by grafting of GABA-producing cells into the STN. The STN can be considered a highly promising target region for modulation of seizure circuits and, moreover, has the advantage of being clinically established for functional neurosurgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelie Handreck
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bianca Backofen-Wehrhahn
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sonja Bröer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Manuela Gernert
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
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9
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Abdanipour A, Tiraihi T, Mirnajafi-Zadeh J. Improvement of the pilocarpine epilepsy model in rat using bone marrow stromal cell therapy. Neurol Res 2013; 33:625-32. [DOI: 10.1179/1743132810y.0000000018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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10
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Garcia I, Kim C, Arenkiel BR. Genetic strategies to investigate neuronal circuit properties using stem cell-derived neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2012; 6:59. [PMID: 23264761 PMCID: PMC3524522 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2012.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian brain is anatomically and functionally complex, and prone to diverse forms of injury and neuropathology. Scientists have long strived to develop cell replacement therapies to repair damaged and diseased nervous tissue. However, this goal has remained unrealized for various reasons, including nascent knowledge of neuronal development, the inability to track and manipulate transplanted cells within complex neuronal networks, and host graft rejection. Recent advances in embryonic stem cell (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, alongside novel genetic strategies to mark and manipulate stem cell-derived neurons, now provide unprecedented opportunities to investigate complex neuronal circuits in both healthy and diseased brains. Here, we review current technologies aimed at generating and manipulating neurons derived from ESCs and iPSCs toward investigation and manipulation of complex neuronal circuits, ultimately leading to the design and development of novel cell-based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Garcia
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA ; Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX, USA
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11
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Limón-Pacheco JH, Mejía-Toiber J, Gonzalez-Gallardo A, Giordano M. Evaluation of plasmid permanence in transfected cells after transplantation into the rat brain. J Neurosci Methods 2012; 209:235-40. [PMID: 22732213 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2012.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Revised: 05/24/2012] [Accepted: 06/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Plasmid retention after long-term transplantation has been one of the major technical limitations for transplantation studies. This study describes the use of a modified protocol of Hirt and a SYBR Green-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to recover and quantify a vector containing a specific transgene in transfected cells after brain transplantation. We compared various methods for sample processing and recovery of extrachromosomal DNA suitable for qPCR. The modified protocol of Hirt was the most reliable for optimal plasmid recovery from transplanted tissue with minimal loss of plasmid DNA compared to a commercial kit or TRIzol(®) protocols. The PCR protocol for plasmid and transgene detection included the design of two highly specific primer sets to detect the sequence for the human glutamate decarboxylase 1 (hGAD(67)) transgene by SYBR Green-based qPCR, and to confirm the presence of vector pREP10 hGAD(67) by end-point PCR. We used a standard curve constructed from serial dilutions of pure plasmid pREP10 hGAD(67) as reference in qPCR experiments to determine the number of plasmid copies recovered from cultured cells and tissue samples after Hirt extraction. Then, plasmid permanence was evaluated in transplanted tissues after different time intervals, and plasmid loss in the tissue of interest was found to be time dependent. In this study we describe an easy, highly specific, low-cost, and reliable method for plasmid recovery and quantification of a transgene of interest in long-term brain transplantation studies; use of this method may be extended to other transplantation models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge H Limón-Pacheco
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Blvd. Juriquilla 3001, Querétaro, Qro. 76230, Mexico
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12
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Mejía-Toiber J, Limón-Pacheco J, Gonzalez-Gallardo A, Giordano M. In vivo GABA release and kinetics of transgene loss in a GABAergic cell line after long-term transplantation into the rat brain. Neuroscience 2012; 203:244-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.11.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Revised: 11/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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13
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Weinberg MS, McCown TJ. Current prospects and challenges for epilepsy gene therapy. Exp Neurol 2011; 244:27-35. [PMID: 22008258 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This review addresses the state of gene therapy research for the treatment of epilepsy. Preclinical studies have demonstrated the anti-seizure efficacy of viral vector-based gene transfer through the use of a variety of strategies - from modulating classic neurotransmitter systems to targeting or overexpressing of neuropeptide receptors in seizure-specific brain regions. While these studies provide substantive proof of principle for viral vector gene therapy, future studies must address the challenges of vector immunity, cellular specificity and effective global delivery. As these issues are resolved, viral vector gene therapy should significantly impact the treatment of intractable epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc S Weinberg
- University of North Carolina Gene Therapy Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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14
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Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), exemplified by complex partial seizures, is recognized in ~30% of epileptic patients. Seizures in TLE are associated with cognitive dysfunction and are resistant to antiepileptic drug therapy in ~35% of patients. Although surgical resection of the hippocampus bestows improved seizure regulation in most cases of intractable TLE, this choice can cause lasting cognitive deficiency and reliance on antiepileptic drugs. Thus, alternative therapies that are proficient in both containing the spontaneous recurrent seizures and reversing the cognitive dysfunction are needed. The cell transplantation approach is promising in serving as an adept alternate therapy for TLE, because this strategy has shown the capability to curtail epileptogenesis when used soon after an initial precipitating brain injury, and to restrain spontaneous recurrent seizures and improve cognitive function when utilized after the occurrence of TLE. Nonetheless, this treatment needs further advancement and rigorous evaluation in animal prototypes of chronic TLE before the conceivable clinical use. It is especially vital to gauge the efficacy of distinct donor cell types, such as the hippocampal precursor cells, γ-aminobutyric acid-ergic progenitors, and neural stem cells derived from diverse human sources (including the embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells) for longstanding seizure suppression using continuous electroencephalographic recordings for prolonged periods. Additionally, the identification of the mechanisms underlying the graft-mediated seizure suppression and improved cognitive function, and the development of apt grafting strategies that enhance the anti-seizure and pro-cognitive effects of grafts will be necessary. The goal of this review is to evaluate the progress made hitherto in this area and to discuss the prospect for cell-based therapy for TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center at Scott & White, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Temple, TX 76502, USA.
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15
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Mejía-Toiber J, Castillo CG, Giordano M. Strategies for the Development of Cell Lines for Ex Vivo Gene Therapy in the Central Nervous System. Cell Transplant 2011; 20:983-1001. [DOI: 10.3727/096368910x546599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) as a result of trauma or ischemic or neurodegenerative processes still pose a challenge for modern medicine. Due to the complexity of the CNS, and in spite of the advances in the knowledge of its anatomy, pharmacology, and molecular and cellular biology, treatments for these diseases are still limited. The development of cell lines as a source for transplantation into the damaged CNS (cell therapy), and more recently their genetic modification to favor the expression and delivery of molecules with therapeutic potential (ex vivo gene therapy), are some of the techniques used in search of novel restorative strategies. This article reviews the different approaches that have been used and perfected during the last decade to generate cell lines and their use in experimental models of neuronal damage, and evaluates the prospects of applying these methods to treat CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Mejía-Toiber
- Laboratorio de Plasticidad Neuronal, Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Claudia G. Castillo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
| | - Magda Giordano
- Laboratorio de Plasticidad Neuronal, Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Querétaro, Mexico
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16
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Abstract
Abstract
Neuromodulation strategies have been proposed to treat a variety of neurological disorders, including medication-resistant epilepsy. Electrical stimulation of both central and peripheral nervous systems has emerged as a possible alternative for patients who are not deemed to be good candidates for resective procedures. In addition to well-established treatments such as vagus nerve stimulation, epilepsy centers around the world are investigating the safety and efficacy of neurostimulation at different brain targets, including the hippocampus, thalamus, and subthalamic nucleus. Also promising are the preliminary results of responsive neuromodulation studies, which involve the delivery of stimulation to the brain in response to detected epileptiform or preepileptiform activity. In addition to electrical stimulation, novel therapeutic methods that may open new horizons in the management of epilepsy include transcranial magnetic stimulation, focal drug delivery, cellular transplantation, and gene therapy. We review the current strategies and future applications of neuromodulation in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal A Al-Otaibi
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, Neurosciences Department, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Clement Hamani
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Western Research Institute, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andres M Lozano
- Division of Neurosurgery, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto Western Research Institute, Ontario, Canada
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17
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GABAergic neuronal precursor grafting: implications in brain regeneration and plasticity. Neural Plast 2011; 2011:384216. [PMID: 21766042 PMCID: PMC3135013 DOI: 10.1155/2011/384216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous neurological disorders are caused by a dysfunction of the GABAergic system that impairs or either stimulates its inhibitory action over its neuronal targets. Pharmacological drugs have generally been proved very effective in restoring its normal function, but their lack of any sort of spatial or cell type specificity has created some limitations in their use. In the last decades, cell-based therapies using GABAergic neuronal grafts have emerged as a promising treatment, since they may restore the lost equilibrium by cellular replacement of the missing/altered inhibitory neurons or modulating the hyperactive excitatory system. In particular, the discovery that embryonic ganglionic eminence-derived GABAergic precursors are able to disperse and integrate in large areas of the host tissue after grafting has provided a strong rationale for exploiting their use for the treatment of diseased brains. GABAergic neuronal transplantation not only is efficacious to restore normal GABAergic activities but can also trigger or sustain high neuronal plasticity by promoting the general reorganization of local neuronal circuits adding new synaptic connections. These results cast new light on dynamics and plasticity of adult neuronal assemblies and their associated functions disclosing new therapeutic opportunities for the near future.
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18
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Ghanizadeh A. Transplantation of GABAergic cell line as a novel hypothesized treatment for autism. Epilepsy Behav 2010; 19:664. [PMID: 20934920 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Revised: 09/04/2010] [Accepted: 09/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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19
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Waldau B, Hattiangady B, Kuruba R, Shetty AK. Medial ganglionic eminence-derived neural stem cell grafts ease spontaneous seizures and restore GDNF expression in a rat model of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy. Stem Cells 2010; 28:1153-64. [PMID: 20506409 DOI: 10.1002/stem.446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Nearly 30% of patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) are resistant to treatment with antiepileptic drugs. Neural stem cell (NSC) grafting into the hippocampus could offer an alternative therapy to hippocampal resection in these patients. As TLE is associated with reduced numbers of inhibitory gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)-ergic interneurons and astrocytes expressing the anticonvulsant glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in the hippocampus, we tested the hypothesis that grafting of NSCs that are capable of adding new GABA-ergic interneurons and GDNF-expressing astrocytes into the epileptic hippocampus restrains spontaneous recurrent motor seizures (SRMS) in chronic TLE. We grafted NSCs expanded in vitro from embryonic medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) into hippocampi of adult rats exhibiting chronic TLE with cognitive impairments. NSC grafting reduced frequencies of SRMS by 43% and stage V seizures by 90%. The duration of individual SRMS and the total time spent in seizures were reduced by 51 and 74%, respectively. Grafting did not improve the cognitive function however. Graft-derived cells (equivalent to approximately 28% of injected cells) were observed in various layers of the epileptic hippocampus where they differentiated into NeuN+ neurons (13%), S-100beta+ astrocytes (57%), and NG2+ oligodendrocyte-progenitors (3%). Furthermore, among graft-derived cells, 10% expressed GABA and 50% expressed GDNF. Additionally, NSC grafting restored GDNF in a vast majority of the hippocampal astrocytes but had no effect on neurogenesis. Thus, MGE-NSC therapy is efficacious for diminishing SRMS in chronic TLE. Addition of new GABA-ergic neurons and GDNF+ cells, and restoration of GDNF in the hippocampal astrocytes may underlie the therapeutic effect of MGE-NSC grafts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Waldau
- Department of Surgery (Neurosurgery), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
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20
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Mejía-Toiber J, Márquez-Ramos JA, Díaz-Muñoz M, Peña F, Aguilar MB, Giordano M. Glutamatergic Excitation and GABA Release from a Transplantable Cell Line. Cell Transplant 2010; 19:1307-23. [DOI: 10.3727/096368910x509059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell line M213-2O CL-4 was derived from cell line M213-2O and further modified to express human glutamate decarboxylase (hGAD-67), the enzyme that synthesizes GABA. Brain transplants of this cell line in animal models of epilepsy have been shown to modulate seizures. However, the mechanisms that underlie such actions are unknown. The purpose of the present study was to characterize this cell line and its responsiveness to several depolarizing conditions, in order to better understand how these cells exert their effects. Intracellular GABA levels were 34-fold higher and GAD activity was 16-fold higher in clone M213-2O CL-4 than in M213-2O. Both cell lines could take up [3H]GABA in vitro, and this uptake was prevented by nipecotic acid. By combining GABA release measurements and calcium imaging in vitro, we found that high extracellular K+, zero Mg2+, or glutamate activated M213-2O CL-4 cells and resulted in GABA release. The response to glutamate appeared to be mediated by AMPA/NMDA-like receptors. High KCl-induced GABA release was prevented when a Ca2+-free Krebs solution was used, suggesting an exocytotic-like mechanism. These results indicate that the cell line M213-2O CL-4 synthesizes, releases, and takes up GABA in vitro, and can be activated by depolarizing stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Mejía-Toiber
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
| | | | - Mauricio Díaz-Muñoz
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Quéretaro, México
| | - Fernando Peña
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, CINVESTAV-Sur. Calzada de los Tenorios 235, Delegación Tlalpan, México
| | - Manuel B. Aguilar
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Quéretaro, México
| | - Magda Giordano
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
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21
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Castillo CG, Mendoza S, Saavedra J, Giordano M. Lack of effect of intranigral transplants of a GABAergic cell line on absence seizures. Epilepsy Behav 2010; 18:358-65. [PMID: 20634143 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2010.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2010] [Revised: 06/03/2010] [Accepted: 06/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr) is involved in controlling a variety of seizure phenomena. Intranigral transplants of GABAergic cells have been shown to decrease the severity of already established epileptic seizures, but the effects observed have been short-lived. This study evaluated the ability of intranigral transplants of GABA-producing cells to reduce spontaneous absence seizures in a genetic animal model for periods up to 3 months after transplantation. Intranigral transplants did not induce any behavioral deficits in the animals, and they did not form tumors; however, the transplants failed to decrease absence seizures in the genetic model. The assumed increase in intranigral levels of GABA after the transplants may be insufficient to counteract all the factors involved in generating the absence seizures; in this animal model, it may be necessary to further decrease nigral activity by implanting GABAergic cells in another area. These results bear down on the fact that cell transplants need to be tailored for each type of convulsive disorder in terms of the type of cells delivered and the location of the transplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia G Castillo
- Departamento de Neurobiología Conductual y Cognitiva, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Querétaro, México
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Thompson K. Transplantation of GABA-producing cells for seizure control in models of temporal lobe epilepsy. Neurotherapeutics 2009; 6:284-94. [PMID: 19332321 PMCID: PMC5084205 DOI: 10.1016/j.nurt.2009.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2008] [Revised: 01/20/2009] [Accepted: 01/22/2009] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
A high percentage of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) are refractory to conventional pharmacotherapy. The progressive neurodegenerative processes associated with a lifetime of uncontrolled seizures mandate the development of alternative approaches to treat this disease. Transplantation of inhibitory cells has been suggested as a potential therapeutic strategy to achieve seizure suppression in humans with intractable TLE. Preclinical investigations over 20 years have demonstrated that multiple cell types from several sources can produce anticonvulsant, and antiepileptogenic, effects in animal models of TLE. Transplanting GABA-producing cells, in particular, has been shown to reduce seizures in several well-established models. This review addresses experimentation using different sources of transplantable GABAergic cells, highlighting progress with fetal tissue, neural cell lines, and stem cells. Regardless of the source of the GABAergic cells used in seizure studies, common challenges have emerged. Several variables influence the anticonvulsant potential of GABA-producing cells. For example, tissue availability, graft survival, immunogenicity, tumorigenicity, and varying levels of cell migration, differentiation, and integration into functional circuits and the microenvironment provided by sclerotic tissue all contribute to the efficacy of transplanted cells. The challenge of understanding how all of these variables work in concert, in a disease process that has no well-established etiology, suggests that there is still much basic research to be done before rational cell-based therapies can be developed for TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Thompson
- Department of Biology, Occidental College, Los Angeles, California 90041, USA.
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23
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Nolte MW, Löscher W, Herden C, Freed WJ, Gernert M. Benefits and risks of intranigral transplantation of GABA-producing cells subsequent to the establishment of kindling-induced seizures. Neurobiol Dis 2008; 31:342-54. [PMID: 18632280 PMCID: PMC2435195 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2008.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2008] [Revised: 05/16/2008] [Accepted: 05/18/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural transplantation has been investigated experimentally and clinically for the purpose of developing new treatment options for intractable epilepsy. In the present study we assessed the anticonvulsant efficacy and safety of bilateral allotransplantation of genetically engineered striatal GABAergic rat cell lines into the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Rats with previously-established seizures, induced by amygdala kindling, were used as a model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Three cell lines were transplanted: (1) immortalized GABAergic cells (M213-2O) derived from embryonic rat striatum; (2) M213-2O cells (CL4) transfected with human GAD67 cDNA to obtain higher GABA synthesis than the parent cell line; and (3) control cells (121-1I), also derived from embryonic rat striatum, but which did not show GAD expression. A second control group received injections of medium alone. Transplantation of M213-2O cells into the SNr of kindled rats resulted in significant but transient anticonvulsant effects. Neither control cells nor medium induced anticonvulsant effects. Strong tissue reactions were, however, induced in the host brain of kindled but not of non-kindled rats, and only in animals that received grafts of genetically modified CL4 cells. These tissue reactions included graft rejection, massive infiltration of inflammatory immune cells, and gliosis. The anticonvulsant effect of M213-2O cells emphasizes the feasibility of local manipulations of seizures by intranigral transplantation of GABA-producing cells. On the other hand, the present data suggest that kindling-induced activation of microglia in the SNr can enhance immune reactions to transplanted cells. In this case, under conditions of further immunological stimulation by CL4 cells, transfected with a human cDNA, substantial immune reactions occurred. Thus, it appears that the condition of the host brain and the production of foreign proteins by transplanted cells have to be considered in estimating the risks of rejection of transplants into the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christiane Herden
- Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - William J. Freed
- NIDA IRP, NIH, DHHS, 333 Cassell Dr., Baltimore, MD, 21224, U.S.A
| | - Manuela Gernert
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
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