1
|
Li J, Qi H, Chen Y, Zhu X. Epilepsy and demyelination: Towards a bidirectional relationship. Prog Neurobiol 2024; 234:102588. [PMID: 38378072 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2024.102588] [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: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Demyelination stands out as a prominent feature in individuals with specific types of epilepsy. Concurrently, individuals with demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) are at a greater risk of developing epilepsy compared to non-MS individuals. These bidirectional connections raise the question of whether both pathological conditions share common pathogenic mechanisms. This review focuses on the reciprocal relationship between epilepsy and demyelination diseases. We commence with an overview of the neurological basis of epilepsy and demyelination diseases, followed by an exploration of how our comprehension of these two disorders has evolved in tandem. Additionally, we discuss the potential pathogenic mechanisms contributing to the interactive relationship between these two diseases. A more nuanced understanding of the interplay between epilepsy and demyelination diseases has the potential to unveiling the molecular intricacies of their pathological relationships, paving the way for innovative directions in future clinical management and treatment strategies for these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Honggang Qi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuzhou Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinjian Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Peng T, Xie Y, Liu F, Lian Y, Xie Y, Ma Y, Wang C, Xie N. The cerebral lymphatic drainage system and its implications in epilepsy. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25267. [PMID: 38284855 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25267] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The central nervous system has long been thought to lack a clearance system similar to the peripheral lymphatic system. Therefore, the clearance of metabolic waste in the central nervous system has been a subject of great interest in neuroscience. Recently, the cerebral lymphatic drainage system, including the parenchymal clearance system and the meningeal lymphatic network, has attracted considerable attention. It has been extensively studied in various neurological disorders. Solute accumulation and neuroinflammation after epilepsy impair the blood-brain barrier, affecting the exchange and clearance between cerebrospinal fluid and interstitial fluid. Restoring their normal function may improve the prognosis of epilepsy. However, few studies have focused on providing a comprehensive overview of the brain clearance system and its significance in epilepsy. Therefore, this review addressed the structural composition, functions, and methods used to assess the cerebral lymphatic system, as well as the neglected association with epilepsy, and provided a theoretical basis for therapeutic approaches in epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Peng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yinyin Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
- Academy of Medical Sciences of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Fengxia Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yajun Lian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yi Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yunqing Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Cui Wang
- Key Clinical Laboratory of Henan Province, Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Nanchang Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Smith LA, Chen C, Lax NZ, Taylor RW, Erskine D, McFarland R. Astrocytic pathology in Alpers' syndrome. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:86. [PMID: 37259148 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01579-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Refractory epilepsy is the main neurological manifestation of Alpers' syndrome, a severe childhood-onset mitochondrial disease caused by bi-allelic pathogenic variants in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymerase gamma gene (POLG). The pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning neuronal hyperexcitabilty leading to seizures in Alpers' syndrome remain unknown. However, pathological changes to reactive astrocytes are hypothesised to exacerbate neural dysfunction and seizure-associated cortical activity in POLG-related disease. Therefore, we sought to phenotypically characterise astrocytic pathology in Alpers' syndrome. We performed a detailed quantitative investigation of reactive astrocytes in post-mortem neocortical tissues from thirteen patients with Alpers' syndrome, eight neurologically normal controls and five sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) patients, to control for generalised epilepsy-associated astrocytic pathology. Immunohistochemistry to identify glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-reactive astrocytes revealed striking reactive astrogliosis localised to the primary visual cortex of Alpers' syndrome tissues, characterised by abnormal-appearing hypertrophic astrocytes. Phenotypic characterisation of individual GFAP-reactive astrocytes demonstrated decreased abundance of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) proteins and altered expression of key astrocytic proteins including Kir4.1 (subunit of the inwardly rectifying K+ ion channel), AQP4 (astrocytic water channel) and glutamine synthetase (enzyme that metabolises glutamate). These phenotypic astrocytic changes were typically different from the pathology observed in SUDEP tissues, suggesting alternative mechanisms of astrocytic dysfunction between these epilepsies. Crucially, our findings provide further evidence of occipital lobe involvement in Alpers' syndrome and support the involvement of reactive astrocytes in the pathogenesis of POLG-related disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Smith
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
| | - Chun Chen
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Nichola Z Lax
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Robert W Taylor
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders of Adults and Children, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Daniel Erskine
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Robert McFarland
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
- NHS Highly Specialised Service for Rare Mitochondrial Disorders of Adults and Children, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle, NE2 4HH, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dai D, He L, Chen Y, Zhang C. Astrocyte responses to nanomaterials: Functional changes, pathological changes and potential applications. Acta Biomater 2021; 122:66-81. [PMID: 33326883 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are responsible for regulating and optimizing the functional environment of neurons in the brain and can reduce the adverse impacts of external factors by protecting neurons. However, excessive astrocyte activation upon stimulation may alter their initial protective effect and actually lead to aggravation of injury. Similar to the dual effects of astrocytes in the response to injury within the central nervous system (CNS), nanomaterials (NMs) can have either toxic or beneficial effects on astrocytes, serving to promote injury or inhibit tumors. As the important physiological functions of astrocytes have been gradually revealed, the effects of NMs on astrocytes and the underlying mechanisms have become a new frontier in nanomedicine and neuroscience. This review summarizes the in vitro and in vivo findings regarding the effects of various NMs on astrocytes, focusing on functional alterations and pathological processes in astrocytes, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms. We also emphasize the importance of co-culture models in studying the interaction between NMs and cells of the CNS. Finally, we discuss NMs that have shown promise for application in astrocyte-related diseases and propose some challenges and suggestions for further investigations, with the aim of providing guidance for the widespread application of NMs in the CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danni Dai
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Longwen He
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Yuming Chen
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Stomatological Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cohen-Salmon M, Slaoui L, Mazaré N, Gilbert A, Oudart M, Alvear-Perez R, Elorza-Vidal X, Chever O, Boulay AC. Astrocytes in the regulation of cerebrovascular functions. Glia 2020; 69:817-841. [PMID: 33058289 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most numerous type of neuroglia in the brain and have a predominant influence on the cerebrovascular system; they control perivascular homeostasis, the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, the dialogue with the peripheral immune system, the transfer of metabolites from the blood, and blood vessel contractility in response to neuronal activity. These regulatory processes occur in a specialized interface composed of perivascular astrocyte extensions that almost completely cover the cerebral blood vessels. Scientists have only recently started to study how this interface is formed and how it influences cerebrovascular functions. Here, we review the literature on the astrocytes' role in the regulation of the cerebrovascular system. We cover the anatomy and development of the gliovascular interface, the known gliovascular functions, and molecular factors, the latter's implication in certain pathophysiological situations, and recent cutting-edge experimental tools developed to examine the astrocytes' role at the vascular interface. Finally, we highlight some open questions in this field of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martine Cohen-Salmon
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Leila Slaoui
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Noémie Mazaré
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Alice Gilbert
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Marc Oudart
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Rodrigo Alvear-Perez
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Xabier Elorza-Vidal
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Oana Chever
- Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, DC2N, IRIB, Rouen, France
| | - Anne-Cécile Boulay
- Physiology and Physiopathology of the Gliovascular Unit Research Group, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS Unité Mixte de Recherche 724, INSERM Unité 1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hippocampal synaptic and membrane function in the DBA/2J-mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mol Cell Neurosci 2020; 104:103482. [PMID: 32171922 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2020.103482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystrophin deficiency is associated with alterations in cell physiology. The functional consequences of dystrophin deficiency are particularly severe for muscle physiology, as observed in Duchenne muscle dystrophy (DMD). DMD is caused by the absence of a 427 kDa isoform of dystrophin. However, in addition to muscular dystrophy symptoms, DMD is frequently associated with memory and attention deficits and epilepsy. While this may be associated with a role for dystrophin in neuronal physiology, it is not clear what neuronal alterations are linked with DMD. Our work shows that CA1 pyramidal neurons from DBA/2J-mdx mice have increased afterhyperpolarization compared to WT controls. All the other electrotonic and electrogenic membrane properties were unaffected by this genotype. Finally, basal synaptic transmission, short-term and long-term synaptic plasticity at Schaffer collateral to CA1 glutamatergic synapses were unchanged between mdx and WT controls. These data show that the excitatory component of hippocampal activity is largely preserved in DBA/2J-mdx mice. Further studies, extending the investigation to the inhibitory GABAergic function, may provide a more complete picture of the functional, network alterations underlying impaired cognition in DMD. In addition, the investigation of changes in neuronal single conductance biophysical properties associated with this genotype, is required to identify the functional alterations associated with dystrophin deficiency and clarify its role in neuronal function.
Collapse
|
7
|
Inhibition of NMDA Receptors Downregulates Astrocytic AQP4 to Suppress Seizures. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 40:1283-1295. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00813-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
8
|
Neuroinflammation in Post-Traumatic Epilepsy: Pathophysiology and Tractable Therapeutic Targets. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9110318. [PMID: 31717556 PMCID: PMC6895909 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9110318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common chronic consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), contributing to increased morbidity and mortality for survivors. As post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is drug-resistant in at least one-third of patients, there is a clear need for novel therapeutic strategies to prevent epilepsy from developing after TBI, or to mitigate its severity. It has long been recognized that seizure activity is associated with a local immune response, characterized by the activation of microglia and astrocytes and the release of a plethora of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. More recently, increasing evidence also supports a causal role for neuroinflammation in seizure induction and propagation, acting both directly and indirectly on neurons to promote regional hyperexcitability. In this narrative review, we focus on key aspects of the neuroinflammatory response that have been implicated in epilepsy, with a particular focus on PTE. The contributions of glial cells, blood-derived leukocytes, and the blood–brain barrier will be explored, as well as pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators. While the neuroinflammatory response to TBI appears to be largely pro-epileptogenic, further research is needed to clearly demonstrate causal relationships. This research has the potential to unveil new drug targets for PTE, and identify immune-based biomarkers for improved epilepsy prediction.
Collapse
|
9
|
Sisto M, Ribatti D, Lisi S. Aquaporin water channels: New perspectives on the potential role in inflammation. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2019; 116:311-345. [PMID: 31036295 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2018.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of membrane water channel proteins that osmotically modulate water fluid homeostasis in several tissues; some of them also transport small solutes such as glycerol. At the cellular level, the AQPs regulate not only cell migration and transepithelial fluid transport across membranes, but also common events that are crucial for the inflammatory response. Emerging data reveal a new function of AQPs in the inflammatory process, as demonstrated by their dysregulation in a wide range of inflammatory diseases including edematous states, cancer, obesity, wound healing and several autoimmune diseases. This chapter summarizes the discoveries made so far about the structure and functions of the AQPs and provides updated information on the underlying mechanisms of AQPs in several human inflammatory diseases. The discovery of new functions for AQPs opens new vistas offering promise for the discovery of mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities in inflammatory disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Sisto
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs (SMBNOS), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs (SMBNOS), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Sabrina Lisi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs (SMBNOS), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Dadas A, Janigro D. Breakdown of blood brain barrier as a mechanism of post-traumatic epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 123:20-26. [PMID: 30030025 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) accounts for approximately 16% of acute symptomatic seizures which usually occur in the first week after trauma. Children are at higher risk for post-traumatic seizures than adults. Post-traumatic seizures are a risk factor for delayed development of epilepsy. Delayed, chronic post-traumatic epilepsy is preceded by a silent period during which therapeutic interventions may arrest, revert or prevent epileptogenesis. A number of recent review articles summarize the most important features of post-traumatic seizures and epilepsy; this review will instead focus on the link between cerebrovascular permeability, epileptogenesis and ictal events after TBI. The possibility of acting on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the neurovascular unit to prevent, disrupt or treat post-traumatic epilepsy is also discussed. Finally, we describe the latest quest for biomarkers of epileptogenesis which may allow for a more targeted intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Dadas
- Department of Physiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Damir Janigro
- Department of Physiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States; FloTBI Inc., 4415 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kielbinski M, Gzielo K, Soltys Z. Review: Roles for astrocytes in epilepsy: insights from malformations of cortical development. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2018; 42:593-606. [PMID: 27257021 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Malformations of cortical development (MCDs), such as cortical dysplasia and tuberous sclerosis complex, are common causes of intractable epilepsy, especially in paediatric patients. Recently, mounting evidence points to a common pathology of these disorders. Hyperactivation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been proposed as a central mechanism in most, if not all, MCDs. The transition from mTOR hyperactivation and cellular abnormalities to large-scale functional changes and seizure is, however, not fully understood. In this article we set out to review currently available information regarding MCD pathology, focusing on glial cells - especially astrocytes - and their interactions with the brain vascular system. A large body of evidence points to these elements as potential targets in MCD. Here, we attempt to provide a review of this evidence and propose some hypotheses regarding the possible chain of events linking primary glial dysfunction and epilepsy. We focus on extracellular matrix remodelling, blood-brain barrier leakage and failure of astrocyte-dependent removal of extracellular debris. We posit that the failure of these systems results in a chronically pro-inflammatory environment, maintaining local astrocytes in a state of gliosis, with increased susceptibility to seizures as a consequence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Kielbinski
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - K Gzielo
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Z Soltys
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cerebrovascular heterogeneity and neuronal excitability. Neurosci Lett 2018; 667:75-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
13
|
Liu J, Reeves C, Jacques T, McEvoy A, Miserocchi A, Thompson P, Sisodiya S, Thom M. Nestin-expressing cell types in the temporal lobe and hippocampus: Morphology, differentiation, and proliferative capacity. Glia 2018; 66:62-77. [PMID: 28925561 PMCID: PMC5724502 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nestin is expressed in immature neuroepithelial and progenitor cell types and transiently upregulated in proliferative neuroglial cells responding to acute brain injury, including following seizures. In 36 temporal lobe (TLobe) specimens from patients with TLobe epilepsy (age range 8-60 years) we studied the number, distribution and morphology of nestin-expressing cells (NEC) in the pes, hippocampus body, parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala, temporal cortex and pole compared with post mortem control tissues from 26 cases (age range 12 gestational weeks to 76 years). The proliferative fraction of NEC was evaluated in selected regions, including recognized niches, using MCM2. Their differentiation was explored with neuronal (DCX, mushashi, βIII tubulin, NeuN) and glial (GFAP, GFAPdelta, glutamine synthetase, aquaporin4, EAAT1) markers, both in sections or following culture. Findings were correlated with clinical parameters. A stereotypical pattern in the distribution and morphologies of NEC was observed, reminiscent of patterns in the developing brain, with increased densities in epilepsy than adult controls (p < .001). Findings included MCM2-positive radial glial-like cells in the periventricular white matter and rows of NEC in the hippocampal fimbria and sulcus. Nestin cells represented 29% of the hippocampal proliferative fraction in epilepsy cases; 20% co-expressed βIII tubulin in culture compared with 28% with GFAP. Significant correlations were noted between age at surgery, memory deficits and nestin populations. TLobe NEC with ongoing proliferative capacity likely represent vestiges of developmental migratory streams and resident reactive cell populations of potential relevance to hippocampal epileptogenesis, TLobe pathology, and co-morbidities, including memory decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joan Liu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental EpilepsyUCL Institute of Neurology, Queen SquareLondonWC1N 3BGUnited Kingdom
- Divisions of NeuropathologyNational Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen SquareLondonWCN1BGUK
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of WestminsterLondonW1W 6UWUnited Kingdom
| | - Cheryl Reeves
- Department of Clinical and Experimental EpilepsyUCL Institute of Neurology, Queen SquareLondonWC1N 3BGUnited Kingdom
- Divisions of NeuropathologyNational Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen SquareLondonWCN1BGUK
| | - Thomas Jacques
- Department of NeuropathologyUCL Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital for ChildrenLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Andrew McEvoy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental EpilepsyUCL Institute of Neurology, Queen SquareLondonWC1N 3BGUnited Kingdom
- Neurosurgery at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen SquareLondonWCN1BGUnited Kingdom
| | - Anna Miserocchi
- Neurosurgery at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen SquareLondonWCN1BGUnited Kingdom
| | - Pamela Thompson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental EpilepsyUCL Institute of Neurology, Queen SquareLondonWC1N 3BGUnited Kingdom
- The Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chesham Lane, Chalfont St PeterBuckinghamshireSL9 0RJUnited Kingdom
- Department of NeuropsychologyNational Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen SquareLondonWCN1BGUK
| | - Sanjay Sisodiya
- Department of Clinical and Experimental EpilepsyUCL Institute of Neurology, Queen SquareLondonWC1N 3BGUnited Kingdom
- The Chalfont Centre for Epilepsy, Chesham Lane, Chalfont St PeterBuckinghamshireSL9 0RJUnited Kingdom
- Department of NeurologyNational Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen SquareLondonWCN1BGUK
| | - Maria Thom
- Department of Clinical and Experimental EpilepsyUCL Institute of Neurology, Queen SquareLondonWC1N 3BGUnited Kingdom
- Divisions of NeuropathologyNational Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen SquareLondonWCN1BGUK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Duan L, Di Q. Acetazolamide Suppresses Multi-Drug Resistance-Related Protein 1 and P-Glycoprotein Expression by Inhibiting Aquaporins Expression in a Mesial Temporal Epilepsy Rat Model. Med Sci Monit 2017; 23:5818-5825. [PMID: 29217817 PMCID: PMC5731216 DOI: 10.12659/msm.903855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mesial temporal epilepsy (MTLE) is the most common type of focal epilepsy in adults, and is often drug-resistant. This study investigated the effects of aquaporins (AQP) inhibitor on multi-drug-resistant protein expression in an MTLE rat model. Material/Methods The MTLE rat model was established by injecting pilocarpine into rats. The MTLE rats were divided into an MTLE-6 h group, an MTLE-12 h group, and an MTLE-24 h group, together with a normal saline group (NS), to examine the AQP4 expression by using Western blot assay and immunohistochemistry assay. The other 18 MTLE model rats were used to observe the effects of the AQP4 inhibitor, acetazolamide, on the multi-drug-resistant protein 1 (MRP1) and P-glycoprotein (Pgp) by using Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays, respectively. Results AQP4 expression was enhanced in hippocampal tissues of MTLE model rats compared to NS rats (P<0.05). More positively stained AQP4 was discovered in hippocampal tissues of MTLE model rats. AQP4 inhibitor significantly decreased multi-drug-resistant protein MRP1 and Pgp expression in the AQP4 inhibitor Interfere group and the AQP4 inhibitor Therapy group compared to the TMLE model group (P<0.05). Conclusions The present findings confirm that the AQP4 inhibitor, acetazolamide, effectively inhibits the multi-drug-resistant protein, MRP1, and Pgp, in the MTLE rat model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Duan
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Qing Di
- Nanjing Brain Hospital Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rossi A, Murta V, Auzmendi J, Ramos AJ. Early Gabapentin Treatment during the Latency Period Increases Convulsive Threshold, Reduces Microglial Activation and Macrophage Infiltration in the Lithium-Pilocarpine Model of Epilepsy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2017; 10:ph10040093. [PMID: 29182533 PMCID: PMC5748648 DOI: 10.3390/ph10040093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The lithium-pilocarpine model of epilepsy reproduces several features of temporal lobe epilepsy in humans, including the chronological timeline of an initial latency period followed by the development of spontaneous seizures. Epilepsy therapies in humans are implemented, as a rule, after the onset of the spontaneous seizures. We here studied the potential effect on epileptogenesis of starting an early treatment during the latency period, in order to prevent the development of spontaneous seizures. Adult male Wistar rats were treated with 3 mEq/kg LiCl, and 20 h later 30 mg/kg pilocarpine. Once status epilepticus (SE) was achieved, it was allowed to last for 20 min, and then motor seizures were controlled with the administration of 20 mg/kg diazepam. At 1DPSE (DPSE, days post-status epilepticus), animals started to receive 400 mg/kg/day gabapentin or saline for 4 days. At 5DPSE, we observed that SE induced an early profuse microglial and astroglial reactivity, increased synaptogenic trombospondin-1 expression and reduced AQP4 expression in astroglial ending feet. Blood brain barrier (BBB) integrity seemed to be compromised, as infiltrating NG2+ macrophages and facilitated access to the CNS was observed by transplanting eGFP+ blood cells and bone marrow-derived progenitors in the SE animals. The early 4-day gabapentin treatment successfully reduced microglial cell reactivity and blood-borne cell infiltration, without significantly altering the mRNA of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα immediately after the treatment. After 21DSPE, another group of animals that developed SE and received 4 days of gabapentin treatment, were re-exposed to subconvulsive accumulative doses of pilocarpine (10 mg/kg/30 min) and were followed by recording the Racine scale reached. Early 4-day gabapentin treatment reduced the Racine scale reached by the animals, reduced animal mortality, and reduced the number of animals that achieved SE (34% vs. 72%). We conclude that early gabapentin treatment following SE, during the latency period, is able to reduce neuroinflammation and produces a persistent effect that limits seizures and increases convulsive threshold, probably by restricting microglial reactivity and spurious synaptogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Rossi
- Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP1121, Argentina.
- Laboratorio de Neuropatología Molecular, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Profesor E. De Robertis" IBCN UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires CP1121, Argentina.
| | - Veronica Murta
- Laboratorio de Neuropatología Molecular, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Profesor E. De Robertis" IBCN UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires CP1121, Argentina.
| | - Jerónimo Auzmendi
- Laboratorio de Neuropatología Molecular, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Profesor E. De Robertis" IBCN UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires CP1121, Argentina.
| | - Alberto Javier Ramos
- Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires CP1121, Argentina.
- Laboratorio de Neuropatología Molecular, Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Profesor E. De Robertis" IBCN UBA-CONICET, Buenos Aires CP1121, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Iffland PH, Crino PB. Focal Cortical Dysplasia: Gene Mutations, Cell Signaling, and Therapeutic Implications. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2017; 12:547-571. [PMID: 28135561 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-052016-100138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are malformations of cortical development (MCDs) that are highly associated with medication-resistant epilepsy and are the most common cause of neocortical epilepsy in children. FCDs are a heterogeneous group of developmental disorders caused by germline or somatic mutations that occur in genes regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway-a key pathway in neuronal growth and migration. Accordingly, FCDs are characterized by abnormal cortical lamination, cell morphology (e.g., cytomegaly), and cellular polarity. In some FCD subtypes, balloon cells express proteins typically seen in neuroglial progenitor cells. Because recurrent intractable seizures are a common feature of FCDs, epileptogenic electrophysiological properties are also observed in addition to local inflammation. Here, we will summarize the current literature regarding FCDs, addressing the current classification system, histopathology, molecular genetics, electrophysiology, and transcriptome and cell signaling changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philip H Iffland
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140;
| | - Peter B Crino
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21201;
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Setkowicz Z, Kosonowska E, Janeczko K. Inflammation in the developing rat modulates astroglial reactivity to seizures in the mature brain. J Anat 2017; 231:366-379. [PMID: 28597918 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes participate in neuronal development and excitability, and produce factors enhancing or suppressing inflammatory processes occurring due to neurodegenerative diseases, such as epilepsy. Seizures, in turn, trigger the release of inflammatory mediators, causing structural and functional changes in the brain. Therefore, it appears reasonable to determine whether generalized inflammation at developmental periods can affect astrocyte reactivity to epileptic seizures occurring in the adult brain. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected in 6- or 30-day-old rats (P6 or P30, respectively). At the age of 2 months, seizures were induced, and pilocarpine and morphological changes of astrocytes located within the hippocampal formation were assessed. Additionally, expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), glutamine synthetase (GS), aquaporin 4 (AQP4), and inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir 4.1 (Kir4.1) was determined using Western blots. The animal group given LPS on P6 displayed maximal susceptibility to pilocarpine-induced seizures, significantly higher than the group that received LPS on P30. In the immunohistologically examined hippocampal formation, the GFAP-immunoreactive area was not affected by LPS alone. However, it was reduced following seizures in naïve controls but not in LPS-pretreated rats. Increases in the ramification of astrocytic processes were detected only in adult rats given LPS on P30, not on P6. Seizures abolished the effects. Following seizures, the process ramification showed no significant change in the two LPS-treated rat groups, whereas it was significantly reduced in the dentate gyrus of LPS-untreated controls. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression showed no changes induced with LPS alone and rose slightly after seizures. AQP4 content was lower in rats given LPS on P6 and was seizure-resistant in the two LPS-treated groups, contrary to a decrease in untreated controls. GS expression was not affected by LPS treatments and was reduced after seizures without an intergroup difference. Kir4.1 underwent highly significant increases in all groups experiencing seizures, but LPS alone had no effect. It can be concluded that the generalized inflammatory status led to some important changes in astrocytes reflected, in part at least by permanent modifications of their morphology and molecular profile. Moreover, the previously experienced inflammation prevented the cells from much stronger changes in response to seizures observed in adult untreated controls. The obtained results point to a link between the activation of astrocytes by transient systemic inflammation occurring during the developmental period and their subsequent reactivity to seizures, which may play an important role in the functional features of the brain, including its susceptibility to seizures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Setkowicz
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Emilia Kosonowska
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Janeczko
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hubbard JA, Szu JI, Binder DK. The role of aquaporin-4 in synaptic plasticity, memory and disease. Brain Res Bull 2017; 136:118-129. [PMID: 28274814 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of aquaporins, it has become clear that the various mammalian aquaporins play critical physiological roles in water and ion balance in multiple tissues. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), the principal aquaporin expressed in the central nervous system (CNS, brain and spinal cord), has been shown to mediate CNS water homeostasis. In this review, we summarize new and exciting studies indicating that AQP4 also plays critical and unanticipated roles in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Next, we consider the role of AQP4 in Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), epilepsy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and stroke. Each of these conditions involves changes in AQP4 expression and/or distribution that may be functionally relevant to disease physiology. Insofar as AQP4 is exclusively expressed on astrocytes, these data provide new evidence of "astrocytopathy" in the etiology of diverse neurological diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A Hubbard
- Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, United States
| | - Jenny I Szu
- Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, United States
| | - Devin K Binder
- Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Dossi E, Vasile F, Rouach N. Human astrocytes in the diseased brain. Brain Res Bull 2017; 136:139-156. [PMID: 28212850 PMCID: PMC5766741 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are key active elements of the brain that contribute to information processing. They not only provide neurons with metabolic and structural support, but also regulate neurogenesis and brain wiring. Furthermore, astrocytes modulate synaptic activity and plasticity in part by controlling the extracellular space volume, as well as ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis. These findings, together with the discovery that human astrocytes display contrasting characteristics with their rodent counterparts, point to a role for astrocytes in higher cognitive functions. Dysfunction of astrocytes can thereby induce major alterations in neuronal functions, contributing to the pathogenesis of several brain disorders. In this review we summarize the current knowledge on the structural and functional alterations occurring in astrocytes from the human brain in pathological conditions such as epilepsy, primary tumours, Alzheimer's disease, major depressive disorder and Down syndrome. Compelling evidence thus shows that dysregulations of astrocyte functions and interplay with neurons contribute to the development and progression of various neurological diseases. Targeting astrocytes is thus a promising alternative approach that could contribute to the development of novel and effective therapies to treat brain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Dossi
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
| | - Flora Vasile
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiopathology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Eide PK, Eidsvaag VA, Nagelhus EA, Hansson HA. Cortical astrogliosis and increased perivascular aquaporin-4 in idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Brain Res 2016; 1644:161-75. [PMID: 27188961 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The syndrome idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) includes symptoms and signs of raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and impaired vision, usually in overweight persons. The pathogenesis is unknown. In the present prospective observational study, we characterized the histopathological changes in biopsies from the frontal brain cortical parenchyma obtained from 18 IIH patients. Reference specimens were sampled from 13 patients who underwent brain surgery for epilepsy, tumors or acute vascular diseases. Overnight ICP monitoring revealed abnormal intracranial pressure wave amplitudes in 14/18 IIH patients, who underwent shunt surgery and all responded favorably. A remarkable histopathological observation in IIH patients was patchy astrogliosis defined as clusters of hypertrophic astrocytes enclosing a nest of nerve cells. Distinct astrocyte domains (i.e. no overlap between astrocyte processes) were lacking in most IIH biopsy specimens, in contrast to their prevalence in reference specimens. Evidence of astrogliosis in IIH was accompanied with significantly increased aquaporin-4 (AQP4) immunoreactivity over perivascular astrocytic endfeet, compared to the reference specimens, measured with densitometry. Scattered CD68 immunoreactive cells (activated microglia and macrophages) were recognized, indicative of some inflammation. No apoptotic cells were demonstrable. We conclude that the patchy astrogliosis is a major finding in patients with IIH. We propose that the astrogliosis impairs intracranial pressure-volume reserve capacity, i.e. intracranial compliance, and contributes to the IIH by restricting the outflow of fluid from the cranium. The increased perivascular AQP4 in IIH may represent a compensatory mechanism to enhance brain fluid drainage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Per Kristian Eide
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital - Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Vigdis Andersen Eidsvaag
- Department of Neurosurgery, Oslo University Hospital - Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Erlend A Nagelhus
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Hans-Arne Hansson
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Crucial role of astrocytes in temporal lobe epilepsy. Neuroscience 2016; 323:157-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 12/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
22
|
Skjolding AD, Holst AV, Broholm H, Laursen H, Juhler M. Differences in distribution and regulation of astrocytic aquaporin-4 in human and rat hydrocephalic brain. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2015; 39:179-91. [PMID: 22497211 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2012.01275.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is the most abundant cellular water channel in brain and could be a molecular basis for a cerebrospinal fluid absorption route additional to the arachnoid villi. In the search for 'alternative' cerebrospinal fluid absorption pathways it is important to compare experimental findings with human pathophysiology. This study compares expression of AQP4 in hydrocephalic human brain with human controls and hydrocephalic rat brain. METHODS Cortical biopsies from patients with chronic hydrocephalus (n = 29) were sampled secondary to planned surgical intervention. AQP4 in human hydrocephalic cortex relative to controls was quantified by Western blotting (n = 28). A second biopsy (n = 13) was processed for immunohistochemistry [glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), CD68, CD34 and AQP4] and double immunofluorescence (AQP4 + GFAP and AQP4 + CD34). Brain tissue from human controls and kaolin-induced hydrocephalic rats was processed in parallel. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were assessed qualitatively. RESULTS Western blotting showed that AQP4 abundance was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in hydrocephalic human brain compared with controls. AQP4 immunoreactivity was present in both white and grey matter. In human brain (hydrocephalic and controls) AQP4 immunoreactivity was found on the entire astrocyte membrane, unlike hydrocephalic rat brain where pronounced endfeet polarization was present. Endothelial AQP4 immunoreactivity was not observed. CONCLUSIONS This study shows a significant increase in astrocytic AQP4 in human hydrocephalic cortex compared with control. Cell type specific expression in astrocytes is conserved between rat and human, although differences of expression in specific membrane domains are seen. This study addresses direct translational aspects from rat to human, hereby emphasizing the relevance and use of models in hydrocephalus research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A D Skjolding
- University Clinic of NeurosurgeryLaboratory of Neuropathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, RigshopitaletDepartment of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - A V Holst
- University Clinic of NeurosurgeryLaboratory of Neuropathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, RigshopitaletDepartment of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H Broholm
- University Clinic of NeurosurgeryLaboratory of Neuropathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, RigshopitaletDepartment of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - H Laursen
- University Clinic of NeurosurgeryLaboratory of Neuropathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, RigshopitaletDepartment of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - M Juhler
- University Clinic of NeurosurgeryLaboratory of Neuropathology, Copenhagen University Hospital, RigshopitaletDepartment of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kadala A, Verdier D, Morquette P, Kolta A. Ion Homeostasis in Rhythmogenesis: The Interplay Between Neurons and Astroglia. Physiology (Bethesda) 2015; 30:371-88. [DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00023.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper function of all excitable cells depends on ion homeostasis. Nowhere is this more critical than in the brain where the extracellular concentration of some ions determines neurons' firing pattern and ability to encode information. Several neuronal functions depend on the ability of neurons to change their firing pattern to a rhythmic bursting pattern, whereas, in some circuits, rhythmic firing is, on the contrary, associated to pathologies like epilepsy or Parkinson's disease. In this review, we focus on the four main ions known to fluctuate during rhythmic firing: calcium, potassium, sodium, and chloride. We discuss the synergistic interactions between these elements to promote an oscillatory activity. We also review evidence supporting an important role for astrocytes in the homeostasis of each of these ions and describe mechanisms by which astrocytes may regulate neuronal firing by altering their extracellular concentrations. A particular emphasis is put on the mechanisms underlying rhythmogenesis in the circuit forming the central pattern generator (CPG) for mastication and other CPG systems. Finally, we discuss how an impairment in the ability of glial cells to maintain such homeostasis may result in pathologies like epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aklesso Kadala
- Département de Neurosciences and Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; and
| | - Dorly Verdier
- Département de Neurosciences and Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; and
| | - Philippe Morquette
- Département de Neurosciences and Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; and
| | - Arlette Kolta
- Département de Neurosciences and Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; and
- Faculté de Médecine Dentaire and Réseau de Recherche en Santé Bucco-dentaire et Osseuse du Fonds de Recherche Québec-Santé, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hendriksen RG, Hoogland G, Schipper S, Hendriksen JG, Vles JS, Aalbers MW. A possible role of dystrophin in neuronal excitability: A review of the current literature. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 51:255-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2014] [Revised: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
25
|
Abstract
Astrocytes express ion channels, transmitter receptors, and transporters and, thus, are endowed with the machinery to sense and respond to neuronal activity. Recent studies have implicated that astrocytes play important roles in physiology, but these cells also emerge as crucial actors in epilepsy. Astrocytes are abundantly coupled through gap junctions allowing them to redistribute elevated K(+) and transmitter concentrations from sites of enhanced neuronal activity. Investigation of specimens from patients with pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy and epilepsy models revealed alterations in expression, localization, and function of astroglial K(+) and water channels. In addition, malfunction of glutamate transporters and the astrocytic glutamate-converting enzyme, glutamine synthetase, has been observed in epileptic tissue. These findings suggest that dysfunctional astrocytes are crucial players in epilepsy and should be considered as promising targets for new therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A Coulter
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4318
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pecorelli A, Natrella F, Belmonte G, Miracco C, Cervellati F, Ciccoli L, Mariottini A, Rocchi R, Vatti G, Bua A, Canitano R, Hayek J, Forman H, Valacchi G. NADPH oxidase activation and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal/aquaporin-4 adducts as possible new players in oxidative neuronal damage presents in drug-resistant epilepsy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2015; 1852:507-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
27
|
Crunelli V, Carmignoto G, Steinhäuser C. Novel astrocyte targets: new avenues for the therapeutic treatment of epilepsy. Neuroscientist 2015; 21:62-83. [PMID: 24609207 PMCID: PMC4361461 DOI: 10.1177/1073858414523320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During the last 20 years, it has been well established that a finely tuned, continuous crosstalk between neurons and astrocytes not only critically modulates physiological brain functions but also underlies many neurological diseases. In particular, this novel way of interpreting brain activity is markedly influencing our current knowledge of epilepsy, prompting a re-evaluation of old findings and guiding novel experimentation. Here, we review recent studies that have unraveled novel and unique contributions of astrocytes to the generation and spread of convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures and epileptiform activity. The emerging scenario advocates an overall framework in which a dynamic and reciprocal interplay among astrocytic and neuronal ensembles is fundamental for a fuller understanding of epilepsy. In turn, this offers novel astrocytic targets for the development of those really novel chemical entities for the control of convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures that have been acknowledged as a key priority in the management of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Crunelli
- Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Giorgio Carmignoto
- Centro Nazionale della Ricerca, Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Aronica E, Crino PB. Epilepsy related to developmental tumors and malformations of cortical development. Neurotherapeutics 2014; 11:251-68. [PMID: 24481729 PMCID: PMC3996119 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-013-0251-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural abnormalities of the brain are increasingly recognized in patients with neurodevelopmental delay and intractable focal epilepsies. The access to clinically well-characterized neurosurgical material has provided a unique opportunity to better define the neuropathological, neurochemical, and molecular features of epilepsy-associated focal developmental lesions. These studies help to further understand the epileptogenic mechanisms of these lesions. Neuropathological evaluation of surgical specimens from patients with epilepsy-associated developmental lesions reveals two major pathologies: focal cortical dysplasia and low-grade developmental tumors (glioneuronal tumors). In the last few years there have been major advances in the recognition of a wide spectrum of developmental lesions associated with a intractable epilepsy, including cortical tubers in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and hemimegalencephaly. As an increasing number of entities are identified, the development of a unified and comprehensive classification represents a great challenge and requires continuous updates. The present article reviews current knowledge of molecular pathogenesis and the pathophysiological mechanisms of epileptogenesis in this group of developmental disorders. Both emerging neuropathological and basic science evidence will be analyzed, highlighting the involvement of different, but often converging, pathogenetic and epileptogenic mechanisms, which may create the basis for new therapeutic strategies in these disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)Pathology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hubbard JA, Hsu MS, Fiacco TA, Binder DK. Glial cell changes in epilepsy: Overview of the clinical problem and therapeutic opportunities. Neurochem Int 2013; 63:638-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
30
|
Day RE, Kitchen P, Owen DS, Bland C, Marshall L, Conner AC, Bill RM, Conner MT. Human aquaporins: regulators of transcellular water flow. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2013; 1840:1492-506. [PMID: 24090884 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2013.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2013] [Revised: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence supports the view that (AQP) aquaporin water channels are regulators of transcellular water flow. Consistent with their expression in most tissues, AQPs are associated with diverse physiological and pathophysiological processes. SCOPE OF REVIEW AQP knockout studies suggest that the regulatory role of AQPs, rather than their action as passive channels, is their critical function. Transport through all AQPs occurs by a common passive mechanism, but their regulation and cellular distribution varies significantly depending on cell and tissue type; the role of AQPs in cell volume regulation (CVR) is particularly notable. This review examines the regulatory role of AQPs in transcellular water flow, especially in CVR. We focus on key systems of the human body, encompassing processes as diverse as urine concentration in the kidney to clearance of brain oedema. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS AQPs are crucial for the regulation of water homeostasis, providing selective pores for the rapid movement of water across diverse cell membranes and playing regulatory roles in CVR. Gating mechanisms have been proposed for human AQPs, but have only been reported for plant and microbial AQPs. Consequently, it is likely that the distribution and abundance of AQPs in a particular membrane is the determinant of membrane water permeability and a regulator of transcellular water flow. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Elucidating the mechanisms that regulate transcellular water flow will improve our understanding of the human body in health and disease. The central role of specific AQPs in regulating water homeostasis will provide routes to a range of novel therapies. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Aquaporins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Day
- Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Philip Kitchen
- Molecular Organisation and Assembly in Cells Doctoral Training Centre, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - David S Owen
- Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
| | - Charlotte Bland
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Lindsay Marshall
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Alex C Conner
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Roslyn M Bill
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK.
| | - Matthew T Conner
- Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bebek N, Özdemir Ö, Sayitoglu M, Hatırnaz O, Baykan B, Gürses C, Sencer A, Karasu A, Tüzün E, Üzün I, Akat S, Cine N, Sargin Kurt G, Imer M, Ozbek U, Canbolat A, Gökyigit A. Expression analysis and clinical correlation of aquaporin 1 and 4 genes in human hippocampal sclerosis. J Clin Neurosci 2013; 20:1564-70. [PMID: 23928039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2012.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) is the most frequent cause of drug resistant symptomatic partial epilepsy. The mechanism and genetic background of this unique pathology are not well understood. Aquaporins (AQP) are regulators of water homeostasis in the brain and are expressed in the human hippocampus. We explored the role of AQP genes in the pathogenetic mechanisms of MTS through an evaluation of gene expression in surgically removed human brain tissue. We analyzed AQP1 and 4 mRNA levels by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and normalized to ABL and cyclophilin genes, followed by immunohistochemistry for AQP4. Relative expressions were calculated according to the delta Ct method and the results were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Brain specimens of 23 patients with epilepsy who had undergone surgery for MTS and seven control autopsy specimens were investigated. Clinical findings were concordant with previous studies and 61% of the patients were seizure-free in the postoperative period. AQP1 and 4 gene expression levels did not differ between MTS patients and control groups. Immunofluorescence analysis of AQP4 supported the expression results, showing no difference. Previous studies have reported contradictory results about the expression levels of AQP in MTS. To our knowledge, only one study has suggested upregulation whereas the other indicated downregulation of perivascular AQP4. Our study did not support these findings and may rule out the involvement of AQP in human MTS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- N Bebek
- Neurology Department, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Millet cad., 34390 Capa, Istanbul, Turkey; Institute for Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Seifert G, Steinhäuser C. Neuron–astrocyte signaling and epilepsy. Exp Neurol 2013; 244:4-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2011.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2011] [Revised: 08/16/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
|
33
|
Li X, Gao J, Ding J, Hu G, Xiao M. Aquaporin-4 expression contributes to decreases in brain water content during mouse postnatal development. Brain Res Bull 2013; 94:49-55. [PMID: 23485789 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2013.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2013] [Revised: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The water channel protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is implicated to facilitate water efflux from the brain parenchyma into the blood and CSF, playing a critical role in maintaining brain water homeostasis. Nevertheless, its contribution to decreases in brain water content during postnatal development remains unknown. A quantitative Western blot analysis was performed to investigate developmental expression of AQP4 in the whole mouse brain and showed that AQP4 expression level in 1 week-old brain was only 21.3% of that in the adult brain, but significantly increased to 67.4% of the adult level by 2 weeks after birth. Statistical analysis demonstrated that increased AQP4 expression partially relates to decreased brain water content in postnatal mice (r(2)=0.92 and P=0.002). Moreover, AQP4 null mice had greater brain water content than littermate controls from 2 weeks up to adult age. Consistently, mature pattern of AQP4 localization at the brain-blood and brain-CSF interfaces were completed at approximately at 2 weeks after birth. In addition, AQP4 expression in the brain stem and hypothalamus was earlier than that in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum, suggesting a brain regional variation in developmental expression of AQP4. These results characterize the developmental feature of AQP4 expression in the postnatal brain and provide direct evidence for a role of AQP4 in postnatal brain water uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiumiao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zanotto C, Abib RT, Batassini C, Tortorelli LS, Biasibetti R, Rodrigues L, Nardin P, Hansen F, Gottfried C, Leite MC, Gonçalves CA. Non-specific inhibitors of aquaporin-4 stimulate S100B secretion in acute hippocampal slices of rats. Brain Res 2013; 1491:14-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.10.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 10/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
35
|
Benga I, Benga O. Implications of water channel proteins in selected neurological disorders: Epilepsies, muscular dystrophies, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, Parkinson’s disease, and spongiform encephalopathies. Mol Aspects Med 2012; 33:590-604. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
|
36
|
Isoardo G, Morra I, Chiarle G, Audrito V, Deaglio S, Melcarne A, Junemann C, Naddeo M, Cogoni M, Valentini MC, Limberti A, Faccani F, Malavasi F, Faccani G. Different aquaporin-4 expression in glioblastoma multiforme patients with and without seizures. Mol Med 2012; 18:1147-51. [PMID: 22714714 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2012.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporin-4 (AQP-4), the most important water channel in the brain, is expressed by astrocyte end feet abutting microvessels. Altered expression levels of AQP-4 and redistribution of the protein throughout the membranes of cells found in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) lead to development of the edema often found surrounding the tumor mass. Dysregulation of AQP-4 also occurs in hippocampal sclerosis and cortical dysplasia in patients with refractory partial epilepsy. This work reports on analysis of the relationship between AQP-4 expression and the incidence of epileptic seizures in patients with GBM. Immunohistochemical and polymerase chain reaction techniques were used to evaluate AQP-4 in biopsy specimens from 19 patients with GBM, 10 of who had a history of seizures before surgery. AQP-4 mRNA levels were identical in the two groups of patients, but AQP-4 expression was more frequently detected on the GBM membranes from specimens of patients with seizures than from individuals without (10 versus 2, P < 0.001). We conclude that reduced expression of cell surface AQP-4 is characteristic of GBM patients without seizures, likely attributable to a posttranslational mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Isoardo
- Unit of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurosurgery, CTO Hospital, Torino, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Losi G, Cammarota M, Carmignoto G. The role of astroglia in the epileptic brain. Front Pharmacol 2012; 3:132. [PMID: 22807916 PMCID: PMC3395023 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2012.00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsies comprise a family of multifactorial neurological disorders that affect at least 50 million people worldwide. Despite a long history of neurobiological and clinical studies the mechanisms that lead the brain network to a hyperexcitable state and to the intense, massive neuronal discharges reflecting a seizure episode are only partially defined. Most epilepsies of genetic origin are related to mutations in ionic channels that cause neuronal hyperexcitability. However, idiopathic epilepsies of unclear origin represent the majority of these brain disorders. A large body of evidence suggests that in the epileptic brain neurons are not the only players. Indeed, the glial cell astrocyte is known to be morphologically and functionally altered in different types of epilepsy. Although it is unclear whether these astrocyte dysfunctions can have a causative role in epileptogenesis, the hypothesis that astrocytes contribute to epileptiform activities recently received a considerable experimental support. Notably, currently used antiepileptic drugs, that act mainly on neuronal ion channels, are ineffective in a large group of patients. Clarifying astrocyte functions in the epileptic brain tissue could unveil astrocytes as novel therapeutic targets. In this review we present first a short overview on the role of astrocytes in the epileptic brain starting from the "historical" observations on their fundamental modulation of brain homeostasis, such as the control of water content, ionic equilibrium, and neurotransmitters concentrations. We then focus our review on most recent studies that hint at a distinct contribution of these cells in the generation of focal epileptiform activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Losi
- Institute of Neuroscience of the National Research Council and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova Padova, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Binder DK, Nagelhus EA, Ottersen OP. Aquaporin-4 and epilepsy. Glia 2012; 60:1203-14. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.22317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
39
|
Nico B, Annese T, Tamma R, Longo V, Ruggieri S, Senetta R, Cassoni P, Specchia G, Vacca A, Ribatti D. Aquaporin-4 expression in primary human central nervous system lymphomas correlates with tumour cell proliferation and phenotypic heterogeneity of the vessel wall. Eur J Cancer 2011; 48:772-81. [PMID: 22100902 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2011.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Revised: 10/10/2011] [Accepted: 10/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
No literature data are available concerning the expression of aquaporin-4 in primary central nervous system lymphomas and the relationship between aquaporin-4 expression and the morphological characteristics of blood vessels. Here, we have investigated this relationship in 24 human diffuse large B-cell primary central nervous system lymphomas by means of immunocytochemistry and confocal laser microscopy. Results have shown that: (i) a high aquaporin-4 expression correlated with a high Ki-67 index and aquaporin-4 marked tumour and endothelial cells in cytoplasm and plasma membranes, while aquaporin-4 expression was low in tumour areas with a low Ki-67 index where few tumour cells were positive to aquaporin-4, and endothelial cells showed aquaporin-4 expression on their abluminal side. (ii) Different type of cells participated in vessels formation: CD20(+) tumour cells and factor VIII(+) endothelial cells; aquaporin-4(+) tumour cells and CD31(+) endothelial cells; CD20(+) and aquaporin-4(+) tumour cells; glial fibrillary acidid protein(+) endothelial cells surrounded by glial fibrillary acidic protein(+) tumour cells. Overall, these data suggest the importance of aquaporin-4 in primary central nervous system lymphomas due to its involvement in cerebral oedema formation and resolution and tumour cell migratory activity, and have documented that tumour microvasculature in lymphomas is extremely heterogeneous, confirming the importance of neoangiogenesis in the pathogenesis of lymphomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Nico
- Department Basic Medical Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Papageorgiou IE, Gabriel S, Fetani AF, Kann O, Heinemann U. Redistribution of astrocytic glutamine synthetase in the hippocampus of chronic epileptic rats. Glia 2011; 59:1706-18. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.21217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2011] [Accepted: 06/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|