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Akter M, Fu Z, Zheng X, Iqbal Z, Zhang N, Karim A, Li Y. Astrocytic GPCR signaling in the anterior cingulate cortex modulates decision making in rats. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 3:kvae010. [PMID: 38915791 PMCID: PMC11194462 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Decision making is a process of selecting a course of action by assessing the worth or value of the potential consequences. Rat Gambling Task (RGT) is a well-established behavioral paradigm that allows for assessment of the decision-making performance of rats. Astrocytes are emerging as key players in modulating cognitive functions. Using repeated RGTs with short intersession time intervals (48 h), the current study demonstrates that Gi pathway activation of astrocytes in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) leads to impaired decision-making in consistently good decision-making rats. On the other hand, ACC astrocytic Gq pathway activation improves decision-making in a subset of rats who are not consistently good decision-makers. Furthermore, we show that astrocytic Gq activation is associated with an increase in the L-lactate level in the extracellular fluid of the ACC. Together, these results expand our knowledge of the role of astrocytic GPCR signaling in modulating cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mastura Akter
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Zhongqi Fu
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Xianlin Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 17W, Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Anwarul Karim
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 17W, Science Park West Avenue, Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong, SAR, China
- Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
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2
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Akter M, Li Y. Does astrocytic L-lactate enhance cognition through myelination? Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1167-1168. [PMID: 37905847 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mastura Akter
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Akter M, Li Y)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Akter M, Li Y)
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Akter M, Li Y)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Akter M, Li Y)
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Li Y)
- Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Li Y)
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Yang Y, Zhou D, Min S, Liu D, Zou M, Yu C, Chen L, Huang J, Hong R. Ciprofol ameliorates ECS-induced learning and memory impairment by modulating aerobic glycolysis in the hippocampus of depressive-like rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 239:173775. [PMID: 38657873 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive shock (ECS) is utilized to treat depression but may cause learning/memory impairments, which may be ameliorated by anesthetics through the modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Given that synaptic plasticity is governed by aerobic glycolysis, it remains unclear whether anesthetics modulate aerobic glycolysis to enhance learning and memory function. Depression-like behavior in rats was induced by chronic mild unpredictable stress (CUMS), with anhedonia assessed via sucrose preference test (SPT). Depressive-like behaviors and spatial learning/memory were assessed with forced swim test (FST), open field test (OFT), and Morris water maze (MWM) test. Changes in aerobic glycolysis and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampal region of depressive-like rats post-ECS were documented using immunofluorescence analysis, Western blot, Lactate Assay Kit and transmission electron microscopy. Both the OFT and FST indicated that ECS was effective in alleviating depressive-like behaviors. The MWM test demonstrated that anesthetics were capable of attenuating ECS-induced learning and memory deficits. Immunofluorescence analysis, Western blot, Lactate Assay Kit and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the decline in learning and memory abilities in ECS-induced depressive-like rats was correlated with decreased aerobic glycolysis, and that the additional use of ciprofol or propofol ameliorated these alterations. Adding the glycolysis inhibitor 2-DG diminished the ameliorative effects of the anesthetic. No significant difference was observed between ciprofol and propofol in enhancing aerobic glycolysis in astrocytes and synaptic plasticity after ECS. These findings may contribute to understanding the mechanisms by which anesthetic drugs modulate learning and memory impairment after ECS in depressive-like behavior rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Dongyu Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Su Min
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Neijiang, Neijiang, Sichuan, China
| | - Mou Zou
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chang Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Lihao Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jia Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Ruiyang Hong
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Chang X, Zhang H, Chen S. Neural circuits regulating visceral pain. Commun Biol 2024; 7:457. [PMID: 38615103 PMCID: PMC11016080 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06148-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Visceral hypersensitivity, a common clinical manifestation of irritable bowel syndrome, may contribute to the development of chronic visceral pain, which is a major challenge for both patients and health providers. Neural circuits in the brain encode, store, and transfer pain information across brain regions. In this review, we focus on the anterior cingulate cortex and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus to highlight the progress in identifying the neural circuits involved in visceral pain. We also discuss several neural circuit mechanisms and emphasize the importance of cross-species, multiangle approaches and the identification of specific neurons in determining the neural circuits that control visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Chang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Shaozong Chen
- Research Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.
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Han S, Wang J, Zhang W, Tian X. Chronic Pain-Related Cognitive Deficits: Preclinical Insights into Molecular, Cellular, and Circuit Mechanisms. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04073-z. [PMID: 38470516 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04073-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a common comorbidity of chronic pain, significantly disrupting patients' quality of life. Despite this comorbidity being clinically recognized, the underlying neuropathological mechanisms remain unclear. Recent preclinical studies have focused on the fundamental mechanisms underlying the coexistence of chronic pain and cognitive decline. Pain chronification is accompanied by structural and functional changes in the neural substrate of cognition. Based on the developments in electrophysiology and optogenetics/chemogenetics, we summarized the relevant neural circuits involved in pain-induced cognitive impairment, as well as changes in connectivity and function in brain regions. We then present the cellular and molecular alternations related to pain-induced cognitive impairment in preclinical studies, mainly including modifications in neuronal excitability and structure, synaptic plasticity, glial cells and cytokines, neurotransmitters and other neurochemicals, and the gut-brain axis. Finally, we also discussed the potential treatment strategies and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Xuebi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, and Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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6
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Akter M, Hasan M, Ramkrishnan AS, Iqbal Z, Zheng X, Fu Z, Lei Z, Karim A, Li Y. Astrocyte and L-lactate in the anterior cingulate cortex modulate schema memory and neuronal mitochondrial biogenesis. eLife 2023; 12:e85751. [PMID: 37960975 PMCID: PMC10645423 DOI: 10.7554/elife.85751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte-derived L-lactate was shown to confer beneficial effects on synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions. However, how astrocytic Gi signaling in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) modulates L-lactate levels and schema memory is not clear. Here, using chemogenetic approach and well-established behavioral paradigm, we demonstrate that astrocytic Gi pathway activation in the ACC causes significant impairments in flavor-place paired associates (PAs) learning, schema formation, and PA memory retrieval in rats. It also impairs new PA learning even if a prior associative schema exists. These impairments are mediated by decreased L-lactate in the ACC due to astrocytic Gi activation. Concurrent exogenous L-lactate administration bilaterally into the ACC rescues these impairments. Furthermore, we show that the impaired schema memory formation is associated with a decreased neuronal mitochondrial biogenesis caused by decreased L-lactate level in the ACC upon astrocytic Gi activation. Our study also reveals that L-lactate-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis is dependent on monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) and NMDA receptor activity - discovering a previously unrecognized signaling role of L-lactate. These findings expand our understanding of the role of astrocytes and L-lactate in the brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mastura Akter
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Mahadi Hasan
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Aruna Surendran Ramkrishnan
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of SciencesHong Kong SARChina
| | - Xianlin Zheng
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Zhongqi Fu
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of SciencesHong Kong SARChina
| | - Zhuogui Lei
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Anwarul Karim
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of SciencesHong Kong SARChina
- Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
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Purushotham SS, Buskila Y. Astrocytic modulation of neuronal signalling. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 3:1205544. [PMID: 37332623 PMCID: PMC10269688 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2023.1205544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Neuronal signalling is a key element in neuronal communication and is essential for the proper functioning of the CNS. Astrocytes, the most prominent glia in the brain play a key role in modulating neuronal signalling at the molecular, synaptic, cellular, and network levels. Over the past few decades, our knowledge about astrocytes and their functioning has evolved from considering them as merely a brain glue that provides structural support to neurons, to key communication elements. Astrocytes can regulate the activity of neurons by controlling the concentrations of ions and neurotransmitters in the extracellular milieu, as well as releasing chemicals and gliotransmitters that modulate neuronal activity. The aim of this review is to summarise the main processes through which astrocytes are modulating brain function. We will systematically distinguish between direct and indirect pathways in which astrocytes affect neuronal signalling at all levels. Lastly, we will summarize pathological conditions that arise once these signalling pathways are impaired focusing on neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yossi Buskila
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- The MARCS Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
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Akter M, Ma H, Hasan M, Karim A, Zhu X, Zhang L, Li Y. Exogenous L-lactate administration in rat hippocampus increases expression of key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant defense. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1117146. [PMID: 37008779 PMCID: PMC10062455 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1117146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
L-lactate plays a critical role in learning and memory. Studies in rats showed that administration of exogenous L-lactate into the anterior cingulate cortex and hippocampus (HPC) improved decision-making and enhanced long-term memory formation, respectively. Although the molecular mechanisms by which L-lactate confers its beneficial effect are an active area of investigations, one recent study found that L-lactate supplementation results in a mild reactive oxygen species burst and induction of pro-survival pathways. To further investigate the molecular changes induced by L-lactate, we injected rats with either L-lactate or artificial CSF bilaterally into the dorsal HPC and collected the HPC after 60 minutes for mass spectrometry. We identified increased levels of several proteins that include SIRT3, KIF5B, OXR1, PYGM, and ATG7 in the HPC of the L-lactate treated rats. SIRT3 (Sirtuin 3) is a key regulator of mitochondrial functions and homeostasis and protects cells against oxidative stress. Further experiments identified increased expression of the key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α) and mitochondrial proteins (ATPB, Cyt-c) as well as increased mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number in the HPC of L-lactate treated rats. OXR1 (Oxidation resistance protein 1) is known to maintain mitochondrial stability. It mitigates the deleterious effects of oxidative damage in neurons by inducing a resistance response against oxidative stress. Together, our study suggests that L-lactate can induce expression of key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis and antioxidant defense. These findings create new research avenues to explore their contribution to the L-lactate’s beneficial effect in cognitive functions as these cellular responses might enable neurons to generate more ATP to meet energy demand of neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity as well as attenuate the associated oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mastura Akter
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Haiying Ma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mahadi Hasan
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Anwarul Karim
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xiaowei Zhu
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong, Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Ying Li,
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Qi L, Lin SH, Ma Q. Spinal VGLUT3 lineage neurons drive visceral mechanical allodynia but not sensitized visceromotor reflexes. Neuron 2023; 111:669-681.e5. [PMID: 36584681 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Visceral pain is among the most prevalent and bothersome forms of chronic pain, but their transmission in the spinal cord is still poorly understood. Here, we conducted focal colorectal distention (fCRD) to drive both visceromotor responses (VMRs) and aversion. We first found that spinal CCK neurons were necessary for noxious fCRD to drive both VMRs and aversion under naive conditions. We next showed that spinal VGLUT3 neurons mediate visceral allodynia, whose ablation caused loss of aversion evoked by low-intensity fCRD in mice with gastrointestinal (GI) inflammation or spinal circuit disinhibition. Importantly, these neurons were dispensable for driving sensitized VMRs under both inflammatory and central disinhibition conditions. Anatomically, a subset of VGLUT3 neurons projected to parabrachial nuclei, whose photoactivation sufficiently generated aversion in mice with GI inflammation, without influencing VMRs. Our studies suggest the presence of different spinal substrates that transmit nociceptive versus affective dimensions of visceral sensory information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Qi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shing-Hong Lin
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Qiufu Ma
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Shigetomi E, Koizumi S. The role of astrocytes in behaviors related to emotion and motivation. Neurosci Res 2023; 187:21-39. [PMID: 36181908 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are present throughout the brain and intimately interact with neurons and blood vessels. Three decades of research have shown that astrocytes reciprocally communicate with neurons and other non-neuronal cells in the brain and dynamically regulate cell function. Astrocytes express numerous receptors for neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and cytokines and receive information from neurons, other astrocytes, and other non-neuronal cells. Among those receptors, the main focus has been G-protein coupled receptors. Activation of G-protein coupled receptors leads to dramatic changes in intracellular signaling (Ca2+ and cAMP), which is considered a form of astrocyte activity. Methodological improvements in measurement and manipulation of astrocytes have advanced our understanding of the role of astrocytes in circuits and have begun to reveal unexpected functions of astrocytes in behavior. Recent studies have suggested that astrocytic activity regulates behavior flexibility, such as coping strategies for stress exposure, and plays an important role in behaviors related to emotion and motivation. Preclinical evidence suggests that impairment of astrocytic function contributes to psychiatric diseases, especially major depression. Here, we review recent progress on the role of astrocytes in behaviors related to emotion and motivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Shigetomi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan; Yamanashi GLIA Center, Graduate School of Medical Science, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan.
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan; Yamanashi GLIA Center, Graduate School of Medical Science, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Japan.
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11
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Iqbal Z, Lei Z, Ramkrishnan AS, Liu S, Hasan M, Akter M, Lam YY, Li Y. Adrenergic signalling to astrocytes in anterior cingulate cortex contributes to pain-related aversive memory in rats. Commun Biol 2023; 6:10. [PMID: 36604595 PMCID: PMC9816175 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04405-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain contains both sensory and affective dimensions. We identify the role of norepinephrine in colorectal distention (sub-threshold for acute pain) induced conditioned place avoidance and plasticity gene expression in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Activating locus coeruleus (LC)-projecting ACC neurons facilitates pain-evoked aversive consolidation and memory, while inhibiting LC-projecting ACC neurons reversibly blocks it. Optogenetic activation of ACC astrocytes facilitates aversive behaviour. ACC astrocytic Gi manipulation suppressed aversive behaviour and early plasticity gene expression induced by opto-activation of LC neurons projecting to ACC. Evidences for the critical role of β2AR in ACC astrocytes were provided using AAV encoding β2AR miRNAi to knockdown β2AR in astrocytes. In contrast, opto-activation of ACC astrocytic β2ARs promotes aversion memory. Our findings suggest that projection-specific adrenergic astrocytic signalling in ACC is integral to system-wide neuromodulation in response to visceral stimuli, and plays a key role in mediating pain-related aversion consolidation and memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhuogui Lei
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aruna S Ramkrishnan
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Mahadi Hasan
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Mastura Akter
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Yuk Yan Lam
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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Astrocyte L-Lactate Signaling in the ACC Regulates Visceral Pain Aversive Memory in Rats. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010026. [PMID: 36611820 PMCID: PMC9818423 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain involves both sensory and affective elements. An aspect of the affective dimension of pain is its sustained unpleasantness, characterized by emotional feelings. Pain results from interactions between memory, attentional, and affective brain circuitry, and it has attracted enormous interest in pain research. However, the brain targets and signaling mechanism involved in pain remain elusive. Using a conditioned place avoidance (CPA) paradigm, we show that colorectal distention (CRD magnitude ≤ 35 mmHg, a subthreshold for pain) paired with a distinct environment can cause significant aversion to a location associated with pain-related insults in rats. We show a substantial increase in the L-lactate concentration in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) following CPA training. Local exogenous infusion of lactate into the ACC enhances aversive memory and induces the expression of the memory-related plasticity genes pCREB, CREB, and Erk1/2. The pharmacological experiments revealed that the glycogen phosphorylation inhibitor 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-arabinitol (DAB) impairs memory consolidation. Furthermore, short-term Gi pathway activation of ACC astrocytes before CPA training significantly decreases the lactate level and suppresses pain-related aversive learning. The effects were reversed by the local infusion of lactate into the ACC. Our study demonstrates that lactate is released from astrocytes in vivo following visceral pain-related aversive learning and memory retrieval and induces the expression of the plasticity-related immediate early genes CREB, pCREB, and Erk1/2 in the ACC. Chronic visceral pain is an important factor in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The current study provides evidence that astrocytic activity in the ACC is required for visceral pain-related aversive learning and memory.
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Hasan M, Lei Z, Akter M, Iqbal Z, Usaila F, Ramkrishnan AS, Li Y. Chemogenetic activation of astrocytes promotes remyelination and restores cognitive deficits in visceral hypersensitive rats. iScience 2022; 26:105840. [PMID: 36619970 PMCID: PMC9812719 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a well-established chronic visceral hypersensitivity (VH) rat model, we characterized the decrease of myelin basic protein, reduced number of mature oligodendrocytes (OLs), and hypomyelination in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The results of rat gambling test showed impaired decision-making, and the results of electrophysiological studies showed desynchronization in the ACC to basolateral amygdala (BLA) neural circuitry. Astrocytes release various factors that modulate oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation and myelination. Astrocytic Gq-modulation through expression of hM3Dq facilitated oligodendrocyte progenitor cell proliferation and OL differentiation, and enhanced ACC myelination in VH rats. Activating astrocytic Gq rescued impaired decision-making and desynchronization in ACC-BLA. These data indicate that ACC hypomyelination is an important component of impaired decision-making and network desynchronization in VH. Astrocytic Gq activity plays a significant role in oligodendrocyte myelination and decision-making behavior in VH. Insights from these studies have potential for interventions in myelin-related diseases such as chronic pain-associated cognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahadi Hasan
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhuogui Lei
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mastura Akter
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Faeeqa Usaila
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Aruna Surendran Ramkrishnan
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, China,Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China,Corresponding author
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Chen YL, Feng XL, Cheung CW, Liu JA. Mode of action of astrocytes in pain: From the spinal cord to the brain. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 219:102365. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Liu S, Wong HY, Xie L, Iqbal Z, Lei Z, Fu Z, Lam YY, Ramkrishnan AS, Li Y. Astrocytes in CA1 modulate schema establishment in the hippocampal-cortical neuron network. BMC Biol 2022; 20:250. [DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01445-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Schema, a concept from cognitive psychology used to explain how new information is integrated with previous experience, is a framework of acquired knowledge within associative network structures as biological correlate, which allows new relevant information to be quickly assimilated by parallel cortical encoding in the hippocampus (HPC) and cortex. Previous work demonstrated that myelin generation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a critical role for dynamic paired association (PA) learning and consolidation, while astrocytes in ACC play a vital role in cognitive decision-making. However, circuit components and mechanism involving HPC-anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) during schema formation remain uncertain. Moreover, the correlation between HPC-ACC circuit and HPC astrocytic activity is unclear.
Results
Utilizing a paired association (PA) behavioral paradigm, we dynamically recorded calcium signals of CA1-ACC projection neurons and ACC neurons during schema formation. Depending on the characteristics of the calcium signals, three distinct stages of schema establishment process were identified. The recruitment of CA1-ACC network was investigated in each stage under CA1 astrocytes Gi pathway chemogenetic activation. Results showed that CA1-ACC projecting neurons excitation gradually decreased along with schema development, while ACC neurons revealed an excitation peak in the middle stage. CA1 astrocytic Gi pathway activation will disrupt memory schema development by reducing CA1-ACC projection neuron recruitment in the initial stage and prevent both CA1-ACC projection neurons and ACC neuron excitation in the middle stage. CA1 astrocytes Gi markedly suppress new PA assimilation into the established memory schema.
Conclusions
These results not only reveal the dynamic feature of CA1-ACC network during schema establishment, but also suggest CA1 astrocyte contribution in different stages of schema establishment.
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Dong Z, Zhan T, Sun H, Wang J, Duan G, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Huang Y, Xu S. Astrocytic ERK/STAT1 signaling contributes to maintenance of stress-related visceral hypersensitivity in rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2022; 23:1973-1988. [PMID: 35914642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
The rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) has been found to be an important brain region in mediating visceral hypersensitivity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the role of astrocytes in the maintenance of visceral hypersensitivity induced by chronic water avoidance stress (WAS) as well as the potential signaling pathway that activates astrocytes in the rACC. We found that ACC-reactive astrogliosis resulted in the overexpression of c-fos, TSP-1, and BDNF in stress-related visceral hypersensitivity rats. Visceral hypersensitivity was reversed by pharmacological inhibition of astrocytic activation after WAS, as were the overexpression of c-fos, TSP-1 and BDNF. Activation of the astrocytic Gi-pathway increased the visceral sensitivity and expression of c-fos, TSP-1, and BDNF. Visceral hypersensitivity was also ameliorated by the pharmacological inhibition of ERK and STAT1 phosphorylation after WAS. Furthermore, inhibition of the ERK-STAT1 cascade reduced astrocytic activation. These findings suggest that astrocytic ERK/STAT1 signaling in the rACC contributes to the maintenance of stress-related visceral hypersensitivity. PERSPECTIVE: Visceral hypersensitivity is a key factor in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome. This study highlights the important role of astrocytic ERK/STAT1 signaling in activating astrocytes in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, which contributes to visceral hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyu Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Tingting Zhan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Huihui Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Junwen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Guangbing Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord Injury Repair and Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China.
| | - Shuchang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Institute of Digestive Diseases, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China.
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Lei Z, Xie L, Li CH, Lam YY, Ramkrishnan AS, Fu Z, Zeng X, Liu S, Iqbal Z, Li Y. Chemogenetic Activation of Astrocytes in the Basolateral Amygdala Contributes to Fear Memory Formation by Modulating the Amygdala–Prefrontal Cortex Communication. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116092. [PMID: 35682767 PMCID: PMC9181030 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala (BLA) is one of the key brain areas involved in aversive learning, especially fear memory formation. Studies of aversive learning in the BLA have largely focused on neuronal function, while the role of BLA astrocytes in aversive learning remains largely unknown. In this study, we manipulated the BLA astrocytes by expressing the Gq-coupled receptor hM3q and discovered that astrocytic Gq modulation during fear conditioning promoted auditorily cued fear memory but did not affect less stressful memory tasks or induce anxiety-like behavior. Moreover, chemogenetic activation of BLA astrocytes during memory retrieval had no effect on fear memory expression. In addition, astrocytic Gq activation increased c-Fos expression in the BLA and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) during fear conditioning, but not in the home cage. Combining these results with retrograde virus tracing, we found that the activity of mPFC-projecting BLA neurons showed significant enhancement after astrocytic Gq activation during fear conditioning. Electrophysiology recordings showed that activating astrocytic Gq in the BLA promoted spike-field coherence and phase locking percentage, not only within the BLA but also between the BLA and the mPFC. Finally, direct chemogenetic activation of mPFC-projecting BLA neurons during fear conditioning enhanced cued fear memory. Taken together, our data suggest that astrocytes in the BLA may contribute to aversive learning by modulating amygdala–mPFC communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuogui Lei
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Z.L.); (L.X.); (A.S.R.); (Z.F.); (S.L.); (Z.I.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (C.H.L.); (Y.Y.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Li Xie
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Z.L.); (L.X.); (A.S.R.); (Z.F.); (S.L.); (Z.I.)
| | - Cheuk Hin Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (C.H.L.); (Y.Y.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Yuk Yan Lam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (C.H.L.); (Y.Y.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Aruna Surendran Ramkrishnan
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Z.L.); (L.X.); (A.S.R.); (Z.F.); (S.L.); (Z.I.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (C.H.L.); (Y.Y.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Zhongqi Fu
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Z.L.); (L.X.); (A.S.R.); (Z.F.); (S.L.); (Z.I.)
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Xianlin Zeng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (C.H.L.); (Y.Y.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Z.L.); (L.X.); (A.S.R.); (Z.F.); (S.L.); (Z.I.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (C.H.L.); (Y.Y.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Z.L.); (L.X.); (A.S.R.); (Z.F.); (S.L.); (Z.I.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (C.H.L.); (Y.Y.L.); (X.Z.)
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Z.L.); (L.X.); (A.S.R.); (Z.F.); (S.L.); (Z.I.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (C.H.L.); (Y.Y.L.); (X.Z.)
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Correspondence:
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Lei Z, Lam Y, Li C, Fu Z, Ramkrishnan AS, Liu S, Li Y. β2-Adrenoceptors in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Excitatory Neurons Regulate Anxiety-like Behavior in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105578. [PMID: 35628393 PMCID: PMC9145949 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and β-adrenoceptors (βARs) have been implicated in modulating anxiety-like behavior. However, the specific contributions of the β2-AR subtype in mPFC in anxiety are still unclear. To address this issue, we used optogenetic and microRNA-based (miRNA) silencing to dissect the role of β2-AR in mPFC in anxiety-like behavior. On the one hand, we use a chimeric rhodopsin/β2-AR (Opto-β2-AR) with in vivo optogenetic techniques to selectively activate β2-adrenergic signaling in excitatory neurons of the mPFC. We found that opto-activation of β2-AR is sufficient to induce anxiety-like behavior and reduce social interaction. On the other hand, we utilize the miRNA silencing technique to specifically knock down the β2-AR in mPFC excitatory neurons. We found that the β2-AR knock down induces anxiolytic-like behavior and promotes social interaction compared to the control group. These data suggest that β2-AR signaling in the mPFC has a critical role in anxiety-like states. These findings suggest that inhibiting of β2-AR signaling in the mPFC may be an effective treatment of anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuogui Lei
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Z.L.); (Z.F.); (A.S.R.); (S.L.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Y.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Yukyan Lam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Y.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Cheukhin Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Y.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Zhongqi Fu
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Z.L.); (Z.F.); (A.S.R.); (S.L.)
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Aruna S. Ramkrishnan
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Z.L.); (Z.F.); (A.S.R.); (S.L.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Y.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Shu Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Z.L.); (Z.F.); (A.S.R.); (S.L.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Y.L.); (C.L.)
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Z.L.); (Z.F.); (A.S.R.); (S.L.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (Y.L.); (C.L.)
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Correspondence:
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Palabas T, Longtin A, Ghosh D, Uzuntarla M. Controlling the spontaneous firing behavior of a neuron with astrocyte. CHAOS (WOODBURY, N.Y.) 2022; 32:051101. [PMID: 35649970 DOI: 10.1063/5.0093234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mounting evidence in recent years suggests that astrocytes, a sub-type of glial cells, not only serve metabolic and structural support for neurons and synapses but also play critical roles in the regulation of proper functioning of the nervous system. In this work, we investigate the effect of astrocytes on the spontaneous firing activity of a neuron through a combined model that includes a neuron-astrocyte pair. First, we show that an astrocyte may provide a kind of multistability in neuron dynamics by inducing different firing modes such as random and bursty spiking. Then, we identify the underlying mechanism of this behavior and search for the astrocytic factors that may have regulatory roles in different firing regimes. More specifically, we explore how an astrocyte can participate in the occurrence and control of spontaneous irregular spiking activity of a neuron in random spiking mode. Additionally, we systematically investigate the bursty firing regime dynamics of the neuron under the variation of biophysical facts related to the intracellular environment of the astrocyte. It is found that an astrocyte coupled to a neuron can provide a control mechanism for both spontaneous firing irregularity and burst firing statistics, i.e., burst regularity and size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugba Palabas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University, 67100 Zonguldak, Turkey
| | - Andre Longtin
- Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Dibakar Ghosh
- Physics and Applied Mathematics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata 700108, India
| | - Muhammet Uzuntarla
- Department of Bioengineering, Gebze Technical University, 41400 Kocaeli, Turkey
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Matisz C, Gruber A. Neuroinflammatory remodeling of the anterior cingulate cortex as a key driver of mood disorders in gastrointestinal disease and disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 133:104497. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Ror2 mediates chronic post-thoracotomy pain by inducing the transformation of A1/A2 reactive astrocytes in rats. Cell Signal 2021; 89:110183. [PMID: 34728368 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2021.110183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ror2 plays an important role in neuronal development, neuronal plasticity, and neuropathic pain. In our previous pilot study, we found that Ror2 and GFAP (a marker of astrocytes) protein levels increased in thoracic dorsal root ganglia from postoperative day (POD) 7 to POD 21 in rats with chronic post-thoracotomy pain (CPTP). In the present study, we aimed to further explore the roles of Ror2 and activated astrocytes during CPTP development. Ror2, c-JUN, and C3aR levels increased and the activated astrocytes were mainly expressed as the A1 phenotype in the spinal cord dorsal horn of the rats with CPTP. The knockdown of Ror2 in the spinal cord astrocytes alleviated thoracotomy-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and cold allodynia as well as reverted the A1/A2 ratio of the reactive astrocytes, downregulating the expression of c-JUN and C3aR in rats with CPTP. These results suggest that Ror2 in the spinal cord astrocytes mediates the transformation of A1/A2 reactive astrocytes via regulating the expressions of the c-JUN and C3aR in CPTP. Furthermore, the suppression of Ror2 could be utilized as a new strategy to help prevent CPTP.
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Komleva YK, Potapenko IV, Lopatina OL, Gorina YV, Chernykh A, Khilazheva ED, Salmina AB, Shuvaev AN. NLRP3 Inflammasome Blocking as a Potential Treatment of Central Insulin Resistance in Early-Stage Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111588. [PMID: 34769018 PMCID: PMC8583950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. In recent years, attention of researchers has increasingly been focused on studying the role of brain insulin resistance (BIR) in the AD pathogenesis. Neuroinflammation makes a significant contribution to the BIR due to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. This study was devoted to the understanding of the potential therapeutic roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome in neurodegeneration occurring concomitant with BIR and its contribution to the progression of emotional disorders. METHODS To test the impact of innate immune signaling on the changes induced by Aβ1-42 injection, we analyzed animals carrying a genetic deletion of the Nlrp3 gene. Thus, we studied the role of NLRP3 inflammasomes in health and neurodegeneration in maintaining brain insulin signaling using behavioral, electrophysiological approaches, immunohistochemistry, ELISA and real-time PCR. RESULTS We revealed that NLRP3 inflammasomes are required for insulin-dependent glucose transport in the brain and memory consolidation. Conclusions NLRP3 knockout protects mice against the development of BIR: Taken together, our data reveal the protective role of Nlrp3 deletion in the regulation of fear memory and the development of Aβ-induced insulin resistance, providing a novel target for the clinical treatment of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia K. Komleva
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (O.L.L.); (Y.V.G.); (E.D.K.)
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (I.V.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.S.); (A.N.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ilia V. Potapenko
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (I.V.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.S.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Olga L. Lopatina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (O.L.L.); (Y.V.G.); (E.D.K.)
- Shared Research Center for Molecular and Cellular Technologies, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Yana V. Gorina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (O.L.L.); (Y.V.G.); (E.D.K.)
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (I.V.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.S.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Anatoly Chernykh
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (I.V.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.S.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Elena D. Khilazheva
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University Named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (O.L.L.); (Y.V.G.); (E.D.K.)
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (I.V.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.S.); (A.N.S.)
| | - Alla B. Salmina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (I.V.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.S.); (A.N.S.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Brain Cytology, Division of Brain Sciences, Research Center of Neurology, 125367 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton N. Shuvaev
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia; (I.V.P.); (A.C.); (A.B.S.); (A.N.S.)
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Akther S, Hirase H. Assessment of astrocytes as a mediator of memory and learning in rodents. Glia 2021; 70:1484-1505. [PMID: 34582594 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The classical view of astrocytes is that they provide supportive functions for neurons, transporting metabolites and maintaining the homeostasis of the extracellular milieu. This view is gradually changing with the advent of molecular genetics and optical methods allowing interrogation of selected cell types in live experimental animals. An emerging view that astrocytes additionally act as a mediator of synaptic plasticity and contribute to learning processes has gained in vitro and in vivo experimental support. Here we focus on the literature published in the past two decades to review the roles of astrocytes in brain plasticity in rodents, whereby the roles of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators are considered to be comparable to those in humans. We outline established inputs and outputs of astrocytes and discuss how manipulations of astrocytes have impacted the behavior in various learning paradigms. Multiple studies suggest that the contribution of astrocytes has a considerably longer time course than neuronal activation, indicating metabolic roles of astrocytes. We advocate that exploring upstream and downstream mechanisms of astrocytic activation will further provide insight into brain plasticity and memory/learning impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Akther
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hajime Hirase
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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24
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Vaccari Cardoso B, Barrera I, Mosienko V, Gourine AV, Kasparov S, Teschemacher AG. Expression of Microbial Enzymes in Mammalian Astrocytes to Modulate Lactate Release. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11081056. [PMID: 34439675 PMCID: PMC8394253 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11081056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes support and modulate neuronal activity through the release of L-lactate. The suggested roles of astrocytic lactate in the brain encompass an expanding range of vital functions, including central control of respiration and cardiovascular performance, learning, memory, executive behaviour and regulation of mood. Studying the effects of astrocytic lactate requires tools that limit the release of lactate selectively from astrocytes. Here, we report the validation in vitro of novel molecular constructs derived from enzymes originally found in bacteria, that when expressed in astrocytes, interfere with lactate handling. When lactate 2-monooxygenase derived from M. smegmatis was specifically expressed in astrocytes, it reduced intracellular lactate pools as well as lactate release upon stimulation. D-lactate dehydrogenase derived from L. bulgaricus diverts pyruvate towards D-lactate production and release by astrocytes, which may affect signalling properties of lactate in the brain. Together with lactate oxidase, which we have previously described, this set of transgenic tools can be employed to better understand astrocytic lactate release and its role in the regulation of neuronal activity in different behavioural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Vaccari Cardoso
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; (B.V.C.); (I.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Iliana Barrera
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; (B.V.C.); (I.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Valentina Mosienko
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK;
| | - Alexander V. Gourine
- Centre for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Sergey Kasparov
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; (B.V.C.); (I.B.); (S.K.)
| | - Anja G. Teschemacher
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; (B.V.C.); (I.B.); (S.K.)
- Correspondence:
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25
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Murugappan SK, Hasan M, Lei Z, Iqbal Z, Ramkrishnan AS, Wong HY, Li Y. Trigeminal neuropathy causes hypomyelination in the anterior cingulate cortex, disrupts the synchrony of neural circuitry, and impairs decision-making in male rats. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:2721-2742. [PMID: 34323312 PMCID: PMC8596863 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Infraorbital nerve‐chronic constriction injury (ION‐CCI) has become the most popular chronic trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP) injury animal model which causes prolonged mechanical allodynia. Accumulative evidence suggests that TNP interferes with cognitive functions, however the underlying mechanisms are not known. The aim of this study was to investigate decision‐making performance as well as synaptic and large‐scale neural synchronized alterations in the spinal trigeminal nucleus (SpV) circuitry and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) neural circuitry in male rats with TNP. Rat gambling task showed that ION‐CCI led to decrease the proportion of good decision makers and increase the proportion of poor decision makers. Electrophysiological recordings showed long‐lasting synaptic potentiation of local field potential in the trigeminal ganglia‐SpV caudalis (SpVc) synapses in TNP rats. In this study, TNP led to disruption of ACC spike timing and basolateral amygdala (BLA) theta oscillation associated with suppressed synchronization of theta oscillation between the BLA and ACC, indicating reduced neuronal communications. Myelination is critical for information flow between brain regions, and myelin plasticity is an important feature for learning. Neural activity in the cortical regions impacts myelination by regulating oligodendrocyte (OL) proliferation, differentiation, and myelin formation. We characterized newly formed oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, and mature OLs are reduced in TNP and are associated with reduced myelin strength in the ACC region. The functional disturbances in the BLA‐ACC neural circuitry is pathologically associated with the myelin defects in the ACC region which may be relevant causes for the deficits in decision‐making in chronic TNP state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh K Murugappan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Mahadi Hasan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Zhuogui Lei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China
| | - Aruna S Ramkrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Heung Y Wong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong.,Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science & Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong SAR, P.R. China.,Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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26
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Murugappan SK, Xie L, Wong HY, Iqbal Z, Lei Z, Ramkrishnan AS, Li Y. Suppression of Pain in the Late Phase of Chronic Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain Failed to Rescue the Decision-Making Deficits in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22157846. [PMID: 34360612 PMCID: PMC8346079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP) led to vital cognitive functional deficits such as impaired decision-making abilities in a rat gambling task. Chronic TNP caused hypomyelination in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) associated with decreased synchronization between ACC spikes and basal lateral amygdala (BLA) theta oscillations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pain suppression on cognitive impairment in the early or late phases of TNP. Blocking afferent signals with a tetrodotoxin (TTX)-ELVAX implanted immediately following nerve lesion suppressed the allodynia and rescued decision-making deficits. In contrast, the TTX used at a later phase could not suppress the allodynia nor rescue decision-making deficits. Intra-ACC administration of riluzole reduced the ACC neural sensitization but failed to restore ACC-BLA spike-field phase synchrony during the late stages of chronic neuropathic pain. Riluzole suppressed allodynia but failed to rescue the decision-making deficits during the late phase of TNP, suggesting that early pain relief is important for recovering from pain-related cognitive impairments. The functional disturbances in ACC neural circuitry may be relevant causes for the deficits in decision making in the chronic TNP state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Kanna Murugappan
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.K.M.); (L.X.); (H.Y.W.); (Z.I.); (Z.L.); (A.S.R.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Xie
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.K.M.); (L.X.); (H.Y.W.); (Z.I.); (Z.L.); (A.S.R.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Heung Yan Wong
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.K.M.); (L.X.); (H.Y.W.); (Z.I.); (Z.L.); (A.S.R.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.K.M.); (L.X.); (H.Y.W.); (Z.I.); (Z.L.); (A.S.R.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhuogui Lei
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.K.M.); (L.X.); (H.Y.W.); (Z.I.); (Z.L.); (A.S.R.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Aruna Surendran Ramkrishnan
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.K.M.); (L.X.); (H.Y.W.); (Z.I.); (Z.L.); (A.S.R.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (S.K.M.); (L.X.); (H.Y.W.); (Z.I.); (Z.L.); (A.S.R.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Health, Hong Kong Institute of Science and Innovation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Biosystems, Neuroscience, and Nanotechnology, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +852-3442-2669
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27
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Tang J, Bair M, Descalzi G. Reactive Astrocytes: Critical Players in the Development of Chronic Pain. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:682056. [PMID: 34122194 PMCID: PMC8192827 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.682056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is associated with long term plasticity of nociceptive pathways in the central nervous system. Astrocytes can profoundly affect synaptic function and increasing evidence has highlighted how altered astrocyte activity may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic pain. In response to injury, astrocytes undergo a shift in form and function known as reactive astrogliosis, which affects their release of cytokines and gliotransmitters. These neuromodulatory substances have been implicated in driving the persistent changes in central nociceptive activity. Astrocytes also release lactate which neurons can use to produce energy during synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, recent research has provided insight into lactate's emerging role as a signaling molecule in the central nervous system, which may be involved in directly modulating neuronal and astrocytic activity. In this review, we present evidence for the involvement of astrocyte-derived tumor necrosis factor alpha in pain-associated plasticity, in addition to research suggesting the potential involvement of gliotransmitters D-serine and adenosine-5'-triphosphate. We also discuss work implicating astrocyte-neuron metabolic coupling, and the possible role of lactate, which has been sparsely studied in the context of chronic pain, in supporting pathological changes in central nociceptive activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giannina Descalzi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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28
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Vaccari Cardoso B, Shevelkin AV, Terrillion C, Mychko O, Mosienko V, Kasparov S, Pletnikov MV, Teschemacher AG. Reducing l-lactate release from hippocampal astrocytes by intracellular oxidation increases novelty induced activity in mice. Glia 2021; 69:1241-1250. [PMID: 33400321 PMCID: PMC8576740 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are in control of metabolic homeostasis in the brain and support and modulate neuronal function in various ways. Astrocyte-derived l-lactate (lactate) is thought to play a dual role as a metabolic and a signaling molecule in inter-cellular communication. The biological significance of lactate release from astrocytes is poorly understood, largely because the tools to manipulate lactate levels in vivo are limited. We therefore developed new viral vectors for astrocyte-specific expression of a mammalianized version of lactate oxidase (LOx) from Aerococcus viridans. LOx expression in astrocytes in vitro reduced their intracellular lactate levels as well as the release of lactate to the extracellular space. Selective expression of LOx in astrocytes of the dorsal hippocampus in mice resulted in increased locomotor activity in response to novel stimuli. Our findings suggest that a localized decreased intracellular lactate pool in hippocampal astrocytes could contribute to greater responsiveness to environmental novelty. We expect that use of this molecular tool to chronically limit astrocytic lactate release will significantly facilitate future studies into the roles and mechanisms of intercellular lactate communication in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexey V. Shevelkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Chantelle Terrillion
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Olga Mychko
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Valentina Mosienko
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical SciencesCollege of Medicine and Health, University of ExeterExeterUK
| | - Sergey Kasparov
- School of PhysiologyPharmacology and Neuroscience, University of BristolBristolUK
| | - Mikhail V. Pletnikov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of NeuroscienceJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsUniversity at BuffaloNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Anja G. Teschemacher
- School of PhysiologyPharmacology and Neuroscience, University of BristolBristolUK
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29
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Ma L, Li J, Zhou J, Zhang D, Xiao Z, Yu T, Li Y, Cao S. Intravenous lidocaine alleviates postherpetic neuralgia in rats via regulation of neuroinflammation of microglia and astrocytes. iScience 2021; 24:102108. [PMID: 33604528 PMCID: PMC7876569 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the effects and possible mechanisms of intravenous lidocaine in postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) rats. Mechanical withdrawal thresholds and thermal withdrawal latencies were measured. Open field test, elevated plus maze test, and tail suspension test were used to assess anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors. Microglia and astrocytes in spinal dorsal horn (SDH), prefrontal cortex (PFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and hippocampus were analyzed. The expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-4 in SDH and serum were evaluated. Intravenous lidocaine alleviated mechanical allodynia and thermal hypoalgesia, downregulated the expression of TNF-α and IL-1β, and inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes in SDH. In addition, it reduced the activation of astrocyte but not microglia in PFC, ACC, and hippocampus. Intravenous lidocaine may relieve PHN by inhibiting the activation of microglia and astrocyte in SDH or by reducing the neuroinflammation and astrocyte activation in PFC, ACC, and hippocampus. Intravenous lidocaine alleviates PHN in rats Intravenous lidocaine inhibits microglia and astrocyte activation Intravenous lidocaine cannot relieve anxiety and depression in PHN rats
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulin Ma
- Department of Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Junli Zhou
- Department of Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Dexin Zhang
- Department of Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Zhi Xiao
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Tian Yu
- Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Song Cao
- Department of Pain Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China.,Guizhou Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Organ Protection, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
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30
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Salmina AB, Gorina YV, Erofeev AI, Balaban PM, Bezprozvanny IB, Vlasova OL. Optogenetic and chemogenetic modulation of astroglial secretory phenotype. Rev Neurosci 2021; 32:459-479. [PMID: 33550788 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play a major role in brain function and alterations in astrocyte function that contribute to the pathogenesis of many brain disorders. The astrocytes are attractive cellular targets for neuroprotection and brain tissue regeneration. Development of novel approaches to monitor and to control astroglial function is of great importance for further progress in basic neurobiology and in clinical neurology, as well as psychiatry. Recently developed advanced optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques enable precise stimulation of astrocytes in vitro and in vivo, which can be achieved by the expression of light-sensitive channels and receptors, or by expression of receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs. Optogenetic stimulation of astrocytes leads to dramatic changes in intracellular calcium concentrations and causes the release of gliotransmitters. Optogenetic and chemogenetic protocols for astrocyte activation aid in extracting novel information regarding the function of brain's neurovascular unit. This review summarizes current data obtained by this approach and discusses a potential mechanistic connection between astrocyte stimulation and changes in brain physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla B Salmina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Yana V Gorina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Alexander I Erofeev
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Pavel M Balaban
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya B Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Olga L Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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31
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Abstract
Animal behavior was classically considered to be determined exclusively by neuronal activity, whereas surrounding glial cells such as astrocytes played only supportive roles. However, astrocytes are as numerous as neurons in the mammalian brain, and current findings indicate a chemically based dialog between astrocytes and neurons. Activation of astrocytes by synaptically released neurotransmitters converges on regulating intracellular Ca2+ in astrocytes, which then can regulate the efficacy of near and distant tripartite synapses at diverse timescales through gliotransmitter release. Here, we discuss recent evidence on how diverse behaviors are impacted by this dialog. These recent findings support a paradigm shift in neuroscience, in which animal behavior does not result exclusively from neuronal activity but from the coordinated activity of both astrocytes and neurons. Decoding how astrocytes and neurons interact with each other in various brain circuits will be fundamental to fully understanding how behaviors originate and become dysregulated in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Kofuji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA;
| | - Alfonso Araque
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA;
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32
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Powell CL, Davidson AR, Brown AM. Universal Glia to Neurone Lactate Transfer in the Nervous System: Physiological Functions and Pathological Consequences. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2020; 10:bios10110183. [PMID: 33228235 PMCID: PMC7699491 DOI: 10.3390/bios10110183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Whilst it is universally accepted that the energy support of the brain is glucose, the form in which the glucose is taken up by neurones is the topic of intense debate. In the last few decades, the concept of lactate shuttling between glial elements and neural elements has emerged in which the glial cells glycolytically metabolise glucose/glycogen to lactate, which is shuttled to the neural elements via the extracellular fluid. The process occurs during periods of compromised glucose availability where glycogen stored in astrocytes provides lactate to the neurones, and is an integral part of the formation of learning and memory where the energy intensive process of learning requires neuronal lactate uptake provided by astrocytes. More recently sleep, myelination and motor end plate integrity have been shown to involve lactate shuttling. The sequential aspect of lactate production in the astrocyte followed by transport to the neurones is vulnerable to interruption and it is reported that such disparate pathological conditions as Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, depression and schizophrenia show disrupted lactate signalling between glial cells and neurones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn L. Powell
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (C.L.P.); (A.R.D.)
| | - Anna R. Davidson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (C.L.P.); (A.R.D.)
| | - Angus M. Brown
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK; (C.L.P.); (A.R.D.)
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Correspondence:
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33
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Xiao Q, Xu X, Tu J. Chronic optogenetic manipulation of basolateral amygdala astrocytes rescues stress-induced anxiety. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 533:657-664. [PMID: 33019977 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.09.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure to stressors can disrupt normal brain function and induce anxiety-like behavior and neurobiological alterations in the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Here, we showed that unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) induced anxiety-like behavior, lowered glutamatergic neuronal activity and reactive astrocytes in the BLA. Using optogenetic tools, we found that activation of BLA glutamatergic neurons did not rescue anxiety-like behavior in stressed mice. In contrast, however, optogenetic activation of the BLA astrocytes relieved stress-induced anxiety, and, interestingly, chronic optogenetic manipulation fully restored the UCMS-induced behavioral and neurobiological dysfunctions, including anxiety-like behavior, lower c-Fos expression in the BLA, S100 overexpression in the BLA, and higher serum corticosterone concentration. Thus, our findings suggest that chronic manipulation of BLA astrocytes is a potential therapeutic intervention target for pathological anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xiao
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xirong Xu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jie Tu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Shenzhen, 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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34
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Brooks GA. The tortuous path of lactate shuttle discovery: From cinders and boards to the lab and ICU. JOURNAL OF SPORT AND HEALTH SCIENCE 2020; 9:446-460. [PMID: 32444344 PMCID: PMC7498672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jshs.2020.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Once thought to be a waste product of oxygen limited (anaerobic) metabolism, lactate is now known to form continuously under fully oxygenated (aerobic) conditions. Lactate shuttling between producer (driver) and consumer cells fulfills at least 3 purposes; lactate is: (1) a major energy source, (2) the major gluconeogenic precursor, and (3) a signaling molecule. The Lactate Shuttle theory is applicable to diverse fields such as sports nutrition and hydration, resuscitation from acidosis and Dengue, treatment of traumatic brain injury, maintenance of glycemia, reduction of inflammation, cardiac support in heart failure and following a myocardial infarction, and to improve cognition. Yet, dysregulated lactate shuttling disrupts metabolic flexibility, and worse, supports oncogenesis. Lactate production in cancer (the Warburg effect) is involved in all main sequela for carcinogenesis: angiogenesis, immune escape, cell migration, metastasis, and self-sufficient metabolism. The history of the tortuous path of discovery in lactate metabolism and shuttling was discussed in the 2019 American College of Sports Medicine Joseph B. Wolffe Lecture in Orlando, FL.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Brooks
- Exercise Physiology Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biology, University of California Berkeley, CA 94720-3140, USA.
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Electroacupuncture Improves IBS Visceral Hypersensitivity by Inhibiting the Activation of Astrocytes in the Medial Thalamus and Anterior Cingulate Cortex. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:2562979. [PMID: 32617101 PMCID: PMC7306073 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2562979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore whether the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on visceral hypersensitivity (VH) in rats with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is related to the changes of astrocyte activation in the medial thalamus (MT) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Method Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the normal control (NC) group, model control (MC) group, electroacupuncture (EA) group, and fluorocitrate (FCA) group. A model of visceral hypersensitivity was established by neonatal colorectal irritation. In the EA group, needles were inserted into the skin at the Tianshu (ST25) and Shangjuxu (ST37) acupoints, once a day for 7 days. The FCA group received intrathecal injection of FCA on the 1st, 4th, and 7th days. Visceral hypersensitivity was evaluated by the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) mRNA and protein levels in the MT and ACC were detected by real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blots. Results The AWR score in the MC group was significantly higher than in the NC group, and EA and FCA reduced the AWR score of VH rats. GFAP mRNA and protein levels in the MT and ACC of rats in the MC group were significantly increased compared with the NC group. After either electroacupuncture or fluorocitrate, GFAP mRNA and protein levels in the MT and ACC were both clearly reduced. Conclusion Electroacupuncture alleviates IBS visceral hypersensitivity by inhibiting the activation of astrocytes in the MT and ACC.
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Stress gates an astrocytic energy reservoir to impair synaptic plasticity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2014. [PMID: 32332733 PMCID: PMC7181611 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15778-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes support the energy demands of synaptic transmission and plasticity. Enduring changes in synaptic efficacy are highly sensitive to stress, yet whether changes to astrocyte bioenergetic control of synapses contributes to stress-impaired plasticity is unclear. Here we show in mice that stress constrains the shuttling of glucose and lactate through astrocyte networks, creating a barrier for neuronal access to an astrocytic energy reservoir in the hippocampus and neocortex, compromising long-term potentiation. Impairing astrocytic delivery of energy substrates by reducing astrocyte gap junction coupling with dominant negative connexin 43 or by disrupting lactate efflux was sufficient to mimic the effects of stress on long-term potentiation. Furthermore, direct restoration of the astrocyte lactate supply alone rescued stress-impaired synaptic plasticity, which was blocked by inhibiting neural lactate uptake. This gating of synaptic plasticity in stress by astrocytic metabolic networks indicates a broader role of astrocyte bioenergetics in determining how experience-dependent information is controlled. Enduring changes in synaptic efficacy are highly sensitive to stress. Here, the authors show that astrocytic delivery of metabolites has an important role in the stress-mediated impairment of synaptic plasticity.
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van Heukelum S, Mars RB, Guthrie M, Buitelaar JK, Beckmann CF, Tiesinga PHE, Vogt BA, Glennon JC, Havenith MN. Where is Cingulate Cortex? A Cross-Species View. Trends Neurosci 2020; 43:285-299. [PMID: 32353333 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
To compare findings across species, neuroscience relies on cross-species homologies, particularly in terms of brain areas. For cingulate cortex, a structure implicated in behavioural adaptation and control, a homologous definition across mammals is available - but currently not employed by most rodent researchers. The standard partitioning of rodent cingulate cortex is inconsistent with that in any other model species, including humans. Reviewing the existing literature, we show that the homologous definition better aligns results of rodent studies with those of other species, and reveals a clearer structural and functional organisation within rodent cingulate cortex itself. Based on these insights, we call for widespread adoption of the homologous nomenclature, and reinterpretation of previous studies originally based on the nonhomologous partitioning of rodent cingulate cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina van Heukelum
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Rogier B Mars
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Centre for Functional MRI of the Brain (FMRIB), Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Martin Guthrie
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Christian F Beckmann
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul H E Tiesinga
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Brent A Vogt
- Cingulum Neurosciences Institute, 4435 Stephanie Drive, Manlius, NY 13104, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Glennon
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Martha N Havenith
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Zero-Noise Lab, Ernst Strüngmann Institute for Neuroscience, 60528 Frankfurt a.M., Germany
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Hasan M, Kanna MS, Jun W, Ramkrishnan AS, Iqbal Z, Lee Y, Li Y. Schema-like learning and memory consolidation acting through myelination. FASEB J 2019; 33:11758-11775. [PMID: 31366238 PMCID: PMC6902718 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900910r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Memory is a dynamic brain function that is continually processed after encoding. Although psychologic concepts of mental schema are now well established, they have rarely been considered in animal studies. We used a behavior paradigm of multiple flavor-place paired associates (PAs) and showed that memory schema facilitates fast acquisition of new PAs in a single trial. The hippocampus is necessary for the encoding of new PAs and for memory retrieval within a certain time window—24 h following new PA consolidation. Whereas the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) plays a critical role for dynamic PA learning and consolidation during training sessions, ACC is essential in schema representation and activation. New myelin generation is essential for learning. Neural activity in the cortical regions impacts myelination by regulating oligodendrocyte (OL) proliferation, differentiation, and myelin formation. Here, we show that newly formed OL progenitor cells and mature OLs are increased following repeated PA learning and that establishment of the memory schema is associated with enhanced myelin strength in the ACC region. Furthermore, to ensure that myelination is necessary for the acquisition of paired-associate learning, ACC lysolecithin-induced demyelination revealed impaired PA learning associated with decrease in ACC θ band power and reduced spike-field coherence and phase-locking in ACC.—Hasan, M., Kanna, M. S., Jun, W., Ramkrishnan, A. S., Iqbal, Z., Lee, Y., Li, Y. Schema-like learning and memory consolidation acting through myelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahadi Hasan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | | | - Wang Jun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | | | - Zafar Iqbal
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Youngjin Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Regional Distribution of Glycogen in the Mouse Brain Visualized by Immunohistochemistry. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2019; 23:147-168. [PMID: 31667808 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-27480-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Considering that the brain constantly consumes a substantial amount of energy, the nature of its energy reserve is an important issue. Although the brain is rich in lipid content encompassing membranes, myelin sheath, and astrocytic lipid droplets, it is devoid of adipose tissue which serves as an energy reserve. Notably, glycogen represents the major energy store in the brain. While glycogen has been observed mainly in astrocytes for decades by electron microscopy, glycogen distribution in the brain has only been partially documented. The involvement of glycogen metabolism in memory consolidation, demonstrated by several research groups, has reiterated the functional significance of this macromolecule and the need for description of its comprehensive distribution in the brain. The combination of focused microwave-assisted brain fixation and glycogen immunohistochemistry permits assessment of glycogen distribution in the rodent brain. In this article, we describe glycogen distribution in the mouse brain using glycogen immunohistochemistry. We find heterogeneous glycogen storage patterns at multiple spatial scales. The heterogeneous glycogen distribution patterns may underlie local energy metabolism or synaptic activity, and its mechanistic understanding should extend our knowledge on brain metabolism in health and disease.
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Inactivation of Basolateral Amygdala Prevents Stress-Induced Astroglial Loss in the Prefrontal Cortex. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:350-366. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1057-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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The Science and Translation of Lactate Shuttle Theory. Cell Metab 2018; 27:757-785. [PMID: 29617642 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 607] [Impact Index Per Article: 101.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Once thought to be a waste product of anaerobic metabolism, lactate is now known to form continuously under aerobic conditions. Shuttling between producer and consumer cells fulfills at least three purposes for lactate: (1) a major energy source, (2) the major gluconeogenic precursor, and (3) a signaling molecule. "Lactate shuttle" (LS) concepts describe the roles of lactate in delivery of oxidative and gluconeogenic substrates as well as in cell signaling. In medicine, it has long been recognized that the elevation of blood lactate correlates with illness or injury severity. However, with lactate shuttle theory in mind, some clinicians are now appreciating lactatemia as a "strain" and not a "stress" biomarker. In fact, clinical studies are utilizing lactate to treat pro-inflammatory conditions and to deliver optimal fuel for working muscles in sports medicine. The above, as well as historic and recent studies of lactate metabolism and shuttling, are discussed in the following review.
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Abstract
Lactate in the brain has long been associated with ischaemia; however, more recent evidence shows that it can be found there under physiological conditions. In the brain, lactate is formed predominantly in astrocytes from glucose or glycogen in response to neuronal activity signals. Thus, neurons and astrocytes show tight metabolic coupling. Lactate is transferred from astrocytes to neurons to match the neuronal energetic needs, and to provide signals that modulate neuronal functions, including excitability, plasticity and memory consolidation. In addition, lactate affects several homeostatic functions. Overall, lactate ensures adequate energy supply, modulates neuronal excitability levels and regulates adaptive functions in order to set the 'homeostatic tone' of the nervous system.
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