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Chvojka J, Kudláček J, Liska K, Pant A, Jefferys JG, Jiruska P. Dissociation Between the Epileptogenic Lesion and Primary Seizure Onset Zone in the Tetanus Toxin Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Physiol Res 2024; 73:435-447. [PMID: 39027960 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) research, understanding the specific limbic structures' roles in seizures remains limited. This weakness can be attributed to the complex nature of TLE and the existence of various TLE subsyndromes, including non-lesional TLE. Conventional TLE models like kainate and pilocarpine hinder precise assessment of the role of individual limbic structures in TLE ictogenesis due to widespread limbic damage induced by the initial status epilepticus. In this study, we used a non-lesional TLE model characterized by the absence of initial status and cell damage to determine the spatiotemporal profile of seizure initiation and limbic structure recruitment in TLE. Epilepsy was induced by injecting a minute dose of tetanus toxin into the right dorsal hippocampus in seven animals. Following injection, animals were implanted with bipolar recording electrodes in the amygdala, dorsal hippocampus, ventral hippocampus, piriform, perirhinal, and entorhinal cortices of both hemispheres. The animals were video-EEG monitored for four weeks. In total, 140 seizures (20 seizures per animal) were analyzed. The average duration of each seizure was 53.2+/-3.9 s. Seizure could initiate in any limbic structure. Most seizures initiated in the ipsilateral (41 %) and contralateral (18 %) ventral hippocampi. These two structures displayed a significantly higher probability of seizure initiation than by chance. The involvement of limbic structures in seizure initiation varied between individual animals. Surprisingly, only 7 % of seizures initiated in the injected dorsal hippocampus. The limbic structure recruitment into the seizure activity wasn't random and displayed consistent patterns of early recruitment of hippocampi and entorhinal cortices. Although ventral hippocampus represented the primary seizure onset zone, the study demonstrated the involvement of multiple limbic structures in seizure initiation in a non-lesional TLE model. The study also revealed the dichotomy between the primary epileptogenic lesion and main seizure onset zones and points to the central role of ventral hippocampi in temporal lobe ictogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chvojka
- Department of Physiology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 5, Czech Republic. or
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2
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Leontiadis LJ, Trompoukis G, Tsotsokou G, Miliou A, Felemegkas P, Papatheodoropoulos C. Rescue of sharp wave-ripples and prevention of network hyperexcitability in the ventral but not the dorsal hippocampus of a rat model of fragile X syndrome. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1296235. [PMID: 38107412 PMCID: PMC10722241 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1296235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability and is related to autism. FXS is caused by mutations of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 gene (Fmr1) and is associated with alterations in neuronal network excitability in several brain areas including hippocampus. The loss of fragile X protein affects brain oscillations, however, the effects of FXS on hippocampal sharp wave-ripples (SWRs), an endogenous hippocampal pattern contributing to memory consolidation have not been sufficiently clarified. In addition, it is still not known whether dorsal and ventral hippocampus are similarly affected by FXS. We used a Fmr1 knock-out (KO) rat model of FXS and electrophysiological recordings from the CA1 area of adult rat hippocampal slices to assess spontaneous and evoked neural activity. We find that SWRs and associated multiunit activity are affected in the dorsal but not the ventral KO hippocampus, while complex spike bursts remain normal in both segments of the KO hippocampus. Local network excitability increases in the dorsal KO hippocampus. Furthermore, specifically in the ventral hippocampus of KO rats we found an increased effectiveness of inhibition in suppressing excitation and an upregulation of α1GABAA receptor subtype. These changes in the ventral KO hippocampus are accompanied by a striking reduction in its susceptibility to induced epileptiform activity. We propose that the neuronal network specifically in the ventral segment of the hippocampus is reorganized in adult Fmr1-KO rats by means of balanced changes between excitability and inhibition to ensure normal generation of SWRs and preventing at the same time derailment of the neural activity toward hyperexcitability.
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3
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Leontiadis LJ, Trompoukis G, Felemegkas P, Tsotsokou G, Miliou A, Papatheodoropoulos C. Increased Inhibition May Contribute to Maintaining Normal Network Function in the Ventral Hippocampus of a Fmr1-Targeted Transgenic Rat Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1598. [PMID: 38002556 PMCID: PMC10669536 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A common neurobiological mechanism in several neurodevelopmental disorders, including fragile X syndrome (FXS), is alterations in the balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. It is thought that in the hippocampus, as in other brain regions, FXS is associated with increased excitability and reduced inhibition. However, it is still not known whether these changes apply to both the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, which appear to be differently involved in neurodegenerative disorders. Using a Fmr1 knock-out (KO) rat model of FXS, we found increased neuronal excitability in both the dorsal and ventral KO hippocampus and increased excitatory synaptic transmission in the dorsal hippocampus. Interestingly, synaptic inhibition is significantly increased in the ventral but not the dorsal KO hippocampus. Furthermore, the ventral KO hippocampus displays increased expression of the α1GABAA receptor subtype and a remarkably reduced rate of epileptiform discharges induced by magnesium-free medium. In contrast, the dorsal KO hippocampus displays an increased rate of epileptiform discharges and similar expression of α1GABAA receptors compared with the dorsal WT hippocampus. Blockade of α5GABAA receptors by L-655,708 did not affect epileptiform discharges in any genotype or hippocampal segment, and the expression of α5GABAA receptors did not differ between WT and KO hippocampus. These results suggest that the increased excitability of the dorsal KO hippocampus contributes to its heightened tendency to epileptiform discharges, while the increased phasic inhibition in the Fmr1-KO ventral hippocampus may represent a homeostatic mechanism that compensates for the increased excitability reducing its vulnerability to epileptic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Costas Papatheodoropoulos
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece; (L.J.L.); (G.T. (George Trompoukis)); (P.F.); (G.T. (Giota Tsotsokou)); (A.M.)
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4
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Guo M, Zhang J, Wang J, Wang X, Gao Q, Tang C, Deng J, Xiong Z, Kong X, Guan Y, Zhou J, Boison D, Luan G, Li T. Aberrant adenosine signaling in patients with focal cortical dysplasia. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:4396-4417. [PMID: 37103687 PMCID: PMC10330374 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03351-6] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), a common malformation of cortical development, is frequently associated with pharmacoresistant epilepsy in both children and adults. Adenosine is an inhibitory modulator of brain activity and a prospective anti-seizure agent with potential for clinical translation. Our previous results demonstrated that the major adenosine-metabolizing enzyme adenosine kinase (ADK) was upregulated in balloon cells (BCs) within FCD type IIB lesions, suggesting that dysfunction of the adenosine system is implicated in the pathophysiology of FCD. In our current study, we therefore performed a comprehensive analysis of adenosine signaling in surgically resected cortical specimens from patients with FCD type I and type II via immunohistochemistry and immunoblot analysis. Adenosine enzyme signaling was assessed by quantifying the levels of the key enzymes of adenosine metabolism, i.e., ADK, adenosine deaminase (ADA), and ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73). Adenosine receptor signaling was assessed by quantifying the levels of adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) and putative downstream mediators of adenosine, namely, glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Within lesions in FCD specimens, we found that the adenosine-metabolizing enzymes ADK and ADA, as well as the adenosine-producing enzyme CD73, were upregulated. We also observed an increase in A2AR density, as well as a decrease in GLT-1 levels and an increase in mTOR levels, in FCD specimens compared with control tissue. These results suggest that dysregulation of the adenosine system is a common pathologic feature of both FCD type I and type II. The adenosine system might therefore be a therapeutic target for the treatment of epilepsy associated with FCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyi Guo
- Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
- Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
- Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Xiongfei Wang
- Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Qing Gao
- Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Chongyang Tang
- Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Jiahui Deng
- Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Zhonghua Xiong
- Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
- Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Xiangru Kong
- Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Yuguang Guan
- Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Detlev Boison
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson & New Jersey Medical Schools, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Guoming Luan
- Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China.
| | - Tianfu Li
- Department of Brain Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China.
- Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China.
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5
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A. Samara M, Oikonomou GD, Trompoukis G, Madarou G, Adamopoulou M, Papatheodoropoulos C. Septotemporal variation in modulation of synaptic transmission, paired-pulse ratio and frequency facilitation/depression by adenosine and GABA B receptors in the rat hippocampus. Brain Neurosci Adv 2022; 6:23982128221106315. [PMID: 35782711 PMCID: PMC9240614 DOI: 10.1177/23982128221106315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Short-term synaptic plasticity represents a fundamental mechanism in
neural information processing and is regulated by neuromodulators.
Here, using field recordings from the CA1 region of adult rat
hippocampal slices, we show that excitatory synaptic transmission is
suppressed by strong but not moderate activation of adenosine
A1 receptors by
2-Chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) more in the dorsal
than the ventral hippocampus; in contrast, both mild and strong
activation of GABAB receptors by baclofen (1 μM, 10 μM)
suppress synaptic transmission more in the ventral than the dorsal
hippocampus. Using a 10-pulse stimulation train of variable frequency,
we found that CCPA modulates short-term synaptic plasticity
independently of the suppression of synaptic transmission in both
segments of the hippocampus and at stimulation frequencies greater
than 10 Hz. However, specifically regarding the paired-pulse ratio
(PPR) and frequency facilitation/depression (FF/D) we found
significant drug action before but not after adjusting conditioning
responses to control levels. Activation of GABABRs by
baclofen suppressed synaptic transmission more in the ventral than the
dorsal hippocampus. Furthermore, relatively high (10 μM) but not low
(1 μM) baclofen concentration enhanced both PPR and FF in both
hippocampal segments at stimulation frequencies greater than 1 Hz,
independently of the suppression of synaptic transmission by baclofen.
These results show that A1Rs and GABABRs control
synaptic transmission more effectively in the dorsal and the ventral
hippocampus, respectively, and suggest that these receptors modulate
PPR and FF/D at different frequency bands of afferent input, in both
segments of the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Samara
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Rion, Greece
| | - George D. Oikonomou
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Rion, Greece
| | - George Trompoukis
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Rion, Greece
| | - Georgia Madarou
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Rion, Greece
| | - Maria Adamopoulou
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Rion, Greece
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6
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The adenosine A1 receptor agonist WAG 994 suppresses acute kainic acid-induced status epilepticus in vivo. Neuropharmacology 2020; 176:108213. [PMID: 32615188 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency characterized by continuous seizure activity lasting longer than 5 min, often with no recovery between seizures (Trinka et al., 2015). SE is refractory to benzodiazepine and second-line treatments in about 30% cases. Novel treatment approaches are urgently needed as refractory SE is associated with mortality rates of up to 70%. Robust adenosinergic anticonvulsant effects have been known for decades, but translation into seizure treatments was hampered by cardiovascular side effects. However, the selective adenosine A1 receptor agonist SDZ WAG 994 (WAG) displays diminished cardiovascular side effects compared to classic A1R agonists and was safely administered systemically in human clinical trials. Here, we investigate the anticonvulsant efficacy of WAG in vitro and in vivo. WAG robustly inhibited high-K+-induced continuous epileptiform activity in rat hippocampal slices (IC50 = 52.5 nM). Importantly, WAG acutely suppressed SE in vivo induced by kainic acid (20 mg/kg i.p.) in mice. After SE was established, mice received three i.p. injections of WAG or diazepam (DIA, 5 mg/kg). Interestingly, DIA did not attenuate SE while the majority of WAG-treated mice (1 mg/kg) were seizure-free after three injections. Anticonvulsant effects were retained when a lower dose of WAG (0.3 mg/kg) was used. Importantly, all WAG-treated mice survived kainic acid induced SE. In summary, we report for the first time that an A1R agonist with an acceptable human side-effect profile can acutely suppress established SE in vivo. Our results suggest that WAG stops or vastly attenuates SE while DIA fails to mitigate SE in this model.
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7
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Tescarollo FC, Rombo DM, DeLiberto LK, Fedele DE, Alharfoush E, Tomé ÂR, Cunha RA, Sebastião AM, Boison D. Role of Adenosine in Epilepsy and Seizures. J Caffeine Adenosine Res 2020; 10:45-60. [PMID: 32566903 PMCID: PMC7301316 DOI: 10.1089/caff.2019.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenosine is an endogenous anticonvulsant and neuroprotectant of the brain. Seizure activity produces large quantities of adenosine, and it is this seizure-induced adenosine surge that normally stops a seizure. However, within the context of epilepsy, adenosine plays a wide spectrum of different roles. It not only controls seizures (ictogenesis), but also plays a major role in processes that turn a normal brain into an epileptic brain (epileptogenesis). It is involved in the control of abnormal synaptic plasticity and neurodegeneration and plays a major role in the expression of comorbid symptoms and complications of epilepsy, such as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Given the important role of adenosine in epilepsy, therapeutic strategies are in development with the goal to utilize adenosine augmentation not only for the suppression of seizures but also for disease modification and epilepsy prevention, as well as strategies to block adenosine A2A receptor overfunction associated with neurodegeneration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of adenosine in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio C. Tescarollo
- Deptartment of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Diogo M. Rombo
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Lisbon, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Lindsay K. DeLiberto
- Deptartment of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Denise E. Fedele
- Deptartment of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Enmar Alharfoush
- Deptartment of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ângelo R. Tomé
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A. Cunha
- CNC—Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana M. Sebastião
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Lisbon, Portugal
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Detlev Boison
- Deptartment of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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8
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Zavala-Tecuapetla C, Orozco-Suarez S, Manjarrez J, Cuellar-Herrera M, Vega-Garcia A, Buzoianu-Anguiano V. Activation of adenosine receptors modulates the efflux transporters in brain capillaries and restores the anticonvulsant effect of carbamazepine in carbamazepine resistant rats developed by window-pentylenetetrazole kindling. Brain Res 2019; 1726:146516. [PMID: 31634453 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Up-regulation of efflux transporters in brain capillaries may lead to the decreased therapeutic efficacy of antiepileptic drugs in patients with Drug Resistant Epilepsy. Adenosine receptor activation in brain capillaries can modulate blood-brain barrier permeability by decreasing the protein levels and function of efflux transporters. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether the activation of adenosine receptors improves convulsions outcome in carbamazepine (CBZ) resistant animals and modulates the protein levels of efflux transporters (P-GP, MRP1, MRP2) in brain capillaries. We employed the window-pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) kindling model to develop CBZ resistant rats by CBZ administration during the post-kindling phase, and tested if these animals displayed subsequent resistance to other antiepileptic drugs. Crucially, we investigated if the administration of a broad-spectrum adenosine agonist (NECA) improves convulsions control in CBZ resistant rats. Of potential therapeutic relevance, in CBZ resistant rats NECA restored the anticonvulsant effect of CBZ. We also evaluated how the resistance to CBZ and the activation of adenosine receptors with NECA affect protein levels of efflux transporters in brain capillaries, as quantified by western blot. While CBZ resistance was associated with the up-regulation of both P-GP/MRP2 in brain capillaries, with the administration of NECA in CBZ resistant rats, we observed a decrease of P-GP and an increase of MRP2 levels, in brain capillaries. Since the activation of adenosine receptors improves the outcome of convulsions probably through the modulation of the efflux transporters protein levels in brain capillaries, adenosine agonists could be useful as an adjunct therapy for the control of Drug Resistant Epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Zavala-Tecuapetla
- Laboratory of Physiology of Reticular Formation, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Insurgentes Sur 3877, La Fama, 14269 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - S Orozco-Suarez
- Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center XXI Century, IMSS, Cuauhtemoc 330, Doctores, 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - J Manjarrez
- Laboratory of Physiology of Reticular Formation, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Insurgentes Sur 3877, La Fama, 14269 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - M Cuellar-Herrera
- Epilepsy Clinic, Hospital General de México, Dr. Eduardo Liceaga, Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - A Vega-Garcia
- Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center XXI Century, IMSS, Cuauhtemoc 330, Doctores, 06720 Mexico City, Mexico; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Av. Universidad 3000, C.U., 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - V Buzoianu-Anguiano
- Medical Research Unit in Neurological Diseases, Specialty Hospital, National Medical Center XXI Century, IMSS, Cuauhtemoc 330, Doctores, 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
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He X, Chen F, Zhang Y, Gao Q, Guan Y, Wang J, Zhou J, Zhai F, Boison D, Luan G, Li T. Upregulation of adenosine A2A receptor and downregulation of GLT1 is associated with neuronal cell death in Rasmussen's encephalitis. Brain Pathol 2019; 30:246-260. [PMID: 31353670 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rasmussen encephalitis (RE) is a severe pediatric inflammatory brain disease characterized by unilateral inflammation and atrophy of the cerebral cortex, drug-resistant focal epilepsy and progressive neurological and cognitive deterioration. The etiology and pathogenesis of RE remain unclear. Our previous results demonstrated that the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) and the major adenosine-removing enzyme adenosine kinase play an important role in the etiology of RE. Because the downstream pathways of inhibitory A1R signaling are modulated by stimulatory A2AR signaling, which by itself controls neuro-inflammation, glial activation and glial glutamate homeostasis through interaction with glutamate transporter GLT-1, we hypothesized that maladaptive changes in adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) expression are associated with RE. We used immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis to examine the expression of A2ARs, glutamate transporter-I (GLT-1) and the apoptotic marker Bcl-2 in surgically resected cortical specimens from RE patients (n = 18) in comparison with control cortical tissue. In lesions of the RE specimen we found upregulation of A2ARs, downregulation of GLT-1 and increased apoptosis of both neurons and astroglia. Double staining revealed colocalization of A2ARs and Bcl-2 in RE lesions. These results suggest that maladaptive changes in A2AR expression are associated with a decrease in GLT-I expression as a possible precipitator for apoptotic cell loss in RE. Because A2AR antagonists are already under clinical evaluation for Parkinson's disease, the A2AR might likewise be a tractable target for the treatment of RE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghui He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Fan Chen
- Department of Brian Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China.,Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Department of Brian Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China.,Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Qing Gao
- Department of Brian Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Yuguang Guan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Feng Zhai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Detlev Boison
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Jones & New Jersey Medical Schools, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Guoming Luan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
| | - Tianfu Li
- Department of Brian Institute, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing Key Laboratory of Epilepsy Research, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China.,Department of Neurology, Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100093, China
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10
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Reis SL, Silva HB, Almeida M, Cunha RA, Simões AP, Canas PM. Adenosine A
1
and A
2A
receptors differently control synaptic plasticity in the mouse dorsal and ventral hippocampus. J Neurochem 2019; 151:227-237. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara L. Reis
- CNC‐Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology Coimbra Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | | | | | - Rodrigo A. Cunha
- CNC‐Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology Coimbra Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine University of Coimbra Coimbra Portugal
| | - Ana P. Simões
- CNC‐Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology Coimbra Portugal
| | - Paula M. Canas
- CNC‐Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology Coimbra Portugal
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Adenosine A1 and A2A Receptors in the Brain: Current Research and Their Role in Neurodegeneration. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22040676. [PMID: 28441750 PMCID: PMC6154612 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22040676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The inhibitory adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) and excitatory A2A receptor (A2AR) are predominantly expressed in the brain. Whereas the A2AR has been implicated in normal aging and enhancing neurotoxicity in multiple neurodegenerative diseases, the inhibitory A1R has traditionally been ascribed to have a neuroprotective function in various brain insults. This review provides a summary of the emerging role of prolonged A1R signaling and its potential cross-talk with A2AR in the cellular basis for increased neurotoxicity in neurodegenerative disorders. This A1R signaling enhances A2AR-mediated neurodegeneration, and provides a platform for future development of neuroprotective agents in stroke, Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
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12
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Kouvaros S, Papatheodoropoulos C. Theta burst stimulation-induced LTP: Differences and similarities between the dorsal and ventral CA1 hippocampal synapses. Hippocampus 2016; 26:1542-1559. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stylianos Kouvaros
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine; School of Health Sciences, University of Patras; Rion Greece
| | - Costas Papatheodoropoulos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine; School of Health Sciences, University of Patras; Rion Greece
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13
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Klaft ZJ, Hollnagel JO, Salar S, Calişkan G, Schulz SB, Schneider UC, Horn P, Koch A, Holtkamp M, Gabriel S, Gerevich Z, Heinemann U. Adenosine A1 receptor-mediated suppression of carbamazepine-resistant seizure-like events in human neocortical slices. Epilepsia 2016; 57:746-56. [PMID: 27087530 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The need for alternative pharmacologic strategies in treatment of epilepsies is pressing for about 30% of patients with epilepsy who do not experience satisfactory seizure control with present treatments. In temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) even up to 80% of patients are pharmacoresistant, and surgical resection of the ictogenic tissue is only possible for a minority of TLE patients. In this study we investigate purinergic modulation of drug-resistant seizure-like events (SLEs) in human temporal cortex slices. METHODS Layer V/VI field potentials from a total of 77 neocortical slices from 17 pharmacoresistant patients were recorded to monitor SLEs induced by application of 8 mM [K(+) ] and 50 μm bicuculline. RESULTS Activating A1 receptors with a specific agonist completely suppressed SLEs in 73% of human temporal cortex slices. In the remaining slices, incidence of SLEs was markedly reduced. Because a subportion of slices can be pharmacosensitive, we tested effects of an A1 agonist, in slices insensitive to a high dose of carbamazepine (50 μm). Also in these cases the A1 agonist was equally efficient. Moreover, ATP and adenosine blocked or modulated SLEs, an effect mediated not by P2 receptors but rather by adenosine A1 receptors. SIGNIFICANCE Selective activation of A1 receptors mediates a strong anticonvulsant action in human neocortical slices from pharmacoresistant patients. We propose that our human slice model of seizure-like activity is a feasible option for future studies investigating new antiepileptic drug (AED) candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zin-Juan Klaft
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan-Oliver Hollnagel
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Seda Salar
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gürsel Calişkan
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Steffen B Schulz
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulf C Schneider
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Horn
- Department of Neurosurgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arend Koch
- Department of Neuropathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Holtkamp
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Epilepsy-Center Berlin-Brandenburg, Krankenhaus Königin Elisabeth Herzberge, Berlin, Germany
| | - Siegrun Gabriel
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zoltan Gerevich
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Heinemann
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Neuroscience Research Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Kouvaros S, Papatheodoropoulos C. Major dorsoventral differences in the modulation of the local CA1 hippocampal network by NMDA, mGlu5, adenosine A2A and cannabinoid CB1 receptors. Neuroscience 2016; 317:47-64. [PMID: 26762803 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.12.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Recent research points to diversification in the local neuronal circuitry between dorsal (DH) and ventral (VH) hippocampus that may be involved in the large-scale functional segregation along the long axis of the hippocampus. Here, using CA1 field recordings from rat hippocampal slices, we show that activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) reduced excitatory transmission more in VH than in DH, with an adenosine A1 receptor-independent mechanism, and reduced inhibition and enhanced postsynaptic excitability only in DH. Strikingly, co-activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor-5 (mGluR5) with NMDAR, by CHPG and NMDA respectively, strongly potentiated the effects of NMDAR in DH but had not any potentiating effect in VH. Furthermore, the synergistic actions in DH were occluded by blockade of adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs) by their antagonist ZM 241385 demonstrating a tonic action of these receptors in DH. Exogenous activation of A2ARs by 4-[2-[[6-amino-9-(N-ethyl-β-D-ribofuranuronamidosyl)-9H-purin-2-yl]amino]ethyl]benzenepropanoic acid hydrochloride (CGS 21680) did not change the effects of mGluR5-NMDAR co-activation in either hippocampal pole. Importantly, blockade of cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs) by their antagonist 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-5-(4-iodophenyl)-4-methyl-N-4-morpholinyl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxamide (AM 281) restricted the synergistic actions of mGluR5-NMDARs on excitatory synaptic transmission and postsynaptic excitability and abolished their effect on inhibition. Furthermore, AM 281 increased the excitatory transmission only in DH indicating that CB1Rs were tonically active in DH but not VH. Removing the magnesium ions from the perfusion medium neither stimulated the interaction between mGluR5 and NMDAR in VH nor augmented the synergy of the two receptors in DH. These findings show that the NMDAR-dependent modulation of fundamental parameters of the local neuronal network, by mGluR5, A2AR and CB1R, markedly differs between DH and VH. We propose that the higher modulatory role of A2AR and mGluR5, in combination with the role of CB1Rs, provide DH with higher functional flexibility of its NMDARs, compared with VH.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kouvaros
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece
| | - C Papatheodoropoulos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Rion, Greece.
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15
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Papatheodoropoulos C. Higher intrinsic network excitability in ventral compared with the dorsal hippocampus is controlled less effectively by GABAB receptors. BMC Neurosci 2015; 16:75. [PMID: 26556486 PMCID: PMC4641374 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-015-0213-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating specializations of the intrinsic neuronal network between the dorsal and the ventral hippocampus is a recently emerging area of research that is expected to help us understand the mechanisms underlying large scale functional diversification along the hippocampus. The aim of this study was to characterize spontaneous network activity between the dorsal and the ventral hippocampus induced under conditions of partial or complete blockade of GABAergic inhibition (i.e. disinhibition). RESULTS Using field recordings from the CA3 and CA1 fields of hippocampal slices from adult rats I found that ventral compared with dorsal hippocampus slices displayed higher propensity for and higher frequency of occurrence of spontaneous field potentials (spfps) at every level of disinhibition. Also NMDA receptor-depended spfps (spfps(-nmda)) occurred with higher probability more frequently and were larger in the ventral compared with the dorsal hippocampus. Importantly, blockade of GABA(B) receptors produced a stronger effect in enhancing the probability of generation of spfps and spfps(-nmda) in the dorsal compared with the ventral hippocampal slices and increased spfps(-nmda) only in dorsal slices. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate a higher intrinsic neuronal excitability of the ventral compared with the dorsal local circuitry with the considerable contribution of NMDA receptors. Furthermore, the GABA(B) receptors control the total and the NMDA receptor-dependent excitation much less effectively in the ventral part of the hippocampus. It is proposed that NMDA and GABA(B) receptors significantly contribute to differentiate local network dynamics between the dorsal and the ventral hippocampus with important implications in the information processing performed along the long hippocampal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costas Papatheodoropoulos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Department of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, Rion, 26504, Patras, Greece.
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16
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Rombo DM, Newton K, Nissen W, Badurek S, Horn JM, Minichiello L, Jefferys JG, Sebastiao AM, Lamsa KP. Synaptic mechanisms of adenosine A
2A
receptor‐mediated hyperexcitability in the hippocampus. Hippocampus 2014; 25:566-80. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Diogo M. Rombo
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon Portugal
- Unit of Neurosciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon Portugal
- Department of PharmacologyOxford UniversityOxford United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn Newton
- Medical Research Council Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit at the Department of Pharmacology, Oxford UniversityOxford United Kingdom
| | - Wiebke Nissen
- Department of PharmacologyOxford UniversityOxford United Kingdom
| | - Sylvia Badurek
- Centre for NeuroregenerationUniversity of EdinburghEdinburgh United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline M. Horn
- Department of PharmacologyOxford UniversityOxford United Kingdom
- Centre for NeuroregenerationUniversity of EdinburghEdinburgh United Kingdom
| | - Liliana Minichiello
- Department of PharmacologyOxford UniversityOxford United Kingdom
- Centre for NeuroregenerationUniversity of EdinburghEdinburgh United Kingdom
| | - John G.R. Jefferys
- Department of PharmacologyOxford UniversityOxford United Kingdom
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of BirminghamBirmingham United Kingdom
| | - Ana M. Sebastiao
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon Portugal
- Unit of Neurosciences, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Lisbon Portugal
| | - Karri P. Lamsa
- Department of PharmacologyOxford UniversityOxford United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Anatomical Neuropharmacology Unit at the Department of Pharmacology, Oxford UniversityOxford United Kingdom
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Masino SA, Kawamura M, Ruskin DN. Adenosine receptors and epilepsy: current evidence and future potential. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2014; 119:233-55. [PMID: 25175969 PMCID: PMC6026023 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801022-8.00011-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine receptors are a powerful therapeutic target for regulating epileptic seizures. As a homeostatic bioenergetic network regulator, adenosine is perfectly suited to establish or restore an ongoing balance between excitation and inhibition, and its anticonvulsant efficacy is well established. There is evidence for the involvement of multiple adenosine receptor subtypes in epilepsy, but in particular the adenosine A1 receptor subtype can powerfully and bidirectionally regulate seizure activity. Mechanisms that regulate adenosine itself are increasingly appreciated as targets to thus influence receptor activity and seizure propensity. Taken together, established evidence for the powerful potential of adenosine-based epilepsy therapies and new strategies to influence receptor activity can combine to capitalize on this endogenous homeostatic neuromodulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan A Masino
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, USA.
| | - Masahito Kawamura
- Department of Pharmacology, Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - David N Ruskin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
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18
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Casillas-Espinosa PM, Powell KL, O'Brien TJ. Regulators of synaptic transmission: roles in the pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy. Epilepsia 2013; 53 Suppl 9:41-58. [PMID: 23216578 DOI: 10.1111/epi.12034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic transmission is the communication between a presynaptic and a postsynaptic neuron, and the subsequent processing of the signal. These processes are complex and highly regulated, reflecting their importance in normal brain functioning and homeostasis. Sustaining synaptic transmission depends on the continuing cycle of synaptic vesicle formation, release, and endocytosis, which requires proteins such as dynamin, syndapin, synapsin, and synaptic vesicle protein 2A. Synaptic transmission is regulated by diverse mechanisms, including presynaptic modulators of synaptic vesicle formation and release, postsynaptic receptors and signaling, and modulators of neurotransmission. Neurotransmitters released presynaptically can bind to their postsynaptic receptors, the inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic receptors or the excitatory glutamate receptors. Once released, glutamate activates a variety of postsynaptic receptors including α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), kainate, and metabotropic receptors. The activation of the receptors triggers downstream signaling cascades generating a vast array of effects, which can be modulated by a numerous auxiliary regulatory subunits. Moreover, different neuropeptides such as neuropeptide Y, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), somatostatin, ghrelin, and galanin, act as regulators of diverse synaptic functions and along with the classic neurotransmitters. Abnormalities in the regulation of synaptic transmission play a critical role in the pathogenesis of numerous brain diseases, including epilepsy. This review focuses on the different mechanisms involved in the regulation of synaptic transmission, which may play a role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy: the presynaptic modulators of synaptic vesicle formation and release, postsynaptic receptors, and modulators of neurotransmission, including the mechanism by which drugs can modulate the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo M Casillas-Espinosa
- The Departments of Medicine and Neurology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Melbourne Brain Centre, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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