1
|
Miyatsu T, Oviedo V, Reynaga J, Karuzis VP, Martinez D, O'Rourke P, Key M, McIntire L, Aue W, McKinley R, Pirolli P, Broderick T. Transcutaneous cervical vagus nerve stimulation enhances second-language vocabulary acquisition while simultaneously mitigating fatigue and promoting focus. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17177. [PMID: 39060415 PMCID: PMC11282064 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-68015-4] [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: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is a promising technique for enhancing cognitive performance and skill acquisition. Yet, its efficacy for enhancing learning rate and long-term retention in an ecologically valid learning environment has not been demonstrated. We conducted two double-blind sham-controlled experiments examining the efficacy of auricular tVNS (taVNS: Experiment (1) and cervical tVNS (tcVNS: Experiment (2), on a 5 day second-language vocabulary acquisition protocol among highly selected career linguists at the US Department of Defense's premier language school. tcVNS produced accelerated recall performance during training (Day 2-4), benefits of which were maintained across a 24 h retention interval with no stimulation at the final test. Consistent with prior work, tcVNS also produced fatigue-mitigating and focus-promoting effects as measured by the Air Force Research Laboratory Mood Questionnaire. Based on the current and the previous findings supporting tVNS' efficacy on performance, training enhancement, and fatigue mitigation, we believe tcVNS to be an effective learning acceleration tool that can be utilized at language-teaching and other institutions focused on intensive training of cognitive skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Miyatsu
- Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, USA.
| | - Vanessa Oviedo
- Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, USA
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, USA
| | - Jajaira Reynaga
- Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, USA
- University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, USA
| | - Valerie P Karuzis
- University of Maryland Applied Research Lab for Intelligence & Security, College Park, USA
| | - David Martinez
- University of Maryland Applied Research Lab for Intelligence & Security, College Park, USA
| | - Polly O'Rourke
- University of Maryland Applied Research Lab for Intelligence & Security, College Park, USA
| | - Melissa Key
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, USA
- DCS Corp., Alexandria, USA
| | - Lindsey McIntire
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, USA
- DCS Corp., Alexandria, USA
| | - William Aue
- Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright-Patterson AFB, USA
| | | | - Peter Pirolli
- Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bress KS, Cascio CJ. Sensorimotor regulation of facial expression - An untouched frontier. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105684. [PMID: 38710425 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Facial expression is a critical form of nonverbal social communication which promotes emotional exchange and affiliation among humans. Facial expressions are generated via precise contraction of the facial muscles, guided by sensory feedback. While the neural pathways underlying facial motor control are well characterized in humans and primates, it remains unknown how tactile and proprioceptive information reaches these pathways to guide facial muscle contraction. Thus, despite the importance of facial expressions for social functioning, little is known about how they are generated as a unique sensorimotor behavior. In this review, we highlight current knowledge about sensory feedback from the face and how it is distinct from other body regions. We describe connectivity between the facial sensory and motor brain systems, and call attention to the other brain systems which influence facial expression behavior, including vision, gustation, emotion, and interoception. Finally, we petition for more research on the sensory basis of facial expressions, asserting that incomplete understanding of sensorimotor mechanisms is a barrier to addressing atypical facial expressivity in clinical populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly S Bress
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ritland BM, Neumeier WH, Jiang SH, Smith CD, Heaton KJ, Hildebrandt AM, Jabbar MA, Liao HJ, Coello E, Zhao W, Bay CP, Lin AP. Short-term neurochemical effects of transcutaneous trigeminal nerve stimulation using 7T magnetic resonance spectroscopy. J Neuroimaging 2023; 33:279-288. [PMID: 36495053 DOI: 10.1111/jon.13074] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose was to explore the effects of transcutaneous trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) on neurochemical concentrations (brainstem, anterior cingulate cortex [ACC], dorsolateral prefrontal cortex [DLPFC], ventromedial prefrontal cortex [VMPFC], and the posterior cingulate cortex [PCC]) using ultrahigh-field magnetic resonance spectroscopy. METHODS This double-blinded study tested 32 healthy males (age: 25.4 ± 7.3 years) on two separate occasions where participants received either a 20-minute TNS or sham session. Participants were scanned at baseline and twice post-TNS/sham administration. RESULTS There were no group differences in concentration changes of glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamine, myoinositol (mI), total N-acetylaspartate, total creatine (tCr), and total choline between the baseline scan and the first post-TNS/sham scan and between the first and second post-TNS/sham scan in the brainstem, ACC, DLPFC, VMPFC, and PCC. Between the baseline scan and the second post-TNS/sham scan, changes in tCr (mean difference = 0.280 mM [0.075 to 0.485], p = .026) and mI (mean difference = 0.662 mM [0.203 to 1.122], p = .026) in the DLPFC differed between groups. Post hoc analyses indicated that there was a decrease in tCr (mean change = -0.201 mM [-0.335 to -0.067], p = .003) and no change in mI (mean change = -0.327 mM [-0.737 to 0.083], p = .118) in the TNS group; conversely, there was no change in tCr (mean change = -0.100 mM [-0.074 to 0.274], p = .259) and an increase in mI (mean change = 0.347 mM [0.106 to 0.588], p = .005) in the sham group. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate that a single session of unilateral TNS slightly decreased tCr concentrations in the DLPFC region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley M Ritland
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William H Neumeier
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sam H Jiang
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Carl D Smith
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kristin J Heaton
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Audrey M Hildebrandt
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Muhammad A Jabbar
- Military Performance Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hui Jun Liao
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eduardo Coello
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wufan Zhao
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Camden P Bay
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexander P Lin
- Center for Clinical Spectroscopy, Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Donertas-Ayaz B, Caudle RM. Locus coeruleus-noradrenergic modulation of trigeminal pain: Implications for trigeminal neuralgia and psychiatric comorbidities. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2023; 13:100124. [PMID: 36974102 PMCID: PMC10038791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
Trigeminal neuralgia is the most common neuropathic pain involving the craniofacial region. Due to the complex pathophysiology, it is therapeutically difficult to manage. Noradrenaline plays an essential role in the modulation of arousal, attention, cognitive function, stress, and pain. The locus coeruleus, the largest source of noradrenaline in the brain, is involved in the sensory and emotional processing of pain. This review summarizes the knowledge about the involvement of noradrenaline in acute and chronic trigeminal pain conditions and how the activity of the locus coeruleus noradrenergic neurons changes in response to acute and chronic pain conditions and how these changes might be involved in pain-related comorbidities including anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert M. Caudle
- Corresponding author at: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Florida College of Dentistry, PO Box 100416, 1395 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhao R, He ZY, Cheng C, Tian QQ, Cui YP, Chang MY, Wang FM, Kong Y, Deng H, Yang XJ, Sun JB. Assessing the Effect of Simultaneous Combining of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on the Improvement of Working Memory Performance in Healthy Individuals. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:947236. [PMID: 35928012 PMCID: PMC9344917 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.947236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous study found that combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) could evoke significantly larger activation on a range of cortical and subcortical brain regions than the numerical summation of tDCS and taVNS effects. In this study, two within-subject experiments were employed to investigate its effects on working memory (WM). In experiment 1, the WM modulatory effects of tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), taVNS, and simultaneous joint simulation of tDCS over the left DLPFC and taVNS (SJS-L) were compared among 60 healthy subjects. They received these three interventions between the baseline test and post-test in a random manner three times. In spatial 3-back task, there was a significant interaction between time and stimulations in the accuracy rate of matching trials (mACC, p=0.018). MACCs were significantly improved by SJS (p = 0.001) and taVNS (p = 0.045), but not by tDCS (p = 0.495). Moreover, 41 subjects in the SJS group showed improvement, which was significantly larger than that in the taVNS group (29 subjects) and tDCS group (26 subjects). To further investigate the generalization effects of SJS, 72 students were recruited in experiment 2. They received tDCS over the right DLPFC, taVNS, simultaneous joint simulation of tDCS over the right DLPFC and taVNS (SJS-R), and sham stimulation in a random manner four times. No significant results were found, but there was a tendency similar to experiment 1 in the spatial 3-back task. In conclusion, combining tDCS and taVNS might be a potential non-invasive neuromodulation technique which is worthy of study in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhao
- School of Electronics and Information, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhao-Yang He
- School of Electronics and Information, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Cheng
- Intelligent Non-invasive Neuromodulation Technology and Transformation Joint Laboratory, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qian-Qian Tian
- Intelligent Non-invasive Neuromodulation Technology and Transformation Joint Laboratory, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ya-Peng Cui
- Intelligent Non-invasive Neuromodulation Technology and Transformation Joint Laboratory, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meng-Ying Chang
- School of Electronics and Information, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fu-Min Wang
- School of Electronics and Information, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yao Kong
- School of Electronics and Information, Xi'an Polytechnic University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Deng
- Intelligent Non-invasive Neuromodulation Technology and Transformation Joint Laboratory, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xue-Juan Yang
- Intelligent Non-invasive Neuromodulation Technology and Transformation Joint Laboratory, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jin-Bo Sun
- Intelligent Non-invasive Neuromodulation Technology and Transformation Joint Laboratory, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
- Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging of the Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
- Guangzhou Institute of Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, China
- *Correspondence: Jin-Bo Sun
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Potential role for peripheral nerve stimulation on learning and long-term memory: A comparison of alternating and direct current stimulations. Brain Stimul 2022; 15:536-545. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
|
7
|
Cristina Mendes Ferreira R, Cristina de Sousa Fonseca F, Lamounier de Almeida D, Cristina Nogueira Freitas A, Peigneur S, Roberto Lima Romero T, Almeida Amaral F, Dimitri Gama Duarte I. Bradykinin induces peripheral antinociception in PGE 2-induced hyperalgesia in mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 198:114965. [PMID: 35182520 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114965] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bradykinin (BK) is an endogenous peptide involved in vascular permeability and inflammation. It has opposite effects (inducing hyperalgesia or antinociception) when administered directly in the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether BK may also present this dual effect when injected peripherally in a PGE2-induced nociceptive pain model, as well as to investigate the possible mechanisms of action involved in this event in mice. METHODS Male Swiss and C57BL/6 knockout mice for B1 or B2 bradykinin receptors were submitted to a mechanical paw pressure test and hyperalgesia was induced by intraplantar prostaglandin E2 (2 µg/paw) injection. RESULTS Bradykinin (20, 40 and 80 ng/paw) produced dose-dependent peripheral antinociception against PGE2-induced hyperalgesia. This effect was antagonized by bradyzide (8, 16 and 32 μg/paw), naloxone (12.5, 25 and 50 μg/paw), nor-binaltorphimine (50, 100 and 200 μg/paw) and AM251 (20, 40 and 80 μg/paw). Bestatin (400 µg/paw), MAFP (0.5 µg/paw) and VDM11 (2.5 µg/paw) potentiated the antinociception of a lower 20 ng BK dose. The knockout of B1 or B2 bradykinin receptors partially abolished the antinociceptive action of BK (80 ng/paw), bremazocine (1 μg/paw) and anandamide (40 ng/paw) when compared with wild-type animals, which show complete antinociception with the same dose of each drug. CONCLUSION The present study is the first to demonstrate BK-induced antinociception in peripheral tissues against PGE2-induced nociception in mice and the involvement of κ-opioid and CB1 cannabinoid receptors in this effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Douglas Lamounier de Almeida
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Nogueira Freitas
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Steve Peigneur
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thiago Roberto Lima Romero
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Flávio Almeida Amaral
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Igor Dimitri Gama Duarte
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kerstens S, Orban de Xivry JJ, Mc Laughlin M. A novel tDCS control condition using optimized anesthetic gel to block peripheral nerve input. Front Neurol 2022; 13:1049409. [PMID: 36452171 PMCID: PMC9702085 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1049409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies indicate that some transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) effects may be caused by indirect stimulation of peripheral nerves in the scalp rather than the electric field in the brain. To address this, we developed a novel tDCS control condition in which peripheral input is blocked using topical anesthetics. We developed a compounded anesthetic gel containing benzocaine and lidocaine (BL10) that blocks peripheral input during tDCS. Methods In a blinded randomized cross-over study of 18 healthy volunteers (M/F), we compared the gel's efficacy to EMLA and an inert placebo gel. Subjects used a visual analog scale (VAS) to rate the stimulation sensation in the scalp produced by 10 s of 2 mA tDCS every 2 min during 1 h. In an additional in-vitro experiment, the effect of a DC current on gel resistivity and temperature was investigated. Results Both the BL10 and EMLA gel, lowered the stimulation sensations compared to the placebo gel. The BL10 gel showed a tendency to work faster than the EMLA gel with reported sensations for the BL10 gel being lower than for EMLA for the first 30 min. The DC current caused a drastic increase in gel resistivity for the EMLA gel, while it did not affect gel resistivity for the BL10 and placebo gel, nor did it affect gel temperature. Conclusions Topical anesthetics reduce stimulation sensations by blocking peripheral nerve input during tDCS. The BL10 gel tends to work faster and is more electrically stable than EMLA gel. Clinical trial registration The study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with name "Understanding the Neural Mechanisms Behind tDCS" and number NCT04577677.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silke Kerstens
- Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Jacques Orban de Xivry
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, Department of Movement Sciences, The Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Myles Mc Laughlin
- Research Group Experimental Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Transdermal Electrical Neuromodulation for Anxiety and Sleep Problems in High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: Feasibility and Preliminary Findings. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11121307. [PMID: 34945779 PMCID: PMC8704341 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with anxiety and sleep problems. We investigated transdermal electrical neuromodulation (TEN) of the cervical nerves in the neck as a safe, effective, comfortable and non-pharmacological therapy for decreasing anxiety and enhancing sleep quality in ASD. Methods: In this blinded, sham-controlled study, seven adolescents and young adults with high-functioning ASD underwent five consecutive treatment days, one day of the sham followed by four days of subthreshold TEN for 20 min. Anxiety-provoking cognitive tasks were performed after the sham/TEN. Measures of autonomic nervous system activity, including saliva α-amylase and cortisol, electrodermal activity, and heart rate variability, were collected from six participants. Results: Self-rated and caretaker-rated measures of anxiety were significantly improved with TEN treatment as compared to the sham, with effect sizes ranging from medium to large depending on the rating scale. Sleep scores from caretaker questionnaires also improved, but not significantly. Performance on two of the three anxiety-provoking cognitive tasks and heart rate variability significantly improved with TEN stimulation as compared to the sham. Four of the seven (57%) participants were responders, defined as a ≥ 30% improvement in self-reported anxiety. Salivary α-amylase decreased with more TEN sessions and decreased from the beginning to the end of the session on TEN days for responders. TEN was well-tolerated without significant adverse events. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence that TEN is well-tolerated in individuals with ASD and can improve anxiety.
Collapse
|
10
|
Coupling between Trigeminal-Induced Asymmetries in Locus Coeruleus Activity and Cognitive Performance. Symmetry (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sym13091676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, the asymmetry in the masseter electromyographic (EMG) activity during clenching is positively correlated with the degree of pupil size asymmetry (anisocoria) at rest. Anisocoria reveals an asymmetry in LC activity, which may lead to an imbalance in cortical excitability, detrimental to performance. Hereby, we investigated, in individual subjects, the possibility that occlusal correction, which decreases EMG asymmetry, improves performance by balancing LC activity. Cognitive performance, task-related mydriasis, and pupil size at rest were modified by changing the occlusal condition. Occlusal-related changes in performance and mydriasis were negatively correlated with anisocoria changes in only 12/20 subjects. Within this population, spontaneous fluctuations in mydriasis and anisocoria also appeared negatively coupled. Occlusal-related changes in performance and mydriasis were negatively correlated with those in average pupil size (a proxy of average LC activity) in 19/20 subjects. The strongest association was observed for the pupil changes occurring on the side with higher EMG activity during clenching. These findings indicate that the effects of occlusal conditions on cognitive performance were coupled to changes in the asymmetry of LC activity in about half of the subjects, while they were related to changes in the average tonic LC activity in virtually all of them.
Collapse
|
11
|
Luckey AM, Robertson IH, Lawlor B, Mohan A, Vanneste S. Sex Differences in Locus Coeruleus: A Heuristic Approach That May Explain the Increased Risk of Alzheimer's Disease in Females. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 83:505-522. [PMID: 34334399 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This article aims to reevaluate our approach to female vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and put forth a new hypothesis considering how sex differences in the locus coeruleus-noradrenaline (LC-NA) structure and function could account for why females are more likely to develop AD. We specifically focus our attention on locus coeruleus (LC) morphology, the paucity of estrogens, neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier permeability, apolipoprotein ɛ4 polymorphism (APOEɛ4), and cognitive reserve. The role of the LC-NA system and sex differences are two of the most rapidly emerging topics in AD research. Current literature either investigates the LC due to it being one of the first brain areas to develop AD pathology or acknowledges the neuroprotective effects of estrogens and how the loss of these female hormones have the capacity to contribute to the sex differences seen in AD; however, existing research has neglected to concurrently examine these two rationales and therefore leaving our hypothesis undetermined. Collectively, this article should assist in alleviating current challenges surrounding female AD by providing thought-provoking connections into the interrelationship between the disruption of the female LC-NA system, the decline of estrogens, and AD vulnerability. It is therefore likely that treatment for this heterogeneous disease may need to be distinctly developed for females and males separately, and may require a precision medicine approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Luckey
- Lab for Clinical & Integrative Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ian H Robertson
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brian Lawlor
- Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anusha Mohan
- Lab for Clinical & Integrative Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sven Vanneste
- Lab for Clinical & Integrative Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Global Brain Health Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
van Boekholdt L, Kerstens S, Khatoun A, Asamoah B, Mc Laughlin M. tDCS peripheral nerve stimulation: a neglected mode of action? Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:456-461. [PMID: 33299136 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00962-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation method widely used by neuroscientists and clinicians for research and therapeutic purposes. tDCS is currently under investigation as a treatment for a range of psychiatric disorders. Despite its popularity, a full understanding of tDCS's underlying neurophysiological mechanisms is still lacking. tDCS creates a weak electric field in the cerebral cortex which is generally assumed to cause the observed effects. Interestingly, as tDCS is applied directly on the skin, localized peripheral nerve endings are exposed to much higher electric field strengths than the underlying cortices. Yet, the potential contribution of peripheral mechanisms in causing tDCS's effects has never been systemically investigated. We hypothesize that tDCS induces arousal and vigilance through peripheral mechanisms. We suggest that this may involve peripherally-evoked activation of the ascending reticular activating system, in which norepinephrine is distributed throughout the brain by the locus coeruleus. Finally, we provide suggestions to improve tDCS experimental design beyond the standard sham control, such as topical anesthetics to block peripheral nerves and active controls to stimulate non-target areas. Broad adoption of these measures in all tDCS experiments could help disambiguate peripheral from true transcranial tDCS mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luuk van Boekholdt
- Exp ORL, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Silke Kerstens
- Exp ORL, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ahmad Khatoun
- Exp ORL, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Boateng Asamoah
- Exp ORL, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Myles Mc Laughlin
- Exp ORL, Department of Neuroscience, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vanneste S, Mohan A, Yoo HB, Huang Y, Luckey AM, McLeod SL, Tabet MN, Souza RR, McIntyre CK, Chapman S, Robertson IH, To WT. The peripheral effect of direct current stimulation on brain circuits involving memory. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:6/45/eaax9538. [PMID: 33148657 PMCID: PMC7673706 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax9538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
An ongoing debate surrounding transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) of the scalp is whether it modulates brain activity both directly and in a regionally constrained manner enough to positively affect symptoms in patients with neurological disorders. One alternative explanation is that direct current stimulation affects neural circuits mainly indirectly, i.e., via peripheral nerves. Here, we report that noninvasive direct current stimulation indirectly affects neural circuits via peripheral nerves. In a series of studies, we show that direct current stimulation can cause activation of the greater occipital nerve (ON-tDCS) and augments memory via the ascending fibers of the occipital nerve to the locus coeruleus, promoting noradrenaline release. This noradrenergic pathway plays a key role in driving hippocampal activity by modifying functional connectivity supporting the consolidation of a memory event.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sven Vanneste
- Lab for Clinical and Integrative Neuroscience, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA.
- Center for Brain Health, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Global Brain Health Institute, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anusha Mohan
- Global Brain Health Institute, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Hye Bin Yoo
- Lab for Clinical and Integrative Neuroscience, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yuefeng Huang
- Lab for Clinical and Integrative Neuroscience, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Alison M Luckey
- Lab for Clinical and Integrative Neuroscience, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Global Brain Health Institute, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - S Lauren McLeod
- Lab for Clinical and Integrative Neuroscience, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Michel N Tabet
- Neurobiology of Memory Lab, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Rimenez R Souza
- Neurobiology of Memory Lab, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Christa K McIntyre
- Neurobiology of Memory Lab, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Sandra Chapman
- Center for Brain Health, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| | - Ian H Robertson
- Center for Brain Health, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Global Brain Health Institute, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Wing Ting To
- Lab for Clinical and Integrative Neuroscience, School for Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
- Global Brain Health Institute, Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Luckey AM, McLeod SL, Robertson IH, To WT, Vanneste S. Greater Occipital Nerve Stimulation Boosts Associative Memory in Older Individuals: A Randomized Trial. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2020; 34:1020-1029. [DOI: 10.1177/1545968320943573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (tES) is a new approach that aims to stimulate the brain. Recently, we have developed tES approaches to enhance plasticity that modulate cortical activity via the greater occipital nerve (ON) in a “bottom-up” way. Thirty subjects between the ages of 55 and 70 years were enrolled and tested using a double-blind, sham-controlled, and randomized design. Half of the participants received active stimulation, while the other half received sham stimulation. Our results demonstrate that ON-tES can enhance memory in older individuals after one session, with effects persisting up to 28 days after stimulation. The hypothesized mechanism by which ON-tES enhances memory is activation of the locus coeruleus–noradrenaline (LC-NA) pathway. It is likely that this pathway was activated after ON-tES, as supported by observed changes in α-amylase concentrations, a biomarker for noradrenaline. There were no significant or long-lasting side effects observed during stimulation. Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT03467698).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sven Vanneste
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Okura Y, Rikimaru T. Cold Stimuli on the Cheeks Activate the Left Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex and Enhance Cognitive Performance. JOURNAL OF COGNITIVE ENHANCEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s41465-020-00192-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
16
|
Modulation of brainstem activity and connectivity by respiratory-gated auricular vagal afferent nerve stimulation in migraine patients. Pain 2018; 158:1461-1472. [PMID: 28541256 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Migraine pathophysiology includes altered brainstem excitability, and recent neuromodulatory approaches aimed at controlling migraine episodes have targeted key brainstem relay and modulatory nuclei. In this study, we evaluated the impact of respiratory-gated auricular vagal afferent nerve stimulation (RAVANS), a novel neuromodulatory intervention based on an existing transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation approach, in the modulation of brainstem activity and connectivity in migraine patients. We applied 3T-functional magnetic resonance imaging with improved in-plane spatial resolution (2.62 × 2.62 mm) in episodic migraine (interictal) and age- and sex-matched healthy controls to evaluate brain response to RAVANS (gated to either inhalation or exhalation) and sham stimulation. We further investigated RAVANS modulation of tactile trigeminal sensory afference response in the brainstem using air-puff stimulation directed to the forehead during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Compared with sham and inhalatory-gated RAVANS (iRAVANS), exhalatory-gated RAVANS (eRAVANS) activated an ipsilateral pontomedullary region consistent with nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). During eRAVANS, NTS connectivity was increased to anterior insula and anterior midcingulate cortex, compared with both sham and iRAVANS, in migraine patients. Increased connectivity was inversely correlated with relative time to the next migraine attack, suggesting clinical relevance to this change in connectivity. Poststimulation effects were also noted immediately after eRAVANS, as we found increased activation in putative pontine serotonergic (ie, nucleus raphe centralis) and noradrenergic (ie, locus coeruleus) nuclei in response to trigeminal sensory afference. Regulation of activity and connectivity of brainstem and cortical regions involved in serotonergic and noradrenergic regulation and pain modulation may constitute an underlying mechanism supporting beneficial clinical outcomes for eRAVANS applied for episodic migraine.
Collapse
|
17
|
De Cicco V, Tramonti Fantozzi MP, Cataldo E, Barresi M, Bruschini L, Faraguna U, Manzoni D. Trigeminal, Visceral and Vestibular Inputs May Improve Cognitive Functions by Acting through the Locus Coeruleus and the Ascending Reticular Activating System: A New Hypothesis. Front Neuroanat 2018; 11:130. [PMID: 29358907 PMCID: PMC5766640 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
It is known that sensory signals sustain the background discharge of the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) which includes the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurons and controls the level of attention and alertness. Moreover, LC neurons influence brain metabolic activity, gene expression and brain inflammatory processes. As a consequence of the sensory control of ARAS/LC, stimulation of a sensory channel may potential influence neuronal activity and trophic state all over the brain, supporting cognitive functions and exerting a neuroprotective action. On the other hand, an imbalance of the same input on the two sides may lead to an asymmetric hemispheric excitability, leading to an impairment in cognitive functions. Among the inputs that may drive LC neurons and ARAS, those arising from the trigeminal region, from visceral organs and, possibly, from the vestibular system seem to be particularly relevant in regulating their activity. The trigeminal, visceral and vestibular control of ARAS/LC activity may explain why these input signals: (1) affect sensorimotor and cognitive functions which are not directly related to their specific informational content; and (2) are effective in relieving the symptoms of some brain pathologies, thus prompting peripheral activation of these input systems as a complementary approach for the treatment of cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo De Cicco
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Integration, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria P Tramonti Fantozzi
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Integration, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Barresi
- Institut des Maladie Neurodégénératives, University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Luca Bruschini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ugo Faraguna
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Integration, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Diego Manzoni
- Laboratory of Sensorimotor Integration, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Tramonti Fantozzi MP, De Cicco V, Barresi M, Cataldo E, Faraguna U, Bruschini L, Manzoni D. Short-Term Effects of Chewing on Task Performance and Task-Induced Mydriasis: Trigeminal Influence on the Arousal Systems. Front Neuroanat 2017; 11:68. [PMID: 28848404 PMCID: PMC5550729 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2017.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Trigeminal input to the ascending activating system is important for the maintenance of arousal and may affect the discharge of the noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC), whose activity influences both vigilance state and pupil size, inducing mydriasis. For this reason, pupil size evaluation is now considered an indicator of LC activity. Since mastication activates trigeminal afferent neurons, the aims of the present study, conducted on healthy adult participants, were to investigate whether chewing a bolus of different hardness may: (1) differentially affect the performance on a cognitive task (consisting in the retrieval of specific target numbers within numerical matrices) and (2) increase the dilatation of the pupil (mydriasis) induced by a haptic task, suggesting a change in LC activation. Results show that chewing significantly increased both the velocity of number retrieval (without affecting the number of errors) and the mydriasis associated with the haptic task, whereas simple task repetition did not modify either retrieval or mydriasis. Handgrip exercise, instead, significantly decreased both parameters. Effects were significantly stronger and longer lasting when subjects chewed hard pellets. Finally, chewing-induced improvements in performance and changes in mydriasis were positively correlated, which suggests that trigeminal signals enhanced by chewing may boost the cognitive performance by increasing LC activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vincenzo De Cicco
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of PisaPisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Barresi
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, University of BordeauxBordeaux, France
| | | | - Ugo Faraguna
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of PisaPisa, Italy.,Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Foundation Stella MarisPisa, Italy
| | - Luca Bruschini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of PisaPisa, Italy
| | - Diego Manzoni
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of PisaPisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hormigo S, Gómez-Nieto R, Sancho C, Herrero-Turrión J, Carro J, López DE, Horta-Júnior JDADCE. Morphological correlates of sex differences in acoustic startle response and prepulse inhibition through projections from locus coeruleus to cochlear root neurons. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 222:3491-3508. [PMID: 28382577 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1415-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) plays an important role in the promotion and maintenance of arousal and alertness. Our group recently described coerulean projections to cochlear root neurons (CRNs), the first relay of the primary acoustic startle reflex (ASR) circuit. However, the role of the LC in the ASR and its modulation, prepulse inhibition (PPI), is not clear. In this study, we damaged LC neurons and fibers using a highly selective neurotoxin, DSP-4, and then assessed ASR and PPI in male and female rats. Our results showed that ASR amplitude was higher in males at 14 days after DSP-4 injection when compared to pre-administration values and those in the male control group. Such modifications in ASR amplitude did not occur in DSP-4-injected females, which exhibited ASR amplitude within the range of control values. PPI differences between males and females seen in controls were not observed in DSP-4-injected rats for any interstimulus interval tested. DSP-4 injection did not affect ASR and PPI latencies in either the male or the female groups, showing values that were consistent with the sex-related variability observed in control rats. Furthermore, we studied the noradrenergic receptor system in the cochlear nerve root using gene expression analysis. When compared to controls, DSP-4-injected males showed higher levels of expression in all adrenoceptor subtypes; however, DSP-4-injected females showed varied effects depending on the receptor type, with either up-, downregulations, or maintenance of expression levels. Lastly, we determined noradrenaline levels in CRNs and other LC-targeted areas using HPLC assays, and these results correlated with behavioral and adrenoceptor expression changes post DSP-4 injection. Our study supports the participation of LC in ASR and PPI, and contributes toward a better understanding of sex-related differences observed in somatosensory gating paradigms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Hormigo
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
| | - Ricardo Gómez-Nieto
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Consuelo Sancho
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Javier Herrero-Turrión
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Juan Carro
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Dolores E López
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José de Anchieta de Castro E Horta-Júnior
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Distrito de Rubião Jr., S/N, PO.Box 510, Botucatu, SP, 18618-689, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
de Freitas RL, Medeiros P, da Silva JA, de Oliveira RC, de Oliveira R, Ullah F, Khan AU, Coimbra NC. The μ1-opioid receptor and 5-HT2A- and 5HT2C-serotonergic receptors of the locus coeruleus are critical in elaborating hypoalgesia induced by tonic and tonic–clonic seizures. Neuroscience 2016; 336:133-145. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.08.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
21
|
Mustafa G, Hou J, Tsuda S, Nelson R, Sinharoy A, Wilkie Z, Pandey R, Caudle RM, Neubert JK, Thompson FJ, Bose P. Trigeminal neuroplasticity underlies allodynia in a preclinical model of mild closed head traumatic brain injury (cTBI). Neuropharmacology 2016; 107:27-39. [PMID: 26972829 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic headache (PTH) following TBI is a common and often persisting pain disability. PTH is often associated with a multimodal central pain sensitization on the skin surface described as allodynia. However, the particular neurobiology underlying cTBI-induced pain disorders are not known. These studies were performed to assess trigeminal sensory sensitization and to determine if sensitization measured behaviorally correlated with detectable changes in portions of the trigeminal sensory system (TSS), particularly trigeminal nucleus, thalamus, and sensory cortex. Thermal stimulation is particularly well suited to evaluate sensitization and was used in these studies. Recent advances in the use of reward/conflict paradigms permit use of operant measures of behavior, versus reflex-driven response behaviors, for thermal sensitization studies. Thus, to quantitate facial thermal sensitization (allodynia) in the setting of acute TBI, the current study utilized an operant orofacial pain reward/conflict testing paradigm to assess facial thermal sensitivity in uninjured control animals compared with those two weeks after cTBI in a rodent model. Significant reductions in facial contact/lick behaviors were observed in the TBI animals using either cool or warm challenge temperatures compared with behaviors in the normal animals. These facial thermal sensitizations correlated with detectable changes in multiple levels of the TSS. The immunohistochemical (IHC) studies revealed significant alterations in the expression of the serotonin (5-HT), neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R), norepinephrine (NE), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the caudal trigeminal nucleus, thalamic VPL/VPM nucleus, and sensory cortex of the orofacial pain pathways. There was a strong correlation between increased expression of certain IHC markers and increased behavioral markers for facial sensitization. The authors conclude that TBI-induced changes observed in the TSS are consistent with the expression of generalized facial allodynia following cTBI. To our knowledge, this is the first report of orofacial sensitization correlated with changes in selected neuromodulators/neurotransmitters in the TSS following experimental mild TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Golam Mustafa
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center of Excellence, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608-1197, USA; Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0144, USA
| | - Jiamei Hou
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center of Excellence, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608-1197, USA; Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0144, USA
| | - Shigeharu Tsuda
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0144, USA
| | - Rachel Nelson
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center of Excellence, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608-1197, USA
| | - Ankita Sinharoy
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center of Excellence, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608-1197, USA
| | - Zachary Wilkie
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center of Excellence, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608-1197, USA
| | - Rahul Pandey
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center of Excellence, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608-1197, USA
| | - Robert M Caudle
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0244, USA
| | - John K Neubert
- Department of Orthodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0244, USA
| | - Floyd J Thompson
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center of Excellence, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608-1197, USA; Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0144, USA; Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0244, USA
| | - Prodip Bose
- Brain Rehabilitation Research Center of Excellence, Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, Gainesville, FL 32608-1197, USA; Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0144, USA; Department of Neurology, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0236, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Biagioni AF, de Oliveira RC, de Oliveira R, da Silva JA, dos Anjos-Garcia T, Roncon CM, Corrado AP, Zangrossi H, Coimbra NC. 5-Hydroxytryptamine 1A receptors in the dorsomedial hypothalamus connected to dorsal raphe nucleus inputs modulate defensive behaviours and mediate innate fear-induced antinociception. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:532-45. [PMID: 26749090 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2015.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) is an important brainstem source of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and 5-HT plays a key role in the regulation of panic attacks. The aim of the present study was to determine whether 5-HT1A receptor-containing neurons in the medial hypothalamus (MH) receive neural projections from DRN and to then determine the role of this neural substrate in defensive responses. The neurotracer biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) was iontophoretically microinjected into the DRN, and immunohistochemical approaches were then used to identify 5HT1A receptor-labelled neurons in the MH. Moreover, the effects of pre-treatment of the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) with 8-OH-DPAT and WAY-100635, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist and antagonist, respectively, followed by local microinjections of bicuculline, a GABAA receptor antagonist, were investigated. We found that there are many projections from the DRN to the perifornical lateral hypothalamus (PeFLH) but also to DMH and ventromedial (VMH) nuclei, reaching 5HT1A receptor-labelled perikarya. DMH GABAA receptor blockade elicited defensive responses that were followed by antinociception. DMH treatment with 8-OH-DPAT decreased escape responses, which strongly suggests that the 5-HT1A receptor modulates the defensive responses. However, DMH treatment with WAY-100635 failed to alter bicuculline-induced defensive responses, suggesting that 5-HT exerts a phasic influence on 5-HT1A DMH neurons. The activation of the inhibitory 5-HT1A receptor had no effect on antinociception. However, blockade of the 5-HT1A receptor decreased fear-induced antinociception. The present data suggest that the ascending pathways from the DRN to the DMH modulate panic-like defensive behaviours and mediate antinociceptive phenomenon by recruiting 5-HT1A receptor in the MH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Franceschi Biagioni
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14050-220, Brazil
| | - Rithiele Cristina de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14050-220, Brazil
| | - Ricardo de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14050-220, Brazil; Mato Grosso Federal University Medical School (UFMT), Av. Alexandre Ferronato, 1200, Reserva 35, Setor Industrial, 78550-000 Sinop, Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | - Juliana Almeida da Silva
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14050-220, Brazil
| | - Tayllon dos Anjos-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14050-220, Brazil
| | - Camila Marroni Roncon
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14050-220, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Pinto Corrado
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Hélio Zangrossi
- Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14050-220, Brazil; NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil
| | - Norberto Cysne Coimbra
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil; Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Av. do Café, 2450, Monte Alegre, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14050-220, Brazil; NAP-USP-Neurobiology of Emotions Research Centre (NuPNE), Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14049-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Transdermal neuromodulation of noradrenergic activity suppresses psychophysiological and biochemical stress responses in humans. Sci Rep 2015; 5:13865. [PMID: 26353920 PMCID: PMC4564766 DOI: 10.1038/srep13865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We engineered a transdermal neuromodulation approach that targets peripheral (cranial and spinal) nerves and utilizes their afferent pathways as signaling conduits to influence brain function. We investigated the effects of this transdermal electrical neurosignaling (TEN) method on sympathetic physiology under different experimental conditions. The TEN method involved delivering high-frequency pulsed electrical currents to ophthalmic and maxillary divisions of the right trigeminal nerve and cervical spinal nerve afferents. Under resting conditions, TEN significantly suppressed basal sympathetic tone compared to sham as indicated by functional infrared thermography of facial temperatures. In a different experiment, subjects treated with TEN reported significantly lower levels of tension and anxiety on the Profile of Mood States scale compared to sham. In a third experiment when subjects were experimentally stressed TEN produced a significant suppression of heart rate variability, galvanic skin conductance, and salivary α-amylase levels compared to sham. Collectively these observations demonstrate TEN can dampen basal sympathetic tone and attenuate sympathetic activity in response to acute stress induction. Our physiological and biochemical observations are consistent with the hypothesis that TEN modulates noradrenergic signaling to suppress sympathetic activity. We conclude that dampening sympathetic activity in such a manner represents a promising approach to managing daily stress.
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhang J, Cheng H, Chen J, Yi F, Li W, Luan R, Guo W, Lv A, Rao Z, Wang H. Involvement of activated astrocyte and microglia of locus coeruleus in cardiac pain processing after acute cardiac injury. Neurol Res 2013; 31:432-8. [DOI: 10.1179/174313208x355486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
|
25
|
Abstract
The central noradrenergic neurone, like the peripheral sympathetic neurone, is characterized by a diffusely arborizing terminal axonal network. The central neurones aggregate in distinct brainstem nuclei, of which the locus coeruleus (LC) is the most prominent. LC neurones project widely to most areas of the neuraxis, where they mediate dual effects: neuronal excitation by α₁-adrenoceptors and inhibition by α₂-adrenoceptors. The LC plays an important role in physiological regulatory networks. In the sleep/arousal network the LC promotes wakefulness, via excitatory projections to the cerebral cortex and other wakefulness-promoting nuclei, and inhibitory projections to sleep-promoting nuclei. The LC, together with other pontine noradrenergic nuclei, modulates autonomic functions by excitatory projections to preganglionic sympathetic, and inhibitory projections to preganglionic parasympathetic neurones. The LC also modulates the acute effects of light on physiological functions ('photomodulation'): stimulation of arousal and sympathetic activity by light via the LC opposes the inhibitory effects of light mediated by the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus on arousal and by the paraventricular nucleus on sympathetic activity. Photostimulation of arousal by light via the LC may enable diurnal animals to function during daytime. LC neurones degenerate early and progressively in Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, leading to cognitive impairment, depression and sleep disturbance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elemer Szabadi
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Fanselow EE. Central mechanisms of cranial nerve stimulation for epilepsy. Surg Neurol Int 2012; 3:S247-54. [PMID: 23230529 PMCID: PMC3514917 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.103014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulation of peripheral cranial nerves has been shown to exert anticonvulsant effects in animal models as well as in human patients. Specifically, stimulation of both the trigeminal and vagus nerves has been shown in multiple clinical trials to be anticonvulsant, and stimulation of these nerves at therapeutic levels does not cause pain or negatively affect brain function. However, the neuronal mechanisms by which such stimulation exerts therapeutic effects are not well understood. In this review, the possible locations of action for trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are explored. Additionally, the multiple time scales on which TNS and VNS function are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika E Fanselow
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
De Cicco V. Cerebro-afferent vessel and pupillary basal diameter variation induced by stomatognathic trigeminal proprioception: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2012; 6:275. [PMID: 22943461 PMCID: PMC3477066 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-6-275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A patient affected by asymmetric hemodynamics of cerebro-afferent vessels underwent duplex color scanner investigations in occlusal proprioceptive un- and rebalance conditions. Pupillometric video-oculographic examinations were performed in order to spot connected trigeminal proprioceptive motor patterns able to interfere on sympathetic autonomic activity. The aim of this case report is to verify if involuntary jaw closing during swallowing, executed in unbalance and rebalance myoelectric activity, would be able to modify cerebral hemodynamics. CASE PRESENTATION A 56-year-old Caucasian Italian woman affected by asymmetric blood flow of cerebro-afferent vessels underwent an electromyographic investigation of her occlusal muscles in order to assess their occlusal functional balance. The extreme asymmetry of myoelectric activity in dental occlusion evidenced by electromyographic values suggested the rebalancing of the functions of occlusal muscles through concurrent transcutaneous stimulation of the trigeminal nerve supra- and submandibular motor branches. The above-mentioned method allowed the detection of a symmetric craniomandibular muscular relation that can be kept constant through the use of a cusp bite modeled on the inferior dental arch: called orthotic-syntropic bite for its peculiar use of electrostimulation. A few days later, the patient underwent a duplex color scanner investigation and pupillometric video-oculographic examinations in occlusal unbalance and rebalance conditions. CONCLUSIONS A comparative data analysis showed that an unbalanced dental occlusal function may represent an interferential pattern on cerebral hemodynamics velocity and pupillometric evaluations have proved useful both in the analysis of locus coeruleus functional modalities and as a diagnostic tool in the assessment of pathologies involving locus coeruleus and autonomic systems. The inclusion of myoelectric masseter examinations can be useful in patients with asymmetric hemodynamics of cerebro-afferent vessels and dental occlusal proprioceptive rebalance can integrate the complex therapy of patients with increased chronic sympathetic activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo De Cicco
- Department of Oral Science, University "G, d'Annunzio", via dei Vestini 31, Chieti, 66100, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hormigo S, Horta Júnior JDADCE, Gómez-Nieto R, López DE. The selective neurotoxin DSP-4 impairs the noradrenergic projections from the locus coeruleus to the inferior colliculus in rats. Front Neural Circuits 2012; 6:41. [PMID: 22754504 PMCID: PMC3385004 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2012.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The inferior colliculus (IC) and the locus coeruleus (LC) are two midbrain nuclei that integrate multimodal information and play a major role in novelty detection to elicit an orienting response. Despite the reciprocal connections between these two structures, the projection pattern and target areas of the LC within the subdivisions of the rat IC are still unknown. Here, we used tract-tracing approaches combined with immunohistochemistry, densitometry, and confocal microscopy (CM) analysis to describe a projection from the LC to the IC. Biotinylated dextran amine (BDA) injections into the LC showed that the LC-IC projection is mainly ipsilateral (90%) and reaches, to a major extent, the dorsal and lateral part of the IC and the intercollicular commissure. Additionally, some LC fibers extend into the central nucleus of the IC. The neurochemical nature of this projection is noradrenergic, given that tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and dopamine beta hydroxylase (DBH) colocalize with the BDA-labeled fibers from the LC. To determine the total field of the LC innervations in the IC, we destroyed the LC neurons and fibers using a highly selective neurotoxin, DSP-4, and then studied the distribution and density of TH- and DBH-immunolabeled axons in the IC. In the DSP-4 treated animals, the number of axonal fibers immunolabeled for TH and DBH were deeply decreased throughout the entire rostrocaudal extent of the IC and its subdivisions compared to controls. Our densitometry results showed that the IC receives up to 97% of its noradrenergic innervations from the LC neurons and only 3% from non-coeruleus neurons. Our results also indicate that TH immunoreactivity in the IC was less impaired than the immunoreactivity for DBH after DSP-4 administration. This is consistent with the existence of an important dopaminergic projection from the substantia nigra to the IC. In conclusion, our study demonstrates and quantifies the noradrenergic projection from the LC to the IC and its subdivisions. The re-examination of the TH and DBH immunoreactivity after DSP-4 treatment provides insights into the source, extent, and topographic distribution of the LC efferent network in the IC, and hence, contributes to our understanding of the role of the noradrenaline (NA) system in auditory processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Hormigo
- Institute for Neuroscience of Castilla y Leon, University of Salamanca Salamanca, Spain
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Central syntropic effects elicited by trigeminal proprioceptive equilibrium in Alzheimer's disease: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2012; 6:161. [PMID: 22734831 PMCID: PMC3411437 DOI: 10.1186/1752-1947-6-161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The presented patient, affected by Alzheimer’s disease, underwent neuropsychological evaluation and functional magnetic resonance imaging investigation under occlusal proprioceptive un-balance and re-balance conditions. Saccadic and pupillometric video-oculographic examinations were performed in order to detect connected trigeminal proprioceptive motor patterns able to interfere with reticular formation cerebellum functions linked to visual and procedural processes prematurely altered in Alzheimer’s disease. Case presentation A 66-year-old Caucasian man, affected by Alzheimer’s disease and with a neuropsychological evaluation issued by the Alzheimer’s Evaluation Unit, underwent an electromyographic investigation of the masseter muscles in order to assess their functional balance. The patient showed a bilateral lack of all inferior molars. The extreme myoelectric asymmetry in dental occlusion suggested the rebalancing of masseter muscular functions through concurrent transcutaneous stimulation of the trigeminal nerve supramandibular and submandibular motor branches. The above-mentioned method allows detection of symmetric craniomandibular muscular relation that can be kept constant through the use of a cusp bite modeled on the inferior dental arch, called orthotic-syntropic bite. A few days later, the patient underwent a new neuropsychological investigation, together with a functional magnetic resonance imaging study, and saccadic, pupillometric video-oculographic examinations in occlusal un-balance and re-balance conditions. Conclusions Comparative data analysis has shown that a re-balanced occlusal condition can improve a patient’s cognitive-attentive functions. Moreover, the saccadic and pupillometric video-oculographic investigations have proven useful both in analyzing reticulo-cerebellar subcortical systems, prematurely altered in Alzheimer’s disease, and in implementing neurological evaluations.
Collapse
|
30
|
Felippotti TT, dos Reis Ferreira CM, de Freitas RL, de Oliveira RC, de Oliveira R, Paschoalin-Maurin T, Coimbra NC. Paradoxical effect of noradrenaline-mediated neurotransmission in the antinociceptive phenomenon that accompanies tonic-clonic seizures: role of locus coeruleus neurons and α(2)- and β-noradrenergic receptors. Epilepsy Behav 2011; 22:165-77. [PMID: 21813330 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Revised: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The postictal state is generally followed by antinociception. It is known that connections between the dorsal raphe nucleus, the periaqueductal gray matter, and the locus coeruleus, an important noradrenergic brainstem nucleus, are involved in the descending control of ascending nociceptive pathways. The aim of the present study was to determine whether noradrenergic mechanisms in the locus coeruleus are involved in postictal antinociception. Yohimbine (an α(2)-receptor antagonist) or propranolol (a β-receptor antagonist) was microinjected unilaterally into the locus coeruleus, followed by intraperitoneal administration of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), a noncompetitive antagonist that blocks GABA-mediated Cl(-) influx. Although the administration of both yohimbine and propranolol to the locus coeruleus/subcoeruleus area resulted in a significant decrease in tonic or tonic-clonic seizure-induced antinociception, the effect of yohimbine restricted to the locus coeruleus was more distinct compared with that of propranolol, possibly because of the presynaptic localization of α(2)-noradrenergic receptors in locus coeruleus neurons. These effects were related to the modulation of noradrenergic activity in the locus coeruleus. Interestingly, microinjections of noradrenaline into the locus coeruleus also decrease the postictal antinociception. The present results suggest that the mechanism underlying postictal antinociception involves both α(2)- and β-noradrenergic receptors in the locus coeruleus, although the action of noradrenaline on these receptors causes a paradoxical effect, depending on the nature of the local neurotransmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Tocchini Felippotti
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Caetano AL, Viel TA, Bittencourt MFQP, Araujo MS, De Angelis K, Buck HS. Change in central kinin B2 receptor density after exercise training in rats. Auton Neurosci 2010; 158:71-8. [PMID: 20637711 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2010.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2009] [Revised: 05/29/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular responses elicited by the stimulation of kinin B2 receptors in the IV cerebral ventricle, paratrigeminal nucleus or in the thoracic spinal cord are similar to those observed during an exercise bout. Considering that the kalikrein-kinin system (KKS) could act on the cardiovascular modulation during behavioral responses as physical exercise or stress, this study evaluated the central B2 receptor densities of Wistar (W) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) after chronic moderate exercise. Animals were exercise-trained for ten weeks on a treadmill. Afterwards, systolic blood pressure decreased in both trained strains. Animals were killed and the medulla and spinal cord extracted for B2 receptor autoradiography. Trained animals were compared to their sedentary controls. Sedentary groups showed specific binding sites for Hoe-140 (fmol/mg of tissue) in laminas 1 and 2 of the spinal cord, nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), area postrema (AP), spinal trigeminal tract (sp5) and paratrigeminal nucleus (Pa5). In trained W a significant increase (p<0.05) in specific binding was observed in the Pa5 (31.3%) and NTS (28.2%). Trained SHR showed a significant decrease in receptor density in lamina 2 (21.9%) of the thoracic spinal cord and an increase in specific binding in Pa5 (36.1%). We suggest that in the medulla, chronic exercise could hyper stimulate the KKS enhancing their efficiency through the increase of B2 receptor density, involving this receptor in central cardiovascular control during exercise or stress. In the lamina 2, B2 receptor might be involved in the exercise-induced hypotension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariadiny Lima Caetano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ferdyn-Drosik M, Nowak P, Bojanek K, Bałasz M, Kasperski J, Skaba D, Muchacki R, Kostrzewa RM. Neonatal DSP-4 treatment impairs 5-HT1B receptor reactivity in adult rats. Behavioral and biochemical studies. Pharmacol Rep 2010; 62:608-20. [DOI: 10.1016/s1734-1140(10)70318-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2009] [Revised: 11/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
33
|
Samuels ER, Szabadi E. Functional neuroanatomy of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus: its roles in the regulation of arousal and autonomic function part I: principles of functional organisation. Curr Neuropharmacol 2010; 6:235-53. [PMID: 19506723 PMCID: PMC2687936 DOI: 10.2174/157015908785777229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 472] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2007] [Revised: 02/25/2008] [Accepted: 06/06/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC) is the major noradrenergic nucleus of the brain, giving rise to fibres innervating extensive areas throughout the neuraxis. Recent advances in neuroscience have resulted in the unravelling of the neuronal circuits controlling a number of physiological functions in which the LC plays a central role. Two such functions are the regulation of arousal and autonomic activity, which are inseparably linked largely via the involvement of the LC. The LC is a major wakefulness-promoting nucleus, resulting from dense excitatory projections to the majority of the cerebral cortex, cholinergic neurones of the basal forebrain, cortically-projecting neurones of the thalamus, serotoninergic neurones of the dorsal raphe and cholinergic neurones of the pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, and substantial inhibitory projections to sleep-promoting GABAergic neurones of the basal forebrain and ventrolateral preoptic area. Activation of the LC thus results in the enhancement of alertness through the innervation of these varied nuclei. The importance of the LC in controlling autonomic function results from both direct projections to the spinal cord and projections to autonomic nuclei including the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, the nucleus ambiguus, the rostroventrolateral medulla, the Edinger-Westphal nucleus, the caudal raphe, the salivatory nuclei, the paraventricular nucleus, and the amygdala. LC activation produces an increase in sympathetic activity and a decrease in parasympathetic activity via these projections. Alterations in LC activity therefore result in complex patterns of neuronal activity throughout the brain, observed as changes in measures of arousal and autonomic function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E R Samuels
- Psychopharmacology Section, University of Nottingham, Division of Psychiatry, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Nash PG, Macefield VG, Klineberg IJ, Murray GM, Henderson LA. Differential activation of the human trigeminal nuclear complex by noxious and non-noxious orofacial stimulation. Hum Brain Mapp 2010; 30:3772-82. [PMID: 19492300 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.20805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
There is good evidence from animal studies for segregation in the processing of non-nociceptive and nociceptive information within the trigeminal brainstem sensory nuclear complex. However, it remains unknown whether a similar segregation occurs in humans, and a recent tract tracing study suggests that this segregation may not exist. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to define and compare activity patterns of the trigeminal brainstem nuclear complex during non-noxious and noxious cutaneous and non-noxious and noxious muscle orofacial stimulation in humans. We found that during cutaneous pain, signal intensity increased within the entire rostrocaudal extent of the spinal trigeminal nucleus (SpV), encompassing the ipsilateral oralis (SpVo), interpolaris (SpVi) and caudalis (SpVc) subdivisions. In contrast, muscle pain did not activate SpVi, but instead activated a discrete region of the ipsilateral SpVo and SpVc. Further, muscle noxious stimulation activated a region of the ipsilateral lateral pons in the region of the trigeminal principal sensory nucleus (Vp). Innocuous orofacial stimulation (lip brushing) also evoked a significant increase in signal intensity in the ipsilateral Vp; however, non-noxious muscle stimulation showed no increase in signal in this area. The data reveal that orofacial cutaneous and muscle nociceptive information and innocuous cutaneous stimulation are differentially represented within the trigeminal nuclear complex. It is well established that cutaneous and muscle noxious stimuli evoke different perceptual, behavioural and cardiovascular changes. We speculate that the differential activation evoked by cutaneous and muscle noxious stimuli within the trigeminal sensory complex may contribute to the neural basis for these differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul G Nash
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Dauvergne C, Smit AE, Valla J, Diagne M, Buisseret-Delmas C, Buisseret P, Pinganaud G, Vanderwerf F. Are locus coeruleus neurons involved in blinking? Neurosci Res 2008; 61:182-91. [PMID: 18400323 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2008.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2007] [Revised: 01/30/2008] [Accepted: 02/25/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the involvement of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) in the reflex blink circuit, c-Fos and neuronal tracer experiments were performed in the rat. LC neurons involved in reflex blink were localized by analyzing c-Fos protein expression after electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve. Subsequently, neuronal tracers were injected in two different nuclei which are part of the reflex blink circuit. Anterograde tracer experiments in the sensory trigeminal complex (STC) explored the trigemino-coerulear connection; retrograde tracer experiments in the latero-caudal portion of the superior colliculus (SC) established coerulear-collicular connections. The combination of retrograde tracer injections into the latero-caudal SC portion combined with electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve identified c-Fos positive LC neurons that project to the latero-caudal SC. Our results revealed the existence of a STC-LC-SC loop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Dauvergne
- Laboratoire de Physiologie de la Manducation, UP7, 4 place Jussieu, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abstract
While the role of the brain kallikrein-kinin system in the development of various pathological processes, such as oedema formation following brain injury or induction of central hypertonia has generated major interest, the possible role of this system in nociceptive processing has received little attention. In their present paper, Mortari et al. (2007) show that bradykinin B2 receptor activation in the brain by the bradykinin analogue, Thr(6)-bradykinin, isolated from the venom of the social wasp, Polybia occidentalis potently reduces acute, noxious heat-evoked reflex responses in naive rats. The unknown underlying mechanism of this powerful antinociceptive effect reminds us that the supraspinal antinociceptive system is still a "black box" in many aspects and awaits thorough investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Nagy
- Department of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Mortari MR, Cunha AOS, Carolino ROG, Coutinho-Netto J, Tomaz JC, Lopes NP, Coimbra NC, dos Santos WF. Inhibition of acute nociceptive responses in rats after i.c.v. injection of Thr6-bradykinin, isolated from the venom of the social wasp, Polybia occidentalis. Br J Pharmacol 2007; 151:860-9. [PMID: 17533426 PMCID: PMC2014116 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0707275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In this work, a neuroactive peptide from the venom of the neotropical wasp Polybia occidentalis was isolated and its anti-nociceptive effects were characterized in well-established pain induction models. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Wasp venom was analysed by reverse-phase HPLC and fractions screened for anti-nociceptive activity. The structure of the most active fraction was identified by electron-spray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) and it was further assessed in two tests of anti-nociceptive activity in rats: the hot plate and tail flick tests. KEY RESULTS The most active fraction contained a peptide whose structure was Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe-Thr-Pro-Phe-Arg-OH, which corresponds to that of Thr(6)-BK, a bradykinin analogue. This peptide was given by i.c.v. injection to rats. In the tail flick test, Thr(6)-BK induced anti-nociceptive effects, approximately twice as potent as either morphine or bradykinin also given i.c.v. The anti-nociceptive activity of Thr(6)-BK peaked at 30 min after injection and persisted for 2 h, longer than bradykinin. The primary mode of action of Thr(6)-BK involved the activation of B(2) bradykinin receptors, as anti-nociceptive effects of Thr(6)-BK were antagonized by a selective B(2) receptor antagonist. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data indicate that Thr(6)-BK acts through B(2) bradykinin receptors in the mammalian CNS, evoking antinociceptive behaviour. This activity is remarkably different from that of bradykinin, despite the structural similarities between both peptides. In addition, due to the increased metabolic stability of Thr(6)-BK, relative to that of bradykinin, this peptide could provide a novel tool in the investigation of kinin pathways involved with pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M R Mortari
- Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A O S Cunha
- Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - R O G Carolino
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J Coutinho-Netto
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - J C Tomaz
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - N P Lopes
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Physics and Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - N C Coimbra
- Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
| | - W F dos Santos
- Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo São Paulo, Brazil
- Author for correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|