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Fitzgerald M. The Bayliss-Starling Prize Lecture: The developmental physiology of spinal cord and cortical nociceptive circuits. J Physiol 2024; 602:1003-1016. [PMID: 38426221 DOI: 10.1113/jp283994] [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: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
When do we first experience pain? To address this question, we need to know how the developing nervous system processes potential or real tissue-damaging stimuli in early life. In the newborn, nociception preserves life through reflex avoidance of tissue damage and engagement of parental help. Importantly, nociception also forms the starting point for experiencing and learning about pain and for setting the level of adult pain sensitivity. This review, which arose from the Bayliss-Starling Prize Lecture, focuses on the basic developmental neurophysiology of early nociceptive circuits in the spinal cord, brainstem and cortex that form the building blocks of our first pain experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fitzgerald
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
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2
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Taylor SR, Kobayashi M, Vilella A, Tiwari D, Zolboot N, Du JX, Spencer KR, Hartzell A, Girgiss C, Abaci YT, Shao Y, De Sanctis C, Bellenchi GC, Darnell RB, Gross C, Zoli M, Berg DK, Lippi G. MicroRNA-218 instructs proper assembly of hippocampal networks. eLife 2023; 12:e82729. [PMID: 37862092 PMCID: PMC10637775 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly of the mammalian brain is orchestrated by temporally coordinated waves of gene expression. Post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) is a key aspect of this program. Indeed, deletion of neuron-enriched miRNAs induces strong developmental phenotypes, and miRNA levels are altered in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the mechanisms used by miRNAs to instruct brain development remain largely unexplored. Here, we identified miR-218 as a critical regulator of hippocampal assembly. MiR-218 is highly expressed in the hippocampus and enriched in both excitatory principal neurons (PNs) and GABAergic inhibitory interneurons (INs). Early life inhibition of miR-218 results in an adult brain with a predisposition to seizures. Changes in gene expression in the absence of miR-218 suggest that network assembly is impaired. Indeed, we find that miR-218 inhibition results in the disruption of early depolarizing GABAergic signaling, structural defects in dendritic spines, and altered intrinsic membrane excitability. Conditional knockout of Mir218-2 in INs, but not PNs, is sufficient to recapitulate long-term instability. Finally, de-repressing Kif21b and Syt13, two miR-218 targets, phenocopies the effects on early synchronous network activity induced by miR-218 inhibition. Taken together, the data suggest that miR-218 orchestrates formative events in PNs and INs to produce stable networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth R Taylor
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Mariko Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-oncology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Antonietta Vilella
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences; Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (CfNN), University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Durgesh Tiwari
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Norjin Zolboot
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | - Jessica X Du
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | - Kathryn R Spencer
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | - Andrea Hartzell
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | - Carol Girgiss
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Yusuf T Abaci
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Yufeng Shao
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
| | | | - Gian Carlo Bellenchi
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics A Buzzati-TraversoNaplesItaly
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa LuciaRomeItaly
| | - Robert B Darnell
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-oncology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller UniversityNew YorkUnited States
| | - Christina Gross
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiUnited States
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences; Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (CfNN), University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Darwin K Berg
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San DiegoLa JollaUnited States
| | - Giordano Lippi
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaUnited States
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3
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Ouyang W, Lu W, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Kim JU, Shen H, Wu Y, Luan H, Kilner K, Lee SP, Lu Y, Yang Y, Wang J, Yu Y, Wegener AJ, Moreno JA, Xie Z, Wu Y, Won SM, Kwon K, Wu C, Bai W, Guo H, Liu TL, Bai H, Monti G, Zhu J, Madhvapathy SR, Trueb J, Stanslaski M, Higbee-Dempsey EM, Stepien I, Ghoreishi-Haack N, Haney CR, Kim TI, Huang Y, Ghaffari R, Banks AR, Jhou TC, Good CH, Rogers JA. A wireless and battery-less implant for multimodal closed-loop neuromodulation in small animals. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1252-1269. [PMID: 37106153 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01029-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Fully implantable wireless systems for the recording and modulation of neural circuits that do not require physical tethers or batteries allow for studies that demand the use of unconstrained and freely behaving animals in isolation or in social groups. Moreover, feedback-control algorithms that can be executed within such devices without the need for remote computing eliminate virtual tethers and any associated latencies. Here we report a wireless and battery-less technology of this type, implanted subdermally along the back of freely moving small animals, for the autonomous recording of electroencephalograms, electromyograms and body temperature, and for closed-loop neuromodulation via optogenetics and pharmacology. The device incorporates a system-on-a-chip with Bluetooth Low Energy for data transmission and a compressed deep-learning module for autonomous operation, that offers neurorecording capabilities matching those of gold-standard wired systems. We also show the use of the implant in studies of sleep-wake regulation and for the programmable closed-loop pharmacological suppression of epileptic seizures via feedback from electroencephalography. The technology can support a broader range of applications in neuroscience and in biomedical research with small animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Ouyang
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Wei Lu
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Yamin Zhang
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Yiming Liu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jong Uk Kim
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Haixu Shen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Yunyun Wu
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Haiwen Luan
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | - Stephen P Lee
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Neurolux Inc., Northfield, IL, USA
| | - Yinsheng Lu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Yiyuan Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | - Amy J Wegener
- US Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
| | - Justin A Moreno
- US Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA
- SURVICE Engineering, Belcamp, MD, USA
| | - Zhaoqian Xie
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Yixin Wu
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Sang Min Won
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeongha Kwon
- School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Changsheng Wu
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Wubin Bai
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Applied Physical Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hexia Guo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Tzu-Li Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Hedan Bai
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Giuditta Monti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jason Zhu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Surabhi R Madhvapathy
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jacob Trueb
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Iwona Stepien
- Developmental Therapeutics Core, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | | | - Chad R Haney
- Center for Advanced Molecular Imaging, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Tae-Il Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonggang Huang
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Roozbeh Ghaffari
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Neurolux Inc., Northfield, IL, USA
| | - Anthony R Banks
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
- Neurolux Inc., Northfield, IL, USA
| | - Thomas C Jhou
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Cameron H Good
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Neurolux Inc., Northfield, IL, USA.
- US Army Research Laboratory, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA.
- US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, USA.
| | - John A Rogers
- Querrey Simpson Institute for Bioelectronics, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.
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4
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Muza PM, Bush D, Pérez-González M, Zouhair I, Cleverley K, Sopena ML, Aoidi R, West SJ, Good M, Tybulewicz VL, Walker MC, Fisher EM, Chang P. Cognitive impairments in a Down syndrome model with abnormal hippocampal and prefrontal dynamics and cytoarchitecture. iScience 2023; 26:106073. [PMID: 36818290 PMCID: PMC9929862 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Dp(10)2Yey mouse carries a ∼2.3-Mb intra-chromosomal duplication of mouse chromosome 10 (Mmu10) that has homology to human chromosome 21, making it an essential model for aspects of Down syndrome (DS, trisomy 21). In this study, we investigated neuronal dysfunction in the Dp(10)2Yey mouse and report spatial memory impairment and anxiety-like behavior alongside altered neural activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HPC). Specifically, Dp(10)2Yey mice showed impaired spatial alternation associated with increased sharp-wave ripple activity in mPFC during a period of memory consolidation, and reduced mobility in a novel environment accompanied by reduced theta-gamma phase-amplitude coupling in HPC. Finally, we found alterations in the number of interneuron subtypes in mPFC and HPC that may contribute to the observed phenotypes and highlight potential approaches to ameliorate the effects of human trisomy 21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip M. Muza
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Daniel Bush
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Marta Pérez-González
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ines Zouhair
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Karen Cleverley
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Miriam L. Sopena
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Rifdat Aoidi
- Immune Cell Biology and Down Syndrome Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Steven J. West
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, London W1T 4JG, UK
| | - Mark Good
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Victor L.J. Tybulewicz
- Immune Cell Biology and Down Syndrome Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
- Corresponding author
| | - Matthew C. Walker
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Corresponding author
| | - Elizabeth M.C. Fisher
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Corresponding author
| | - Pishan Chang
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
- Corresponding author
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5
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Chang P, Fabrizi L, Fitzgerald M. Early Life Pain Experience Changes Adult Functional Pain Connectivity in the Rat Somatosensory and the Medial Prefrontal Cortex. J Neurosci 2022; 42:8284-8296. [PMID: 36192150 PMCID: PMC9653276 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0416-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life pain (ELP) experience alters adult pain behavior and increases injury-induced pain hypersensitivity, but the effect of ELP on adult functional brain connectivity is not known. We have performed continuous local field potential (LFP) recording in the awake adult male rats to test the effect of ELP on functional cortical connectivity related to pain behavior. Primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) LFPs evoked by mechanical hindpaw stimulation were recorded simultaneously with pain reflex behavior for 10 d after adult incision injury. We show that, after adult injury, sensory evoked S1 LFP δ and γ energy and S1 LFP δ/γ frequency coupling are significantly increased in ELP rats compared with controls. Adult injury also induces increases in S1-mPFC functional connectivity, but this is significantly prolonged in ELP rats, lasting 4 d compared with 1 d in controls. Importantly, the increases in LFP energy and connectivity in ELP rats were directly correlated with increased behavioral pain hypersensitivity. Thus, ELP alters adult brain functional connectivity, both within and between cortical areas involved in sensory and affective dimensions of pain. The results reveal altered brain connectivity as a mechanism underlying the effects of ELP on adult pain perception.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Pain and stress in early life has a lasting impact on pain behavior and may increase vulnerability to chronic pain in adults. Here, we record pain-related cortical activity and simultaneous pain behavior in awake adult male rats previously exposed to pain in early life. We show that functional connectivity within and between the somatosensory cortex and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is increased in these rats and that these increases are correlated with their behavioral pain hypersensitivity. The results reveal that early life pain (ELP) alters adult brain connectivity, which may explain the impact of childhood pain on adult chronic pain vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pishan Chang
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, Medawar Pain and Somatosensory Labs, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Fabrizi
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, Medawar Pain and Somatosensory Labs, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Fitzgerald
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, Medawar Pain and Somatosensory Labs, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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Gaidica M, Dantzer B. An implantable neurophysiology platform: Broadening research capabilities in free-living and non-traditional animals. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:940989. [PMID: 36213207 PMCID: PMC9537467 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.940989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-borne sensors that can record and transmit data (“biologgers”) are becoming smaller and more capable at a rapid pace. Biologgers have provided enormous insight into the covert lives of many free-ranging animals by characterizing behavioral motifs, estimating energy expenditure, and tracking movement over vast distances, thereby serving both scientific and conservational endpoints. However, given that biologgers are usually attached externally, access to the brain and neurophysiological data has been largely unexplored outside of the laboratory, limiting our understanding of how the brain adapts to, interacts with, or addresses challenges of the natural world. For example, there are only a handful of studies in free-living animals examining the role of sleep, resulting in a wake-centric view of behavior despite the fact that sleep often encompasses a large portion of an animal’s day and plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis. The growing need to understand sleep from a mechanistic viewpoint and probe its function led us to design an implantable neurophysiology platform that can record brain activity and inertial data, while utilizing a wireless link to enable a suite of forward-looking capabilities. Here, we describe our design approach and demonstrate our device’s capability in a standard laboratory rat as well as a captive fox squirrel. We also discuss the methodological and ethical implications of deploying this new class of device “into the wild” to fill outstanding knowledge gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Gaidica
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Matt Gaidica,
| | - Ben Dantzer
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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7
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Plocksties F, Kober M, Niemann C, Heller J, Fauser M, Nüssel M, Uster F, Franz D, Zwar M, Lüttig A, Kröger J, Harloff J, Schulz A, Richter A, Köhling R, Timmermann D, Storch A. The software defined implantable modular platform (STELLA) for preclinical deep brain stimulation research in rodents. J Neural Eng 2021; 18. [PMID: 34542029 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac23e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Context.Long-term deep brain stimulation (DBS) studies in rodents are of crucial importance for research progress in this field. However, most stimulation devices require jackets or large head-mounted systems which severely affect mobility and general welfare influencing animals' behavior.Objective.To develop a preclinical neurostimulation implant system for long-term DBS research in small animal models.Approach.We propose a low-cost dual-channel DBS implant called software defined implantable platform (STELLA) with a printed circuit board size of Ø13 × 3.3 mm, weight of 0.6 g and current consumption of 7.6µA/3.1 V combined with an epoxy resin-based encapsulation method.Main results.STELLA delivers charge-balanced and configurable current pulses with widely used commercial electrodes. Whilein vitrostudies demonstrate at least 12 weeks of error-free stimulation using a CR1225 battery, our calculations predict a battery lifetime of up to 3 years using a CR2032. Exemplary application for DBS of the subthalamic nucleus in adult rats demonstrates that fully-implanted STELLA neurostimulators are very well-tolerated over 42 days without relevant stress after the early postoperative phase resulting in normal animal behavior. Encapsulation, external control and monitoring of function proved to be feasible. Stimulation with standard parameters elicited c-Fos expression by subthalamic neurons demonstrating biologically active function of STELLA.Significance.We developed a fully implantable, scalable and reliable DBS device that meets the urgent need for reverse translational research on DBS in freely moving rodent disease models including sensitive behavioral experiments. We thus add an important technology for animal research according to 'The Principle of Humane Experimental Technique'-replacement, reduction and refinement (3R). All hardware, software and additional materials are available under an open source license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Plocksties
- Institute of Applied Microelectronics and Computer Engineering, University of Rostock, 18119 Rostock, Germany
| | - Maria Kober
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Christoph Niemann
- Institute of Applied Microelectronics and Computer Engineering, University of Rostock, 18119 Rostock, Germany
| | - Jakob Heller
- Institute of Applied Microelectronics and Computer Engineering, University of Rostock, 18119 Rostock, Germany
| | - Mareike Fauser
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Martin Nüssel
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Felix Uster
- Institute of Applied Microelectronics and Computer Engineering, University of Rostock, 18119 Rostock, Germany
| | - Denise Franz
- Institute of Physiology, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Monique Zwar
- Institute of Physiology, University of Rostock, 18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Anika Lüttig
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Justin Kröger
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Jörg Harloff
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Axel Schulz
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Angelika Richter
- Institute of Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Köhling
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany
| | - Dirk Timmermann
- Institute of Applied Microelectronics and Computer Engineering, University of Rostock, 18119 Rostock, Germany
| | - Alexander Storch
- Department of Neurology, University of Rostock, 18147 Rostock, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Rostock/Greifswald, 18147 Rostock, Germany
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8
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Tse K, Beamer E, Simpson D, Beynon RJ, Sills GJ, Thippeswamy T. The Impacts of Surgery and Intracerebral Electrodes in C57BL/6J Mouse Kainate Model of Epileptogenesis: Seizure Threshold, Proteomics, and Cytokine Profiles. Front Neurol 2021; 12:625017. [PMID: 34322075 PMCID: PMC8312573 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.625017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) is commonly used to study epileptogenesis and epilepsy in experimental models. Chronic gliosis and neurodegeneration at the injury site are known to be associated with surgically implanted electrodes in both humans and experimental models. Currently, however, there are no reports on the impact of intracerebral electrodes on proteins in the hippocampus and proinflammatory cytokines in the cerebral cortex and plasma in experimental models. We used an unbiased, label-free proteomics approach to identify the altered proteins in the hippocampus, and multiplex assay for cytokines in the cerebral cortex and plasma of C57BL/6J mice following bilateral surgical implantation of electrodes into the cerebral hemispheres. Seven days following surgery, a repeated low dose kainate (KA) regimen was followed to induce status epilepticus (SE). Surgical implantation of electrodes reduced the amount of KA necessary to induce SE by 50%, compared with mice without surgery. Tissues were harvested 7 days post-SE (i.e., 14 days post-surgery) and compared with vehicle-treated mice. Proteomic profiling showed more proteins (103, 6.8% of all proteins identified) with significantly changed expression (p < 0.01) driven by surgery than by KA treatment itself without surgery (27, 1.8% of all proteins identified). Further, electrode implantation approximately doubled the number of KA-induced changes in protein expression (55, 3.6% of all identified proteins). Further analysis revealed that intracerebral electrodes and KA altered the expression of proteins associated with epileptogenesis such as inflammation (C1q system), neurodegeneration (cystatin-C, galectin-1, cathepsin B, heat-shock protein 25), blood–brain barrier dysfunction (fibrinogen-α, serum albumin, α2 macroglobulin), and gliosis (vimentin, GFAP, filamin-A). The multiplex assay revealed a significant increase in key cytokines such as TNFα, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL12p70, IFN-γ, and KC/GRO in the cerebral cortex and some in the plasma in the surgery group. Overall, these findings demonstrate that surgical implantation of depth electrodes alters some of the molecules that may have a role in epileptogenesis in experimental models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Tse
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Beamer
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Deborah Simpson
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J Beynon
- Centre for Proteome Research, Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme J Sills
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Thimmasettappa Thippeswamy
- Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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9
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Marshall GF, Gonzalez-Sulser A, Abbott CM. Modelling epilepsy in the mouse: challenges and solutions. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm.047449. [PMID: 33619078 PMCID: PMC7938804 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.047449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In most mouse models of disease, the outward manifestation of a disorder can be measured easily, can be assessed with a trivial test such as hind limb clasping, or can even be observed simply by comparing the gross morphological characteristics of mutant and wild-type littermates. But what if we are trying to model a disorder with a phenotype that appears only sporadically and briefly, like epileptic seizures? The purpose of this Review is to highlight the challenges of modelling epilepsy, in which the most obvious manifestation of the disorder, seizures, occurs only intermittently, possibly very rarely and often at times when the mice are not under direct observation. Over time, researchers have developed a number of ways in which to overcome these challenges, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In this Review, we describe the genetics of epilepsy and the ways in which genetically altered mouse models have been used. We also discuss the use of induced models in which seizures are brought about by artificial stimulation to the brain of wild-type animals, and conclude with the ways these different approaches could be used to develop a wider range of anti-seizure medications that could benefit larger patient populations. Summary: This Review discusses the challenges of modelling epilepsy in mice, a condition in which the outward manifestation of the disorder appears only sporadically, and reviews possible solutions encompassing both genetic and induced models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant F Marshall
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Alfredo Gonzalez-Sulser
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Catherine M Abbott
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK .,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
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10
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Jiricek S, Koudelka V, Lacik J, Vejmola C, Kuratko D, Wójcik DK, Raida Z, Hlinka J, Palenicek T. Electrical Source Imaging in Freely Moving Rats: Evaluation of a 12-Electrode Cortical Electroencephalography System. Front Neuroinform 2021; 14:589228. [PMID: 33568980 PMCID: PMC7868391 DOI: 10.3389/fninf.2020.589228] [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: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This work presents and evaluates a 12-electrode intracranial electroencephalography system developed at the National Institute of Mental Health (Klecany, Czech Republic) in terms of an electrical source imaging (ESI) technique in rats. The electrode system was originally designed for translational research purposes. This study demonstrates that it is also possible to use this well-established system for ESI, and estimates its precision, accuracy, and limitations. Furthermore, this paper sets a methodological basis for future implants. Source localization quality is evaluated using three approaches based on surrogate data, physical phantom measurements, and in vivo experiments. The forward model for source localization is obtained from the FieldTrip-SimBio pipeline using the finite-element method. Rat brain tissue extracted from a magnetic resonance imaging template is approximated by a single-compartment homogeneous tetrahedral head model. Four inverse solvers were tested: standardized low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography, exact low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA), linear constrained minimum variance (LCMV), and dynamic imaging of coherent sources. Based on surrogate data, this paper evaluates the accuracy and precision of all solvers within the brain volume using error distance and reliability maps. The mean error distance over the whole brain was found to be the lowest in the eLORETA solution through signal to noise ratios (SNRs) (0.2 mm for 25 dB SNR). The LCMV outperformed eLORETA under higher SNR conditions, and exhibiting higher spatial precision. Both of these inverse solvers provided accurate results in a phantom experiment (1.6 mm mean error distance across shallow and 2.6 mm across subcortical testing dipoles). Utilizing the developed technique in freely moving rats, an auditory steady-state response experiment provided results in line with previously reported findings. The obtained results support the idea of utilizing a 12-electrode system for ESI and using it as a solid basis for the development of future ESI dedicated implants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Jiricek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Department of Cybernetics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Complex Systems, Institute of Computer Science of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Jaroslav Lacik
- Department of Radioengineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czechia
| | - Cestmir Vejmola
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - David Kuratko
- Department of Radioengineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czechia
| | - Daniel K. Wójcik
- Department of Radioengineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czechia
- Laboratory of Neuroinformatics, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zbynek Raida
- Department of Radioengineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jaroslav Hlinka
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Department of Complex Systems, Institute of Computer Science of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomas Palenicek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
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11
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Chang P, Bush D, Schorge S, Good M, Canonica T, Shing N, Noy S, Wiseman FK, Burgess N, Tybulewicz VLJ, Walker MC, Fisher EMC. Altered Hippocampal-Prefrontal Neural Dynamics in Mouse Models of Down Syndrome. Cell Rep 2020; 30:1152-1163.e4. [PMID: 31995755 PMCID: PMC6996020 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.12.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered neural dynamics in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus may contribute to cognitive impairments in the complex chromosomal disorder Down syndrome (DS). Here, we demonstrate non-overlapping behavioral differences associated with distinct abnormalities in hippocampal and mPFC electrophysiology during a canonical spatial working memory task in three partially trisomic mouse models of DS (Dp1Tyb, Dp10Yey, and Dp17Yey) that together cover all regions of homology with human chromosome 21 (Hsa21). Dp1Tyb mice show slower decision-making (unrelated to the gene dose of DYRK1A, which has been implicated in DS cognitive dysfunction) and altered theta dynamics (reduced frequency, increased hippocampal-mPFC coherence, and increased modulation of hippocampal high gamma); Dp10Yey mice show impaired alternation performance and reduced theta modulation of hippocampal low gamma; and Dp17Yey mice are not significantly different from the wild type. These results link specific hippocampal and mPFC circuit dysfunctions to cognitive deficits in DS models and, importantly, map them to discrete regions of Hsa21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pishan Chang
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Daniel Bush
- UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Mark Good
- School of Psychology, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Tara Canonica
- School of Psychology, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Nathanael Shing
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Suzanna Noy
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Frances K Wiseman
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Neil Burgess
- UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Victor L J Tybulewicz
- Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK; Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Matthew C Walker
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Elizabeth M C Fisher
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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12
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Shekh-Ahmad T, Lieb A, Kovac S, Gola L, Christian Wigley W, Abramov AY, Walker MC. Combination antioxidant therapy prevents epileptogenesis and modifies chronic epilepsy. Redox Biol 2019; 26:101278. [PMID: 31382215 PMCID: PMC6692059 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Many epilepsies are acquired conditions following an insult to the brain such as a prolonged seizure, traumatic brain injury or stroke. The generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induction of oxidative stress are common sequelae of such brain insults and have been shown to contribute to neuronal death and the development of epilepsy. Here, we show that combination therapy targeting the generation of ROS through NADPH oxidase inhibition and the endogenous antioxidant system through nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation prevents excessive ROS accumulation, mitochondrial depolarisation and neuronal death during in vitro seizure-like activity. Moreover, this combination therapy prevented the development of spontaneous seizures in 40% of animals following status epilepticus (70% of animals were seizure free after 8 weeks) and modified the severity of epilepsy when given to chronic epileptic animals. Combination antioxidant therapy during seizure activity is neuroprotective. Antioxidant therapy can prevent the development of epilepsy. Chronic epilepsy can be modified by antioxidant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawfeeq Shekh-Ahmad
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N, UK; Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Institute of Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Andreas Lieb
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N, UK; Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Peter Mayr Strasse 1A, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stjepana Kovac
- Department of Neurology, University of Muenster, Muenster, 48149, Germany
| | - Lukas Gola
- Department of Neurology, University of Muenster, Muenster, 48149, Germany
| | - W Christian Wigley
- Reata Pharmaceuticals, 2801 Gateway Dr, Suite 150, Irving, TX, 75063, USA
| | - Andrey Y Abramov
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N, UK
| | - Matthew C Walker
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, WC1N, UK.
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13
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Chang BL, Leite M, Snowball A, Lieb A, Chabrol E, Walker MC, Kullmann DM, Schorge S, Wykes RC. Semiology, clustering, periodicity and natural history of seizures in an experimental occipital cortical epilepsy model. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm036194. [PMID: 30467223 PMCID: PMC6307909 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.036194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal neocortical epilepsy is a common form of epilepsy and there is a need to develop animal models that allow the evaluation of novel therapeutic strategies to treat this type of epilepsy. Tetanus toxin (TeNT) injection into the rat visual cortex induces focal neocortical epilepsy without preceding status epilepticus. The latency to first seizure ranged from 3 to 7 days. Seizure duration was bimodal, with both short (approximately 30 s) and long-lasting (>100 s) seizures occurring in the same animals. Seizures were accompanied by non-motor features such as behavioural arrest, or motor seizures with or without evolution to generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Seizures were more common during the sleep phase of a light-dark cycle. Seizure occurrence was not random, and tended to cluster with significantly higher probability of recurrence within 24 h of a previous seizure. Across animals, the number of seizures in the first week could be used to predict the number of seizures in the following 3 weeks. The TeNT model of occipital cortical epilepsy is a model of acquired focal neocortical epilepsy that is well-suited for preclinical evaluation of novel anti-epileptic strategies. We provide here a detailed analysis of the epilepsy phenotypes, seizure activity, electrographic features and the semiology. In addition, we provide a predictive framework that can be used to reduce variation and consequently animal use in preclinical studies of potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Luen Chang
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
- Section of Epilepsy, Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Marco Leite
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Albert Snowball
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Andreas Lieb
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Elodie Chabrol
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Matthew C Walker
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Dimitri M Kullmann
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Robert C Wykes
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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14
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Circadian and Brain State Modulation of Network Hyperexcitability in Alzheimer's Disease. eNeuro 2018; 5:eN-CFN-0426-17. [PMID: 29780880 PMCID: PMC5956746 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0426-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Network hyperexcitability is a feature of Alzheimer' disease (AD) as well as numerous transgenic mouse models of AD. While hyperexcitability in AD patients and AD animal models share certain features, the mechanistic overlap remains to be established. We aimed to identify features of network hyperexcitability in AD models that can be related to epileptiform activity signatures in AD patients. We studied network hyperexcitability in mice expressing amyloid precursor protein (APP) with mutations that cause familial AD, and compared a transgenic model that overexpresses human APP (hAPP) (J20), to a knock-in model expressing APP at physiological levels (APPNL/F). We recorded continuous long-term electrocorticogram (ECoG) activity from mice, and studied modulation by circadian cycle, behavioral, and brain state. We report that while J20s exhibit frequent interictal spikes (IISs), APPNL/F mice do not. In J20 mice, IISs were most prevalent during daylight hours and the circadian modulation was associated with sleep. Further analysis of brain state revealed that IIS in J20s are associated with features of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. We found no evidence of cholinergic changes that may contribute to IIS-circadian coupling in J20s. In contrast to J20s, intracranial recordings capturing IIS in AD patients demonstrated frequent IIS in non-REM (NREM) sleep. The salient differences in sleep-stage coupling of IIS in APP overexpressing mice and AD patients suggests that different mechanisms may underlie network hyperexcitability in mice and humans. We posit that sleep-stage coupling of IIS should be an important consideration in identifying mouse AD models that most closely recapitulate network hyperexcitability in human AD.
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15
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Shekh-Ahmad T, Eckel R, Dayalan Naidu S, Higgins M, Yamamoto M, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Kovac S, Abramov AY, Walker MC. KEAP1 inhibition is neuroprotective and suppresses the development of epilepsy. Brain 2018; 141:1390-1403. [PMID: 29538645 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awy071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal sclerosis is a common acquired disease that is a major cause of drug-resistant epilepsy. A mechanism that has been proposed to lead from brain insult to hippocampal sclerosis is the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, and consequent mitochondrial failure. Here we use a novel strategy to increase endogenous antioxidant defences using RTA 408, which we show activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2, encoded by NFE2L2) through inhibition of kelch like ECH associated protein 1 (KEAP1) through its primary sensor C151. Activation of Nrf2 with RTA 408 inhibited reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial depolarization and cell death in an in vitro model of seizure-like activity. RTA 408 given after status epilepticus in vivo increased ATP, prevented neuronal death, and dramatically reduced (by 94%) the frequency of late spontaneous seizures for at least 4 months following status epilepticus. Thus, acute KEAP1 inhibition following status epilepticus exerts a neuroprotective and disease-modifying effect, supporting the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species generation is a key event in the development of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tawfeeq Shekh-Ahmad
- UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N, UK
| | - Ramona Eckel
- UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N, UK
| | - Sharadha Dayalan Naidu
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Maureen Higgins
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | - Masayuki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Albena T Dinkova-Kostova
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Stjepana Kovac
- UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N, UK
- Department of Neurology, University of Muenster, Muenster 48149, Germany
| | - Andrey Y Abramov
- UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N, UK
| | - Matthew C Walker
- UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N, UK
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16
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The brain during free movement - What can we learn from the animal model. Brain Res 2017; 1716:3-15. [PMID: 28893579 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Animals, just like humans, can freely move. They do so for various important reasons, such as finding food and escaping predators. Observing these behaviors can inform us about the underlying cognitive processes. In addition, while humans can convey complicated information easily through speaking, animals need to move their bodies to communicate. This has prompted many creative solutions by animal neuroscientists to enable studying the brain during movement. In this review, we first summarize how animal researchers record from the brain while an animal is moving, by describing the most common neural recording techniques in animals and how they were adapted to record during movement. We further discuss the challenge of controlling or monitoring sensory input during free movement. However, not only is free movement a necessity to reflect the outcome of certain internal cognitive processes in animals, it is also a fascinating field of research since certain crucial behavioral patterns can only be observed and studied during free movement. Therefore, in a second part of the review, we focus on some key findings in animal research that specifically address the interaction between free movement and brain activity. First, focusing on walking as a fundamental form of free movement, we discuss how important such intentional movements are for understanding processes as diverse as spatial navigation, active sensing, and complex motor planning. Second, we propose the idea of regarding free movement as the expression of a behavioral state. This view can help to understand the general influence of movement on brain function. Together, the technological advancements towards recording from the brain during movement, and the scientific questions asked about the brain engaged in movement, make animal research highly valuable to research into the human "moving brain".
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17
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Michetti C, Castroflorio E, Marchionni I, Forte N, Sterlini B, Binda F, Fruscione F, Baldelli P, Valtorta F, Zara F, Corradi A, Benfenati F. The PRRT2 knockout mouse recapitulates the neurological diseases associated with PRRT2 mutations. Neurobiol Dis 2016; 99:66-83. [PMID: 28007585 PMCID: PMC5321265 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2016.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous and rare homozygous mutations in PRoline-Rich Transmembrane protein 2 (PRRT2) underlie a group of paroxysmal disorders including epilepsy, kinesigenic dyskinesia episodic ataxia and migraine. Most of the mutations lead to impaired PRRT2 expression and/or function. Recently, an important role for PRTT2 in the neurotransmitter release machinery, brain development and synapse formation has been uncovered. In this work, we have characterized the phenotype of a mouse in which the PRRT2 gene has been constitutively inactivated (PRRT2 KO). β-galactosidase staining allowed to map the regional expression of PRRT2 that was more intense in the cerebellum, hindbrain and spinal cord, while it was localized to restricted areas in the forebrain. PRRT2 KO mice are normal at birth, but display paroxysmal movements at the onset of locomotion that persist in the adulthood. In addition, adult PRRT2 KO mice present abnormal motor behaviors characterized by wild running and jumping in response to audiogenic stimuli that are ineffective in wild type mice and an increased sensitivity to the convulsive effects of pentylentetrazol. Patch-clamp electrophysiology in hippocampal and cerebellar slices revealed specific effects in the cerebellum, where PRRT2 is highly expressed, consisting in a higher excitatory strength at parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapses during high frequency stimulation. The results show that the PRRT2 KO mouse reproduces the motor paroxysms present in the human PRRT2-linked pathology and can be proposed as an experimental model for the study of the pathogenesis of the disease as well as for testing personalized therapeutic approaches. PRRT2 is intensely expressed in cerebellum and in restricted areas of the forebrain. PRRT2 KO mice display paroxysmal movements at the onset of locomotion. PRRT2 KO mice present abnormal motor behaviors in response to audiogenic stimuli. PRRT2 KO mice are more sensitive to the convulsive effects of pentylentetrazol. PRRT2 KO mice display an altered synaptic transmission in the cerebellar cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Castroflorio
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Ivan Marchionni
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Nicola Forte
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Bruno Sterlini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Binda
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Floriana Fruscione
- Department Head and Neck Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Neuroscience, Institute G. Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini, 5, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Flavia Valtorta
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, Via Olgettina 58, 20132 Milano, Italy
| | - Federico Zara
- Department Head and Neck Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Neuroscience, Institute G. Gaslini, Via Gerolamo Gaslini, 5, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Corradi
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy; Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genova, Italy.
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18
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Chang P, Fabrizi L, Olhede S, Fitzgerald M. The Development of Nociceptive Network Activity in the Somatosensory Cortex of Freely Moving Rat Pups. Cereb Cortex 2016; 26:4513-4523. [PMID: 27797835 PMCID: PMC5193146 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical perception of noxious stimulation is an essential component of pain experience but it is not known how cortical nociceptive activity emerges during brain development. Here we use continuous telemetric electrocorticogram (ECoG) recording from the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) of awake active rat pups to map functional nociceptive processing in the developing brain over the first 4 weeks of life. Cross-sectional and longitudinal recordings show that baseline S1 ECoG energy increases steadily with age, with a distinctive beta component replaced by a distinctive theta component in week 3. Event-related potentials were evoked by brief noxious hindpaw skin stimulation at all ages tested, confirming the presence of functional nociceptive spinothalamic inputs in S1. However, hindpaw incision, which increases pain sensitivity at all ages, did not increase S1 ECoG energy until week 3. A significant increase in gamma (20–50 Hz) energy occurred in the presence of skin incision at week 3 accompanied by a longer-lasting increase in theta (4–8 Hz) energy at week 4. Continuous ECoG recording demonstrates specific postnatal functional stages in the maturation of S1 cortical nociception. Somatosensory cortical coding of an ongoing pain “state” in awake rat pups becomes apparent between 2 and 4 weeks of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Chang
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E6BT, UK.,Current address: Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - L Fabrizi
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E6BT, UK
| | - S Olhede
- Department of Statistical Science, University College London, London WC1E6BT, UK
| | - M Fitzgerald
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology & Pharmacology, University College London, London WC1E6BT, UK
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Weiergräber M, Papazoglou A, Broich K, Müller R. Sampling rate, signal bandwidth and related pitfalls in EEG analysis. J Neurosci Methods 2016; 268:53-5. [PMID: 27172844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2016.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This submission contains a commentary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Weiergräber
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175 Bonn, Germany.
| | - Anna Papazoglou
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Broich
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM), Kurt-Georg-Kiesinger-Allee 3, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Ralf Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Kerpener-Str. 62, Cologne, Germany
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Papazoglou A, Lundt A, Wormuth C, Ehninger D, Henseler C, Soós J, Broich K, Weiergräber M. Non-restraining EEG Radiotelemetry: Epidural and Deep Intracerebral Stereotaxic EEG Electrode Placement. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27404845 DOI: 10.3791/54216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Implantable EEG radiotelemetry is of central relevance in the neurological characterization of transgenic mouse models of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases as well as epilepsies. This powerful technique does not only provide valuable insights into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, i.e., the etiopathogenesis of CNS related diseases, it also facilitates the development of new translational, i.e., therapeutic approaches. Whereas competing techniques that make use of recorder systems used in jackets or tethered systems suffer from their unphysiological restraining to semi-restraining character, radiotelemetric EEG recordings overcome these disadvantages. Technically, implantable EEG radiotelemetry allows for precise and highly sensitive measurement of epidural and deep, intracerebral EEGs under various physiological and pathophysiological conditions. First, we present a detailed protocol of a straight forward, successful, quick and efficient technique for epidural (surface) EEG recordings resulting in high-quality electrocorticograms. Second, we demonstrate how to implant deep, intracerebral EEG electrodes, e.g., in the hippocampus (electrohippocampogram). For both approaches, a computerized 3D stereotaxic electrode implantation system is used. The radiofrequency transmitter itself is implanted into a subcutaneous pouch in both mice and rats. Special attention also has to be paid to pre-, peri- and postoperative treatment of the experimental animals. Preoperative preparation of mice and rats, suitable anesthesia as well as postoperative treatment and pain management are described in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Papazoglou
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM)
| | - Andreas Lundt
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM)
| | - Carola Wormuth
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM)
| | - Dan Ehninger
- Molecular and Cellular Cognition Lab, German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, DZNE)
| | - Christina Henseler
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM)
| | - Julien Soós
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM)
| | - Karl Broich
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM)
| | - Marco Weiergräber
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM);
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Pinnell RC, Almajidy RK, Kirch RD, Cassel JC, Hofmann UG. A Wireless EEG Recording Method for Rat Use inside the Water Maze. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147730. [PMID: 26828947 PMCID: PMC4734832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
With the continued miniaturisation of portable embedded systems, wireless EEG recording techniques are becoming increasingly prevalent in animal behavioural research. However, in spite of their versatility and portability, they have seldom been used inside water-maze tasks designed for rats. As such, a novel 3D printed implant and waterproof connector is presented, which can facilitate wireless water-maze EEG recordings in freely-moving rats, using a commercial wireless recording system (W32; Multichannel Systems). As well as waterproofing the wireless system, battery, and electrode connector, the implant serves to reduce movement-related artefacts by redistributing movement-related forces away from the electrode connector. This implant/connector was able to successfully record high-quality LFP in the hippocampo-striatal brain regions of rats as they undertook a procedural-learning variant of the double-H water-maze task. Notably, there were no significant performance deficits through its use when compared with a control group across a number of metrics including number of errors and speed of task completion. Taken together, this method can expand the range of measurements that are currently possible in this diverse area of behavioural neuroscience, whilst paving the way for integration with more complex behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C. Pinnell
- Neuroelectronic Systems, Dept. of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Rand K. Almajidy
- Neuroelectronic Systems, Dept. of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Signal Processing, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
- College of Medicine, University of Diyala, Diyala, Iraq
| | - Robert D. Kirch
- Neuroelectronic Systems, Dept. of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jean C. Cassel
- Université de Strasbourg, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), F-67000, Strasbourg, France
- CNRS, LNCA UMR 7364, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ulrich G. Hofmann
- Neuroelectronic Systems, Dept. of Neurosurgery, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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22
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EEG Radiotelemetry in Small Laboratory Rodents: A Powerful State-of-the Art Approach in Neuropsychiatric, Neurodegenerative, and Epilepsy Research. Neural Plast 2015; 2016:8213878. [PMID: 26819775 PMCID: PMC4706962 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8213878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
EEG radiotelemetry plays an important role in the neurological characterization of transgenic mouse models of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases as well as epilepsies providing valuable insights into underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and thereby facilitating the development of new translational approaches. We elaborate on the major advantages of nonrestraining EEG radiotelemetry in contrast to restraining procedures such as tethered systems or jacket systems containing recorders. Whereas a main disadvantage of the latter is their unphysiological, restraining character, telemetric EEG recording overcomes these disadvantages. It allows precise and highly sensitive measurement under various physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Here we present a detailed description of a straightforward successful, quick, and efficient technique for intraperitoneal as well as subcutaneous pouch implantation of a standard radiofrequency transmitter in mice and rats. We further present computerized 3D-stereotaxic placement of both epidural and deep intracerebral electrodes. Preoperative preparation of mice and rats, suitable anaesthesia, and postoperative treatment and pain management are described in detail. A special focus is on fields of application, technical and experimental pitfalls, and technical connections of commercially available radiotelemetry systems with other electrophysiological setups.
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Wright S, Hashemi K, Stasiak L, Bartram J, Lang B, Vincent A, Upton AL. Epileptogenic effects of NMDAR antibodies in a passive transfer mouse model. Brain 2015; 138:3159-67. [PMID: 26373601 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awv257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Most patients with N-methyl D-aspartate-receptor antibody encephalitis develop seizures but the epileptogenicity of the antibodies has not been investigated in vivo. Wireless electroencephalogram transmitters were implanted into 23 C57BL/6 mice before left lateral ventricle injection of antibody-positive (test) or healthy (control) immunoglobulin G. Mice were challenged 48 h later with a subthreshold dose (40 mg/kg) of the chemo-convulsant pentylenetetrazol and events recorded over 1 h. Seizures were assessed by video observation of each animal and the electroencephalogram by an automated seizure detection programme. No spontaneous seizures were seen with the antibody injections. However, after the pro-convulsant, the test mice (n = 9) had increased numbers of observed convulsive seizures (P = 0.004), a higher total seizure score (P = 0.003), and a higher number of epileptic 'spike' events (P = 0.023) than the control mice (n = 6). At post-mortem, surprisingly, the total number of N-methyl D-aspartate receptors did not differ between test and control mice, but in test mice the levels of immunoglobulin G bound to the left hippocampus were higher (P < 0.0001) and the level of bound immunoglobulin G correlated with the seizure scores (R(2) = 0.8, P = 0.04, n = 5). Our findings demonstrate the epileptogenicity of N-methyl D-aspartate receptor antibodies in vivo, and suggest that binding of immunoglobulin G either reduced synaptic localization of N-methyl D-aspartate receptors, or had a direct effect on receptor function, which could be responsible for seizure susceptibility in this acute short-term model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhvir Wright
- 1 Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Kevan Hashemi
- 2 Open Source Instruments Inc, 130 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472, USA
| | - Lukasz Stasiak
- 3 Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Julian Bartram
- 3 Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
| | - Bethan Lang
- 1 Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Angela Vincent
- 1 Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - A Louise Upton
- 3 Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PT, UK
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24
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Conditional deletion of the glutamate transporter GLT-1 reveals that astrocytic GLT-1 protects against fatal epilepsy while neuronal GLT-1 contributes significantly to glutamate uptake into synaptosomes. J Neurosci 2015; 35:5187-201. [PMID: 25834045 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4255-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
GLT-1 (EAAT2; slc1a2) is the major glutamate transporter in the brain, and is predominantly expressed in astrocytes, but at lower levels also in excitatory terminals. We generated a conditional GLT-1 knock-out mouse to uncover cell-type-specific functional roles of GLT-1. Inactivation of the GLT-1 gene was achieved in either neurons or astrocytes by expression of synapsin-Cre or inducible human GFAP-CreERT2. Elimination of GLT-1 from astrocytes resulted in loss of ∼80% of GLT-1 protein and of glutamate uptake activity that could be solubilized and reconstituted in liposomes. This loss was accompanied by excess mortality, lower body weight, and seizures suggesting that astrocytic GLT-1 is of major importance. However, there was only a small (15%) reduction that did not reach significance of glutamate uptake into crude forebrain synaptosomes. In contrast, when GLT-1 was deleted in neurons, both the GLT-1 protein and glutamate uptake activity that could be solubilized and reconstituted in liposomes were virtually unaffected. These mice showed normal survival, weight gain, and no seizures. However, the synaptosomal glutamate uptake capacity (Vmax) was reduced significantly (40%). In conclusion, astrocytic GLT-1 performs critical functions required for normal weight gain, resistance to epilepsy, and survival. However, the contribution of astrocytic GLT-1 to glutamate uptake into synaptosomes is less than expected, and the contribution of neuronal GLT-1 to synaptosomal glutamate uptake is greater than expected based on their relative protein expression. These results have important implications for the interpretation of the many previous studies assessing glutamate uptake capacity by measuring synaptosomal uptake.
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25
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Chemical-genetic attenuation of focal neocortical seizures. Nat Commun 2014; 5:3847. [PMID: 24866701 PMCID: PMC4050272 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Focal epilepsy is commonly pharmacoresistant, and resective surgery is often contraindicated by proximity to eloquent cortex. Many patients have no effective treatment options. Gene therapy allows cell-type specific inhibition of neuronal excitability, but on-demand seizure suppression has only been achieved with optogenetics, which requires invasive light delivery. Here we test a combined chemical–genetic approach to achieve localized suppression of neuronal excitability in a seizure focus, using viral expression of the modified muscarinic receptor hM4Di. hM4Di has no effect in the absence of its selective, normally inactive and orally bioavailable agonist clozapine-N-oxide (CNO). Systemic administration of CNO suppresses focal seizures evoked by two different chemoconvulsants, pilocarpine and picrotoxin. CNO also has a robust anti-seizure effect in a chronic model of focal neocortical epilepsy. Chemical–genetic seizure attenuation holds promise as a novel approach to treat intractable focal epilepsy while minimizing disruption of normal circuit function in untransduced brain regions or in the absence of the specific ligand. Focal epilepsy is difficult to treat with currently available drugs or surgical approaches. Kätzel et al. express mutant inhibitory receptors in the brains of rats with focal epilepsy and selectively activate these receptors by an exogenous compound, which results in region- and time-specific suppression of focal seizures
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Walker MC, Schorge S, Kullmann DM, Wykes RC, Heeroma JH, Mantoan L. Gene therapy in status epilepticus. Epilepsia 2013; 54 Suppl 6:43-5. [PMID: 24001071 DOI: 10.1111/epi.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy in human disease has expanded rapidly in recent years with the development of safer and more effective viral vectors, and presents a novel approach to the treatment of epilepsy. Studies in animals models have demonstrated that overexpression of inhibitory peptides can modify seizure threshold, prevent the development of epilepsy, and modify established epilepsy. More recently there has been a flurry of studies using optogenetics in which light-activated channels expressed in neurons can transiently change neuronal excitability on exposure to light, thereby enabling the development of closed loop systems to detect and stop seizure activity. The treatment of status epilepticus presents its own challenges. Because of both the delay in gene expression following transfection and also the necessity of using focal transfection, there are a limited number of situations in which gene therapy can be used in status epilepticus. One such condition is epilepsia partialis continua (EPC). We have used gene therapy in a model of EPC and have shown that we can "cure" the condition. Recent evidence suggesting that gene therapy targeting subcortical regions can modify generalized or more diffuse epilepsies, indicates that the range of situations in status epilepticus in which gene therapy could be used will expand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Walker
- UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London, U.K.
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Carballosa-Gonzalez MM, Muñoz LJ, López-Alburquerque T, Pardal-Fernández JM, Nava E, de Cabo C, Sancho C, López DE. EEG characterization of audiogenic seizures in the hamster strain GASH:Sal. Epilepsy Res 2013; 106:318-25. [PMID: 23916142 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2013.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Revised: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The study was performed to characterize GASH:SAL audiogenic seizures as true epileptic activity based on electroencephalographic markers acquired with a wireless implanted radiotelemetry system. We analyzed cortical EEG patterns synchronized with video recordings of convulsive behavior of the GASH:Sal hamster following an acoustic stimulus. All GASH:Sal presented archetypal motor symptoms comparable to current animal models of generalized tonic-clonic epilepsy. Seizures consisted of an initial bout of wild running, followed by opisthotonus, tonic-clonic convulsions, tonic limb extension, and terminated in postictal depression. EEG patterns correlated with behavior and displayed phase appropriate spike-wave complexes, low-amplitude desynchronized activity, and high frequency large-amplitude peaks. Our results confirm that electroencephalographic profiles of the audiogenic seizures of the hamster GASH:Sal are parallel to EEG patterns of other animal models of generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Therefore, this animal may serve as an appropriate model for epilepsy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Carballosa-Gonzalez
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León/IBSAL, C/ Pintor Fernando Gallego, n° 1, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Room 2-34, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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28
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Wykes RC, Heeroma JH, Mantoan L, Zheng K, MacDonald DC, Deisseroth K, Hashemi KS, Walker MC, Schorge S, Kullmann DM. Optogenetic and potassium channel gene therapy in a rodent model of focal neocortical epilepsy. Sci Transl Med 2012; 4:161ra152. [PMID: 23147003 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3004190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Neocortical epilepsy is frequently drug-resistant. Surgery to remove the epileptogenic zone is only feasible in a minority of cases, leaving many patients without an effective treatment. We report the potential efficacy of gene therapy in focal neocortical epilepsy using a rodent model in which epilepsy is induced by tetanus toxin injection in the motor cortex. By applying several complementary methods that use continuous wireless electroencephalographic monitoring to quantify epileptic activity, we observed increases in high frequency activity and in the occurrence of epileptiform events. Pyramidal neurons in the epileptic focus showed enhanced intrinsic excitability consistent with seizure generation. Optogenetic inhibition of a subset of principal neurons transduced with halorhodopsin targeted to the epileptic focus by lentiviral delivery was sufficient to attenuate electroencephalographic seizures. Local lentiviral overexpression of the potassium channel Kv1.1 reduced the intrinsic excitability of transduced pyramidal neurons. Coinjection of this Kv1.1 lentivirus with tetanus toxin fully prevented the occurrence of electroencephalographic seizures. Finally, administration of the Kv1.1 lentivirus to an established epileptic focus progressively suppressed epileptic activity over several weeks without detectable behavioral side effects. Thus, gene therapy in a rodent model can be used to suppress seizures acutely, prevent their occurrence after an epileptogenic stimulus, and successfully treat established focal epilepsy.
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Castro OW, Santos VR, Pun RYK, McKlveen JM, Batie M, Holland KD, Gardner M, Garcia-Cairasco N, Herman JP, Danzer SC. Impact of corticosterone treatment on spontaneous seizure frequency and epileptiform activity in mice with chronic epilepsy. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46044. [PMID: 23029379 PMCID: PMC3460996 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 08/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is the most commonly reported precipitating factor for seizures in patients with epilepsy. Despite compelling anecdotal evidence for stress-induced seizures, animal models of the phenomena are sparse and possible mechanisms are unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that increased levels of the stress-associated hormone corticosterone (CORT) would increase epileptiform activity and spontaneous seizure frequency in mice rendered epileptic following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. We monitored video-EEG activity in pilocarpine-treated mice 24/7 for a period of four or more weeks, during which animals were serially treated with CORT or vehicle. CORT increased the frequency and duration of epileptiform events within the first 24 hours of treatment, and this effect persisted for up to two weeks following termination of CORT injections. Interestingly, vehicle injection produced a transient spike in CORT levels – presumably due to the stress of injection – and a modest but significant increase in epileptiform activity. Neither CORT nor vehicle treatment significantly altered seizure frequency; although a small subset of animals did appear responsive. Taken together, our findings indicate that treatment of epileptic animals with exogenous CORT designed to mimic chronic stress can induce a persistent increase in interictal epileptiform activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olagide W. Castro
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Victor R. Santos
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raymund Y. K. Pun
- Department of Anesthesia, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jessica M. McKlveen
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Matthew Batie
- Division of Clinical Engineering, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Katherine D. Holland
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Margaret Gardner
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - James P. Herman
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Steve C. Danzer
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Anesthesia, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Molecular and Developmental Biology Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- Departments of Anesthesia and Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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