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Gambino G, Rizzo V, Giglia G, Ferraro G, Sardo P. Cannabinoids, TRPV and nitric oxide: the three ring circus of neuronal excitability. Brain Struct Funct 2019; 225:1-15. [PMID: 31792694 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-019-01992-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Endocannabinoid system is considered a relevant player in the regulation of neuronal excitability, since it contributes to maintaining the balance of the synaptic ionic milieu. Perturbations to bioelectric conductances have been implicated in the pathophysiological processes leading to hyperexcitability and epileptic seizures. Cannabinoid influence on neurosignalling is exerted on classic receptor-mediated mechanisms or on further molecular targets. Among these, transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) are ionic channels modulated by cannabinoids that are involved in the transduction of a plethora of stimuli and trigger fundamental downstream pathways in the post-synaptic site. In this review, we aim at providing a brief summary of the most recent data about the cross-talk between cannabinoid system and TRPV channels, drawing attention on their role on neuronal hyperexcitability. Then, we aim to unveil a plausible point of interaction between these neural signalling systems taking into consideration nitric oxide, a gaseous molecule inducing profound modifications to neural performances. From this novel perspective, we struggle to propose innovative cellular mechanisms in the regulation of hyperexcitability phenomena, with the goal of exploring plausible CB-related mechanisms underpinning epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuditta Gambino
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Sezione di Fisiologia Umana G. Pagano, University of Palermo, Corso Tukory 129, Palermo, Italy.
| | - Valerio Rizzo
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Sezione di Fisiologia Umana G. Pagano, University of Palermo, Corso Tukory 129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giglia
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Sezione di Fisiologia Umana G. Pagano, University of Palermo, Corso Tukory 129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ferraro
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Sezione di Fisiologia Umana G. Pagano, University of Palermo, Corso Tukory 129, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Sardo
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (Bi.N.D.), Sezione di Fisiologia Umana G. Pagano, University of Palermo, Corso Tukory 129, Palermo, Italy
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Gambino G, Allegra M, Sardo P, Attanzio A, Tesoriere L, Livrea MA, Ferraro G, Carletti F. Brain Distribution and Modulation of Neuronal Excitability by Indicaxanthin From Opuntia Ficus Indica Administered at Nutritionally-Relevant Amounts. Front Aging Neurosci 2018; 10:133. [PMID: 29867444 PMCID: PMC5954040 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2018.00133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have recently investigated the role of nutraceuticals in complex pathophysiological processes such as oxidative damages, inflammatory conditions and excitotoxicity. In this regard, the effects of nutraceuticals on basic functions of neuronal cells, such as excitability, are still poorly investigated. For this reason, the possible modulation of neuronal excitability by phytochemicals (PhC) could represent an interesting field of research given that excitotoxicity phenomena are involved in neurodegenerative alterations leading, for example, to Alzheimer’s disease. The present study was focused on indicaxanthin from Opuntia ficus indica, a bioactive betalain pigment, with a proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, previously found to cross blood-brain barrier (BBB) and to modulate the bioelectric activity of hippocampal neurons. On this basis, we aimed at detecting the specific brain areas where indicaxanthin localizes after oral administration at dietary-achievable amounts and highlighting eventual local effects on the excitability of single neuronal units. HPLC analysis of brain tissue 1 h after ingestion of 2 μmol/kg indicaxanthin indicated that the phytochemical accumulates in cortex, hippocampus, diencephalon, brainstem and cerebellum, but not in the striato-pallidal complex. Then, electrophysiological recordings, applying the microiontophoretic technique, were carried out with different amounts of indicaxanthin (0.34, 0.17, 0.085 ng/neuron) to assess whether indicaxanthin influenced the neuronal firing rate. The data showed that the bioelectric activity of neurons belonging to different brain areas was modulated after local injection of indicaxanthin, mainly with dose-related responses. A predominating inhibitory effect was observed, suggesting a possible novel beneficial effect of indicaxanthin in reducing cell excitability. These findings can constitute a new rationale for exploring biological mechanisms through which PhC could modulate neuronal function with a relapse on complex cognitive brain process and related neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuditta Gambino
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience (Bio.Ne.C.), Sezione di Fisiologia Umana G. Pagano, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mario Allegra
- Post-graduate School of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Sardo
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience (Bio.Ne.C.), Sezione di Fisiologia Umana G. Pagano, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Post-graduate School of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Attanzio
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luisa Tesoriere
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria A Livrea
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ferraro
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience (Bio.Ne.C.), Sezione di Fisiologia Umana G. Pagano, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Post-graduate School of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Carletti
- Department of Experimental Biomedicine and Clinical Neuroscience (Bio.Ne.C.), Sezione di Fisiologia Umana G. Pagano, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Allegra M, Carletti F, Gambino G, Tutone M, Attanzio A, Tesoriere L, Ferraro G, Sardo P, Almerico AM, Livrea MA. Indicaxanthin from Opuntia ficus-indica Crosses the Blood-Brain Barrier and Modulates Neuronal Bioelectric Activity in Rat Hippocampus at Dietary-Consistent Amounts. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2015; 63:7353-7360. [PMID: 26227670 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.5b02612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Indicaxanthin is a bioactive and bioavailable betalain pigment from the Opuntia ficus-indica fruits. In this in vivo study, kinetic measurements showed that indicaxanthin is revealed in the rat brain within 1 h from oral administration of 2 μmol/kg, an amount compatible with a dietary consumption of cactus pear fruits in humans. A peak (20 ± 2.4 ng of indicaxanthin per whole brain) was measured after 2.5 h; thereafter the molecule disappeared with first order kinetics within 4 h. The potential of indicaxanthin to affect neural activities was in vivo investigated by a microiontophoretic approach. Indicaxanthin, administered in a range between 0.085 ng and 0.34 ng per neuron, dose-dependently modulated the rate of discharge of spontaneously active neurons of the hippocampus, with reduction of the discharge and related changes of latency and duration of the effect. Indicaxanthin (0.34 ng/neuron) showed inhibitory effects on glutamate-induced excitation, indicating activity at the level of glutamatergic synapses. A molecular target of indicaxanthin is suggested by in silico molecular modeling of indicaxanthin with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), the most represented of the glutamate receptor family in hippocampus. Therefore, at nutritionally compatible amounts indicaxanthin (i) crosses the rat BBB and accumulates in brain; (ii) can affect the bioelectric activity of hippocampal neurons locally treated with amounts comparable with those measured in the brain; and (iii) modulates glutamate-induced neuronal excitation. The potential of dietary indicaxanthin as a natural neuromodulatory agent deserves further mechanistic and neurophysiologic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Allegra
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo , Via M. Cipolla 74, 90121 Palermo, Italy
| | - Fabio Carletti
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Sperimentale e Neuroscienze Cliniche, Sezione di Fisiologia Umana "G. Pagano", University of Palermo , Corso Tukory 129, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuditta Gambino
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Sperimentale e Neuroscienze Cliniche, Sezione di Fisiologia Umana "G. Pagano", University of Palermo , Corso Tukory 129, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Tutone
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo , Via M. Cipolla 74, 90121 Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Attanzio
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo , Via M. Cipolla 74, 90121 Palermo, Italy
| | - Luisa Tesoriere
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo , Via M. Cipolla 74, 90121 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ferraro
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Sperimentale e Neuroscienze Cliniche, Sezione di Fisiologia Umana "G. Pagano", University of Palermo , Corso Tukory 129, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Sardo
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina Sperimentale e Neuroscienze Cliniche, Sezione di Fisiologia Umana "G. Pagano", University of Palermo , Corso Tukory 129, 90134 Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Almerico
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo , Via M. Cipolla 74, 90121 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Antonia Livrea
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche, University of Palermo , Via M. Cipolla 74, 90121 Palermo, Italy
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Muoio V, Persson PB, Sendeski MM. The neurovascular unit - concept review. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2014; 210:790-8. [PMID: 24629161 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 333] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The cerebral hyperaemia is one of the fundamental mechanisms for the central nervous system homeostasis. Due also to this mechanism, oxygen and nutrients are maintained in satisfactory levels, through vasodilation and vasoconstriction. The brain hyperaemia, or coupling, is accomplished by a group of cells, closely related to each other; called neurovascular unit (NVU). The neurovascular unit is composed by neurones, astrocytes, endothelial cells of blood-brain barrier (BBB), myocytes, pericytes and extracellular matrix components. These cells, through their intimate anatomical and chemical relationship, detect the needs of neuronal supply and trigger necessary responses (vasodilation or vasoconstriction) for such demands. Here, we review the concepts of NVU, the coupling mechanisms and research strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Muoio
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie; Charite- Universisitätmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - P. B. Persson
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie; Charite- Universisitätmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
| | - M. M. Sendeski
- Institut für Vegetative Physiologie; Charite- Universisitätmedizin Berlin; Berlin Germany
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Modulation of in vivo GABA-evoked responses by nitric oxide-active compounds in the globus pallidus of rat. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2012; 119:911-21. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-011-0760-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Grab DJ, Chakravorty SJ, van der Heyde H, Stins MF. How can microbial interactions with the blood-brain barrier modulate astroglial and neuronal function? Cell Microbiol 2011; 13:1470-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1462-5822.2011.01661.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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