1
|
Fukuyama K, Motomura E, Okada M. Age-Dependent Activation of Purinergic Transmission Contributes to the Development of Epileptogenesis in ADSHE Model Rats. Biomolecules 2024; 14:204. [PMID: 38397441 PMCID: PMC10886636 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020204] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
To explore the developmental processes of epileptogenesis/ictogenesis, this study determined age-dependent functional abnormalities associated with purinergic transmission in a genetic rat model (S286L-TG) of autosomal-dominant sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (ADSHE). The age-dependent fluctuations in the release of ATP and L-glutamate in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) were determined using microdialysis and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). ATP release from cultured astrocytes was also determined using UHPLC-MS. The expressions of P2X7 receptor (P2X7R), connexin 43, phosphorylated-Akt and phosphorylated-Erk were determined using capillary immunoblotting. No functional abnormalities associated with purinergic transmission could be detected in the OFC of 4-week-old S286L-TG and cultured S286L-TG astrocytes. However, P2X7R expression, as well as basal and P2X7R agonist-induced ATP releases, was enhanced in S286L-TG OFC in the critical ADSHE seizure onset period (7-week-old). Long-term exposure to a modest level of P2X7R agonist, which could not increase astroglial ATP release, for 14 d increased the expressions of P2X7R and connexin 43 and the signaling of Akt and Erk in astrocytes, and it enhanced the sensitivity of P2X7R to its agonists. Akt but not Erk increased P2X7R expression, whereas both Akt and Erk increased connexin 43 expression. Functional abnormalities, enhanced ATP release and P2X7R expression were already seen before the onset of ADSHE seizure in S286L-TG. Additionally, long-term exposure to the P2X7R agonist mimicked the functional abnormalities associated with purinergic transmission in astrocytes, similar to those in S286L-TG OFC. Therefore, these results suggest that long-term modestly enhanced purinergic transmission and/or activated P2X7R are, at least partially, involved in the development of the epileptogenesis of ADSHE, rather than that of ictogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Motohiro Okada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (K.F.); (E.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fukuyama K, Motomura E, Okada M. Age-Dependent Activation of Pannexin1 Function Contributes to the Development of Epileptogenesis in Autosomal Dominant Sleep-related Hypermotor Epilepsy Model Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1619. [PMID: 38338895 PMCID: PMC10855882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031619] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
To explore the processes of epileptogenesis/ictogenesis, this study determined the age-dependent development of the functional abnormalities in astroglial transmission associated with pannexin1-hemichannel using a genetic rat model of autosomal dominant sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (ADSHE) named 'S286L-TG'. Pannexin1 expression in the plasma membrane of primary cultured cortical astrocytes and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), which is an ADSHE focus region, were determined using capillary immunoblotting. Astroglial D-serine releases induced by artificial high-frequency oscillation (HFO)-evoked stimulation, the removal of extracellular Ca2+, and the P2X7 receptor agonist (BzATP) were determined using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). The expressions of pannexin1 in the plasma membrane fraction of the OFC in S286L-TG at four weeks old were almost equivalent when compared to the wild type. The pannexin1 expression in the OFC of the wild type non-statistically decreased age-dependently, whereas that in S286L-TG significantly increased age-dependently, resulting in relatively increasing pannexin1 expression from the 7- (at the onset of interictal discharge) and 10-week-old (after the ADSHE seizure onset) S286L-TG compared to the wild type. However, no functional abnormalities of astroglial pannexin1 expression or D-serine release through the pannexin1-hemichannels from the cultured astrocytes of S286L-TG could be detected. Acutely HFO-evoked stimulation, such as physiological ripple burst (200 Hz) and epileptogenic fast ripple burst (500 Hz), frequency-dependently increased both pannexin1 expression in the astroglial plasma membrane and astroglial D-serine release. Neither the selective inhibitors of pannexin1-hemichannel (10PANX) nor connexin43-hemichannel (Gap19) affected astroglial D-serine release during the resting stage, whereas HFO-evoked D-serine release was suppressed by both inhibitors. The inhibitory effect of 10PANX on the ripple burst-evoked D-serine release was more predominant than that of Gap19, whereas fast ripple burst-evoked D-serine release was predominantly suppressed by Gap19 rather than 10PANX. Astroglial D-serine release induced by acute exposure to BzATP was suppressed by 10PANX but not by Gap19. These results suggest that physiological ripple burst during the sleep spindle plays important roles in the organization of some components of cognition in healthy individuals, but conversely, it contributes to the initial development of epileptogenesis/ictogenesis in individuals who have ADSHE vulnerability via activation of the astroglial excitatory transmission associated with pannexin1-hemichannels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Motohiro Okada
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Division of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu 514-8507, Japan; (K.F.); (E.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ringuette D, EbrahimAmini A, Sangphosuk W, Aquilino MS, Carroll G, Ashley M, Bazzigaluppi P, Dufour S, Droguerre M, Stefanovic B, Levi O, Charveriat M, Monnier PP, Carlen PL. Spreading depolarization suppression from inter-astrocytic gap junction blockade assessed with multimodal imaging and a novel wavefront detection scheme. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00298. [PMID: 38241157 PMCID: PMC10903093 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Spreading depolarizations (SDs) are an enigmatic and ubiquitous co-morbidity of neural dysfunction. SDs are propagating waves of local field depolarization and increased extracellular potassium. They increase the metabolic demand on brain tissue, resulting in changes in tissue blood flow, and are associated with adverse neurological consequences including stroke, epilepsy, neurotrauma, and migraine. Their occurrence is associated with poor patient prognosis through mechanisms which are only partially understood. Here we show in vivo that two (structurally dissimilar) drugs, which suppress astroglial gap junctional communication, can acutely suppress SDs. We found that mefloquine hydrochloride (MQH), administered IP, slowed the propagation of the SD potassium waveform and intermittently led to its suppression. The hemodynamic response was similarly delayed and intermittently suppressed. Furthermore, in instances where SD led to transient tissue swelling, MQH reduced observable tissue displacement. Administration of meclofenamic acid (MFA) IP was found to reduce blood flow, both proximal and distal, to the site of SD induction, preceding a large reduction in the amplitude of the SD-associated potassium wave. We introduce a novel image processing scheme for SD wavefront localization under low-contrast imaging conditions permitting full-field wavefront velocity mapping and wavefront parametrization. We found that MQH administration delayed SD wavefront's optical correlates. These two clinically used drugs, both gap junctional blockers found to distinctly suppress SDs, may be of therapeutic benefit in the various brain disorders associated with recurrent SDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dene Ringuette
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Krembil Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada.
| | - Azin EbrahimAmini
- Krembil Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; The Institute Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Weerawong Sangphosuk
- Krembil Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Mark S Aquilino
- The Institute Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Gwennyth Carroll
- The Institute Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | - Max Ashley
- Krembil Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada
| | - Paolo Bazzigaluppi
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, 2075 Bayview Ave., Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Suzie Dufour
- The Institute Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| | | | - Bojana Stefanovic
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 610 University Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9, Canada; Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, 2075 Bayview Ave., Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada
| | - Ofer Levi
- The Institute Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada; The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, 10 King's College Rd., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G4, Canada
| | | | - Philippe P Monnier
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 340 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A9, Canada
| | - Peter L Carlen
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; Krembil Neuroscience, Krembil Research Institute, 60 Leonard Ave., Toronto, Ontario M5T 2S8, Canada; The Institute Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, 164 College St., Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bedner P, Steinhäuser C. Role of Impaired Astrocyte Gap Junction Coupling in Epileptogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:1669. [PMID: 37371139 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The gap-junction-coupled astroglial network plays a central role in the regulation of neuronal activity and synchronisation, but its involvement in the pathogenesis of neuronal diseases is not yet understood. Here, we present the current state of knowledge about the impact of impaired glial coupling in the development and progression of epilepsy and discuss whether astrocytes represent alternative therapeutic targets. We focus mainly on temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), which is the most common form of epilepsy in adults and is characterised by high therapy resistance. Functional data from TLE patients and corresponding experimental models point to a complete loss of astrocytic coupling, but preservation of the gap junction forming proteins connexin43 and connexin30 in hippocampal sclerosis. Several studies further indicate that astrocyte uncoupling is a causal event in the initiation of TLE, as it occurs very early in epileptogenesis, clearly preceding dysfunctional changes in neurons. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of gap junction channels in epilepsy and to develop safe and effective therapeutic strategies targeting astrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bedner
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Henning L, Unichenko P, Bedner P, Steinhäuser C, Henneberger C. Overview Article Astrocytes as Initiators of Epilepsy. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1091-1099. [PMID: 36244037 PMCID: PMC10030460 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03773-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play a dual role in the brain. On the one hand, they are active signaling partners of neurons and can for instance control synaptic transmission and its plasticity. On the other hand, they fulfill various homeostatic functions such as clearance of glutamate and K+ released from neurons. The latter is for instance important for limiting neuronal excitability. Therefore, an impairment or failure of glutamate and K+ clearance will lead to increased neuronal excitability, which could trigger or aggravate brain diseases such as epilepsy, in which neuronal hyperexcitability plays a role. Experimental data indicate that astrocytes could have such a causal role in epilepsy, but the role of astrocytes as initiators of epilepsy and the relevant mechanisms are under debate. In this overview, we will discuss the potential mechanisms with focus on K+ clearance, glutamate uptake and homoeostasis and related mechanisms, and the evidence for their causative role in epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Henning
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Petr Unichenko
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Bedner
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Christian Henneberger
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Heffernan KS, Galvan A. Building and Characterization of an Affordable diOlistic Device for Single-Cell Labeling in Rodent and Non-Human Primate Brain Slices. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e760. [PMID: 37068198 PMCID: PMC10347685 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.760] [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] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
In the brain, cell morphology often reflects function and thus provides a first glance into cell-specific changes in health and disease. Studying the morphology of individual cells, including neurons and glia, is essential to fully understand brain connectivity and changes in disease states. Many recent morphological studies of brain cells have relied on transgenic animals and viral vectors to label individual cells. However, transgenic animals are not always available, and in non-human primate (NHP) models, viral transduction poses several practical and financial challenges, limiting the number of researchers that can thoroughly investigate cell morphology in NHP or other non-transgenic animals. The diOlistic system for delivering fluorescent lipophilic dye-coated gold or tungsten particles into brain tissue has been used to label single cells, but the currently available systems are expensive, have limited applications, and are rare in laboratories. Investigations of cell morphology without transgenic or viral approaches rely on immunohistochemical markers that may not reveal structural detail, such as in astrocytes. To overcome these practical limitations to expand our understanding of cell morphology across species with an emphasis on astrocytes, we constructed a low-cost ballistic method to deliver dye-coated gold or tungsten particles into NHP and rodent brain slices. We have optimized the tissue processing parameters to achieve penetration of DiI-coated particles, allowing for the complete reconstruction of individual cells within a brain slice. While we report on astrocytes in rodent and NHP brain slices, this protocol can be adapted and implemented across species and tissue types to evaluate cell morphology. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Building the diOlistic device Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of dye "bullet" carriers Basic Protocol 3: Perfusion, brain sectioning, and diOlistic labeling Alternate Protocol: Immunohistochemical labeling of sections prior to diOlistic bombardment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate S Heffernan
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurological Disorders, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson’s Disease Research, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adriana Galvan
- Division of Neuropharmacology and Neurological Disorders, Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson’s Disease Research, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Baracaldo-Santamaría D, Corrales-Hernández MG, Ortiz-Vergara MC, Cormane-Alfaro V, Luque-Bernal RM, Calderon-Ospina CA, Cediel-Becerra JF. Connexins and Pannexins: Important Players in Neurodevelopment, Neurological Diseases, and Potential Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2237. [PMID: 36140338 PMCID: PMC9496069 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication is essential for proper embryonic development and its dysfunction may lead to disease. Recent research has drawn attention to a new group of molecules called connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs). Cxs have been described for more than forty years as pivotal regulators of embryogenesis; however, the exact mechanism by which they provide this regulation has not been clearly elucidated. Consequently, Cxs and Panxs have been linked to congenital neurodegenerative diseases such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and, more recently, chronic hemichannel opening has been associated with adult neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's disease). Cell-to-cell communication via gap junctions formed by hexameric assemblies of Cxs, known as connexons, is believed to be a crucial component in developmental regulation. As for Panxs, despite being topologically similar to Cxs, they predominantly seem to form channels connecting the cytoplasm to the extracellular space and, despite recent research into Panx1 (Pannexin 1) expression in different regions of the brain during the embryonic phase, it has been studied to a lesser degree. When it comes to the nervous system, Cxs and Panxs play an important role in early stages of neuronal development with a wide span of action ranging from cellular migration during early stages to neuronal differentiation and system circuitry formation. In this review, we describe the most recent available evidence regarding the molecular and structural aspects of Cx and Panx channels, their role in neurodevelopment, congenital and adult neurological diseases, and finally propose how pharmacological modulation of these channels could modify the pathogenesis of some diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaría
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - María Gabriela Corrales-Hernández
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Maria Camila Ortiz-Vergara
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Valeria Cormane-Alfaro
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Ricardo-Miguel Luque-Bernal
- Anatomy and Embriology Units, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Carlos-Alberto Calderon-Ospina
- Pharmacology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
- GENIUROS Research Group, Center for Research in Genetics and Genomics (CIGGUR), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| | - Juan-Fernando Cediel-Becerra
- Histology and Embryology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá 111221, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gong L, Gu Y, Han X, Luan C, Liu C, Wang X, Sun Y, Zheng M, Fang M, Yang S, Xu L, Sun H, Yu B, Gu X, Zhou S. Spatiotemporal Dynamics of the Molecular Expression Pattern and Intercellular Interactions in the Glial Scar Response to Spinal Cord Injury. Neurosci Bull 2022; 39:213-244. [PMID: 35788904 PMCID: PMC9905408 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00897-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nerve regeneration in adult mammalian spinal cord is poor because of the lack of intrinsic regeneration of neurons and extrinsic factors - the glial scar is triggered by injury and inhibits or promotes regeneration. Recent technological advances in spatial transcriptomics (ST) provide a unique opportunity to decipher most genes systematically throughout scar formation, which remains poorly understood. Here, we first constructed the tissue-wide gene expression patterns of mouse spinal cords over the course of scar formation using ST after spinal cord injury from 32 samples. Locally, we profiled gene expression gradients from the leading edge to the core of the scar areas to further understand the scar microenvironment, such as neurotransmitter disorders, activation of the pro-inflammatory response, neurotoxic saturated lipids, angiogenesis, obstructed axon extension, and extracellular structure re-organization. In addition, we described 21 cell transcriptional states during scar formation and delineated the origins, functional diversity, and possible trajectories of subpopulations of fibroblasts, glia, and immune cells. Specifically, we found some regulators in special cell types, such as Thbs1 and Col1a2 in macrophages, CD36 and Postn in fibroblasts, Plxnb2 and Nxpe3 in microglia, Clu in astrocytes, and CD74 in oligodendrocytes. Furthermore, salvianolic acid B, a blood-brain barrier permeation and CD36 inhibitor, was administered after surgery and found to remedy fibrosis. Subsequently, we described the extent of the scar boundary and profiled the bidirectional ligand-receptor interactions at the neighboring cluster boundary, contributing to maintain scar architecture during gliosis and fibrosis, and found that GPR37L1_PSAP, and GPR37_PSAP were the most significant gene-pairs among microglia, fibroblasts, and astrocytes. Last, we quantified the fraction of scar-resident cells and proposed four possible phases of scar formation: macrophage infiltration, proliferation and differentiation of scar-resident cells, scar emergence, and scar stationary. Together, these profiles delineated the spatial heterogeneity of the scar, confirmed the previous concepts about scar architecture, provided some new clues for scar formation, and served as a valuable resource for the treatment of central nervous system injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Gong
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yun Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Han
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Chengcheng Luan
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xinghui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Yufeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Mengru Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Mengya Fang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Shuhai Yang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Lai Xu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Hualin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Bin Yu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Xiaosong Gu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Songlin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Involvement of Hippocampal Astrocytic Connexin-43 in Morphine dependence. Physiol Behav 2022; 247:113710. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
10
|
Panattoni G, Amoriello R, Memo C, Thalhammer A, Ballerini C, Ballerini L. Diverse inflammatory threats modulate astrocytes Ca 2+ signaling via connexin43 hemichannels in organotypic spinal slices. Mol Brain 2021; 14:159. [PMID: 34696792 PMCID: PMC8547100 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00868-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is an escalation factor shared by a vast range of central nervous system (CNS) pathologies, from neurodegenerative diseases to neuropsychiatric disorders. CNS immune status emerges by the integration of the responses of resident and not resident cells, leading to alterations in neural circuits functions. To explore spinal cord astrocyte reactivity to inflammatory threats we focused our study on the effects of local inflammation in a controlled micro-environment, the organotypic spinal slices, developed from the spinal cord of mouse embryos. These organ cultures represent a complex in vitro model where sensory-motor cytoarchitecture, synaptic properties and spinal cord resident cells, are retained in a 3D fashion and we recently exploit these cultures to model two diverse immune conditions in the CNS, involving different inflammatory networks and products. Here, we specifically focus on the tuning of calcium signaling in astrocytes by these diverse types of inflammation and we investigate the mechanisms which modulate intracellular calcium release and its spreading among astrocytes in the inflamed environment. Organotypic spinal cord slices are cultured for two or three weeks in vitro (WIV) and exposed for 6 h to a cocktail of cytokines (CKs), composed by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 β) and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), or to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). By live calcium imaging of the ventral horn, we document an increase in active astrocytes and in the occurrence of spontaneous calcium oscillations displayed by these cells when exposed to each inflammatory threat. Through several pharmacological treatments, we demonstrate that intracellular calcium sources and the activation of connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels have a pivotal role in increasing calcium intercellular communication in both CKs and LPS conditions, while the Cx43 gap junction communication is apparently reduced by the inflammatory treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Panattoni
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Roberta Amoriello
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), 34136, Trieste, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, University of Florence, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Christian Memo
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Agnes Thalhammer
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), 34136, Trieste, Italy
| | - Clara Ballerini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, University of Florence, 50139, Florence, Italy.
| | - Laura Ballerini
- International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA/ISAS), 34136, Trieste, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Smit T, Deshayes NAC, Borchelt DR, Kamphuis W, Middeldorp J, Hol EM. Reactive astrocytes as treatment targets in Alzheimer's disease-Systematic review of studies using the APPswePS1dE9 mouse model. Glia 2021; 69:1852-1881. [PMID: 33634529 PMCID: PMC8247905 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes regulate synaptic communication and are essential for proper brain functioning. In Alzheimer's disease (AD) astrocytes become reactive, which is characterized by an increased expression of intermediate filament proteins and cellular hypertrophy. Reactive astrocytes are found in close association with amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposits. Synaptic communication and neuronal network function could be directly modulated by reactive astrocytes, potentially contributing to cognitive decline in AD. In this review, we focus on reactive astrocytes as treatment targets in AD in the APPswePS1dE9 AD mouse model, a widely used model to study amyloidosis and gliosis. We first give an overview of the model; that is, how it was generated, which cells express the transgenes, and the effect of its genetic background on Aβ pathology. Subsequently, to determine whether modifying reactive astrocytes in AD could influence pathogenesis and cognition, we review studies using this mouse model in which interventions were directly targeted at reactive astrocytes or had an indirect effect on reactive astrocytes. Overall, studies specifically targeting astrocytes to reduce astrogliosis showed beneficial effects on cognition, which indicates that targeting astrocytes should be included in developing novel therapies for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Smit
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life SciencesCenter for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Natasja A. C. Deshayes
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life SciencesCenter for Neuroscience, University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - David R. Borchelt
- Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, McKnight Brain Institute, Department of NeuroscienceUniversity of Florida College of MedicineGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Willem Kamphuis
- Netherlands Institute for NeuroscienceAn Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jinte Middeldorp
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Department of ImmunobiologyBiomedical Primate Research CentreRijswijkThe Netherlands
| | - Elly M. Hol
- Department of Translational NeuroscienceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Gobbo D, Scheller A, Kirchhoff F. From Physiology to Pathology of Cortico-Thalamo-Cortical Oscillations: Astroglia as a Target for Further Research. Front Neurol 2021; 12:661408. [PMID: 34177766 PMCID: PMC8219957 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.661408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The electrographic hallmark of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) and other idiopathic forms of epilepsy are 2.5-4 Hz spike and wave discharges (SWDs) originating from abnormal electrical oscillations of the cortico-thalamo-cortical network. SWDs are generally associated with sudden and brief non-convulsive epileptic events mostly generating impairment of consciousness and correlating with attention and learning as well as cognitive deficits. To date, SWDs are known to arise from locally restricted imbalances of excitation and inhibition in the deep layers of the primary somatosensory cortex. SWDs propagate to the mostly GABAergic nucleus reticularis thalami (NRT) and the somatosensory thalamic nuclei that project back to the cortex, leading to the typical generalized spike and wave oscillations. Given their shared anatomical basis, SWDs have been originally considered the pathological transition of 11-16 Hz bursts of neural oscillatory activity (the so-called sleep spindles) occurring during Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, but more recent research revealed fundamental functional differences between sleep spindles and SWDs, suggesting the latter could be more closely related to the slow (<1 Hz) oscillations alternating active (Up) and silent (Down) cortical activity and concomitantly occurring during NREM. Indeed, several lines of evidence support the fact that SWDs impair sleep architecture as well as sleep/wake cycles and sleep pressure, which, in turn, affect seizure circadian frequency and distribution. Given the accumulating evidence on the role of astroglia in the field of epilepsy in the modulation of excitation and inhibition in the brain as well as on the development of aberrant synchronous network activity, we aim at pointing at putative contributions of astrocytes to the physiology of slow-wave sleep and to the pathology of SWDs. Particularly, we will address the astroglial functions known to be involved in the control of network excitability and synchronicity and so far mainly addressed in the context of convulsive seizures, namely (i) interstitial fluid homeostasis, (ii) K+ clearance and neurotransmitter uptake from the extracellular space and the synaptic cleft, (iii) gap junction mechanical and functional coupling as well as hemichannel function, (iv) gliotransmission, (v) astroglial Ca2+ signaling and downstream effectors, (vi) reactive astrogliosis and cytokine release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gobbo
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Mazaud D, Capano A, Rouach N. The many ways astroglial connexins regulate neurotransmission and behavior. Glia 2021; 69:2527-2545. [PMID: 34101261 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes have emerged as major players in the brain, contributing to many functions such as energy supply, neurotransmission, and behavior. They accomplish these functions in part via their capacity to form widespread intercellular networks and to release neuroactive factors, which can modulate neurotransmission at different levels, from individual synapses to neuronal networks. The extensive network communication of astrocytes is primarily mediated by gap junction channels composed of two connexins, Cx30 and Cx43, which present distinct temporal and spatial expression patterns. Yet, astroglial connexins are also involved in direct exchange with the extracellular space via hemichannels, as well as in adhesion and signaling processes via unconventional nonchannel functions. Accumulating evidence indicate that astrocytes modulate neurotransmission and behavior through these diverse connexin functions. We here review the many ways astroglial connexins regulate neuronal activity from the molecular level to behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Mazaud
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Anna Capano
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,Doctoral School N°158, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Astrocytes promote ethanol-induced enhancement of intracellular Ca 2+ signals through intercellular communication with neurons. iScience 2021; 24:102436. [PMID: 33997707 PMCID: PMC8105650 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethanol (EtOH) abuse induces significant mortality and morbidity worldwide because of detrimental effects on brain function. Defining the contribution of astrocytes to this malfunction is imperative to understanding the overall EtOH effects due to their role in homeostasis and EtOH-seeking behaviors. Using a highly controllable in vitro system, we identify chemical signaling mechanisms through which acute EtOH exposure induces a modulatory feedback loop between neurons and astrocytes. Neuronally-derived purinergic signaling primed a subpopulation of astrocytes to respond to subsequent acute EtOH exposures (SEastrocytes: signal enhanced astrocytes) with greater calcium signal strength. Generation of SEastrocytes arose from astrocytic hemichannel-derived ATP and accumulation of its metabolite adenosine within the astrocyte microenvironment to modulate adenylyl cyclase and phospholipase C activity. These results highlight an important role of astrocytes in shaping the overall physiological responsiveness to EtOH and emphasize the unique plasticity of astrocytes to adapt to single and multiple exposures of EtOH.
Collapse
|
15
|
Exacerbation of Epilepsy by Astrocyte Alkalization and Gap Junction Uncoupling. J Neurosci 2021; 41:2106-2118. [PMID: 33478985 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2365-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizures invite seizures. At the initial stage of epilepsy, seizures intensify with each episode; however, the mechanisms underlying this exacerbation remain to be solved. Astrocytes have a strong control over neuronal excitability and the mode of information processing. This control is accomplished by adjusting the levels of various ions in the extracellular space. The network of astrocytes connected via gap junctions allows a wider or more confined distribution of these ions depending on the open probability of the gap junctions. K+ clearance relies on the K+ uptake by astrocytes and the subsequent diffusion of K+ through the astrocyte network. When astrocytes become uncoupled, K+ clearance becomes hindered. Accumulation of extracellular K+ leads to hyperexcitability of neurons. Here, using acute hippocampal slices from mice, we uncovered that brief periods of epileptiform activity result in gap junction uncoupling. In slices that experienced short-term epileptiform activity, extracellular K+ transients in response to glutamate became prolonged. Na+ imaging with a fluorescent indicator indicated that intercellular diffusion of small cations in the astrocytic syncytium via gap junctions became rapidly restricted after epileptiform activity. Using a transgenic mouse with astrocyte-specific expression of a pH sensor (Lck-E2GFP), we confirmed that astrocytes react to epileptiform activity with intracellular alkalization. Application of Na+/HCO3 - cotransporter blocker led to the suppression of intracellular alkalization of astrocytes and to the prevention of astrocyte uncoupling and hyperactivity intensification both in vitro and in vivo Therefore, the inhibition of astrocyte alkalization could become a promising therapeutic strategy for countering epilepsy development.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We aimed to understand the mechanisms underlying the plastic change of forebrain circuits associated with the intensification of epilepsy. Here, we demonstrate that first-time exposure to only brief periods of epileptiform activity results in acute disturbance of the intercellular astrocyte network formed by gap junctions in hippocampal tissue slices from mice. Moreover, rapid clearance of K+ from the extracellular space was impaired. Epileptiform activity activated inward Na+/HCO3 - cotransport in astrocytes by cell depolarization, resulting in their alkalization. Our data suggest that alkaline pH shifts in astrocytes lead to gap junction uncoupling, hampering K+ clearance, and thereby to exacerbation of epilepsy. Pharmacological intervention could become a promising new strategy to dampen neuronal hyperexcitability and epileptogenesis.
Collapse
|
16
|
Astrocytic Connexin43 Channels as Candidate Targets in Epilepsy Treatment. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10111578. [PMID: 33233647 PMCID: PMC7699773 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In epilepsy research, emphasis is put on exploring non-neuronal targets such as astrocytic proteins, since many patients remain pharmacoresistant to current treatments, which almost all target neuronal mechanisms. This paper reviews available data on astrocytic connexin43 (Cx43) signaling in seizures and epilepsy. Cx43 is a widely expressed transmembrane protein and the constituent of gap junctions (GJs) and hemichannels (HCs), allowing intercellular and extracellular communication, respectively. A plethora of research papers show altered Cx43 mRNA levels, protein expression, phosphorylation state, distribution and/or functional coupling in human epileptic tissue and experimental models. Human Cx43 mutations are linked to seizures as well, as 30% of patients with oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD), a rare genetic condition caused by mutations in the GJA1 gene coding for Cx43 protein, exhibit neurological symptoms including seizures. Cx30/Cx43 double knock-out mice show increased susceptibility to evoked epileptiform events in brain slices due to impaired GJ-mediated redistribution of K+ and glutamate and display a higher frequency of spontaneous generalized chronic seizures in an epilepsy model. Contradictory, Cx30/Cx43 GJs can traffic nutrients to high-energy demanding neurons and initiate astrocytic Ca2+ waves and hyper synchronization, thereby supporting proconvulsant effects. The general connexin channel blocker carbenoxolone and blockers from the fenamate family diminish epileptiform activity in vitro and improve seizure outcome in vivo. In addition, interventions with more selective peptide inhibitors of HCs display anticonvulsant actions. To conclude, further studies aiming to disentangle distinct roles of HCs and GJs are necessary and tools specifically targeting Cx43 HCs may facilitate the search for novel epilepsy treatments.
Collapse
|
17
|
Neocortical in vivo focal and spreading potassium responses and the influence of astrocytic gap junctional coupling. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 147:105160. [PMID: 33152505 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Raised extracellular potassium ion (K+) concentration is associated with several disorders including migraine, stroke, neurotrauma and epilepsy. K+ spatial buffering is a well-known mechanism for extracellular K+ regulation/distribution. Astrocytic gap junction-mediated buffering is a controversial candidate for K+ spatial buffering. To further investigate the existence of a K+ spatial buffering and to assess the involvement of astrocytic gap junctional coupling in K+ redistribution, we hypothesized that neocortical K+ and concomitant spreading depolarization (SD)-like responses are controlled by powerful local K+ buffering mechanisms and that K+ buffering/redistribution occurs partially through gap junctional coupling. Herein, we show, in vivo, that a threshold amount of focally applied KCl is required to trigger local and/or distal K+ responses, accompanied by a SD-like response. This observation indicates the presence of powerful local K+ buffering which mediates a rapid return of extracellular K+ to the baseline. Application of gap junctional blockers, carbenoxolone and Gap27, partially modulated the amplitude and shape of the K+ response and noticeably decreased the velocity of the spreading K+ and SD-like responses. Opening of gap junctions by trimethylamine, slightly decreased the amplitude of the K+ response and markedly increased the velocity of redistribution of K+ and SD-like events. We conclude that spreading K+ responses reflect powerful local K+ buffering mechanisms which are partially modulated by gap junctional communication. Gap junctional coupling mainly affected the velocity of the K+ and SD-like responses.
Collapse
|
18
|
Breithausen B, Kautzmann S, Boehlen A, Steinhäuser C, Henneberger C. Limited contribution of astroglial gap junction coupling to buffering of extracellular K + in CA1 stratum radiatum. Glia 2019; 68:918-931. [PMID: 31743499 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes form large networks, in which individual cells are connected via gap junctions. It is thought that this astroglial gap junction coupling contributes to the buffering of extracellular K+ increases. However, it is largely unknown how the control of extracellular K+ by astroglial gap junction coupling depends on the underlying activity patterns and on the magnitude of extracellular K+ increases. We explored this dependency in acute hippocampal slices (CA1, stratum radiatum) by direct K+ -sensitive microelectrode recordings and acute pharmacological inhibition of gap junctions. K+ transients evoked by synaptic and axonal activity were largely unaffected by acute astroglial uncoupling in slices obtained from young and adult rats. Iontophoretic K+ -application enabled us to generate K+ gradients with defined spatial properties and magnitude. By varying the K+ -iontophoresis position and protocol, we found that acute pharmacological uncoupling increases the amplitude of K+ transients once their initial amplitude exceeded ~10 mM. Our experiments demonstrate that the contribution of gap junction coupling to buffering of extracellular K+ gradients is limited to large and localized K+ increases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Björn Breithausen
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Steffen Kautzmann
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anne Boehlen
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Henneberger
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, University of Bonn Medical School, Bonn, Germany.,Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Xin W, Schuebel KE, Jair KW, Cimbro R, De Biase LM, Goldman D, Bonci A. Ventral midbrain astrocytes display unique physiological features and sensitivity to dopamine D2 receptor signaling. Neuropsychopharmacology 2019; 44:344-355. [PMID: 30054584 PMCID: PMC6300565 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0151-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Revised: 05/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are ubiquitous CNS cells that support tissue homeostasis through ion buffering, neurotransmitter recycling, and regulation of CNS vasculature. Yet, despite the essential functional roles they fill, very little is known about the physiology of astrocytes in the ventral midbrain, a region that houses dopamine-releasing neurons and is critical for reward learning and motivated behaviors. Here, using a combination of whole-transcriptome sequencing, histology, slice electrophysiology, and calcium imaging, we performed the first functional and molecular profiling of ventral midbrain astrocytes and observed numerous differences between these cells and their telencephalic counterparts, both in their gene expression profile and in their physiological properties. Ventral midbrain astrocytes have very low membrane resistance and inward-rectifying potassium channel-mediated current, and are extensively coupled to surrounding oligodendrocytes through gap junctions. They exhibit calcium responses to glutamate but are relatively insensitive to norepinephrine. In addition, their calcium activity can be dynamically modulated by dopamine D2 receptor signaling. Taken together, these data indicate that ventral midbrain astrocytes are physiologically distinct from astrocytes in cortex and hippocampus. This work provides new insights into the extent of functional astrocyte heterogeneity within the adult brain and establishes the foundation for examining the impact of regional astrocyte differences on dopamine neuron function and susceptibility to degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Xin
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA. .,Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Kornel E. Schuebel
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dLaboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Kam-wing Jair
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dLaboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Raffaello Cimbro
- 0000 0001 2171 9311grid.21107.35Department of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Lindsay M. De Biase
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dIntramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - David Goldman
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dLaboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852 USA
| | - Antonello Bonci
- Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA. .,Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, Georgetown University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Therapeutic Targeting of Connexin Channels: New Views and Challenges. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:1036-1053. [PMID: 30424929 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Connexins, in particular connexin 43 (Cx43), function as gap junction channels (GJCs) and hemichannels (HCs). Only recently, specific tools have been developed to study their pleiotropic functions. Based on various protein interaction sites, distinct connexin-mimetic peptides have been established that enable discrimination between the function of HCs and GJCs. Although the precise mechanism of action of most of these peptides is still a matter of debate, an increasing number of studies report on important effects of those compounds in disease models. In this review, we summarize the structure, life cycle, and the most important physiological and pathological functions of both connexin GJCs and HCs. We provide a critical overview on the use of connexin-targeting peptides, in particular targeting Cx43, with a special focus on the remaining questions and hurdles to be taken in the research field of connexin channels.
Collapse
|
21
|
Shao LR, Rho JM, Stafstrom CE. Glycolytic inhibition: A novel approach toward controlling neuronal excitability and seizures. Epilepsia Open 2018; 3:191-197. [PMID: 30564778 PMCID: PMC6293058 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Conventional antiseizure medications reduce neuronal excitability through effects on ion channels or synaptic function. In recent years, it has become clear that metabolic factors also play a crucial role in the modulation of neuronal excitability. Indeed, metabolic regulation of neuronal excitability is pivotal in seizure pathogenesis and control. The clinical effectiveness of a variety of metabolism‐based diets, especially for children with medication‐refractory epilepsy, underscores the applicability of metabolic approaches to the control of seizures and epilepsy. Such diets include the ketogenic diet, the modified Atkins diet, and the low‐glycemic index treatment (among others). A promising avenue to alter cellular metabolism, and hence excitability, is by partial inhibition of glycolysis, which has been shown to reduce seizure susceptibility in a variety of animal models as well as in cellular systems in vitro. One such glycolytic inhibitor, 2‐deoxy‐d‐glucose (2DG), increases seizure threshold in vivo and reduces interictal and ictal epileptiform discharges in hippocampal slices. Here, we review the role of glucose metabolism and glycolysis on neuronal excitability, with specific reference to 2DG, and discuss the potential use of 2DG and similar agents in the clinical arena for seizure management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Rong Shao
- Division of Pediatric Neurology Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland U.S.A
| | - Jong M Rho
- Departments of Pediatrics, Clinical Neurosciences, Physiology and Pharmacology Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute Hotchkiss Brain Institute Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary Calgary Alberta Canada
| | - Carl E Stafstrom
- Division of Pediatric Neurology Department of Neurology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Bylicky MA, Mueller GP, Day RM. Mechanisms of Endogenous Neuroprotective Effects of Astrocytes in Brain Injury. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:6501031. [PMID: 29805731 PMCID: PMC5901819 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6501031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes, once believed to serve only as "glue" for the structural support of neurons, have been demonstrated to serve critical functions for the maintenance and protection of neurons, especially under conditions of acute or chronic injury. There are at least seven distinct mechanisms by which astrocytes protect neurons from damage; these are (1) protection against glutamate toxicity, (2) protection against redox stress, (3) mediation of mitochondrial repair mechanisms, (4) protection against glucose-induced metabolic stress, (5) protection against iron toxicity, (6) modulation of the immune response in the brain, and (7) maintenance of tissue homeostasis in the presence of DNA damage. Astrocytes support these critical functions through specialized responses to stress or toxic conditions. The detoxifying activities of astrocytes are essential for maintenance of the microenvironment surrounding neurons and in whole tissue homeostasis. Improved understanding of the mechanisms by which astrocytes protect the brain could lead to the development of novel targets for the development of neuroprotective strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A. Bylicky
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Gregory P. Mueller
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Regina M. Day
- Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Therapeutics, The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ren Q, Wang ZZ, Chu SF, Xia CY, Chen NH. Gap junction channels as potential targets for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1-12. [PMID: 29178009 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4782-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a major public health problem worldwide. The association between MDD and the dysfunction of gap junction channels (GJCs) in glial cells, especially astrocytes, is still controversial. OBJECTIVE This review provides an overview of the role of astrocyte GJCs in LMDD. RESULTS Exposure to chronic unpredictable stress caused a reduction in connexin expression in the rat prefrontal cortex, a result that is consistent with clinical findings reported in postmortem studies of brains from MDD patients. Chronic antidepressant treatment in these rats increased the expression of connexins. However, pharmacological GJC blockade in normal rodents decreased connexin expression and caused depressive-like behaviors. Furthermore, GJC dysfunction affects electrical conductance, metabolic coupling and secondary messengers, and inflammatory responses, which are consistent with current hypotheses on MDD. All these results provide a comprehensive overview of the neurobiology of MDD. CONCLUSION This review supports the hypothesis that the regulation of GJCs between astrocytes could be an underlying mechanism for the therapeutic effect of antidepressants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shi-Feng Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Cong-Yuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China. .,College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, 410208, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Bazzigaluppi P, Ebrahim Amini A, Weisspapir I, Stefanovic B, Carlen PL. Hungry Neurons: Metabolic Insights on Seizure Dynamics. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112269. [PMID: 29143800 PMCID: PMC5713239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 10/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy afflicts up to 1.6% of the population and the mechanisms underlying the appearance of seizures are still not understood. In past years, many efforts have been spent trying to understand the mechanisms underlying the excessive and synchronous firing of neurons. Traditionally, attention was pointed towards synaptic (dys)function and extracellular ionic species (dys)regulation. Recently, novel clinical and preclinical studies explored the role of brain metabolism (i.e., glucose utilization) of seizures pathophysiology revealing (in most cases) reduced metabolism in the inter-ictal period and increased metabolism in the seconds preceding and during the appearance of seizures. In the present review, we summarize the clinical and preclinical observations showing metabolic dysregulation during epileptogenesis, seizure initiation, and termination, and in the inter-ictal period. Recent preclinical studies have shown that 2-Deoxyglucose (2-DG, a glycolysis blocker) is a novel therapeutic approach to reduce seizures. Furthermore, we present initial evidence for the effectiveness of 2-DG in arresting 4-Aminopyridine induced neocortical seizures in vivo in the mouse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bazzigaluppi
- Krembil Research Institute, Fundamental Neurobiology, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada.
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Medical Biophysics, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
| | - Azin Ebrahim Amini
- Krembil Research Institute, Fundamental Neurobiology, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada.
- Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering (IBBME), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3G9, Canada.
| | - Iliya Weisspapir
- Krembil Research Institute, Fundamental Neurobiology, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada.
| | - Bojana Stefanovic
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Medical Biophysics, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
| | - Peter L Carlen
- Krembil Research Institute, Fundamental Neurobiology, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada.
- Department of Medicine & Physiology, and Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering (IBBME), University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Grigorovsky V, Bardakjian BL. Low-to-High Cross-Frequency Coupling in the Electrical Rhythms as Biomarker for Hyperexcitable Neuroglial Networks of the Brain. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2017; 65:1504-1515. [PMID: 28961101 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2017.2757878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE One of the features used in the study of hyperexcitablility is high-frequency oscillations (HFOs, >80 Hz). HFOs have been reported in the electrical rhythms of the brain's neuroglial networks under physiological and pathological conditions. Cross-frequency coupling (CFC) of HFOs with low-frequency rhythms was used to identify pathologic HFOs in the epileptogenic zones of epileptic patients and as a biomarker for the severity of seizure-like events in genetically modified rodent models. We describe a model to replicate reported CFC features extracted from recorded local field potentials (LFPs) representing network properties. METHODS This study deals with a four-unit neuroglial cellular network model where each unit incorporates pyramidal cells, interneurons, and astrocytes. Three different pathways of hyperexcitability generation-Na - ATPase pump, glial potassium clearance, and potassium afterhyperpolarization channel-were used to generate LFPs. Changes in excitability, average spontaneous electrical discharge (SED) duration, and CFC were then measured and analyzed. RESULTS Each parameter caused an increase in network excitability and the consequent lengthening of the SED duration. Short SEDs showed CFC between HFOs and theta oscillations (4-8 Hz), but in longer SEDs the low frequency changed to the delta range (1-4 Hz). CONCLUSION Longer duration SEDs exhibit CFC features similar to those reported by our team. SIGNIFICANCE First, Identifying the exponential relationship between network excitability and SED durations; second, highlighting the importance of glia in hyperexcitability (as they relate to extracellular potassium); and third, elucidation of the biophysical basis for CFC coupling features.
Collapse
|
26
|
Pannexin-1 channels in epilepsy. Neurosci Lett 2017; 695:71-75. [PMID: 28886985 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pannexin-1 (Panx1) expression is raised in several animal seizure models and in resected human epileptic brain tissue, suggesting relevance to epilepsy. Multiple factors that are characteristic of seizures are thought to regulate Panx1 channel opening, including elevated levels of extracellular K+. Panx1, when open, 1) releases ATP, glutamate, and other metabolites into the extracellular medium, and 2) may depolarize the membrane due to a channel reversal potential around 0mV. Resultant ATP release from stimulated Panx1 can activate purinergic receptors, including P2X7 receptors. Glutamate and other signaling molecules released by Panx1 opening may have both excitatory and inhibitory actions on seizure generation. This review examines the critical and complex roles of Panx1 channels in epilepsy, which could provide a basis for future therapeutics.
Collapse
|
27
|
Evaluation of Connexin 43 Redistribution and Endocytosis in Astrocytes Subjected to Ischemia/Reperfusion or Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation and Reoxygenation. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:5064683. [PMID: 28424784 PMCID: PMC5382357 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5064683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the major component protein in astrocytic gap junction communication. Recent studies have shown the cellular processes of gap junction internalization and degradation, but many details remain unknown. This study investigated the distribution of Cx43 and its mechanism after ischemic insult. Astrocyte culture system and a model of ischemia/reperfusion (IR) or oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGDR) were established. Cx43 distribution was observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy under different cultivation conditions. Western blot and RT-PCR assays were applied to quantify Cx43 and MAPRE1 (microtubule-associated protein RP/EB family member 1) expression at different time points. The total number of Cx43 was unchanged in the normal and IR/OGDR groups, but Cx43 particles in the cytoplasm of the IR/OGDR group were significantly greater than that of the normal group. Particles in the cytoplasm were significantly fewer after endocytosis was blocked by dynasore. There was no difference among the groups at each time point regarding protein or gene expression of MAPRE1. We concluded that internalization of Cx43 into the cytoplasm occurred during ischemia, which was partially mediated through endocytosis, not by the change of Cx43 quantity. Moreover, internalization was not related to microtubule transport.
Collapse
|