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Russo ML, Ayala G, Neal D, Rogalsky AE, Ahmad S, Musial TF, Pearlman M, Bean LA, Farooqi AK, Ahmed A, Castaneda A, Patel A, Parduhn Z, Haddad LG, Gabriel A, Disterhoft JF, Nicholson DA. Alzheimer's-linked axonal changes accompany elevated antidromic action potential failure rate in aged mice. Brain Res 2024; 1841:149083. [PMID: 38866308 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects both grey and white matter (WM), but considerably more is known about the former. Interestingly, WM disruption has been consistently observed and thoroughly described using imaging modalities, particularly MRI which has shown WM functional disconnections between the hippocampus and other brain regions during AD pathogenesis when early neurodegeneration and synapse loss are also evident. Nonetheless, high-resolution structural and functional analyses of WM during AD pathogenesis remain scarce. Given the importance of the myelinated axons in the WM for conveying information across brain regions, such studies will provide valuable information on the cellular drivers and consequences of WM disruption that contribute to the characteristic cognitive decline of AD. Here, we employed a multi-scale approach to investigate hippocampal WM disruption during AD pathogenesis and determine whether hippocampal WM changes accompany the well-documented grey matter losses. Our data indicate that ultrastructural myelin disruption is elevated in the alveus in human AD cases and increases with age in 5xFAD mice. Unreliable action potential propagation and changes to sodium channel expression at the node of Ranvier co-emerged with this deterioration. These findings provide important insight to the neurobiological substrates and functional consequences of decreased WM integrity and are consistent with the notion that hippocampal disconnection contributes to cognitive changes in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Russo
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Gelique Ayala
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Demetria Neal
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Annalise E Rogalsky
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Suzan Ahmad
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Timothy F Musial
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Morgan Pearlman
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Linda A Bean
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Anise K Farooqi
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Aysha Ahmed
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Adrian Castaneda
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Aneri Patel
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Zachary Parduhn
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Loreece G Haddad
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ashley Gabriel
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - John F Disterhoft
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Daniel A Nicholson
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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2
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Smith BJ, McHugh CF, Hirano AA, Brecha NC, Barnes S. Transient and Sustained Ganglion Cell Light Responses Are Differentially Modulated by Intrinsically Produced Reactive Oxygen Species Acting upon Specific Voltage-Gated Na + Channel Isoforms. J Neurosci 2023; 43:2291-2304. [PMID: 36828637 PMCID: PMC10072295 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1723-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing spike rates drive greater neuronal energy demand. In turn, mitochondrial ATP production leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can modulate ion channel gating. Does ROS production autoregulate the excitability of a neuron? We investigated the links between retinal ganglion cell (RGC) excitability and spike activity-driven ROS production in male and female mice. Changes to the light-evoked and current-evoked spike patterns of functionally identified αRGC subtypes, along with their NaV channel-gating properties, were recorded during experimentally induced decreases and increases of intracellular ROS. During periods of highest spike rates (e.g., following light onset in ON sustained RGCs and light offset in OFF sustained RGCs), these αRGC subtypes responded to reductions of ROS (induced by catalase or glutathione monoethyl ester) with higher spike rates. Increases in ROS (induced by mercaptosuccinate, antimycin-A, or H2O2) lowered spike rates. In ON and OFF transient RGCs, there were no changes in spike rate during ROS decreases but increased ROS increased spiking. This suggests that endogenous ROS are intrinsic neuromodulators in RGCs having high metabolic demands but not in RGCs with lower energy needs. We identified ROS-induced shifts in the voltage-dependent gating of specific isoforms of NaV channels that account for the modulation of ON and OFF sustained RGC spike frequency by ROS-mediated feedback. ROS-induced changes to NaV channel gating, affecting activation and inactivation kinetics, are consistent with the differing spike pattern alterations observed in RGC subtypes. Cell-autonomous generation of ROS during spiking contributes to tuning the spike patterns of RGCs.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Energy production within retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is accompanied by metabolic by-products harmful to cellular function. How these by-products modulate the excitability of RGCs bears heavily on visual function and the etiology of optic neuropathies. A novel hypothesis of how RGC metabolism can produce automodulation of electrical signaling was tested by identifying the characteristics and biophysical origins of changes to the excitability of RGCs caused by oxidizing by-products in the retina. This impacts our understanding of the pathophysiology of RGC dysfunction, supporting an emerging model in which increases in oxidizing chemical species during energy production, but not necessarily bioenergetic failure, lead to preferential degeneration of specific subtypes of RGCs, yielding loss of different aspects of visual capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Smith
- Doheny Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 91103
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Cyrus F McHugh
- Doheny Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 91103
| | - Arlene A Hirano
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Nicholas C Brecha
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
- Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California 90073
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
- Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Steven Barnes
- Doheny Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, California 91103
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
- Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
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3
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Structure of human Na V1.6 channel reveals Na + selectivity and pore blockade by 4,9-anhydro-tetrodotoxin. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1030. [PMID: 36823201 PMCID: PMC9950489 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36766-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The sodium channel NaV1.6 is widely expressed in neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems, which plays a critical role in regulating neuronal excitability. Dysfunction of NaV1.6 has been linked to epileptic encephalopathy, intellectual disability and movement disorders. Here we present cryo-EM structures of human NaV1.6/β1/β2 alone and complexed with a guanidinium neurotoxin 4,9-anhydro-tetrodotoxin (4,9-ah-TTX), revealing molecular mechanism of NaV1.6 inhibition by the blocker. The apo-form structure reveals two potential Na+ binding sites within the selectivity filter, suggesting a possible mechanism for Na+ selectivity and conductance. In the 4,9-ah-TTX bound structure, 4,9-ah-TTX binds to a pocket similar to the tetrodotoxin (TTX) binding site, which occupies the Na+ binding sites and completely blocks the channel. Molecular dynamics simulation results show that subtle conformational differences in the selectivity filter affect the affinity of TTX analogues. Taken together, our results provide important insights into NaV1.6 structure, ion conductance, and inhibition.
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Balraj A, Clarkson-Paredes C, Pajoohesh-Ganji A, Kay MW, Mendelowitz D, Miller RH. Refinement of axonal conduction and myelination in the mouse optic nerve indicate an extended period of postnatal developmental plasticity. Dev Neurobiol 2022; 82:308-325. [PMID: 35403346 PMCID: PMC9128412 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22875] [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: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells generate a pattern of action potentials to communicate visual information from the retina to cortical areas. Myelin, an insulating sheath, wraps axonal segments to facilitate signal propagation and when deficient, can impair visual function. Optic nerve development and initial myelination has largely been considered complete by the fifth postnatal week. However, the relationship between the extent of myelination and axonal signaling in the maturing optic nerve is not well characterized. Here, we examine the relationship between axon conduction and elements of myelination using extracellular nerve recordings, immunohistochemistry, western blot analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and simulations of nerve responses. Comparing compound action potentials from mice aged 4-12 weeks revealed five functional distinct axonal populations, an increase in the number of functional axons, and shifts toward fast-conducting axon populations at 5 and 8 weeks postnatal. At these ages, our analysis revealed increased myelin thickness, lower g-ratios and changes in the 14 kDa MBP isoform, while the density of axons and nodes of Ranvier remained constant. At 5 postnatal weeks, axon diameter increased, while at 8 weeks, increased expression of a mature sodium ion channel subtype, Nav 1.6, was observed at nodes of Ranvier. A simulation model of nerve conduction suggests that ion channel subtype, axon diameter, and myelin thickness are more likely to be key regulators of nerve function than g-ratio. Such refinement of axonal function and myelin rearrangement identified an extended period of maturation in the normal optic nerve that may facilitate the development of visual signaling patterns. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Balraj
- Department of Anatomy, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Cheryl Clarkson-Paredes
- Nanofabrication and Imaging Center, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Ahdeah Pajoohesh-Ganji
- Department of Anatomy, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Matthew W. Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - David Mendelowitz
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Robert H. Miller
- Department of Anatomy, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Cheng S, Wang HN, Xu LJ, Li F, Miao Y, Lei B, Sun X, Wang Z. Soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced hyperexcitability contributes to retinal ganglion cell apoptosis by enhancing Nav1.6 in experimental glaucoma. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:182. [PMID: 34419081 PMCID: PMC8380326 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02236-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a major pro-inflammatory cytokine released from activated retinal glial cells in glaucoma. Here, we investigated how TNF-α induces retinal ganglion cell (RGC) hyperexcitability and injury. METHODS Whole-cell patch-clamp techniques were performed to explore changes in spontaneous firing and evoked action potentials, and Na+ currents in RGCs. Both intravitreal injection of TNF-α and chronic ocular hypertension (COH) models were used. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR), and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) techniques were employed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of TNF-α effects on RGCs. RESULTS Intravitreal injection of soluble TNF-α significantly increased the spontaneous firing frequencies of RGCs in retinal slices. When the synaptic transmissions were blocked, more than 90% of RGCs still showed spontaneous firing; both the percentage of cells and firing frequency were higher than the controls. Furthermore, the frequency of evoked action potentials was also higher than the controls. Co-injection of the TNF-α receptor 1 (TNFR1) inhibitor R7050 eliminated the TNF-α-induced effects, suggesting that TNF-α may directly act on RGCs to induce cell hyperexcitability through activating TNFR1. In RGCs acutely isolated from TNF-α-injected retinas, Na+ current densities were upregulated. Perfusing TNF-α in RGCs of normal rats mimicked this effect, and the activation curve of Na+ currents shifted toward hyperpolarization direction, which was mediated through p38 MAPK and STAT3 signaling pathways. Further analysis revealed that TNF-α selectively upregulated Nav1.6 subtype of Na+ currents in RGCs. Similar to observations in retinas of rats with COH, intravitreal injection of TNF-α upregulated the expression of Nav1.6 proteins in both total cell and membrane components, which was reversed by the NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082. Inhibition of TNFR1 blocked TNF-α-induced RGC apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS TNF-α/TNFR1 signaling induces RGC hyperexcitability by selectively upregulating Nav1.6 Na+ channels, thus contributing to RGC apoptosis in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hong-Ning Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin-Jie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanying Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Lei
- Institute of Neuroscience and Third Affiliated Hospital, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology at Eye & ENT Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Zhongfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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6
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Calkins DJ. Adaptive responses to neurodegenerative stress in glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 2021; 84:100953. [PMID: 33640464 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2021.100953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glaucoma causes loss of vision through degeneration of the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) projection to the brain. The disease is characterized by sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP) conveyed at the optic nerve head, through which RGC axons pass unmyelinated to form the optic nerve. From this point, a pathogenic triumvirate comprising inflammatory, oxidative, and metabolic stress influence both proximal structures in the retina and distal structures in the optic projection. This review focuses on metabolic stress and how the optic projection may compensate through novel adaptive mechanisms to protect excitatory signaling to the brain. In the retina and proximal nerve head, the unmyelinated RGC axon segment is energy-inefficient, which leads to increased demand for adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) at the risk of vulnerability to Ca2+-related metabolic and oxidative pressure. This vulnerability may underlie the bidirectional nature of progression. However, recent evidence highlights that the optic projection in glaucoma is not passive but rather demonstrates adaptive processes that may push back against neurodegeneration. In the retina, even as synaptic and dendritic pruning ensues, early progression involves enhanced excitability of RGCs. Enhancement involves depolarization of the resting membrane potential and increased response to light, independent of RGC morphological type. This response is axogenic, arising from increased levels and translocation of voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) in the unmyelinated segment. During this same early period, large-scale networks of gap-junction coupled astrocytes redistribute metabolic resources to the optic projection stressed by elevated IOP to slow loss of axon function. This redistribution may reflect more local remodeling, as astrocyte processes respond to focal metabolic duress by boosting glycogen turnover in response to axonal activity in an effort to promote survival of the healthiest axons. Both enhanced excitability and metabolic redistribution are transient, indicating that the same adaptive mechanisms that apparently serve to slow progression ultimately may be too expensive for the system to sustain over longer periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Calkins
- The Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Vision Research Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, AA7100 Medical Center North Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, USA.
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7
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Smith BJ, Côté PD, Tremblay F. Voltage-gated sodium channel-dependent retroaxonal modulation of photoreceptor function during post-natal development in mice. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:353-365. [PMID: 33248000 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile (postnatal day 16) mice lacking Nav 1.6 channels (null-mutant Scn8admu ) have reduced photoreceptor function, which is unexpected given that Nav channels have not been detected in mouse photoreceptors and do not contribute appreciably to photoreceptor function in adults. We demonstrate that acute block of Nav channels with intravitreal TTX in juvenile (P16) wild-type mice has no effect on photoreceptor function. However, reduced light activity by prolonged dark adaptation from P8 caused significant reduction in photoreceptor function at P16. Injecting TTX into the retrobulbar space at P16 to specifically block Nav channels in the optic nerve also caused a reduction in photoreceptor function comparable to that seen at P16 in null-mutant Scn8a mice. In both P16 null-mutant Scn8admu and retrobulbar TTX-injected wild-type mice, photoreceptor function was restored following intravitreal injection of the TrkB receptor agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, linking Nav -dependent retrograde transport to TrkB-dependent neurotrophic factor production pathways as a modulatory influence of photoreceptor function at P16. We also found that in Scn8admu mice, photoreceptor function recovers by P22-25 despite more precarious general health of the animal. Retrobulbar injection of TTX in the wild type still reduced the photoreceptor response at this age but to a lesser extent, suggesting that Nav -dependent modulation of photoreceptor function is largely transient, peaking soon after eye opening. Together, these results suggest that the general photosensitivity of the retina is modulated following eye opening by retrograde transport through activity-dependent retinal ganglion cell axonal signaling targeting TrkB receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Smith
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Patrice D Côté
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - François Tremblay
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
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8
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Moore S, Meschkat M, Ruhwedel T, Trevisiol A, Tzvetanova ID, Battefeld A, Kusch K, Kole MHP, Strenzke N, Möbius W, de Hoz L, Nave KA. A role of oligodendrocytes in information processing. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5497. [PMID: 33127910 PMCID: PMC7599337 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19152-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelinating oligodendrocytes enable fast propagation of action potentials along the ensheathed axons. In addition, oligodendrocytes play diverse non-canonical roles including axonal metabolic support and activity-dependent myelination. An open question remains whether myelination also contributes to information processing in addition to speeding up conduction velocity. Here, we analyze the role of myelin in auditory information processing using paradigms that are also good predictors of speech understanding in humans. We compare mice with different degrees of dysmyelination using acute multiunit recordings in the auditory cortex, in combination with behavioral readouts. We find complex alterations of neuronal responses that reflect fatigue and temporal acuity deficits. We observe partially discriminable but similar deficits in well myelinated mice in which glial cells cannot fully support axons metabolically. We suggest a model in which myelination contributes to sustained stimulus perception in temporally complex paradigms, with a role of metabolically active oligodendrocytes in cortical information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharlen Moore
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Neurosciences, Göttingen, Germany
- Göttingen Graduate Center for Neurosciences, Biophysics and Molecular Biosciences, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Martin Meschkat
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Torben Ruhwedel
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andrea Trevisiol
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Iva D Tzvetanova
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Section of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Arne Battefeld
- Department of Axonal Signaling, Netherlands Institute for Neurosciences, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Kathrin Kusch
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Maarten H P Kole
- Department of Axonal Signaling, Netherlands Institute for Neurosciences, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Biophysics, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicola Strenzke
- Institute for Auditory Neuroscience, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Möbius
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Livia de Hoz
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany.
- Charité Medical University, Neuroscience Research Center, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Klaus-Armin Nave
- Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Göttingen, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, Göttingen, Germany
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9
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Pan Y, Cummins TR. Distinct functional alterations in SCN8A epilepsy mutant channels. J Physiol 2020; 598:381-401. [PMID: 31715021 PMCID: PMC7216308 DOI: 10.1113/jp278952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Mutations in the SCN8A gene cause early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. We characterize a new epilepsy-related SCN8A mutation, R850Q, in the human SCN8A channel and present gain-of-function properties of the mutant channel. Systematic comparison of R850Q with three other SCN8A epilepsy mutations, T761I, R1617Q and R1872Q, identifies one common dysfunction in resurgent current, although these mutations alter distinct properties of the channel. Computational simulations in two different neuron models predict an increased excitability of neurons carrying these mutations, which explains the over-excitation that underlies seizure activities in patients. These data provide further insight into the mechanism of SCN8A-related epilepsy and reveal subtle but potentially important distinction of functional characterization performed in the human vs. rodent channels. ABSTRACT SCN8A is a novel causal gene for early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. It is well accepted that gain-of-function mutations in SCN8A underlie the disorder, although the remarkable heterogeneity of its clinical presentation and poor treatment response demand a better understanding of the disease mechanisms. Here, we characterize a new epilepsy-related SCN8A mutation, R850Q, in human Nav1.6. We show that it is a gain-of-function mutation, with a hyperpolarizing shift in voltage dependence of activation, a two-fold increase of persistent current and a slowed decay of resurgent current. We systematically compare its biophysics with three other SCN8A epilepsy mutations, T767I, R1617Q and R1872Q, in the human Nav1.6 channel. Although all of these mutations are gain-of-function, the mutations affect different aspects of channel properties. One commonality that we discovered is an alteration of resurgent current kinetics, although the mechanisms by which resurgent currents are augmented remain unclear for all of the mutations. Computational simulations predict an increased excitability of neurons carrying these mutations with differential enhancement by open channel blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Pan
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA
- Department of Biology, School of Science, IUPUI, IN, USA
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10
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Yin N, Yang YL, Cheng S, Wang HN, Hu X, Miao Y, Li F, Wang Z. Dopamine D2 Receptor-Mediated Modulation of Rat Retinal Ganglion Cell Excitability. Neurosci Bull 2019; 36:230-242. [PMID: 31606861 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00431-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ganglion cells (RGCs) are the sole output neurons of the retinal circuity. Here, we investigated whether and how dopamine D2 receptors modulate the excitability of dissociated rat RGCs. Application of the selective D2 receptor agonist quinpirole inhibited outward K+ currents, which were mainly mediated by glybenclamide- and 4-aminopyridine-sensitive channels, but not the tetraethylammonium-sensitive channel. In addition, quinpirole selectively enhanced Nav1.6 voltage-gated Na+ currents. The intracellular cAMP/protein kinase A, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways were responsible for the effects of quinpirole on K+ and Na+ currents, while phospholipase C/protein kinase C signaling was not involved. Under current-clamp conditions, the number of action potentials evoked by positive current injection was increased by quinpirole. Our results suggest that D2 receptor activation increases RGC excitability by suppressing outward K+ currents and enhancing Nav1.6 currents, which may affect retinal visual information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yin
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yu-Long Yang
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Shuo Cheng
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hong-Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yanying Miao
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhongfeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Circuit-Specific Early Impairment of Proprioceptive Sensory Neurons in the SOD1 G93A Mouse Model for ALS. J Neurosci 2019; 39:8798-8815. [PMID: 31530644 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1214-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease in which motor neurons degenerate, resulting in muscle atrophy, paralysis, and fatality. Studies using mouse models of ALS indicate a protracted period of disease development with progressive motor neuron pathology, evident as early as embryonic and postnatal stages. Key missing information includes concomitant alterations in the sensorimotor circuit essential for normal development and function of the neuromuscular system. Leveraging unique brainstem circuitry, we show in vitro evidence for reflex circuit-specific postnatal abnormalities in the jaw proprioceptive sensory neurons in the well-studied SOD1G93A mouse. These include impaired and arrhythmic action potential burst discharge associated with a deficit in Nav1.6 Na+ channels. However, the mechanoreceptive and nociceptive trigeminal ganglion neurons and the visual sensory retinal ganglion neurons were resistant to excitability changes in age-matched SOD1G93A mice. Computational modeling of the observed disruption in sensory patterns predicted asynchronous self-sustained motor neuron discharge suggestive of imminent reflexive defects, such as muscle fasciculations in ALS. These results demonstrate a novel reflex circuit-specific proprioceptive sensory abnormality in ALS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurodegenerative diseases have prolonged periods of disease development and progression. Identifying early markers of vulnerability can therefore help devise better diagnostic and treatment strategies. In this study, we examined postnatal abnormalities in the electrical excitability of muscle spindle afferent proprioceptive neurons in the well-studied SOD1G93A mouse model for neurodegenerative motor neuron disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Our findings suggest that these proprioceptive sensory neurons are exclusively afflicted early in the disease process relative to sensory neurons of other modalities. Moreover, they presented Nav1.6 Na+ channel deficiency, which contributed to arrhythmic burst discharge. Such sensory arrhythmia could initiate reflexive defects, such as muscle fasciculations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as suggested by our computational model.
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Van Hook MJ, Nawy S, Thoreson WB. Voltage- and calcium-gated ion channels of neurons in the vertebrate retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 72:100760. [PMID: 31078724 PMCID: PMC6739185 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we summarize studies investigating the types and distribution of voltage- and calcium-gated ion channels in the different classes of retinal neurons: rods, cones, horizontal cells, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, interplexiform cells, and ganglion cells. We discuss differences among cell subtypes within these major cell classes, as well as differences among species, and consider how different ion channels shape the responses of different neurons. For example, even though second-order bipolar and horizontal cells do not typically generate fast sodium-dependent action potentials, many of these cells nevertheless possess fast sodium currents that can enhance their kinetic response capabilities. Ca2+ channel activity can also shape response kinetics as well as regulating synaptic release. The L-type Ca2+ channel subtype, CaV1.4, expressed in photoreceptor cells exhibits specific properties matching the particular needs of these cells such as limited inactivation which allows sustained channel activity and maintained synaptic release in darkness. The particular properties of K+ and Cl- channels in different retinal neurons shape resting membrane potentials, response kinetics and spiking behavior. A remaining challenge is to characterize the specific distributions of ion channels in the more than 100 individual cell types that have been identified in the retina and to describe how these particular ion channels sculpt neuronal responses to assist in the processing of visual information by the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Van Hook
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Scott Nawy
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience(2), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Wallace B Thoreson
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience(2), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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13
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Axogenic mechanism enhances retinal ganglion cell excitability during early progression in glaucoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E2393-E2402. [PMID: 29463759 PMCID: PMC5877940 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1714888115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying new therapies for neurodegenerative disease requires understanding how neurons respond to stress and whether this response includes adaptation to slow progression. Because neurodegeneration affects both axons and dendrites, with their synaptic contacts, adaptation could involve both compartments. We investigated this question in experimental glaucoma, the world’s leading cause of irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma attacks retinal ganglion cell neurons and their axons, which comprise the optic nerve. We found that elevations in ocular pressure, a prominent risk factor for glaucoma, caused a paradoxical increase in ganglion cell excitability, including response to light, even in cells with substantial dendritic pruning. This adaptation arose from voltage-dependent mechanisms in the axon and may help maintain signaling to the brain to preserve vision. Diseases of the brain involve early axon dysfunction that often precedes outright degeneration. Pruning of dendrites and their synapses represents a potential driver of axonopathy by reducing activity. Optic nerve degeneration in glaucoma, the world’s leading cause of irreversible blindness, involves early stress to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons from sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP). This sensitivity also influences survival of RGC dendrites and excitatory synapses in the retina. Here we tested in individual RGCs identified by type the relationship between dendritic organization and axon signaling to light following modest, short-term elevations in pressure. We found dendritic pruning occurred early, by 2 wk of elevation, and independent of whether the RGC responded to light onset (ON cells) or offset (OFF cells). Pruning was similarly independent of ON and OFF in the DBA/2J mouse, a chronic glaucoma model. Paradoxically, all RGCs, even those with significant pruning, demonstrated a transient increase in axon firing in response to the preferred light stimulus that occurred on a backdrop of generally enhanced excitability. The increased response was not through conventional presynaptic signaling, but rather depended on voltage-sensitive sodium channels that increased transiently in the axon. Pruning, axon dysfunction, and deficits in visual acuity did not progress between 2 and 4 wk of elevation. These results suggest neurodegeneration in glaucoma involves an early axogenic response that counters IOP-related stress to excitatory dendritic architecture to slow progression and maintain signaling to the brain. Thus, short-term exposure to elevated IOP may precondition the neural system to further insult.
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Wang J, Ou SW, Wang YJ. Distribution and function of voltage-gated sodium channels in the nervous system. Channels (Austin) 2017; 11:534-554. [PMID: 28922053 DOI: 10.1080/19336950.2017.1380758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are the basic ion channels for neuronal excitability, which are crucial for the resting potential and the generation and propagation of action potentials in neurons. To date, at least nine distinct sodium channel isoforms have been detected in the nervous system. Recent studies have identified that voltage-gated sodium channels not only play an essential role in the normal electrophysiological activities of neurons but also have a close relationship with neurological diseases. In this study, the latest research findings regarding the structure, type, distribution, and function of VGSCs in the nervous system and their relationship to neurological diseases, such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, brain tumors, neural trauma, and multiple sclerosis, are reviewed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- a Department of Neurosurgery , The First Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Shao-Wu Ou
- a Department of Neurosurgery , The First Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Yun-Jie Wang
- a Department of Neurosurgery , The First Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , P.R. China
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15
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Smith BJ, Côté PD, Tremblay F. Contribution of Na v1.8 sodium channels to retinal function. Neuroscience 2016; 340:279-290. [PMID: 27984182 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.10.054] [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: 08/21/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We examined the contribution of the sodium channel isoform Nav1.8 to retinal function using the specific blocker A803467. We found that A803467 has little influence on the electroretinogram (ERG) a- and b-waves, but significantly reduces the oscillatory potentials (OPs) to 40-60% of their original amplitude, with significant changes in implicit time in the rod-driven range. To date, only two cell types were found in mouse to express Nav1.8; the starburst amacrine cells (SBACs), and a subtype of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). When we recorded light responses from ganglion cells using a multielectrode array we found significant and opposing changes in two physiological groups of RGCs. ON-sustained cells showed significant decreases while transient ON-OFF cells showed significant increases. The effects on ON-OFF transient cells but not ON-sustained cells disappeared in the presence of an inhibitory cocktail. We have previously shown that RGCs have only a minor contribution to the OPs (Smith et al., 2014), therefore suggesting that SBACs might be a significant contributor to this ERG component. Targeting SBACs with the cholinergic neurotoxin ethylcholine mustard aziridinium (AF64A) caused a reduction in the amplitude of the OPs similar to A803467. Our results, both using the ERG and MEA recordings from RGCs, suggest that Nav1.8 plays a role in modulating specific aspects of the retinal physiology and that SBACs are a fundamental cellular contributor to the OPs in mice, a clear demonstration of the dichotomy between ERG b-wave and OPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Smith
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St., PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Patrice D Côté
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St., PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, 1276 South Park St., PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - François Tremblay
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, 1276 South Park St., PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, 5850 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
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Sánchez-Ponce D, DeFelipe J, Garrido JJ, Muñoz A. Developmental expression of Kv potassium channels at the axon initial segment of cultured hippocampal neurons. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48557. [PMID: 23119056 PMCID: PMC3485302 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal outgrowth and the formation of the axon initial segment (AIS) are early events in the acquisition of neuronal polarity. The AIS is characterized by a high concentration of voltage-dependent sodium and potassium channels. However, the specific ion channel subunits present and their precise localization in this axonal subdomain vary both during development and among the types of neurons, probably determining their firing characteristics in response to stimulation. Here, we characterize the developmental expression of different subfamilies of voltage-gated potassium channels in the AISs of cultured mouse hippocampal neurons, including subunits Kv1.2, Kv2.2 and Kv7.2. In contrast to the early appearance of voltage-gated sodium channels and the Kv7.2 subunit at the AIS, Kv1.2 and Kv2.2 subunits were tethered at the AIS only after 10 days in vitro. Interestingly, we observed different patterns of Kv1.2 and Kv2.2 subunit expression, with each confined to distinct neuronal populations. The accumulation of Kv1.2 and Kv2.2 subunits at the AIS was dependent on ankyrin G tethering, it was not affected by disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and it was resistant to detergent extraction, as described previously for other AIS proteins. This distribution of potassium channels in the AIS further emphasizes the heterogeneity of this structure in different neuronal populations, as proposed previously, and suggests corresponding differences in action potential regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Sánchez-Ponce
- Department of Functional and Systems Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier DeFelipe
- Department of Functional and Systems Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan José Garrido
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (AM); (JJG)
| | - Alberto Muñoz
- Department of Functional and Systems Neurobiology, Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
- Laboratorio Cajal de Circuitos Corticales, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
- * E-mail: (AM); (JJG)
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Damiani D, Novelli E, Mazzoni F, Strettoi E. Undersized dendritic arborizations in retinal ganglion cells of the rd1 mutant mouse: a paradigm of early onset photoreceptor degeneration. J Comp Neurol 2012; 520:1406-23. [PMID: 22102216 DOI: 10.1002/cne.22802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a family of inherited diseases causing progressive photoreceptor death. Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) form the biological substrate for various therapeutic approaches designed to restore vision in RP individuals. Assessment of survival and preservation of RGCs in animal paradigms mimicking the human disease is of key importance for appropriate implementation of vision repair strategies. Here we studied the survival of RGCs in the rd1 mutant mouse, a known model of early onset, autosomic recessive RP, at various stages of photoreceptor degeneration. Furthermore, we analyzed the morphology of various types of RGCs using the newly generated transgenic mouse rd1/Thy1-GFP, in which the rd1 mutation is associated with green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in a small population of different RGCs. We found excellent survival of cells at up to 1 year of age, a time at which the inner retina is known to have severely reorganized and partially degenerated. However, 50% of the cells analyzed within all RGC types exhibit an undersized dendritic tree, spanning about half of the normal area. Undersized cells are found both in adult and in very young (1-month-old) mice. This suggests that their aberrant phenotype is due to incomplete dendritic development, possibly as a consequence of altered visual input at the time of dendritic arbor refinement. These data show the importance of the timing of photoreceptor death in RGC dendritic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devid Damiani
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council of Italy, CNR, Pisa, Italy
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18
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Caillol G, Vacher H, Musarella M, Bellouze S, Dargent B, Autillo-Touati A. Motor endplate disease affects neuromuscular junction maturation. Eur J Neurosci 2012; 36:2400-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2012.08164.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS), with its dense clusters of voltage-gated ion channels decorating the axonal membrane, regulates action potential initiation and modulation. The AIS also functions as a barrier to maintain axodendritic polarity, and its precise axonal location contributes to the fine-tuning of neuronal excitability. Therefore, it is not surprising that mutations in AIS-related genes, disruption of the molecular organization of the AIS and altered AIS ion channel expression, function, location and/or density are emerging as key players in neurological disorders. Here, we consider the role of the AIS in nervous system disease and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly A Buffington
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM295, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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20
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Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS) is a highly specialized neuronal subregion that is the site of action potential initiation and the boundary between axonal and somatodendritic compartments. In recent years, our understanding of the molecular structure of the AIS, its maturation, and its multiple fundamental roles in neuronal function has seen major advances. We are beginning to appreciate that the AIS is dynamically regulated, both over short timescales via adaptations in ion channel function, and long timescales via activity-dependent structural reorganization. Here, we review results from this emerging field highlighting how structural and functional plasticity relate to the development of the initial segment, and to neuronal disorders linked to AIS dysfunction.
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Bucher D, Goaillard JM. Beyond faithful conduction: short-term dynamics, neuromodulation, and long-term regulation of spike propagation in the axon. Prog Neurobiol 2011; 94:307-46. [PMID: 21708220 PMCID: PMC3156869 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2011.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 05/27/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Most spiking neurons are divided into functional compartments: a dendritic input region, a soma, a site of action potential initiation, an axon trunk and its collaterals for propagation of action potentials, and distal arborizations and terminals carrying the output synapses. The axon trunk and lower order branches are probably the most neglected and are often assumed to do nothing more than faithfully conducting action potentials. Nevertheless, there are numerous reports of complex membrane properties in non-synaptic axonal regions, owing to the presence of a multitude of different ion channels. Many different types of sodium and potassium channels have been described in axons, as well as calcium transients and hyperpolarization-activated inward currents. The complex time- and voltage-dependence resulting from the properties of ion channels can lead to activity-dependent changes in spike shape and resting potential, affecting the temporal fidelity of spike conduction. Neural coding can be altered by activity-dependent changes in conduction velocity, spike failures, and ectopic spike initiation. This is true under normal physiological conditions, and relevant for a number of neuropathies that lead to abnormal excitability. In addition, a growing number of studies show that the axon trunk can express receptors to glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine or biogenic amines, changing the relative contribution of some channels to axonal excitability and therefore rendering the contribution of this compartment to neural coding conditional on the presence of neuromodulators. Long-term regulatory processes, both during development and in the context of activity-dependent plasticity may also affect axonal properties to an underappreciated extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Bucher
- The Whitney Laboratory and Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, FL 32080, USA.
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22
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Leterrier C, Brachet A, Fache MP, Dargent B. Voltage-gated sodium channel organization in neurons: Protein interactions and trafficking pathways. Neurosci Lett 2010; 486:92-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.08.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2010] [Revised: 07/27/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Leterrier C, Brachet A, Dargent B, Vacher H. Determinants of voltage-gated sodium channel clustering in neurons. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2010; 22:171-7. [PMID: 20934527 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2010.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2010] [Revised: 09/29/2010] [Accepted: 09/30/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian neurons, the generation and propagation of the action potential result from the presence of dense clusters of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav) at the axonal initial segment (AIS) and nodes of Ranvier. In these two structures, the assembly of specific supra-molecular complexes composed of numerous partners, such as cytoskeletal scaffold proteins and signaling proteins ensures the high concentration of Nav channels. Understanding how neurons regulate the expression and discrete localization of Nav channels is critical to understanding the diversity of normal neuronal function as well as neuronal dysfunction caused by defects in these processes. Here, we review the mechanisms establishing the clustering of Nav channels at the AIS and in the node and discuss how the alterations of Nav channel clustering can lead to certain pathophysiologies.
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Kress GJ, Dowling MJ, Eisenman LN, Mennerick S. Axonal sodium channel distribution shapes the depolarized action potential threshold of dentate granule neurons. Hippocampus 2010; 20:558-71. [PMID: 19603521 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsic excitability is a key feature dictating neuronal response to synaptic input. Here we investigate the recent observation that dentate granule neurons exhibit a more depolarized voltage threshold for action potential initiation than CA3 pyramidal neurons. We find no evidence that tonic GABA currents, leak or voltage-gated potassium conductances, or the expression of sodium channel isoform differences can explain this depolarized threshold. Axonal initial segment voltage-gated sodium channels, which are dominated by the Na(V)1.6 isoform in both cell types, distribute more proximally and exhibit lower overall density in granule neurons than in CA3 neurons. To test possible contributions of sodium channel distributions to voltage threshold and to test whether morphological differences participate, we performed simulations of dentate granule neurons and of CA3 pyramidal neurons. These simulations revealed that cell morphology and sodium channel distribution combine to yield the characteristic granule neuron action potential upswing and voltage threshold. Proximal axon sodium channel distribution strongly contributes to the higher voltage threshold of dentate granule neurons for two reasons. First, action potential initiation closer to the somatodendritic current sink causes the threshold of the initiating axon compartment to rise. Second, the proximity of the action potential initiation site to the recording site causes somatic recordings to more faithfully reflect the depolarized threshold of the axon than in cells like CA3 neurons, with distally initiating action potentials. Our results suggest that the proximal location of axon sodium channels in dentate granule neurons contributes to the intrinsic excitability differences between DG and CA3 neurons and may participate in the low-pass filtering function of dentate granule neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine J Kress
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
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Thomas EA, Hawkins RJ, Richards KL, Xu R, Gazina EV, Petrou S. Heat opens axon initial segment sodium channels: A febrile seizure mechanism? Ann Neurol 2009; 66:219-26. [DOI: 10.1002/ana.21712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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The ataxia3 mutation in the N-terminal cytoplasmic domain of sodium channel Na(v)1.6 disrupts intracellular trafficking. J Neurosci 2009; 29:2733-41. [PMID: 19261867 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.6026-08.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ENU-induced neurological mutant ataxia3 was mapped to distal mouse chromosome 15. Sequencing of the positional candidate gene Scn8a encoding the sodium channel Na(v)1.6 identified a T>C transition in exon 1 resulting in the amino acid substitution p.S21P near the N terminus of the channel. The cytoplasmic N-terminal region is evolutionarily conserved but its function has not been well characterized. ataxia3 homozygotes exhibit a severe disorder that includes ataxia, tremor, and juvenile lethality. Unlike Scn8a null mice, they retain partial hindlimb function. The mutant transcript is stable but protein abundance is reduced and the mutant channel is not detected in its usual site of concentration at nodes of Ranvier. In whole-cell patch-clamp studies of transfected ND7/23 cells that were maintained at 37 degrees C, the mutant channel did not produce sodium current, and function was not restored by coexpression of beta1 and beta2 subunits. However, when transfected cells were maintained at 30 degrees C, the mutant channel generated voltage-dependent inward sodium currents with an average peak current density comparable with wild type, demonstrating recovery of channel activity. Immunohistochemistry of primary cerebellar granule cells from ataxia3 mice demonstrated that the mutant protein is retained in the cis-Golgi. This trafficking defect can account for the low level of Na(v)1.6-S21P at nodes of Ranvier in vivo and at the surface of transfected cells. The data demonstrate that the cytoplasmic N-terminal domain of the sodium channel is required for anterograde transport from the Golgi complex to the plasma membrane.
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Abstract
The exact site of initiation and shape of action potentials vary among different neuronal types. The reason for this variability is largely unknown, but the subunit composition, density and distribution of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) and potassium (Kv) channels within the axon initial segment (AIS) are likely to play a key role. Here, we asked how heterogeneous are the density and distribution of Nav and Kv channels within the AISs of a variety of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Most of the studied cell types expressed a high density of Nav1.6, Kv1.1, and Kv1.2 subunits in their AIS, but the Nav1.1 subunit could only be detected in GABAergic interneurons. A proximo-distal gradient in the density of these subunits was observed within the AIS of certain nerve cells but not in others. For example, a gradual increase of the Nav1.6 subunit was observed in cortical layer 2/3 and hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cell (PC) AISs, whereas its density was rather uniform in layer 5 PC AISs. The Nav1.1 subunit was distributed evenly along the AIS of short-axon cells of the main olfactory bulb but was restricted to the proximal part of the AIS in cortical and cerebellar interneurons. Our results reveal a cell type-dependent expression of sodium and potassium channel subunits with varying densities along the proximo-distal axis of the AISs. This precise arrangement is likely to contribute to the diversity of firing properties observed among central neurons.
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Vega AV, Henry DL, Matthews G. Reduced expression of Nav1.6 sodium channels and compensation by Nav1.2 channels in mice heterozygous for a null mutation in Scn8a. Neurosci Lett 2008; 442:69-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2008.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2008] [Revised: 06/23/2008] [Accepted: 06/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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O'Brien BJ, Caldwell JH, Ehring GR, Bumsted O'Brien KM, Luo S, Levinson SR. Tetrodotoxin-resistant voltage-gated sodium channels Na(v)1.8 and Na(v)1.9 are expressed in the retina. J Comp Neurol 2008; 508:940-51. [PMID: 18399542 DOI: 10.1002/cne.21701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are one of the fundamental building blocks of electrically excitable cells in the nervous system. These channels are responsible for the generation of action potentials that are required for the communication of neuronal signals over long distances within a cell. VGSCs are encoded by a family of nine genes whose products have widely varying biophysical properties. In this study, we have detected the expression of two atypical VGSCs (Na(v)1.8 and Na(v)1.9) in the retina. Compared with more common VGSCs, Na(v)1.8 and Na(v)1.9 have unusual biophysical and pharmacological properties, including persistent sodium currents and resistance to the canonical sodium channel blocker tetrodotoxin (TTX). Our molecular biological and immunohistochemical data derived from mouse (Mus musculus) retina demonstrate expression of Na(v)1.8 by retinal amacrine and ganglion cells, whereas Na(v)1.9 is expressed by photoreceptors and Müller glia. The fact that these channels exist in the central nervous system (CNS) and exhibit robust TTX resistance requires a re-evaluation of prior physiological, pharmacological, and developmental data in the visual system, in which the diversity of VGSCs has been previously underestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan J O'Brien
- Department of Optometry & Vision Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Ben-Shlomo G, Ofri R, Bandah D, Rosner M, Sharon D. Microarray-based gene expression analysis during retinal maturation of albino rats. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2008; 246:693-702. [PMID: 18286297 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-008-0772-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2007] [Revised: 01/03/2008] [Accepted: 01/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the rat has become a commonly-used animal model for the study of retinal diseases. Similar to other tissues, the retina undergoes significant functional changes during maturation. Aiming to gain knowledge on additional aspects of retinal maturation, we performed gene expression and histological analyses of the rat retina during maturation. METHODS Rat retinas were dissected at three time points. Histological examination of the samples was performed, and the expression levels of retinal genes were evaluated using the rat whole-genome microarray system. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was used to validate selected expression patterns. Various statistical and bioinformatic tools were used to identify differentially expressed genes. RESULTS The microarray analysis revealed a relatively high number of highly expressed non-annotated genes. We identified 603 differentially expressed genes, which were grouped into six clusters based on changes in expression levels during the first 20 weeks of life. A bioinformatic analysis of these clusters revealed sets of genes encoding proteins with functions that are likely to be relevant to retinal maturation (potassium, sodium, calcium, and chloride channels, synaptic vesicle transport, and axonogenesis). The histological analysis revealed a significant reduction of outer nuclear layer thickness and retinal ganglion cell number during maturation. CONCLUSIONS These data, taken together with our previously reported electrophysiological data, contribute to our understanding of the retinal maturation processes of this widely-used animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Ben-Shlomo
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Chirila FV, Rowland KC, Thompson JM, Spirou GA. Development of gerbil medial superior olive: integration of temporally delayed excitation and inhibition at physiological temperature. J Physiol 2007; 584:167-90. [PMID: 17690144 PMCID: PMC2277048 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2007.137976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2007] [Accepted: 08/09/2007] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The sensitivity of medial superior olive (MSO) neurons to tens of microsecond differences in interaural temporal delay (ITD) derives in part from their membrane electrical characteristics, kinetics and timing of excitatory and inhibitory inputs, and dendrite structure. However, maturation of these physiological and structural characteristics are little studied, especially in relationship to the onset of auditory experience. We showed, using brain slices at physiological temperature, that MSO neurons exhibited sensitivity to simulated temporally delayed (TD) EPSCs (simEPSC), injected through the recording electrode, by the initial phase of hearing onset at P10, and TD sensitivity was reduced by block of low threshold potassium channels. The spike generation mechanism matured between P10 and P16 to support TD sensitivity to adult-like excitatory stimuli (1-4 ms duration) by P14. IPSP duration was shorter at physiological temperature than reported for lower temperatures, was longer than EPSP duration at young ages, but approached the duration of EPSPs by P16, when hearing thresholds neared maturity. Dendrite branching became less complex over a more restricted time frame between P10 and P12. Because many physiological and structural properties approximated mature values between P14 and P16, we studied temporal integration of simEPSCs and IPSPs at P15. Only a narrow range of relative onset times (< 1 ms) yielded responses showing sensitivity to TD. We propose that shaping of excitatory circuitry to mediate TD sensitivity can begin before airborne sound is detectable, and that inhibitory inputs having suboptimal neural delays may then be pruned by cellular mechanisms activated by sensitivity to ITD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florin V Chirila
- Sensory Neuroscience Research Center, West Virginia University School of Medicine, One Medical Center Drive, PO Box 9303, Morgantown, WV 26506-9303, USA
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Margolis DJ, Detwiler PB. Different mechanisms generate maintained activity in ON and OFF retinal ganglion cells. J Neurosci 2007; 27:5994-6005. [PMID: 17537971 PMCID: PMC3136104 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0130-07.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal discharge is driven by either synaptic input or cell-autonomous intrinsic pacemaker activity. It is commonly assumed that the resting spike activity of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the output cells of the retina, is driven synaptically, because retinal photoreceptors and second-order cells tonically release neurotransmitter. Here we show that ON and OFF RGCs generate maintained activity through different mechanisms: ON cells depend on tonic excitatory input to drive resting activity, whereas OFF cells continue to fire in the absence of synaptic input. In addition to spontaneous activity, OFF cells exhibit other properties of pacemaker neurons, including subthreshold oscillations, burst firing, and rebound excitation. Thus, variable weighting of synaptic mechanisms and intrinsic properties underlies differences in the generation of maintained activity in these parallel retinal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Margolis
- Program in Neurobiology and Behavior and Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
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