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Espargaró A, Álvarez-Berbel I, Busquets MA, Sabate R. In Vivo Assays for Amyloid-Related Diseases. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY (PALO ALTO, CALIF.) 2024; 17:433-458. [PMID: 38598824 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-anchem-061622-023326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Amyloid-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, are devastating conditions caused by the accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates known as amyloid fibrils. While assays involving animal models are essential for understanding the pathogenesis and developing therapies, a wide array of standard analytical techniques exists to enhance our understanding of these disorders. These techniques provide valuable information on the formation and propagation of amyloid fibrils, as well as the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of candidate drugs. Despite ethical concerns surrounding animal use, animal models remain vital tools in the search for treatments. Regardless of the specific animal model chosen, the analytical methods used are usually standardized. Therefore, the main objective of this review is to categorize and outline the primary analytical methods used in in vivo assays for amyloid-related diseases, highlighting their critical role in furthering our understanding of these disorders and developing effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Espargaró
- 1Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain;
- 2Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Álvarez-Berbel
- 1Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Maria Antònia Busquets
- 1Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain;
- 2Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raimon Sabate
- 1Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Department of Physical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain;
- 2Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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2
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Sadeghi G, Dinani MS, Rabbani M. Effects of extracts and manna of Echinops cephalotes on impaired cognitive function induced by scopolamine in mice. Res Pharm Sci 2024; 19:167-177. [PMID: 39035579 PMCID: PMC11257209 DOI: 10.4103/rps.rps_27_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease specified by chronic and irreversible destruction of neurons. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different extracts (aqueous, hydroalcoholic, hexane, and ethyl acetate) and manna of Echinops cephalotes (EC) on impaired cognitive function induced by scopolamine in mice. EC is shown to have anti-cholinesterase-butyrylcholinesterase activities. Experimental approach In this study, aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts, hexane and ethyl acetate fractions of EC (25, 50, 100 mg/kg, i.p.), and the manna (25, 50, 100 mg/kg, gavage) were administered for 14 days alongside scopolamine (0.7 mg/kg, i.p.). Rivastigmine (reference drug) was administered for 2 weeks i.p. Mice were tested for their memory function using two behavioral models, object recognition test (ORT) and passive avoidance test (PAT). Findings/Results Administration of scopolamine significantly impaired memory function in both behavioral models. In the PAT model, all extracts at 50 and 100 mg/kg significantly reversed the effect of memory destruction caused by scopolamine. At a lower dose of 25 mg/kg, however, none of the extracts were able to significantly change the step-through latency time. In the ORT model, however, administration of all extracts at 50 and 100 mg/kg, significantly increased the recognition index. Only the manna and the aqueous extract at 25 mg/kg were able to reverse scopolamine-induced memory impairment. Conclusions and implications These results suggest that all forms of EC extracts improve memory impairment induced by scopolamine comparably to rivastigmine. Whether the effects are sustained over a longer period remains to be tested in future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giti Sadeghi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Masoud Sadeghi Dinani
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rabbani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Karoglu-Eravsar ET, Tuz-Sasik MU, Karaduman A, Keskus AG, Arslan-Ergul A, Konu O, Kafaligonul H, Adams MM. Long-Term Acetylcholinesterase Depletion Alters the Levels of Key Synaptic Proteins while Maintaining Neuronal Markers in the Aging Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Brain. Gerontology 2023; 69:1424-1436. [PMID: 37793352 PMCID: PMC10711754 DOI: 10.1159/000534343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interventions targeting cholinergic neurotransmission like acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition distinguish potential mechanisms to delay age-related impairments and attenuate deficits related to neurodegenerative diseases. However, the chronic effects of these interventions are not well described. METHODS In the current study, global levels of cholinergic, cellular, synaptic, and inflammation-mediating proteins were assessed within the context of aging and chronic reduction of AChE activity. Long-term depletion of AChE activity was induced by using a mutant zebrafish line, and they were compared with the wildtype group at young and old ages. RESULTS Results demonstrated that AChE activity was lower in both young and old mutants, and this decrease coincided with a reduction in ACh content. Additionally, an overall age-related reduction in AChE activity and the AChE/ACh ratio was observed, and this decline was more prominent in wildtype groups. The levels of an immature neuronal marker were upregulated in mutants, while a glial marker showed an overall reduction. Mutants had preserved levels of inhibitory and presynaptic elements with aging, whereas glutamate receptor subunit levels declined. CONCLUSION Long-term AChE activity depletion induces synaptic and cellular alterations. These data provide further insights into molecular targets and adaptive responses following the long-term reduction of AChE activity that was also targeted pharmacologically to treat neurodegenerative diseases in human subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Tugce Karoglu-Eravsar
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- National Nanotechnology Research Center and Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Psychology, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Melek Umay Tuz-Sasik
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- National Nanotechnology Research Center and Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Aysenur Karaduman
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayse Gokce Keskus
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- National Nanotechnology Research Center and Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayca Arslan-Ergul
- National Nanotechnology Research Center and Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozlen Konu
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- National Nanotechnology Research Center and Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hulusi Kafaligonul
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- National Nanotechnology Research Center and Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Michelle M. Adams
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- National Nanotechnology Research Center and Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology (UNAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Zebrafish Facility, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Psychology, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
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Yan Z, Rein B. Mechanisms of synaptic transmission dysregulation in the prefrontal cortex: pathophysiological implications. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:445-465. [PMID: 33875802 PMCID: PMC8523584 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) serves as the chief executive officer of the brain, controlling the highest level cognitive and emotional processes. Its local circuits among glutamatergic principal neurons and GABAergic interneurons, as well as its long-range connections with other brain regions, have been functionally linked to specific behaviors, ranging from working memory to reward seeking. The efficacy of synaptic signaling in the PFC network is profundedly influenced by monoaminergic inputs via the activation of dopamine, adrenergic, or serotonin receptors. Stress hormones and neuropeptides also exert complex effects on the synaptic structure and function of PFC neurons. Dysregulation of PFC synaptic transmission is strongly linked to social deficits, affective disturbance, and memory loss in brain disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Critical neural circuits, biological pathways, and molecular players that go awry in these mental illnesses have been revealed by integrated electrophysiological, optogenetic, biochemical, and transcriptomic studies of PFC. Novel epigenetic mechanism-based strategies are proposed as potential avenues of therapeutic intervention for PFC-involved diseases. This review provides an overview of PFC network organization and synaptic modulation, as well as the mechanisms linking PFC dysfunction to the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. Insights from the preclinical studies offer the potential for discovering new medical treatments for human patients with these brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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5
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Niu F, Sharma A, Wang Z, Feng L, Muresanu DF, Sahib S, Tian ZR, Lafuente JV, Buzoianu AD, Castellani RJ, Nozari A, Menon PK, Patnaik R, Wiklund L, Sharma HS. Nanodelivery of oxiracetam enhances memory, functional recovery and induces neuroprotection following concussive head injury. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 265:139-230. [PMID: 34560921 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Military personnel are the most susceptible to concussive head injury (CHI) caused by explosion, blast or missile or blunt head trauma. Mild to moderate CHI could induce lifetime functional and cognitive disturbances causing significant decrease in quality of life. Severe CHI leads to instant death and lifetime paralysis. Thus, further exploration of novel therapeutic agents or new features of known pharmacological agents are needed to enhance quality of life of CHI victims. Previous reports from our laboratory showed that mild CHI induced by weight drop technique causing an impact of 0.224N results in profound progressive functional deficit, memory impairment and brain pathology from 5h after trauma that continued over several weeks of injury. In this investigation we report that TiO2 nanowired delivery of oxiracetam (50mg/kg, i.p.) daily for 5 days after CHI resulted in significant improvement of functional deficit on the 8th day. This was observed using Rota Rod treadmill, memory improvement assessed by the time spent in finding hidden platform under water. The motor function improvement is seen in oxiracetam treated CHI group by placing forepaw on an inclined mesh walking and foot print analysis for stride length and distance between hind feet. TiO2-nanowired oxiracetam also induced marked improvements in the cerebral blood flow, reduction in the BBB breakdown and edema formation as well as neuroprotection of neuronal, glial and myelin damages caused by CHI at light and electron microscopy on the 7th day after 5 days TiO2 oxiracetam treatment. Adverse biochemical events such as upregulation of CSF nitrite and nitrate, IL-6, TNF-a and p-Tau are also reduced significantly in oxiracetam treated CHI group. On the other hand post treatment of 100mg/kg dose of normal oxiracetam in identical conditions after CHI is needed to show slight but significant neuroprotection together with mild recovery of memory function and functional deficits on the 8th day. These observations are the first to point out that nanowired delivery of oxiracetam has superior neuroprotective ability in CHI. These results indicate a promising clinical future of TiO2 oxiracetam in treating CHI patients for better quality of life and neurorehabilitation, not reported earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Niu
- CSPC NBP Pharmaceutical Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Aruna Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Zhenguo Wang
- CSPC NBP Pharmaceutical Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lianyuan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dafin F Muresanu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; "RoNeuro" Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Seaab Sahib
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Z Ryan Tian
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - José Vicente Lafuente
- LaNCE, Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Anca D Buzoianu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Rudy J Castellani
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ala Nozari
- Anesthesiology & Intensive Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Preeti K Menon
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ranjana Patnaik
- Department of Biomaterials, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Lars Wiklund
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hari Shanker Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Cheng YJ, Lin CH, Lane HY. Involvement of Cholinergic, Adrenergic, and Glutamatergic Network Modulation with Cognitive Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2283. [PMID: 33668976 PMCID: PMC7956475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The number of AD cases has been rapidly growing worldwide. Several the related etiological hypotheses include atypical amyloid β (Aβ) deposition, neurofibrillary tangles of tau proteins inside neurons, disturbed neurotransmission, inflammation, and oxidative stress. During AD progression, aberrations in neurotransmission cause cognitive decline-the main symptom of AD. Here, we review the aberrant neurotransmission systems, including cholinergic, adrenergic, and glutamatergic network, and the interactions among these systems as they pertain to AD. We also discuss the key role of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) dysfunction in AD-associated cognitive impairment. Furthermore, we summarize the results of recent studies indicating that increasing glutamatergic neurotransmission through the alteration of NMDARs shows potential for treating cognitive decline in mild cognitive impairment or early stage AD. Future studies on the long-term efficiency of NMDA-enhancing strategies in the treatment of AD are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jung Cheng
- Department of Physical Therapy and Graduate Institute of Rehabilitation Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan;
- Department of Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Hsin Lin
- Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-Yuan Lane
- Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry & Brain Disease Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Sciences, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan
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Stefanics G, Heinzle J, Czigler I, Valentini E, Stephan KE. Timing of repetition suppression of event-related potentials to unattended objects. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 52:4432-4441. [PMID: 29802671 PMCID: PMC7818225 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Current theories of object perception emphasize the automatic nature of perceptual inference. Repetition suppression (RS), the successive decrease of brain responses to repeated stimuli, is thought to reflect the optimization of perceptual inference through neural plasticity. While functional imaging studies revealed brain regions that show suppressed responses to the repeated presentation of an object, little is known about the intra-trial time course of repetition effects to everyday objects. Here, we used event-related potentials (ERPs) to task-irrelevant line-drawn objects, while participants engaged in a distractor task. We quantified changes in ERPs over repetitions using three general linear models that modeled RS by an exponential, linear, or categorical "change detection" function in each subject. Our aim was to select the model with highest evidence and determine the within-trial time-course and scalp distribution of repetition effects using that model. Model comparison revealed the superiority of the exponential model indicating that repetition effects are observable for trials beyond the first repetition. Model parameter estimates revealed a sequence of RS effects in three time windows (86-140, 322-360, and 400-446 ms) and with occipital, temporoparietal, and frontotemporal distribution, respectively. An interval of repetition enhancement (RE) was also observed (320-340 ms) over occipitotemporal sensors. Our results show that automatic processing of task-irrelevant objects involves multiple intervals of RS with distinct scalp topographies. These sequential intervals of RS and RE might reflect the short-term plasticity required for optimization of perceptual inference and the associated changes in prediction errors and predictions, respectively, over stimulus repetitions during automatic object processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Stefanics
- Translational Neuromodeling Unit (TNU)Institute for Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Zurich & ETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Laboratory for Social and Neural Systems ResearchDepartment of EconomicsUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jakob Heinzle
- Translational Neuromodeling Unit (TNU)Institute for Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Zurich & ETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - István Czigler
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and PsychologyResearch Center for Natural SciencesHungarian Academy of SciencesBudapestHungary
| | | | - Klaas E. Stephan
- Translational Neuromodeling Unit (TNU)Institute for Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Zurich & ETH ZurichZurichSwitzerland
- Wellcome Trust Centre for NeuroimagingUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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Pinheiro L, Faustino C. Therapeutic Strategies Targeting Amyloid-β in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2020; 16:418-452. [PMID: 30907320 DOI: 10.2174/1567205016666190321163438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 03/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder linked to protein misfolding and aggregation. AD is pathologically characterized by senile plaques formed by extracellular Amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide and Intracellular Neurofibrillary Tangles (NFT) formed by hyperphosphorylated tau protein. Extensive synaptic loss and neuronal degeneration are responsible for memory impairment, cognitive decline and behavioral dysfunctions typical of AD. Amyloidosis has been implicated in the depression of acetylcholine synthesis and release, overactivation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and increased intracellular calcium levels that result in excitotoxic neuronal degeneration. Current drugs used in AD treatment are either cholinesterase inhibitors or NMDA receptor antagonists; however, they provide only symptomatic relief and do not alter the progression of the disease. Aβ is the product of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) processing after successive cleavage by β- and γ-secretases while APP proteolysis by α-secretase results in non-amyloidogenic products. According to the amyloid cascade hypothesis, Aβ dyshomeostasis results in the accumulation and aggregation of Aβ into soluble oligomers and insoluble fibrils. The former are synaptotoxic and can induce tau hyperphosphorylation while the latter deposit in senile plaques and elicit proinflammatory responses, contributing to oxidative stress, neuronal degeneration and neuroinflammation. Aβ-protein-targeted therapeutic strategies are thus a promising disease-modifying approach for the treatment and prevention of AD. This review summarizes recent findings on Aβ-protein targeted AD drugs, including β-secretase inhibitors, γ-secretase inhibitors and modulators, α-secretase activators, direct inhibitors of Aβ aggregation and immunotherapy targeting Aβ, focusing mainly on those currently under clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lídia Pinheiro
- iMed.ULisboa - Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Célia Faustino
- iMed.ULisboa - Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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Protrudin modulates seizure activity through GABA A receptor regulation. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:897. [PMID: 31772151 PMCID: PMC6879747 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-2118-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a serious neurological disease characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. The exact etiology of epilepsy is not fully understood. Protrudin is a neural membrane protein and is found to be mutated in hereditary spastic paraplegia that characterized by symptoms like seizures. Here, we reported that the expression of protrudin was downregulated in the temporal neocortex of epileptic patients and in the hippocampus and cortex of pentylenetetrazol and kainic acid-kindled epileptic mouse models. Behavioral and electroencephalogram analyses indicated that overexpression of protrudin in the mouse hippocampus increased the latency of the seizure and decreased the frequency and duration of seizure activity. Using whole-cell patch clamp, overexpression of protrudin in the mouse hippocampus resulted in a reduction in action potential frequency and an increase in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inhibitory current amplitude. Moreover, western blot analysis showed that the membrane expression of the GABA A receptor β2/3 subunit was also upregulated after protrudin overexpression, and coimmunoprecipitation resulted in a protein–protein interaction between protrudin, GABAARβ2/3 and GABA receptor-associated protein in the hippocampus of epileptic mice. These findings suggest that protrudin probably inhibits the occurrence and development of epilepsy through the regulation of GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission, and protrudin might be a promising target for the treatment of epilepsy.
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Patricio-Martínez A, Sánchez-Zavaleta R, Angulo-Cruz I, Gutierrez-Praxedis L, Ramírez E, Martínez-García I, Limón ID. The Acute Activation of the CB1 Receptor in the Hippocampus Decreases Neurotoxicity and Prevents Spatial Memory Impairment in Rats Lesioned with β-Amyloid 25-35. Neuroscience 2019; 416:239-254. [PMID: 31400487 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Given their anti-inflammatory properties, cannabinoids have been shown to be neuroprotective agents and to reduce excitotoxicity, through the activation of the Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1r). These properties have led to CB1r being proposed as pharmacological targets for the treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases. Amyloid-β 25-35 (Aβ25-35) induces the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and increases nitric oxide (NO●) levels. It has been observed that increased NO● concentrations trigger biochemical pathways that contribute to neuronal death and cognitive damage. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of an acute activation of CB1r on spatial memory and its impact on iNOS protein expression, NO● levels, gliosis and the neurodegenerative process induced by the injection of Aβ(25-35) into the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus. ACEA [1 μM/1 μL] and Aβ(25-35) [100 μM/1 μL] and their respective vehicle groups were injected into the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus. The animals were tested for spatial learning and memory in the eight-arm radial maze, with the results revealing that the administration of ACEA plus Aβ(25-35) improves learning and memory processes, in contrast with the Aβ(25-35) group. Moreover, ACEA plus Aβ(25-35) prevented both the increase in iNOS protein and NO● levels and the reactive gliosis induced by Aβ(25-35). Importantly, neurodegeneration was significantly reduced by the administration of ACEA plus Aβ(25-35) in the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus. The data obtained in the present research suggest that the acute early activation of CB1r is crucial for neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleidy Patricio-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas-Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico; Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas-Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo Sánchez-Zavaleta
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas-Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Isael Angulo-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas-Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Liliana Gutierrez-Praxedis
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas-Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Eleazar Ramírez
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas-Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Isabel Martínez-García
- Laboratorio de Neuroquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas-Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Ilhuicamina Daniel Limón
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas-Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico.
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Hwang S, Lee SE, Ahn SG, Lee GH. Psoralidin Stimulates Expression of Immediate-Early Genes and Synapse Development in Primary Cortical Neurons. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:2460-2472. [DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2674-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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12
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Yang J, Liu AY, Tang B, Luo D, Lai YJ, Zhu BL, Wang XF, Yan Z, Chen GJ. Chronic nicotine differentially affects murine transcriptome profiling in isolated cortical interneurons and pyramidal neurons. BMC Genomics 2017; 18:194. [PMID: 28219337 PMCID: PMC5319194 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-3593-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nicotine is known to differentially regulate cortical interneuron and pyramidal neuron activities in the neocortex, while the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been well studied. In this study, RNA-sequencing was performed in acutely isolated cortical somatostatin (Sst)- positive interneurons and pyramidal neurons (Thy1) from mice treated with systemic nicotine for 14 days. We assessed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by nicotine in Sst- or Thy1- neurons, respectively, and then compared DEGs between Sst- and Thy1- neurons in the absence and presence of nicotine. Results In Sst-neurons, the DEGs by nicotine were associated with glycerophospholipid and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism; while in Thy1-neurons those related to immune response and purine and pyrimidine metabolisms were affected. Under basal condition, the DEGs between Sst- and Thy1- neurons were frequently associated with signal transduction, phosphorylation and potassium channel regulation. However, some new DEGs between Sst- and Thy1- neurons were found after nicotine, the majority of which belong to mitochondrial respiratory chain complex. Conclusions Nicotine differentially affected subset of genes in Sst- and Thy1- neurons, which might contribute to the distinct effect of nicotine on interneuron and pyramidal neuron activities. Meanwhile, the altered transcripts associated with mitochondrial activity were found between interneurons and pyramidal neurons after chronic nicotine. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-017-3593-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Ai-Yi Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Bo Tang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Dong Luo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yu-Jie Lai
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Bing-Lin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xue-Feng Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Guo-Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Jeon SJ, Lee HJ, Lee HE, Park SJ, Gwon Y, Kim H, Zhang J, Shin CY, Kim DH, Ryu JH. Oleanolic acid ameliorates cognitive dysfunction caused by cholinergic blockade via TrkB-dependent BDNF signaling. Neuropharmacology 2016; 113:100-109. [PMID: 27470063 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oleanolic acid is a naturally occurring triterpenoid and is widely present in food and medicinal plants. To examine the effect of oleanolic acid on memory deficits, we employed a cholinergic blockade-induced cognitive deficit mouse model. A single administration of oleanolic acid significantly increased the latency on the passive avoidance task and affected the alternation behavior on the Y-maze task and the exploration time on the novel object recognition task, indicating that oleanolic acid reverses the cognitive impairment induced by scopolamine. In accordance with previous reports, oleanolic acid enhanced extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus. Interestingly, ameliorating effect of oleanolic acid on scopolamine-induced memory impairment was abolished by N2-(2-{[(2-oxoazepan-3-yl)amino]carbonyl}phenyl)benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide (ANA-12), a potent and specific inhibitor of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB), in the passive avoidance task. Similarly, oleanolic acid significantly evoked long-term potentiation in a dose-dependent manner, which was diminished by ANA-12 treatment as shown in the electrophysiology study. Together, these results imply that oleanolic acid ameliorates scopolamine-induced memory impairment by modulating the BDNF-ERK1/2-CREB pathway through TrkB activation in mice, suggesting that oleanolic acid would be a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Jin Jeon
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Ju Lee
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Eun Lee
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Park
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yubeen Gwon
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Haneul Kim
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiabao Zhang
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neuroscience Research, Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, 143-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Health Sciences, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Republic of Korea; Institute of Convergence Bio-Health, Dong-A University, Busan 604-714, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong Hoon Ryu
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea; Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.
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Patricio-Martínez A, Mendieta L, Martínez I, Aguilera J, Limón I. The recombinant C-terminal fragment of tetanus toxin protects against cholinotoxicity by intraseptal injection of β-amyloid peptide (25–35) in rats. Neuroscience 2016; 315:18-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Zhang H, Li T, Li S, Liu F. Cross-talk between α7 nAchR and NMDAR revealed by protein profiling. J Proteomics 2015; 131:113-121. [PMID: 26498070 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2015.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Functional regulation of NMDA receptor (NMDAR) by the activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) has been reported, although the molecular signaling pathway underlying this process remains largely unknown. We employed a label-free quantitative proteomics approach to identify potential intracellular molecules and pathways that might be involved in the functional cross-talk between NMDAR and α7nAChR. 43 proteins showed significantly expression changes after choline treatment in which 35 out of 43 proteins was significantly altered by co-treatment with NMDA. Western blot analysis verified proteins expression determined by LC-MS. Furthermore, protein expression in vivo in neurons from fetal rats were visualized and quantified by Confocal microscopy,which showed consistency of relative changes of AHA-1 expressionmeasured by LC-MS and Western blot. Biological network analysis of differently expressed proteins found 21 kind of biological pathways involved. Of those pathways, 6 pathways were directly involved in regulation of neurotransmitters. Lastly, the levels of neurotransmitters (dopamine, glutamate, GABA and 5-HT) were measured by HPLC-ECD. Co-treatment choline/NMDA significantly enhances the release of dopamine, glutamate and GABA and dramatically decrease 5-HT to only 65% of control level, which is consist with this protein interaction network analysis, providing an additional evidence for the cross-talk between NMDAR and α7nAChR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Zhang
- Campbell Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Tao Li
- Campbell Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada; Medical and Forensic College, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, PR China
| | - Shupeng Li
- Campbell Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Fang Liu
- Campbell Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1R8, Canada.
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Tang B, Luo D, Yang J, Xu XY, Zhu BL, Wang XF, Yan Z, Chen GJ. Modulation of AMPA receptor mediated current by nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in layer I neurons of rat prefrontal cortex. Sci Rep 2015; 5:14099. [PMID: 26370265 PMCID: PMC4572933 DOI: 10.1038/srep14099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Layer I neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) exhibit extensive synaptic connections with deep layer neurons, implying their important role in the neural circuit. Study demonstrates that activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) increases excitatory neurotransmission in this layer. Here we found that nicotine selectively increased the amplitude of AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated current and AMPA/NMDA ratio, while without effect on NMDA receptor-mediated current. The augmentation of AMPAR current by nicotine was inhibited by a selective α7-nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA) and intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA. In addition, nicotinic effect on mEPSC or paired-pulse ratio was also prevented by MLA. Moreover, an enhanced inward rectification of AMPAR current by nicotine suggested a functional role of calcium permeable and GluA1 containing AMPAR. Consistently, nicotine enhancement of AMPAR current was inhibited by a selective calcium-permeable AMPAR inhibitor IEM-1460. Finally, the intracellular inclusion of synthetic peptide designed to block GluA1 subunit of AMPAR at CAMKII, PKC or PKA phosphorylation site, as well as corresponding kinase inhibitor, blocked nicotinic augmentation of AMPA/NMDA ratio. These results have revealed that nicotine increases AMPAR current by modulating the phosphorylation state of GluA1 which is dependent on α7-nAChR and intracellular calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Tang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China.,The People's Hospital of Anyue County, 68 Wai-Nan Street, Anyue County, Si-Chuan Province, 642350,China
| | - Dong Luo
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Bing-Lin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xue-Feng Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Guo-Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing 400016, China
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Glutamate Receptor Modulation Is Restricted to Synaptic Microdomains. Cell Rep 2015; 12:326-34. [PMID: 26146087 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2014] [Revised: 03/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A diverse array of neuromodulators governs cellular function in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) via the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, these functionally diverse signals are carried and amplified by a relatively small assortment of intracellular second messengers. Here, we examine whether two distinct Gαi-coupled neuromodulators (norepinephrine and GABA) act as redundant regulators of glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Our results reveal that, within single dendritic spines of layer 5 pyramidal neurons, alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (α2Rs) selectively inhibit excitatory transmission mediated by AMPA-type glutamate receptors, while type B GABA receptors (GABA(B)Rs) inhibit NMDA-type receptors. We show that both modulators act via the downregulation of cAMP and PKA. However, by restricting the lifetime of active Gαi, RGS4 promotes the independent control of these two distinct target proteins. Our findings highlight a mechanism by which neuromodulatory microdomains can be established in subcellular compartments such as dendritic spines.
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18
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Pankratov Y, Lalo U. Calcium permeability of ligand-gated Ca2+ channels. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 739:60-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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19
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Manni ME, De Siena G, Saba A, Marchini M, Landucci E, Gerace E, Zazzeri M, Musilli C, Pellegrini-Giampietro D, Matucci R, Zucchi R, Raimondi L. Pharmacological effects of 3-iodothyronamine (T1AM) in mice include facilitation of memory acquisition and retention and reduction of pain threshold. Br J Pharmacol 2013; 168:354-62. [PMID: 22889145 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.02137.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 06/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 3-Iodothyronamine (T1AM), an endogenous derivative of thyroid hormones, is regarded as a rapid modulator of behaviour and metabolism. To determine whether brain thyroid hormone levels contribute to these effects, we investigated the effect of central administration of T1AM on learning and pain threshold of mice either untreated or pretreated with clorgyline (2.5 mg·kg(-1) , i.p.), an inhibitor of amine oxidative metabolism. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH T1AM (0.13, 0.4, 1.32 and 4 μg·kg(-1) ) or vehicle was injected i.c.v. into male mice, and after 30 min their effects on memory acquisition capacity, pain threshold and curiosity were evaluated by the following tests: passive avoidance, licking latency on the hot plate and movements on the hole-board platform. Plasma glycaemia was measured using a glucorefractometer. Brain levels of triiodothyroxine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and T1AM were measured by HPLC coupled to tandem MS. ERK1/2 activation and c-fos expression in different brain regions were evaluated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS T1AM improved learning capacity, decreased pain threshold to hot stimuli, enhanced curiosity and raised plasma glycaemia in a dose-dependent way, without modifying T3 and T4 brain concentrations. T1AM effects on learning and pain were abolished or significantly affected by clorgyline, suggesting a role for some metabolite(s), or that T1AM interacts at the rapid desensitizing target(s). T1AM activated ERK in different brain areas at lower doses than those effective on behaviour. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS T1AM is a novel memory enhancer. This feature might have important implications for the treatment of endocrine and neurodegenerative-induced memory disorders.
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20
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Huang YJ, Lin CH, Lane HY, Tsai GE. NMDA Neurotransmission Dysfunction in Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Neuropharmacol 2013; 10:272-85. [PMID: 23450042 PMCID: PMC3468881 DOI: 10.2174/157015912803217288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2012] [Revised: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dementia has become an all-important disease because the population is aging rapidly and the cost of health care associated with dementia is ever increasing. In addition to cognitive function impairment, associated behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) worsen patient’s quality of life and increase caregiver’s burden. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and both behavioral disturbance and cognitive impairment of Alzheimer’s disease are thought to be associated with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) dysfunction as increasing evidence of dysfunctional glutamatergic neurotransmission had been reported in behavioral changes and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. We review the literature regarding dementia (especially Alzheimer’s disease), BPSD and relevant findings on glutamatergic and NMDA neurotransmission, including the effects of memantine, a NMDA receptor antagonist, and NMDA-enhancing agents, such as D-serine and D-cycloserine. Literatures suggest that behavioral disturbance and cognitive impairment of Alzheimer’s disease may be associated with excitatory neurotoxic effects which result in impairment of neuronal plasticity and degenerative processes. Memantine shows benefits in improving cognition, function, agitation/aggression and delusion in Alzheimer’s disease. On the other hand, some NMDA modulators which enhance NMDA function through the co-agonist binding site can also improve cognitive function and psychotic symptoms. We propose that modulating NMDA neurotransmission is effective in treating behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Prospective study using NMDA enhancers in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and associated behavioral disturbance is needed to verify this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jhen Huang
- Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan ; Department of Psychiatry, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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21
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Khakpai F, Nasehi M, Haeri-Rohani A, Eidi A, Zarrindast MR. Septo-hippocampo-septal loop and memory formation. Basic Clin Neurosci 2013; 4:5-23. [PMID: 25337323 PMCID: PMC4202558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Revised: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 12/26/2012] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cholinergic and GABAergic fibers of the medial septal/diagonal band of Broca (MS/ DB) area project to the hippocampus and constitute the septo-hippocampal pathway, which has been proven to play a role in learning and memory. In addition, the hippocampus has bidirectional connections with the septum so that to self-regulate of cholinergic input. The activity of septal and hippocampal neurons is modulated by several neurotransmitter systems including glutamatergic neurons from the entorhinal cortex, serotonergic fibers from the raphe nucleus, dopaminergic neurons from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), histaminergic cells from the tuberomammillary nucleus and adrenergic fibers from the locus coeruleus (LC). Thus, changes in the glutamatergic, serotonergic and other systems-mediated transmission in the MS/DB may influence cholinergic or GABAergic transmission in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khakpai
- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran,Corresponding Author: Fatemeh Khakpai, MA, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran. P.O.Box 13145-784, Tel:+9821-66402569/ Fax: +9821-66402569. E-mail:
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Garmsar Branch, Semnan, Iran
| | | | - Akram Eidi
- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
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Abstract
Our elderly population is growing and declines in cognitive abilities, such as memory, can be costly, because it can interfere with a person's ability to live independently. The NMDA receptor is very important for many different forms of memory and this receptor is negatively affected by aging. This review examines the progress that has been made recently in characterizing selective vulnerabilities of different subunits and splice variants of the NMDA receptor to normal aging in C57BL/6 mice. Evidence is also presented for changes in the relationships of NMDA receptors to plasticity across aging. Recent interventions show that enhancing NMDA receptors in aged individuals is associated with improvements in memory, but mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases suggest that finding the right balance between too little and too much NMDA receptor activity will be the key to enhancing memory without inducing pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy R Magnusson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Healthy Aging Program, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA ■ Tel.: +1 541 737 6923 ■ ■
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Restoration of synaptic plasticity and learning in young and aged NCAM-deficient mice by enhancing neurotransmission mediated by GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors. J Neurosci 2012; 32:2263-75. [PMID: 22396402 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5103-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is the predominant carrier of the unusual glycan polysialic acid (PSA). Deficits in PSA and/or NCAM expression cause impairments in hippocampal long-term potentiation and depression (LTP and LTD) and are associated with schizophrenia and aging. In this study, we show that impaired LTP in adult NCAM-deficient (NCAM(-/-)) mice is restored by increasing the activity of the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptor (GluN) through either reducing the extracellular Mg2+ concentration or applying d-cycloserine (DCS), a partial agonist of the GluN glycine binding site. Pharmacological inhibition of the GluN2A subtype reduced LTP to the same level in NCAM(-/-) and wild-type (NCAM(+/+)) littermate mice and abolished the rescue by DCS in NCAM(-/-) mice, suggesting that the effects of DCS are mainly mediated by GluN2A. The insufficient contribution of GluN to LTD in NCAM(-/-) mice was also compensated for by DCS. Furthermore, impaired contextual and cued fear conditioning levels were restored in NCAM(-/-) mice by administration of DCS before conditioning. In 12-month-old NCAM(-/-), but not NCAM(+/+) mice, there was a decline in LTP compared with 3-month-old mice that could be rescued by DCS. In 24-month-old mice of both genotypes, there was a reduction in LTP that could be fully restored by DCS in NCAM(+/+) mice but only partially restored in NCAM(-/-) mice. Thus, several deficiencies of NCAM(-/-) mice can be ameliorated by enhancing GluN2A-mediated neurotransmission with DCS.
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Abstract
The treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease is reviewed with regard to mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, safety/tolerability, and efficacy in reducing cognitive, behavioral/psychiatric, functional and global symptoms. The cholinesterase inhibitors donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine and the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor channel blocker memantine are moderately beneficial. Small improvements over a few months are followed by slowed mental decline. Concerning cognitive, functional and global functions, these drugs are similarly effective. Cholinesterase inhibitors also reduce apathy, memantine counteracts agitation and aggression. Serious adverse effects are rare with all four drugs. Cholinesterase inhibitors bear a risk for patients with cardiac diseases. Adverse emetic events are typical for oral formulations of these drugs, but less for rivastigmine transdermal patches. Other routes of administration and use of a galantamine prodrug are currently investigated. The superiority of combination therapies over monotherapies requires further support. Promising investigational drugs include the copper/zinc ionophore PBT2 and multifunctional hybrid molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rüdiger Hardeland
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, Berliner Str. 28, D-37073 Göttingen, Germany
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25
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Neuroactive Multifunctional Tacrine Congeners with Cholinesterase, Anti-Amyloid Aggregation and Neuroprotective Properties. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2011. [PMCID: PMC4053961 DOI: 10.3390/ph4020382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Magnusson KR, Brim BL, Das SR. Selective Vulnerabilities of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptors During Brain Aging. Front Aging Neurosci 2010; 2:11. [PMID: 20552049 PMCID: PMC2874396 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2010.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are present in high density within the cerebral cortex and hippocampus and play an important role in learning and memory. NMDA receptors are negatively affected by aging, but these effects are not uniform in many different ways. This review discusses the selective age-related vulnerabilities of different binding sites of the NMDA receptor complex, different subunits that comprise the complex, and the expression and functions of the receptor within different brain regions. Spatial reference, passive avoidance, and working memory, as well as place field stability and expansion all involve NMDA receptors. Aged animals show deficiencies in these functions, as compared to young, and some studies have identified an association between age-associated changes in the expression of NMDA receptors and poor memory performance. A number of diet and drug interventions have shown potential for reversing or slowing the effects of aging on the NMDA receptor. On the other hand, there is mounting evidence that the NMDA receptors that remain within aged individuals are not always associated with good cognitive functioning. This may be due to a compensatory response of neurons to the decline in NMDA receptor expression or a change in the subunit composition of the remaining receptors. These studies suggest that developing treatments that are aimed at preventing or reversing the effects of aging on the NMDA receptor may aid in ameliorating the memory declines that are associated with aging. However, we need to be mindful of the possibility that there may also be negative consequences in aged individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy R Magnusson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University Corvallis, OR, USA
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Abstract
The amyloid precursor protein (APP) undergoes sequential cleavages to generate various polypeptides, including the amyloid beta (1-42) peptide (Abeta[1-42]), which is believed to play a major role in amyloid plaque formation in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here we provide evidence that, in contrast with its pathological role when accumulated, endogenous Abeta in normal hippocampi mediates learning and memory formation. Furthermore, hippocampal injection of picomolar concentrations of exogenous Abeta(1-42) enhances memory consolidation. Correlative data suggest that Abeta peptides may exert their function via nicotinic acethylcoline receptors. Hence, Abeta peptides, including Abeta(1-42), play an important physiological role in hippocampal memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Garcia-Osta
- Department of Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
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