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Buck SA, Mabry SJ, Glausier JR, Banks-Tibbs T, Ward C, Kozel JG, Fu C, Fish KN, Lewis DA, Logan RW, Freyberg Z. Aging disrupts the coordination between mRNA and protein expression in mouse and human midbrain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.01.596950. [PMID: 38854057 PMCID: PMC11160743 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.01.596950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Age-related dopamine (DA) neuron loss is a primary feature of Parkinson's disease. However, it remains unclear whether similar biological processes occur during healthy aging, albeit to a lesser degree. We therefore determined whether midbrain DA neurons degenerate during aging in mice and humans. In mice, we identified no changes in midbrain neuron numbers throughout aging. Despite this, we found age-related decreases in midbrain mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (Th), the rate limiting enzyme of DA synthesis. Among midbrain glutamatergic cells, we similarly identified age-related declines in vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (Vglut2) mRNA expression. In co-transmitting Th +/Vglut2 + neurons, Th and Vglut2 transcripts decreased with aging. Importantly, striatal Th and Vglut2 protein expression remained unchanged. In translating our findings to humans, we found no midbrain neurodegeneration during aging and identified age-related decreases in TH and VGLUT2 mRNA expression similar to mouse. Unlike mice, we discovered diminished density of striatal TH+ dopaminergic terminals in aged human subjects. However, TH and VGLUT2 protein expression were unchanged in the remaining striatal boutons. Finally, in contrast to Th and Vglut2 mRNA, expression of most ribosomal genes in Th + neurons was either maintained or even upregulated during aging. This suggests a homeostatic mechanism where age-related declines in transcriptional efficiency are overcome by ongoing ribosomal translation. Overall, we demonstrate species-conserved transcriptional effects of aging in midbrain dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurons that are not accompanied by marked cell death or lower striatal protein expression. This opens the door to novel therapeutic approaches to maintain neurotransmission and bolster neuronal resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas A. Buck
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Samuel J. Mabry
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jill R. Glausier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Tabitha Banks-Tibbs
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Caroline Ward
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jenesis Gayden Kozel
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Chen Fu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth N. Fish
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David A. Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ryan W. Logan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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2
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Patel JC, Sherpa AD, Melani R, Witkovsky P, Wiseman MR, O'Neill B, Aoki C, Tritsch NX, Rice ME. GABA co-released from striatal dopamine axons dampens phasic dopamine release through autoregulatory GABA A receptors. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113834. [PMID: 38431842 PMCID: PMC11089423 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113834] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Striatal dopamine axons co-release dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), using GABA provided by uptake via GABA transporter-1 (GAT1). Functions of GABA co-release are poorly understood. We asked whether co-released GABA autoinhibits dopamine release via axonal GABA type A receptors (GABAARs), complementing established inhibition by dopamine acting at axonal D2 autoreceptors. We show that dopamine axons express α3-GABAAR subunits in mouse striatum. Enhanced dopamine release evoked by single-pulse optical stimulation in striatal slices with GABAAR antagonism confirms that an endogenous GABA tone limits dopamine release. Strikingly, an additional inhibitory component is seen when multiple pulses are used to mimic phasic axonal activity, revealing the role of GABAAR-mediated autoinhibition of dopamine release. This autoregulation is lost in conditional GAT1-knockout mice lacking GABA co-release. Given the faster kinetics of ionotropic GABAARs than G-protein-coupled D2 autoreceptors, our data reveal a mechanism whereby co-released GABA acts as a first responder to dampen phasic-to-tonic dopamine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti C Patel
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Ang D Sherpa
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA; Center for Neural Science New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Riccardo Melani
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Paul Witkovsky
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Madeline R Wiseman
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Brian O'Neill
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Chiye Aoki
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA; Center for Neural Science New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Nicolas X Tritsch
- NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Margaret E Rice
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA; NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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3
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Buck SA, Rubin SA, Kunkhyen T, Treiber CD, Xue X, Fenno LE, Mabry SJ, Sundar VR, Yang Z, Shah D, Ketchesin KD, Becker-Krail DD, Vasylieva I, Smith MC, Weisel FJ, Wang W, Erickson-Oberg MQ, O’Leary EI, Aravind E, Ramakrishnan C, Kim YS, Wu Y, Quick M, Coleman JA, MacDonald WA, Elbakri R, De Miranda BR, Palladino MJ, McCabe BD, Fish KN, Seney ML, Rayport S, Mingote S, Deisseroth K, Hnasko TS, Awatramani R, Watson AM, Waddell S, Cheetham CEJ, Logan RW, Freyberg Z. Sexually dimorphic mechanisms of VGLUT-mediated protection from dopaminergic neurodegeneration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.02.560584. [PMID: 37873436 PMCID: PMC10592912 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.02.560584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) targets some dopamine (DA) neurons more than others. Sex differences offer insights, with females more protected from DA neurodegeneration. The mammalian vesicular glutamate transporter VGLUT2 and Drosophila ortholog dVGLUT have been implicated as modulators of DA neuron resilience. However, the mechanisms by which VGLUT2/dVGLUT protects DA neurons remain unknown. We discovered DA neuron dVGLUT knockdown increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in a sexually dimorphic manner in response to depolarization or paraquat-induced stress, males being especially affected. DA neuron dVGLUT also reduced ATP biosynthetic burden during depolarization. RNA sequencing of VGLUT+ DA neurons in mice and flies identified candidate genes that we functionally screened to further dissect VGLUT-mediated DA neuron resilience across PD models. We discovered transcription factors modulating dVGLUT-dependent DA neuroprotection and identified dj-1β as a regulator of sex-specific DA neuron dVGLUT expression. Overall, VGLUT protects DA neurons from PD-associated degeneration by maintaining mitochondrial health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas A. Buck
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Sophie A. Rubin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Tenzin Kunkhyen
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Christoph D. Treiber
- Centre for Neural Circuits & Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Xiangning Xue
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Lief E. Fenno
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Samuel J. Mabry
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Varun R. Sundar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Zilu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Divia Shah
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Kyle D. Ketchesin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Darius D. Becker-Krail
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Iaroslavna Vasylieva
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Megan C. Smith
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Florian J. Weisel
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Wenjia Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - M. Quincy Erickson-Oberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Emma I. O’Leary
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Eshan Aravind
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Charu Ramakrishnan
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yoon Seok Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yanying Wu
- Centre for Neural Circuits & Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | - Matthias Quick
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Coleman
- Department of Structural Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | | | - Rania Elbakri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | - Briana R. De Miranda
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Michael J. Palladino
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
- Pittsburgh Institute of Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | - Brian D. McCabe
- Brain Mind Institute, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth N. Fish
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Marianne L. Seney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Stephen Rayport
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Susana Mingote
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Neuroscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY 10031, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Thomas S. Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | | | - Alan M. Watson
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Scott Waddell
- Centre for Neural Circuits & Behaviour, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3TA, UK
| | | | - Ryan W. Logan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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Altbürger C, Holzhauser J, Driever W. CRISPR/Cas9-based QF2 knock-in at the tyrosine hydroxylase ( th) locus reveals novel th-expressing neuron populations in the zebrafish mid- and hindbrain. Front Neuroanat 2023; 17:1196868. [PMID: 37603776 PMCID: PMC10433395 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2023.1196868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Catecholaminergic neuron clusters are among the most conserved neuromodulatory systems in vertebrates, yet some clusters show significant evolutionary dynamics. Because of their disease relevance, special attention has been paid to mammalian midbrain dopaminergic systems, which have important functions in motor control, reward, motivation, and cognitive function. In contrast, midbrain dopaminergic neurons in teleosts were thought to be lost secondarily. Here, we generated a CRISPR/Cas9-based knock-in transgene at the th locus, which allows the expression of the Q-system transcription factor QF2 linked to the Tyrosine hydroxylase open reading frame by an E2A peptide. The QF2 knock-in allele still expresses Tyrosine hydroxylase in catecholaminergic neurons. Coexpression analysis of QF2 driven expression of QUAS fluorescent reporter transgenes and of th mRNA and Th protein revealed that essentially all reporter expressing cells also express Th/th. We also observed a small group of previously unidentified cells expressing the reporter gene in the midbrain and a larger group close to the midbrain-hindbrain boundary. However, we detected no expression of the catecholaminergic markers ddc, slc6a3, or dbh in these neurons, suggesting that they are not actively transmitting catecholamines. The identified neurons in the midbrain are located in a GABAergic territory. A coexpression analysis with anatomical markers revealed that Th-expressing neurons in the midbrain are located in the tegmentum and those close to the midbrain-hindbrain boundary are located in the hindbrain. Our data suggest that zebrafish may still have some evolutionary remnants of midbrain dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Altbürger
- Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology I, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS and BIOSS - Centres for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jens Holzhauser
- Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology I, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Driever
- Developmental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biology I, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS and BIOSS - Centres for Biological Signalling Studies, Albert Ludwigs University Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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5
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Zhao C, Wang C, Zhang H, Yan W. A mini-review of the role of vesicular glutamate transporters in Parkinson's disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1118078. [PMID: 37251642 PMCID: PMC10211467 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1118078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease implicated in multiple interacting neurotransmitter pathways. Glutamate is the central excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and plays critical influence in the control of neuronal activity. Impaired Glutamate homeostasis has been shown to be closely associated with PD. Glutamate is synthesized in the cytoplasm and stored in synaptic vesicles by vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs). Following its exocytotic release, Glutamate activates Glutamate receptors (GluRs) and mediates excitatory neurotransmission. While Glutamate is quickly removed by excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) to maintain its relatively low extracellular concentration and prevent excitotoxicity. The involvement of GluRs and EAATs in the pathophysiology of PD has been widely studied, but little is known about the role of VGLUTs in the PD. In this review, we highlight the role of VGLUTs in neurotransmitter and synaptic communication, as well as the massive alterations in Glutamate transmission and VGLUTs levels in PD. Among them, adaptive changes in the expression level and function of VGLUTs may exert a crucial role in excitatory damage in PD, and VGLUTs are considered as novel potential therapeutic targets for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hainan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weiqian Yan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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6
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Relevance of interactions between dopamine and glutamate neurotransmission in schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3583-3591. [PMID: 35681081 PMCID: PMC9712151 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01649-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) and glutamate neurotransmission are strongly implicated in schizophrenia pathophysiology. While most studies focus on contributions of neurons that release only DA or glutamate, neither DA nor glutamate models alone recapitulate the full spectrum of schizophrenia pathophysiology. Similarly, therapeutic strategies limited to either system cannot effectively treat all three major symptom domains of schizophrenia: positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms. Increasing evidence suggests extensive interactions between the DA and glutamate systems and more effective treatments may therefore require the targeting of both DA and glutamate signaling. This offers the possibility that disrupting DA-glutamate circuitry between these two systems, particularly in the striatum and forebrain, culminate in schizophrenia pathophysiology. Yet, the mechanisms behind these interactions and their contributions to schizophrenia remain unclear. In addition to circuit- or system-level interactions between neurons that solely release either DA or glutamate, here we posit that functional alterations involving a subpopulation of neurons that co-release both DA and glutamate provide a novel point of integration between DA and glutamate systems, offering a key missing link in our understanding of schizophrenia pathophysiology. Better understanding of mechanisms underlying DA/glutamate co-release from these neurons may therefore shed new light on schizophrenia pathophysiology and lead to more effective therapeutics.
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7
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Rodriguez-Romaguera J, Namboodiri VMK, Basiri ML, Stamatakis AM, Stuber GD. Developments from Bulk Optogenetics to Single-Cell Strategies to Dissect the Neural Circuits that Underlie Aberrant Motivational States. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2022; 12:a039792. [PMID: 32513671 PMCID: PMC7799172 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a039792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Motivational states are regulated by complex networks across brain regions that are composed of genetically and functionally distinct neuronal populations. Disruption within these neural circuits leads to aberrant motivational states and are thought to be the root cause of psychiatric disorders related to reward processing and addiction. Critical technological advances in the field have revolutionized the study of neural systems by allowing the use of optical strategies to precisely control and visualize neural activity within genetically identified neural populations in the brain. This review will provide a brief introduction into the history of how technological advances in single-cell strategies have been applied to elucidate the neural circuits that underlie aberrant motivational states that often lead to dysfunction in reward processing and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Rodriguez-Romaguera
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA
- Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA
| | - Vijay M K Namboodiri
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine & Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-6410, USA
| | - Marcus L Basiri
- Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA
| | - Alice M Stamatakis
- Neuroscience Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514, USA
| | - Garret D Stuber
- Center for the Neurobiology of Addiction, Pain, and Emotion, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine & Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-6410, USA
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8
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Li X, Wang W, Yan J, Zeng F. Glutamic Acid Transporters: Targets for Neuroprotective Therapies in Parkinson's Disease. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:678154. [PMID: 34220434 PMCID: PMC8242205 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.678154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease in middle-aged and elderly individuals. At present, no effective drug has been developed to treat PD. Although a variety of drugs exist for the symptomatic treatment of PD, they all have strong side effects. Most studies on PD mainly focus on dopaminergic neurons. This review highlights the function of glutamic acid transporters (GLTs), including excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) and vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs), during the development of PD. In addition, using bioinformatics, we compared the expression of different types of glutamate transporter genes in the cingulate gyrus of PD patients and healthy controls. More importantly, we suggest that the functional roles of glutamate transporters may prove beneficial in the treatment of PD. In summary, VGLUTs and EAATs may be potential targets in the treatment of PD. VGLUTs and EAATs can be used as clinical drug targets to achieve better efficacy. Through this review article, we hope to enable future researchers to improve the condition of PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China.,Institute for Cancer Medicine and School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Jianghong Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Fancai Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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9
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Eskenazi D, Malave L, Mingote S, Yetnikoff L, Ztaou S, Velicu V, Rayport S, Chuhma N. Dopamine Neurons That Cotransmit Glutamate, From Synapses to Circuits to Behavior. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:665386. [PMID: 34093138 PMCID: PMC8170480 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.665386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovered just over 20 years ago, dopamine neurons have the ability to cotransmit both dopamine and glutamate. Yet, the functional roles of dopamine neuron glutamate cotransmission and their implications for therapeutic use are just emerging. This review article encompasses the current body of evidence investigating the functions of dopamine neurons of the ventral midbrain that cotransmit glutamate. Since its discovery in dopamine neuron cultures, further work in vivo confirmed dopamine neuron glutamate cotransmission across species. From there, growing interest has led to research related to neural functioning including roles in synaptic signaling, development, and behavior. Functional connectome mapping reveals robust connections in multiple forebrain regions to various cell types, most notably to cholinergic interneurons in both the medial shell of the nucleus accumbens and the lateral dorsal striatum. Glutamate markers in dopamine neurons reach peak levels during embryonic development and increase in response to various toxins, suggesting dopamine neuron glutamate cotransmission may serve neuroprotective roles. Findings from behavioral analyses reveal prominent roles for dopamine neuron glutamate cotransmission in responses to psychostimulants, in positive valence and cognitive systems and for subtle roles in negative valence systems. Insight into dopamine neuron glutamate cotransmission informs the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders such as addiction, schizophrenia and Parkinson Disease, with therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Eskenazi
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Lauren Malave
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Susana Mingote
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
- Neuroscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, Graduate Center of The City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Leora Yetnikoff
- Department of Psychology, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, United States
- CUNY Neuroscience Collaborative, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Samira Ztaou
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Vlad Velicu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Stephen Rayport
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nao Chuhma
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
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10
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Buck SA, Steinkellner T, Aslanoglou D, Villeneuve M, Bhatte SH, Childers VC, Rubin SA, De Miranda BR, O'Leary EI, Neureiter EG, Fogle KJ, Palladino MJ, Logan RW, Glausier JR, Fish KN, Lewis DA, Greenamyre JT, McCabe BD, Cheetham CEJ, Hnasko TS, Freyberg Z. Vesicular glutamate transporter modulates sex differences in dopamine neuron vulnerability to age-related neurodegeneration. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13365. [PMID: 33909313 PMCID: PMC8135008 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Age is the greatest risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD) which causes progressive loss of dopamine (DA) neurons, with males at greater risk than females. Intriguingly, some DA neurons are more resilient to degeneration than others. Increasing evidence suggests that vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT) expression in DA neurons plays a role in this selective vulnerability. We investigated the role of DA neuron VGLUT in sex- and age-related differences in DA neuron vulnerability using the genetically tractable Drosophila model. We found sex differences in age-related DA neurodegeneration and its associated locomotor behavior, where males exhibit significantly greater decreases in both DA neuron number and locomotion during aging compared with females. We discovered that dynamic changes in DA neuron VGLUT expression mediate these age- and sex-related differences, as a potential compensatory mechanism for diminished DA neurotransmission during aging. Importantly, female Drosophila possess higher levels of VGLUT expression in DA neurons compared with males, and this finding is conserved across flies, rodents, and humans. Moreover, we showed that diminishing VGLUT expression in DA neurons eliminates females' greater resilience to DA neuron loss across aging. This offers a new mechanism for sex differences in selective DA neuron vulnerability to age-related DA neurodegeneration. Finally, in mice, we showed that the ability of DA neurons to achieve optimal control over VGLUT expression is essential for DA neuron survival. These findings lay the groundwork for the manipulation of DA neuron VGLUT expression as a novel therapeutic strategy to boost DA neuron resilience to age- and PD-related neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas A. Buck
- Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Thomas Steinkellner
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
- Institute of PharmacologyCenter for Physiology and PharmacologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | | | - Sai H. Bhatte
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | | | - Sophie A. Rubin
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Briana R. De Miranda
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Present address:
Department of NeurologyCenter for Neurodegeneration and Experimental TherapeuticsUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamALUSA
| | - Emma I. O'Leary
- Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Elizabeth G. Neureiter
- Center for NeuroscienceUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Keri J. Fogle
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical BiologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Michael J. Palladino
- Department of Pharmacology & Chemical BiologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Ryan W. Logan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental TherapeuticsBoston University School of MedicineBostonMAUSA
- Center for Systems Neurogenetics of AddictionThe Jackson LaboratoryBar HarborMEUSA
| | | | - Kenneth N. Fish
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - David A. Lewis
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
| | - J. Timothy Greenamyre
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative DiseasesUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical CenterVA Pittsburgh Healthcare SystemPittsburghPAUSA
| | - Brian D. McCabe
- Brain Mind InstituteSwiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL)LausanneSwitzerland
| | | | - Thomas S. Hnasko
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California, San DiegoLa JollaCAUSA
- Research ServiceVA San Diego Healthcare SystemSan DiegoCAUSA
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
- Department of Cell BiologyUniversity of PittsburghPittsburghPAUSA
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11
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Fischer KD, Knackstedt LA, Rosenberg PA. Glutamate homeostasis and dopamine signaling: Implications for psychostimulant addiction behavior. Neurochem Int 2021; 144:104896. [PMID: 33159978 PMCID: PMC8489281 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine abuse disorders are serious worldwide health problems. To date, there are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of these disorders. Elucidation of the biochemical underpinnings contributing to psychostimulant addiction is critical for the development of effective therapies. Excitatory signaling and glutamate homeostasis are well known pathophysiological substrates underlying addiction-related behaviors spanning multiple types of psychostimulants. To alleviate relapse behavior to psychostimulants, considerable interest has focused on GLT-1, the major glutamate transporter in the brain. While many brain regions are implicated in addiction behavior, this review focuses on two regions well known for their role in mediating the effects of cocaine and amphetamines, namely the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA). In addition, because many investigators have utilized Cre-driver lines to selectively control gene expression in defined cell populations relevant for psychostimulant addiction, we discuss potential off-target effects of Cre-recombinase that should be considered in the design and interpretation of such experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn D Fischer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Lori A Knackstedt
- Psychology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Paul A Rosenberg
- Department of Neurology, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA; Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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12
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Deletion of VGLUT2 in midbrain dopamine neurons attenuates dopamine and glutamate responses to methamphetamine in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 202:173104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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13
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Mohammed RA, Mansour SM. Sodium hydrogen sulfide upregulates cystathionine β-synthase and protects striatum against 3-nitropropionic acid-induced neurotoxicity in rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2021; 73:310-321. [PMID: 33793881 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgaa072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a neuromodulator that plays a protective role in multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's (AD) and Parkinson's (PD). However, the precise mechanisms underlying its effects against Huntington's disease (HD) are still questioned.This study aimed to examine the neuroprotective effects of sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS; H2S donor) against 3-nitropropionic acid (3NP)-induced HD like pathology in rats. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups; (1) normal control receiving saline; (2) NaHS control receiving (0.5 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 14 days; (3,4) receiving 3NP (10 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 14 days, with NaHS 30 min later in group 4. KEY FINDINGS NaHS improved cognitive and locomotor deficits induced by 3NP as confirmed by the striatal histopathological findings. These former events were biochemically supported by the increment in cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) gene expression, reduction of glutamate (Glu), dopamine (DA), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), cytochrome-c, cleaved caspase-3 and pc-FOS indicating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-apoptotic effects. Furthermore, NaHS pretreatment improved cholinergic dysfunction and increased brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that appropriate protection with H2S donors might represent a novel approach to slow down HD-like symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham A Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Suzan M Mansour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Industries, Future University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
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14
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Dorst MC, Tokarska A, Zhou M, Lee K, Stagkourakis S, Broberger C, Masmanidis S, Silberberg G. Polysynaptic inhibition between striatal cholinergic interneurons shapes their network activity patterns in a dopamine-dependent manner. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5113. [PMID: 33037215 PMCID: PMC7547109 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Striatal activity is dynamically modulated by acetylcholine and dopamine, both of which are essential for basal ganglia function. Synchronized pauses in the activity of striatal cholinergic interneurons (ChINs) are correlated with elevated activity of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, whereas synchronous firing of ChINs induces local release of dopamine. The mechanisms underlying ChIN synchronization and its interplay with dopamine release are not fully understood. Here we show that polysynaptic inhibition between ChINs is a robust network motif and instrumental in shaping the network activity of ChINs. Action potentials in ChINs evoke large inhibitory responses in multiple neighboring ChINs, strong enough to suppress their tonic activity. Using a combination of optogenetics and chemogenetics we show the involvement of striatal tyrosine hydroxylase-expressing interneurons in mediating this inhibition. Inhibition between ChINs is attenuated by dopaminergic midbrain afferents acting presynaptically on D2 receptors. Our results present a novel form of interaction between striatal dopamine and acetylcholine dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthijs C Dorst
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Tokarska
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ming Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kwang Lee
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Stefanos Stagkourakis
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering 156-29, Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Christian Broberger
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 106 91, Sweden
| | - Sotiris Masmanidis
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Gilad Silberberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.
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15
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Zell V, Steinkellner T, Hollon NG, Warlow SM, Souter E, Faget L, Hunker AC, Jin X, Zweifel LS, Hnasko TS. VTA Glutamate Neuron Activity Drives Positive Reinforcement Absent Dopamine Co-release. Neuron 2020; 107:864-873.e4. [PMID: 32610039 PMCID: PMC7780844 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Like ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons, VTA glutamate neuron activity can support positive reinforcement. However, a subset of VTA neurons co-release DA and glutamate, and DA release might be responsible for behavioral reinforcement induced by VTA glutamate neuron activity. To test this, we used optogenetics to stimulate VTA glutamate neurons in which tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), and thus DA biosynthesis, was conditionally ablated using either floxed Th mice or viral-based CRISPR/Cas9. Both approaches led to loss of TH expression in VTA glutamate neurons and loss of DA release from their distal terminals in nucleus accumbens (NAc). Despite loss of the DA signal, optogenetic activation of VTA glutamate cell bodies or axon terminals in NAc was sufficient to support reinforcement. These results suggest that glutamate release from VTA is sufficient to promote reinforcement independent of concomitant DA co-release, establishing a non-DA mechanism by which VTA activity can support reward-seeking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivien Zell
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Thomas Steinkellner
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Nick G Hollon
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Shelley M Warlow
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Elizabeth Souter
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lauren Faget
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Avery C Hunker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Xin Jin
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Larry S Zweifel
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Thomas S Hnasko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Research Service VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA.
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16
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Buck SA, Torregrossa MM, Logan RW, Freyberg Z. Roles of dopamine and glutamate co-release in the nucleus accumbens in mediating the actions of drugs of abuse. FEBS J 2020; 288:1462-1474. [PMID: 32702182 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Projections of ventral tegmental area dopamine (DA) neurons to the medial shell of the nucleus accumbens have been increasingly implicated as integral to the behavioral and physiological changes involved in the development of substance use disorders (SUDs). Recently, many of these nucleus accumbens-projecting DA neurons were found to also release the neurotransmitter glutamate. This glutamate co-release from DA neurons is critical in mediating the effect of drugs of abuse on addiction-related behaviors. Potential mechanisms underlying the role(s) of dopamine/glutamate co-release in contributing to SUDs are unclear. Nevertheless, an important clue may relate to glutamate's ability to potentiate loading of DA into synaptic vesicles within terminals in the nucleus accumbens in response to drug-induced elevations in neuronal activity, enabling a more robust release of DA after stimulation. Here, we summarize how drugs of abuse, particularly cocaine, opioids, and alcohol, alter DA release in the nucleus accumbens medial shell, examine the potential role of DA/glutamate co-release in mediating these effects, and discuss future directions for further investigating these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silas A Buck
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mary M Torregrossa
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ryan W Logan
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Center for Systems Neurogenetics of Addiction, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, USA
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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17
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Opposing Ventral Striatal Medium Spiny Neuron Activities Shaped by Striatal Parvalbumin-Expressing Interneurons during Goal-Directed Behaviors. Cell Rep 2020; 31:107829. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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18
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The role of co-neurotransmitters in sleep and wake regulation. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1284-1295. [PMID: 30377299 PMCID: PMC6491268 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0291-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Sleep and wakefulness control in the mammalian brain requires the coordination of various discrete interconnected neurons. According to the most conventional sleep model, wake-promoting neurons (WPNs) and sleep-promoting neurons (SPNs) compete for network dominance, creating a systematic "switch" that results in either the sleep or awake state. WPNs and SPNs are ubiquitous in the brainstem and diencephalon, areas that together contain <1% of the neurons in the human brain. Interestingly, many of these WPNs and SPNs co-express and co-release various types of the neurotransmitters that often have opposing modulatory effects on the network. Co-transmission is often beneficial to structures with limited numbers of neurons because it provides increasing computational capability and flexibility. Moreover, co-transmission allows subcortical structures to bi-directionally control postsynaptic neurons, thus helping to orchestrate several complex physiological functions such as sleep. Here, we present an in-depth review of co-transmission in hypothalamic WPNs and SPNs and discuss its functional significance in the sleep-wake network.
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19
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Genetic deletion of vesicular glutamate transporter in dopamine neurons increases vulnerability to MPTP-induced neurotoxicity in mice. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E11532-E11541. [PMID: 30442663 PMCID: PMC6298109 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1800886115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A subset of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons express vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VgluT2), which facilitates synaptic vesicle loading of glutamate. Recent studies indicate that such expression can modulate DA-dependent reward behaviors, but little is known about functional consequences of DA neuron VgluT2 expression in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we report that selective deletion of VgluT2 in DA neurons in conditional VgluT2-KO (VgluT2-cKO) mice abolished glutamate release from DA neurons, reduced their expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB), and exacerbated the pathological effects of exposure to the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Furthermore, viral rescue of VgluT2 expression in DA neurons of VglutT2-cKO mice restored BDNF/TrkB expression and attenuated MPTP-induced DA neuron loss and locomotor impairment. Together, these findings indicate that VgluT2 expression in DA neurons is neuroprotective. Genetic or environmental factors causing reduced expression or function of VgluT2 in DA neurons may place some individuals at increased risk for DA neuron degeneration. Therefore, maintaining physiological expression and function of VgluT2 in DA neurons may represent a valid molecular target for the development of preventive therapeutic interventions for PD.
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20
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Papathanou M, Creed M, Dorst MC, Bimpisidis Z, Dumas S, Pettersson H, Bellone C, Silberberg G, Lüscher C, Wallén-Mackenzie Å. Targeting VGLUT2 in Mature Dopamine Neurons Decreases Mesoaccumbal Glutamatergic Transmission and Identifies a Role for Glutamate Co-release in Synaptic Plasticity by Increasing Baseline AMPA/NMDA Ratio. Front Neural Circuits 2018; 12:64. [PMID: 30210305 PMCID: PMC6123381 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2018.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the Vglut2/Slc17a6 gene encoding the Vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) in midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons enables these neurons to co-release glutamate in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a feature of putative importance to drug addiction. For example, it has been shown that conditional deletion of Vglut2 gene expression within developing DA neurons in mice causes altered locomotor sensitization to addictive drugs, such as amphetamine and cocaine, in adulthood. Alterations in DA neurotransmission in the mesoaccumbal pathway has been proposed to contribute to these behavioral alterations but the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely elusive. Repeated exposure to cocaine is known to cause lasting adaptations of excitatory synaptic transmission onto medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the NAc, but the putative contribution of VGLUT2-mediated glutamate co-release from the mesoaccumbal projection has never been investigated. In this study, we implemented a tamoxifen-inducible Cre-LoxP strategy to selectively probe VGLUT2 in mature DA neurons of adult mice. Optogenetics-coupled patch clamp analysis in the NAc demonstrated a significant reduction of glutamatergic neurotransmission, whilst behavioral analysis revealed a normal locomotor sensitization to amphetamine and cocaine. When investigating if the reduced level of glutamate co-release from DA neurons caused a detectable post-synaptic effect on MSNs, patch clamp analysis identified an enhanced baseline AMPA/NMDA ratio in DA receptor subtype 1 (DRD1)-expressing accumbal MSNs which occluded the effect of cocaine on synaptic transmission. We conclude that VGLUT2 in mature DA neurons actively contributes to glutamatergic neurotransmission in the NAc, a finding which for the first time highlights VGLUT2-mediated glutamate co-release in the complex mechanisms of synaptic plasticity in drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papathanou
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Meaghan Creed
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Matthijs C Dorst
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet (KI), Solna, Sweden
| | - Zisis Bimpisidis
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Hanna Pettersson
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Camilla Bellone
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gilad Silberberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet (KI), Solna, Sweden
| | - Christian Lüscher
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Service of Neurology, Geneva University Hospital (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
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21
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Leyrer-Jackson JM, Thomas MP. Subtype-specific effects of dopaminergic D2 receptor activation on synaptic trains in layer V pyramidal neurons in the mouse prefrontal cortex. Physiol Rep 2018; 5:5/22/e13499. [PMID: 29150590 PMCID: PMC5704077 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, prefrontal cortical areas are known to support executive functions. In mice, these functions are mediated by homologous regions in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Executive processes are critically dependent on optimal levels of dopamine (DA), but the cellular mechanisms of DA modulation are incompletely understood. Stable patterns of neuronal activity may be sensitive to frequency-dependent changes in synaptic transmission. We characterized the effects of D2 receptor (D2R) activation on short-term excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) dynamics evoked at varying frequencies in the two subtypes of layer V pyramidal neurons in mouse mPFC We isolated NMDA receptor and non-NMDA receptor-mediated components of EPSP trains evoked by stimulating fibers within layer V or layer I. All significant effects of D2 receptor activation were confined to type I (corticopontine) cells. First, we found that with layer I stimulation, D2R activation reduces the amplitude of NMDAR-mediated EPSPs, with no effect on facilitation or depression of these responses at lower frequencies, but leading to facilitation with high frequency stimulation. Further, the non-NMDA component also underwent synaptic depression at low frequencies. Second, with layer V stimulation, D2R activation had no effect on NMDA or non-NMDA receptor-mediated EPSP components. Overall, our results suggest that D2R activation may modulate memory functions by inhibiting 'top-down' influences from apical tuft inputs activated at low frequencies, while promoting 'top-down' influences from inputs activated at higher frequencies. These data provide further insight into mechanisms of dopamine's modulation of executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonna M Leyrer-Jackson
- University of Northern Colorado School of Biological Sciences University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado
| | - Mark P Thomas
- University of Northern Colorado School of Biological Sciences University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado
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22
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Ghajar A, Aghajan-Nashtaei F, Afarideh M, Mohammadi MR, Akhondzadeh S. l-Carnosine as Adjunctive Therapy in Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2018; 28:331-338. [PMID: 29469593 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2017.0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of l-carnosine as an add-on to methylphenidate in management of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS This was an 8-week, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study. Fifty-six drug-free children and adolescents aged 6-17 years old with a diagnosis of ADHD entered the study. The patients were randomly assigned to l-carnosine (800 mg/d in two divided doses) or placebo plus methylphenidate (0.5-1.5 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks. Children were assessed using the Teacher and Parent ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV) at baseline and at weeks 4 and 8 postbaseline. RESULTS Fifty patients completed the study, and all had two postbaseline measurements. Using the general linear model repeated measures, significant effect was observed for time × treatment interaction on total and inattention subscales of the Parent ADHD-RS (Greenhouse-Geisser corrected: F = 3.783, df = 1.444, p = 0.041 and F = 4.032, df = 1.600, p = 0.030). Improvements in the Teacher ADHD-RS were not significantly different between the two groups in total (Greenhouse-Geisser corrected: F = 0.200, df = 1.218, p = 0.705), as well as inattention and hyperactivity subscale scores (p = 0.956 and 0.281, respectively). The frequency of side effects was not significantly different between the two treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS l-carnosine, as a supplementary medication, might be beneficial in treatment of children with ADHD. However, further investigations and different doses of l-carnosine are required to replicate these findings in children with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Ghajar
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Farinaz Aghajan-Nashtaei
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Afarideh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Mohammadi
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahin Akhondzadeh
- Psychiatric Research Center, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences , Tehran, Iran
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23
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Aguilar JI, Dunn M, Mingote S, Karam CS, Farino ZJ, Sonders MS, Choi SJ, Grygoruk A, Zhang Y, Cela C, Choi BJ, Flores J, Freyberg RJ, McCabe BD, Mosharov EV, Krantz DE, Javitch JA, Sulzer D, Sames D, Rayport S, Freyberg Z. Neuronal Depolarization Drives Increased Dopamine Synaptic Vesicle Loading via VGLUT. Neuron 2017; 95:1074-1088.e7. [PMID: 28823729 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2017.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The ability of presynaptic dopamine terminals to tune neurotransmitter release to meet the demands of neuronal activity is critical to neurotransmission. Although vesicle content has been assumed to be static, in vitro data increasingly suggest that cell activity modulates vesicle content. Here, we use a coordinated genetic, pharmacological, and imaging approach in Drosophila to study the presynaptic machinery responsible for these vesicular processes in vivo. We show that cell depolarization increases synaptic vesicle dopamine content prior to release via vesicular hyperacidification. This depolarization-induced hyperacidification is mediated by the vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT). Remarkably, both depolarization-induced dopamine vesicle hyperacidification and its dependence on VGLUT2 are seen in ventral midbrain dopamine neurons in the mouse. Together, these data suggest that in response to depolarization, dopamine vesicles utilize a cascade of vesicular transporters to dynamically increase the vesicular pH gradient, thereby increasing dopamine vesicle content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny I Aguilar
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Matthew Dunn
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Susana Mingote
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Caline S Karam
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Zachary J Farino
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Mark S Sonders
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Se Joon Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Anna Grygoruk
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yuchao Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Carolina Cela
- Brain Mind Institute, EPFL, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ben Jiwon Choi
- Center for Motor Neuron Biology and Disease, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jorge Flores
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Robin J Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | | | - Eugene V Mosharov
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David E Krantz
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Hatos Center for Neuropharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jonathan A Javitch
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pharmacology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David Sulzer
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Neurology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pharmacology, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Dalibor Sames
- Department of Chemistry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Stephen Rayport
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Li MH, Underhill SM, Reed C, Phillips TJ, Amara SG, Ingram SL. Amphetamine and Methamphetamine Increase NMDAR-GluN2B Synaptic Currents in Midbrain Dopamine Neurons. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:1539-1547. [PMID: 27976681 PMCID: PMC5436114 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The psychostimulants amphetamine (AMPH) and methamphetamine (MA) are widely abused illicit drugs. Here we show that both psychostimulants acutely increase NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated synaptic currents and decrease AMPA receptor (AMPAR)/NMDAR ratios in midbrain dopamine neurons. The potentiation depends on the transport of AMPH into the cell by the dopamine transporter. NMDAR-GluN2B receptor inhibitors, ifenprodil, RO 25-6981, and RO 04-5595, inhibit the potentiation without affecting basal-evoked NMDA currents, indicating that NMDAR-GluN2B receptors are activated by AMPH. A selective peptide inhibitor of AMPH-dependent trafficking of the neuronal excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) blocks potentiation, suggesting that EAAT3 internalization increases extracellular glutamate concentrations and activates GluN2B-containing NMDARs. Experiments with the use-dependent NMDAR blocker, MK-801, indicate that potentiated NMDARs reside on the plasma membrane and are not inserted de novo. In behavioral studies, GluN2B inhibitors reduce MA-mediated locomotor activity, without affecting basal activity. These results reveal an important interaction between dopamine and glutamatergic signaling in midbrain dopamine neurons in response to acute administration of psychostimulants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hua Li
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Suzanne M Underhill
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cheryl Reed
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Tamara J Phillips
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA,VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Susan G Amara
- National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Susan L Ingram
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA,Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA, Tel: 503 494 1220, Fax: 503 494 2664, E-mail:
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25
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Naaijen J, Forde NJ, Lythgoe DJ, Akkermans SEA, Openneer TJC, Dietrich A, Zwiers MP, Hoekstra PJ, Buitelaar JK. Fronto-striatal glutamate in children with Tourette's disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2016; 13:16-23. [PMID: 27909683 PMCID: PMC5124361 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2016.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective Both Tourette's disorder (TD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been related to abnormalities in glutamatergic neurochemistry in the fronto-striatal circuitry. TD and ADHD often co-occur and the neural underpinnings of this co-occurrence have been insufficiently investigated in prior studies. Method We used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in children between 8 and 12 years of age (TD n = 15, ADHD n = 39, TD + ADHD n = 29, and healthy controls n = 53) as an in vivo method of evaluating glutamate concentrations in the fronto-striatal circuit. Spectra were collected on a 3 Tesla Siemens scanner from two voxels in each participant: the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the left dorsal striatum. LC-model was used to process spectra and generate glutamate concentrations in institutional units. A one-way analysis of variance was performed to determine significant effects of diagnostic group on glutamate concentrations. Results We did not find any group differences in glutamate concentrations in either the ACC (F(3132) = 0.97, p = 0.41) or striatum (F(3121) = 0.59, p = 0.62). Furthermore, variation in glutamate concentration in these regions was unrelated to age, sex, medication use, IQ, tic, or ADHD severity. Obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptoms were positively correlated with ACC glutamate concentration within the participants with TD (rho = 0.35, puncorrected = 0.02). Conclusion We found no evidence for glutamatergic neuropathology in TD or ADHD within the fronto-striatal circuits. However, the correlation of OC-symptoms with ACC glutamate concentrations suggests that altered glutamatergic transmission is involved in OC-symptoms within TD, but this needs further investigation. Large pediatric sample of ADHD and TD participants 3 Tesla proton MRS utilized to investigate fronto-striatal glutamate concentrations No differences in glutamate concentrations in the disorder groups compared with controls ACC glutamate concentrations associated with obsessive–compulsive symptoms in TD
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Affiliation(s)
- Jilly Naaijen
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Natalie J Forde
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - David J Lythgoe
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Neuroimaging, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie E A Akkermans
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Thaira J C Openneer
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Dietrich
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel P Zwiers
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter J Hoekstra
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Psychiatry, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute of Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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26
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Barker DJ, Root DH, Zhang S, Morales M. Multiplexed neurochemical signaling by neurons of the ventral tegmental area. J Chem Neuroanat 2016; 73:33-42. [PMID: 26763116 PMCID: PMC4818729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 12/31/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is an evolutionarily conserved structure that has roles in reward-seeking, safety-seeking, learning, motivation, and neuropsychiatric disorders such as addiction and depression. The involvement of the VTA in these various behaviors and disorders is paralleled by its diverse signaling mechanisms. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of neuronal diversity in the VTA with a focus on cell phenotypes that participate in 'multiplexed' neurotransmission involving distinct signaling mechanisms. First, we describe the cellular diversity within the VTA, including neurons capable of transmitting dopamine, glutamate or GABA as well as neurons capable of multiplexing combinations of these neurotransmitters. Next, we describe the complex synaptic architecture used by VTA neurons in order to accommodate the transmission of multiple transmitters. We specifically cover recent findings showing that VTA multiplexed neurotransmission may be mediated by either the segregation of dopamine and glutamate into distinct microdomains within a single axon or by the integration of glutamate and GABA into a single axon terminal. In addition, we discuss our current understanding of the functional role that these multiplexed signaling pathways have in the lateral habenula and the nucleus accumbens. Finally, we consider the putative roles of VTA multiplexed neurotransmission in synaptic plasticity and discuss how changes in VTA multiplexed neurons may relate to various psychopathologies including drug addiction and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Barker
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - David H Root
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Shiliang Zhang
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Marisela Morales
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Blvd Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
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27
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Kashem MA, Ahmed S, Sultana N, Ahmed EU, Pickford R, Rae C, Šerý O, McGregor IS, Balcar VJ. Metabolomics of Neurotransmitters and Related Metabolites in Post-Mortem Tissue from the Dorsal and Ventral Striatum of Alcoholic Human Brain. Neurochem Res 2016; 41:385-97. [PMID: 26801172 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-1830-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
We report on changes in neurotransmitter metabolome and protein expression in the striatum of humans exposed to heavy long-term consumption of alcohol. Extracts from post mortem striatal tissue (dorsal striatum; DS comprising caudate nucleus; CN and putamen; P and ventral striatum; VS constituted by nucleus accumbens; NAc) were analysed by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Proteomics was studied in CN by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by mass-spectrometry. Proteomics identified 25 unique molecules expressed differently by the alcohol-affected tissue. Two were dopamine-related proteins and one a GABA-synthesizing enzyme GAD65. Two proteins that are related to apoptosis and/or neuronal loss (BiD and amyloid-β A4 precursor protein-binding family B member 3) were increased. There were no differences in the levels of dopamine (DA), 3,4-dihydrophenylacetic acid (DOPAC), serotonin (5HT), homovanillic acid (HVA), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (HIAA), histamine, L-glutamate (Glu), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Tryp) between the DS (CN and P) and VS (NAc) in control brains. Choline (Ch) and acetylcholine (Ach) were higher and norepinephrine (NE) lower, in the VS. Alcoholic striata had lower levels of neurotransmitters except for Glu (30 % higher in the alcoholic ventral striatum). Ratios of DOPAC/DA and HIAA/5HT were higher in alcoholic striatum indicating an increase in the DA and 5HT turnover. Glutathione was significantly reduced in all three regions of alcohol-affected striatum. We conclude that neurotransmitter systems in both the DS (CN and P) and the VS (NAc) were significantly influenced by long-term heavy alcohol intake associated with alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Abul Kashem
- Lab of Neurochemistry, Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute for Biomedical Research and School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, Anderson Stuart Bldg F13, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Selina Ahmed
- Lab of Psychopharmacology, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Nilufa Sultana
- Lab of Neurochemistry, Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute for Biomedical Research and School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, Anderson Stuart Bldg F13, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Eakhlas U Ahmed
- Lab of Psychopharmacology, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Russell Pickford
- Bioanalytical Mass Spectrometry Facility, NeuRA, NSW University, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Caroline Rae
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Omar Šerý
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iain S McGregor
- Lab of Psychopharmacology, School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Vladimir J Balcar
- Lab of Neurochemistry, Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, Bosch Institute for Biomedical Research and School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, Anderson Stuart Bldg F13, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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28
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Oliva I, Wanat MJ. Ventral Tegmental Area Afferents and Drug-Dependent Behaviors. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:30. [PMID: 27014097 PMCID: PMC4780106 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug-related behaviors in both humans and rodents are commonly thought to arise from aberrant learning processes. Preclinical studies demonstrate that the acquisition and expression of many drug-dependent behaviors involves the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a midbrain structure comprised of dopamine, GABA, and glutamate neurons. Drug experience alters the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic input onto VTA dopamine neurons, suggesting a critical role for VTA afferents in mediating the effects of drugs. In this review, we present evidence implicating the VTA in drug-related behaviors, highlight the diversity of neuronal populations in the VTA, and discuss the behavioral effects of selectively manipulating VTA afferents. Future experiments are needed to determine which VTA afferents and what neuronal populations in the VTA mediate specific drug-dependent behaviors. Further studies are also necessary for identifying the afferent-specific synaptic alterations onto dopamine and non-dopamine neurons in the VTA following drug administration. The identification of neural circuits and adaptations involved with drug-dependent behaviors can highlight potential neural targets for pharmacological and deep brain stimulation interventions to treat substance abuse disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idaira Oliva
- Department of Biology, Neurosciences Institute, University of Texas at San Antonio , San Antonio, TX , USA
| | - Matthew J Wanat
- Department of Biology, Neurosciences Institute, University of Texas at San Antonio , San Antonio, TX , USA
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29
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Cossette MP, Conover K, Shizgal P. The neural substrates for the rewarding and dopamine-releasing effects of medial forebrain bundle stimulation have partially discrepant frequency responses. Behav Brain Res 2015; 297:345-58. [PMID: 26477378 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine neurons have long been implicated in the rewarding effect produced by electrical brain stimulation of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). These neurons are excited trans-synaptically, but their precise role in intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) has yet to be determined. This study assessed the hypothesis that midbrain dopamine neurons are in series with the directly stimulated substrate for self-stimulation of the MFB and either perform spatio-temporal integration of synaptic input from directly activated MFB fibers or relay the results of such integration to efferent stages of the reward circuitry. Psychometric current-frequency trade-off functions were derived from ICSS performance, and chemometric trade-off functions were derived from stimulation-induced dopamine transients in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell, measured by means of fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Whereas the psychometric functions decline monotonically over a broad range of pulse frequencies and level off only at high frequencies, the chemometric functions obtained with the same rats and electrodes are either U-shaped or level off at lower pulse frequencies. This discrepancy was observed when the dopamine transients were recorded in either anesthetized or awake subjects. The lack of correspondence between the psychometric and chemometric functions is inconsistent with the hypothesis that dopamine neurons projecting to the NAc shell constitute an entire series stage of the neural circuit subserving self-stimulation of the MFB.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-P Cossette
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology/Groupe de Recherche en Neurobiologie Comportementale, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, SP-244, Montréal, Québec H4B 1R6, Canada.
| | - K Conover
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology/Groupe de Recherche en Neurobiologie Comportementale, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, SP-244, Montréal, Québec H4B 1R6, Canada.
| | - P Shizgal
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology/Groupe de Recherche en Neurobiologie Comportementale, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, SP-244, Montréal, Québec H4B 1R6, Canada.
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30
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Orzeł-Gryglewska J, Matulewicz P, Jurkowlaniec E. Brainstem system of hippocampal theta induction: The role of the ventral tegmental area. Synapse 2015; 69:553-75. [PMID: 26234671 DOI: 10.1002/syn.21843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This article summarizes the results of studies concerning the influence of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) on the hippocampal theta rhythm. Temporary VTA inactivation resulted in transient loss of the hippocampal theta. Permanent destruction of the VTA caused a long-lasting depression of the power of the theta and it also had some influence on the frequency of the rhythm. Activation of glutamate (GLU) receptors or decrease of GABAergic tonus in the VTA led to enhancement of dopamine release and increased hippocampal theta power. High time and frequency cross-correlation was detected for the theta band between the VTA and hippocampus during paradoxical sleep and active waking. Thus, the VTA may belong to the broad network involved in theta rhythm regulation. This article also presents a model of brainstem-VTA-hippocampal interactions in the induction of the hippocampal theta rhythm. The projections from the VTA which enhance theta rhythm are incorporated into the main theta generation pathway, in which the septum acts as the central node. The neuronal activity that may be responsible for the ability of the VTA to regulate theta probably derives from the structures associated with rapid eye movement (sleep) (REM) sleep or with sensorimotor activity (i.e., mainly from the pedunculopontine and laterodorsal tegmental nuclei and also from the raphe).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paweł Matulewicz
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, 80-308, Poland
| | - Edyta Jurkowlaniec
- Department of Animal and Human Physiology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, 80-308, Poland
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31
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Co-localization of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Glutamate in Neurons of the Spider Central Nervous System. Cell Tissue Res 2015. [PMID: 26197966 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2241-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Spider sensory neurons with cell bodies close to various sensory organs are innervated by putative efferent axons from the central nervous system (CNS). Light and electronmicroscopic imaging of immunolabeled neurons has demonstrated that neurotransmitters present at peripheral synapses include γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate and octopamine. Moreover, electrophysiological studies show that these neurotransmitters modulate the sensitivity of peripheral sensory neurons. Here, we undertook immunocytochemical investigations to characterize GABA and glutamate-immunoreactive neurons in three-dimensional reconstructions of the spider CNS. We document that both neurotransmitters are abundant in morphologically distinct neurons throughout the CNS. Labeling for the vesicular transporters, VGAT for GABA and VGLUT for glutamate, showed corresponding patterns, supporting the specificity of antibody binding. Whereas some neurons displayed strong immunolabeling, others were only weakly labeled. Double labeling showed that a subpopulation of weakly labeled neurons present in all ganglia expresses both GABA and glutamate. Double labeled, strongly and weakly labeled GABA and glutamate immunoreactive axons were also observed in the periphery along muscle fibers and peripheral sensory neurons. Electron microscopic investigations showed presynaptic profiles of various diameters with mixed vesicle populations innervating muscle tissue as well as sensory neurons. Our findings provide evidence that: (1) sensory neurons and muscle fibers are innervated by morphologically distinct, centrally located GABA- and glutamate immunoreactive neurons; (2) a subpopulation of these neurons may co-release both neurotransmitters; and (3) sensory neurons and muscles are innervated by all of these neurochemically and morphologically distinct types of neurons. The biochemical diversity of presynaptic innervation may contribute to how spiders filter natural stimuli and coordinate appropriate response patterns.
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32
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Šerý O, Paclt I, Drtílková I, Theiner P, Kopečková M, Zvolský P, Balcar VJ. A 40-bp VNTR polymorphism in the 3'-untranslated region of DAT1/SLC6A3 is associated with ADHD but not with alcoholism. Behav Brain Funct 2015; 11:21. [PMID: 26058807 PMCID: PMC4472402 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-015-0066-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ADHD and alcoholism are psychiatric diseases with pathophysiology related to dopamine system. DAT1 belongs to the SLC6 family of transporters and is involved in the regulation of extracellular dopamine levels. A 40 bp variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism in the 3′-untranslated region of DAT1/SLC6A3 gene was previously reported to be associated with various phenotypes involving disturbed regulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Methods A total of 1312 subjects were included and genotyped for 40 bp VNTR polymorphism of DAT1/SLC6A3 gene in this study (441 alcoholics, 400 non-alcoholic controls, 218 ADHD children and 253 non ADHD children). Using miRBase software, we have performed a computer analysis of VNTR part of DAT1 gene for presence of miRNA binding sites. Results We have found significant relationships between ADHD and the 40 bp VNTR polymorphisms of DAT1/SLC6A3 gene (P < 0.01). The 9/9 genotype appeared to reduce the risk of ADHD about 0.4-fold (p < 0.04). We also noted an occurrence of rare genotypes in ADHD (frequency different from controls at p < 0.01). No association between alcoholism and genotype frequencies of 40 bp VNTR polymorphism of DAT1/SLC6A3 gene has been detected. Conclusions We have found an association between 40 bp VNTR polymorphism of DAT1/SLC6A3 gene and ADHD in the Czech population; in a broad agreement with studies in other population samples. Furthermore, we detected rare genotypes 8/10, 7/10 and 10/11 present in ADHD boys only and identified miRNAs that should be looked at as potential novel targets in the research on ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Šerý
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic. .,Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Science, Veveří 97, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Ivo Paclt
- Department of Psychiatry, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 11, 121 08, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Ivana Drtílková
- Department of Psychiatry, Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Theiner
- Department of Psychiatry, Masaryk University, Faculty of Medicine, Kamenice 5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Marta Kopečková
- Department of Psychiatry, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 11, 121 08, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Petr Zvolský
- Department of Psychiatry, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 11, 121 08, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Vladimir J Balcar
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, School of Medical Sciences (Discipline of Anatomy and Histology) and Bosch Institute, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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Šerý O, Sultana N, Kashem MA, Pow DV, Balcar VJ. GLAST But Not Least--Distribution, Function, Genetics and Epigenetics of L-Glutamate Transport in Brain--Focus on GLAST/EAAT1. Neurochem Res 2015; 40:2461-72. [PMID: 25972039 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-015-1605-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Synaptically released L-glutamate, the most important excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS, is removed from extracellular space by fast and efficient transport mediated by several transporters; the most abundant ones are EAAT1/GLAST and EAAT2/GLT1. The review first summarizes their location, functions and basic characteristics. We then look at genetics and epigenetics of EAAT1/GLAST and EAAT2/GLT1 and perform in silico analyses of their promoter regions. There is one CpG island in SLC1A2 (EAAT2/GLT1) gene and none in SLC1A3 (EAAT1/GLAST) suggesting that DNA methylation is not the most important epigenetic mechanism regulating EAAT1/GLAST levels in brain. There are targets for specific miRNA in SLC1A2 (EAAT2/GLT1) gene. We also note that while defects in EAAT2/GLT1 have been associated with various pathological states including chronic neurodegenerative diseases, very little is known on possible contributions of defective or dysfunctional EAAT1/GLAST to any specific brain disease. Finally, we review evidence of EAAT1/GLAST involvement in mechanisms of brain response to alcoholism and present some preliminary data showing that ethanol, at concentrations which may be reached following heavy drinking, can have an effect on the distribution of EAAT1/GLAST in cultured astrocytes; the effect is blocked by baclofen, a GABA-B receptor agonist and a drug potentially useful in the treatment of alcoholism. We argue that more research effort should be focused on EAAT1/GLAST, particularly in relation to alcoholism and drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Šerý
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, 611 37, Brno, Czech Republic
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Academy of Sciences, Veveří 97, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nilufa Sultana
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Bosch Institute and Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Mohammed Abul Kashem
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Bosch Institute and Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - David V Pow
- School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Vladimir J Balcar
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Bosch Institute and Discipline of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
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Taylor SR, Badurek S, Dileone RJ, Nashmi R, Minichiello L, Picciotto MR. GABAergic and glutamatergic efferents of the mouse ventral tegmental area. J Comp Neurol 2015; 522:3308-34. [PMID: 24715505 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The role of dopaminergic (DA) projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in appetitive and rewarding behavior has been widely studied, but the VTA also has documented DA-independent functions. Several drugs of abuse, act on VTA GABAergic neurons, and most studies have focused on local inhibitory connections. Relatively little is known about VTA GABA projection neurons and their connections to brain sites outside the VTA. This study employed viral-vector-mediated cell-type-specific anterograde tracing, classical retrograde tracing, and immunohistochemistry to characterize VTA GABA efferents throughout the brain. We found that VTA GABA neurons project widely to forebrain and brainstem targets, including the ventral pallidum, lateral and magnocellular preoptic nuclei, lateral hypothalamus, and lateral habenula. Minor projections also go to central amygdala, mediodorsal thalamus, dorsal raphe, and deep mesencephalic nuclei, and sparse projections go to prefrontal cortical regions and to nucleus accumbens shell and core. These projections differ from the major VTA DA target regions. Retrograde tracing studies confirmed results from the anterograde experiments and differences in projections from VTA subnuclei. Retrogradely labeled GABA neurons were not numerous, and most non-tyrosine hydroxylase/retrogradely labeled cells lacked GABAergic markers. Many non-TH/retrogradely labeled cells projecting to several areas expressed VGluT2. VTA GABA and glutamate neurons project throughout the brain, most prominently to regions with reciprocal connections to the VTA. These data indicate that VTA GABA and glutamate neurons may have more DA-independent functions than previously recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth R Taylor
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 06519
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35
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Filippi A, Mueller T, Driever W. vglut2 and gad expression reveal distinct patterns of dual GABAergic versus glutamatergic cotransmitter phenotypes of dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurons in the zebrafish brain. J Comp Neurol 2015; 522:2019-37. [PMID: 24374659 PMCID: PMC4288968 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the vertebrate lineage, dopaminergic neurons form important neuromodulatory systems that influence motor behavior, mood, cognition, and physiology. Studies in mammals have established that dopaminergic neurons often use γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glutamatergic cotransmission during development and physiological function. Here, we analyze vglut2, gad1b and gad2 expression in combination with tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in 4-day-old larval and 30-day-old juvenile zebrafish brains to determine which dopaminergic and noradrenergic groups may use GABA or glutamate as a second transmitter. Our results show that most dopaminergic neurons also express GABAergic markers, including the dopaminergic groups of the olfactory bulb (homologous to mammalian A16) and the subpallium, the hypothalamic groups (A12, A14), the prethalamic zona incerta group (A13), the preoptic groups (A15), and the pretectal group. Thus, the majority of catecholaminergic neurons are gad1b/2-positive and coexpress GABA. A very few gad1/2-negative dopaminergic groups, however, express vglut2 instead and use glutamate as a second transmitter. These glutamatergic dual transmitter phenotypes are the Orthopedia transcription factor–dependent, A11-type dopaminergic neurons of the posterior tuberculum. All together, our results demonstrate that all catecholaminergic groups in zebrafish are either GABAergic or glutamatergic. Thus, cotransmission of dopamine and noradrenaline with either GABA or glutamate appears to be a regular feature of zebrafish catecholaminergic systems. We compare our results with those that have been described for mammalian systems, discuss the phenomenon of transmitter dualism in the context of developmental specification of GABAergic and glutamatergic regions in the brain, and put this phenomenon in an evolutionary perspective. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2019–2037, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alida Filippi
- Developmental Biology, Institute of Biology I, Faculty of Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
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36
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Quantitative Multi-modal Brain Autoradiography of Glutamatergic, Dopaminergic, Cannabinoid, and Nicotinic Receptors in Mutant Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia-1 (DISC1) Mice. Mol Imaging Biol 2014; 17:355-63. [DOI: 10.1007/s11307-014-0786-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Morales M, Root DH. Glutamate neurons within the midbrain dopamine regions. Neuroscience 2014; 282:60-8. [PMID: 24875175 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Midbrain dopamine systems play important roles in Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, addiction, and depression. The participation of midbrain dopamine systems in diverse clinical contexts suggests these systems are highly complex. Midbrain dopamine regions contain at least three neuronal phenotypes: dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic. Here, we review the locations, subtypes, and functions of glutamatergic neurons within midbrain dopamine regions. Vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGluT2) mRNA-expressing neurons are observed within each midbrain dopamine system. Within rat retrorubral field (RRF), large populations of VGluT2 neurons are observed throughout its anteroposterior extent. Within rat substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC), VGluT2 neurons are observed centrally and caudally, and are most dense within the laterodorsal subdivision. RRF and SNC rat VGluT2 neurons lack tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), making them an entirely distinct population of neurons from dopaminergic neurons. The rat ventral tegmental area (VTA) contains the most heterogeneous populations of VGluT2 neurons. VGluT2 neurons are found in each VTA subnucleus but are most dense within the anterior midline subnuclei. Some subpopulations of rat VGluT2 neurons co-express TH or glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), but most of the VGluT2 neurons lack TH or GAD. Different subsets of rat VGluT2-TH neurons exist based on the presence or absence of vesicular monoamine transporter 2, dopamine transporter, or D2 dopamine receptor. Thus, the capacity by which VGluT2-TH neurons may release dopamine will differ based on their capacity to accumulate vesicular dopamine, uptake extracellular dopamine, or be autoregulated by dopamine. Rat VTA VGluT2 neurons exhibit intrinsic VTA projections and extrinsic projections to the accumbens and to the prefrontal cortex. Mouse VTA VGluT2 neurons project to accumbens shell, prefrontal cortex, ventral pallidum, amygdala, and lateral habenula. Given their molecular diversity and participation in circuits involved in addiction, we hypothesize that individual VGluT2 subpopulations of neurons play unique roles in addiction and other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Morales
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States.
| | - D H Root
- Neuronal Networks Section, Integrative Neuroscience Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
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Cachope R, Cheer JF. Local control of striatal dopamine release. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:188. [PMID: 24904339 PMCID: PMC4033078 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mesolimbic and nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) systems play a key role in the physiology of reward seeking, motivation and motor control. Importantly, they are also involved in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease, schizophrenia and addiction. Control of DA release in the striatum is tightly linked to firing of DA neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and the substantia nigra (SN). However, local influences in the striatum affect release by exerting their action directly on axon terminals. For example, endogenous glutamatergic and cholinergic activity is sufficient to trigger striatal DA release independently of cell body firing. Recent developments involving genetic manipulation, pharmacological selectivity or selective stimulation have allowed for better characterization of these phenomena. Such termino-terminal forms of control of DA release transform considerably our understanding of the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal systems, and have strong implications as potential mechanisms to modify impaired control of DA release in the diseased brain. Here, we review these and related mechanisms and their implications in the physiology of ascending DA systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Cachope
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; CHDI Foundation Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph F Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA
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39
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Vaaga CE, Borisovska M, Westbrook GL. Dual-transmitter neurons: functional implications of co-release and co-transmission. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2014; 29:25-32. [PMID: 24816154 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2014.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Co-transmission, the ability of a neuron to release multiple transmitters, has long been recognized in selected circuits. However, the release of multiple primary neurotransmitters from a single neuron is only beginning to be appreciated. Here we consider recent examples of co-transmission as well as co-release-the packaging of multiple neurotransmitters into a single vesicle. The properties associated with each mode of release greatly enhance the possible action of such neurons within circuits. The functional importance of dual- (or multi-) transmitter neurons extends beyond actions on postsynaptic receptors, due in part to differential spatial and temporal profiles of each neurotransmitter. Recent evidence also suggests that the dual-transmitter phenotype can be dynamically regulated during development and following injury or disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher E Vaaga
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA; Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Maria Borisovska
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Gary L Westbrook
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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40
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Yetnikoff L, Lavezzi HN, Reichard RA, Zahm DS. An update on the connections of the ventral mesencephalic dopaminergic complex. Neuroscience 2014; 282:23-48. [PMID: 24735820 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This review covers the intrinsic organization and afferent and efferent connections of the midbrain dopaminergic complex, comprising the substantia nigra, ventral tegmental area and retrorubral field, which house, respectively, the A9, A10 and A8 groups of nigrostriatal, mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic neurons. In addition, A10dc (dorsal, caudal) and A10rv (rostroventral) extensions into, respectively, the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray and supramammillary nucleus are discussed. Associated intrinsic and extrinsic connections of the midbrain dopaminergic complex that utilize gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate and neuropeptides and various co-expressed combinations of these compounds are considered in conjunction with the dopamine-containing systems. A framework is provided for understanding the organization of massive afferent systems descending and ascending to the midbrain dopaminergic complex from the telencephalon and brainstem, respectively. Within the context of this framework, the basal ganglia direct and indirect output pathways are treated in some detail. Findings from rodent brain are briefly compared with those from primates, including humans. Recent literature is emphasized, including traditional experimental neuroanatomical and modern gene transfer and optogenetic studies. An attempt was made to provide sufficient background and cite a representative sampling of earlier primary papers and reviews so that people new to the field may find this to be a relatively comprehensive treatment of the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Yetnikoff
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63104, United States.
| | - H N Lavezzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63104, United States
| | - R A Reichard
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63104, United States
| | - D S Zahm
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, MO 63104, United States.
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41
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Doyon WM, Thomas AM, Ostroumov A, Dong Y, Dani JA. Potential substrates for nicotine and alcohol interactions: a focus on the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 86:1181-93. [PMID: 23876345 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies consistently find correlations between nicotine and alcohol use, yet the neural mechanisms underlying their interaction remain largely unknown. Nicotine and alcohol (i.e., ethanol) share many common molecular and cellular targets that provide potential substrates for nicotine-alcohol interactions. These targets for interaction often converge upon the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system, where the link to drug self-administration and reinforcement is well documented. Both nicotine and alcohol activate the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system, producing downstream dopamine signals that promote the drug reinforcement process. While nicotine primarily acts via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, alcohol acts upon a wider range of receptors and molecular substrates. The complex pharmacological profile of these two drugs generates overlapping responses that ultimately intersect within the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system to promote drug use. Here we will examine overlapping targets between nicotine and alcohol and provide evidence for their interaction. Based on the existing literature, we will also propose some potential targets that have yet to be directly tested. Mechanistic studies that examine nicotine-alcohol interactions would ultimately improve our understanding of the factors that contribute to the associations between nicotine and alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- William M Doyon
- Center on Addiction, Learning, Memory, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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42
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Bézard E, Olanow CW, Obeso JA. Levodopa-induced dyskinesias in the absence of nigrostriatal degeneration. Mov Disord 2013; 28:1023-4. [PMID: 23787890 DOI: 10.1002/mds.25533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Olfactory bulb short axon cell release of GABA and dopamine produces a temporally biphasic inhibition-excitation response in external tufted cells. J Neurosci 2013; 33:2916-26. [PMID: 23407950 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3607-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence for coexpression of two or more classic neurotransmitters in neurons has increased, but less is known about cotransmission. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons corelease dopamine (DA), the excitatory transmitter glutamate, and the inhibitory transmitter GABA onto target cells in the striatum. Olfactory bulb (OB) short axon cells (SACs) form interglomerular connections and coexpress markers for DA and GABA. Using an optogenetic approach, we provide evidence that mouse OB SACs release both GABA and DA onto external tufted cells (ETCs) in other glomeruli. Optical activation of channelrhodopsin specifically expressed in DAergic SACs produced a GABA(A) receptor-mediated monosynaptic inhibitory response, followed by DA-D(1)-like receptor-mediated excitatory response in ETCs. The GABA(A) receptor-mediated hyperpolarization activates I(h) current in ETCs; synaptically released DA increases I(h), which enhances postinhibitory rebound spiking. Thus, the opposing actions of synaptically released GABA and DA are functionally integrated by I(h) to generate an inhibition-to-excitation "switch" in ETCs. Consistent with the established role of I(h) in ETC burst firing, we show that endogenous DA release increases ETC spontaneous bursting frequency. ETCs transmit sensory signals to mitral/tufted output neurons and drive intraglomerular inhibition to shape glomerulus output to downstream olfactory networks. GABA and DA cotransmission from SACs to ETCs may play a key role in regulating output coding across the glomerular array.
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44
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Lammel S, Lim BK, Malenka RC. Reward and aversion in a heterogeneous midbrain dopamine system. Neuropharmacology 2013; 76 Pt B:351-9. [PMID: 23578393 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 522] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a heterogeneous brain structure that serves a central role in motivation and reward processing. Abnormalities in the function of VTA dopamine (DA) neurons and the targets they influence are implicated in several prominent neuropsychiatric disorders including addiction and depression. Recent studies suggest that the midbrain DA system is composed of anatomically and functionally heterogeneous DA subpopulations with different axonal projections. These findings may explain a number of previously confusing observations that suggested a role for DA in processing both rewarding as well as aversive events. Here we will focus on recent advances in understanding the neural circuits mediating reward and aversion in the VTA and how stress as well as drugs of abuse, in particular cocaine, alter circuit function within a heterogeneous midbrain DA system. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'NIDA 40th Anniversary Issue'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Lammel
- Nancy Pritzker Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, 265 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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45
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Herr NR, Wightman RM. Improved techniques for examining rapid dopamine signaling with iontophoresis. Front Biosci (Elite Ed) 2013; 5:249-57. [PMID: 23276986 DOI: 10.2741/e612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is utilized in brain circuits associated with reward processing and motor activity. Advances in microelectrode techniques and cyclic voltammetry have enabled its extracellular concentration fluctuations to be examined on a subsecond time scale in the brain of anesthetized and freely moving animals. The microelectrodes can be attached to micropipettes that allow local drug delivery at the site of measurement. Drugs that inhibit dopamine uptake or its autoreceptors can be evaluated while only affecting the brain region directly adjacent to the electrode. The drugs are ejected by iontophoresis in which an electrical current forces the movement of molecules by a combination of electrical migration and electroosmosis. Using electroactive tracer molecules, the amount ejected can be measured with cyclic voltammetry. In this review we will give an introduction to the basic principles of iontophoresis, including a historical account on the development of iontophoresis. It will also include an overview of the use of iontophoresis to study neurotransmission of dopamine in the rat brain. It will close by summarizing the advantages of iontophoresis and how the development of quantitative iontophoresis will facilitate future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Rios Herr
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of Chemistry, CB 3290, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3290, USA
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46
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Stamatakis AM, Stuber GD. Optogenetic strategies to dissect the neural circuits that underlie reward and addiction. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2012; 2:cshperspect.a011924. [PMID: 23043156 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a011924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Optogenetic strategies for perturbation of neural circuit function have begun to revolutionize systems neuroscience. Whereas optogenetics has proven to be a powerful approach for studying neural systems, the tools to conduct these experiments are still continuously evolving. Here we briefly summarize available hardware and reagents that can be used for studying behaviors related to reward and addiction. In addition, we discuss recent studies in which these strategies have been applied to study neural circuit function in brain slices as well as awake and behaving animals. Collectively, this work serves as a brief introduction to optogenetic techniques and highlights how these tools can be applied to elucidate the neural circuits that underlie reward processing and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice M Stamatakis
- Curriculum in Neurobiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599, USA
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47
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Li W, Doyon WM, Dani JA. Quantitative unit classification of ventral tegmental area neurons in vivo. J Neurophysiol 2012; 107:2808-20. [PMID: 22378178 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00575.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) synthesize several major neurotransmitters, including dopamine (DA), GABA, and glutamate. To classify VTA single-unit neural activity from freely moving rats, we used hierarchical agglomerative clustering and probability distributions as quantitative methods. After many parameters were examined, a firing rate of 10 Hz emerged as a transition frequency between clusters of low-firing and high-firing neurons. To form a subgroup identified as high-firing neurons with GABAergic characteristics, the high-firing classification was sorted by spike duration. To form a subgroup identified as putative DA neurons, the low-firing classification was sorted by DA D2-type receptor pharmacological responses to quinpirole and eticlopride. Putative DA neurons were inhibited by the D2-type receptor agonist quinpirole and returned to near-baseline firing rates or higher following the D2-type receptor antagonist eticlopride. Other unit types showed different responses to these D2-type receptor drugs. A multidimensional comparison of neural properties indicated that these subgroups often clustered independently of each other with minimal overlap. Firing pattern variability reliably distinguished putative DA neurons from other unit types. A combination of phasic burst properties and a low skew in the interspike interval distribution produced a neural population that was comparable to the one sorted by D2 pharmacology. These findings provide a quantitative statistical approach for the classification of VTA neurons in unanesthetized animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Center on Addiction, Learning, Memory, Department of Neuroscience, Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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48
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Orzeł-Gryglewska J, Kuśmierczak M, Majkutewicz I, Jurkowlaniec E. Induction of hippocampal theta rhythm by electrical stimulation of the ventral tegmental area and its loss after septum inactivation. Brain Res 2012; 1436:51-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2011] [Revised: 11/29/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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49
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Morales M, Pickel VM. Insights to drug addiction derived from ultrastructural views of the mesocorticolimbic system. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2011; 1248:71-88. [PMID: 22171551 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2011.06299.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Drugs of abuse increase the release of dopamine from mesocorticolimbic neurons in the ventral tegmental area. Thus, insights into the cytoarchitecture and the synaptic circuitry affecting the activity of dopaminergic neurons in this area are fundamental for understanding the commonalities produced by mechanistically distinct drugs of abuse. Electron microscopic immunolabeling has provided these insights and also shown the critical relationships between the dopaminergic axon terminals and their targeted neurons in the prefrontal cortex and in the both the dorsal and ventral striatum. These brain regions are among those where dopamine and associated neurotransmitters are most implicated in the transition from recreational to compulsive consumption of reinforcing drugs. Thus, the synaptic circuitry and drug-induced plasticity occurring in the ventral tegmental area and in dopamine-targeted regions are reviewed, as both are essential for understanding the long-lasting changes produced by addictive substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisela Morales
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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Pereira M, Morrell JI. Functional mapping of the neural circuitry of rat maternal motivation: effects of site-specific transient neural inactivation. J Neuroendocrinol 2011; 23:1020-35. [PMID: 21815954 PMCID: PMC3196804 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02200.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The present review focuses on recent studies from our laboratory examining the neural circuitry subserving rat maternal motivation across postpartum. We employed a site-specific neural inactivation method by infusion of bupivacaine to map the maternal motivation circuitry using two complementary behavioural approaches: unconditioned maternal responsiveness and choice of pup- over cocaine-conditioned incentives in a concurrent pup/cocaine choice conditioned place preference task. Our findings revealed that, during the early postpartum period, distinct brain structures, including the medial preoptic area, ventral tegmental area and medial prefrontal cortex infralimbic and anterior cingulate subregions, contribute a pup-specific bias to the motivational circuitry. As the postpartum period progresses and the pups grow older, it is further revealed that maternal responsiveness becomes progressively less dependent on the medial preoptic area and medial prefrontal cortex infralimbic activity, and more distributed in the maternal circuitry, such that additional network components, including the medial prefrontal cortex prelimbic subregion, are recruited with maternal experience, and contribute to the expression of late postpartum maternal behaviour. Collectively, our findings provide strong evidence that the remarkable ability of postpartum females to successfully care for their developing infants is subserved by a distributed neural network that carries out efficient and dynamic processing of complex, constantly changing incoming environmental and pup-related stimuli, ultimately allowing the progression of appropriate expression and waning of maternal responsiveness across the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pereira
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Newark Campus, Newark, NJ 07102, USA.
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