The protective role of mild acidic pH shifts on synaptic NMDA current in hippocampal slices

Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase regulates hippocampal neuronal pH by recruiting Na(+)/H(+) exchanger NHE5 to the cell surface

Strict regulation of intra- and extracellular pH is an important determinant of nervous system function as many voltage-, ligand-, and H(+)-gated cationic channels are exquisitely sensitive to transient fluctuations in pH elicited by neural activity and pathophysiologic events such as hypoxia-ischemia and seizures. Multiple Na(+)/H(+) exchangers (NHEs) are implicated in maintenance of neural pH homeostasis. However, aside from the ubiquitous NHE1 isoform, their relative contributions are poorly understood. NHE5 is of particular interest as it is preferentially expressed in brain relative to other tissues. In hippocampal neurons, NHE5 regulates steady-state cytoplasmic pH, but intriguingly the bulk of the transporter is stored in intracellular vesicles. Here, we show that NHE5 is a direct target for phosphorylation by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key sensor and regulator of cellular energy homeostasis in response to metabolic stresses. In NHE5-transfected non-neuronal cells, activation of AMPK by the AMP mimetic AICAR or by antimycin A, which blocks aerobic respiration and causes acidification, increased cell surface accumulation and activity of NHE5, and elevated intracellular pH. These effects were effectively blocked by the AMPK antagonist compound C, the NHE inhibitor HOE694, and mutation of a predicted AMPK recognition motif in the NHE5 C terminus. This regulatory pathway was also functional in primary hippocampal neurons, where AMPK activation of NHE5 protected the cells from sustained antimycin A-induced acidification. These data reveal a unique role for AMPK and NHE5 in regulating the pH homeostasis of hippocampal neurons during metabolic stress.

Effects of acute hypoxia/acidosis on intracellular pH in differentiating neural progenitor cells

The response of differentiating mouse neural progenitor cells, migrating out from neurospheres, to conditions simulating ischemia (hypoxia and extracellular or intracellular acidosis) was studied. We show here, by using BCECF and single cell imaging to monitor intracellular pH (pH(i)), that two main populations can be distinguished by exposing migrating neural progenitor cells to low extracellular pH or by performing an acidifying ammonium prepulse. The cells dominating at the periphery of the neurosphere culture, which were positive for neuron specific markers MAP-2, calbindin and NeuN had lower initial resting pH(i) and could also easily be further acidified by lowering the extracellular pH. Moreover, in this population, a more profound acidification was seen when the cells were acidified using the ammonium prepulse technique. However, when the cell population was exposed to depolarizing potassium concentrations no alterations in pH(i) took place in this population. In contrast, depolarization caused an increase in pH(i) (by 0.5 pH units) in the cell population closer to the neurosphere body, which region was positive for the radial cell marker (GLAST). This cell population, having higher resting pH(i) (pH 6.9-7.1) also responded to acute hypoxia. During hypoxic treatment the resting pH(i) decreased by 0.1 pH units and recovered rapidly after reoxygenation. Our results show that migrating neural progenitor cells are highly sensitive to extracellular acidosis and that irreversible damage becomes evident at pH 6.2. Moreover, our results show that a response to acidosis clearly distinguishes two individual cell populations probably representing neuronal and radial cells.

The endogenous alkaloid harmane: acidifying and activity-reducing effects on hippocampal neurons in vitro

RATIONALE

The endogenous alkaloid harmane is enriched in plasma of patients with neurodegenerative or addictive disorders. As harmane affects neuronal activity and viability and because both parameters are strongly influenced by intracellular pH (pH(i)), we tested whether effects of harmane are correlated with altered pH(i) regulation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Pyramidal neurons in the CA3 field of hippocampal slices were investigated under bicarbonate-buffered conditions. Harmane (50 and 100 microM) reversibly decreased spontaneous firing of action potentials and caffeine-induced bursting of CA3 neurons. In parallel experiments, 50 and 100 microM harmane evoked a neuronal acidification of 0.12+/-0.08 and 0.18+/-0.07 pH units, respectively. Recovery from intracellular acidification subsequent to an ammonium prepulse was also impaired, suggesting an inhibition of transmembrane acid extrusion by harmane.

CONCLUSION

Harmane may modulate neuronal functions via altered pH(i)-regulation. Implications of these findings for neuronal survival are discussed.

Respiratory complex I in brain development and genetic disease

A study is presented on the expression and activity of complex I, as well as of other complexes of the respiratory chain, in the course of brain development and inherited encephalopathies. Investigations on mouse hippocampal cells show that differentiation of these cells both in vivo and in cell cultures is associated with the expression of a functional complex I, whose activity markedly increases with respect to that of complexes III and IV. Data are presented on genetic defects of complex I in six children with inborn encephalopathy associated with isolated deficiency of the complex. Mutations have been identified in nuclear and mitochondrial genes coding for subunits of the complex. Different mutations were found in the nuclear NDUFS4 gene coding for the 18 kD (IP, AQDQ) subunit of complex I. All the NDUFS4 mutations resulted in impairment of the assembly of a functional complex. The observations presented provide evidence showing a critical role of complex I in differentiation and functional activity of brain cells.

Effects of extracellular pH on the dynorphin A inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Dynorphin A (Dyn A) (1-17), the postulated endogenous ligand for the kappa-opioid receptor, inhibits N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated currents in neuronal preparations and in Xenopus oocytes expressing recombinant NMDA receptors. Although direct interactions of Dyn A with the NMDA receptor have been reported, the mechanisms mediating the inhibitory actions of Dyn A are unknown. Extracellular pH is a crucial factor regulating NMDA receptor function. To date, however, the influence of pH on the inhibitory actions of Dyn A has not been examined. In the present study we used voltage-clamp recording techniques in Xenopus oocytes expressing recombinant NR1A/2A receptors to address this issue. We report that decreasing the pH of the external solution from 7.5 to 6.7 significantly enhances Dyn A inhibition of NMDA receptor-mediated currents. On the contrary, increasing the pH of the external solution to 9.2 prevents the inhibitory action of Dyn A. The influence of external pH was independent of membrane potential and the potentiation of inhibition with decreasing pH was not associated with alterations in the charge of the Dyn A molecule. These findings demonstrate that Dyn A inhibition of the NMDA receptor current is pH-dependent. They further suggest that the efficacy of neuronally released Dyn A in inhibiting NMDA receptor function may be increased in response to nerve injury and other conditions associated with decreased extracellular pH.

The acid-activated ion channel ASIC contributes to synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory

Many central neurons possess large acid-activated currents, yet their molecular identity is unknown. We found that eliminating the acid sensing ion channel (ASIC) abolished H(+)-gated currents in hippocampal neurons. Neuronal H(+)-gated currents and transient acidification are proposed to play a role in synaptic transmission. Investigating this possibility, we found ASIC in hippocampus, in synaptosomes, and in dendrites localized at synapses. Moreover, loss of ASIC impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation. ASIC null mice had reduced excitatory postsynaptic potentials and NMDA receptor activation during high-frequency stimulation. Consistent with these findings, null mice displayed defective spatial learning and eyeblink conditioning. These results identify ASIC as a key component of acid-activated currents and implicate these currents in processes underlying synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.

Contrasting effects of zonisamide and acetazolamide on amygdaloid kindling in rats

PURPOSE

Zonisamide (ZNS) and acetazolamide (AZM) are two antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) that differ in clinical efficacy. To elucidate the mechanisms of action of these compounds, we investigated their therapeutic and prophylactic effects in rats by using a kindling model of partial epilepsy.

METHODS

Electrodes were implanted into the left amygdala of adult male Wistar rats. The animals were stimulated at the afterdischarge threshold until five stage 5 seizures were induced. The generalized seizure threshold was then determined. Therapeutic effects were examined in rats manifesting successive convulsions with near-threshold stimulation. To test prophylactic effects, drugs were administered intraperitoneally before daily kindling stimulation until the animal had a stage 5 seizure or reached day 18.

RESULTS

ZNS (10-40 mg/kg; n=6) suppressed kindled seizures in a dose-dependent manner. Repeated administration for 7 days produced tolerance to anticonvulsive effects. AZM (25-200 mg/kg; n=7) showed limited therapeutic effect, alleviating only the clonic convulsion in stage 5 seizures and reducing afterdischarge duration. Secondary generalization was not significantly suppressed during repeated treatment (50-200 mg/kg; n=6). ZNS, 25 or 40 mg/kg (n=8), significantly retarded seizure development; 15.0 or 17.0 daily stimulations were required to produce a stage 5 seizure. AZM, 50-200 mg/kg (n=6), also retarded seizure development, with 14.0-14.8 stimulations required.

CONCLUSIONS

ZNS exhibited modest therapeutic and prophylactic effects, whereas AZM showed mainly prophylactic effects. Hypotheses are presented that may explain the mechanisms of action of these drugs.

Moclobemide reduces intracellular pH and neuronal activity of CA3 neurones in guinea-pig hippocampal slices-implication for its neuroprotective properties

Mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective properties of the weak MAO-A inhibitor moclobemide are not understood. Increasing evidence suggests that a moderate increase in intracellular free protons may contribute to neuroprotective properties due to a proton-mediated decrease in neuronal activity. Therefore, we studied effects of 10-700 microM moclobemide (i) on the intracellular pH (pH(i)) of BCECF-AM loaded CA3 neurones as well as (ii) on spontaneous action potentials and epileptiform activity (induced by bicuculline-methiodide, caffeine, or 4-aminopyridine) of CA3 neurones in the stratum pyramidale. Moclobemide-concentrations of > or = 300 microM reversibly reduced the steady-state pH(i) by up to 0. 25 pH-units within 5-20 min. Simultaneously, the frequency of spontaneous action potentials and epileptiform discharges became depressed. Moclobemide also abolished 4-aminopyridine-induced GABA-mediated hyperpolarisations suggesting that the inhibitory and acidifying effects of moclobemide do not result from an amplification of the GABA system. The stronger MAO-A inhibitors clorgyline or pargyline (both 10 microM) mimicked the moclobemide-effects. Investigating effects on pH(i)-regulation we found that 700 microM moclobemide impaired the recovery from intracellular acidification elicited by an ammonium prepulse which demonstrates an impairment of transmembrane acid extrusion. We suggest that the latter effect is responsible for the moderate decrease in the steady-state pH(i) which in turn reduced neuronal activity. This mechanism may substantially contribute to the neuroprotective properties of moclobemide.

Effects of acidosis on the post-hypoxic recovery of synaptic transmission in gerbil hippocampal slices

We investigated the effects of acidosis on the hypoxic neuronal damage using gerbil hippocampal slices. Acidosis has delayed the onset of harmful hypoxic depolarization, resulting in a decrease in the total hypoxic period and the hypoxic depolarization. This effect has been considered to be protective. However, the synaptic recovery after reoxygenation was attenuated when acidosis (pH: 6.2-6.9) was sustained. Conversely, the synaptic recovery was potentiated when the acidosis was restored to the physiological milieu during the reoxygenation period. These results suggest that acidosis plays a protective effect against the hypoxic neuronal damage only when rapid appreciable pH recovery is achieved during reoxygenation.

Role of glycemia in acute spinal cord injury. Data from a rat experimental model and clinical experience

While experimental and clinical evidence indicates that in brain injury blood glucose increases with injury severity and hyperglycemia worsens neurological outcome, the role of blood glucose in secondary mechanisms of neuronal damage after acute spinal cord injury has not yet been investigated. Data from spinal cord ischemia models suggests a deleterious effect of hyperglycemia, likely due to enhanced lactic acidosis, which is primarily dependent on the amount of glucose available to be metabolized. The purpose of this study is to summarize preliminary experimental and clinical observations on the role of blood glucose in acute spinal cord injury. Between 1995 and 1996 we used the New York University (NYU) rat spinal cord injury model to test the following hypotheses: 1) Blood glucose levels increase with injury severity. 2) Fasting protects from hyperglycemia and prevents secondary damage to the spinal cord. 3) Postinjury-induced hyperglycemia (dextrose 5% 2 gm/Kg) enhances spinal lesion volume. From a clinical perspective, we reviewed blood glucose records of 47 patients admitted to the Department of Neurosrgery in Verona, between 1991 and 1995, within 24 hours of acute spinal cord injury in order to determine: a) the incidence of hyperglycemia (> 140 mg/dl); b) the correlation between blood glucose and injury severity; and c) the role of methylprednisolone in affecting blood glucose. Results indicate that in a graded spinal cord injury model: 1) Early after injury, more severe contusions support significantly higher blood glucose levels. 2) Fasting overnight does not directly affect spinal cord lesion volume but influences blood gases, and we observed that a slightly systemic acidosis plays a minor neuroprotective role. Fasting also ensures more consistent normoglycemic baseline blood glucose values. 3) Postinjury-induced moderate hyperglycemia (160-190 mg/dl) does not significantly affect spinal cord injury. In the clinical study, we observed that during the first 24 hours after spinal cord injury: a) Glycemia ranges between 90 and 243 mg/dl (mean value 143 mg/dl), and close to 50% of the patients present blood glucose values higher than normal. b) Methylprednisolone administration is not associated to significantly higher blood glucose levels. c) There is a trend for larger glucose rises with more severe injury.

Protein kinase C modulation of recombinant NMDA receptor currents: roles for the C-terminal C1 exon and calcium ions

Protein kinase C (PKC) positively modulates NMDA receptor (NMDAR) currents. In contrast to previous reports, this study determines the importance of individual exons in the mechanism underlying the potentiation process by examining the complete set of eight naturally occurring splice variants expressed in Xenopus oocytes both as homomers and as heteromeric NR1/NR2A or NR1/NR2B complexes. After PKC stimulation, homomeric currents demonstrated a high level of potentiation ( approximately 500% of untreated baseline currents) that reduced to a lower level ( approximately 300% of baseline) in variants containing the first C-terminal exon (C1). An ANOVA showed that only C1 and no other exon or interaction of exons determined the degree of NMDAR current modulation by PKC. When recordings were performed in solutions in which barium replaces calcium, only the lower form of potentiation was observed, regardless of the splice variant exon composition. This suggested an important role for calcium in the PKC modulation of homomeric NMDA splice variant currents in which the C1 exon also participates. The effectiveness of the C1 exon to reduce the higher form of potentiation is modulated by heteromeric assemblies with NR2A heteromers yielding smaller levels of potentiation and a larger C1 exon effect compared with NR2B heteromers. The heteromers demonstrated the higher form of potentiation even in the absence of calcium. Furthermore, calcium had different effects in the potentiation of the heteromers depending on the NR2 subunit. This study refines the region of the NR1 subunit involved in a modulation crucial to the function of NMDA receptors and provides evidence that the NR2A and NR2B subunits realize this modulation differentially.