The nature and causes of hippocampal long-term potentiation

Contributions of site- and sex-specific LTPs to everyday memory

Commentaries about long-term potentiation (LTP) generally proceed with an implicit assumption that largely the same physiological effect is sampled across different experiments. However, this is clearly not the case. We illustrate the point by comparing LTP in the CA3 projections to CA1 with the different forms of potentiation in the dentate gyrus. These studies lead to the hypothesis that specialized properties of CA1-LTP are adaptations for encoding unsupervised learning and episodic memory, whereas the dentate gyrus variants subserve learning that requires multiple trials and separation of overlapping bodies of information. Recent work has added sex as a second and somewhat surprising dimension along which LTP is also differentiated. Triggering events for CA1-LTP differ between the sexes and the adult induction threshold is significantly higher in females; these findings help explain why males have an advantage in spatial learning. Remarkably, the converse is true before puberty: Females have the lower LTP threshold and are better at spatial memory problems. A mechanism has been identified for the loss-of-function in females but not for the gain-of-function in males. We propose that the many and disparate demands of natural environments, with different processing requirements across ages and between sexes, led to the emergence of multiple LTPs. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.

Synapse-specific structural plasticity that protects and refines local circuits during LTP and LTD

Synapses form trillions of connections in the brain. Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are cellular mechanisms vital for learning that modify the strength and structure of synapses. Three-dimensional reconstruction from serial section electron microscopy reveals three distinct pre- to post-synaptic arrangements: strong active zones (AZs) with tightly docked vesicles, weak AZs with loose or non-docked vesicles, and nascent zones (NZs) with a postsynaptic density but no presynaptic vesicles. Importantly, LTP can be temporarily saturated preventing further increases in synaptic strength. At the onset of LTP, vesicles are recruited to NZs, converting them to AZs. During recovery of LTP from saturation (1-4 h), new NZs form, especially on spines where AZs are most enlarged by LTP. Sentinel spines contain smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), have the largest synapses and form clusters with smaller spines lacking SER after LTP recovers. We propose a model whereby NZ plasticity provides synapse-specific AZ expansion during LTP and loss of weak AZs that drive synapse shrinkage during LTD. Spine clusters become functionally engaged during LTP or disassembled during LTD. Saturation of LTP or LTD probably acts to protect recently formed memories from ongoing plasticity and may account for the advantage of spaced over massed learning. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.

RGS14 expression in CA2 hippocampus, amygdala, and basal ganglia: Implications for human brain physiology and disease

RGS14 is a multifunctional scaffolding protein that is highly expressed within postsynaptic spines of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal area CA2. Known roles of RGS14 in CA2 include regulating G protein, H-Ras/ERK, and calcium signaling pathways to serve as a natural suppressor of synaptic plasticity and postsynaptic signaling. RGS14 also shows marked postsynaptic expression in major structures of the limbic system and basal ganglia, including the amygdala and both the ventral and dorsal subdivisions of the striatum. In this review, we discuss the signaling functions of RGS14 and its role in postsynaptic strength (long-term potentiation) and spine structural plasticity in CA2 hippocampal neurons, and how RGS14 suppression of plasticity impacts linked behaviors such as spatial learning, object memory, and fear conditioning. We also review RGS14 expression in the limbic system and basal ganglia and speculate on its possible roles in regulating plasticity in these regions, with a focus on behaviors related to emotion and motivation. Finally, we explore the functional implications of RGS14 in various brain circuits and speculate on its possible roles in certain disease states such as hippocampal seizures, addiction, and anxiety disorders.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ doesn't modify altered electrophysiological properties of the CA1 pyramidal neurons in a rat model of hepatic cirrhosis

Regarding the low quality of life due to the cognitive complications in the patients with hepatic cirrhosis (HC), the goal of this study was to examine the possible neuroprotective effect of pioglitazone (PIO) on the electrophysiological alterations of hippocampus, a major area of cognition, in the experimental model of bile duct ligation (BDL). We used adult male Wistar rats in the present study to perform BDL or sham surgery. Pioglitazone was administered in BDL rats two weeks after the surgery for the next continuous four weeks. The effects of pioglitazone on BDL-induced electrophysiological alterations of the CA1 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus were evaluated by whole-cell patch clamp recordings. Our findings demonstrated that chronic administration of PIO could not reverse the electrophysiological changes in the CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus in BDL rats but could improve the hepatic dysfunction.Together, the results of this study suggest that PIO administration cannot counteract altered intrinsic properties of the hippocampal neurons which has been shown recently as an involved mechanism of the cognitive impairments in hepatic encephalopathy (HE).

The effect of GABA-B receptors in the basolateral amygdala on passive avoidance memory impairment induced by MK-801 in rats

MK-801 (dizocilpine) is a potent non-competitive N-methyl-[D]-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist that affects cognitive function, learning, and memory. As we know, NMDA receptors are significantly involved in memory function, as well as GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric acid) receptors. In this study, we aimed to discover the effect of GABA-B receptors in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) on MK-801-induced memory impairment. We used 160 male Wistar rats. The shuttle box was used to evaluate passive avoidance memory and locomotion apparatus was used to evaluate locomotor activity. MK-801 (0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 μg/rat), baclofen (GABA-B agonist, 0.0001, 0.001, and 0.01 μg/rat) and phaclofen (GABA-B antagonist, 0.0001, 0.001, and 0.01 μg/rat) were injected intra-BLA, after the training. The results showed that MK-801 at the dose of 0.5 μg/rat, baclofen at the doses of 0.001 and 0.01 μg/rat, and phaclofen at the doses of 0.001 and 0.01 μg/rat, impaired passive avoidance memory. Locomotor activity did not alter in all groups. Furthermore, the subthreshold dose of both baclofen (0.0001 μg/rat) and phaclofen (0.0001 μg/rat) restored the impairment effect of MK-801 (0.5 μg/rat) on memory. Also, both baclofen (0.0001 μg/rat) potentiated the impairment effect of MK-801 (0.125 μg/rat) and phaclofen (0.0001 μg/rat) potentiated the impairment effect of MK-801 (0.125 and 0.25 μg/rat) on passive avoidance memory. In conclusion, our results indicated that BLA GABA-B receptors can alter the effect of NMDA inactivation on passive avoidance memory.

Effects of drugs of abuse on hippocampal plasticity and hippocampus-dependent learning and memory: contributions to development and maintenance of addiction

It has long been hypothesized that conditioning mechanisms play major roles in addiction. Specifically, the associations between rewarding properties of drugs of abuse and the drug context can contribute to future use and facilitate the transition from initial drug use into drug dependency. On the other hand, the self-medication hypothesis of drug abuse suggests that negative consequences of drug withdrawal result in relapse to drug use as an attempt to alleviate the negative symptoms. In this review, we explored these hypotheses and the involvement of the hippocampus in the development and maintenance of addiction to widely abused drugs such as cocaine, amphetamine, nicotine, alcohol, opiates, and cannabis. Studies suggest that initial exposure to stimulants (i.e., cocaine, nicotine, and amphetamine) and alcohol may enhance hippocampal function and, therefore, the formation of augmented drug-context associations that contribute to the development of addiction. In line with the self-medication hypothesis, withdrawal from stimulants, ethanol, and cannabis results in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory deficits, which suggest that an attempt to alleviate these deficits may contribute to relapse to drug use and maintenance of addiction. Interestingly, opiate withdrawal leads to enhancement of hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Given that a conditioned aversion to drug context develops during opiate withdrawal, the cognitive enhancement in this case may result in the formation of an augmented association between withdrawal-induced aversion and withdrawal context. Therefore, individuals with opiate addiction may return to opiate use to avoid aversive symptoms triggered by the withdrawal context. Overall, the systematic examination of the role of the hippocampus in drug addiction may help to formulate a better understanding of addiction and underlying neural substrates.

Comparison of the Effect of Exercise on Late-Phase LTP of the Dentate Gyrus and CA1 of Alzheimer's Disease Model

We investigated the neuroprotective effect of regular treadmill exercise training on long-term memory and its correlate: the late-phase long-term potentiation (L-LTP) and plasticity- and memory-related signaling molecules in the DG and CA1 areas of a rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) (i.c.v. infusion of Aβ_1-42 peptides, 2 weeks, 250 pmol/day). Testing in the radial arm water maze revealed severe impairment of spatial long-term memory in Aβ-infused sedentary rats but not in exercised Aβ-infused rats. The L-LTP, measured as changes in the field (f)EPSP and in the amplitude of population spike (pspike), was induced by multiple high-frequency stimulation in the CA1 and DG areas of anesthetized rats. The L-LTP of fEPSP in both areas was severely impaired in the sedentary Aβ rats but not in exercised Aβ rats. However, L-LTP of the pspike was severely suppressed in the CA1 area but not in the DG of sedentary Aβ rats. Immunoblot analysis revealed no increase in the levels of phosphorylated (p)-CREB, CaMKIV, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in both CA1 and DG areas of sedentary Aβ rats during L-LTP, whereas the levels of these molecules were robustly increased in exercised Aβ rats. Impairment of synaptic function may be due to deleterious changes in the molecular signaling cascades that mediate synaptic structural and functional changes. The protective effect of regular exercise can be a promising therapeutic measure for countering or delaying the AD-like pathology.

Nicotinic modulation of hippocampal cell signaling and associated effects on learning and memory

The hippocampus is a key brain structure involved in synaptic plasticity associated with long-term declarative memory formation. Importantly, nicotine and activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) can alter hippocampal plasticity and these changes may occur through modulation of hippocampal kinases and transcription factors. Hippocampal kinases such as cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CAMKs), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and c-jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1), and the transcription factor cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) that are activated either directly or indirectly by nicotine may modulate hippocampal plasticity and in parallel hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. Evidence suggests that nicotine may alter hippocampus-dependent learning by changing the time and magnitude of activation of kinases and transcription factors normally involved in learning and by recruiting additional cell signaling molecules. Understanding how nicotine alters learning and memory will advance basic understanding of the neural substrates of learning and aid in understanding mental disorders that involve cognitive and learning deficits.

Nicotine modulation of fear memories and anxiety: Implications for learning and anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders are a group of crippling mental diseases affecting millions of Americans with a 30% lifetime prevalence and costs associated with healthcare of $42.3 billion. While anxiety disorders show high levels of co-morbidity with smoking (45.3% vs. 22.5% in healthy individuals), they are also more common among the smoking population (22% vs. 11.1% in the non-smoking population). Moreover, there is clear evidence that smoking modulates symptom severity in patients with anxiety disorders. In order to better understand this relationship, several animal paradigms are used to model several key symptoms of anxiety disorders; these include fear conditioning and measures of anxiety. Studies clearly demonstrate that nicotine mediates acquisition and extinction of fear as well as anxiety through the modulation of specific subtypes of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in brain regions involved in emotion processing such as the hippocampus. However, the direction of nicotine's effects on these behaviors is determined by several factors that include the length of administration, hippocampus-dependency of the fear learning task, and source of anxiety (novelty-driven vs. social anxiety). Overall, the studies reviewed here suggest that nicotine alters behaviors related to fear and anxiety and that nicotine contributes to the development, maintenance, and reoccurrence of anxiety disorders.

Nicotinic receptors, memory, and hippocampus

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) modulate the neurobiological processes underlying hippocampal learning and memory. In addition, nicotine's ability to desensitize and upregulate certain nAChRs may alter hippocampus-dependent memory processes. Numerous studies have examined the effects of nicotine on hippocampus-dependent learning, as well as the roles of low- and high-affinity nAChRs in mediating nicotine's effects on hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. These studies suggested that while acute nicotine generally acts as a cognitive enhancer for hippocampus-dependent learning, withdrawal from chronic nicotine results in deficits in hippocampus-dependent memory. Furthermore, these studies demonstrated that low- and high-affinity nAChRs functionally differ in their involvement in nicotine's effects on hippocampus-dependent learning. In the present chapter, we reviewed studies using systemic or local injections of acute or chronic nicotine, nAChR subunit agonists or antagonists; genetically modified mice; and molecular biological techniques to characterize the effects of nicotine on hippocampus-dependent learning.

Systems biology and brain activity in neuronal pathways by smart device and advanced signal processing

Contemporary biomedicine is producing large amount of data, especially within the fields of “omic” sciences. Nevertheless, other fields, such as neuroscience, are producing similar amount of data by using non-invasive techniques such as imaging, functional magnetic resonance and electroencephalography. Nowadays a big challenge and a new research horizon for Systems Biology is to develop methods to integrate and model this data in an unifying framework capable to disentangle this amazing complexity. In this paper we show how methods from genomic data analysis can be applied to brain data. In particular the concept of pathways, networks and multiplex are discussed. These methods can lead to a clear distinction of various regimes of brain activity. Moreover, this method could be the basis for a Systems Biology analysis of brain data and for the integration of these data in a multivariate and multidimensional framework. The feasibility of this integration is strongly dependent from the feature extraction method used. In our case we used an “alphabet” derived from a multi-resolution analysis that is capable to capture the most relevant information from these complex signals.

Augmenting saturated LTP by broadly spaced episodes of theta-burst stimulation in hippocampal area CA1 of adult rats and mice

Hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is a model system for studying cellular mechanisms of learning and memory. Recent interest in mechanisms underlying the advantage of spaced over massed learning has prompted investigation into the effects of distributed episodes of LTP induction. The amount of LTP induced in hippocampal area CA1 by one train (1T) of theta-burst stimulation (TBS) in young Sprague-Dawley rats was further enhanced by additional bouts of 1T given at 1-h intervals. However, in young Long-Evans (LE) rats, 1T did not initially saturate LTP. Instead, a stronger LTP induction paradigm using eight trains of TBS (8T) induced saturated LTP in hippocampal slices from both young and adult LE rats as well as adult mice. The saturated LTP induced by 8T could be augmented by another episode of 8T following an interval of at least 90 min. The success rate across animals and slices in augmenting LTP by an additional episode of 8T increased significantly with longer intervals between the first and last episodes, ranging from 0% at 30- and 60-min intervals to 13-66% at 90- to 180-min intervals to 90-100% at 240-min intervals. Augmentation above initially saturated LTP was blocked by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (D-APV). These findings suggest that the strength of induction and interval between episodes of TBS, as well as the strain and age of the animal, are important components in the augmentation of LTP.

Renin Angiotensin System in Cognitive Function and Dementia

Angiotensin II represents a key molecule in hypertension and cerebrovascular pathology. By promoting inflammation and oxidative stress, enhanced Ang II levels accelerate the onset and progression of cell senescence. Sustained activation of RAS promotes end-stage organ injury associated with aging and results in cognitive impairment and dementia. The discovery of the angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE2-angiotensin (1–7)-Mas receptor axis that exerts vasodilator, antiproliferative, and antifibrotic actions opposed to those of the ACE-Ang II-AT1 receptor axis has led to the hypothesis that a decrease in the expression or activity of angiotensin (1–7) renders the systems more susceptible to the pathological actions of Ang II. Given the successful demonstration of beneficial effects of increased expression of ACE2/formation of Ang1–7/Mas receptor binding and modulation of Mas expression in animal models in containing cerebrovascular pathology in hypertensive conditions and aging, one could reasonably hope for analogous effects regarding the prevention of cognitive decline by protecting against hypertension and cerebral microvascular damage. Upregulation of ACE2 and increased balance of Ang 1–7/Ang II, along with positive modulation of Ang II signaling through AT2 receptors and Ang 1–7 signaling through Mas receptors, may be an appropriate strategy for improving cognitive function and treating dementia.

Growth hormone and cognitive function

Emerging data indicate that growth hormone (GH) therapy could have a role in improving cognitive function. GH replacement therapy in experimental animals and human patients counteracts the dysfunction of many behaviours related to the central nervous system (CNS). Various behaviours, such as cognitive behaviours related to learning and memory, are known to be induced by GH; the hormone might interact with specific receptors located in areas of the CNS that are associated with the functional anatomy of these behaviours. GH is believed to affect excitatory circuits involved in synaptic plasticity, which alters cognitive capacity. GH also has a protective effect on the CNS, as indicated by its beneficial effects in patients with spinal cord injury. Data collected from animal models indicates that GH might also stimulate neurogenesis. This Review discusses the mechanisms underlying the interactions between GH and the CNS, and the data emerging from animal and human studies on the relationship between GH and cognitive function. In this article, particular emphasis is given to the role of GH as a treatment for patients with cognitive impairment resulting from deficiency of the hormone.

The effect of ghrelin on MK-801 induced memory impairment in rats

Accumulating evidence indicates that the brain-gut peptide ghrelin which is expressed in hippocampus improves memory and learning processes. The MK-801, a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, has also shown amnesic properties in animal model. The current study was to find out whether intracerebroventricular administration of ghrelin can prevent amnesia induced by MK-801 in rats. A week after the surgery, during which cannuals were implanted in the lateral ventricular, the animals were trained and tested in a step-through type passive avoidance task. Memory retrieval was measured by step-through latency (STL) and total time in dark compartments (TDC). In the first series of experiments, we established a dose-response relationship for ghrelin on the passive avoidance paradigm. In the second set of experiments, animals were divided to two groups. In the first group, MK-801 (0.075, 0.15 and 0.3mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) immediately after the acquisition session and in the second group MK-801 (same doses) was injected (i.p.) 30 min before the retention session. Analysis of data showed that in both groups, MK-801 impaired learning and memory. In the third set of experiments, administration of ghrelin (200 ng/rat) right after the acquisition session (i.e. before MK-801 injection) improved the MK-801 induced memory impairment, but administration of ghrelin before retrieval session did not affect the MK-801 induced memory impairment. These results show an interaction between ghrelin and glutamatergic system. A novel finding in this study is that ghrelin can prevent amnesia produced by NMDA antagonist in rats when injected in post-training phase.

Role of inhibition in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

Chronic reductions in cerebral blood flow (CBF) of between 25 and 50% maintained for 26 weeks impair neuronal function, through a mechanism which is not known, but which is now explored. Increased GABAergic synaptic inhibition may play a role, as inhibitory interneurons are known to be relatively resistant to acute ischaemic insults. The phenomenon of tetanus-induced longterm potentiation (LTP) was previously found to be impaired in this setting, and was thus examined in the in vitro rat hippocampus in the presence of bicuculline, a specific GABA(A) antagonist, to evaluate the role of inhibition in the impairment of LTP in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH). Nine Sprague-Dawley rats aged 8-10 weeks had arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) surgically constructed to reduce CBF to between 25 and 50%. Ten animals were used as age-matched controls. After a further 26 weeks, 400 mum hippocampal slices were prepared. Tetanic stimulation was used in order to attempt to induce LTP. In vitro extracellular field potentials from control and AVF slices with 5 x 10(-)6 M bicuculline exposure and subsequent tetanic stimulation were compared. There was no statistical difference between the responses of the two groups in either scenario (P > 0.05), although LTP was in general more difficult to induce (only occurring in 60% of control animals). Possible causes of this are discussed. It is concluded that increased GABAergic synaptic inhibition does not play a role in impairment of neuronal function seen after 26 weeks of non-infarctional CCH.

New rules governing synaptic plasticity in core nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurons

The nucleus accumbens is a forebrain region responsible for drug reward and goal-directed behaviors. It has long been believed that drugs of abuse exert their addictive properties on behavior by altering the strength of synaptic communication over long periods of time. To date, attempts at understanding the relationship between drugs of abuse and synaptic plasticity have relied on the high-frequency long-term potentiation model of T.V. Bliss & T. Lømo [(1973) Journal of Physiology, 232, 331-356]. We examined synaptic plasticity using spike-timing-dependent plasticity, a stimulation paradigm that reflects more closely the in vivo firing patterns of mouse core nucleus accumbens medium spiny neurons and their afferents. In contrast to other brain regions, the same stimulation paradigm evoked bidirectional long-term plasticity. The magnitude of spike-timing-dependent long-term potentiation (tLTP) changed with the delay between action potentials and excitatory post-synaptic potentials, and frequency, whereas that of spike-timing-dependent long-term depression (tLTD) remained unchanged. We showed that tLTP depended on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, whereas tLTD relied on action potentials. Importantly, the intracellular calcium signaling pathways mobilised during tLTP and tLTD were different. Thus, calcium-induced calcium release underlies tLTD but not tLTP. Finally, we found that the firing pattern of a subset of medium spiny neurons was strongly inhibited by dopamine receptor agonists. Surprisingly, these neurons were exclusively associated with tLTP but not with tLTD. Taken together, these data point to the existence of two subgroups of medium spiny neurons with distinct properties, each displaying unique abilities to undergo synaptic plasticity.

Developmental regulation of the late phase of long-term potentiation (L-LTP) and metaplasticity in hippocampal area CA1 of the rat

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is a form of synaptic plasticity thought to underlie memory; thus knowing its developmental profile is fundamental to understanding function. Like memory, LTP has multiple phases with distinct timing and mechanisms. The late phase of LTP (L-LTP), lasting longer than 3 h, is protein synthesis dependent and involves changes in the structure and content of dendritic spines, the major sites of excitatory synapses. In previous work, tetanic stimulation first produced L-LTP at postnatal day 15 (P15) in area CA1 of rat hippocampus. Here we used a more robust induction paradigm involving theta-burst stimulation (TBS) in acute slices and found the developmental onset of L-LTP to be 3 days earlier at P12. In contrast, at P8-11, TBS only reversed the synaptic depression that occurs from test-pulse stimulation in developing (P8-15) hippocampus. A second bout of TBS delivered 30-180 min later produced L-LTP at P10-11 but not at P8-9 and enhanced L-LTP at P12-15. Both the developmental onset and the enhanced L-LTP produced by repeated bouts of TBS were blocked by the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist dl-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid. Thus the developmental onset age is P12 for L-LTP induced by the more robust and perhaps more naturalistic TBS induction paradigm. Metaplasticity produced by repeated bouts of TBS is developmentally regulated, advancing the capacity for L-LTP from P12 to P10, but not to younger ages. Together these findings provide a new basis from which to investigate mechanisms that regulate the developmental onset of this important form of synaptic plasticity.

Pharmacological study on Alzheimer's drugs targeting calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II

In the brain of Alzheimer's disease patients, down-regulation of both cholinergic and glutamatergic systems have been found and is thought to play an important role in impairment of cognition, learning, and memory. Nefiracetam is a pyrrolidine-related nootropic drug exhibiting various pharmacological actions such as a cognitive-enhancing effect. The present study was undertaken to elucidate mechanisms underlying the action of nefiracetam on glutamatergic receptors and intracellular protein kinases. N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-evoked currents were recorded from rat cortical neurons in long-term cultured primary neurons using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. NMDA-evoked currents were greatly and reversibly potentiated by bath application of nefiracetam, resulting in a bell-shaped dose-response curve. The maximum potentiation of 170% relative to the control was produced at 10 nM. Treatment with an inhibitor of the glycine binding site of the NMDA receptor, 7-chlorokynurenic acid, at 1 µM prevented augmentation of NMDA-evoked currents by nefiracetam. In rat hippocampal CA1 slices, field excitatory postsynaptic potentials were recorded by stimulation of Schaffer collateral/commissural pathways. Nefiracetam treatment significantly enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) with the same bell-shaped dose-response curve. Furthermore, nefiracetam-induced LTP enhancement was closely associated with calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activation with concomitant increase in phosphorylation of AMPA-type glutamate receptor subunit 1 (GluA1) (Ser-831) as a postsynaptic CaMKII substrate. In conclusion, nefiracetam enhances NMDA-receptor function through stimulation of its glycine binding site and nefiracetam-induced CaMKII activation likely contributes to improvement of cognition, learning, and memory.

Role of aberrant striatal dopamine D1 receptor/cAMP/protein kinase A/DARPP32 signaling in the paradoxical calming effect of amphetamine

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and motor hyperactivity. Several lines of research support a crucial role for the dopamine transporter (DAT) gene in this psychiatric disease. Consistently, the most commonly prescribed medications in ADHD treatment are stimulant drugs, known to preferentially act on DAT. Recently, a knock-in mouse [DAT-cocaine insensitive (DAT-CI)] has been generated carrying a cocaine-insensitive DAT that is functional but with reduced dopamine uptake function. DAT-CI mutants display enhanced striatal extracellular dopamine levels and basal motor hyperactivity. Herein, we showed that DAT-CI animals present higher striatal dopamine turnover, altered basal phosphorylation state of dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein 32 kDa (DARPP32) at Thr75 residue, but preserved D(2) receptor (D(2)R) function. However, although we demonstrated that striatal D(1) receptor (D(1)R) is physiologically responsive under basal conditions, its stimulus-induced activation strikingly resulted in paradoxical electrophysiological, behavioral, and biochemical responses. Indeed, in DAT-CI animals, (1) striatal LTP was completely disrupted, (2) R-(+)-6-chloro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine hydrobromide (SKF 81297) treatment induced paradoxical motor calming effects, and (3) SKF 81297 administration failed to increase cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)/DARPP32 signaling. Such biochemical alteration selectively affected dopamine D(1)Rs since haloperidol, by blocking the tonic inhibition of D(2)R, unmasked a normal activation of striatal adenosine A(2A) receptor-mediated cAMP/PKA/DARPP32 cascade in mutants. Most importantly, our studies highlighted that amphetamine, nomifensine, and bupropion, through increased striatal dopaminergic transmission, are able to revert motor hyperactivity of DAT-CI animals. Overall, our results suggest that the paradoxical motor calming effect induced by these drugs in DAT-CI mutants depends on selective aberrant phasic activation of D(1)R/cAMP/PKA/DARPP32 signaling in response to increased striatal extracellular dopamine levels.

Simultaneous recording of the field-EPSP as well as the population spike in the CA1 region in freely moving rats by using a fixed "double"-recording electrode

The recording of field potentials in freely moving rats is a very appropriate and commonly used method to describe changes in cellular mechanisms underlying synaptic plasticity. Recently, we introduced a method for the simultaneous recording of both the field-EPSP as well as the population spike in the dentate gyrus of freely moving rats. We used self-made "double"-recording electrodes, consisting of two wires straighten together with a constant distance between both tips. This method was now further developed to obtain stable long-term recordings of CA1 field potentials. Rats were chronically implanted with a bipolar recording electrode; one tip of which reached the stratum radiatum to record the field-EPSP, the other tip was lowered into the stratum pyramidale of the same neuron population to record the population spike by stimulation of the contralateral CA3 (cCA3). In such prepared rats, simultaneously recorded field-EPSP as well as the population spike where thus obtained from their places of generation in a very reliable manner. This kind of preparation allowed a better standardization of stimulation intensities between different animals and stable electrophysiological recordings of both CA1-potentials over a time period of at least 24h in freely behaving animals. Furthermore, primed burst stimulation of the cCA3 (a single biphasic priming pulse was followed by a burst of 10 pulses (frequency of 100 Hz) 190 ms later; pulse duration per half-wave: 0.1 ms) resulted in an early-LTP of both measured parameters, the field-EPSP and the population spike in the CA1 region of freely moving rats.

Synaptic plasticity and the analysis of the field-EPSP as well as the population spike using separate recording electrodes in the dentate gyrus in freely moving rats

Commonly, synaptic plasticity events such as long-term potentiation (LTP) are investigated by using a stimulation electrode and a single, monopolar field recording electrode in the dentate gyrus in intact, freely moving rats. The recording electrode is mostly positioned in the granular cell layer, or the hilar region of the dentate gyrus, i.e. far away from the place of generation of monosynaptic postsynaptic excitatory potentials (EPSP). Since LTP is a synaptic phenomenon and field recordings far away from the activated synapses do not guarantee a specific interpretation of the overlaid, mixture of complex potentials of several different electrical fields it is often difficult or even impossible to interpret the data obtained by such a single recording electrode. Therefore, at least a separate or two recording electrodes should be used to record the EPSP as well as the spike, respectively, ideally at their places of generation. Here, we describe a method by implanting a chronic bipolar recording electrode which fulfils the above requirements by recording the field-EPSP as well as the population spike at their places of generation and describe the time course of LTP measured using this "double-recording" electrode. We show that different tetanization protocols resulted in EPSP- or population spike-LTP but only if the potentials were recorded by electrodes positioned within adequate places of potential generation. Interestingly, the commonly used recording in the hilus of a distinct part of a potential, mistakenly analyzed as an "EPSP" did not reveal any LTP.

Comprehensive behavioral phenotyping of calpastatin-knockout mice

BACKGROUND

Calpastatin is an endogenous inhibitor of calpain, intracellular calcium-activated protease. It has been suggested to be involved in molecular mechanisms of long-term plasticity and excitotoxic pathways. However, functions of calpastatin in vivo are still largely unknown. To examine the physiological roles of calpastatin, we subjected calpastatin-knockout mice to a comprehensive behavioral test battery.

RESULTS

Calpastatin-knockout mice showed decreased locomotor activity under stressful environments, and decreased acoustic startle response, but we observed no significant change in hippocampus-dependent memory function.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that calpastatin is likely to be more closely associated with affective rather than cognitive aspects of brain function.

CaM kinase II and protein kinase C activations mediate enhancement of long-term potentiation by nefiracetam in the rat hippocampal CA1 region

Nefiracetam is a pyrrolidine-related nootropic drug exhibiting various pharmacological actions such as cognitive-enhancing effect. We previously showed that nefiracetam potentiates NMDA-induced currents in cultured rat cortical neurons. To address questions whether nefiracetam affects NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, we assessed effects of nefiracetam on NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) by electrophysiology and LTP-induced phosphorylation of synaptic proteins by immunoblotting analysis. Nefiracetam treatment at 1-1000 nM increased the slope of fEPSPs in a dose-dependent manner. The enhancement was associated with increased phosphorylation of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptor through activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) without affecting synapsin I phosphorylation. In addition, nefiracetam treatment increased PKCalpha activity in a bell-shaped dose-response curve which peaked at 10 nM, thereby increasing phosphorylation of myristoylated alanine-rich protein kinase C substrate and NMDA receptor. Nefiracetam treatment did not affect protein kinase A activity. Consistent with the bell-shaped PKCalpha activation, nefiracetam treatment enhanced LTP in the rat hippocampal CA1 region with the same bell-shaped dose-response curve. Furthermore, nefiracetam-induced LTP enhancement was closely associated with CaMKII and PKCalpha activation with concomitant increases in phosphorylation of their endogenous substrates except for synapsin I. These results suggest that nefiracetam potentiates AMPA receptor-mediated fEPSPs through CaMKII activation and enhances NMDA receptor-dependent LTP through potentiation of the post-synaptic CaMKII and protein kinase C activities. Together with potentiation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function, nefiracetam-enhanced AMPA and NMDA receptor functions likely contribute to improvement of cognitive function.

Integrin regulation of cytoplasmic calcium in excitatory neurons depends upon glutamate receptors and release from intracellular stores

Integrins regulate cytoplasmic calcium levels ([Ca(2+)]i) in various cell types but information on activities in neurons is limited. The issue is of current interest because of the evidence that both integrins and changes in [Ca(2+)]i are required for Long-Term Potentiation. Accordingly, the present studies evaluated integrin ligand effects in cortical neurons. Integrin ligands or alpha5beta1 integrin activating antisera rapidly increased [Ca(2+)]i with effects greater in glutamatergic than GABAergic neurons, absent in astroglia, and blocked by beta1 integrin neutralizing antisera and the tyrosine kinase antagonist genistein. Increases depended upon extracellular calcium and intracellular store release. Ligand-induced effects were reduced by voltage-sensitive calcium channel and NMDA receptor antagonists, but blocked by tetrodotoxin or AMPA receptor antagonists. These results indicate that integrin ligation triggers AMPA receptor/depolarization-dependent calcium influx followed by intracellular store release and suggest the possibility that integrin modulation of activity-induced changes in [Ca(2+)]i contributes importantly to lasting synaptic plasticity in forebrain neurons.

Quantitative genetics of sleep in inbred mice

The timing and the organization of sleep architecture are mainly controlled by the circadian system, while sleep need and intensity are regulated by a homeostatic process. How independent these two systems are in regulating sleep is not well understood. In contrast to the impressive progress in the molecular genetics of circadian rhythms, little is known about the molecular basis of sleep. Nevertheless, as summarized here, phenotypic dissection of sleep into its most basic aspects can be used to identify both the single major genes and small effect quantitative trait loci involved. Although experimental models such as the mouse are more readily amenable to genetic analysis of sleep, similar approaches can be applied to humans.

Do seizures affect the developing brain? Lessons from the laboratory

Laboratory models of prolonged seizures and status epilepticus in developing animals demonstrate age- and model-dependent propensity for brain injury. Even in models without overt brain injury, plasticity, which leads to epileptogenicity as well as to behavioral and cognitive effects, has been demonstrated. Brief, recurrent seizures in the neonatal period not only appear to exhibit plasticity that can be anatomically and physiologically meaningful but also seem to produce cognitive deficits. Translation of these findings into clinical practice is limited by the effects chronic therapy may have on brain development. There is little evidence that available treatments can effectively alter epileptogenesis. However, it is widely agreed that prolonged seizures and status epilepticus can carry negative consequences. Preventing epileptogenesis remains an important goal to modify the development of comorbidities, and it represents an area of research in need of much progress. For now, prevention of prolonged seizures with early intervention is important and is the most effective available option to minimize the potential short- and long-term adverse effects of prolonged seizures and optimize patient outcomes.

Sequential degradation of alphaII and betaII spectrin by calpain in glutamate or maitotoxin-stimulated cells

Calpain-catalyzed proteolysis of II-spectrin is a regulated event associated with neuronal long-term potentiation, platelet and leukocyte activation, and other processes. Calpain proteolysis is also linked to apoptotic and nonapoptotic cell death following excessive glutamate exposure, hypoxia, HIV-gp120/160 exposure, or toxic injury. The molecular basis for these divergent consequences of calpain action, and their relationship to spectrin proteolysis, is unclear. Calpain preferentially cleaves II spectrin in vitro in repeat 11 between residues Y1176 and G1177. Unless stimulated by Ca++ and calmodulin (CaM), betaII spectrin proteolysis in vitro is much slower. We identify additional unrecognized sites in spectrin targeted by calpain in vitro and in vivo. Bound CaM induces a second II spectrin cleavage at G1230*S1231. BetaII spectrin is cleaved at four sites. One cleavage only occurs in the absence of CaM at high enzyme-to-substrate ratios near the betaII spectrin COOH-terminus. CaM promotes II spectrin cleavages at Q1440*S1441, S1447*Q1448, and L1482*A1483. These sites are also cleaved in the absence of CaM in recombinant II spectrin fusion peptides, indicating that they are probably shielded in the spectrin heterotetramer and become exposed only after CaM binds alphaII spectrin. Using epitope-specific antibodies prepared to the calpain cleavage sites in both alphaII and betaII spectrin, we find in cultured rat cortical neurons that brief glutamate exposure (a physiologic ligand) rapidly stimulates alphaII spectrin cleavage only at Y1176*G1177, while II spectrin remains intact. In cultured SH-SY5Y cells that lack an NMDA receptor, glutamate is without effect. Conversely, when stimulated by calcium influx (via maitotoxin), there is rapid and sequential cleavage of alphaII and then betaII spectrin, coinciding with the onset of nonapoptotic cell death. These results identify (i) novel calpain target sites in both alphaII and betaII spectrin; (ii) trans-regulation of proteolytic susceptibility between the spectrin subunits in vivo; and (iii) the preferential cleavage of alphaII spectrin vs betaII spectrin when responsive cells are stimulated by engagement of the NMDA receptor. We postulate that calpain proteolysis of spectrin can activate two physiologically distinct responses: one that enhances skeletal plasticity without destroying the spectrin-actin skeleton, characterized by preservation of betaII spectrin; or an alternative response closely correlated with nonapoptotic cell death and characterized by proteolysis of betaII spectrin and complete dissolution of the spectrin skeleton.

Memory reactivation and consolidation during sleep

Do our memories remain static during sleep, or do they change? We argue here that memory change is not only a natural result of sleep cognition, but further, that such change constitutes a fundamental characteristic of declarative memories. In general, declarative memories change due to retrieval events at various times after initial learning and due to the formation and elaboration of associations with other memories, including memories formed after the initial learning episode. We propose that declarative memories change both during waking and during sleep, and that such change contributes to enhancing binding of the distinct representational components of some memories, and thus to a gradual process of cross-cortical consolidation. As a result of this special form of consolidation, declarative memories can become more cohesive and also more thoroughly integrated with other stored information. Further benefits of this memory reprocessing can include developing complex networks of interrelated memories, aligning memories with long-term strategies and goals, and generating insights based on novel combinations of memory fragments. A variety of research findings are consistent with the hypothesis that cross-cortical consolidation can progress during sleep, although further support is needed, and we suggest some potentially fruitful research directions. Determining how processing during sleep can facilitate memory storage will be an exciting focus of research in the coming years.

Intraseptal infusion of the cholinergic agonist carbachol impairs delayed-non-match-to-sample radial arm maze performance in the rat

The medial septal nucleus regulates the physiology and emergent functions (e.g., memory formation) of the hippocampal formation. This nucleus is particularly rich in cholinergic receptors and is a putative target for the development of cholinomimetic cognitive enhancing drugs. A large number of studies have demonstrated that direct intraseptal drug infusions can produce amnestic or promnestic effects. While a few studies have examined the effects of direct intraseptal infusion of cholinomimetics on spatial memory performance (with drug "on-board" at the time of testing), the effects of post-acquisition infusions have not been assessed. We hypothesized that post-acquisition intraseptal infusion of cholinomimetics, by promoting hippocampal theta and suppressing the occurrence of hippocampal sharp waves, may disrupt the long-term retention and consolidation of memory. The present study examined the effects of intraseptal infusion of the cholinergic agonist carbachol in a delayed-non-match-to-sample radial maze task. Treatments were administered immediately following (within 1 min) the sample session with a retention session 2 h later. Carbachol infusions (12.5-125 ng in 0.5 microl) produced a linear dose-dependent decrease in correct entries and increase in retroactive errors, without any change in proactive errors or latency-per-choice. These findings suggest that post-acquisition intraseptal cholinergic treatments can produce amnesia. These findings are discussed with regard to multi-stage models of hippocampal-dependent memory formation and the further development of therapeutic strategies in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment as well as age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's dementia.

Hyperexcitability induced by GABA withdrawal facilitates hippocampal long-term potentiation

In some mammals, epileptic seizures have been induced in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and other limbic structures after the sudden suppression of chronically infused GABA. This hyperexcitability state induced by the endogenous neurotransmitter resembles the withdrawal seizure-responses to other GABA(A) receptor agonists such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates and alcohol. Hyperexcitability induced by GABA withdrawal also persists in in vitro preparation. Hippocampal slices, obtained from rats with seizures induced by GABA-withdrawal showed field potential oscillations and paroxysmal activity in the Ammon's horn region 1. During GABA-withdrawal hyperexcitability the threshold of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) decreased to a point in which a brief frequency stimulation that normally failed to produce long lasting changes in synaptic strength, was now able to induce LTP. Facilitation of the LTP induction was associated with a decreased GABA(A)-mediated inhibitory activity, because the effect of the GABA(A) receptor antagonist, bicuculline, was occluded during hyperexcitability and the dose-response curve for bicuculline showed a 50% efficacy reduction with a shift in the effective concentration required for half-maximal activation from 4.5-1.1 microM relative to controls. Nevertheless, the dissociation constant of the antagonist did not change significantly. Our results support the idea that changes in hippocampal plasticity under altered inhibitory neurotransmission states, like those induced by withdrawal syndromes to anxiolytic, sedative or anticonvulsant drugs may be engaged during seizures.

Frequency-dependent changes in the paired-pulse index in the hippocampus of the freely moving adult male rat

The paired-pulse index (PPI) has been widely used as a measure of modulation of cellular excitability in the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit. This paper presents a quantification of the changes in this measure of neuronal modulation as a result of the application of pulse trains having six different train frequencies (0.1, 1, 5, 8, 15, and 30 Hz) to one of the major efferent pathways to the dentate gyrus, the medial perforant path (MPP). Our findings indicate that the modulation of the first leg of the hippocampal trisynaptic circuit is dependent on the frequency of the "burst train" applied to the perforant pathway. This methodological finding is of importance to all investigators studying hippocampal plasticity via LTP or LTD approaches. The different synaptic mechanisms implicated in being responsible for the changes in the PPI are also discussed.

Development of a stereotaxic instrument for study of the bovine central nervous system

We have developed a bovine stereotaxic instrument in this study to be used for Holstein cattle from weanling to adult age. The bovine stereotaxic instrument is derived from the Horsley-Clarke principle. A pair of straight ear-bars and orbital ridge pieces with their carriers, head clamps, AP bars are symmetrically arranged across the head pace. For holding the heavy heads, a hard palate and a mandibular support are designed to be placed on the surface of the base frame. A new manipulator with long working distance has also been made. For ventriculography, a holder inserting an X-ray film cassette is placed just next to the AP bar. Finally, the instrument was combined together with an oil-operated lift, so that it can be adjusted to a proper height. Details of this instrument are described in this paper.

Unique mechanism of action of Alzheimer's drugs on brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and NMDA receptors

While a variety of hypotheses have been proposed for the cause of Alzheimer's disease, our knowledge is far from complete to explain the disease making it difficult to develop the methods for treatment. In the brain of Alzheimer's patients, both neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine (nACh) receptors and NMDA receptors are known to be down-regulated. Thus four anticholinesterases have been developed and approved for the treatment in the U.S.A. However, these are not ideal drugs considering their side effects and limited effectiveness. Nefiracetam is being developed for the treatment of Alzheimer's and other patients with dementia, and has unique actions in potentiating the activity of both nACh and NMDA receptors as demonstrated by in vitro patch clamp experiments using rat cortical neurons in primary culture. Nefiracetam potentiated alpha4beta2-like ACh- and NMDA-induced currents at nanomolar concentrations forming bell-shaped dose-response curves with the maximum potentiation occurring at 1 and 10 nM, respectively. Nefiracetam potentiated nACh receptor currents via G(s) proteins, but not G(i)/G(o) proteins, PKA or PKC. Nefiracetam potentiation of NMDA currents occurred via interactions with the glycine binding site of the NMDA receptor. The nefiracetam potentiation of both nACh and NMDA receptors in a potent and efficacious manner is deemed responsible for its cognitive enhancing action.

LTP in cultured hippocampal-entorhinal cortex slices from young adult (P25-30) rats

Cultured hippocampal neurons and immature organotypic slice cultures overcome temporal limitations of acute hippocampal slices and have been useful for investigating long-lasting plasticity. Difficulties with culturing adult neurons have restricted such studies to preparations from embryonic, perinatal, and juvenile tissue. By improving the methods for culturing and maintaining hippocampal-entorhinal cortex slices obtained from mature rats (P25-30), we show that their use in long-term electrophysiological investigations is feasible. Our cultured slices maintained an intact and functional trisynaptic cascade, normal synaptic function, and reliable long-term recording stability for at least 14 days in vitro. The electrophysiological properties and, in particular, the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in our mature organotypic slices were highly sensitive to dissection and tissue culture techniques. We present data describing the extracellular stimulation requirements for LTP-induction and its long-lasting maintenance (>4 h) at the Schaffer-collateral-CA1 synapse, and show that such changes in synaptic efficiency are NMDA receptor dependent. Our hippocampal-entorhinal cortex cultures from mature tissue can retain the electrophysiological properties required for long-term plasticity for several weeks in vitro.

Intraseptal infusion of oxotremorine impairs memory in a delayed-non-match-to-sample radial maze task

The medial septal nucleus is part of the forebrain circuitry that supports memory. This nucleus is rich in cholinergic receptors and is a putative target for the development of cholinomimetic cognitive-enhancing drugs. Septal neurons, primarily cholinergic and GABAergic, innervate the entire hippocampal formation and regulate hippocampal formation physiology and emergent function. Direct intraseptal drug infusions can produce amnestic or promnestic effects depending upon the type of drug administered. However, intraseptal infusion of the cholinomimetic oxotremorine has been reported to produce both promnestic and amnestic effects when administered prior to task performance. The present study examined whether post-acquisition intraseptal infusion of oxotremorine would be promnestic or amnestic in a delayed-non-match-to-sample radial maze task. In this task rats must remember information about spatial locations visited during a daily sample session and maintain that information over extended retention intervals (hours) in order to perform accurately on the daily test session. Treatments may then be administered during the retention interval. Alterations in maze performance during the test session an hour or more after treatment evidences effects on memory. In the present study, intraseptal infusion of oxotremorine (1.0-10.0 microg) produced a linear dose-related impairment of memory performance. Importantly, we also observed disrupted performance on the day after treatment. This persistent deficit was related only to memory over the retention interval and did not affect indices of short-term memory (ability to avoid repetitive or proactive errors during both the pre- and post-delay sessions). The persistent deficit contrasts with the acute amnestic effects of other intraseptally administered drugs including the cholinomimetics carbachol and tacrine. Thus, intraseptal oxotremorine produced a preferential disruption of memory consolidation as well as a persistent alteration of medial septal circuits. These findings are discussed with regards to multi-stage models of hippocampal-dependent memory formation and the further development of therapeutic strategies in the treatment of mild cognitive impairment as well as age-related decline and Alzheimer's dementia.

Nicotine enhances contextual fear conditioning in C57BL/6J mice at 1 and 7 days post-training

Nicotine has been demonstrated to enhance learning processes. The present experiments extend these results to examine the effects of nicotine on acquisition and consolidation of contextual and cued fear conditioning, and the duration of nicotine's enhancement of conditioned fear. C57BL/6 mice were trained with two pairings of an auditory CS and a foot shock US. Multiple doses of nicotine were given before or immediately after training and on testing day (0.0, 0.050, 0.125, 0.250, and 0.375 mg/kg, i.p). Freezing to both the context and auditory CS was measured 24h after training and again 1 week after training. Mice did not receive nicotine for the 1-week retest. Nicotine (0.125 and 0.250 mg/kg) given on both training and testing days enhanced freezing to the context at 24h. In addition, elevated freezing to the context was seen 1 week post-training in mice previously treated with 0.125 and 0.250 mg/kg nicotine. Thus, nicotine-treated mice did show elevated levels of freezing when retested 1 week later, even though no nicotine was administered at the 1-week retest. Mice that received nicotine on training day or testing day only and mice that received nicotine with mecamylamine, a nicotinic receptor antagonist, were not different from saline-treated mice. In addition, post-training administration of nicotine did not enhance fear conditioning. The present results indicate that nicotine enhancement of contextual fear conditioning depends on administration of nicotine on training and test days but results in a long-lasting enhancement of memories of contextual fear conditioning that remains in the absence of nicotine.

Elementary properties of axonal calcium currents in type B photoreceptors in Hermissenda crassicornis

Axons of the type B photoreceptors form synapses with hair cells and interneurons that are involved in classical conditioning in Hermissenda. We examined the differences in the Ca2+ channels expressed in the soma and axons of the B photoreceptors by direct functional recordings of single-channel currents. Although the soma of the B cells express two Ca2+ current subtypes, a transient BayK 8644-insensitive (approximately 17 pS) current and a sustained BayK 8644-sensitive (approximately 10 pS) current, the axons expressed only the latter. The axonal Ca2+ current activated at potentials positive to -20 mV. Moreover, the Ca2+ channels are distributed heterogeneously along the length of the axon, with the higher channel density (approximately 10-15 channel microm(-2)) occurring at the distal one-third of the isolated axons, with respect to the soma. The regions of Ca2+ channel clusters may represent the presynaptic site of the photoreceptor-interneuron synapses. Furthermore, the high-density clusters of Ca2+ channels may augment postsynaptic responses. The results of the present study represent the first direct recordings of Ca2+ currents at presumed synaptic sites. Expression of different Ca2+ channel subtypes at distinct compartments of the type B photoreceptors may generate diverse Ca2+ domains that may be required for neuronal plasticity in Hermissenda.

The Relative Contribution of NMDA Receptor Channels in the Expression of Long-term Potentiation in the Hippocampal CA1 Region

Long-term potentiation (LTP) was studied in the hippocampal CA1 region of guinea-pigs using a solution containing 0.1 mM magnesium and 10 microM of the non-N-methyl-d-aspartate (non-NMDA) antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (CNQX), leaving an NMDA-mediated field excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). Brief high-frequency afferent tetanization induced a substantial synapse-specific potentiation of the NMDA EPSP with a time course closely resembling that previously described for LTP of the non-NMDA-mediated EPSP. This NMDA EPSP potentiation was occluded by prior induction of LTP in normal solution. Using a solution containing 0.1 mM magnesium and 1 microM CNQX, the EPSP was composed of both a non-NMDA- and an NMDA-mediated component which could be measured separately and in parallel. Manipulations that cause increased transmitter release, such as phorbol ester application and changes in stimulation frequency, enhanced the two measures nearly equally. Afferent tetanization induced an increase of both EPSP components, with a similar time course, the NMDA component showing a relative increase of about one-third of that of the non-NMDA one. These results suggest that, to the extent that LTP is based on an increased release of transmitter, the mechanism exhibits features distinct from those underlying other forms of enhanced release.

MK-801 disrupts acquisition of contextual fear conditioning but enhances memory consolidation of cued fear conditioning

The effects of pre-training or post-training subcutaneous injections of multiple doses of the non-competitive NMDA-receptor antagonist (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine maleate (MK-801) on cued and contextual fear conditioning were examined in F344 rats. Pre-training injections of MK-801 (0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg) disrupted contextual fear conditioning but not cued fear conditioning. Post-training injections of MK-801 did not disrupt cued or contextual fear conditioning. In fact, the 0.3 mg/kg dose of MK-801 enhanced cued fear conditioning. Finally, rats were tested for MK-801-induced alterations in sensitivity to pain using the formalin test for nociception. MK-801 did not reduce sensitivity to pain. These results suggest that NMDA receptors are involved in acquisition of contextual fear conditioning but not in memory consolidation of the learned response.

Calpain proteolysis of alpha II-spectrin in the normal adult human brain

The proteolysis of alphaII-spectrin by calpain may be physiologically involved with synaptic remodeling, long-term potentiation, and memory formation. Calpain activation may also mediate neuronal apoptosis, responses to hypoxic insult, and excitotoxic injury. Surprisingly little is known of the activity of these calpain-mediated processes in the adult human brain. Using an antibody that specifically recognizes calpain-cleaved alphaII-spectrin, we have mapped the topographic distribution of the major alphaII-spectrin break-down product (alphaII-bdp1) in six adult brains examined post-mortem. All brains were from patients without evident neurological disease. Focally positive alphaII-bdp1 was consistently detected in the neuropil of the cortical gray matter, in occasional pyramidal neurons, and in rare reactive astrocytes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Cerebellar Purkinje cells were more frequently, and more intensely, immunopositive. In all fields, staining was most intense in the soma and dendrites of neurons. There was no correlation of the frequency of positive cells with the postmortem interval or clinical condition. While these findings do not rigorously exclude contributions from postmortem calpain activation, they do suggest that a low-level of calpain processing of alphaII-spectrin is likely to be a constitutive process in the adult human brain.

The effect of interburst intervals on measures of hippocampal LTP in the freely moving adult male rat

An important factor in the induction and maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP) is the tetanization paradigm. This paper presents the changes associated with the induction and maintenance of hippocampal LTP in the freely moving adult male rat, subjected to three different tetanization paradigms. These results indicate that specific LTP measures including (1) synaptic activation, as measured by the slope of the dentate granule cell population excitatory postsynaptic potential, and (2) cellular response, as measured by the dentate population spike amplitude, evoked by single-pulse stimulation of the medial perforant pathway are dependent on the interburst interval of the bursting paradigm commonly used in LTP studies.

Re-structuring of synapses 24 hours after induction of long-term potentiation in the dentate gyrus of the rat hippocampus in vivo

In male rats, long-term potentiation was induced unilaterally in the dentate gyrus, either by high frequency (200Hz) or theta rhythm stimulation. Structural synaptic changes were examined 24h after induction using quantitative electron microscopy. A disector technique was employed in order to estimate the density of synapses (using 70-80-nm sections) and of granule cell nuclei (using 2-microm sections) in the middle, and inner molecular layer in both hemispheres. Synaptic height and total lateral areas of synaptic active zones per unit tissue volume were assessed via assumption-free stereological techniques coupled with image analysis. The results obtained indicated that both synaptic density and number (corrected per neuron) of axo-spinous, but not axo-dendritic, synapses were approximately 40% higher in the middle, but not inner molecular layer of the potentiated hemisphere compared to the contralateral (control hemisphere). No significant inter-hemispheric difference was found in the volume densities of lateral areas of active zones. These data suggest that 24h after long-term potentiation induction, active zones of existing axo-spinous synapses either split forming separate contacts, or decrease in size while new synapses are formed.

Synthesis, assembly, and turnover of alpha and beta-erythroid and nonerythroid spectrins in rat hippocampal neurons

The synthesis and turnover of alpha-erythroid, beta-erythroid, alpha-nonerythroid and beta-nonerythroid spectrins was investigated in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. [35S]methionine and subunit specific antibodies were used to label and immunoprecipitate newly synthesized spectrins in 12- to 14-day-old cultures. Synthesis experiments, performed under normal resting conditions, showed that the ratio of newly synthesized alpha-erythroid/beta-erythroid and alpha-nonerythroid/beta-nonerythroid spectrins is 1/1 (mol/mol) both in the soluble and insoluble fractions. Soluble and insoluble alpha and beta erythroid spectrin turn over rapidly (half-life=16-24 min). Soluble nonerythroid alpha-spectrin (half-life=80 min) and beta spectrin (half-life=53 min) turn over more slowly than their insoluble counterparts (30-34 min). The nonerythroid alpha spectrin turnover was significantly different (p<0.05) from the other measurements except for nonerythroid beta spectrin, indicating that these subunits are protected from rapid proteolytic degradation until they are assembled in the membrane skeleton.

Intrinsic theta-frequency membrane potential oscillations in layer III/V perirhinal cortex neurons of the rat

The firing of a proportion of neurons in the in vivo perirhinal cortex, a brain region involved in object recognition memory, has recently been shown to be synchronized with hippocampal theta activity. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether neurons located in perirhinal cortex have intrinsic properties that might encourage their participation in theta activity. To these ends, current clamp recordings were made from 98 neurons located in layer III/V of the in vitro rat perirhinal cortex. The intrinsic properties of these neurons were investigated, and a subset of 61 neurons were tested for the presence of membrane potential oscillations at threshold levels of depolarization. Thirty-nine percent of these neurons displayed a theta-frequency membrane potential oscillation (MPO; mean frequency = 8.6 Hz). When depolarized past spike threshold, these neurons tended to fire in clusters, with a within-cluster interspike interval close to the peak to peak interval of the MPOs. Neurons that did not generate MPOs generated nonaccomodating action potential trains with a frequency that spanned the theta range. Biocytin staining indicated that MPOs could be generated in cells with both pyramidal and nonpyramidal morphology. These findings demonstrate that a large proportion of perirhinal neurons exhibit intrinsic properties that could assist in the entrainment and synchronization of theta-frequency oscillations. These properties may enhance the communication of information between the perirhinal cortex, entorhinal cortex, and hippocampus.

Protein tyrosine kinase is required for the induction of long-term potentiation in the rat hippocampus

1. Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is thought to play an important role in the regulation of neuronal function. Previous work has shown that protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors can inhibit the induction of long-term potentiation (LTP), a candidate synaptic mechanism involved in memory formation. However, how PTK activity might contribute to LTP induction remains elusive. To understand the role of PTK pathways in the development of LTP better, a set of studies was implemented in area CA1 of rat hippocampal slices using both intra- and extracellular recordings. We show here that bath application or injection into postsynaptic cells of the PTK inhibitors genistein and lavendustin A blocked the induction of LTP produced by high-frequency tetanic stimulation. 2. Application of lavendustin A 10 min before or 3 min after induction effectively blocked LTP. However, application at 10 or 30 min after induction had no detectable effect on potentiation. 3. PTK inhibitor pretreatment did not affect the long-lasting enhancement of synaptic response produced by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu), forskolin plus 3-isobutyl-L-methylxanthine (IBMX), or tetraethylammonium (TEA). In contrast, PTK inhibitors significantly blocked postanoxic LTP. 4. EPQ(pY)EEIPIA, an activator of Src family PTKs, produced a gradual and robust increase in the synaptic response and occluded LTP. 5. These results suggest that Src family kinases are potential candidates for the PTKs contributing to the molecular mechanism of LTP induction at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses.