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Bonefas KM, Vallianatos CN, Raines B, Tronson NC, Iwase S. Sexually Dimorphic Alterations in the Transcriptome and Behavior with Loss of Histone Demethylase KDM5C. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040637. [PMID: 36831303 PMCID: PMC9954040 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin dysregulation has emerged as a major hallmark of neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The prevalence of ID and ASD is higher in males compared to females, with unknown mechanisms. Intellectual developmental disorder, X-linked syndromic, Claes-Jensen type (MRXSCJ), is caused by loss-of-function mutations of lysine demethylase 5C (KDM5C), a histone H3K4 demethylase gene. KDM5C escapes X-inactivation, thereby presenting at a higher level in females. Initially, MRXSCJ was exclusively reported in males, while it is increasingly evident that females with heterozygous KDM5C mutations can show cognitive deficits. The mouse model of MRXSCJ, male Kdm5c-hemizygous knockout animals, recapitulates key features of human male patients. However, the behavioral and molecular traits of Kdm5c-heterozygous female mice remain incompletely characterized. Here, we report that gene expression and behavioral abnormalities are readily detectable in Kdm5c-heterozygous female mice, demonstrating the requirement for a higher KDM5C dose in females. Furthermore, we found both shared and sex-specific consequences of a reduced KDM5C dose in social behavior, gene expression, and genetic interaction with the counteracting enzyme KMT2A. These observations provide an essential insight into the sex-biased manifestation of neurodevelopmental disorders and sex chromosome evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M. Bonefas
- Department of Human Genetics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Christina N. Vallianatos
- Department of Human Genetics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Brynne Raines
- Department of Psychology, College of LS&A, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Natalie C. Tronson
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Psychology, College of LS&A, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: (N.C.T.); (S.I.)
| | - Shigeki Iwase
- Department of Human Genetics, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Correspondence: (N.C.T.); (S.I.)
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Astrocytic Connexin43 Channels as Candidate Targets in Epilepsy Treatment. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10111578. [PMID: 33233647 PMCID: PMC7699773 DOI: 10.3390/biom10111578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In epilepsy research, emphasis is put on exploring non-neuronal targets such as astrocytic proteins, since many patients remain pharmacoresistant to current treatments, which almost all target neuronal mechanisms. This paper reviews available data on astrocytic connexin43 (Cx43) signaling in seizures and epilepsy. Cx43 is a widely expressed transmembrane protein and the constituent of gap junctions (GJs) and hemichannels (HCs), allowing intercellular and extracellular communication, respectively. A plethora of research papers show altered Cx43 mRNA levels, protein expression, phosphorylation state, distribution and/or functional coupling in human epileptic tissue and experimental models. Human Cx43 mutations are linked to seizures as well, as 30% of patients with oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD), a rare genetic condition caused by mutations in the GJA1 gene coding for Cx43 protein, exhibit neurological symptoms including seizures. Cx30/Cx43 double knock-out mice show increased susceptibility to evoked epileptiform events in brain slices due to impaired GJ-mediated redistribution of K+ and glutamate and display a higher frequency of spontaneous generalized chronic seizures in an epilepsy model. Contradictory, Cx30/Cx43 GJs can traffic nutrients to high-energy demanding neurons and initiate astrocytic Ca2+ waves and hyper synchronization, thereby supporting proconvulsant effects. The general connexin channel blocker carbenoxolone and blockers from the fenamate family diminish epileptiform activity in vitro and improve seizure outcome in vivo. In addition, interventions with more selective peptide inhibitors of HCs display anticonvulsant actions. To conclude, further studies aiming to disentangle distinct roles of HCs and GJs are necessary and tools specifically targeting Cx43 HCs may facilitate the search for novel epilepsy treatments.
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Reyes-Garcia SZ, de Almeida ACG, Ortiz-Villatoro NN, Scorza FA, Cavalheiro EA, Scorza CA. Robust Network Inhibition and Decay of Early-Phase LTP in the Hippocampal CA1 Subfield of the Amazon Rodent Proechimys. Front Neural Circuits 2018; 12:81. [PMID: 30337859 PMCID: PMC6180286 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2018.00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Diverse forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) have been described, but one of the most investigated is encountered in the glutamatergic synapses of the hippocampal cornu Ammonis (CA1) subfield. However, little is known about synaptic plasticity in wildlife populations. Laboratory animals are extremely inbred populations that have been disconnected from their natural environment and so their essential ecological aspects are entirely absent. Proechimys are small rodents from Brazil’s Amazon rainforest and their nervous systems have evolved to carry out specific tasks of their unique ecological environment. It has also been shown that long-term memory duration did not persist for 24-h in Proechimys, in contrast to Wistar rats, when both animal species were assessed by the plus-maze discrimination avoidance task and object recognition test. Methods: In this work, different protocols, such as theta burst, single tetanic burst or multiple trains of high frequency stimulation (HFS), were used to induce LTP in hippocampal brain slices of Proechimys and Wistar rats. Results: A protocol-independent fast decay of early-phase LTP at glutamatergic synapses of the CA1 subfield was encountered in Proechimys. Long-term depression (LTD) and baseline paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) were investigated but no differences were found between animal species. Input/output (I/O) relationships suggested lower excitability in Proechimys in comparison to Wistar rats. Bath application of d-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoicacid (D-AP5) and CNQX prevented the induction of LTP in both Proechimys and Wistar. However, in marked contrast to Wistar rats, LTP induction was not facilitated by the GABAA antagonist in the Amazon rodents, even higher concentrations failed to facilitate LTP in Proechimys. Next, the effects of GABAA inhibition on spontaneous activity as well as evoked field potentials (FPs) were evaluated in CA1 pyramidal cells. Likewise, much lower activity was detected in Proechimys brain slices in comparison to those of the Wistar rats. Conclusions: These findings suggest a possible high inhibitory tone in the CA1 network mediated by GABAA receptors in the Amazon rodents. Currently, neuroscience research still seeks to reveal molecular pathways that control learning and memory processes, Proechimys may prove useful in identifying such mechanisms in complement to traditional animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selvin Z Reyes-Garcia
- Disciplina de Neurociência, Departamento de Neurologia e Neurocirurgia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Departamento de Ciencias Morfológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
| | - Antônio-Carlos Guimarães de Almeida
- Laboratório de Neurociência Experimental e Computacional, Departamento de Engenharia de Biossistemas, Universidade Federal de São João del-Rei, São João del-Rei, Brazil
| | - Nancy N Ortiz-Villatoro
- Disciplina de Neurociência, Departamento de Neurologia e Neurocirurgia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fulvio A Scorza
- Disciplina de Neurociência, Departamento de Neurologia e Neurocirurgia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Esper A Cavalheiro
- Disciplina de Neurociência, Departamento de Neurologia e Neurocirurgia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carla A Scorza
- Disciplina de Neurociência, Departamento de Neurologia e Neurocirurgia, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ran X, Xiang J, Song PP, Jiang L, Liu BK, Hu Y. Effects of gap junctions blockers on fast ripples and connexin in rat hippocampi after status epilepticus. Epilepsy Res 2018; 146:28-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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P2X7 receptor large pore signaling in avian Müller glial cells. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2017; 49:215-229. [PMID: 28573491 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-017-9717-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
ATP is a pleiotropic molecule that promotes extra- and intracellular signaling to regulate numerous functions. This nucleotide activates purine and pyrimidine receptors at the plasma membrane, categorized as ionotropic P2X or G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) P2Y receptors. P2X are ligand-gated ion channel receptors, expressed in both retinal neurons and Müller cells leading to neuron-glia communication, calcium waves and neurovascular coupling. However, how P2X pore is formed upon ATP activation and how signaling pathways regulates the complex is still a matter of controversy. Here we studied the properties of the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) using electrophysiology, single cell Ca2+ imaging, and dye uptake assay in purified avian Müller glia in culture. Our data show that ATP (or benzoyl-benzoyl ATP, BzATP) evoked large inward currents in patch-clamp studies while addition of P2X7R antagonist such as brilliant Blue G (BBG), abolished these currents. Ruthenium red (RU-2), a general transient receptor potential (TRP) inhibitor, reduced currents induced by ATP. Our data also point to the involvement of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Ca2+-calmodulin kinase II (CAMKII), microtubules or protein kinase C (PKC) modulating ATP-induced ionic current in Müller cells. We show that ATP induced Ca2+ influx, partially inhibited by P2X7R antagonists (oxidized ATP or BBG), and totally inhibited by blockers of other pores such as transient receptor potential (TRPs) or connexin hemichannel. Additionally, MAPK, PKC, PI3K or CAMKII inhibitors also are involved in the modulation of intracellular calcium signaling. Finally, ATP induced 80-90% of dye uptake in Muller glia cells, while oxidized ATP (oATP), BBG or A740003 inhibited this effect. We conclude that large conductance channel and other P2XRs are not involved in the ATP-induced dye uptake, but signaling pathways such as MAPK, PI3-K, microtubules or PKC are involved in pore formation.
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Siu RCF, Smirnova E, Brown CA, Zoidl C, Spray DC, Donaldson LW, Zoidl G. Structural and Functional Consequences of Connexin 36 (Cx36) Interaction with Calmodulin. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:120. [PMID: 27917108 PMCID: PMC5114276 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional plasticity of neuronal gap junctions involves the interaction of the neuronal connexin36 with calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII). The important relationship between Cx36 and CaMKII must also be considered in the context of another protein partner, Ca2+ loaded calmodulin, binding an overlapping site in the carboxy-terminus of Cx36. We demonstrate that CaM and CaMKII binding to Cx36 is calcium-dependent, with Cx36 able to engage with CaM outside of the gap junction plaque. Furthermore, Ca2+ loaded calmodulin activates Cx36 channels, which is different to other connexins. The NMR solution structure demonstrates that CaM binds Cx36 in its characteristic compact state with major hydrophobic contributions arising from W277 at anchor position 1 and V284 at position 8 of Cx36. Our results establish Cx36 as a hub binding Ca2+ loaded CaM and they identify this interaction as a critical step with implications for functions preceding the initiation of CaMKII mediated plasticity at electrical synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Christiane Zoidl
- Biology Program, York University, TorontoON, Canada
- Psychology Program, York University, TorontoON, Canada
| | - David C. Spray
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New YorkNY, USA
| | | | - Georg Zoidl
- Biology Program, York University, TorontoON, Canada
- Psychology Program, York University, TorontoON, Canada
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Crucial role of astrocytes in temporal lobe epilepsy. Neuroscience 2016; 323:157-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 12/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Laura MC, Xóchitl FP, Anne S, Alberto MV. Analysis of connexin expression during seizures induced by 4-aminopyridine in the rat hippocampus. J Biomed Sci 2015; 22:69. [PMID: 26268619 PMCID: PMC4535691 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-015-0176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In epilepsy, seizures are generated by abnormal synchronous activity in neurons. In the rat hippocampus (HIP), epileptiform activity has been found to be associated with gap junctions (GJs). GJs are formed by the combination of two hemichannels, each composed of six connexins. At low doses, the convulsive drug 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) produces epileptiform activity without affecting glutamate levels; therefore, GJs could participate in its effect. Based on this argument, in this study, the expression of Cx 32, Cx 36 and Cx 43 protein and mRNA in the HIP of rats treated with 4-AP was evaluated. The evaluation of connexins was carried out by chemifluorescent immunoassay, semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence to detect the amount and distribution of connexins and of cellular markers in the HIP and dentate gyrus (DG) of animals treated with NaCl and 4-AP in the right entorhinal cortex. In these animals, convulsive behavior and EEG signals were analyzed. Results The animals treated with 4-AP showed convulsive behavior and epileptiform activity 60 min after the administration. A significant increase in the protein expression of Cx 32, Cx 36 and Cx 43 was found in the HIP contralateral and ipsilateral to the site of 4-AP administration. A trend toward an increase in the mRNA of Cx 32 and Cx 43 was also found. An increase in the cellular density of Cx 32 and Cx 43 was found in the right HIP and DG, and an increase in the cellular density of oligodendrocytes in the DG and a decrease in the number of cells marked with NeuN were observed in the left HIP. Conclusions Cx 32 and Cx 43 associated with oligodendrocytes and astrocytes had an important role in the first stages of seizures induced by 4-AP, whereas Cx36 localized to neurons could be associated with later stages. Additionally, these results contribute to our understanding of the role of connexins in acute seizures and allow us to direct our efforts to other new anticonvulsant strategies for seizure treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medina-Ceja Laura
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, CUCBA,University of Guadalajara, Camino Ing. R. Padilla Sánchez 2100, Las Agujas, Nextipac, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - Flores-Ponce Xóchitl
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, CUCBA,University of Guadalajara, Camino Ing. R. Padilla Sánchez 2100, Las Agujas, Nextipac, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - Santerre Anne
- Laboratory of Molecular Biomarkers and Molecular Genetic, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, CUCBA, University of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - Morales-Villagrán Alberto
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, CUCBA,University of Guadalajara, Camino Ing. R. Padilla Sánchez 2100, Las Agujas, Nextipac, Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
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Crunelli V, Carmignoto G, Steinhäuser C. Novel astrocyte targets: new avenues for the therapeutic treatment of epilepsy. Neuroscientist 2015; 21:62-83. [PMID: 24609207 PMCID: PMC4361461 DOI: 10.1177/1073858414523320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
During the last 20 years, it has been well established that a finely tuned, continuous crosstalk between neurons and astrocytes not only critically modulates physiological brain functions but also underlies many neurological diseases. In particular, this novel way of interpreting brain activity is markedly influencing our current knowledge of epilepsy, prompting a re-evaluation of old findings and guiding novel experimentation. Here, we review recent studies that have unraveled novel and unique contributions of astrocytes to the generation and spread of convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures and epileptiform activity. The emerging scenario advocates an overall framework in which a dynamic and reciprocal interplay among astrocytic and neuronal ensembles is fundamental for a fuller understanding of epilepsy. In turn, this offers novel astrocytic targets for the development of those really novel chemical entities for the control of convulsive and nonconvulsive seizures that have been acknowledged as a key priority in the management of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Crunelli
- Neuroscience Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Giorgio Carmignoto
- Centro Nazionale della Ricerca, Neuroscience Institute and Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Phookan S, Sutton AC, Walling I, Smith A, O'Connor KA, Campbell JC, Calos M, Yu W, Pilitsis JG, Brotchie JM, Shin DS. Gap junction blockers attenuate beta oscillations and improve forelimb function in hemiparkinsonian rats. Exp Neurol 2015; 265:160-70. [PMID: 25622779 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.01.004] [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: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by akinesia, bradykinesia, resting tremors and postural instability. Although various models have been developed to explain basal ganglia (BG) pathophysiology in PD, the recent reports that dominant beta (β) oscillations (12-30Hz) in BG nuclei of PD patients and parkinsonian animals coincide with motor dysfunction has led to an emerging idea that these oscillations may be a characteristic of PD. Due to the recent realization of these oscillations, the cellular and network mechanism(s) that underlie this process remain ill-defined. Here, we postulate that gap junctions (GJs) can contribute to β oscillations in the BG of hemiparkinsonian rats and inhibiting their activity will disrupt neuronal synchrony, diminish these oscillations and improve motor function. To test this, we injected the GJ blockers carbenoxolone (CBX) or octanol in the right globus pallidus externa (GPe) of anesthetized hemiparkinsonian rats and noted whether subsequent changes in β oscillatory activity occurred using in vivo electrophysiology. We found that systemic treatment of 200mg/kg CBX attenuated normalized GPe β oscillatory activity from 6.10±1.29 arbitrary units (A.U.) (pre-CBX) to 2.48±0.87 A.U. (post-CBX) with maximal attenuation occurring 90.0±20.5min after injection. The systemic treatment of octanol (350mg/kg) also decreased β oscillatory activity in a similar manner to CBX treatment with β oscillatory activity decreasing from 3.58±0.89 (pre-octanol) to 2.57±1.08 after octanol injection. Next, 1μl CBX (200mg/kg) was directly injected into the GPe of anesthetized hemiparkinsonian rats; 59.2±19.0min after injection, β oscillations in this BG nucleus decreased from 3.62±1.17 A.U. to 1.67±0.62 A.U. Interestingly, we were able to elicit β oscillations in the GPe of naive non-parkinsonian rats by increasing GJ activity with 1μl trimethylamine (TMA, 500nM). Finally, we systemically injected CBX (200mg/kg) into hemiparkinsonian rats which attenuated dominant β oscillations in the right GPe and also improved left forepaw akinesia in the step test. Conversely, direct injection of TMA into the right GPe of naive rats induced contralateral left forelimb akinesia. Overall, our results suggest that GJs contribute to β oscillations in the GPe of hemiparkinsonian rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujoy Phookan
- Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY USA
| | - Alexander C Sutton
- Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY USA
| | - Ian Walling
- Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY USA
| | - Autumn Smith
- Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY USA
| | - Katherine A O'Connor
- Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY USA
| | - Joannalee C Campbell
- Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY USA
| | - Megan Calos
- Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY USA
| | - Wilson Yu
- Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY USA
| | - Julie G Pilitsis
- Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY USA; Division of Neurosurgery, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY USA
| | - Jonathan M Brotchie
- Division of Brain Imaging and Behavioral Neuroscience Systems, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Damian S Shin
- Center for Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY USA.
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O'Carroll SJ, Becker DL, Davidson JO, Gunn AJ, Nicholson LFB, Green CR. The use of connexin-based therapeutic approaches to target inflammatory diseases. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1037:519-46. [PMID: 24029957 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-505-7_31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in Connexin43 (Cx43) expression levels have been shown to play a role in inflammatory processes including skin wounding and neuroinflammation. Cx43 protein levels increase following a skin wound and can inhibit wound healing. Increased Cx43 has been observed following stroke, epilepsy, ischemia, optic nerve damage, and spinal cord injury with gap junctional communication and hemichannel opening leading to increased secondary damage via the inflammatory response. Connexin43 modulation has been identified as a potential target for protection and repair in neuroinflammation and skin wound repair. This review describes the use of a Cx43 specific antisense oligonucleotide (Cx43 AsODN) and peptide mimetics of the connexin extracellular loop domain to modulate Cx43 expression and/or function in inflammatory disorders of the skin and central nervous system. An overview of the role of connexin43 in inflammatory conditions, how antisense and peptide have allowed us to elucidate the role of Cx43 in these diseases, create models of diseases to test interventions and their potential for use clinically or in current clinical trials is presented. Antisense oligonucleotides are applied topically and have been used to improve wound healing following skin injury. They have also been used to develop ex vivo models of neuroinflammatory diseases that will allow testing of intervention strategies. The connexin mimetic peptides have shown potential in a number of neuroinflammatory disorders in ex vivo models as well as in vivo when delivered directly to the injury site or when delivered systemically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J O'Carroll
- Department of Anatomy with Radiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Mylvaganam S, Ramani M, Krawczyk M, Carlen PL. Roles of gap junctions, connexins, and pannexins in epilepsy. Front Physiol 2014; 5:172. [PMID: 24847276 PMCID: PMC4019879 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Enhanced gap junctional communication (GJC) between neurons is considered a major factor underlying the neuronal synchrony driving seizure activity. In addition, the hippocampal sharp wave ripple complexes, associated with learning and seizures, are diminished by GJC blocking agents. Although gap junctional blocking drugs inhibit experimental seizures, they all have other non-specific actions. Besides interneuronal GJC between dendrites, inter-axonal and inter-glial GJC is also considered important for seizure generation. Interestingly, in most studies of cerebral tissue from animal seizure models and from human patients with epilepsy, there is up-regulation of glial, but not neuronal gap junctional mRNA and protein. Significant changes in the expression and post-translational modification of the astrocytic connexin Cx43, and Panx1 were observed in an in vitro Co++ seizure model, further supporting a role for glia in seizure-genesis, although the reasons for this remain unclear. Further suggesting an involvement of astrocytic GJC in epilepsy, is the fact that the expression of astrocytic Cx mRNAs (Cxs 30 and 43) is several fold higher than that of neuronal Cx mRNAs (Cxs 36 and 45), and the number of glial cells outnumber neuronal cells in mammalian hippocampal and cortical tissue. Pannexin expression is also increased in both animal and human epileptic tissues. Specific Cx43 mimetic peptides, Gap 27 and SLS, inhibit the docking of astrocytic connexin Cx43 proteins from forming intercellular gap junctions (GJs), diminishing spontaneous seizures. Besides GJs, Cx membrane hemichannels in glia and Panx membrane channels in neurons and glia are also inhibited by traditional gap junctional pharmacological blockers. Although there is no doubt that connexin-based GJs and hemichannels, and pannexin-based membrane channels are related to epilepsy, the specific details of how they are involved and how we can modulate their function for therapeutic purposes remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthini Mylvaganam
- Neurobiology, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network and University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meera Ramani
- Neurobiology, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network and University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michal Krawczyk
- Neurobiology, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network and University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter L Carlen
- Neurobiology, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network and University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
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Kurtenbach S, Kurtenbach S, Zoidl G. Gap junction modulation and its implications for heart function. Front Physiol 2014; 5:82. [PMID: 24578694 PMCID: PMC3936571 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junction communication (GJC) mediated by connexins is critical for heart function. To gain insight into the causal relationship of molecular mechanisms of disease pathology, it is important to understand which mechanisms contribute to impairment of gap junctional communication. Here, we present an update on the known modulators of connexins, including various interaction partners, kinases, and signaling cascades. This gap junction network (GJN) can serve as a blueprint for data mining approaches exploring the growing number of publicly available data sets from experimental and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kurtenbach
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Kurtenbach
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Georg Zoidl
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University Toronto, ON, Canada ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, York University Toronto, ON, Canada ; Center for Vision Research, York University Toronto, ON, Canada
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Modulation of c-Fos and BDNF protein expression in pentylenetetrazole-kindled mice following the treatment with novel antiepileptic compound HHL-6. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:876712. [PMID: 24605339 PMCID: PMC3925558 DOI: 10.1155/2014/876712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and c-Fos are shown to promote epileptogenesis and are taken as a marker of neuronal activity. The present study investigated the expression of BDNF and c-Fos in mice brain with pentylenetetrazol- (PTZ-) induced generalized seizure and evaluated the effect of novel tryptamine derivative HHL-6 on the expression of these two markers. The subconvulsive dose of PTZ (50 mg/kg) was administered on alternate days in the experimental groups until the seizure scores 4-5 developed in the PTZ-control group. At the end of each experiment, animals were sacrificed, brain samples were collected and cryosectioned, and immunohistochemical analysis of BDNF and c-Fos protein was performed. Data obtained from two sections per mouse (n = 12 animals/group) is presented as means ± S.E.M. The test compound HHL-6 demonstrated a potent anticonvulsant activity in the PTZ-induced seizure in mice. Significant reduction in the BDNF (P < 0.003) and c-Fos (P < 0.01) protein expression was observed in the HHL-6 treated group. Based on these results we suggest that one of the possible mechanisms of HHL-6 to inhibit epileptogenesis might be due to its controlling effect on the cellular and molecular expression of the factors that contribute to the development of epileptogenic plasticity in the CNS.
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Altered Kir and gap junction channels in temporal lobe epilepsy. Neurochem Int 2013; 63:682-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Revised: 12/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Akbarpour B, Sayyah M, Babapour V, Mahdian R, Beheshti S, Kamyab AR. Expression of connexin 30 and connexin 32 in hippocampus of rat during epileptogenesis in a kindling model of epilepsy. Neurosci Bull 2012; 28:729-36. [PMID: 23149765 PMCID: PMC5561816 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-012-1279-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis yields new insights into potential therapies that may ultimately prevent epilepsy. Gap junctions (GJs) create direct intercellular conduits between adjacent cells and are formed by hexameric protein subunits called connexins (Cxs). Changes in the expression of Cxs affect GJ communication and thereby could modulate the dissemination of electrical discharges. The hippocampus is one of the main regions involved in epileptogenesis and has a wide network of GJs between different cell types where Cx30 is expressed in astrocytes and Cx32 exists in neurons and oligodendrocytes. In the present study, we evaluated the changes of Cx30 and Cx32 expression in rat hippocampus during kindling epileptogenesis. METHODS Rats were stereotaxically implanted with stimulating and recording electrodes in the basolateral amygdala, which was electrically stimulated once daily at afterdischarge threshold. Expression of Cx30 and Cx32, at both the mRNA and protein levels, was measured in the hippocampus at the beginning, in the middle (after acquisition of focal seizures), and at the end (after establishment of generalized seizures) of the kindling process, by real-time PCR and Western blot. RESULTS Cx30 mRNA expression was upregulated at the beginning of kindling and after acquisition of focal seizures. Then it was downregulated when the animals acquired generalized seizures. Overexpression of Cx30 mRNA at the start of kindling was consistent with the respective initial protein increase. Thereafter, no change was found in protein abundance during kindling. Regarding Cx32, mRNA expression decreased after acquisition of generalized seizures and no other significant change was detected in mRNA and protein abundance during kindling. CONCLUSION We speculate that Cx32 GJ communication in the hippocampus does not contribute to kindling epileptogenesis. The Cx30 astrocytic network localized to perivascular regions in the hippocampus is, however, overexpressed at the initiation of kindling to clear excitotoxic molecules from the milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijan Akbarpour
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 131694-3551 Islamic Republic of Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, 14778-93855 Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mohammad Sayyah
- Departments of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, 131694-3551 Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Vahab Babapour
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, Tehran, 141996-31111 Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Reza Mahdian
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Siamak Beheshti
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, 81746-73441 Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Kamyab
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran
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Eugenin EA, Basilio D, Sáez JC, Orellana JA, Raine CS, Bukauskas F, Bennett MVL, Berman JW. The role of gap junction channels during physiologic and pathologic conditions of the human central nervous system. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2012; 7:499-518. [PMID: 22438035 PMCID: PMC3638201 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-012-9352-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are expressed in most cell types of the nervous system, including neuronal stem cells, neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, cells of the blood brain barrier (endothelial cells and astrocytes) and under inflammatory conditions in microglia/macrophages. GJs connect cells by the docking of two hemichannels, one from each cell with each hemichannel being formed by 6 proteins named connexins (Cx). Unapposed hemichannels (uHC) also can be open on the surface of the cells allowing the release of different intracellular factors to the extracellular space. GJs provide a mechanism of cell-to-cell communication between adjacent cells that enables the direct exchange of intracellular messengers, such as calcium, nucleotides, IP(3), and diverse metabolites, as well as electrical signals that ultimately coordinate tissue homeostasis, proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, cell survival and death. Despite their essential functions in physiological conditions, relatively little is known about the role of GJs and uHC in human diseases, especially within the nervous system. The focus of this review is to summarize recent findings related to the role of GJs and uHC in physiologic and pathologic conditions of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliseo A Eugenin
- Department of Pathology, F727, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Astrocyte dysfunction in temporal lobe epilepsy: K+ channels and gap junction coupling. Glia 2012; 60:1192-202. [DOI: 10.1002/glia.22313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2011] [Revised: 01/27/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Intact In Vitro Preparations of the Neonatal Rodent Cortex: Analysis of Cellular Properties and Network Activity. ISOLATED CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM CIRCUITS 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-020-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by periodic and unpredictable seizures. Gap junctions have recently been proposed to be involved in the generation, synchronization and maintenance of seizure events. The present review mainly summarizes recent reports concerning the contribution of gap junctions to the pathophysiology of epilepsy, together with the regulation of connexin after clinical and experimental seizure activity. The anticonvulsant effects of gap junction blockers both in vitro and in vivo suggest that the gap junction is a candidate target for the development of antiepileptic drugs. It is also of interest that the roles of neuronal and astrocytic gap junctions in epilepsy have been investigated independently, based on evidence from pharmacological manipulations and connexin-knockout mice. Further studies using more specific manipulations of gap junctions in different cell types and in human epileptic tissue are needed to fully uncover the role of gap junctions in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Miao Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
| | - Chen Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058 China
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Asadi-Khiavi M, Hamzeiy H, Khani S, Nakhlband A, Barar J. Gap junctions: the claymore for cancerous cells. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2011; 1:113-9. [PMID: 23678415 DOI: 10.5681/bi.2011.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Revised: 07/17/2011] [Accepted: 07/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gap junctions play an important role in the cell proliferation in mammalian cells as well as carcinogenesis. However, there are controversial issues about their role in cancer pathogenesis. This study was designed to evaluate genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of Carbenoxolone (CBX) as a prototype of inter-cellular gap junction blocker in MCF7 and BT20 human breast cancer cells. METHODS The MCF7and BT20 human breast cancer cell lines were cultivated, and treated at designated confluency with different doses of CBX. Cellular cytotoxicity was examined using standard colorimetric assay associated with cell viability tests. Gene expression evaluation was carried out using real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS MCF7 and BT20 cells were significantly affected by CBX in a dose dependent manner in cell viability assays. Despite varying expression of genes, down regulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes was observed in these cells. CONCLUSION Based upon this investigation, it can be concluded that CBX could affect both low and high proliferative types of breast cancer cell lines and disproportionate down regulation of both pre- and anti-apoptotic genes may be related to interacting biomolecules, perhaps via gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Asadi-Khiavi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ; Research Center for Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran ; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Yoon JJ, Green CR, O’Carroll SJ, Nicholson LF. Dose-dependent protective effect of connexin43 mimetic peptide against neurodegeneration in an ex vivo model of epileptiform lesion. Epilepsy Res 2010; 92:153-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2010.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2010] [Revised: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Pannexin channels in ATP release and beyond: an unexpected rendezvous at the endoplasmic reticulum. Cell Signal 2010; 23:305-16. [PMID: 20688156 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2010.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/22/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The pannexin (Panx) family of proteins, which is co-expressed with connexins (Cxs) in vertebrates, was found to be a new GJ-forming protein family related to invertebrate innexins. During the past ten years, different studies showed that Panxs mainly form hemichannels in the plasma membrane and mediate paracrine signalling by providing a flux pathway for ions such as Ca²(+), for ATP and perhaps for other compounds, in response to physiological and pathological stimuli. Although the physiological role of Panxs as a hemichannel was questioned, there is increasing evidence that Panx play a role in vasodilatation, initiation of inflammatory responses, ischemic death of neurons, epilepsy and in tumor suppression. Moreover, it is intriguing that Panxs may also function at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) as intracellular Ca²(+)-leak channel and may be involved in ER-related functions. Although the physiological significance and meaning of such Panx-regulated intracellular Ca²(+) leak requires further exploration, this functional property places Panx at the centre of many physiological and pathophysiological processes, given the fundamental role of intracellular Ca²(+) homeostasis and dynamics in a plethora of physiological processes. In this review, we therefore want to focus on Panx as channels at the plasma membrane and at the ER membranes with a particular emphasis on the potential implications of the latter in intracellular Ca²(+) signalling.
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Beheshti S, Sayyah M, Golkar M, Sepehri H, Babaie J, Vaziri B. Changes in hippocampal connexin 36 mRNA and protein levels during epileptogenesis in the kindling model of epilepsy. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2010; 34:510-5. [PMID: 20153799 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2009] [Revised: 02/08/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identification of key molecular changes occurring during epileptogenesis provides better understanding of epilepsy and helps to develop strategies to modify those changes and thus, block the epileptogenic process. Gap junctional communication is thought to be involved in epileptogenesis. This communication can be affected by changes in expression of gap junctional protein subunits called connexins (Cxs). One of the main brain regions involved in epileptogenesis is the hippocampus in which there is a network of gap junctional communication between different cell types. METHOD Cx36 and Cx43 expressions at both mRNA and protein level were measured in rat hippocampus during epileptogenesis in the kindling model of epilepsy. RESULTS Cx36 expression at both mRNA and protein level was upregulated during acquisition of focal seizures but returned to basal level after acquisition of secondarily-generalized seizures. No change in Cx43 gene and protein expression was found during kindling epileptogenesis. CONCLUSION These results further point out the significance of Cx36 as a target to modify epileptogenic process and to develop antiepileptogenic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siamak Beheshti
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, University College of Science, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran
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25
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Mylvaganam S, Zhang L, Wu C, Zhang ZJ, Samoilova M, Eubanks J, Carlen PL, Poulter MO. Hippocampal seizures alter the expression of the pannexin and connexin transcriptome. J Neurochem 2010; 112:92-102. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2009.06431.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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26
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Matsumoto-Miyai K, Sokolowska E, Zurlinden A, Gee CE, Lüscher D, Hettwer S, Wölfel J, Ladner AP, Ster J, Gerber U, Rülicke T, Kunz B, Sonderegger P. Coincident pre- and postsynaptic activation induces dendritic filopodia via neurotrypsin-dependent agrin cleavage. Cell 2009; 136:1161-71. [PMID: 19303856 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2009.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2008] [Revised: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 02/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The synaptic serine protease neurotrypsin is essential for cognitive function, as its deficiency in humans results in severe mental retardation. Recently, we demonstrated the activity-dependent release of neurotrypsin from presynaptic terminals and proteolytical cleavage of agrin at the synapse. Here we show that the activity-dependent formation of dendritic filopodia is abolished in hippocampal neurons from neurotrypsin-deficient mice. Administration of the neurotrypsin-dependent 22 kDa fragment of agrin rescues the filopodial response. Detailed analyses indicated that presynaptic action potential firing is necessary for the release of neurotrypsin, whereas postsynaptic NMDA receptor activation is necessary for the neurotrypsin-dependent cleavage of agrin. This contingency characterizes the neurotrypsin-agrin system as a coincidence detector of pre- and postsynaptic activation. As the resulting dendritic filopodia are thought to represent precursors of synapses, the neurotrypsin-dependent cleavage of agrin at the synapse may be instrumental for a Hebbian organization and remodeling of synaptic circuits in the CNS.
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Zhang L, Deng T, Sun Y, Liu K, Yang Y, Zheng X. Role for nitric oxide in permeability of hippocampal neuronal hemichannels during oxygen glucose deprivation. J Neurosci Res 2008; 86:2281-91. [PMID: 18381763 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.21675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Increased hemichannel opening induced by oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD) was reported in the hippocampal pyramidal neuron. It was suggested that the pannexin1 hemichannel opening could mediate ionic flux dysregulation, anoxic depolarization, and energy-depleting efflux of glucose and ATP for ischemic neurons. However, the regulatory mechanisms of pannexin1 hemichannel opening have been poorly understood. Here we showed that excessive generation of nitric oxide (NO) during ischemia could induce the calcein leakage from neurons, which was markedly reduced by NO synthase inhibitor. The calcein leakage from neurons during OGD was also attenuated by the application of N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), an SH-alkylating agent, and dithiothreitol (DTT), a reducer of oxidized sulfhydryl groups. However, the soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) inhibitor had a minor effect on the calcein leakage during OGD. Furthermore, the elevated intracellular but not extracellular levels of glutathione could also inhibit the calcein leakage during OGD. Similar results were observed in metabolic inhibition (MI), which is another ischemic-like condition. Finally, immunocytochemical and immunoblotting analysis revealed that, after 1 hr of OGD stimulation, the distribution and expression of pannexin1 showed no significant difference compared with control. However, the pannexin1 mRNA expression was elevated after 1 hr of OGD and a sustained increase was maintained during reperfusion. These results implied that the reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially NO, might be involved in the enhanced pannexin1 hemichannel opening and that the S-nitrosylation but not the NO/cGMP pathway played a more important role in this event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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28
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Samoilova M, Wentlandt K, Adamchik Y, Velumian AA, Carlen PL. Connexin 43 mimetic peptides inhibit spontaneous epileptiform activity in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures. Exp Neurol 2008; 210:762-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2008.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2007] [Revised: 01/02/2008] [Accepted: 01/07/2008] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Yang L, Ling DSF. Carbenoxolone modifies spontaneous inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission in rat somatosensory cortex. Neurosci Lett 2007; 416:221-6. [PMID: 17382470 PMCID: PMC1934620 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2007.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2006] [Revised: 10/30/2006] [Accepted: 01/22/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Gap junction (GJ) coupling between neocortical GABAergic interneurons plays a critical role in the synchronization of activity in cortical networks in physiological and pathophysiological states, e.g., seizures. Past studies have shown that GJ blockers exert anticonvulsant actions in both in vivo and in vitro models of epilepsy. However, the precise mechanisms underlying these antiepileptic effects have not been fully elucidated. This is due, in part, to a lack of information of the influence of GJ blockade on network activity in the absence of convulsant agents or enhanced neuronal excitation. One key question is whether GJ blockers act on excitatory or inhibitory systems, or both. To address this issue, we examined the effects of the GJ blocker carbenoxolone (CarbX, 150 microM) on spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) and excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in acute slices of rat somatosensory cortex. Results showed that CarbX decreased the amplitude and frequency of sIPSCs by 30.2% and 25.7%, respectively. CarbX increased the mean frequency of sEPSCs by 24.1%, but had no effect on sEPSC amplitude. During blockade of GABAA-mediated events with picrotoxin (20 microM), CarbX induced only a small increase in sEPSC frequency that was not statistically different from control, indicating CarbX enhancement of sEPECs was secondary to the depression of synaptic inhibition. These findings suggest that in neocortex, blockade of GJs leads to an increase in spontaneous excitation by uncoupling GABAergic interneurons, and that electronic communication between inhibitory cells plays a significant role in regulating tonic synaptic excitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lie Yang
- Department of Physiology and The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA.
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Bostanci MO, Bağirici F. Anticonvulsive effects of carbenoxolone on penicillin-induced epileptiform activity: an in vivo study. Neuropharmacology 2006; 52:362-7. [PMID: 17027044 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2006.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2006] [Revised: 06/14/2006] [Accepted: 08/17/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is an important problem in neurological disorders. Recent studies claimed that gap junctions have a critical role in epileptic neuronal events. The aim of present study is to investigate the effects of gap junction blocker carbenoxolone on penicillin-induced experimental epilepsy. For this purpose, 4-month-old male Wistar rats were used in the present study. Permanent screw electrodes allowing EEG monitoring from conscious animals and permanent cannula providing the administration of the substances to the brain ventricle were placed into the cranium of rats under general anesthesia. At the end of the postoperative recovery period, epileptiform activity was generated by injecting 300 IU crystallized penicillin through the ventricular cannula. Epileptiform activity monitored from a digital recording system, when it reached its maximum intensity, carbenoxolone (100, 200, 500 nmol) was applied in the same way with penicillin. Effects of carbenoxolone on epileptiform activity were assessed by both electrophysiological and behavioral analysis. Carbenoxolone suppressed epileptiform activity by decreasing the amplitude and frequency of epileptiform spikes and by attenuating the epileptiform behavior. The results of this study suggest that the blockade of electrical synapses may contribute to the prevention and amelioration of epileptic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Omer Bostanci
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ondokuz Mayis University, 55139 Samsun, Turkey.
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McCracken CB, Roberts DCS. A single evoked afterdischarge produces rapid time-dependent changes in connexin36 protein expression in adult rat dorsal hippocampus. Neurosci Lett 2006; 405:84-8. [PMID: 16859830 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2006.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2006] [Revised: 05/11/2006] [Accepted: 06/12/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions between neurons contribute to synchronous neuronal firing and may play a role in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. We examined the expression of a number of gap junction subunits, including the neuronal gap junction forming protein connexin36 (Cx36), in the hippocampus at various time points following an electrically stimulated afterdischarge (AD) in freely-moving animals. Once recovered from electrode implantation, animals were tested with an escalating series of stimulations until an AD was evoked. Suprathreshold stimulation produced a brief AD with no convulsion. Groups of animals were sacrificed at 3, 12, and 24h post-stimulation, and connexin expression was assessed via semiquantitative immunoblotting. Compared to implanted non-stimulated controls, a significant decrease in Cx36 expression was observed in the stimulated dorsal hippocampus at 3h post-stimulation, which returned to control levels by 24h. No changes were seen in the ventral hippocampus. As well, no changes were seen in other selected connexin proteins including Cx26, Cx32, and Cx43, thought to be expressed primarily in glia, in either dorsal or ventral hippocampus. These data suggest that a relatively brief hypersynchronous neuronal discharge can produce rapid and specific changes in Cx36 expression, which may have implications for both normal brain function and the pathophysiology of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton B McCracken
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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Collignon F, Wetjen NM, Cohen-Gadol AA, Cascino GD, Parisi J, Meyer FB, Marsh WR, Roche P, Weigand SD. Altered expression of connexin subtypes in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy in humans. J Neurosurg 2006; 105:77-87. [PMID: 16874892 DOI: 10.3171/jns.2006.105.1.77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Object
The causes of epileptic events remain unclear. Much in vitro and in vivo experimental evidence suggests that gap junctions formed by connexins (Cxs) between neurons and/or astrocytes contribute to the generation and maintenance of seizures; however, few experiments have been conducted in humans, and those completed have shown controversial data. The authors designed a study to compare the level of expression of Cxs in hippocampi from epileptic and nonepileptic patients to assess whether an alteration of gap junction expression in epileptic tissue plays a role in seizure origin and propagation.
Methods
The expression of Cxs32, -36, and -43 was studied in 47 consecutive samples of hippocampi obtained from epileptic patients who had undergone an amygdalohippocampectomy for the treatment of intractable seizure. These expression levels were compared with those in hippocampi obtained in nonepileptic patients during postmortem dissection. Immunostaining was performed to create one slide for each of the three Cxs. Each slide demonstrated multiple cells from each of six regions (CA1, CA2, CA3, CA4, dentate gyrus, and subiculum). Two independent reviewers rated each Cx–region combination according to an immunoreactive score.
Across all three measures—that is, staining intensity, percentage of positively stained cells, and immunoreactive score—Cx32 appeared to be expressed at a significantly lower level in the epileptic patients compared with controls (p < 0.001 for each measure), whereas Cx43 appeared to be expressed more among the epileptic patients (p < 0.001 for each measure). There was no evidence of any differential expression of Cx36. There was, however, regional variation within each Cx subtype. For Cx36, the staining intensity was higher in the CA2 region in the epilepsy group.
Conclusions
The increase in Cx43, decrease in Cx32, and preservation of Cx36 expression in hippocampi from epileptic persons could play a role in the development of seizures in patients with temporal sclerosis. Additional studies must be completed to understand this mechanism better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Collignon
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.
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Gigout S, Louvel J, Kawasaki H, D'Antuono M, Armand V, Kurcewicz I, Olivier A, Laschet J, Turak B, Devaux B, Pumain R, Avoli M. Effects of gap junction blockers on human neocortical synchronization. Neurobiol Dis 2006; 22:496-508. [PMID: 16478664 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2005.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2005] [Revised: 12/14/2005] [Accepted: 12/19/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Field potentials and intracellular recordings were obtained from human neocortical slices to study the role of gap junctions (GJ) in neuronal network synchronization. First, we examined the effects of GJ blockers (i.e., carbenoxolone, octanol, quinine, and quinidine) on the spontaneous synchronous events (duration = 0.2-1.1 s; intervals of occurrence = 3-27 s) generated by neocortical slices obtained from temporal lobe epileptic patients during application of 4-aminopyridine (4AP, 50 muM) and glutamatergic receptor antagonists. The synchronicity of these potentials (recorded at distances up to 5 mm) was decreased by GJ blockers within 20 min of application, while prolonged GJ blockers treatment at higher doses made them disappear with different time courses. Second, we found that slices from patients with focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) could generate in normal medium spontaneous synchronous discharges (duration = 0.4-8 s; intervals of occurrence = 0.5-90 s) that were (i) abolished by NMDA receptor antagonists and (ii) slowed down by carbenoxolone. Finally, octanol or carbenoxolone blocked 4AP-induced ictal-like discharges (duration = up to 35 s) in FCD slices. These data indicate that GJ play a role in synchronizing human neocortical networks and may implement epileptiform activity in FCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gigout
- INSERM U 573, Paris, 75014 France
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Gigout S, Louvel J, Pumain R. Effects in vitro and in vivo of a gap junction blocker on epileptiform activities in a genetic model of absence epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2006; 69:15-29. [PMID: 16466906 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2005.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2005] [Revised: 11/28/2005] [Accepted: 12/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of carbenoxolone (CBX), a gap junctions (GJ) blocker, on epileptiform activities in vivo and in vitro. In a first series of experiments, i.p. CBX decreased the cumulative duration of cortical spike-wave discharges (SWD) in adult Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) without reduction in the SW amplitude or frequency. Since SWD are generated in thalamocortical networks, we studied the effect of CBX on thalamic and cortical activities elicited by 4-aminopyridine (4AP) in thalamocortical slices from GAERS or non-epileptic rats (NER). Spontaneous ictal-like activities (ILA) were recorded simultaneously in thalamus and somatosensory cortex. However, experiments where these structures were surgically separated showed that ILA were generated in the cortex and recorded by volume conduction in the thalamus. GABA-dependent negative field potentials were also recorded in the cortex, either isolated or initiating ILA. After bath-applying CBX (100 microM), the frequency and cumulative duration of ILA decreased but less rapidly in GAERS than in NER slices and they disappeared at a time point when GABA-dependent negative potentials remained. These data suggest that GJ do not mediate the 4AP induced interneuronal synchronisation but may be implicated in the spreading of the synchronised activities from interneuronal networks to principal neurones. Our results show that CBX exerts an antiepileptic action in vivo, and that GJ blockers limits spread of synchronised activities in vitro. They may represent an appropriate target for development of new antiepileptic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Gigout
- Neurobiologie et Pharmacologie moléculaire, INSERM U 573, 75014 Paris, France
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Derchansky M, Shahar E, Wennberg RA, Samoilova M, Jahromi SS, Abdelmalik PA, Zhang L, Carlen PL. Model of frequent, recurrent, and spontaneous seizures in the intact mouse hippocampus. Hippocampus 2005; 14:935-47. [PMID: 15390177 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
This study presents a model of chronic, recurrent, spontaneous seizures in the intact isolated hippocampal preparation from mice aged P8-P25. Field activity from the CA1 pyramidal cell layer was recorded and recurrent, spontaneous seizure-like events (SLEs) were observed in the presence of low Mg2+ (0.25 mM) artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF). Hippocampi also showed interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) of 0.9-4.2 Hz occurring between seizures. No age-specific differences were found in SLE occurrence (2 SLEs per 10 min, on average), duration, and corresponding frequencies. After long exposure to low Mg2+ ACSF (>3 h), SLEs were completely reversible within minutes with the application of normal (2 mM Mg2+) ACSF. The AMPA antagonist, CNQX, blocked all epileptiform activity, whereas the NMDA antagonist, APV, did not. The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A antagonist, bicuculline, attenuated and fragmented SLEs, implicating interneurons in SLE generation. The L-type Ca2+ blocker, nifedipine, enhanced epileptiform activity. Analysis of dual site recordings along the septotemporal hippocampus demonstrated that epileptiform activity began first in the temporal pole of the hippocampus, as illustrated by disconnection experiments. Once an SLE had been established, however, the septal hippocampus was sometimes seen to lead the epileptiform activity. The whole hippocampus with intact local circuitry, treated with low Mg2+, provides a realistic model of recurrent spontaneous seizures, which may be used, in normal and genetically modified mice, to study the dynamics of seizures and seizure evolution, as well as the mechanisms of action of anti-epileptic drugs and other therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Derchansky
- Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Toronto Western Research Institute, Ontario, Toronto, Canada
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Whalley BJ, Postlethwaite M, Constanti A. Further characterization of muscarinic agonist-induced epileptiform bursting activity in immature rat piriform cortex, in vitro. Neuroscience 2005; 134:549-66. [PMID: 15961237 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2005] [Revised: 04/05/2005] [Accepted: 04/07/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The characteristics of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist-induced epileptiform bursting seen in immature rat piriform cortex slices in vitro were further investigated using intracellular recording, with particular focus on its postnatal age-dependence (P+14-P+30), pharmacology, site(s) of origin and the likely contribution of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist-induced post-stimulus slow afterdepolarization and gap junction functionality toward its generation. The muscarinic agonist, oxotremorine-M (10 microM), induced rhythmic bursting only in immature piriform cortex slices; however, paroxysmal depolarizing shift amplitude, burst duration and burst incidence were inversely related to postnatal age. No significant age-dependent changes in neuronal membrane properties or postsynaptic muscarinic responsiveness accounted for this decline. Burst incidence was higher when recorded in anterior and posterior regions of the immature piriform cortex. In adult and immature neurones, oxotremorine-M effects were abolished by M1-, but not M2-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-selective antagonists. Rostrocaudal lesions, between piriform cortex layers I and II, or layer III and endopiriform nucleus in adult or immature slices did not influence oxotremorine-M effects; however, the slow afterdepolarization in adult (but not immature) lesioned slices was abolished. Gap junction blockers (carbenoxolone or octanol) disrupted muscarinic bursting and diminished the slow afterdepolarization in immature slices, suggesting that gap junction connectivity was important for bursting. Our data show that neural networks within layers II-III function as primary oscillatory circuits for burst initiation in immature rat piriform cortex during persistent muscarinic receptor activation. Furthermore, we propose that muscarinic slow afterdepolarization induction and gap junction communication could contribute towards the increased epileptiform susceptibility of this brain area.
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Affiliation(s)
- B J Whalley
- Department of Pharmacology, The School of Pharmacy, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London WC1N 1AX, UK.
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Gareri P, Condorelli D, Belluardo N, Russo E, Loiacono A, Barresi V, Trovato-Salinaro A, Trovato-Salinato A, Mirone MB, Ferreri Ibbadu G, De Sarro G. Anticonvulsant effects of carbenoxolone in genetically epilepsy prone rats (GEPRs). Neuropharmacology 2004; 47:1205-16. [PMID: 15567430 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2004.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2004] [Revised: 07/14/2004] [Accepted: 08/18/2004] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Carbenoxolone (CBX), the succinyl ester of glycyrrhetinic acid, is an inhibitor of gap junctional intercellular communication. Systemic administration of CBX was able to decrease the seizure severity score and to increase the latency time of seizure onset in genetically epilepsy prone rats (GEPRs). In particular, intravenous or intraperitoneal administration of carbenoxolone (5-30 mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent and significant reduction in the clonic and tonic phases of the audiogenic seizures in GEPRs. The anticonvulsant doses were not associated with an impairment of motor coordination. The bilateral microinjection of CBX (0.001-0.50 microg/0.5 microl) into the inferior colliculi, the substantia nigra (pars reticulata or compacta) and the inferior olivary complex was able to reduce the seizure severity score in a dose-dependent manner. The anticonvulsant effects were longer lasting after focal microinjection than after systemic administration. No anticonvulsant effects were observed following focal bilateral microinjections of glycyrrhizin into the same brain areas where CBX was shown to be effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Gareri
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Nakase T, Naus CCG. Gap junctions and neurological disorders of the central nervous system. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2004; 1662:149-58. [PMID: 15033585 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2004.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2003] [Revised: 01/14/2004] [Accepted: 01/22/2004] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions are intercellular channels which directly connect the cytoplasm between neighboring cells. In the central nervous system (CNS) various kinds of cells are coupled by gap junctions, which play an important role in maintaining normal function. Neuronal gap junctions are involved in electrical coupling and may also contribute to the recovery of function after cell injury. Astrocytes are involved in the pathology of most neuronal disorders, including brain ischemia, Alzheimer's disease and epilepsy. In the pathology of brain tumors, gap junctions may be related to the degree of malignancy and metastasis. However, the role of connexins, gap junctions and hemichannels in the pathology of the diseases in the CNS is still ambiguous. Of increasing importance is the unraveling of the function of gap junctions in the neural cell network, involving neurons, astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes. A better understanding of the role of gap junctions may contribute to the development of new therapeutic approaches to treating diseases of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taizen Nakase
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of British Columbia, 313-2177 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
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Dougalis A, Lees G, Ganellin CR. The sleep lipid oleamide may represent an endogenous anticonvulsant: an in vitro comparative study in the 4-aminopyridine rat brain-slice model. Neuropharmacology 2004; 46:541-54. [PMID: 14975678 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2003.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2003] [Revised: 10/06/2003] [Accepted: 10/16/2003] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
cis-Oleamide (cOA) is a putative endocannabinoid, which modulates GABA(A) receptors, Na+ channels and gap-junctions (important targets for clinical and experimental anticonvulsants). Here we address the hypothesis that cOA possesses seizure limiting properties and might represent an endogenous anticonvulsant. Field potentials were recorded from the rat hippocampus and visual cortex. The effects of cOA, were compared to carbamazepine (CBZ), pentobarbital (PB) and carbenoxolone (CRX) on 4-Aminopyridine(4AP)-induced epileptiform discharges. CBZ (100 microM), PB (50 microM) and CRX (100 microM), but not cOA (64 microM), significantly attenuated the duration of the evoked epileptiform discharges in CA1. Interictal activity in CA3 was significantly depressed by CRX and cOA (irreversible by AM251), increased by CBZ and remained unaffected by PB. CBZ, PB and CRX abolished spontaneous ictal events and attenuated evoked ictal discharges in the visual cortex. cOA did not abolish spontaneous ictal events, but significantly (albeit weakly) reduced the duration of evoked ictal events. cOA and CRX, in contrast to CBZ or PB, caused a significant delay in the development of the evoked (tonic phase) epileptiform discharges. The weak effects of cOA seem independent of cannabinoid (CB1) receptors. Enzymatic cleavage and lack of specific antagonists for cOA confound simple interpretations of its actions in slices. Its high lipophilicity, imposing a permeability barrier, may also explain the lack of anticonvulsant activity. The effects of cOA may well be masked by release of the endogenous ligand upon ictal depolarisation as we demonstrate here for established endocannabinoids. cOA does not possess profound antiepileptic actions in our hands compared to CBZ, PB or CRX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Dougalis
- Sunderland Pharmacy School, School of Health, Social and Natural Sciences, University of Sunderland, Wharncliffe Street, Sunderland, SR1 3SD, UK
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Gareri P, Condorelli D, Belluardo N, Gratteri S, Ferreri G, Donato Di Paola E, De Sarro A, De Sarro G. Influence of carbenoxolone on the anticonvulsant efficacy of conventional antiepileptic drugs against audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2004; 484:49-56. [PMID: 14729381 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2003.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Carbenoxolone, the succinyl ester of glycyrrhetinic acid, is an inhibitor of 11beta-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase and gap junctional intercellular communication. It is currently used in clinical treatment of ulcer diseases. Systemic administration of carbenoxolone (1-40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)) was able to produce a dose-dependent decrease in DBA/2 audiogenic seizure severity score. Glycyrrhizin, an analogue of carbenoxolone inactive at the gap-junction level, was unable to affect audiogenic seizures at doses up to 30 mg/kg. In combination with conventional antiepileptic drugs, carbenoxolone, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p., which per se did not significantly affect the occurrence of audiogenic seizures in DBA/2 mice, potentiated the anticonvulsant activity of carbamazepine, diazepam, felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and valproate against sound-induced seizures in DBA/2 mice. This effect was not observed after the combination of glycyrrhizin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) with some conventional antiepileptic drugs. The degree of potentiation induced by carbenoxolone was greater for diazepam, felbamate, gabapentin, phenobarbital and valproate, less for lamotrigine, phenytoin and carbamazepine. This increase was associated with a comparable impairment in motor activity; however, the therapeutic index of combined treatment of antiepileptic drugs with carbenoxolone was more favourable than the combination with glycyrrhizin or saline. Since carbenoxolone did not significantly influence the total and free plasma levels of diazepam, felbamate, gabapentin, lamotrigine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproate and carbamazepine, pharmacokinetic interactions are not likely. However, the possibility that carbenoxolone can modify the brain clearance of the anticonvulsant drugs studied may not be excluded. In addition, carbenoxolone did not significantly affect the hypothermic effects of the anticonvulsants tested. In conclusion, carbenoxolone showed an additive anticonvulsant effect when administered in combination with some classical anticonvulsants, most notably diazepam, felbamate, gabapentin, phenobarbital, and valproate, implicating a possible therapeutic relevance of such drug combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Gareri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine at Catanzaro, Policlinico Mater Domini, Via T. Campanella, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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Condorelli DF, Trovato-Salinaro A, Mudò G, Mirone MB, Belluardo N. Cellular expression of connexins in the rat brain: neuronal localization, effects of kainate-induced seizures and expression in apoptotic neuronal cells. Eur J Neurosci 2003; 18:1807-27. [PMID: 14622215 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.02910.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The identification of connexins (Cxs) expressed in neuronal cells represents a crucial step for understanding the direct communication between neurons and between neuron and glia. In the present work, using a double-labelling method combining in situ hybridization for Cx mRNAs with immunohistochemical detection for neuronal markers, we provide evidence that, among cerebral connexins (Cx26, Cx32, Cx36, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45 and Cx47), only Cx45 and Cx36 mRNAs are localized in neuronal cells in both developing and adult rat brain. In order to establish whether connexin expression is influenced in vivo by abnormal neuronal activity, we examined the short-term effects of kainate-induced seizures. The results revealed an unexpected expression of Cx26 and Cx45 mRNA in neuronal cells undergoing apoptotic cell death in the CA3-CA4, in the hilus of the hippocampus and in other brain regions involved in seizure-induced lesion. However, the expression of Cx26 and Cx45 mRNAs was not associated with detectable expression of corresponding proteins as evaluated by immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies. Moreover, in the same brain regions Cx32 and Cx43 were up-regulated in non-neruronal cells whereas the neuronal Cx36 was down-regulated. Taken together the present results provide novel information regarding the specific subpopulation of neurons expressing Cx45 and raise the question of the meaning of connexin mRNA expression in the neuronal apoptotic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele F Condorelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Nyikos L, Lasztóczi B, Antal K, Kovács R, Kardos J. Desynchronisation of spontaneously recurrent experimental seizures proceeds with a single rhythm. Neuroscience 2003; 121:705-17. [PMID: 14568030 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(03)00559-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Here we investigate the temporal properties of recurrent seizure-like events (SLEs) in a low-[Mg(2+)] model of experimental epilepsy. Simultaneous intra- and extracellular electric signals were recorded in the CA3 region of rat hippocampal slices whereby cytosolic [Ca(2+)] transients were imaged by fluorescence detection. Recurrence pattern analysis was applied to give a measure of synchrony of simultaneously recorded intra- and extracellular electric signals and the SLE frequencies were extracted by complex wavelet analysis. Slices from the juvenile, but not the young adult rats, displayed several high-amplitude triplets of electric and [Ca(2+)] transients, termed paroxysmal spikes, followed by an SLE. Occurrence of the full-blown SLE was associated with decreased synaptic activity between the paroxysmal spikes that were seen as incomplete SLE starting sequences. The time series of recurrent SLEs provide evidence for a single SLE rhythm as continuously declining from about 200 Hz to below 1 Hz at the onset and termination of SLE, respectively, with an intermediate spectral discontinuity, tentatively identified with the tonic/clonic transition. All other frequency components were the harmonics of the fundamental rhythm, whereby the gamma and the theta band oscillations were not detected as separate activities. Recurrence showed decreasing temporal synchrony of intra- and extracellular signals during the SLE, suggesting that coincidence is destroyed by the SLE. Blockade of gap junctions with 200 microM carbenoxolone ceased recurrent SLEs. Release of gap junction blockade shortened both SLEs and their tonic phase indicating that persistent changes occurred via an altered gap junction coupling. We conclude that the initially precise temporal synchrony is gradually destroyed during ictal events with a single rhythm of continuously decreasing frequency. Blockade of gap junction coupling might prevent epileptic synchronisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Nyikos
- Department of Neurochemistry, Chemical Institute, Chemical Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
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Abstract
Synaptic plasticity requires an activity-dependent, rapid, and long-lasting modification of synaptic character, including morphology and coupling strength. Here we show that a serine protease, neuropsin, directly and specifically modifies the synaptic adhesion molecule L1, which was localized to the presynaptic site of the asymmetric synapse in the mouse hippocampus. Increased neural activity triggered the rapid, transient activation of the precursor form of neuropsin in an NMDA receptor-dependent manner. The activated neuropsin immediately cleaved L1 and released a neuropsin-specific extracellular 180 kDa fragment. This neuropsin-specific L1-cleaving system is involved in NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity, such as the Schaffer collateral long-term potentiation.
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Samoilova M, Li J, Pelletier MR, Wentlandt K, Adamchik Y, Naus CC, Carlen PL. Epileptiform activity in hippocampal slice cultures exposed chronically to bicuculline: increased gap junctional function and expression. J Neurochem 2003; 86:687-99. [PMID: 12859682 DOI: 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2003.01893.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chronic (18 h) exposure of cultured hippocampal slices to the type-A GABA receptor blocker, bicuculline methiodide (BMI) 10 micro m increased the levels of connexin 43 (Cx43) and connexin 32 (Cx32) mRNAs, but not connexin 26 and connexin 36, as demonstrated by RNase protection assays. The levels of Cx43 and Cx32 proteins in membrane fractions detected by western blotting were also significantly increased. Immunoblotting indicated that BMI also promoted a significant expression of the transcription protein c-fos. The rate of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching, an index of gap junctional coupling, was also significantly increased, whereas it was blocked by the gap junctional blocker, carbenoxolone (100 micro m). Extracellular recordings in CA1 stratum pyramidale, performed in BMI-free solution, demonstrated that BMI-exposed cultures possessed synaptic responses characteristic of epileptiform discharges: (i) significantly greater frequency of spontaneous epileptiform discharges, (ii) post-synaptic potentials with multiple population spikes, and (iii) significantly longer duration of primary afterdischarges. Carbenoxolone (100 micro m), but not its inactive analog, oleanolic acid (100 micro m), reversibly inhibited spontaneous and evoked epileptiform discharges. The findings of BMI-induced parallel increases in levels of gap junction expression and function, and the increase in epileptiform discharges, which were sensitive to gap junctional blockers, are consistent with the hypothesis that increased gap junctional communication plays an intrinsic role in the epileptogenic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Samoilova
- Bloorview Epilepsy Research Laboratory, Division of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Szente M, Gajda Z, Said Ali K, Hermesz E. Involvement of electrical coupling in the in vivo ictal epileptiform activity induced by 4-aminopyridine in the neocortex. Neuroscience 2002; 115:1067-78. [PMID: 12453480 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(02)00533-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In the present study we have investigated the possible role of gap junctions in the induction and manifestation of 4-aminopyridine-induced acute seizure activity both at the primary focus and at the mirror focus in anaesthetized rats by combining electrophysiological, pharmacological and molecular biological techniques. In the course of the intracellular recordings, unusual firing patterns that are assumed to be mediated by electrical coupling and appearing either randomly or in close time-locked manner with the ictal discharges were observed. In another series of experiments, a significant decrease in the intensity of seizure activity of the already active epileptic foci was detected when electrical synaptic transmission was blocked by carbenoxolone either at the primary focus or at the mirror focus. When electrical synaptic transmission was depressed relative to the initial baseline prior to the induction of epileptic focus, only a mild influence on the induction of seizure discharges occurred. The role of the gap junctional communication in the epileptiform activity was further investigated by following the expression pattern of two connexin genes. Both, connexin-32 and connexin-43 mRNA levels were significantly elevated at the primary focus as well as at the mirror focus, after 60 min of repeated ictal discharges. We conclude that gap junction communication probably became a part of the neuronal synchronization both in the primary and in the secondarily-induced acute epileptiform activity in the neocortex in vivo. These results, together with earlier observations, indicate a direction for the development of new drugs targeting gap junctions for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Szente
- Department of Comparative Physiology, University of Szeged, Közép fasor 52, H-6726, Szeged, Hungary
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