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Orser BA. Discovering the Intriguing Properties of Extrasynaptic γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptors. Anesthesiology 2024; 140:1192-1200. [PMID: 38624275 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Tonic inhibition in mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons is mediated by α5 subunit-containing γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. By Caraiscos VB, Elliott EM, You-Ten KE, Cheng VY, Belelli D, Newell JG, Jackson MF, Lambert JJ, Rosahl TW, Wafford KA, MacDonald JF, Orser BA. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:3662-7. Reprinted with permission. In this Classic Paper Revisited, the author recounts the scientific journey leading to a report published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) and shares several personal stories from her formative years and "research truths" that she has learned along the way. Briefly, the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), was conventionally thought to regulate cognitive processes by activating synaptic GABA type A (GABAA) receptors and generating transient inhibitory synaptic currents. However, the author's laboratory team discovered a novel nonsynaptic form of tonic inhibition in hippocampal pyramidal neurons, mediated by extrasynaptic GABAA receptors that are pharmacologically distinct from synaptic GABAA receptors. This tonic current is highly sensitive to most general anesthetics, including sevoflurane and propofol, and likely contributes to the memory-blocking properties of these drugs. Before the publication in PNAS, the subunit composition of GABAA receptors that generate the tonic current was unknown. The team's research showed that GABAA receptors containing the α5 subunit (α5GABAARs) generated the tonic inhibitory current in hippocampal neurons. α5GABAARs are highly sensitive to GABA, desensitize slowly, and are thus well suited for detecting low, persistent, ambient concentrations of GABA in the extracellular space. Interest in α5GABAARs has surged since the PNAS report, driven by their pivotal roles in cognitive processes and their potential as therapeutic targets for treating various neurologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley A Orser
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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2
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Mishima T, Komano K, Tabaru M, Kofuji T, Saito A, Ugawa Y, Terao Y. Repetitive pulsed-wave ultrasound stimulation suppresses neural activity by modulating ambient GABA levels via effects on astrocytes. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1361242. [PMID: 38601023 PMCID: PMC11004293 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1361242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Ultrasound is highly biopermeable and can non-invasively penetrate deep into the brain. Stimulation with patterned low-intensity ultrasound can induce sustained inhibition of neural activity in humans and animals, with potential implications for research and therapeutics. Although mechanosensitive channels are involved, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuromodulation by ultrasound remain unknown. To investigate the mechanism of action of ultrasound stimulation, we studied the effects of two types of patterned ultrasound on synaptic transmission and neural network activity using whole-cell recordings in primary cultured hippocampal cells. Single-shot pulsed-wave (PW) or continuous-wave (CW) ultrasound had no effect on neural activity. By contrast, although repetitive CW stimulation also had no effect, repetitive PW stimulation persistently reduced spontaneous recurrent burst firing. This inhibitory effect was dependent on extrasynaptic-but not synaptic-GABAA receptors, and the effect was abolished under astrocyte-free conditions. Pharmacological activation of astrocytic TRPA1 channels mimicked the effects of ultrasound by increasing the tonic GABAA current induced by ambient GABA. Pharmacological blockade of TRPA1 channels abolished the inhibitory effect of ultrasound. These findings suggest that the repetitive PW low-intensity ultrasound used in our study does not have a direct effect on neural function but instead exerts its sustained neuromodulatory effect through modulation of ambient GABA levels via channels with characteristics of TRPA1, which is expressed in astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Mishima
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Kenta Komano
- Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Marie Tabaru
- Institute of Innovative Research, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kofuji
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
- Radioisotope Laboratory, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Ayako Saito
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Ugawa
- Department of Human Neurophysiology, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yasuo Terao
- Department of Medical Physiology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Mitaka, Japan
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3
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Richardson RJ, Petrou S, Bryson A. Established and emerging GABA A receptor pharmacotherapy for epilepsy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1341472. [PMID: 38449810 PMCID: PMC10915249 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1341472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Drugs that modulate the GABAA receptor are widely used in clinical practice for both the long-term management of epilepsy and emergency seizure control. In addition to older medications that have well-defined roles for the treatment of epilepsy, recent discoveries into the structure and function of the GABAA receptor have led to the development of newer compounds designed to maximise therapeutic benefit whilst minimising adverse effects, and whose position within the epilepsy pharmacologic armamentarium is still emerging. Drugs that modulate the GABAA receptor will remain a cornerstone of epilepsy management for the foreseeable future and, in this article, we provide an overview of the mechanisms and clinical efficacy of both established and emerging pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Richardson
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Steven Petrou
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Praxis Precision Medicines, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Alexander Bryson
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Eastern Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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4
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Liddiard GT, Suryavanshi PS, Glykys J. Enhancing GABAergic Tonic Inhibition Reduces Seizure-Like Activity in the Neonatal Mouse Hippocampus and Neocortex. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1342232023. [PMID: 38176909 PMCID: PMC10869160 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1342-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately one-third of neonatal seizures do not respond to first-line anticonvulsants, including phenobarbital, which enhances phasic inhibition. Whether enhancing tonic inhibition decreases seizure-like activity in the neonate when GABA is mainly depolarizing at this age is unknown. We evaluated if increasing tonic inhibition using THIP [4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo(5,4-c)pyridin-3-ol, gaboxadol], a δ-subunit-selective GABAA receptor agonist, decreases seizure-like activity in neonatal C57BL/6J mice (postnatal day P5-8, both sexes) using acute brain slices. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed that THIP enhanced GABAergic tonic inhibitory conductances in layer V neocortical and CA1 pyramidal neurons and increased their rheobase without altering sEPSC characteristics. Two-photon calcium imaging demonstrated that enhancing the activity of extrasynaptic GABAARs decreased neuronal firing in both brain regions. In the 4-aminopyridine and the low-Mg2+ model of pharmacoresistant seizures, THIP reduced epileptiform activity in the neocortex and CA1 hippocampal region of neonatal and adult brain slices in a dose-dependent manner. We conclude that neocortical layer V and CA1 pyramidal neurons have tonic inhibitory conductances, and when enhanced, they reduce neuronal firing and decrease seizure-like activity. Therefore, augmenting tonic inhibition could be a viable approach for treating neonatal seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- G T Liddiard
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, Iowa
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, Iowa
| | - P S Suryavanshi
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, Iowa
| | - J Glykys
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, Iowa
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, The University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, Iowa
- Department of Neurology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, Iowa
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Feng YF, Zhou YY, Duan KM. The Role of Extrasynaptic GABA Receptors in Postpartum Depression. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:385-396. [PMID: 37612480 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03574-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Postpartum depression is a serious disease with a high incidence and severe impact on pregnant women and infants, but its mechanism remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that GABA receptors, especially extrasynaptic receptors, are closely associated with postpartum depression. There are many different structures of GABA receptors, so different types of receptors have different functions, even though they transmit information primarily through GABA. In this review, we focus on the function of GABA receptors, especially extrasynaptic GABA receptors, and their association with postpartum depression. We have shown that the extrasynaptic GABA receptor has a significant impact on the activity and function of neurons through tonic inhibition. The extrasynaptic receptor and its ligands undergo drastic changes during pregnancy and childbirth. Abnormal changes or the body's inability to adjust and recover may be an important cause of postpartum depression. Finally, by reviewing the mechanisms of several novel antidepressants, we suggest that extrasynaptic receptors may be potential targets for the treatment of postpartum depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Fei Feng
- Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yin Yong Zhou
- Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Kai Ming Duan
- Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China.
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Ali I, Silva J, Casillas-Espinosa PM, Braine E, Yamakawa GR, Hudson MR, Brady RD, Major B, Thergarajan P, Haskali MB, Wright DK, Jupp B, Vivash L, Shultz SR, Mychasiuk R, Kwan P, Jones NC, Fukushima K, Sachdev P, Cheng JY, O'Brien TJ. E2730, an uncompetitive γ-aminobutyric acid transporter-1 inhibitor, suppresses epileptic seizures in a rat model of chronic mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsia 2023; 64:2806-2817. [PMID: 37539645 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE More than one third of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients are resistant to current antiseizure medications (ASMs), and half experience mild-to-moderate adverse effects of ASMs. There is therefore a strong need to develop and test novel ASMs. The objective of this work is to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and neurological toxicity of E2730, a novel uncompetitive inhibitor of γ-aminobutyric acid transporter-1, and to test its seizure suppression effects in a rat model of chronic MTLE. METHODS We first examined plasma levels and adverse neurological effects of E2730 in healthy Wistar rats. Adult male rats were implanted with osmotic pumps delivering either 10, 20, or 100 mg/kg/day of E2730 subcutaneously for 1 week. Blood sampling and behavioral assessments were performed at several timepoints. We next examined whether E2730 suppressed seizures in rats with chronic MTLE. These rats were exposed to kainic acid-induced status epilepticus, and 9 weeks later, when chronic epilepsy was established, were assigned to receive one of the three doses of E2730 or vehicle for 1 week in a randomized crossover design. Continuous video-electroencephalographic monitoring was acquired during the treatment period to evaluate epileptic seizures. RESULTS Plasma levels following continuous infusion of E2730 showed a clear dose-related increase in concentration. The drug was well tolerated at all doses, and any sedation or neuromotor impairment was mild and transient, resolving within 48 h of treatment initiation. Remarkably, E2730 treatment in chronically epileptic rats led to seizure suppression in a dose-dependent manner, with 65% of rats becoming seizure-free at the highest dose tested. Mean seizure class did not differ between the treatment groups. SIGNIFICANCE This study shows that continuous subcutaneous infusion of E2730 over 7 days results in a marked, dose-dependent suppression of spontaneous recurrent seizures, with minimal adverse neurological effects, in a rat model of chronic MTLE. E2730 shows strong promise as an effective new ASM to be translated into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idrish Ali
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Juliana Silva
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pablo M Casillas-Espinosa
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma Braine
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew R Hudson
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan Major
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Mohammad B Haskali
- Radiopharmaceutical Research Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bianca Jupp
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lucy Vivash
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick Kwan
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nigel C Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Koh W, Kwak H, Cheong E, Lee CJ. GABA tone regulation and its cognitive functions in the brain. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:523-539. [PMID: 37495761 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00724-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter released at GABAergic synapses, mediating fast-acting phasic inhibition. Emerging lines of evidence unequivocally indicate that a small amount of extracellular GABA - GABA tone - exists in the brain and induces a tonic GABA current that controls neuronal activity on a slow timescale relative to that of phasic inhibition. Surprisingly, studies indicate that glial cells that synthesize GABA, such as astrocytes, release GABA through non-vesicular mechanisms, such as channel-mediated release, and thereby act as the source of GABA tone in the brain. In this Review, we first provide an overview of major advances in our understanding of the cell-specific molecular and cellular mechanisms of GABA synthesis, release and clearance that regulate GABA tone in various brain regions. We next examine the diverse ways in which the tonic GABA current regulates synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity through extrasynaptic GABAA-receptor-mediated mechanisms. Last, we discuss the physiological mechanisms through which tonic inhibition modulates cognitive function on a slow timescale. In this Review, we emphasize that the cognitive functions of tonic GABA current extend beyond mere inhibition, laying a foundation for future research on the physiological and pathophysiological roles of GABA tone regulation in normal and abnormal psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuhyun Koh
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hankyul Kwak
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eunji Cheong
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - C Justin Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea.
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8
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Sikes-Keilp C, Rubinow DR. GABA-ergic Modulators: New Therapeutic Approaches to Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:679-693. [PMID: 37542704 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is characterized by the predictable onset of mood and physical symptoms secondary to gonadal steroid fluctuation during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Although menstrual-related affective dysfunction is responsible for considerable functional impairment and reduction in quality of life worldwide, currently approved treatments for PMDD are suboptimal in their effectiveness. Research over the past two decades has suggested that the interaction between allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid derivative of progesterone, and the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system represents an important relationship underlying symptom genesis in reproductive-related mood disorders, including PMDD. The objective of this narrative review is to discuss the plausible link between changes in GABAergic transmission secondary to the fluctuation of allopregnanolone during the luteal phase and mood impairment in susceptible individuals. As part of this discussion, we explore promising findings from early clinical trials of several compounds that stabilize allopregnanolone signaling during the luteal phase, including dutasteride, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor; isoallopregnanolone, a GABA-A modulating steroid antagonist; and ulipristal acetate, a selective progesterone receptor modulator. We then reflect on the implications of these therapeutic advances, including how they may promote our knowledge of affective regulation more generally. We conclude that these and other studies of PMDD may yield critical insight into the etiopathogenesis of affective disorders, considering that (1) symptoms in PMDD have a predictable onset and offset, allowing for examination of affective state kinetics, and (2) GABAergic interventions in PMDD can be used to better understand the relationship between mood states, network regulation, and the balance between excitatory and inhibitory signaling in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Sikes-Keilp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Hospitals, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA.
| | - David R Rubinow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Hospitals, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
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9
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Sebastião AM, Ribeiro JA. Adjusting the brakes to adjust neuronal activity: Adenosinergic modulation of GABAergic transmission. Neuropharmacology 2023; 236:109600. [PMID: 37225084 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
About 50 years elapsed from the publication of the first full paper on the neuromodulatory action of adenosine at a 'simple' synapse model, the neuromuscular junction (Ginsborg and Hirst, 1972). In that study adenosine was used as a tool to increase cyclic AMP and for the great surprise, it decreased rather than increased neurotransmitter release, and for a further surprise, its action was prevented by theophylline, at the time only known as inhibitor of phosphodiesterases. These intriguing observations opened the curiosity for immediate studies relating the action of adenine nucleotides, known to be released together with neurotransmitters, to that of adenosine (Ribeiro and Walker, 1973, 1975). Our understanding on the ways adenosine uses to modulate synapses, circuits, and brain activity, vastly expanded since then. However, except for A2A receptors, whose actions upon GABAergic neurons of the striatum are well known, most of the attention given to the neuromodulatory action of adenosine has been focusing upon excitatory synapses. Evidence is growing that GABAergic transmission is also a target for adenosinergic neuromodulation through A1 and A2A receptors. Some o these actions have specific time windows during brain development, and others are selective for specific GABAergic neurons. Both tonic and phasic GABAergic transmission can be affected, and either neurons or astrocytes can be targeted. In some cases, those effects result from a concerted action with other neuromodulators. Implications of these actions in the control of neuronal function/dysfunction will be the focus of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Sebastião
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
| | - Joaquim Alexandre Ribeiro
- Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal; Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
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10
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Villalobos N, Ramírez-Sánchez E, Mondragón-García A, Garduño J, Castillo-Rolón D, Trujeque-Ramos S, Hernández-López S. Insulin decreases epileptiform activity in rat layer 5/6 prefrontal cortex in vitro. Synapse 2023; 77:e22263. [PMID: 36732015 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that insulin-mediated signaling in the brain may play important roles in regulating neuronal function. Alterations to insulin signaling are associated with the development of neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Also, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance have been associated with seizure activity and brain injury. In recent work, we found that insulin increased inhibitory GABAA -mediated tonic currents in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In this work, we used local field potential recordings and calcium imaging to investigate the effect of insulin on seizure-like activity in PFC slices. Seizure-like events (SLEs) were induced by perfusing the slices with magnesium-free artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) containing the proconvulsive compound 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). We found that insulin decreased the frequency, amplitude, and duration of SLEs as well as the synchronic activity of PFC neurons evoked by 4-AP. These insulin effects were mediated by the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and mimicked by gaboxadol (THIP), a δ GABAA receptor agonist. The effect of insulin on the number of SLEs was partially blocked by L-655,708, an inverse agonist with high selectivity for GABAA receptors containing the α5 subunit. Our results suggest that insulin reduces neuronal excitability by an increase of GABAergic tonic currents. The physiological relevance of these findings is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Villalobos
- Academia de Fisiología, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, México
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación de la Escuela Superior de Medicina del IPN, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, Ciudad de México, México
| | - E Ramírez-Sánchez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Mondragón-García
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - J Garduño
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - D Castillo-Rolón
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
| | - S Trujeque-Ramos
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
- Translational Neurogenetics Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - S Hernández-López
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, México
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11
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Magloire V, Savtchenko LP, Jensen TP, Sylantyev S, Kopach O, Cole N, Tyurikova O, Kullmann DM, Walker MC, Marvin JS, Looger LL, Hasseman JP, Kolb I, Pavlov I, Rusakov DA. Volume-transmitted GABA waves pace epileptiform rhythms in the hippocampal network. Curr Biol 2023; 33:1249-1264.e7. [PMID: 36921605 PMCID: PMC10615848 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms that entrain and pace rhythmic epileptiform discharges remain debated. Traditionally, the quest to understand them has focused on interneuronal networks driven by synaptic GABAergic connections. However, synchronized interneuronal discharges could also trigger the transient elevations of extracellular GABA across the tissue volume, thus raising tonic conductance (Gtonic) of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA receptors in multiple cells. Here, we monitor extracellular GABA in hippocampal slices using patch-clamp GABA "sniffer" and a novel optical GABA sensor, showing that periodic epileptiform discharges are preceded by transient, region-wide waves of extracellular GABA. Neural network simulations that incorporate volume-transmitted GABA signals point to a cycle of GABA-driven network inhibition and disinhibition underpinning this relationship. We test and validate this hypothesis using simultaneous patch-clamp recordings from multiple neurons and selective optogenetic stimulation of fast-spiking interneurons. Critically, reducing GABA uptake in order to decelerate extracellular GABA fluctuations-without affecting synaptic GABAergic transmission or resting GABA levels-slows down rhythmic activity. Our findings thus unveil a key role of extrasynaptic, volume-transmitted GABA in pacing regenerative rhythmic activity in brain networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Magloire
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Leonid P Savtchenko
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Thomas P Jensen
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sergyi Sylantyev
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Ashgrove Road West, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Olga Kopach
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Nicholas Cole
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Olga Tyurikova
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Dimitri M Kullmann
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Matthew C Walker
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Jonathan S Marvin
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Loren L Looger
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; GENIE Project Team, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Jeremy P Hasseman
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA; GENIE Project Team, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Ilya Kolb
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA; GENIE Project Team, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA, USA
| | - Ivan Pavlov
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Dmitri A Rusakov
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
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12
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Akyuz E, Celik BR, Aslan FS, Sahin H, Angelopoulou E. Exploring the Role of Neurotransmitters in Multiple Sclerosis: An Expanded Review. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:527-553. [PMID: 36724132 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Although emerging evidence has shown that changes in neurotransmitter levels in the synaptic gap may contribute to the pathophysiology of MS, their specific role has not been elucidated yet. In this review, we aim to analyze preclinical and clinical evidence on the structural and functional changes in neurotransmitters in MS and critically discuss their potential role in MS pathophysiology. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that alterations in glutamate metabolism may contribute to MS pathophysiology, by causing excitotoxic neuronal damage. Dysregulated interaction between glutamate and GABA results in synaptic loss. The GABAergic system also plays an important role, by regulating the activity and plasticity of neural networks. Targeting GABAergic/glutamatergic transmission may be effective in fatigue and cognitive impairment in MS. Acetylcholine (ACh) and dopamine can also affect the T-mediated inflammatory responses, thereby being implicated in MS-related neuroinflammation. Also, melatonin might affect the frequency of relapses in MS, by regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Increased levels of nitric oxide in inflammatory lesions of MS patients may be also associated with axonal neuronal degeneration. Therefore, neurotransmitter imbalance may be critically implicated in MS pathophysiology, and future studies are needed for our deeper understanding of their role in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enes Akyuz
- Department of Biophysics, International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey, 34668
| | - Betul Rana Celik
- Hamidiye School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey, 34668
| | - Feyza Sule Aslan
- Hamidiye International School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey, 34668
| | - Humeyra Sahin
- School of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey, 34093
| | - Efthalia Angelopoulou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece, 115 27
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13
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Kilb W, Kirischuk S. GABA Release from Astrocytes in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415859. [PMID: 36555501 PMCID: PMC9784789 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) mediating a variety of homeostatic functions, such as spatial K+ buffering or neurotransmitter reuptake. In addition, astrocytes are capable of releasing several biologically active substances, including glutamate and GABA. Astrocyte-mediated GABA release has been a matter of debate because the expression level of the main GABA synthesizing enzyme glutamate decarboxylase is quite low in astrocytes, suggesting that low intracellular GABA concentration ([GABA]i) might be insufficient to support a non-vesicular GABA release. However, recent studies demonstrated that, at least in some regions of the CNS, [GABA]i in astrocytes might reach several millimoles both under physiological and especially pathophysiological conditions, thereby enabling GABA release from astrocytes via GABA-permeable anion channels and/or via GABA transporters operating in reverse mode. In this review, we summarize experimental data supporting both forms of GABA release from astrocytes in health and disease, paying special attention to possible feedback mechanisms that might govern the fine-tuning of astrocytic GABA release and, in turn, the tonic GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition in the CNS.
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14
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Mermer F, Poliquin S, Zhou S, Wang X, Ding Y, Yin F, Shen W, Wang J, Rigsby K, Xu D, Mack T, Nwosu G, Flamm C, Stein M, Kang JQ. Astrocytic GABA transporter 1 deficit in novel SLC6A1 variants mediated epilepsy: Connected from protein destabilization to seizures in mice and humans. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 172:105810. [PMID: 35840120 PMCID: PMC9472560 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mutations in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter 1 (GAT-1)-encoding SLC6A1 have been associated with myoclonic atonic epilepsy and other phenotypes. We determined the patho-mechanisms of the mutant GAT-1, in order to identify treatment targets. METHODS We conducted whole-exome sequencing of patients with myoclonic atonic epilepsy (MAE) and characterized the seizure phenotypes and EEG patterns. We studied the protein stability and structural changes with homology modeling and machine learning tools. We characterized the function and trafficking of the mutant GAT-1 with 3H radioactive GABA uptake assay and confocal microscopy. We utilized different models including a knockin mouse and human astrocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We focused on astrocytes because of their direct impact of astrocytic GAT-1 in seizures. RESULTS We identified four novel SLC6A1 variants associated with MAE and 2 to 4 Hz spike-wave discharges as a common EEG feature. Machine learning tools predicted that the variant proteins are destabilized. The variant protein had reduced expression and reduced GABA uptake due to endoplasmic reticular retention. The consistent observation was made in cortical and thalamic astrocytes from variant-knockin mice and human iPSC-derived astrocytes. The Slc6a+/A288V mouse, representative of MAE, had increased 5-7 Hz spike-wave discharges and absence seizures. INTERPRETATION SLC6A1 variants in various locations of the protein peptides can cause MAE with similar seizure phenotypes and EEG features. Reduced GABA uptake is due to decreased functional GAT-1, which, in thalamic astrocytes, could result in increased extracellular GABA accumulation and enhanced tonic inhibition, leading to seizures and abnormal EEGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicia Mermer
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA
| | - Sarah Poliquin
- The Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Shuizhen Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Yifeng Ding
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital of The Central-Southern University in Changsha, China
| | - Wangzhen Shen
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA
| | - Juexin Wang
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Kathryn Rigsby
- The Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Dong Xu
- Department of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
| | - Taralynn Mack
- The Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Gerald Nwosu
- The Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Vanderbilt University-Meharry Medical College Alliance, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Carson Flamm
- The Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Matthew Stein
- The Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Jing-Qiong Kang
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, USA; Vanderbilt Kennedy Center of Human Development, University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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15
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Nimitvilai-Roberts S, Woodward JJ. The ethanol inhibition of basolateral amygdala neuron spiking is mediated by a γ-aminobutyric acid type A-mediated tonic current. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1665-1676. [PMID: 35915568 PMCID: PMC9509443 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) plays an important role in the development of fear and anxiety-related behaviors. The BLA receives inputs from all sensory stimuli. After processing those stimuli, BLA neurons signal neurons within the central amygdala and other brain regions, including the ventral and dorsal striatum and frontal cortex. Studies suggest that the BLA is involved in drug dependence and in the reinforcing actions of ethanol. For example, acute exposure to ethanol reduces anxiety, while withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure alters BLA synaptic transmission, which increases anxiety, a common underlying cause of relapse. Exposure to and withdrawal from chronic alcohol also disrupts many brain areas that connect with the BLA. Despite these important findings, the acute actions of alcohol on the intrinsic excitability of BLA neurons have not been fully characterized. METHODS Brain slices containing the BLA were prepared from adult C57BL/6J male mice. Whole-cell and sharp electrode electrophysiological recordings were performed to characterize the effects of acute ethanol on BLA neuronal and astrocyte function, respectively. RESULTS Ethanol inhibited action potential (AP) firing of BLA neurons but had no effect on BLA astrocyte resting membrane potential. The ethanol-induced inhibition of firing was concentration-dependent (11 to 66 mM) and accompanied by a reduction in the input resistance and an increase in the rheobase of BLA neurons. The inhibitory effect of ethanol was suppressed by picrotoxin, which blocks both γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA ) and glycine receptors, but not by the selective glycine receptor antagonist strychnine, which suggests an involvement of GABAA receptors. Ethanol did not affect spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents suggesting that the inhibition of BLA neuronal excitability by ethanol was not due to an increase in GABAA -mediated synaptic transmission. However, acute ethanol enhanced the amplitude of the holding current of BLA neurons, an effect that was prevented by picrotoxin, which by itself reduced the holding current. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that BLA neurons express a GABA-mediated tonic current that is enhanced by acute ethanol, which leads to reduced excitability of BLA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John J. Woodward
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425
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16
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Parent MB. Using Postmeal Measures and Manipulations to Investigate Hippocampal Mnemonic Control of Eating Behavior. Neuroscience 2022; 497:228-238. [PMID: 34998891 PMCID: PMC9256844 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.12.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Episodic meal-related memories provide the brain with a powerful mechanism for tracking and controlling eating behavior because they contain a detailed record of recent energy intake that likely outlasts the physiological signals generated by feeding bouts. This review briefly summarizes evidence from human participants showing that episodic meal-related memory limits later eating behavior and then describes our research aimed at investigating whether hippocampal neurons mediate the inhibitory effects of meal-related memory on subsequent feeding. Our approach has been inspired by pioneering work conducted by Ivan Izquierdo and others who used posttraining manipulations to investigate memory consolidation. This review describes the rationale and value of posttraining manipulations, how Izquierdo used them to demonstrate that dorsal hippocampal (dHC) neurons are critical for memory consolidation, and how we have adapted this strategy to investigate whether dHC neurons are necessary for mnemonic control of energy intake. I describe our evidence showing that ingestion activates the molecular processes necessary for synaptic plasticity and memory during the early postprandial period, when the memory of the meal would be undergoing consolidation, and then summarize our findings showing that neural activity in dHC neurons is critical during the early postprandial period for limiting future intake. Collectively, our evidence supports the hypothesis that dHC neurons mediate the inhibitory effects of ingestion-related memory on future intake and demonstrates that post-experience memory modulation is not confined to artificial laboratory memory tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- M B Parent
- Neuroscience Institute & Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, PO Box 5030, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
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17
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Villalobos N, Almazán-Alvarado S, Magdaleno-Madrigal VM. Elevation of GABA levels in the globus pallidus disinhibits the thalamic reticular nucleus and desynchronized cortical beta oscillations. J Physiol Sci 2022; 72:17. [PMID: 35896962 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-022-00843-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The external globus pallidus (GP) is a GABAergic node involved in motor control regulation and coordinates firing and synchronization in the basal ganglia-thalamic-cortical network through inputs and electrical activity. In Parkinson's disease, high GABA levels alter electrical activity in the GP and contribute to motor symptoms. Under normal conditions, GABA levels are regulated by GABA transporters (GATs). GAT type 1 (GAT-1) is highly expressed in the GP, and pharmacological blockade of GAT-1 increases the duration of currents mediated by GABA A receptors and induces tonic inhibition. The functional contribution of the pathway between the GP and the reticular thalamic nucleus (RTn) is unknown. This pathway is important since the RTn controls the flow of information between the thalamus and cortex, suggesting that it contributes to cortical dynamics. In this work, we investigated the effect of increased GABA levels on electrical activity in the RTn by obtaining single-unit extracellular recordings from anesthetized rats and on the motor cortex (MCx) by corticography. Our results show that high GABA levels increase the spontaneous activity rate of RTn neurons and desynchronize oscillations in the beta frequency band in the MCx. Our findings provide evidence that the GP exerts tonic control over RTn activity through the GP-reticular pathway and functionally contributes to cortical oscillation dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Villalobos
- Academia de Fisiología, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, 11340, Ciudad de México, Mexico. .,Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, 11340, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - Salvador Almazán-Alvarado
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Control y la Regulación, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Victor Manuel Magdaleno-Madrigal
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Control y la Regulación, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, Mexico. .,Carrera de Psicología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza-UNAM, Ciudad de México, Mexico.
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18
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Investigating the Role of GABA in Neural Development and Disease Using Mice Lacking GAD67 or VGAT Genes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147965. [PMID: 35887307 PMCID: PMC9318753 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal development and function of the central nervous system involves a balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Activity of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons is modulated by inhibitory signalling of the GABAergic and glycinergic systems. Mechanisms that regulate formation, maturation, refinement, and maintenance of inhibitory synapses are established in early life. Deviations from ideal excitatory and inhibitory balance, such as down-regulated inhibition, are linked with many neurological diseases, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorders. In the mammalian forebrain, GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, binding to GABA receptors, opening chloride channels and hyperpolarizing the cell. We review the involvement of down-regulated inhibitory signalling in neurological disorders, possible mechanisms for disease progression, and targets for therapeutic intervention. We conclude that transgenic models of disrupted inhibitory signalling—in GAD67+/− and VGAT−/− mice—are useful for investigating the effects of down-regulated inhibitory signalling in a range of neurological diseases.
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19
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Boychuk JA, Butler CR, Smith KC, Halmos MB, Smith BN. Zolpidem Profoundly Augments Spared Tonic GABAAR Signaling in Dentate Granule Cells Ipsilateral to Controlled Cortical Impact Brain Injury in Mice. Front Syst Neurosci 2022; 16:867323. [PMID: 35694044 PMCID: PMC9178240 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2022.867323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Type A GABA receptors (GABAARs) are pentameric combinations of protein subunits that give rise to tonic (ITonicGABA) and phasic (i.e., synaptic; ISynapticGABA) forms of inhibitory GABAAR signaling in the central nervous system. Remodeling and regulation of GABAAR protein subunits are implicated in a wide variety of healthy and injury-dependent states, including epilepsy. The present study undertook a detailed analysis of GABAAR signaling using whole-cell patch clamp recordings from mouse dentate granule cells (DGCs) in coronal slices containing dorsal hippocampus at 1–2 or 8–13 weeks after a focal, controlled cortical impact (CCI) or sham brain injury. Zolpidem, a benzodiazepine-like positive modulator of GABAARs, was used to test for changes in GABAAR signaling of DGCs due to its selectivity for α1 subunit-containing GABAARs. Electric charge transfer and statistical percent change were analyzed in order to directly compare tonic and phasic GABAAR signaling and to account for zolpidem’s ability to modify multiple parameters of GABAAR kinetics. We observed that baseline ITonicGABA is preserved at both time-points tested in DGCs ipsilateral to injury (Ipsi-DGCs) compared to DGCs contralateral to injury (Contra-DGCs) or after sham injury (Sham-DGCs). Interestingly, application of zolpidem resulted in modulation of ITonicGABA across groups, with Ipsi-DGCs exhibiting the greatest responsiveness to zolpidem. We also report that the combination of CCI and acute application of zolpidem profoundly augments the proportion of GABAAR charge transfer mediated by tonic vs. synaptic currents at both time-points tested, whereas gene expression of GABAAR α1, α2, α3, and γ2 subunits is unchanged at 8–13 weeks post-injury. Overall, this work highlights the shift toward elevated influence of tonic inhibition in Ipsi-DGCs, the impact of zolpidem on all components of inhibitory control of DGCs, and the sustained nature of these changes in inhibitory tone after CCI injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery A Boychuk
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Corwin R Butler
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Katalin Cs Smith
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Miklos B Halmos
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Bret N Smith
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- Spinal Cord and Brain Injury Research Center (SCoBIRC), University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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20
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Parent MB, Higgs S, Cheke LG, Kanoski SE. Memory and eating: A bidirectional relationship implicated in obesity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 132:110-129. [PMID: 34813827 PMCID: PMC8816841 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
This paper reviews evidence demonstrating a bidirectional relationship between memory and eating in humans and rodents. In humans, amnesia is associated with impaired processing of hunger and satiety cues, disrupted memory of recent meals, and overconsumption. In healthy participants, meal-related memory limits subsequent ingestive behavior and obesity is associated with impaired memory and disturbances in the hippocampus. Evidence from rodents suggests that dorsal hippocampal neural activity contributes to the ability of meal-related memory to control future intake, that endocrine and neuropeptide systems act in the ventral hippocampus to provide cues regarding energy status and regulate learned aspects of eating, and that consumption of hypercaloric diets and obesity disrupt these processes. Collectively, this evidence indicates that diet-induced obesity may be caused and/or maintained, at least in part, by a vicious cycle wherein excess intake disrupts hippocampal functioning, which further increases intake. This perspective may advance our understanding of how the brain controls eating, the neural mechanisms that contribute to eating-related disorders, and identify how to treat diet-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marise B. Parent
- Neuroscience Institute & Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Box 5030, Atlanta, GA 30303-5030, United States,Corresponding author: Marise B. Parent, , Georgia State University, PO Box 5030, Atlanta, GA 30303-5030, USA. Fax: 404-413-5446
| | - Suzanne Higgs
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, BI5 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy G. Cheke
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EB United Kingdom
| | - Scott E Kanoski
- Department of Biological Sciences, Human and Evolutionary Biology Section, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0371, United States
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21
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Kaufman Y, Carlini SV, Deligiannidis KM. Advances in pharmacotherapy for postpartum depression: a structured review of standard-of-care antidepressants and novel neuroactive steroid antidepressants. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2022; 12:20451253211065859. [PMID: 35111296 PMCID: PMC8801644 DOI: 10.1177/20451253211065859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression is one of the most common morbidities of childbearing, yet it is underdiagnosed and undertreated with negative consequences for mother and offspring. Despite the widespread use of standard-of-care antidepressants as the mainstay of treatment for postpartum depression, there is limited evidence on their safety and efficacy due to their slow onset of action and suboptimal outcomes. The emergence of gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neuroactive steroids may offer faster response and remission times and improved patient outcomes. This article reviews the evidence base for the efficacy of standard-of-care antidepressants, hormonal therapeutics including progestins and estradiol, and gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neuroactive steroids in the treatment of postpartum depression, as well as the safety of infant exposure to these agents during lactation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yardana Kaufman
- Perinatal Psychiatry Center, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
| | - Sara V Carlini
- Perinatal Psychiatry Center, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
| | - Kristina M Deligiannidis
- Women's Behavioral Health, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, 75-59 263rd Street, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
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22
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Systemic LPS-induced microglial activation results in increased GABAergic tone: A mechanism of protection against neuroinflammation in the medial prefrontal cortex in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 99:53-69. [PMID: 34582995 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation with excess microglial activation and synaptic dysfunction are early symptoms of most neurological diseases. However, how microglia-associated neuroinflammation regulates synaptic activity remains obscure. We report here that acute neuroinflammation induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) results in cell-type-specific increases in inhibitory postsynaptic currents in the glutamatergic, but not the GABAergic, neurons of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), coinciding with excessive microglial activation. LPS causes upregulation in levels of GABAAR subunits, glutamine synthetase and vesicular GABA transporter, and downregulation in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, pTrkB. Blockage of microglial activation by minocycline ameliorates LPS-induced abnormal expression of GABA signaling-related proteins and activity of synaptic and network. Moreover, minocycline prevents the mice from LPS-induced aberrant behavior, such as a reduction in total distance and time spent in the centre in the open field test; decreases in entries into the open arm of elevated-plus maze and in consumption of sucrose; increased immobility in the tail suspension test. Furthermore, upregulation of GABA signaling by tiagabine also prevents LPS-induced microglial activation and aberrant behavior. This study illustrates a mode of bidirectional constitutive signaling between the neural and immune compartments of the brain, and suggests that the mPFC is an important area for brain-immune system communication. Moreover, the present study highlights GABAergic signaling as a key therapeutic target for mitigating neuroinflammation-induced abnormal synaptic activity in the mPFC, together with the associated behavioral abnormalities.
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23
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Bukina ES, Kondratyev NV, Kozin SV, Golimbet VE, Artyuhov AS, Dashinimaev EB. SLC6A1 and Neuropsychiatric Diseases: The Role of Mutations and Prospects for Treatment with Genome Editing Systems. NEUROCHEM J+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712421040048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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24
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Kubrusly RCC, da Rosa Valli T, Ferreira MNMR, de Moura P, Borges-Martins VPP, Martins RS, Ferreira DDP, Sathler MF, de Melo Reis RA, Ferreira GC, Manhães AC, Dos Santos Pereira M. Caffeine Improves GABA Transport in the Striatum of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR). Neurotox Res 2021; 39:1946-1958. [PMID: 34637050 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00423-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) is an excellent animal model that mimics the behavioral and neurochemical phenotype of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here, we characterized the striatal GABA transport of SHR and investigated whether caffeine, a non-selective antagonist of adenosine receptors, could influence GABAergic circuitry. For this purpose, ex vivo striatal slices of SHR and Wistar (control strain) on the 35th postnatal day were dissected and incubated with [3H]-GABA to quantify the basal levels of uptake and release. SHR exhibited a reduced [3H]-GABA uptake and release, suggesting a defective striatal GABAergic transport system. GAT-1 appears to be the primary transporter for [3H]-GABA uptake in SHR striatum, as GAT-1 selective blocker, NO-711, completely abolished it. We also verified that acute exposure of striatal slices to caffeine improved [3H]-GABA uptake and release in SHR, whereas Wistar rats were not affected. GABA-uptake increase and cAMP accumulation promoted by caffeine was reverted by A1R activation with N6-cyclohexyl adenosine (CHA). As expected, the pharmacological blockade of cAMP-PKA signaling by H-89 also prevented caffeine-mediated [3H]-GABA uptake increment. Interestingly, a single caffeine exposure did not affect GAT-1 or A1R protein density in SHR, which was not different from Wistar protein levels, suggesting that the GAT-1-dependent transport in SHR has a defective functional activity rather than lower protein expression. The current data support that caffeine regulates GAT-1 function and improves striatal GABA transport via A1R-cAMP-PKA signaling, specifically in SHR. These results reinforce that caffeine may have therapeutic use in disorders where the GABA transport system is impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Pâmella de Moura
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Robertta Silva Martins
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia Celular E Molecular, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Ricardo Augusto de Melo Reis
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Costa Ferreira
- Laboratório de Neuroenergética E Erros Inatos Do Metabolismo, Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alex Christian Manhães
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Do Estado Do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maurício Dos Santos Pereira
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Instituto Biomédico, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia Molecular, Departamento de Biologia Básica E Oral, Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
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25
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Konduru SS, Pan YZ, Wallace E, Pfammatter JA, Jones MV, Maganti RK. Sleep Deprivation Exacerbates Seizures and Diminishes GABAergic Tonic Inhibition. Ann Neurol 2021; 90:840-844. [PMID: 34476841 PMCID: PMC8530964 DOI: 10.1002/ana.26208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Patients with epilepsy report that sleep deprivation is a common trigger for breakthrough seizures. The basic mechanism of this phenomenon is unknown. In the Kv1.1-/- mouse model of epilepsy, daily sleep deprivation indeed exacerbated seizures though these effects were lost after the third day. Sleep deprivation also accelerated mortality in ~ 52% of Kv1.1-/- mice, not observed in controls. Voltage-clamp experiments on the day after recovery from sleep deprivation showed reductions in GABAergic tonic inhibition in dentate granule cells in epileptic Kv1.1-/- mice. Our results suggest that sleep deprivation is detrimental to seizures and survival, possibly due to reductions in GABAergic tonic inhibition. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:840-844.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Surthi Konduru
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Yu-Zhen Pan
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Eli Wallace
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Jesse A Pfammatter
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Mathew V Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Rama K Maganti
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
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26
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Littlejohn EL, Boychuk CR. Protein Kinase C-Dependent Effects of Neurosteroids on Synaptic GABA A Receptor Inhibition Require the δ-Subunit. Front Physiol 2021; 12:742838. [PMID: 34759836 PMCID: PMC8573421 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.742838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) contains preganglionic motor neurons important for interpreting sensory input from the periphery, integrating that information, and coding the appropriate parasympathetic (vagal) output to target organs. Despite the critical role of hormonal regulation of vagal motor output, few studies examine the role of neurosteroids in the regulation of the DMV. Of the few examinations, no studies have investigated the potential impact of allopregnanolone (Allo), a neuroactive progesterone-derivative, in the regulation of neurotransmission on the DMV. Since DMV neuronal function is tightly regulated by GABAA receptor activity and Allo is an endogenous GABAA receptor ligand, the present study used in vitro whole cell patch clamp to investigate whether Allo alters GABAergic neurotransmission to DMV neurons. Although Allo did not influence GABAergic neurotransmission during initial application (5-20 min), a TTX-insensitive prolongment of decay time and increase in frequency of GABAergic currents was established after Allo was removed from the bath for at least 30 min (LtAllo). Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) abolished these effects, suggesting that PKC is largely required to mediate Allo-induced inhibition of the DMV. Using mice that lack the δ-subunit of the GABAA receptor, we further confirmed that PKC-dependent activity of LtAllo required this subunit. Allo also potentiated GABAA receptor activity after a repeated application of δ-subunit agonist, suggesting that the presence of Allo encodes stronger δ-subunit-mediated inhibition over time. Using current clamp recording, we demonstrated that LtAllo-induced inhibition is sufficient to decrease action potential firing and excitability within DMV neurons. We conclude that the effects of LtAllo on GABAergic inhibition are dependent on δ-subunit and PKC activation. Taken together, DMV neurons can undergo long lasting Allo-dependent GABAA receptor plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carie R. Boychuk
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long College of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
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27
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Tempesta AJ, Miller CE, Litvak V, Bowman H, Schofield AJ. The missing N1 or jittered P2: Electrophysiological correlates of pattern glare in the time and frequency domain. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:6168-6186. [PMID: 34374142 PMCID: PMC9290835 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Excessive sensitivity to certain visual stimuli (cortical hyperexcitability) is associated with a number of neurological disorders including migraine, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, autism and possibly dyslexia. Others show disruptive sensitivity to visual stimuli with no other obvious pathology or symptom profile (visual stress) which can extend to discomfort and nausea. We used event‐related potentials (ERPs) to explore the neural correlates of visual stress and headache proneness. We analysed ERPs in response to thick (0.37 cycles per degree [c/deg]), medium (3 c/deg) and thin (12 c/deg) gratings, using mass univariate analysis, considering three factors in the general population: headache proneness, visual stress and discomfort. We found relationships between ERP features and the headache and discomfort factors. Stimulus main effects were driven by the medium stimulus regardless of participant characteristics. Participants with high discomfort ratings had larger P1 components for the initial presentation of medium stimuli, suggesting initial cortical hyperexcitability that is later suppressed. The participants with high headache ratings showed atypical N1‐P2 components for medium stripes relative to the other stimuli. This effect was present only after repeated stimulus presentation. These effects were also explored in the frequency domain, suggesting variations in intertrial theta band phase coherence. Our results suggest that discomfort and headache in response to striped stimuli are related to different neural processes; however, more exploration is needed to determine whether the results translate to a clinical migraine population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austyn J Tempesta
- School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Claire E Miller
- School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vladimir Litvak
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Howard Bowman
- School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.,School of Computing, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Andrew J Schofield
- School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.,School of Psychology, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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28
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Jiménez-Balado J, Eich TS. GABAergic dysfunction, neural network hyperactivity and memory impairments in human aging and Alzheimer's disease. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 116:146-159. [PMID: 33573856 PMCID: PMC8292162 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we focus on the potential role of the γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) system in age-related episodic memory impairments in humans, with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD). Well-established animal models have shown that GABA plays a central role in regulating and synchronizing neuronal signaling in the hippocampus, a brain area critical for episodic memory that undergoes early and significant morphologic and functional changes in the course of AD. Neuroimaging research in humans has documented hyperactivity in the hippocampus and losses of resting state functional connectivity in the Default Mode Network, a network that itself prominently includes the hippocampus-presaging episodic memory decline in individuals at-risk for AD. Apolipoprotein ε4, the highest genetic risk factor for AD, is associated with GABAergic dysfunction in animal models, and episodic memory impairments in humans. In combination, these findings suggest that GABA may be the linchpin in a complex system of factors that eventually leads to the principal clinical hallmark of AD: episodic memory loss. Here, we will review the current state of literature supporting this hypothesis. First, we will focus on the molecular and cellular basis of the GABAergic system and its role in memory and cognition. Next, we report the evidence of GABA dysregulations in AD and normal aging, both in animal models and human studies. Finally, we outline a model of GABAergic dysfunction based on the results of functional neuroimaging studies in humans, which have shown hippocampal hyperactivity to episodic memory tasks concurrent with and even preceding AD diagnosis, along with factors that may modulate this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Jiménez-Balado
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Teal S Eich
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
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29
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Moldavan M, Cravetchi O, Allen CN. Diurnal properties of tonic and synaptic GABA A receptor-mediated currents in suprachiasmatic nucleus neurons. J Neurophysiol 2021; 126:637-652. [PMID: 34259044 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00556.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptor (GABAAR)-mediated neurotransmission is a critical component of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neuronal network. However, the properties of the GABAA tonic current (Itonic) and its origin remain unexplored. Spontaneous GABAA postsynaptic currents (sGPSCs) and Itonic were recorded from SCN neurons with the whole cell voltage-clamp technique at different times of the day. GABAAR antagonists (bicuculline, gabazine, and picrotoxin) inhibited sGPSC and induced an outward shift of the holding current, which defined the Itonic amplitude. The sGPSC frequency, synaptic charge transfer, and Itonic amplitude all demonstrated significant diurnal rhythms, with peaks in the middle of the day [zeitgeber time (ZT)7-8] and nadirs at night (ZT19-20). The Itonic amplitude increased proportionally with the sGPSC frequency and synaptic charge transfer during the day and required action potential-mediated GABA release, which was confirmed by TTX application. The activation of presynaptic GABAB receptors by baclofen did not significantly alter the Itonic of neurons with low-frequency sGPSC. The equilibrium potential (Eq) for Itonic was similar to the Eq for chloride and GABAA receptor-activated currents. Itonic showed outward rectification at membrane potentials over the range of -70 to -10 mV and then was linear at voltages greater than -10 mV. GABAAR containing α4-, α5-, and δ-subunits were expressed in SCN, and their contribution to Itonic was confirmed by application of the GABAAR agonist 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4-c]pyridin-3-ol (THIP) and the GABAAR inverse agonist 11,12,13,13a-tetrahydro-7-methoxy-9-oxo-9H-imidazo[1,5-a]pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepine-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester (L655,708). Thus, the Itonic was mediated by extrasynaptic GABAARs activated predominantly by GABA diffusing out of GABAergic synapses.NEW & NOTEWORTHY A tonic current (Itonic) mediated by GABAA receptors (GABAARs) containing α4-, α5- and δ-subunits was observed in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. The Itonic amplitude strongly depended on the action potential-mediated synaptic release of GABA. The equilibrium potential for Itonic corresponds to that for GABAA currents. The frequency of GABAA postsynaptic currents and Itonic amplitude increased during the day, with peak in the middle of the day, and then gradually declined with a nadir at night, thus showing a diurnal rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Moldavan
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Olga Cravetchi
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Charles N Allen
- Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.,Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
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30
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GABAergic signaling by cells of the immune system: more the rule than the exception. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5667-5679. [PMID: 34152447 PMCID: PMC8316187 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03881-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is best known as an essential neurotransmitter in the evolved central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates. However, GABA antedates the development of the CNS as a bioactive molecule in metabolism and stress-coupled responses of prokaryotes, invertebrates and plants. Here, we focus on the emerging findings of GABA signaling in the mammalian immune system. Recent reports show that mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes, for instance dendritic cells, microglia, T cells and NK cells, express a GABAergic signaling machinery. Mounting evidence shows that GABA receptor signaling impacts central immune functions, such as cell migration, cytokine secretion, immune cell activation and cytotoxic responses. Furthermore, the GABAergic signaling machinery of leukocytes is implicated in responses to microbial infection and is co-opted by protozoan parasites for colonization of the host. Peripheral GABA signaling is also implicated in inflammatory conditions and diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer cell metastasis. Adding to its role in neurotransmission, growing evidence shows that the non-proteinogenic amino acid GABA acts as an intercellular signaling molecule in the immune system and, as an interspecies signaling molecule in host–microbe interactions. Altogether, the data raise the assumption of conserved GABA signaling in a broad range of mammalian cells and diversification of function in the immune system.
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31
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Electrophysiology of ionotropic GABA receptors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5341-5370. [PMID: 34061215 PMCID: PMC8257536 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03846-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
GABAA receptors are ligand-gated chloride channels and ionotropic receptors of GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in vertebrates. In this review, we discuss the major and diverse roles GABAA receptors play in the regulation of neuronal communication and the functioning of the brain. GABAA receptors have complex electrophysiological properties that enable them to mediate different types of currents such as phasic and tonic inhibitory currents. Their activity is finely regulated by membrane voltage, phosphorylation and several ions. GABAA receptors are pentameric and are assembled from a diverse set of subunits. They are subdivided into numerous subtypes, which differ widely in expression patterns, distribution and electrical activity. Substantial variations in macroscopic neural behavior can emerge from minor differences in structure and molecular activity between subtypes. Therefore, the diversity of GABAA receptors widens the neuronal repertoire of responses to external signals and contributes to shaping the electrical activity of neurons and other cell types.
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32
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Hammoud H, Netsyk O, Tafreshiha AS, Korol SV, Jin Z, Li J, Birnir B. Insulin differentially modulates GABA signalling in hippocampal neurons and, in an age-dependent manner, normalizes GABA-activated currents in the tg-APPSwe mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2021; 232:e13623. [PMID: 33559388 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM We examined if tonic γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-activated currents in primary hippocampal neurons were modulated by insulin in wild-type and tg-APPSwe mice, an Alzheimer's disease (AD) model. METHODS GABA-activated currents were recorded in dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons in hippocampal brain slices, from 8 to 10 weeks old (young) wild-type mice and in dorsal DG granule cells in adult, 5-6 and 10-12 (aged) months old wild-type and tg-APPSwe mice, in the absence or presence of insulin, by whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. RESULTS In young mice, insulin (1 nmol/L) enhanced the total spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic current (sIPSCT ) density in both dorsal and ventral DG granule cells. The extrasynaptic current density was only increased by insulin in dorsal CA3 pyramidal neurons. In absence of action potentials, insulin enhanced DG granule cells and dorsal CA3 pyramidal neurons miniature IPSC (mIPSC) frequency, consistent with insulin regulation of presynaptic GABA release. sIPSCT densities in DG granule cells were similar in wild-type and tg-APPSwe mice at 5-6 months but significantly decreased in aged tg-APPSwe mice where insulin normalized currents to wild-type levels. The extrasynaptic current density was increased in tg-APPSwe mice relative to wild-type littermates but, only in aged tg-APPSwe mice did insulin decrease and normalize the current. CONCLUSION Insulin effects on GABA signalling in hippocampal neurons are selective while multifaceted and context-based. Not only is the response to insulin related to cell-type, hippocampal axis-location, age of animals and disease but also to the subtype of neuronal inhibition involved, synaptic or extrasynaptic GABAA receptors-activated currents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayma Hammoud
- Department of Medical Cell Biology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - Olga Netsyk
- Department of Medical Cell Biology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | | | - Sergiy V. Korol
- Department of Medical Cell Biology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - Zhe Jin
- Department of Medical Cell Biology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - Jin‐Ping Li
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - Bryndis Birnir
- Department of Medical Cell Biology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
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33
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Tossell K, Dodhia RA, Galet B, Tkachuk O, Ungless MA. Tonic GABAergic inhibition, via GABA A receptors containing αβƐ subunits, regulates excitability of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:1722-1737. [PMID: 33522050 PMCID: PMC8651010 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The activity of midbrain dopamine neurons is strongly regulated by fast synaptic inhibitory γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inputs. There is growing evidence in other brain regions that low concentrations of ambient GABA can persistently activate certain subtypes of GABAA receptor to generate a tonic current. However, evidence for a tonic GABAergic current in midbrain dopamine neurons is limited. To address this, we conducted whole‐cell recordings from ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons in brain slices from mice. We found that application of GABAA receptor antagonists decreased the holding current, indicating the presence of a tonic GABAergic input. Global increases in GABA release, induced by either a nitric oxide donor or inhibition of GABA uptake, further increased this tonic current. Importantly, prolonged inhibition of the firing activity of local GABAergic neurons abolished the tonic current. A combination of pharmacology and immunohistochemistry experiments suggested that, unlike common examples of tonic inhibition, this current may be mediated by a relatively unusual combination of α4βƐ subunits. Lastly, we found that the tonic current reduced excitability in dopamine neurons suggesting a subtractive effect on firing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Tossell
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rakesh A Dodhia
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin Galet
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Olga Tkachuk
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark A Ungless
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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34
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Ferland MC, Therrien-Blanchet JM, Proulx S, Klees-Themens G, Bacon BA, Dang Vu TT, Théoret H. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and H 1-Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Measures of Excitation and Inhibition Following Lorazepam Administration. Neuroscience 2020; 452:235-246. [PMID: 33246064 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed at better understanding the neurochemistry underlying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measurements as it pertains to GABAergic activity following administration of allosteric GABAA receptor agonist lorazepam. Seventeen healthy adults (8 females, 26.0 ± 5.4 years old) participated in a double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study, where participants underwent TMS and MRS two hours after drug intake (placebo or lorazepam; 2.5 mg). Neuronavigated TMS measures reflecting cortical inhibition and excitation were obtained in the left primary motor cortex. Sensorimotor cortex and occipital cortex MRS data were acquired using a 3T scanner with a MEGA-PRESS sequence, allowing water-referenced [GABA] and [Glx] (glutamate + glutamine) quantification. Lorazepam administration decreased occipital [GABA], decreased motor cortex excitability and increased GABAA-receptor mediated motor cortex inhibition (short intracortical inhibition (SICI)). Lorazepam intake did not modulate sensorimotor [GABA] and TMS measures of intra-cortical facilitation, long-interval cortical inhibition, cortical silent period, and resting motor threshold. Furthermore, higher sensorimotor [GABA] was associated with higher cortical inhibition (SICI) following lorazepam administration, suggesting that baseline sensorimotor [GABA] may be valuable in predicting pharmacological or neuromodulatory treatment response. Finally, the differential effects of lorazepam on MRS and TMS measures, with respect to GABA, support the idea that TMS measures of cortical inhibition reflect synaptic GABAergic phasic inhibitory activity while MRS reflects extrasynaptic GABA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Thien Thanh Dang Vu
- Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology and Perform Center, Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Research Center, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Qc, Canada
| | - Hugo Théoret
- Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; Centre de recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de l'Hôpital Sainte-Justine, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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35
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McCauley JP, Petroccione MA, D'Brant LY, Todd GC, Affinnih N, Wisnoski JJ, Zahid S, Shree S, Sousa AA, De Guzman RM, Migliore R, Brazhe A, Leapman RD, Khmaladze A, Semyanov A, Zuloaga DG, Migliore M, Scimemi A. Circadian Modulation of Neurons and Astrocytes Controls Synaptic Plasticity in Hippocampal Area CA1. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108255. [PMID: 33053337 PMCID: PMC7700820 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Most animal species operate according to a 24-h period set by the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. The rhythmic activity of the SCN modulates hippocampal-dependent memory, but the molecular and cellular mechanisms that account for this effect remain largely unknown. Here, we identify cell-type-specific structural and functional changes that occur with circadian rhythmicity in neurons and astrocytes in hippocampal area CA1. Pyramidal neurons change the surface expression of NMDA receptors. Astrocytes change their proximity to synapses. Together, these phenomena alter glutamate clearance, receptor activation, and integration of temporally clustered excitatory synaptic inputs, ultimately shaping hippocampal-dependent learning in vivo. We identify corticosterone as a key contributor to changes in synaptic strength. These findings highlight important mechanisms through which neurons and astrocytes modify the molecular composition and structure of the synaptic environment, contribute to the local storage of information in the hippocampus, and alter the temporal dynamics of cognitive processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P McCauley
- Department of Biology, SUNY Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | | | - Lianna Y D'Brant
- Department of Biology, SUNY Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA; Department of Physics, SUNY Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Gabrielle C Todd
- Department of Biology, SUNY Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Nurat Affinnih
- Department of Biology, SUNY Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Justin J Wisnoski
- Department of Biology, SUNY Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Shergil Zahid
- Department of Biology, SUNY Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Swasti Shree
- Department of Biology, SUNY Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA; Bethlehem Central High School, 700 Delaware Avenue, Delmar, NY 12054, USA
| | - Alioscka A Sousa
- Federal University of São Paulo, Department of Biochemistry, 100 Rua Tres de Maio, São Paulo 04044-020, Brazil; National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rose M De Guzman
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Rosanna Migliore
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, 153 Via Ugo La Malfa, Palermo 90146, Italy
| | - Alexey Brazhe
- Department of Biophysics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1/12, Moscow 119234, Russia; Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Ulitsa Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Richard D Leapman
- National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alexander Khmaladze
- Department of Physics, SUNY Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Ulitsa Miklukho-Maklaya 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia; Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Bolshaya Pirogovskaya Ulitsa 19с1, Moscow 119146, Russia
| | - Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA
| | - Michele Migliore
- Institute of Biophysics, National Research Council, 153 Via Ugo La Malfa, Palermo 90146, Italy
| | - Annalisa Scimemi
- Department of Biology, SUNY Albany, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
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36
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Serratto GM, Pizzi E, Murru L, Mazzoleni S, Pelucchi S, Marcello E, Mazzanti M, Passafaro M, Bassani S. The Epilepsy-Related Protein PCDH19 Regulates Tonic Inhibition, GABA AR Kinetics, and the Intrinsic Excitability of Hippocampal Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:5336-5351. [PMID: 32880860 PMCID: PMC7541378 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02099-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PCDH19 encodes for protocadherin-19 (PCDH19), a cell-adhesion molecule of the cadherin superfamily preferentially expressed in the brain. PCDH19 mutations cause a neurodevelopmental syndrome named epileptic encephalopathy, early infantile, 9 (EIEE9) characterized by seizures associated with cognitive and behavioral deficits. We recently reported that PCDH19 binds the alpha subunits of GABAA receptors (GABAARs), modulating their surface availability and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs). Here, we investigated whether PCDH19 regulatory function on GABAARs extends to the extrasynaptic receptor pool that mediates tonic current. In fact, the latter shapes neuronal excitability and network properties at the base of information processing. By combining patch-clamp recordings in whole-cell and cell-attached configurations, we provided a functional characterization of primary hippocampal neurons from embryonic rats of either sex expressing a specific PCDH19 short hairpin (sh)RNA. We first demonstrated that PCDH19 downregulation reduces GABAAR-mediated tonic current, evaluated by current shift and baseline noise analysis. Next, by single-channel recordings, we showed that PCDH19 regulates GABAARs kinetics without altering their conductance. In particular, GABAARs of shRNA-expressing neurons preferentially exhibit brief openings at the expense of long ones, thus displaying a flickering behavior. Finally, we showed that PCDH19 downregulation reduces the rheobase and increases the frequency of action potential firing, thus indicating neuronal hyperexcitability. These findings establish PCDH19 as a critical determinant of GABAAR-mediated tonic transmission and GABAARs gating, and provide the first mechanistic insights into PCDH19-related hyperexcitability and comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika Pizzi
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Murru
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20129, Milan, Italy.,NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Mazzoleni
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20129, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20129, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Pelucchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Marcello
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Mazzanti
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Passafaro
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20129, Milan, Italy.,NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Bassani
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20129, Milan, Italy. .,NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milan, Italy.
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37
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Sylantyev S, Savtchenko LP, O'Neill N, Rusakov DA. Extracellular GABA waves regulate coincidence detection in excitatory circuits. J Physiol 2020; 598:4047-4062. [PMID: 32667048 PMCID: PMC8432164 DOI: 10.1113/jp279744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Rapid changes in neuronal network activity trigger widespread waves of extracellular GABA in hippocampal neuropil. Elevations of extracellular GABA narrow the coincidence detection window for excitatory inputs to CA1 pyramidal cells. GABA transporters control the effect of extracellular GABA on coincidence detection. Small changes in the kinetics of dendritic excitatory currents amplify when reaching the soma. ABSTRACT Coincidence detection of excitatory inputs by principal neurons underpins the rules of signal integration and Hebbian plasticity in the brain. In the hippocampal circuitry, detection fidelity is thought to depend on the GABAergic synaptic input through a feedforward inhibitory circuit also involving the hyperpolarisation-activated Ih current. However, afferent connections often bypass feedforward circuitry, suggesting that a different GABAergic mechanism might control coincidence detection in such cases. To test whether fluctuations in the extracellular GABA concentration [GABA] could play a regulatory role here, we use a GABA 'sniffer' patch in acute hippocampal slices of the rat and document strong dependence of [GABA] on network activity. We find that blocking GABAergic signalling strongly widens the coincidence detection window of direct excitatory inputs to pyramidal cells whereas increasing [GABA] through GABA uptake blockade shortens it. The underlying mechanism involves membrane-shunting tonic GABAA receptor current; it does not have to rely on Ih but depends strongly on the neuronal GABA transporter GAT-1. We use dendrite-soma dual patch-clamp recordings to show that the strong effect of membrane shunting on coincidence detection relies on nonlinear amplification of changes in the decay of dendritic synaptic currents when they reach the soma. Our results suggest that, by dynamically regulating extracellular GABA, brain network activity can optimise signal integration rules in local excitatory circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiy Sylantyev
- Rowett InstituteUniversity of AberdeenAshgrove Rd. WestAberdeenAB25 2ZDUK
- UCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonQueen SquareLondonWC1N 3BGUK
| | - Leonid P. Savtchenko
- UCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonQueen SquareLondonWC1N 3BGUK
| | - Nathanael O'Neill
- Centre for Clinical Brain SciencesUniversity of Edinburgh49 Little France CrescentEdinburghEH16 4SBUK
| | - Dmitri A. Rusakov
- UCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyUniversity College LondonQueen SquareLondonWC1N 3BGUK
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38
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Gholaminejad A, Gholamipour-Badie H, Nasehi M, Naghdi N. Prelimbic of Medial Prefrontal Cortex GABA Modulation through Testosterone on Spatial Learning and Memory. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2020; 18:1429-1444. [PMID: 32641952 PMCID: PMC6934985 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2019.1100745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Prefrontal cortex (PFC) is involved in multiple functions including attentional processes, spatial orientation, short-term memory, and long-term memory. Our previous study indicated that microinjection of testosterone in CA1 impaired spatial learning and memory. Some evidence suggests that impairment effect of testosterone is mediated by GABAergic system. In the present study, we investigated the interaction of testosterone (androgenic receptor agonist) and bicuculline (GABAA receptor antagonist) on spatial learning and memory performance in the prelimbic (PL) of male Wistar rats. Cannulae were bilaterally implanted into the PL region of PFC and drugs were daily microinjected for two minutes in each side. There are 4 experiments. In the first experiment, three sham groups were operated (solvent of testosterone, bicuculline, testosterone plus bicuculline). In the second experiment, different doses of testosterone (40, 80 μg /0.5 μL DMSO/each side) were injected into the PL before each session. In the third experiment, intra PL injections of bicuculline (2, 4 μg/0.5 μL DMSO/each side) were given before every session. In the last experiment, testosterone (80μg/0.5 μL DMSO/each side) along with bicuculline (2 μg/0.5 μL DMSO/each side) was injected into the PL. The results showed there is no difference between control group and sham operated group. Testosterone 80 μg and bicuculline 2 μg, each given separately, and also in combination increased escape latency to find the platform compared to the sham operated and cause to impaired spatial learning and memory. It is shown that intra PL microinjection of bicuculline after testosterone treatment could not rescue the spatial learning and memory impaired induced by testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azadeh Gholaminejad
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran (IPI), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.,Cognitive and neuroscience research center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nasser Naghdi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran (IPI), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
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39
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An Astrocytic Influence on Impaired Tonic Inhibition in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome. J Neurosci 2020; 40:6250-6261. [PMID: 32616668 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3042-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disease caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene. Although altered interneuron development and function are clearly demonstrated in RTT mice, a particular mode of inhibition, tonic inhibition, has not been carefully examined. We report here that tonic inhibition is significantly reduced in pyramidal neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in mice where Mecp2 is deleted either in all cells or specifically in astrocytes. Since no change is detected in the level of GABA receptors, such a reduction in tonic inhibition is likely a result of decreased ambient GABA level in the extracellular space. Consistent with this explanation, we observed increased expression of a GABA transporter, GABA transporter 3 (GAT3), in the hippocampus of the Mecp2 KO mice, as well as a corresponding increase of GAT3 current in hippocampal astrocytes. These phenotypes are relevant to RTT because pharmacological blockage of GAT3 can normalize tonic inhibition and intrinsic excitability in CA1 pyramidal neurons, and rescue the phenotype of increased network excitability in acute hippocampal slices from the Mecp2 KO mice. Finally, chronic administration of a GAT3 antagonist improved a composite symptom score and extended lifespan in the Mecp2 KO mice. Only male mice were used in this study. These results not only advance our understanding of RTT etiology by defining a new neuronal phenotype and revealing how it can be influenced by astrocytic alterations, but also reveal potential targets for intervention.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Our study reports a novel phenotype of reduced tonic inhibition in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in the Rett syndrome mice, reveal a potential mechanism of increased GABA transporter expression/activity in the neighboring astrocytes, describe a disease-relevant consequence in hyperexcitability, and provide preliminary evidence that targeting this phenotype may slow down disease progression in Rett syndrome mice. These results help our understanding of the disease etiology and identify a new therapeutic target for treating Rett syndrome.
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40
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Netsyk O, Hammoud H, Korol SV, Jin Z, Tafreshiha AS, Birnir B. Tonic
GABA
‐activated synaptic and extrasynaptic currents in dentate gyrus granule cells and
CA3
pyramidal neurons along the mouse hippocampal dorsoventral axis. Hippocampus 2020; 30:1146-1157. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Netsyk
- Department of Medical Cell Biology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - Hayma Hammoud
- Department of Medical Cell Biology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - Sergiy V. Korol
- Department of Medical Cell Biology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | - Zhe Jin
- Department of Medical Cell Biology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
| | | | - Bryndis Birnir
- Department of Medical Cell Biology Uppsala University Uppsala Sweden
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41
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Uddin MS, Mamun AA, Rahman MA, Kabir MT, Alkahtani S, Alanazi IS, Perveen A, Ashraf GM, Bin-Jumah MN, Abdel-Daim MM. Exploring the Promise of Flavonoids to Combat Neuropathic Pain: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Implications. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:478. [PMID: 32587501 PMCID: PMC7299068 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is the result of irregular processing in the central or peripheral nervous system, which is generally caused by neuronal injury. The management of NP represents a great challenge owing to its heterogeneous profile and the significant undesirable side effects of the frequently prescribed psychoactive agents, including benzodiazepines (BDZ). Currently, several established drugs including antidepressants, anticonvulsants, topical lidocaine, and opioids are used to treat NP, but they exert a wide range of adverse effects. To reduce the burden of adverse effects, we need to investigate alternative therapeutics for the management of NP. Flavonoids are the most common secondary metabolites of plants used in folkloric medicine as tranquilizers, and have been claimed to have a selective affinity to the BDZ binding site. Several studies in animal models have reported that flavonoids can reduce NP. In this paper, we emphasize the potentiality of flavonoids for the management of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Sahab Uddin
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Pharmacy, Southeast University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Pharmakon Neuroscience Research Network, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Ataur Rahman
- Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Saad Alkahtani
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibtesam S Alanazi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Univesity of Hafr Al Batin, Hafr Al Batin, Saudi Arabia
| | - Asma Perveen
- Glocal School of Life Sciences, Glocal University, Saharanpur, India
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - May N Bin-Jumah
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed M Abdel-Daim
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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42
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Tonic GABA A Conductance Favors Spike-Timing-Dependent over Theta-Burst-Induced Long-Term Potentiation in the Hippocampus. J Neurosci 2020; 40:4266-4276. [PMID: 32327534 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2118-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity is triggered by different patterns of network activity. Here, we investigated how LTP in CA3-CA1 synapses induced by different stimulation patterns is affected by tonic GABAA conductances in rat hippocampal slices. Spike-timing-dependent LTP was induced by pairing Schaffer collateral stimulation with antidromic stimulation of CA1 pyramidal neurons. Theta-burst-induced LTP was induced by theta-burst stimulation of Schaffer collaterals. We mimicked increased tonic GABAA conductance by bath application of 30 μm GABA. Surprisingly, tonic GABAA conductance selectively suppressed theta-burst-induced LTP but not spike-timing-dependent LTP. We combined whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, two-photon Ca2+ imaging, glutamate uncaging, and mathematical modeling to dissect the mechanisms underlying these differential effects of tonic GABAA conductance. We found that Ca2+ transients during pairing of an action potential with an EPSP were less sensitive to tonic GABAA conductance-induced shunting inhibition than Ca2+ transients induced by EPSP burst. Our results may explain how different forms of memory are affected by increasing tonic GABAA conductances under physiological or pathologic conditions, as well as under the influence of substances that target extrasynaptic GABAA receptors (e.g., neurosteroids, sedatives, antiepileptic drugs, and alcohol).SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Brain activity is associated with neuronal firing and synaptic signaling among neurons. Synaptic plasticity represents a mechanism for learning and memory. However, some neurotransmitters that escape the synaptic cleft or are released by astrocytes can target extrasynaptic receptors. Extrasynaptic GABAA receptors mediate tonic conductances that reduce the excitability of neurons by shunting. This results in the decreased ability for neurons to fire action potentials, but when action potentials are successfully triggered, tonic conductances are unable to reduce them significantly. As such, tonic GABAA conductances have minimal effects on spike-timing-dependent synaptic plasticity while strongly attenuating the plasticity evoked by EPSP bursts. Our findings shed light on how changes in tonic conductances can selectively affect different forms of learning and memory.
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43
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Zhang Y, Garcia E, Sack AS, Snutch TP. L-type calcium channel contributions to intrinsic excitability and synaptic activity during basolateral amygdala postnatal development. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:1216-1235. [PMID: 31967931 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00606.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The amygdala contributes toward emotional processes such as fear, anxiety, and social cognition. Furthermore, evidence suggests that increased excitability of basolateral amygdala (BLA) principal neurons underlie certain neuropsychiatric disorders. Gain-of-function mutations in neuronal L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) are linked to neurodevelopmental diseases, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). While LTCCs are expressed throughout the BLA, direct evidence for increased LTCC activity affecting BLA excitability and potentially contributing to disease pathophysiology is lacking. In this study, we utilized a pharmacological approach to examine the contributions of LTCCs to BLA principal cell excitability and synaptic activity at immature (postnatal day 7, P7) and juvenile (P21) developmental stages. Acute upregulation of LTCC activity in brain slices by application of the agonist (S)-Bay K 8644 resulted in increased intrinsic excitability properties including firing frequency response, plateau potential, and spike-frequency adaptation selectively in P7 neurons. Contrastingly, for P21 neurons, the main effect of (S)-Bay K 8644 was to enhance burst firing. (S)-Bay K 8644 increased spontaneous inhibitory synaptic currents at both P7 and P21 but did not affect evoked synaptic currents at either stage. (S)-Bay K 8644 did not alter P7 spontaneous excitatory synaptic currents, although it increased current amplitude in P21 neurons. Overall, the results provide support for the notion that alteration of LTCC activity at specific periods of early brain development may lead to functional alterations to neuronal network activity and subsequently contribute to underlying mechanisms of amygdala-related neurological disorders.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The role of L-type calcium channels (LTCCs) in regulating neuronal electrophysiological properties during development remains unclear. We show that in basolateral amygdala principal neurons, an increase of LTCC activity alters both neuronal excitability and synaptic activity. The results also provide evidence for the distinct contributions of LTCCs at different stages of neurodevelopment and shed insight into our understanding of LTCC dysfunction in amygdala-related neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Zhang
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Esperanza Garcia
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anne-Sophie Sack
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Terrance P Snutch
- Michael Smith Laboratories and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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44
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CRPS Is Not Associated with Altered Sensorimotor Cortex GABA or Glutamate. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0389-19.2020. [PMID: 31980452 PMCID: PMC7029188 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0389-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a debilitating chronic pain disorder typically in the upper or lower limbs. While CRPS usually develops from a peripheral event, it is likely maintained by CNS changes. Indeed, CRPS is reported to be associated with sensorimotor cortex changes, or functional “reorganization,” as well as deficits such as poor tactile acuity. While the mechanisms underpinning cortical reorganization in CRPS are unknown, some have hypothesized that it involves disinhibition (i.e., a reduction in GABA activity). In this study, we addressed this hypothesis by using edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine sensorimotor GABA and glutamate concentrations in 16 humans with CRPS and 30 matched control subjects and the relationship of these concentrations with tactile acuity. We found that individuals with upper limb CRPS displayed reduced tactile acuity in the painful hand, compared with the nonpainful hand and pain-free control subjects. Despite this acuity deficit, CRPS was not associated with altered GABA or glutamate concentrations within the sensorimotor cortex on either the side that represents the affected or unaffected hand. Furthermore, there was no significant relationship between sensorimotor GABA or glutamate concentrations and tactile acuity in CRPS subjects or control subjects. Although our sample was small, these data suggest that CRPS is not associated with altered total sensorimotor GABA or glutamate concentrations. While these results are at odds with the sensorimotor cortex disinhibition hypothesis, it is possible that GABAergic mechanisms other than total GABA concentration may contribute to such disinhibition.
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45
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Calvo-Flores Guzmán B, Kim S, Chawdhary B, Peppercorn K, Tate WP, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RLM, Montgomery J, Kwakowsky A. Amyloid-Beta 1-42 -Induced Increase in GABAergic Tonic Conductance in Mouse Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Cells. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030693. [PMID: 32041202 PMCID: PMC7037727 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex and chronic neurodegenerative disorder that involves a progressive and severe decline in cognition and memory. During the last few decades a considerable amount of research has been done in order to better understand tau-pathology, inflammatory activity and neuronal synapse loss in AD, all of them contributing to cognitive decline. Early hippocampal network dysfunction is one of the main factors associated with cognitive decline in AD. Much has been published about amyloid-beta1-42 (Aβ1-42)-mediated excitotoxicity in AD. However, increasing evidence demonstrates that the remodeling of the inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) system contributes to the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) disruption in the AD hippocampus, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In the present study, we show that hippocampal injection of Aβ1-42 is sufficient to induce cognitive deficits 7 days post-injection. We demonstrate using in vitro whole-cell patch-clamping an increased inhibitory GABAergic tonic conductance mediated by extrasynaptic type A GABA receptors (GABAARs), recorded in the CA1 region of the mouse hippocampus following Aβ1-42 micro injection. Such alterations in GABA neurotransmission and/or inhibitory GABAARs could have a significant impact on both hippocampal structure and function, causing E/I balance disruption and potentially contributing to cognitive deficits in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Calvo-Flores Guzmán
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (B.C.-F.G.); (S.K.); (B.C.); (H.J.W.); (R.L.F.)
| | - SooHyun Kim
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (B.C.-F.G.); (S.K.); (B.C.); (H.J.W.); (R.L.F.)
| | - Bhavya Chawdhary
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (B.C.-F.G.); (S.K.); (B.C.); (H.J.W.); (R.L.F.)
| | - Katie Peppercorn
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (K.P.); (W.P.T.)
| | - Warren P Tate
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand; (K.P.); (W.P.T.)
| | - Henry J Waldvogel
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (B.C.-F.G.); (S.K.); (B.C.); (H.J.W.); (R.L.F.)
| | - Richard LM Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (B.C.-F.G.); (S.K.); (B.C.); (H.J.W.); (R.L.F.)
| | - Johanna Montgomery
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand;
| | - Andrea Kwakowsky
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand; (B.C.-F.G.); (S.K.); (B.C.); (H.J.W.); (R.L.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +64-9923-9346
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46
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GABA-mediated tonic inhibition differentially modulates gain in functional subtypes of cortical interneurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:3192-3202. [PMID: 31974304 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1906369117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The binding of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) to extrasynaptic GABAA receptors generates tonic inhibition that acts as a powerful modulator of cortical network activity. Despite GABA being present throughout the extracellular space of the brain, previous work has shown that GABA may differentially modulate the excitability of neuron subtypes according to variation in chloride gradient. Here, using biophysically detailed neuron models, we predict that tonic inhibition can differentially modulate the excitability of neuron subtypes according to variation in electrophysiological properties. Surprisingly, tonic inhibition increased the responsiveness (or gain) in models with features typical for somatostatin interneurons but decreased gain in models with features typical for parvalbumin interneurons. Patch-clamp recordings from cortical interneurons supported these predictions, and further in silico analysis was then performed to seek a putative mechanism underlying gain modulation. We found that gain modulation in models was dependent upon the magnitude of tonic current generated at depolarized membrane potential-a property associated with outward rectifying GABAA receptors. Furthermore, tonic inhibition produced two biophysical changes in models of relevance to neuronal excitability: 1) enhanced action potential repolarization via increased current flow into the dendritic compartment, and 2) reduced activation of voltage-dependent potassium channels. Finally, we show theoretically that reduced potassium channel activation selectively increases gain in models possessing action potential dynamics typical for somatostatin interneurons. Potassium channels in parvalbumin-type models deactivate rapidly and are unavailable for further modulation. These findings show that GABA can differentially modulate interneuron excitability and suggest a mechanism through which this occurs in silico via differences of intrinsic electrophysiological properties.
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47
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Flood L, Korol SV, Ekselius L, Birnir B, Jin Z. Interferon-γ potentiates GABA A receptor-mediated inhibitory currents in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. J Neuroimmunol 2019; 337:577050. [PMID: 31505410 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2019.577050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The neural transmission and plasticity can be differentially modulated by various elements of the immune system. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is a "pro-inflammatory" cytokine mainly produced by T lymphocytes, activates its corresponding receptor and plays important roles under both homeostatic and inflammatory conditions. However, the impact of IFN-γ on the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated currents in the hippocampus, a major brain region involved in the cognitive function, has not been investigated. Here we detected abundant expression of both IFN-γ receptor subunit gene transcripts (Ifngr1 and Ifngr2) in the rat hippocampus by quantitative PCR. In addition, we pre-incubated rat hippocampal slices with IFN-γ (100 ng/ml) and recorded GABA-activated spontaneous and miniature postsynaptic inhibitory currents (sIPSCs and mIPSCs) and tonic currents in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons by the whole-cell patch-clamp method. The pre-incubation with IFN-γ increased the frequency but not the mean amplitude, rise time or decay time of both sIPSCs and mIPSCs in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, suggesting a presynaptic effect of IFN-γ. Moreover, the GABA-activated tonic currents were enhanced by IFN-γ. In conclusion, the potentiation of GABAergic currents in hippocampal neurons by IFN-γ may contribute to the disturbed neuronal excitability and cognitive dysfunction during neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Flood
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Physiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sergiy V Korol
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Physiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lisa Ekselius
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bryndis Birnir
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Physiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhe Jin
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Physiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of NingXia Medical University, Yinchuan, NingXia, China.
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48
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Mechanisms of GABA B receptor enhancement of extrasynaptic GABA A receptor currents in cerebellar granule cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16683. [PMID: 31723152 PMCID: PMC6853962 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53087-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurons, including cerebellar granule cells, exhibit a tonic GABA current mediated by extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. This current is a critical regulator of firing and the target of many clinically relevant compounds. Using a combination of patch clamp electrophysiology and photolytic uncaging of RuBi-GABA we show that GABAB receptors are tonically active and enhance extrasynaptic GABAA receptor currents in cerebellar granule cells. This enhancement is not associated with meaningful changes in GABAA receptor potency, mean channel open-time, open probability, or single-channel current. However, there was a significant (~40%) decrease in the number of channels participating in the GABA uncaging current and an increase in receptor desensitization. Furthermore, we find that adenylate cyclase, PKA, CaMKII, and release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores are necessary for modulation of GABAA receptors. Overall, this work reveals crosstalk between postsynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors and identifies the signaling pathways and mechanisms involved.
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49
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Menegaz D, Hagan DW, Almaça J, Cianciaruso C, Rodriguez-Diaz R, Molina J, Dolan RM, Becker MW, Schwalie PC, Nano R, Lebreton F, Kang C, Sah R, Gaisano HY, Berggren PO, Baekkeskov S, Caicedo A, Phelps EA. Mechanism and effects of pulsatile GABA secretion from cytosolic pools in the human beta cell. Nat Metab 2019; 1:1110-1126. [PMID: 32432213 PMCID: PMC7236889 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-019-0135-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic beta cells synthesize and secrete the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as a paracrine and autocrine signal to help regulate hormone secretion and islet homeostasis. Islet GABA release has classically been described as a secretory vesicle-mediated event. Yet, a limitation of the hypothesized vesicular GABA release from islets is the lack of expression of a vesicular GABA transporter in beta cells. Consequentially, GABA accumulates in the cytosol. Here we provide evidence that the human beta cell effluxes GABA from a cytosolic pool in a pulsatile manner, imposing a synchronizing rhythm on pulsatile insulin secretion. The volume regulatory anion channel (VRAC), functionally encoded by LRRC8A or Swell1, is critical for pulsatile GABA secretion. GABA content in beta cells is depleted and secretion is disrupted in islets from type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients, suggesting that loss of GABA as a synchronizing signal for hormone output may correlate with diabetes pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danusa Menegaz
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - D Walker Hagan
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Joana Almaça
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Chiara Cianciaruso
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rayner Rodriguez-Diaz
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Judith Molina
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Robert M Dolan
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Matthew W Becker
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Petra C Schwalie
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Rita Nano
- Pancreatic Islet Processing Facility, Diabetes Research Institute, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Fanny Lebreton
- Cell Isolation and Transplantation Center, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chen Kang
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Rajan Sah
- Center for Cardiovascular Research and Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Herbert Y Gaisano
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Per-Olof Berggren
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- The Rolf Luft Research Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Integrative Biosciences and Biotechnology, WCU Program, University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Steinunn Baekkeskov
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Departments of Medicine and Microbiology/Immunology, Diabetes Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Alejandro Caicedo
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
- Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
- Program in Neuroscience, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Edward A Phelps
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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50
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Neumann S, Boothman-Burrell L, Gowing EK, Jacobsen TA, Ahring PK, Young SL, Sandager-Nielsen K, Clarkson AN. The Delta-Subunit Selective GABA A Receptor Modulator, DS2, Improves Stroke Recovery via an Anti-inflammatory Mechanism. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1133. [PMID: 31736685 PMCID: PMC6828610 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory processes are known to contribute to tissue damage in the central nervous system (CNS) across a broad range of neurological conditions, including stroke. Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS, has been implicated in modulating peripheral immune responses by acting on GABA A receptors on antigen-presenting cells and lymphocytes. Here, we investigated the effects and mechanism of action of the delta-selective compound, DS2, to improve stroke recovery and modulate inflammation. We report a decrease in nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation in innate immune cells over a concentration range in vitro. Following a photochemically induced motor cortex stroke, treatment with DS2 at 0.1 mg/kg from 1 h post-stroke significantly decreased circulating tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-17, and IL-6 levels, reduced infarct size and improved motor function in mice. Free brain concentrations of DS2 were found to be lower than needed for robust modulation of central GABA A receptors and were not affected by the presence and absence of elacridar, an inhibitor of both P-glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Finally, as DS2 appears to dampen peripheral immune activation and only shows limited brain exposure, we assessed the role of DS2 to promote functional recovery after stroke when administered from 3-days after the stroke. Treatment with DS2 from 3-days post-stroke improved motor function on the grid-walking, but not on the cylinder task. These data highlight the need to further develop subunit-selective compounds to better understand change in GABA receptor signaling pathways both centrally and peripherally. Importantly, we show that GABA compounds such as DS2 that only shows limited brain exposure can still afford significant protection and promote functional recovery most likely via modulation of peripheral immune cells and could be given as an adjunct treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Neumann
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Lily Boothman-Burrell
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Emma K Gowing
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Philip K Ahring
- School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah L Young
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Andrew N Clarkson
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Health Research Centre, Brain Research New Zealand, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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