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Cheng L, Xiao L, Lin W, Li M, Liu J, Qiu X, Li M, Zheng Y, Xu C, Wang Y, Chen Z. Histamine H 1 receptors in dentate gyrus-projecting cholinergic neurons of the medial septum suppress contextual fear retrieval in mice. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5805. [PMID: 38987240 PMCID: PMC11237085 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50042-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Fear memory is essential for survival and adaptation, yet excessive fear memories can lead to emotional disabilities and mental disorders. Despite previous researches have indicated that histamine H1 receptor (H1R) exerts critical and intricate effects on fear memory, the role of H1R is still not clarified. Here, we show that deletion of H1R gene in medial septum (MS) but not other cholinergic neurons selectively enhances contextual fear memory without affecting cued memory by differentially activating the dentate gyrus (DG) neurons in mice. H1R in cholinergic neurons mediates the contextual fear retrieval rather than consolidation by decreasing acetylcholine release pattern in DG. Furthermore, selective knockdown of H1R in the MS is sufficient to enhance contextual fear memory by manipulating the retrieval-induced neurons in DG. Our results suggest that H1R in MS cholinergic neurons is critical for contextual fear retrieval, and could be a potential therapeutic target for individuals with fear-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenkai Lin
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Minzhu Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyun Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Menghan Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanrong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Cenglin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
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Oliver Goral R, Lamb PW, Yakel JL. Acetylcholine Neurons Become Cholinergic during Three Time Windows in the Developing Mouse Brain. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0542-23.2024. [PMID: 38942474 PMCID: PMC11253243 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0542-23.2024] [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: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) neurons in the central nervous system are required for the coordination of neural network activity during higher brain functions, such as attention, learning, and memory, as well as locomotion. Disturbed cholinergic signaling has been described in many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Furthermore, cotransmission of other signaling molecules, such as glutamate and GABA, with ACh has been associated with essential roles in brain function or disease. However, it is unknown when ACh neurons become cholinergic during development. Thus, understanding the timeline of how the cholinergic system develops and becomes active in the healthy brain is a crucial part of understanding brain development. To study this, we used transgenic mice to selectively label ACh neurons with tdTomato. We imaged serial sectioned brains and generated whole-brain reconstructions at different time points during pre- and postnatal development. We found three crucial time windows-two in the prenatal and one in the postnatal brain-during which most ACh neuron populations become cholinergic in the brain. We also found that cholinergic gene expression is initiated in cortical ACh interneurons, while the cerebral cortex is innervated by cholinergic projection neurons from the basal forebrain. Taken together, we show that ACh neuron populations are present and become cholinergic before postnatal day 12, which is the onset of major sensory processes, such as hearing and vision. We conclude that the birth of ACh neurons and initiation of cholinergic gene expression are temporally separated during development but highly coordinated by brain anatomical structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Oliver Goral
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
- Center on Compulsive Behaviors, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Patricia W Lamb
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Jerrel L Yakel
- Neurobiology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
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Zaborszky L, Varsanyi P, Alloway K, Chavez C, Gielow M, Gombkoto P, Kondo H, Nadasdy Z. Functional architecture of the forebrain cholinergic system in rodents. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4504727. [PMID: 38947053 PMCID: PMC11213185 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4504727/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
The basal forebrain cholinergic system (BFCS) participates in functions that are global across the brain, such as sleep-wake cycles, but also participates in capacities that are more behaviorally and anatomically specific, including sensory perception. To better understand the underlying organization principles of the BFCS, more and higher quality anatomical data and analysis is needed. Here, we created a "virtual Basal Forebrain", combining data from numerous rats with cortical retrograde tracer injections into a common 3D reference coordinate space and developed a "spatial density correlation" methodology to analyze patterns in BFCS cortical projection targets, revealing that the BFCS is organized into three principal networks: somatosensory-motor, auditory, and visual. Within each network, clusters of cholinergic cells with increasing complexity innervate cortical targets. These networks represent hierarchically organized building blocks that may enable the BFCS to coordinate spatially selective signaling, including parallel modulation of multiple functionally interconnected yet diverse groups of cortical areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Peter Gombkoto
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich)
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4
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Feng CH, Du XN, Wang Z, Wu T, Zhang LN. The activity of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain interferes with anesthesia-arousal process of propofol. Neuropeptides 2024; 107:102449. [PMID: 38908356 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated that basal forebrain (BF) regulates arousal during propofol anesthesia. However, as the BF comprises cholinergic neurons alongside two other types of neurons, the specific role of cholinergic neurons has not been definitively elucidated. In our study, calcium signal imaging was utilized to monitor the real-time activities of cholinergic neurons in the BF during propofol anesthesia. Additionally, we selectively stimulated these neurons to investigate EEG and behavioral responses during propofol anesthesia. Furthermore, we specifically lesioned cholinergic neurons in the BF to investigate the sensitivity to propofol and the induction time. The results revealed that propofol suppressed calcium signals of cholinergic neurons within the BF following intraperitoneal injection. Notably, upon recovery of the righting reflex, the calcium signals partially recovered. Spectral analysis of the EEG elucidated that optical stimulation of cholinergic neurons led to a decrease in δ power underlie propofol anesthesia. Conversely, depletion of cholinergic neurons in the BF enhanced sensitivity to propofol and shortened the induction time. These findings clarify the role of cholinergic neurons in the anesthesia-arousal process, as well as the depth and the sensitivity of propofol anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Hua Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral & Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shaanxi Engineering Research Center for Dental Materials and Advanced Manufacture, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Xiao-Nan Du
- Department of Anesthesiology, Central Hospital of Wuhan Affiliated to Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430014, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Li-Na Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710004, China.
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Zhang D, Wei Y. Distinct Neural Mechanisms Between Anesthesia Induction and Emergence: A Narrative Review. Anesth Analg 2024:00000539-990000000-00840. [PMID: 38861419 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000007114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Anesthesia induction and emergence are critical periods for perioperative safety in the clinic. Traditionally, the emergence from general anesthesia has been recognized as a simple inverse process of induction resulting from the elimination of general anesthetics from the central nervous system. However, accumulated evidence has indicated that anesthesia induction and emergence are not mirror-image processes because of the occurrence of hysteresis/neural inertia in both animals and humans. An increasing number of studies have highlighted the critical role of orexinergic neurons and their involved circuits in the selective regulation of emergence but not the induction of general anesthesia. Moreover, additional brain regions have also been implicated in distinct neural mechanisms for anesthesia induction and emergence, which extends the concept that anesthetic induction and emergence are not antiparallel processes. Here, we reviewed the current literature and summarized the evidence regarding the differential mechanism of neural modulation in anesthesia induction and emergence, which will facilitate the understanding of the underlying neural mechanism for emergence from general anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghang Zhang
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Yiyong Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Longgang District Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital of Shenzhen City (Longgang Maternity and Child Institute of Shantou University Medical College), Shenzhen, China
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Björklund A, Barker RA. The basal forebrain cholinergic system as target for cell replacement therapy in Parkinson's disease. Brain 2024; 147:1937-1952. [PMID: 38279949 PMCID: PMC11146424 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae026] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years there has been a renewed interest in the basal forebrain cholinergic system as a target for the treatment of cognitive impairments in patients with Parkinson's disease, due in part to the need to explore novel approaches to treat the cognitive symptoms of the disease and in part to the development of more refined imaging tools that have made it possible to monitor the progressive changes in the structure and function of the basal forebrain system as they evolve over time. In parallel, emerging technologies allowing the derivation of authentic basal forebrain cholinergic neurons from human pluripotent stem cells are providing new powerful tools for the exploration of cholinergic neuron replacement in animal models of Parkinson's disease-like cognitive decline. In this review, we discuss the rationale for cholinergic cell replacement as a potential therapeutic strategy in Parkinson's disease and how this approach can be explored in rodent models of Parkinson's disease-like cognitive decline, building on insights gained from the extensive animal experimental work that was performed in rodent and primate models in the 1980s and 90s. Although therapies targeting the cholinergic system have so far been focused mainly on patients with Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease with dementia may be a more relevant condition. In Parkinson's disease with dementia, the basal forebrain system undergoes progressive degeneration and the magnitude of cholinergic cell loss has been shown to correlate with the level of cognitive impairment. Thus, cell therapy aimed to replace the lost basal forebrain cholinergic neurons represents an interesting strategy to combat some of the major cognitive impairments in patients with Parkinson's disease dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Björklund
- Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Roger A Barker
- Wellcome MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
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Mousavi H, Rimaz M, Zeynizadeh B. Practical Three-Component Regioselective Synthesis of Drug-Like 3-Aryl(or heteroaryl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[ h]cinnolines as Potential Non-Covalent Multi-Targeting Inhibitors To Combat Neurodegenerative Diseases. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1828-1881. [PMID: 38647433 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00055] [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] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are one of the prominent health challenges facing contemporary society, and many efforts have been made to overcome and (or) control it. In this research paper, we described a practical one-pot two-step three-component reaction between 3,4-dihydronaphthalen-1(2H)-one (1), aryl(or heteroaryl)glyoxal monohydrates (2a-h), and hydrazine monohydrate (NH2NH2•H2O) for the regioselective preparation of some 3-aryl(or heteroaryl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]cinnoline derivatives (3a-h). After synthesis and characterization of the mentioned cinnolines (3a-h), the in silico multi-targeting inhibitory properties of these heterocyclic scaffolds have been investigated upon various Homo sapiens-type enzymes, including hMAO-A, hMAO-B, hAChE, hBChE, hBACE-1, hBACE-2, hNQO-1, hNQO-2, hnNOS, hiNOS, hPARP-1, hPARP-2, hLRRK-2(G2019S), hGSK-3β, hp38α MAPK, hJNK-3, hOGA, hNMDA receptor, hnSMase-2, hIDO-1, hCOMT, hLIMK-1, hLIMK-2, hRIPK-1, hUCH-L1, hPARK-7, and hDHODH, which have confirmed their functions and roles in the neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), based on molecular docking studies, and the obtained results were compared with a wide range of approved drugs and well-known (with IC50, EC50, etc.) compounds. In addition, in silico ADMET prediction analysis was performed to examine the prospective drug properties of the synthesized heterocyclic compounds (3a-h). The obtained results from the molecular docking studies and ADMET-related data demonstrated that these series of 3-aryl(or heteroaryl)-5,6-dihydrobenzo[h]cinnolines (3a-h), especially hit ones, can really be turned into the potent core of new drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), and/or due to the having some reactionable locations, they are able to have further organic reactions (such as cross-coupling reactions), and expansion of these compounds (for example, with using other types of aryl(or heteroaryl)glyoxal monohydrates) makes a new avenue for designing novel and efficient drugs for this purpose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mousavi
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran
| | - Mehdi Rimaz
- Department of Chemistry, Payame Noor University, P.O. Box 19395-3697, Tehran 19395-3697, Iran
| | - Behzad Zeynizadeh
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Urmia University, Urmia 5756151818, Iran
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Peña-Casanova J, Sánchez-Benavides G, Sigg-Alonso J. Updating functional brain units: Insights far beyond Luria. Cortex 2024; 174:19-69. [PMID: 38492440 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2024.02.004] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
This paper reviews Luria's model of the three functional units of the brain. To meet this objective, several issues were reviewed: the theory of functional systems and the contributions of phylogenesis and embryogenesis to the brain's functional organization. This review revealed several facts. In the first place, the relationship/integration of basic homeostatic needs with complex forms of behavior. Secondly, the multi-scale hierarchical and distributed organization of the brain and interactions between cells and systems. Thirdly, the phylogenetic role of exaptation, especially in basal ganglia and cerebellum expansion. Finally, the tripartite embryogenetic organization of the brain: rhinic, limbic/paralimbic, and supralimbic zones. Obviously, these principles of brain organization are in contradiction with attempts to establish separate functional brain units. The proposed new model is made up of two large integrated complexes: a primordial-limbic complex (Luria's Unit I) and a telencephalic-cortical complex (Luria's Units II and III). As a result, five functional units were delineated: Unit I. Primordial or preferential (brainstem), for life-support, behavioral modulation, and waking regulation; Unit II. Limbic and paralimbic systems, for emotions and hedonic evaluation (danger and relevance detection and contribution to reward/motivational processing) and the creation of cognitive maps (contextual memory, navigation, and generativity [imagination]); Unit III. Telencephalic-cortical, for sensorimotor and cognitive processing (gnosis, praxis, language, calculation, etc.), semantic and episodic (contextual) memory processing, and multimodal conscious agency; Unit IV. Basal ganglia systems, for behavior selection and reinforcement (reward-oriented behavior); Unit V. Cerebellar systems, for the prediction/anticipation (orthometric supervision) of the outcome of an action. The proposed brain units are nothing more than abstractions within the brain's simultaneous and distributed physiological processes. As function transcends anatomy, the model necessarily involves transition and overlap between structures. Beyond the classic approaches, this review includes information on recent systemic perspectives on functional brain organization. The limitations of this review are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Peña-Casanova
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Neuroscience Program, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain; Test Barcelona Services, Teià, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Jorge Sigg-Alonso
- Department of Behavioral and Cognitive Neurobiology, Institute of Neurobiology, National Autonomous University of México (UNAM), Queretaro, Mexico
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Kim R, Ananth MR, Desai NS, Role LW, Talmage DA. Distinct subpopulations of ventral pallidal cholinergic projection neurons encode valence of olfactory stimuli. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114009. [PMID: 38536818 PMCID: PMC11080946 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
To better understand the function of cholinergic projection neurons in the ventral pallidum (VP), we examined behavioral responses to appetitive (APP) and aversive (AV) odors that elicited approach or avoidance, respectively. Exposure to each odor increased cFos expression and calcium signaling in VP cholinergic neurons. Activity and Cre-dependent viral vectors selectively labeled VP cholinergic neurons that were activated and reactivated in response to either APP or AV odors, but not both, identifying two non-overlapping populations of VP cholinergic neurons differentially activated by the valence of olfactory stimuli. These two subpopulations showed differences in electrophysiological properties, morphology, and projections to the basolateral amygdala. Although VP neurons are engaged in both approach and avoidance behavioral responses, cholinergic signaling is only required for approach behavior. Thus, two distinct subpopulations of VP cholinergic neurons differentially encode valence of olfactory stimuli and play distinct roles in approach and avoidance behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Kim
- Genetics of Neuronal Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mala R Ananth
- Circuits, Synapses and Molecular Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Niraj S Desai
- Circuits, Synapses and Molecular Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lorna W Role
- Circuits, Synapses and Molecular Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - David A Talmage
- Genetics of Neuronal Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Zou Y, Tong C, Peng W, Qiu Y, Li J, Xia Y, Pei M, Zhang K, Li W, Xu M, Liang Z. Cell-type-specific optogenetic fMRI on basal forebrain reveals functional network basis of behavioral preference. Neuron 2024; 112:1342-1357.e6. [PMID: 38359827 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.01.017] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The basal forebrain (BF) is a complex structure that plays key roles in regulating various brain functions. However, it remains unclear how cholinergic and non-cholinergic BF neurons modulate large-scale functional networks and their relevance in intrinsic and extrinsic behaviors. With an optimized awake mouse optogenetic fMRI approach, we revealed that optogenetic stimulation of four BF neuron types evoked distinct cell-type-specific whole-brain BOLD activations, which could be attributed to BF-originated low-dimensional structural networks. Additionally, optogenetic activation of VGLUT2, ChAT, and PV neurons in the BF modulated the preference for locomotion, exploration, and grooming, respectively. Furthermore, we uncovered the functional network basis of the above BF-modulated behavioral preference through a decoding model linking the BF-modulated BOLD activation, low-dimensional structural networks, and behavioral preference. To summarize, we decoded the functional network basis of differential behavioral preferences with cell-type-specific optogenetic fMRI on the BF and provided an avenue for investigating mouse behaviors from a whole-brain view.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijuan Zou
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; International Center for Primate Brain Research, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Chuanjun Tong
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; International Center for Primate Brain Research, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201602, China
| | - Wanling Peng
- Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Cardiac Intensive Care Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jiangxue Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Ying Xia
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Mengchao Pei
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Kaiwei Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Weishuai Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Min Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Zhifeng Liang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; International Center for Primate Brain Research, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201602, China.
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11
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Ananth MR, Gardus JD, Huang C, Palekar N, Slifstein M, Zaborszky L, Parsey RV, Talmage DA, DeLorenzo C, Role LW. Loss of cholinergic input to the entorhinal cortex is an early indicator of cognitive impairment in natural aging of humans and mice. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3851086. [PMID: 38260541 PMCID: PMC10802688 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3851086/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
In a series of translational experiments using fully quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) imaging with a new tracer specific for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter ([18F]VAT) in vivo in humans, and genetically targeted cholinergic markers in mice, we evaluated whether changes to the cholinergic system were an early feature of age-related cognitive decline. We found that deficits in cholinergic innervation of the entorhinal cortex (EC) and decline in performance on behavioral tasks engaging the EC are, strikingly, early features of the aging process. In human studies, we recruited older adult volunteers that were physically healthy and without prior clinical diagnosis of cognitive impairment. Using [18F]VAT PET imaging, we demonstrate that there is measurable loss of cholinergic inputs to the EC that can serve as an early signature of decline in EC cognitive performance. These deficits are specific to the cholinergic circuit between the medial septum and vertical limb of the diagonal band (MS/vDB; CH1/2) to the EC. Using diffusion imaging, we further demonstrate impaired structural connectivity in the tracts between the MS/vDB and EC in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Experiments in mouse, designed to parallel and extend upon the human studies, used high resolution imaging to evaluate cholinergic terminal density and immediate early gene (IEG) activity of EC neurons in healthy aging mice and in mice with genetic susceptibility to accelerated accumulation amyloid beta plaques and hyperphosphorylated mouse tau. Across species and aging conditions, we find that the integrity of cholinergic projections to the EC directly correlates with the extent of EC activation and with performance on EC-related object recognition memory tasks. Silencing EC-projecting cholinergic neurons in young, healthy mice during the object-location memory task impairs object recognition performance, mimicking aging. Taken together we identify a role for acetylcholine in normal EC function and establish loss of cholinergic input to the EC as an early, conserved feature of age-related cognitive decline in both humans and rodents.
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Pereira PA, Tavares M, Laires M, Mota B, Madeira MD, Paula-Barbosa MM, Cardoso A. Effects of Aging and Nerve Growth Factor on Neuropeptide Expression and Cholinergic Innervation of the Rat Basolateral Amygdala. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:155. [PMID: 38534426 DOI: 10.3390/biology13030155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala (BLA) contains interneurons that express neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), both of which are involved in the regulation of functions and behaviors that undergo deterioration with aging. There is considerable evidence that, in some brain areas, the expression of NPY and VIP might be modulated by acetylcholine. Importantly, the BLA is one of the brain regions that has one of the densest cholinergic innervations, which arise mainly from the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons. These cholinergic neurons depend on nerve growth factor (NGF) for their survival, connectivity, and function. Thus, in this study, we sought to determine if aging alters the densities of NPY- and VIP-positive neurons and cholinergic varicosities in the BLA and, in the affirmative, if those changes might rely on insufficient trophic support provided by NGF. The number of NPY-positive neurons was significantly reduced in aged rats, whereas the number of VIP-immunoreactive neurons was unaltered. The decreased NPY expression was fully reversed by the infusion of NGF in the lateral ventricle. The density of cholinergic varicosities was similar in adult and old rats. On the other hand, the density of cholinergic varicosities is significantly higher in old rats treated with NGF than in adult and old rats. Our results indicate a dissimilar resistance of different populations of BLA interneurons to aging. Furthermore, the present data also show that the BLA cholinergic innervation is particularly resistant to aging effects. Finally, our results also show that the reduced NPY expression in the BLA of aged rats can be related to changes in the NGF neurotrophic support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro A Pereira
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- NeuroGen Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Tavares
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel Laires
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Mota
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Dulce Madeira
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- NeuroGen Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel M Paula-Barbosa
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Armando Cardoso
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- NeuroGen Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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13
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Rajebhosale P, Ananth MR, Kim R, Crouse R, Jiang L, López-Hernández G, Zhong C, Arty C, Wang S, Jone A, Desai NS, Li Y, Picciotto MR, Role LW, Talmage DA. Functionally refined encoding of threat memory by distinct populations of basal forebrain cholinergic projection neurons. eLife 2024; 13:e86581. [PMID: 38363713 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86581] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurons of the basal forebrain nucleus basalis and posterior substantia innominata (NBM/SIp) comprise the major source of cholinergic input to the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Using a genetically encoded acetylcholine (ACh) sensor in mice, we demonstrate that BLA-projecting cholinergic neurons can 'learn' the association between a naive tone and a foot shock (training) and release ACh in the BLA in response to the conditioned tone 24 hr later (recall). In the NBM/SIp cholinergic neurons express the immediate early gene, Fos following both training and memory recall. Cholinergic neurons that express Fos following memory recall display increased intrinsic excitability. Chemogenetic silencing of these learning-activated cholinergic neurons prevents expression of the defensive behavior to the tone. In contrast, we show that NBM/SIp cholinergic neurons are not activated by an innately threatening stimulus (predator odor). Instead, VP/SIa cholinergic neurons are activated and contribute to defensive behaviors in response to predator odor, an innately threatening stimulus. Taken together, we find that distinct populations of cholinergic neurons are recruited to signal distinct aversive stimuli, demonstrating functionally refined organization of specific types of memory within the cholinergic basal forebrain of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mala R Ananth
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, United States
| | - Ronald Kim
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, United States
| | - Richard Crouse
- Yale Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Li Jiang
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, United States
| | | | - Chongbo Zhong
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, United States
| | | | - Shaohua Wang
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, United States
| | - Alice Jone
- Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, United States
| | - Niraj S Desai
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, United States
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Marina R Picciotto
- Yale Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, United States
| | - Lorna W Role
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, United States
| | - David A Talmage
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, United States
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14
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Loh JS, Mak WQ, Tan LKS, Ng CX, Chan HH, Yeow SH, Foo JB, Ong YS, How CW, Khaw KY. Microbiota-gut-brain axis and its therapeutic applications in neurodegenerative diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:37. [PMID: 38360862 PMCID: PMC10869798 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01743-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal tract is populated with a diverse microbial community. The vast genetic and metabolic potential of the gut microbiome underpins its ubiquity in nearly every aspect of human biology, including health maintenance, development, aging, and disease. The advent of new sequencing technologies and culture-independent methods has allowed researchers to move beyond correlative studies toward mechanistic explorations to shed light on microbiome-host interactions. Evidence has unveiled the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system, referred to as the "microbiota-gut-brain axis". The microbiota-gut-brain axis represents an important regulator of glial functions, making it an actionable target to ameliorate the development and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases. As the gut microbiome provides essential cues to microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, we examine the communications between gut microbiota and these glial cells during healthy states and neurodegenerative diseases. Subsequently, we discuss the mechanisms of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in neurodegenerative diseases using a metabolite-centric approach, while also examining the role of gut microbiota-related neurotransmitters and gut hormones. Next, we examine the potential of targeting the intestinal barrier, blood-brain barrier, meninges, and peripheral immune system to counteract glial dysfunction in neurodegeneration. Finally, we conclude by assessing the pre-clinical and clinical evidence of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation in neurodegenerative diseases. A thorough comprehension of the microbiota-gut-brain axis will foster the development of effective therapeutic interventions for the management of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sheng Loh
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wen Qi Mak
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Li Kar Stella Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Digital Health & Medical Advancements, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chu Xin Ng
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hong Hao Chan
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shiau Hueh Yeow
- UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK
| | - Jhi Biau Foo
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
- Digital Health & Medical Advancements, Taylor's University, 1, Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yong Sze Ong
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chee Wun How
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Kooi Yeong Khaw
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, 47500, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.
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15
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Rajebhosale P, Ananth MR, Kim R, Crouse R, Jiang L, López-Hernández G, Zhong C, Arty C, Wang S, Jone A, Desai NS, Li Y, Picciotto MR, Role LW, Talmage DA. Functionally refined encoding of threat memory by distinct populations of basal forebrain cholinergic projection neurons. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3938016. [PMID: 38405824 PMCID: PMC10889048 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3938016/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Neurons of the basal forebrain nucleus basalis and posterior substantia innominata (NBM/SIp) comprise the major source of cholinergic input to the basolateral amygdala (BLA). Using a genetically-encoded acetylcholine (ACh) sensor in mice, we demonstrate that BLA-projecting cholinergic neurons can "learn" the association between a naïve tone and a foot shock (training) and release ACh in the BLA in response to the conditioned tone 24h later (recall). In the NBM/SIp cholinergic neurons express the immediate early gene, Fos following both training and memory recall. Cholinergic neurons that express Fos following memory recall display increased intrinsic excitability. Chemogenetic silencing of these learning-activated cholinergic neurons prevents expression of the defensive behavior to the tone. In contrast, we show that NBM/SIp cholinergic neurons are not activated by an innately threatening stimulus (predator odor). Instead, VP/SIa cholinergic neurons are activated and contribute to defensive behaviors in response to predator odor, an innately threatening stimulus. Taken together, we find that distinct populations of cholinergic neurons are recruited to signal distinct aversive stimuli, demonstrating functionally refined organization of specific types of memory within the cholinergic basal forebrain of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shaohua Wang
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
| | | | | | - Yulong Li
- Peking University School of Life Sciences
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16
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Huang W, Sun X, Zhang X, Xu R, Qian Y, Zhu J. Neural Correlates of Early-Life Urbanization and Their Spatial Relationships with Gene Expression, Neurotransmitter, and Behavioral Domain Atlases. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-03962-7. [PMID: 38308665 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Previous neuroimaging research has established associations between urban exposure during early life and alterations in brain function and structure. However, the molecular mechanisms and behavioral relevance of these associations remain largely unknown. Here, we aimed to address this question using a combined analysis of multimodal data. Initially, we calculated amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and gray matter volume (GMV) using resting-state functional and structural MRI to investigate their associations with early-life urbanization in a large sample of 511 healthy young adults. Then, we examined the spatial relationships of the identified neural correlates of early-life urbanization with gene expression, neurotransmitter, and behavioral domain atlases. Results showed that higher early-life urbanization scores were correlated with increased ALFF of the right fusiform gyrus and decreased GMV of the left dorsal medial prefrontal cortex and left precuneus. Remarkably, the identified neural correlates of early-life urbanization were spatially correlated with expression of gene categories primarily involving immune system process, signal transduction, and cellular metabolic process. Concurrently, there were significant associations between the neural correlates and specific neurotransmitter systems including dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin. Finally, we found that the ALFF correlates were associated with behavioral terms including "perception," "sensory," "cognitive control," and "reasoning." Apart from expanding existing knowledge of early-life urban environmental risk for mental disorders and health in general, our findings may contribute to an emerging framework for integrating social science, neuroscience, genetics, and public policy to respond to the major health challenge of world urbanization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisheng Huang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medical Imaging, Anhui Province, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Brain Bank Construction and Resource Utilization, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xuetian Sun
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medical Imaging, Anhui Province, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Brain Bank Construction and Resource Utilization, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiaohan Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medical Imaging, Anhui Province, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Brain Bank Construction and Resource Utilization, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ruoxuan Xu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medical Imaging, Anhui Province, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, China
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Brain Bank Construction and Resource Utilization, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yinfeng Qian
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- Research Center of Clinical Medical Imaging, Anhui Province, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Brain Bank Construction and Resource Utilization, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Jiajia Zhu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China.
- Research Center of Clinical Medical Imaging, Anhui Province, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Provincial Institute of Translational Medicine, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory for Brain Bank Construction and Resource Utilization, Hefei, 230032, China.
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17
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Kim R, Ananth M, Desai NS, Role LW, Talmage DA. Distinct subpopulations of ventral pallidal cholinergic projection neurons encode valence of olfactory stimuli. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.06.561261. [PMID: 37986753 PMCID: PMC10659428 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.06.561261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The ventral pallidum (VP) mediates motivated behaviors largely via the action of VP GABA and glutamatergic neurons. In addition to these neuronal subtypes, there is a population of cholinergic projection neurons in the VP, whose functional significance remains unclear. To understand the functional role of VP cholinergic neurons, we first examined behavioral responses to an appetitive (APP) odor that elicited approach, and an aversive (AV) odor that led to avoidance. To examine how VP cholinergic neurons were engaged in APP vs. AV responses, we used an immediate early gene marker and in-vivo fiber photometry, examining the activation profile of VP cholinergic neurons in response to each odor. Exposure to each odor led to an increase in the number of cFos counts and increased calcium signaling of VP cholinergic neurons. Activity and cre-dependent viral vectors were designed to label engaged VP cholinergic neurons in two distinct contexts: (1) exposure to the APP odor, (2) followed by subsequent exposure to the AV odor, and vice versa. These studies revealed two distinct, non-overlapping subpopulations of VP cholinergic neurons: one activated in response to the APP odor, and a second distinct population activated in response to the AV odor. These two subpopulations of VP cholinergic neurons are spatially intermingled within the VP, but show differences in electrophysiological properties, neuronal morphology, and projections to the basolateral amygdala. Although VP cholinergic neurons are engaged in behavioral responses to each odor, VP cholinergic signaling is only required for approach behavior. Indeed, inhibition of VP cholinergic neurons not only blocks approach to the APP odor, but reverses the behavior, leading to active avoidance. Our results highlight the functional heterogeneity of cholinergic projection neurons within the VP. These two subpopulations of VP cholinergic neurons differentially encode valence of olfactory stimuli and play unique roles in approach and avoidance behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Kim
- Genetics of Neuronal Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mala Ananth
- Circuits, Synapses and Molecular Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Niraj S. Desai
- Circuits, Synapses and Molecular Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Lorna W. Role
- Circuits, Synapses and Molecular Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - David A. Talmage
- Genetics of Neuronal Signaling Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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18
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Abdulla ZI, Mineur YS, Crouse RB, Etherington IM, Yousuf H, Na JJ, Picciotto MR. Acetylcholine signaling in the medial prefrontal cortex mediates the ability to learn an active avoidance response following learned helplessness training. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.23.559126. [PMID: 37790481 PMCID: PMC10542494 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.23.559126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Increased brain levels of acetylcholine (ACh) are observed in subsets of patients with depression and increasing ACh levels chronically can precipitate stress-related behaviors in humans and animals. Conversely, optimal ACh levels are required for cognition and memory. We hypothesize that ACh signaling is important for encoding both appetitive and stress-relevant memories, but that excessive increases in ACh result in a negative encoding bias in which memory formation of a stressful event is aberrantly strengthened, potentially contributing to the excessive focus on negative experience that could lead to depressive symptoms. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is critical to control the limbic system to filter exteroceptive cues and stress-related circuits. We therefore evaluated the role of ACh signaling in the mPFC in a learned helplessness task in which mice were exposed to repeated inescapable stressors followed by an active avoidance task. Using fiber photometry with a genetically-encoded ACh sensor, we found that ACh levels in the mPFC during exposure to inescapable stressors were positively correlated with later escape deficits in an active avoidance test in males, but not females. Consistent with these measurements, we found that both pharmacologically- and chemogenetically-induced increases in mPFC ACh levels resulted in escape deficits in both male and female mice, whereas chemogenetic inhibition of ACh neurons projecting to the mPFC improved escape performance in males, but impaired escape performance in females. These results highlight the adaptive role of ACh release in stress response, but also support the idea that sustained elevated ACh levels contribute to maladaptive behaviors. Furthermore, mPFC ACh signaling may contribute to depressive symptomology differentially in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuhair I. Abdulla
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06508, USA
| | - Yann S. Mineur
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06508, USA
| | | | | | - Hanna Yousuf
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06508, USA
| | | | - Marina R. Picciotto
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06508, USA
- Yale University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience at Yale
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Calvo-Enrique L, Lisa S, Vicente-García C, Deogracias R, Arévalo JC. Enhanced TrkA signaling impairs basal forebrain-dependent behavior. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1266983. [PMID: 37808473 PMCID: PMC10556247 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1266983] [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: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) modulate cognitive functions such as attention, learning and memory. The NGF/TrkA pathway plays an important role in the development and function of BFCNs, although two mouse models conditionally deleting TrkA expression in the central nervous system (CNS) have shown contradictory results. To shed light into this discrepancy, we used a mouse model with a gain-of-function in TrkA receptor signaling. Our results indicate that enhanced TrkA signaling did not alter hippocampal cholinergic innervation, general locomotion or anxiety-related behaviors, but it increases ChAT expression, the number of cholinergic neurons at early postnatal stages and, mutant mice showed impaired motor learning and memory functions. These data demonstrate that proper functioning of the cholinergic system in CNS requires a balanced NGF/TrkA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Calvo-Enrique
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Silvia Lisa
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Cristina Vicente-García
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ruben Deogracias
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Arévalo
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
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20
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López-Niño J, Padilla-Orozco M, Ortega A, Alejandra Cáceres-Chávez V, Tapia D, Laville A, Galarraga E, Bargas J. Dopaminergic Dependency of Cholinergic Pallidal Neurons. Neuroscience 2023; 528:12-25. [PMID: 37536611 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.07.023] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
We employed the whole-cell patch-clamp method and ChAT-Cre mice to study the electrophysiological attributes of cholinergic neurons in the external globus pallidus. Most neurons were inactive, although approximately 20% displayed spontaneous firing, including burst firing. The resting membrane potential, the whole neuron input resistance, the membrane time constant and the total neuron membrane capacitance were also characterized. The current-voltage relationship showed time-independent inward rectification without a "sag". Firing induced by current injections had a brief initial fast adaptation followed by tonic firing with minimal accommodation. Intensity-frequency plots exhibited maximal average firing rates of about 10 Hz. These traits are similar to those of some cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain. Also, we examined their dopamine sensitivity by acutely blocking dopamine receptors. This action demonstrated that the membrane potential, excitability, and firing pattern of pallidal cholinergic neurons rely on the constitutive activity of dopamine receptors, primarily D2-class receptors. The blockade of these receptors induced a resting membrane potential hyperpolarization, a decrease in firing for the same stimulus, the disappearance of fast adaptation, and the emergence of a depolarization block. This shift in physiological characteristics was evident even when the hyperpolarization was corrected with D.C. current. Neither the currents that generate the action potentials nor those from synaptic inputs were responsible. Instead, our findings suggest, that subthreshold slow ion currents, that require further investigation, are the target of this novel dopaminergic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janintzitzic López-Niño
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Montserrat Padilla-Orozco
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Aidán Ortega
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | | | - Dagoberto Tapia
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Antonio Laville
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Elvira Galarraga
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - José Bargas
- División de Neurociencias, Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.
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Zheng F, Wess J, Alzheimer C. Long-Term-But Not Short-Term-Plasticity at the Mossy Fiber-CA3 Pyramidal Cell Synapse in Hippocampus Is Altered in M1/M3 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Double Knockout Mice. Cells 2023; 12:1890. [PMID: 37508553 PMCID: PMC10378318 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are well-known for their crucial involvement in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory, but the exact roles of the various receptor subtypes (M1-M5) are still not fully understood. Here, we studied how M1 and M3 receptors affect plasticity at the mossy fiber (MF)-CA3 pyramidal cell synapse. In hippocampal slices from M1/M3 receptor double knockout (M1/M3-dKO) mice, the signature short-term plasticity of the MF-CA3 synapse was not significantly affected. However, the rather unique NMDA receptor-independent and presynaptic form of long-term potentiation (LTP) of this synapse was much larger in M1/M3-deficient slices compared to wild-type slices in both field potential and whole-cell recordings. Consistent with its presynaptic origin, induction of MF-LTP strongly enhanced the excitatory drive onto single CA3 pyramidal cells, with the effect being more pronounced in M1/M3-dKO cells. In an earlier study, we found that the deletion of M2 receptors in mice disinhibits MF-LTP in a similar fashion, suggesting that endogenous acetylcholine employs both M1/M3 and M2 receptors to constrain MF-LTP. Importantly, such synergism was not observed for MF long-term depression (LTD). Low-frequency stimulation, which reliably induced LTD of MF synapses in control slices, failed to do so in M1/M3-dKO slices and gave rise to LTP instead. In striking contrast, loss of M2 receptors augmented LTD when compared to control slices. Taken together, our data demonstrate convergence of M1/M3 and M2 receptors on MF-LTP, but functional divergence on MF-LTD, with the net effect resulting in a well-balanced bidirectional plasticity of the MF-CA3 pyramidal cell synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zheng
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jürgen Wess
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christian Alzheimer
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
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Bava JM, Wang Z, Bick SK, Englot DJ, Constantinidis C. Improving Visual Working Memory with Cholinergic Deep Brain Stimulation. Brain Sci 2023; 13:917. [PMID: 37371395 PMCID: PMC10296349 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine is a critical modulatory neurotransmitter for cognitive function. Cholinergic drugs improve cognitive performance and enhance neuronal activity in the sensory and association cortices. An alternative means of improving cognitive function is through the use of deep brain stimulation. Prior animal studies have demonstrated that stimulation of the nucleus basalis of Meynert through DBS improves cognitive performance on a visual working memory task to the same degree as cholinesterase inhibitors. Additionally, unlike current pharmacological treatments for neurocognitive disorders, DBS does not lose efficacy over time and adverse effects are rare. These findings suggest that DBS may be a promising alternative for treating cognitive impairments in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Thus, further research and human trials should be considered to assess the potential of DBS as a therapeutic treatment for these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janki M. Bava
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; (J.M.B.); (D.J.E.)
| | - Zhengyang Wang
- Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
| | - Sarah K. Bick
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
| | - Dario J. Englot
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; (J.M.B.); (D.J.E.)
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
| | - Christos Constantinidis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; (J.M.B.); (D.J.E.)
- Neuroscience Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA;
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA;
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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