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Souza BR, Codo BC, Romano-Silva MA, Tropepe V. Darpp-32 is regulated by dopamine and is required for the formation of GABAergic neurons in the developing telencephalon. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111060. [PMID: 38906412 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
DARPP-32 (dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein Mr. 32 kDa) is a phosphoprotein that is modulated by multiple receptors integrating intracellular pathways and playing roles in various physiological functions. It is regulated by dopaminergic receptors through the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway, which modulates the phosphorylation of threonine 34 (Thr34). When phosphorylated at Thr34, DARPP-32 becomes a potent protein phosphatase-1 (PP1) inhibitor. Since dopamine is involved in the development of GABAergic neurons and DARPP-32 is expressed in the developing brain, it is possible that DARPP-32 has a role in GABAergic neuronal development. We cloned the zebrafish darpp-32 gene (ppp1r1b) gene and observed that it is evolutionarily conserved in its inhibitory domain (Thr34 and surrounding residues) and the docking motif (residues 7-11 (KKIQF)). We also characterized darpp-32 protein expression throughout the 5 days post-fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larval brain by immunofluorescence and demonstrated that darpp-32 is mainly expressed in regions that receive dopaminergic projections (pallium, subpallium, preoptic region, and hypothalamus). We demonstrated that dopamine acutely suppressed darpp-32 activity by reducing the levels of p-darpp-32 in the 5dpf zebrafish larval brain. In addition, the knockdown of darpp-32 resulted in a decrease in the number of GABAergic neurons in the subpallium of the 5dpf larval brain, with a concomitant increase in the number of DAergic neurons. Finally, we demonstrated that darpp-32 downregulation during development reduced the motor behavior of 5dpf zebrafish larvae. Thus, our observations suggest that darpp-32 is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of dopamine receptor signaling and is required for the formation of GABAergic neurons in the developing telencephalon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Rezende Souza
- Laboratório NeuroDEv, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil 31270-901; Laboratório de Neurociências Molecular e Comportamental (LANEC) - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Beatriz Campos Codo
- Laboratório NeuroDEv, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil 31270-901; Laboratório de Neurociências Molecular e Comportamental (LANEC) - Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marco Aurélio Romano-Silva
- Laboratório de Neurociências and INCT de Medicina Molecular, Department of Mental Health, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil 30130-100
| | - Vincent Tropepe
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada M5S 3G5.
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Kohler CG, Wolf DH, Abi-Dargham A, Anticevic A, Cho YT, Fonteneau C, Gil R, Girgis RR, Gray DL, Grinband J, Javitch JA, Kantrowitz JT, Krystal JH, Lieberman JA, Murray JD, Ranganathan M, Santamauro N, Van Snellenberg JX, Tamayo Z, Gur RC, Gur RE, Calkins ME. Illness Phase as a Key Assessment and Intervention Window for Psychosis. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:340-350. [PMID: 37519466 PMCID: PMC10382701 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The phenotype of schizophrenia, regardless of etiology, represents the most studied psychotic disorder with respect to neurobiology and distinct phases of illness. The early phase of illness represents a unique opportunity to provide effective and individualized interventions that can alter illness trajectories. Developmental age and illness stage, including temporal variation in neurobiology, can be targeted to develop phase-specific clinical assessment, biomarkers, and interventions. We review an earlier model whereby an initial glutamate signaling deficit progresses through different phases of allostatic adaptation, moving from potentially reversible functional abnormalities associated with early psychosis and working memory dysfunction, and ending with difficult-to-reverse structural changes after chronic illness. We integrate this model with evidence of dopaminergic abnormalities, including cortical D1 dysfunction, which develop during adolescence. We discuss how this model and a focus on a potential critical window of intervention in the early stages of schizophrenia impact the approach to research design and clinical care. This impact includes stage-specific considerations for symptom assessment as well as genetic, cognitive, and neurophysiological biomarkers. We examine how phase-specific biomarkers of illness phase and brain development can be incorporated into current strategies for large-scale research and clinical programs implementing coordinated specialty care. We highlight working memory and D1 dysfunction as early treatment targets that can substantially affect functional outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian G. Kohler
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Daniel H. Wolf
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anissa Abi-Dargham
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook
| | - Alan Anticevic
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Youngsun T. Cho
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Clara Fonteneau
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Roberto Gil
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook
| | - Ragy R. Girgis
- Departments of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York
| | - David L. Gray
- Cerevel Therapeutics Research and Development, East Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jack Grinband
- Departments of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York
| | - Jonathan A. Javitch
- Departments of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York
- Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
| | - Joshua T. Kantrowitz
- Departments of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York
- Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, New York
| | - John H. Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jeffrey A. Lieberman
- Departments of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York
| | - John D. Murray
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Mohini Ranganathan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Nicole Santamauro
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jared X. Van Snellenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook
| | - Zailyn Tamayo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Ruben C. Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Raquel E. Gur
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Monica E. Calkins
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Kim YC, Narayanan NS. Prefrontal D1 Dopamine-Receptor Neurons and Delta Resonance in Interval Timing. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:2051-2060. [PMID: 29897417 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable evidence has shown that prefrontal neurons expressing D1-type dopamine receptors (D1DRs) are critical for working memory, flexibility, and timing. This line of work predicts that frontal neurons expressing D1DRs mediate cognitive processing. During timing tasks, one form this cognitive processing might take is time-dependent ramping activity-monotonic changes in firing rate over time. Thus, we hypothesized the prefrontal D1DR+ neurons would strongly exhibit time-dependent ramping during interval timing. We tested this idea using an interval-timing task in which we used optogenetics to tag D1DR+ neurons in the mouse medial frontal cortex (MFC). While 23% of MFC D1DR+ neurons exhibited ramping, this was significantly less than untagged MFC neurons. By contrast, MFC D1DR+ neurons had strong delta-frequency (1-4 Hz) coherence with other MFC ramping neurons. This coherence was phase-locked to cue onset and was strongest early in the interval. To test the significance of these interactions, we optogenetically stimulated MFC D1DR+ neurons early versus late in the interval. We found that 2-Hz stimulation early in the interval was particularly effective in rescuing timing-related behavioral performance deficits in dopamine-depleted animals. These findings provide insight into MFC networks and have relevance for disorders such as Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Cho Kim
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Nandakumar S Narayanan
- Department of Neurology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Aging Mind and Brain Initiative, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Downregulation of Dopamine D1-like Receptor Pathways of GABAergic Interneurons in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex of Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Neuroscience 2018; 394:267-285. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.10.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Binge-Like Alcohol Exposure During Adolescence Disrupts Dopaminergic Neurotransmission in the Adult Prelimbic Cortex. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:1024-1036. [PMID: 27620551 PMCID: PMC5506791 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Repeated binge-like exposure to alcohol during adolescence has been reported to perturb prefrontal cortical development, yet the mechanisms underlying these effects are unknown. Here we report that adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure induces cellular and dopaminergic abnormalities in the adult prelimbic cortex (PrL-C). Exposing rats to alcohol during early-mid adolescence (PD28-42) increased the density of long/thin dendritic spines of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the adult PrL-C. Interestingly, although AIE exposure did not alter the expression of glutamatergic proteins in the adult PrL-C, there was a pronounced reduction in dopamine (DA) D1 receptor modulation of both intrinsic firing and evoked NMDA currents in pyramidal cells, whereas D2 receptor function was unaltered. Recordings from fast-spiking interneurons also revealed that AIE reduced intrinsic excitability, glutamatergic signaling, and D1 receptor modulation of these cells. Analysis of PrL-C tissue of AIE-exposed rats further revealed persistent changes in the expression of DA-related proteins, including reductions in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). AIE exposure was associated with hypermethylation of the COMT promoter at a conserved CpG site in exon II. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that AIE exposure disrupts DA and GABAergic transmission in the adult medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). As DA and GABA work in concert to shape and synchronize neuronal ensembles in the PFC, these alterations could contribute to deficits in behavioral control and decision-making in adults who abused alcohol during adolescence.
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Monoaminergic control of brain states and sensory processing: Existing knowledge and recent insights obtained with optogenetics. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 151:237-253. [PMID: 27634227 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Monoamines are key neuromodulators involved in a variety of physiological and pathological brain functions. Classical studies using physiological and pharmacological tools have revealed several essential aspects of monoaminergic involvement in regulating the sleep-wake cycle and influencing sensory responses but many features have remained elusive due to technical limitations. The application of optogenetic tools led to the ability of monitoring and controlling neuronal populations with unprecedented temporal precision and neurochemical specificity. Here, we focus on recent advances in revealing the roles of some monoamines in brain state control and sensory information processing. We summarize the central position of monoamines in integrating sensory processing across sleep-wake states with an emphasis on research conducted using optogenetic techniques. Finally, we discuss the limitations and perspectives of new integrated experimental approaches in understanding the modulatory mechanisms of monoaminergic systems in the mammalian brain.
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Trantham-Davidson H, Chandler LJ. Alcohol-induced alterations in dopamine modulation of prefrontal activity. Alcohol 2015; 49:773-9. [PMID: 26558348 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2015.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Long-term alcohol use leads to persistent cognitive deficits that may be associated with maladaptive changes in the neurocircuitry that mediates executive functions. Impairments caused by these changes can persist well into abstinence and have a negative impact on quality of life and job performance, and can increase the probability of relapse. Many of the changes that affect cognitive function appear to involve dysregulation of the mesocortical dopamine system. This includes changes in dopamine release and alterations in dopamine receptor expression and function in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC). This review summarizes the cellular effects of acute and chronic ethanol exposure on dopamine release and dopamine receptor function in the PFC with the goal of providing greater understanding of the effects of alcohol-use disorders on the dopamine system and how this relates to deficits in the executive function of the PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L Judson Chandler
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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8
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Cassaday HJ, Nelson AJD, Pezze MA. From attention to memory along the dorsal-ventral axis of the medial prefrontal cortex: some methodological considerations. Front Syst Neurosci 2014; 8:160. [PMID: 25249948 PMCID: PMC4157611 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Distinctions along the dorsal-ventral axis of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), between anterior cingulate (AC), prelimbic (PL), and infralimbic (IL) sub-regions, have been proposed on a variety of neuroanatomical and neurophysiological grounds. Conventional lesion approaches (as well as some electrophysiological studies) have shown that these distinctions relate to function in that a number behavioral dissociations have been demonstrated, particularly using rodent models of attention, learning, and memory. For example, there is evidence to suggest that AC has a relatively greater role in attention, whereas IL is more involved in executive function. However, the well-established methods of behavioral neuroscience have the limitation that neuromodulation is not addressed. The neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine has been used to deplete dopamine (DA) in mPFC sub-regions, but these lesions are not selective anatomically and noradrenalin is typically also depleted. Microinfusion of drugs through indwelling cannulae provides an alternative approach, to address the role of neuromodulation and moreover that of specific receptor subtypes within mPFC sub-regions, but the effects of such treatments cannot be assumed to be anatomically restricted either. New methodological approaches to the functional delineation of the role of mPFC in attention, learning and memory will also be considered. Taken in isolation, the conventional lesion methods which have been a first line of approach may suggest that a particular mPFC sub-region is not necessary for a particular aspect of function. However, this does not exclude a neuromodulatory role and more neuropsychopharmacological approaches are needed to explain some of the apparent inconsistencies in the results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew J D Nelson
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Nottingham, UK ; School of Psychology, Cardiff University Cardiff, UK
| | - Marie A Pezze
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Nottingham, UK
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9
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Chronic alcohol disrupts dopamine receptor activity and the cognitive function of the medial prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci 2014; 34:3706-18. [PMID: 24599469 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0623-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) exert powerful effects on cognition by modulating the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. The present study examined the impact of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure on cognitive function and DA receptor-mediated neurotransmission in the rat mPFC. Consistent with alterations in executive function in alcoholics, CIE-exposed rats exhibited deficits in behavioral flexibility in an operant set-shifting task. Since alterations in dopaminergic neurotransmission in the mPFC have been implicated in a number of behavioral disorders including addiction, studies were then performed in the adult acute slice preparation to examine changes in DA receptor function in the mPFC following CIE exposure. In slices obtained from control rats, DA receptor stimulation was observed to exert complex actions on neuronal firing and synaptic neurotransmission that were not only dependent upon the particular receptor subtype but also whether it was a pyramidal cell or a fast-spiking interneuron. In contrast to slices from control rats, there was a near complete loss of the modulatory actions of D2/D4 receptors on cell firing and neurotransmission in slices obtained immediately, 1 and 4 weeks after the last day of CIE exposure. This loss did not appear to be associated with changes in receptor expression. In contrast, CIE exposure did not alter D1 receptor function or mGluR1 modulation of firing. These studies are consistent with the suggestion that chronic alcohol exposure disrupts cognitive function at least in part through disruption of D2 and D4 receptor signaling in mPFC.
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Aracri P, Banfi D, Pasini ME, Amadeo A, Becchetti A. Hypocretin (orexin) regulates glutamate input to fast-spiking interneurons in layer V of the Fr2 region of the murine prefrontal cortex. Cereb Cortex 2013; 25:1330-47. [PMID: 24297328 PMCID: PMC4397574 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bht326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the effect of hypocretin 1 (orexin A) in the frontal area 2 (Fr2) of the murine neocortex, implicated in the motivation-dependent goal-directed tasks. In layer V, hypocretin stimulated the spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) on fast-spiking (FS) interneurons. The effect was accompanied by increased frequency of miniature EPSCs, indicating that hypocretin can target the glutamatergic terminals. Moreover, hypocretin stimulated the spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) on pyramidal neurons, with no effect on miniature IPSCs. This action was prevented by blocking 1) the ionotropic glutamatergic receptors; 2) the hypocretin receptor type 1 (HCRTR-1), with SB-334867. Finally, hypocretin increased the firing frequency in FS cells, and the effect was blocked when the ionotropic glutamate transmission was inhibited. Immunolocalization confirmed that HCRTR-1 is highly expressed in Fr2, particularly in layer V-VI. Conspicuous labeling was observed in pyramidal neuron somata and in VGLUT1+ glutamatergic terminals, but not in VGLUT2+ fibers (mainly thalamocortical afferents). The expression of HCRTR-1 in GABAergic structures was scarce. We conclude that 1) hypocretin regulates glutamate release in Fr2; 2) the effect presents a presynaptic component; 3) the peptide control of FS cells is indirect, and probably mediated by the regulation of glutamatergic input onto these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Aracri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
| | - Daniele Banfi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
| | - Maria Enrica Pasini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Milano, Milan 20128, Italy
| | - Alida Amadeo
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Milano, Milan 20128, Italy
| | - Andrea Becchetti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan 20126, Italy
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Garzón M, Duffy AM, Chan J, Lynch MK, Mackie K, Pickel VM. Dopamine D₂ and acetylcholine α7 nicotinic receptors have subcellular distributions favoring mediation of convergent signaling in the mouse ventral tegmental area. Neuroscience 2013; 252:126-43. [PMID: 23954803 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) mediate nicotine-induced burst-firing of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a limbic brain region critically involved in reward and in dopamine D2 receptor (D2R)-related cortical dysfunctions associated with psychosis. The known presence of α7nAChRs and Gi-coupled D2Rs in dopamine neurons of the VTA suggests that these receptors are targeted to at least some of the same neurons in this brain region. To test this hypothesis, we used electron microscopic immunolabeling of antisera against peptide sequences of α7nACh and D2 receptors in the mouse VTA. Dual D2R and α7nAChR labeling was seen in many of the same somata (co-localization over 97%) and dendrites (co-localization over 49%), where immunoreactivity for each of the receptors was localized to endomembranes as well as to non-synaptic or synaptic plasma membranes often near excitatory-type synapses. In comparison with somata and dendrites, many more small axons and axon terminals were separately labeled for each of the receptors. Thus, single-labeled axon terminals were predominant for both α7nAChR (57.9%) and D2R (89.0%). The majority of the immunolabeled axonal profiles contained D2R-immunoreactivity (81.6%) and formed either symmetric or asymmetric synapses consistent with involvement in the release of both inhibitory and excitatory transmitters. Of 160 D2R-labeled terminals, 81.2% were presynaptic to dendrites that expressed α7nAChR alone or together with the D2R. Numerous glial processes inclusive of those enveloping either excitatory- or inhibitory-type synapses also contained single labeling for D2R (n=152) and α7nAChR (n=561). These results suggest that classic antipsychotic drugs, all of which block the D2R, may facilitate α7nAChR-mediated burst-firing by elimination of D2R-dependent inhibition in neurons expressing both receptors as well as by indirect pre-synaptic and glial mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Garzón
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medical College, 407 East 61st Street, New York, NY 10065, USA; Departamento de Anatomía, Histología y Neurociencia, Facultad de Medicina UAM, Madrid 28029, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz (IDIPAZ), Paseo de la Castellana 261, Madrid 28046, Spain
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12
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Furth KE, Mastwal S, Wang KH, Buonanno A, Vullhorst D. Dopamine, cognitive function, and gamma oscillations: role of D4 receptors. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:102. [PMID: 23847468 PMCID: PMC3698457 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive deficits in individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ) are considered core symptoms of this disorder, and can manifest at the prodromal stage. Antipsychotics ameliorate positive symptoms but only modestly improve cognitive symptoms. The lack of treatments that improve cognitive abilities currently represents a major obstacle in developing more effective therapeutic strategies for this debilitating disorder. While D4 receptor (D4R)-specific antagonists are ineffective in the treatment of positive symptoms, animal studies suggest that D4R drugs can improve cognitive deficits. Moreover, recent work from our group suggests that D4Rs synergize with the neuregulin/ErbB4 signaling pathway, genetically identified as risk factors for SCZ, in parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons to modulate gamma oscillations. These high-frequency network oscillations correlate with attention and increase during cognitive tasks in healthy subjects, and this correlation is attenuated in affected individuals. This finding, along with other observations indicating impaired GABAergic function, has led to the idea that abnormal neural activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in individuals with SCZ reflects a perturbation in the balance of excitation and inhibition. Here we review the current state of knowledge of D4R functions in the PFC and hippocampus, two major brain areas implicated in SCZ. Special emphasis is given to studies focusing on the potential role of D4Rs in modulating GABAergic transmission and to an emerging concept of a close synergistic relationship between dopamine/D4R and neuregulin/ErbB4 signaling pathways that tunes the activity of PV interneurons to regulate gamma frequency network oscillations and potentially cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina E Furth
- Section on Molecular Neurobiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health Bethesda, MD, USA ; Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
Among the many neuromodulators used by the mammalian brain to regulate circuit function and plasticity, dopamine (DA) stands out as one of the most behaviorally powerful. Perturbations of DA signaling are implicated in the pathogenesis or exploited in the treatment of many neuropsychiatric diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), addiction, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and Tourette's syndrome. Although the precise mechanisms employed by DA to exert its control over behavior are not fully understood, DA is known to regulate many electrical and biochemical aspects of neuronal function including excitability, synaptic transmission, integration and plasticity, protein trafficking, and gene transcription. In this Review, we discuss the actions of DA on ionic and synaptic signaling in neurons of the prefrontal cortex and striatum, brain areas in which dopaminergic dysfunction is thought to be central to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas X Tritsch
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Whittington MA, Roopun AK, Traub RD, Davies CH. Circuits and brain rhythms in schizophrenia: a wealth of convergent targets. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2012; 11:508-14. [PMID: 21555247 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2011.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Few common neurological illnesses trace back to single molecular disturbances. Many disparate putative causes may co-associate with a single disease state. However, uncovering functional, hierarchical networks of underlying mechanisms can provide a framework in which many primary pathologies converge on more complex, single higher level correlates of disease. This article focuses on cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia to illustrate: a) How non-invasive EEG biomarkers of cognitive function constitute such a 'higher level correlate' of underlying pathologies. b) How derangement of multiple, cell-specific, molecular processes can converge on such EEG-visible, correlates of disrupted cognitive function. This approach suggests that evidence-based design of multi-target therapies may take advantage of hierarchical patterns of convergence to improve both efficacy and selectivity of disease-intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles A Whittington
- Institute of Neuroscience, The Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE2 4HH, UK.
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15
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Duffy AM, Fitzgerald ML, Chan J, Robinson DC, Milner TA, Mackie K, Pickel VM. Acetylcholine α7 nicotinic and dopamine D2 receptors are targeted to many of the same postsynaptic dendrites and astrocytes in the rodent prefrontal cortex. Synapse 2011; 65:1350-67. [PMID: 21858872 PMCID: PMC3356922 DOI: 10.1002/syn.20977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) and the dopamine D(2) receptor (D(2) R) are both implicated in attentional processes and cognition, mediated in part through the prefrontal cortex (PFC). We examined the dual electron microscopic immunolabeling of α7nAChR and either D(2) R or the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT) in rodent PFC to assess convergent functional activation sites. Immunoreactivity (ir) for α7nAChR and/or D(2) R was seen in the same as well as separate neuronal and glial profiles. At least half of the dually labeled profiles were somata and dendrites, while most labeled axon terminals expressed only D(2) R-ir. The D(2) R-labeled terminals were without synaptic specializations or formed inhibitory or excitatory-type synapses with somatodendritic profiles, some of which expressed the α7nAChR and/or D(2) R. Astrocytic glial processes comprised the majority of nonsomatodendritic α7nAChR or α7nAChR and D(2) R-labeled profiles. Glial processes containing α7nAChR-ir were frequently located near VAChT-labeled terminals and also showed perisynaptic and perivascular associations. We conclude that in rodent PFC α7nACh and D(2) R activation can dually modulate (1) postsynaptic dendritic responses within the same or separate but synaptically linked neurons in which the D(2) R has the predominately presynaptic distribution, and (2) astrocytic signaling that may be crucial for synaptic transmission and functional hyperemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aine M. Duffy
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Division of Neurobiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065
| | - Megan L. Fitzgerald
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Division of Neurobiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065
| | - June Chan
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Division of Neurobiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065
| | - Danielle C. Robinson
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Division of Neurobiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065
| | - Teresa A. Milner
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Division of Neurobiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10065
| | - Kenneth Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences and the Gill Center, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405
| | - Virginia M. Pickel
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Division of Neurobiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065
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Paine TA, Slipp LE, Carlezon WA. Schizophrenia-like attentional deficits following blockade of prefrontal cortex GABAA receptors. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:1703-13. [PMID: 21490590 PMCID: PMC3138652 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Attentional deficits are a core symptom of schizophrenia. Post-mortem analyses of the brains of schizophrenics reveal consistent abnormalities in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) interneurons indicative of reduced cortical GABA transmission, raising the possibility that this pathology contributes to attentional deficits. We examined whether blockade of prefrontal cortex (PFC) GABA(A) receptors with bicuculline (BMI) impairs attention in rats using the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT). For comparison, we also examined whether administration of the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol (MUS) would improve attention. In parallel, we examined the effects of both manipulations on activity in an open field and on motivation using the intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) test. BMI increased PFC neuronal activity, as reflected by increased Fos immunolabeling, and impaired attention, as reflected by decreased accuracy and increased omissions. Although increased omissions also may reflect reductions in locomotor activity or motivation, the overall pattern of effects does not support either of these interpretations: BMI did not affect locomotor activity, and it enhanced motivation in the ICSS test. MUS did not affect attention, although it increased impulsive behavior at a dose that suppressed PFC neuronal activity, as reflected by decreased Fos immunolabeling. These impulsivity effects are not due to altered locomotor activity (which was decreased) or motivation (which was not affected). Our data support the hypothesis that cortical GABA neurons have an important role in regulating attention and may have direct implications for the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracie A Paine
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Genetics Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA.
| | - Lauren E Slipp
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Genetics Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - William A Carlezon
- Department of Psychiatry, Behavioral Genetics Laboratory, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
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Oda S, Funato H, Adachi-Akahane S, Ito M, Okada A, Igarashi H, Yokofujita J, Kuroda M. Dopamine D5 receptor immunoreactivity is differentially distributed in GABAergic interneurons and pyramidal cells in the rat medial prefrontal cortex. Brain Res 2010; 1329:89-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2009] [Revised: 03/02/2010] [Accepted: 03/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Glausier JR, Maddox M, Hemmings HC, Nairn AC, Greengard P, Muly EC. Localization of dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 and inhibitor-1 in area 9 of Macaca mulatta prefrontal cortex. Neuroscience 2010; 167:428-38. [PMID: 20156529 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2009] [Revised: 12/21/2009] [Accepted: 02/09/2010] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The actions of dopamine D1 family receptors (D1R) depend upon a signal transduction cascade that modulates the phosphorylation state of important effector proteins, such as glutamate receptors and ion channels. This is accomplished both through activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and the inhibition of protein phosphatase-1 (PP1). Inhibition of PP1 occurs through PKA-mediated phosphorylation of dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein 32 kDa (DARPP-32) or the related protein inhibitor-1 (I-1), and the availability of DARPP-32 is essential to the functional outcome of D1R activation in the basal ganglia. While D1R activation is critical for prefrontal cortex (PFC) function, especially working memory, the functional role played by DARPP-32 or I-1 is less clear. In order to examine this more thoroughly, we have utilized immunoelectron microscopy to quantitatively determine the localization of DARPP-32 and I-1 in the neuropil of the rhesus monkey PFC. Both were distributed widely in the different components of the neuropil, but were enriched in dendritic shafts. I-1 label was more frequently identified in axon terminals than was DARPP-32, and DARPP-32 label was more frequently identified in glia than was I-1. We also quantified the extent to which these proteins were found in dendritic spines. DARPP-32 and I-1 were present in small subpopulations of dendritic spines, (4.4% and 7.7% and respectively), which were substantially smaller than observed for D1R in our previous studies (20%). Double-label experiments did not find evidence for colocalization of D1R and DARPP-32 or I-1 in spines or terminals. Thus, at the least, not all prefrontal spines which contain D1R also contain I-1 or DARPP-32, suggesting important differences in D1R signaling in the PFC compared to the striatum.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R Glausier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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Abstract
The prefrontal cortex occupies the anterior portion of the frontal lobes and is thought to be one of the most complex anatomical and functional structures of the mammalian brain. Its major role is to integrate and interpret inputs from cortical and sub-cortical structures and use this information to develop purposeful responses that reflect both present and future circumstances. This includes both action-oriented sequences involved in obtaining rewards and inhibition of behaviors that pose undue risk or harm to the individual. Given the central role in initiating and regulating these often complex cognitive and behavioral responses, it is no surprise that alcohol has profound effects on the function of the prefrontal cortex. In this chapter, we review the basic anatomy and physiology of the prefrontal cortex and discuss what is known about the actions of alcohol on the function of this brain region. This includes a review of both the human and animal literature including information on the electrophysiological and behavioral effects that follow acute and chronic exposure to alcohol. The chapter concludes with a discussion of unanswered questions and areas needing further investigation.
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20
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Livingstone PD, Wonnacott S. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and the ascending dopamine pathways. Biochem Pharmacol 2009; 78:744-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2009.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2009] [Revised: 06/04/2009] [Accepted: 06/04/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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21
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Wang HD, Stanwood GD, Grandy DK, Deutch AY. Dystrophic dendrites in prefrontal cortical pyramidal cells of dopamine D1 and D2 but not D4 receptor knockout mice. Brain Res 2009; 1300:58-64. [PMID: 19747903 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2009] [Revised: 08/19/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent data indicate that cortical dopamine denervation results in dystrophic changes in the dendrites of pyramidal cells, including decreases in dendritic spine density and length. However, it is not known if the loss of signaling through specific dopamine receptors subserves these dendritic changes. We examined the dendritic structure of layer V pyramidal cells in the prefrontal cortex of D(1), D(2), and D(4) dopamine receptor null mutant mice and their wild-type littermates. Decreased basal dendritic length and spine density were observed in the D(1) knockout mice. Similarly, a decrease in basal dendritic spine density was uncovered in the D(2) knockout mice relative to wild-type littermates. No changes in any dendritic parameter were observed in the D(4) knockout mice. These observations suggest that the dystrophic changes observed in prefrontal cortical pyramidal cell dendrites are due to loss of signaling through D(1) and possibly D(2) receptors. The current data also suggest that caution should be exercised in the interpretation of behavioral, physiological, and biochemical studies of the prefrontal cortex in dopamine receptor knockout mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Dong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA.
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Paine TA, Neve RL, Carlezon WA. Attention deficits and hyperactivity following inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase within the medial prefrontal cortex of rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2009; 34:2143-55. [PMID: 19387423 PMCID: PMC2721023 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2009.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Previous work demonstrates that microinjections of dopamine D1 receptor agonists and antagonists directly into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats can affect attention in the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT), a rodent test analogous to the continuous performance task used to study attention in humans. These studies were designed to determine if intra-mPFC modulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), an intracellular target of D1 receptor stimulation, also affects attention. We examined the effects of localized microinfusions of the cAMP analog Sp-cAMPS (to activate PKA) or Rp-cAMPS (to inhibit PKA) in the 5CSRTT. In parallel, we examined the effects of these manipulations on activity levels in an open field, as well as on motivation and the capacity to make complex operant responses using the intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) test. Inhibition of PKA reduced accuracy in the 5CSRTT and caused substantial increases in locomotor activity without affecting motivation or the capacity to emit operant responses at high rates. Stimulation of PKA also affected some measures of performance in the 5CSRTT, but this effect was associated with reduced capacity to respond at high rates. Viral vector-mediated disruption of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor directly activated by PKA, also reduced accuracy in the 5CSRTT, raising the possibility that acute inhibition of PKA and sustained inhibition of CREB affect attention through common mechanisms. These studies indicate that PKA inhibition within the mPFC of rats produces inattention and hyperactivity, and thus might be useful in modeling human attention disorders.
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