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Sun C, Zheng S, Perry JSA, Norris GT, Cheng M, Kong F, Skyberg R, Cang J, Erisir A, Kipnis J, Hill DL. Maternal diet during early gestation influences postnatal taste activity-dependent pruning by microglia. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20212476. [PMID: 37733279 PMCID: PMC10512853 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212476] [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: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A key process in central sensory circuit development involves activity-dependent pruning of exuberant terminals. Here, we studied gustatory terminal field maturation in the postnatal mouse nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) during normal development and in mice where their mothers were fed a low NaCl diet for a limited period soon after conception. Pruning of terminal fields of gustatory nerves in controls involved the complement system and is likely driven by NaCl-elicited taste activity. In contrast, offspring of mothers with an early dietary manipulation failed to prune gustatory terminal fields even though peripheral taste activity developed normally. The ability to prune in these mice was rescued by activating myeloid cells postnatally, and conversely, pruning was arrested in controls with the loss of myeloid cell function. The altered pruning and myeloid cell function appear to be programmed before the peripheral gustatory system is assembled and corresponds to the embryonic period when microglia progenitors derived from the yolk sac migrate to and colonize the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengsan Sun
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Shuqiu Zheng
- Division of Nephrology, University School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Justin S A Perry
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, NY, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Norris
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mei Cheng
- Department of Health and Disease Management, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Fanzhen Kong
- Department of Anatomy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Rolf Skyberg
- Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon , Eugene, OR, USA
| | - Jianhua Cang
- Departments of Psychology and Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Alev Erisir
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jonathan Kipnis
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David L Hill
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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2
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Langhans W, Watts AG, Spector AC. The elusive cephalic phase insulin response: triggers, mechanisms, and functions. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:1423-1485. [PMID: 36422994 PMCID: PMC9942918 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00025.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The cephalic phase insulin response (CPIR) is classically defined as a head receptor-induced early release of insulin during eating that precedes a postabsorptive rise in blood glucose. Here we discuss, first, the various stimuli that elicit the CPIR and the sensory signaling pathways (sensory limb) involved; second, the efferent pathways that control the various endocrine events associated with eating (motor limb); and third, what is known about the central integrative processes linking the sensory and motor limbs. Fourth, in doing so, we identify open questions and problems with respect to the CPIR in general. Specifically, we consider test conditions that allow, or may not allow, the stimulus to reach the potentially relevant taste receptors and to trigger a CPIR. The possible significance of sweetness and palatability as crucial stimulus features and whether conditioning plays a role in the CPIR are also discussed. Moreover, we ponder the utility of the strict classical CPIR definition based on what is known about the effects of vagal motor neuron activation and thereby acetylcholine on the β-cells, together with the difficulties of the accurate assessment of insulin release. Finally, we weigh the evidence of the physiological and clinical relevance of the cephalic contribution to the release of insulin that occurs during and after a meal. These points are critical for the interpretation of the existing data, and they support a sharper focus on the role of head receptors in the overall insulin response to eating rather than relying solely on the classical CPIR definition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Langhans
- Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Alan G Watts
- Department of Biological Sciences, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alan C Spector
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
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3
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Characteristics and Impact of the rNST GABA Network on Neural and Behavioral Taste Responses. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0262-22.2022. [PMID: 36104278 PMCID: PMC9536858 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0262-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST), the initial CNS site for processing gustatory information, is comprised of two major cell types, glutamatergic excitatory and GABAergic inhibitory neurons. Although many investigators have described taste responses of rNST neurons, the phenotypes of these cells were unknown. To directly compare the response characteristics of both inhibitory and noninhibitory neurons, we recorded from mice expressing Channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) under the control of GAD65, a synthetic enzyme for GABA. We observed that chemosensitive profiles of GABAergic taste neurons (G+TASTE) were similar to non-GABA taste neurons (G-TASTE) but had much lower response rates. We further observed a novel subpopulation of GABA cells located more ventrally in the nucleus that were unresponsive to taste stimulation (G+UNR), suggesting pathways for inhibition initiated by centrifugal sources. This preparation also allowed us to determine how optogenetic activation of the rNST GABA network impacted the taste responses of G-TASTE neurons. Activating rNST inhibitory circuitry suppressed gustatory responses of G-TASTE neurons across all qualities and chemosensitive types of neurons. Although the tuning curves of identified G-TASTE were modestly sharpened, the overall shape of response profiles and the ensemble pattern remained highly stable. These neurophysiological effects were consistent with the behavioral consequences of activating GAD65-expressing inhibitory neurons using DREADDs. In a brief-access licking task, concentration-response curves to both palatable (sucrose, maltrin) and unpalatable (quinine) stimuli were shifted to the right when GABA neurons were activated. Thus, the rNST GABAergic network is poised to modulate taste intensity across the qualitative and hedonic spectrum.
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4
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Neuhuber WL, Berthoud HR. Functional anatomy of the vagus system: How does the polyvagal theory comply? Biol Psychol 2022; 174:108425. [PMID: 36100134 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Due to its pivotal role in autonomic networks and interoception, the vagus attracts continued interest from both basic scientists and therapists of various clinical disciplines. In particular, the widespread use of heart rate variability as an index of autonomic cardiac control and a proposed central role of the vagus in biopsychological concepts, e.g., the polyvagal theory, provide a good opportunity to recall basic features of vagal anatomy. In addition to the "classical" vagal brainstem nuclei, i.e., dorsal motor nucleus, nucleus ambiguus and nucleus tractus solitarii, the spinal trigeminal and paratrigeminal nuclei come into play as targets of vagal afferents. On the other hand, the nucleus of the solitary tract receives and integrates not only visceral but also somatic afferents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfried L Neuhuber
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität, Krankenhausstrasse 9, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Hans-Rudolf Berthoud
- Neurobiology of Nutrition & Metabolism Department, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, 6400 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA.
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5
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Regulation of rNST responses to afferent input by A-type K+ current. Neuroscience 2022; 495:115-125. [PMID: 35659639 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Responses in the rostral (gustatory) nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST) are modified by synaptic interactions within the nucleus and the constitutive membrane properties of the neurons themselves. The potassium current IA is one potential source of modulation. In the caudal NST, projection neurons with IA show lower fidelity to afferent stimulation compared to cells without. We explored the role of an A-Type K+ current (IA) in modulating the response to afferent stimulation and GABA-mediated inhibition in the rNST using whole cell patch clamp recording in transgenic mice that expressed channelrhodopsin (ChR2 H134R) in GABAergic neurons. The presence of IA was determined in current clamp and the response to electrical stimulation of afferent fibers in the solitary tract was assessed before and after treatment with the specific Kv4 channel blocker AmmTX3. Blocking IA significantly increased the response to afferent stimulation by 53%. Using dynamic clamp to create a synthetic IA conductance, we demonstrated a significant 14% decrease in responsiveness to afferent stimulation in cells lacking IA. Because IA reduced excitability and is hyperpolarization-sensitive, we examined whether IA contributed to the inhibition resulting from optogenetic release of GABA. Although blocking IA decreased the percent suppression induced by GABA, this effect was attributable to the increased responsiveness resulting from AmmTX3, not to a change in the absolute magnitude of suppression. We conclude that rNST responses to afferent input are regulated independently by IA and GABA.
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Perturbation of amygdala/somatostatin-nucleus of the solitary tract projections reduces sensitivity to quinine in a brief-access test. Brain Res 2022; 1783:147838. [PMID: 35182570 PMCID: PMC8950164 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neural processing in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NST) is critical for concentration-dependent intake of normally preferred and avoided taste stimuli (e.g. affective responding); and is influenced by descending input from numerous forebrain regions. In one region, the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), a subpopulation of neurons that project to the NST express the neuropeptide somatostatin (Sst). The present study investigated whether this CeA/Sst-to-NST pathway contributes to concentration-dependent intake of sucrose and quinine hydrochloride (QHCl) solutions using brief-access lick trials (5s). In both female and male mice, we used virus-based optogenetic tools and laser light illumination to manipulate the activity of CeA/Sst neurons that project to the NST. During light-induced inhibition of CeA/Sst-to-NST neurons, mice licked significantly more to our three highest concentrations of QHCl compared to control mice, while sucrose intake was unaffected. Interestingly, light-induced activation of this descending pathway did not influence licking of either sucrose or QHCl. These findings suggest that the CeA/Sst-to-NST pathway must be active for normal affective responding to an exemplary aversive taste stimulus.
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Chen Z, Boxwell A, Conte C, Haas T, Harley A, Terman DH, Travers SP, Travers JB. Kv4 channel expression and kinetics in GABAergic and non-GABAergic rNST neurons. J Neurophysiol 2020; 124:1727-1742. [PMID: 32997557 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00396.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST) serves as the first central relay in the gustatory system. In addition to synaptic interactions, central processing is also influenced by the ion channel composition of individual neurons. For example, voltage-gated K+ channels such as outward K+ current (IA) can modify the integrative properties of neurons. IA currents are prevalent in rNST projection cells but are also found to a lesser extent in GABAergic interneurons. However, characterization of the kinetic properties of IA, the molecular basis of these currents, as well as the consequences of IA on spiking properties of identified rNST cells is lacking. Here, we show that IA in rNST GABAergic (G+) and non-GABAergic (G-) neurons share a common molecular basis. In both cell types, there was a reduction in IA following treatment with the specific Kv4 channel blocker AmmTx3. However, the kinetics of activation and inactivation of IA in the two cell types were different with G- neurons having significantly more negative half-maximal activation and inactivation values. Likewise, under current clamp, G- cells had significantly longer delays to spike initiation in response to a depolarizing stimulus preceded by a hyperpolarizing prepulse. Computational modeling and dynamic clamp suggest that differences in the activation half-maximum may account for the differences in delay. We further observed evidence for a window current under both voltage clamp and current clamp protocols. We speculate that the location of Kv4.3 channels on dendrites, together with a window current for IA at rest, serves to regulate excitatory afferent inputs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we demonstrate that the transient outward K+ current IA occurs in both GABAergic and non-GABAergic neurons via Kv4.3 channels in the rostral (gustatory) solitary nucleus. Although found in both cell types, IA is more prevalent in non-GABAergic cells; a larger conductance at more negative potentials leads to a greater impact on spike initiation compared with GABAergic neurons. An IA window current further suggests that IA can regulate excitatory afferent input to the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Chen
- Division of Biosciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - A Boxwell
- College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - C Conte
- Department of Statistics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - T Haas
- Division of Biosciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - A Harley
- Division of Biosciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - D H Terman
- Department of Mathematics, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - S P Travers
- Division of Biosciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - J B Travers
- Division of Biosciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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Optogenetic Stimulation of Type I GAD65 + Cells in Taste Buds Activates Gustatory Neurons and Drives Appetitive Licking Behavior in Sodium-Depleted Mice. J Neurosci 2020. [PMID: 32878902 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0597‐20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian taste buds are comprised of specialized neuroepithelial cells that act as sensors for molecules that provide nutrition (e.g., carbohydrates, amino acids, and salts) and those that are potentially harmful (e.g., certain plant compounds and strong acids). Type II and III taste bud cells (TBCs) detect molecules described by humans as "sweet," "bitter," "umami," and "sour." TBCs that detect metallic ions, described by humans as "salty," are undefined. Historically, type I glial-like TBCs have been thought to play a supportive role in the taste bud, but little research has been done to explore their role in taste transduction. Some evidence implies that type I cells may detect sodium (Na+) via an amiloride-sensitive mechanism, suggesting they play a role in Na+ taste transduction. We used an optogenetic approach to study type I TBCs by driving the expression of the light-sensitive channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) in type I GAD65+ TBCs of male and female mice. Optogenetic stimulation of GAD65+ TBCs increased chorda tympani nerve activity and activated gustatory neurons in the rostral nucleus tractus solitarius. "N neurons," whose NaCl responses were blocked by the amiloride analog benzamil, responded robustly to light stimulation of GAD65+ TBCs on the anterior tongue. Two-bottle preference tests were conducted under Na+-replete and Na+-deplete conditions to assess the behavioral impact of optogenetic stimulation of GAD65+ TBCs. Under Na+-deplete conditions GAD65-ChR2-EYFP mice displayed a robust preference for H2O illuminated with 470 nm light versus nonilluminated H2O, suggesting that type I glial-like TBCs are sufficient for driving a behavior that resembles Na+ appetite.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This is the first investigation on the role of type I GAD65+ taste bud cells (TBCs) in taste-mediated physiology and behavior via optogenetics. It details the first definitive evidence that selective optogenetic stimulation of glial-like GAD65+ TBCs evokes neural activity and modulates behavior. Optogenetic stimulation of GAD65+ TBCs on the anterior tongue had the strongest effect on gustatory neurons that responded best to NaCl stimulation through a benzamil-sensitive mechanism. Na+-depleted mice showed robust preferences to "light taste" (H2O illuminated with 470 nm light vs nonilluminated H2O), suggesting that the activation of GAD65+ cells may generate a salt-taste sensation in the brain. Together, our results shed new light on the role of GAD65+ TBCs in gustatory transduction and taste-mediated behavior.
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9
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Optogenetic Stimulation of Type I GAD65 + Cells in Taste Buds Activates Gustatory Neurons and Drives Appetitive Licking Behavior in Sodium-Depleted Mice. J Neurosci 2020; 40:7795-7810. [PMID: 32878902 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0597-20.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian taste buds are comprised of specialized neuroepithelial cells that act as sensors for molecules that provide nutrition (e.g., carbohydrates, amino acids, and salts) and those that are potentially harmful (e.g., certain plant compounds and strong acids). Type II and III taste bud cells (TBCs) detect molecules described by humans as "sweet," "bitter," "umami," and "sour." TBCs that detect metallic ions, described by humans as "salty," are undefined. Historically, type I glial-like TBCs have been thought to play a supportive role in the taste bud, but little research has been done to explore their role in taste transduction. Some evidence implies that type I cells may detect sodium (Na+) via an amiloride-sensitive mechanism, suggesting they play a role in Na+ taste transduction. We used an optogenetic approach to study type I TBCs by driving the expression of the light-sensitive channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) in type I GAD65+ TBCs of male and female mice. Optogenetic stimulation of GAD65+ TBCs increased chorda tympani nerve activity and activated gustatory neurons in the rostral nucleus tractus solitarius. "N neurons," whose NaCl responses were blocked by the amiloride analog benzamil, responded robustly to light stimulation of GAD65+ TBCs on the anterior tongue. Two-bottle preference tests were conducted under Na+-replete and Na+-deplete conditions to assess the behavioral impact of optogenetic stimulation of GAD65+ TBCs. Under Na+-deplete conditions GAD65-ChR2-EYFP mice displayed a robust preference for H2O illuminated with 470 nm light versus nonilluminated H2O, suggesting that type I glial-like TBCs are sufficient for driving a behavior that resembles Na+ appetite.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This is the first investigation on the role of type I GAD65+ taste bud cells (TBCs) in taste-mediated physiology and behavior via optogenetics. It details the first definitive evidence that selective optogenetic stimulation of glial-like GAD65+ TBCs evokes neural activity and modulates behavior. Optogenetic stimulation of GAD65+ TBCs on the anterior tongue had the strongest effect on gustatory neurons that responded best to NaCl stimulation through a benzamil-sensitive mechanism. Na+-depleted mice showed robust preferences to "light taste" (H2O illuminated with 470 nm light vs nonilluminated H2O), suggesting that the activation of GAD65+ cells may generate a salt-taste sensation in the brain. Together, our results shed new light on the role of GAD65+ TBCs in gustatory transduction and taste-mediated behavior.
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10
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Kalyanasundar B, Blonde GD, Spector AC, Travers SP. Electrophysiological responses to sugars and amino acids in the nucleus of the solitary tract of type 1 taste receptor double-knockout mice. J Neurophysiol 2020; 123:843-859. [PMID: 31913749 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00584.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Strong evidence supports a major role for heterodimers of the type 1 taste receptor (T1R) family in the taste transduction of sugars (T1R2+T1R3) and amino acids (T1R1+T1R3), but there are also neural and behavioral data supporting T1R-independent mechanisms. Most neural evidence for alternate mechanisms comes from whole nerve recordings in mice with deletion of a single T1R family member, limiting conclusions about the functional significance and T1R independence of the remaining responses. To clarify these issues, we recorded single-unit taste responses from the nucleus of the solitary tract in T1R double-knockout (double-KO) mice lacking functional T1R1+T1R3 [KO1+3] or T1R2+T1R3 [KO2+3] receptors and their wild-type background strains [WT; C57BL/6J (B6), 129X1/SvJ (S129)]. In both double-KO strains, responses to sugars and a moderate concentration of an monosodium glutamate + amiloride + inosine 5'-monophosphate cocktail (0.1 M, i.e., umami) were profoundly depressed, whereas a panel of 0.6 M amino acids were mostly unaffected. Strikingly, in contrast to WT mice, no double-KO neurons responded selectively to sugars and umami, precluding segregation of this group of stimuli from those representing other taste qualities in a multidimensional scaling analysis. Nevertheless, residual sugar responses, mainly elicited by monosaccharides, persisted as small "sideband" responses in double-KOs. Thus other receptors may convey limited information about sugars to the central nervous system, but T1Rs appear critical for coding the distinct perceptual features of sugar and umami stimuli. The persistence of amino acid responses supports previous proposals of alternate receptors, but because these stimuli affected multiple neuron types, further investigations are necessary.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The type 1 taste receptor (T1R) family is crucial for transducing sugars and amino acids, but there is evidence for T1R-independent mechanisms. In this study, single-unit recordings from the nucleus of the solitary tract in T1R double-knockout mice lacking T1R1+T1R3 or T1R2+T1R3 receptors revealed greatly reduced umami synergism and sugar responses. Nevertheless, residual sugar responses persisted, mainly elicited by monosaccharides and evident as "sidebands" in neurons activated more vigorously by other qualities.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Kalyanasundar
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ginger D Blonde
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Alan C Spector
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
| | - Susan P Travers
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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11
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Travers S, Breza J, Harley J, Zhu J, Travers J. Neurons with diverse phenotypes project from the caudal to the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract. J Comp Neurol 2018; 526:2319-2338. [PMID: 30325514 PMCID: PMC6193849 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The nucleus of the solitary tract is a potential site for taste-visceral interactions. Connections from the caudal, visceral area of the nucleus (cNST) to the rostral, gustatory zone (rNST) have been described, but the phenotype of cells giving rise to the projection(s) and their distribution among rNST subdivisions are unknown. To determine these characteristics of the intrasolitary pathway, we injected pan-neuronal and floxed AAV viruses into the cNST of mice expressing cre in glutamatergic, GABAergic, or catecholaminergic neurons. Particular attention was paid to the terminal field distribution in rNST subdivisions by simultaneously visualizing P2X2 localized to gustatory afferent terminals. All three phenotypically identified pathways terminated in rNST, with the density greatest for glutamatergic and sparsest for catecholaminergic projections, observations supported by retrograde tracing. Interestingly, cNST neurons had more prominent projections to rNST regions medial and ventral to P2X2 staining, i.e., the medial and ventral subdivisions. In addition, GABAergic neurons projected robustly to the lateral subdivision and adjacent parts of the reticular formation and spinal trigeminal nucleus. Although cNST neurons also projected to the P2X2-rich central subdivision, such projections were sparser. These findings suggest that cNST visceral signals exert stronger excitatory and inhibitory influences on local autonomic and reflex pathways associated with the medial and ventral subdivisions compared to weaker modulation of ascending pathways arising from the central subdivision and ultimately destined for the forebrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Travers
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Joseph Breza
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Jacob Harley
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - JiuLin Zhu
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Joseph Travers
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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12
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Töle J, Stolzenburg A, Tyree SM, Stähler F, Meyerhof W. Tastant-Evoked Arc Expression in the Nucleus of the Solitary Tract and Nodose/Petrosal Ganglion of the Mouse Is Specific for Bitter Compounds. Chem Senses 2018. [PMID: 29514200 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjy017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite long and intense research, some fundamental questions regarding representation of taste information in the brain still remain unanswered. This might in part be due to shortcomings of the established methods that limit the researcher either to thorough characterization of few elements or to analyze the response of the entirety of neurons to only one stimulus. To overcome these restrictions, we evaluate the use of the immediate early gene Arc as a neuronal activity marker in the early neural structures of the taste pathway, the nodose/petrosal ganglion (NPG) and the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Responses of NPG and NTS neurons were limited to substances that taste bitter to humans and are avoided by mice. Arc-expressing cells were concentrated in the rostromedial part of the dorsal NTS suggesting a role in gustatory processing. The use of Arc as a neuronal activity marker has several advantages, primarily the possibility to analyze the response of large numbers of neurons while using more than one stimulus makes Arc an interesting new tool for research in the early stages of taste processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Töle
- Department of Molecular Genetics, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee, Nuthetal, Germany
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13
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Antipurinergic therapy for autism-An in-depth review. Mitochondrion 2017; 43:1-15. [PMID: 29253638 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2017.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Are the symptoms of autism caused by a treatable metabolic syndrome that traces to the abnormal persistence of a normal, alternative functional state of mitochondria? A small clinical trial published in 2017 suggests this is possible. Based on a new unifying theory of pathogenesis for autism called the cell danger response (CDR) hypothesis, this study of 10 boys, ages 5-14years, showed that all 5 boys who received antipurinergic therapy (APT) with a single intravenous dose of suramin experienced improvements in all the core symptoms of autism that lasted for 5-8weeks. Language, social interaction, restricted interests, and repetitive movements all improved. Two children who were non-verbal spoke their first sentences. None of these improvements were observed in the placebo group. Larger and longer studies are needed to confirm this promising discovery. This review introduces the concept of M2 (anti-inflammatory) and M1 (pro-inflammatory) mitochondria that are polarized along a functional continuum according to cell stress. The pathophysiology of the CDR, the complementary functions of M1 and M2 mitochondria, relevant gene-environment interactions, and the metabolic underpinnings of behavior are discussed as foundation stones for understanding the improvements in ASD behaviors produced by antipurinergic therapy in this small clinical trial.
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14
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Transcriptomes and neurotransmitter profiles of classes of gustatory and somatosensory neurons in the geniculate ganglion. Nat Commun 2017. [PMID: 28970527 DOI: 10.1038/s41467‐017‐01095‐1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Taste buds are innervated by neurons whose cell bodies reside in cranial sensory ganglia. Studies on the functional properties and connectivity of these neurons are hindered by the lack of markers to define their molecular identities and classes. The mouse geniculate ganglion contains chemosensory neurons innervating lingual and palatal taste buds and somatosensory neurons innervating the pinna. Here, we report single cell RNA sequencing of geniculate ganglion neurons. Using unbiased transcriptome analyses, we show a pronounced separation between two major clusters which, by anterograde labeling, correspond to gustatory and somatosensory neurons. Among the gustatory neurons, three subclusters are present, each with its own complement of transcription factors and neurotransmitter response profiles. The smallest subcluster expresses both gustatory- and mechanosensory-related genes, suggesting a novel type of sensory neuron. We identify several markers to help dissect the functional distinctions among gustatory neurons and address questions regarding target interactions and taste coding.Characterization of gustatory neural pathways has suffered due to a lack of molecular markers. Here, the authors report single cell RNA sequencing and unbiased transcriptome analyses to reveal major distinctions between gustatory and somatosensory neurons and subclusters of gustatory neurons with unique molecular and functional profiles.
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Transcriptomes and neurotransmitter profiles of classes of gustatory and somatosensory neurons in the geniculate ganglion. Nat Commun 2017; 8:760. [PMID: 28970527 PMCID: PMC5624912 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01095-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Taste buds are innervated by neurons whose cell bodies reside in cranial sensory ganglia. Studies on the functional properties and connectivity of these neurons are hindered by the lack of markers to define their molecular identities and classes. The mouse geniculate ganglion contains chemosensory neurons innervating lingual and palatal taste buds and somatosensory neurons innervating the pinna. Here, we report single cell RNA sequencing of geniculate ganglion neurons. Using unbiased transcriptome analyses, we show a pronounced separation between two major clusters which, by anterograde labeling, correspond to gustatory and somatosensory neurons. Among the gustatory neurons, three subclusters are present, each with its own complement of transcription factors and neurotransmitter response profiles. The smallest subcluster expresses both gustatory- and mechanosensory-related genes, suggesting a novel type of sensory neuron. We identify several markers to help dissect the functional distinctions among gustatory neurons and address questions regarding target interactions and taste coding. Characterization of gustatory neural pathways has suffered due to a lack of molecular markers. Here, the authors report single cell RNA sequencing and unbiased transcriptome analyses to reveal major distinctions between gustatory and somatosensory neurons and subclusters of gustatory neurons with unique molecular and functional profiles.
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Riquier AJ, Sollars SI. Microglia density decreases in the rat rostral nucleus of the solitary tract across development and increases in an age-dependent manner following denervation. Neuroscience 2017; 355:36-48. [PMID: 28478126 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2017.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are critical for developmental pruning and immune response to injury, and are implicated in facilitating neural plasticity. The rodent gustatory system is highly plastic, particularly during development, and outcomes following nerve injury are more severe in developing animals. The mechanisms underlying developmental plasticity in the taste system are largely unknown, making microglia an attractive candidate. To better elucidate microglia's role in the taste system, we examined these cells in the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNTS) during normal development and following transection of the chorda tympani taste nerve (CTX). Rats aged 5, 10, 25, or 50days received unilateral CTX or no surgery and were sacrificed four days later. Brain tissue was stained for Iba1 or CD68, and both the density and morphology of microglia were assessed on the intact and transected sides of the rNTS. We found that the intact rNTS of neonatal rats (9-14days) shows a high density of microglia, most of which appear reactive. By 29days of age, microglia density significantly decreased to levels not significantly different from adults and microglia morphology had matured, with most cells appearing ramified. CD68-negative microglia density increased following CTX and was most pronounced for juvenile and adult rats. Our results show that microglia density is highest during times of normal gustatory afferent pruning. Furthermore, the quantity of the microglia response is higher in the mature system than in neonates. These findings link increased microglia presence with instances of normal developmental and injury induced alterations in the rNTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Riquier
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA
| | - Suzanne I Sollars
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE 68182, USA.
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Stratford JM, Larson ED, Yang R, Salcedo E, Finger TE. 5-HT 3A -driven green fluorescent protein delineates gustatory fibers innervating sour-responsive taste cells: A labeled line for sour taste? J Comp Neurol 2017; 525:2358-2375. [PMID: 28316078 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Taste buds contain multiple cell types with each type expressing receptors and transduction components for a subset of taste qualities. The sour sensing cells, Type III cells, release serotonin (5-HT) in response to the presence of sour (acidic) tastants and this released 5-HT activates 5-HT3 receptors on the gustatory nerves. We show here, using 5-HT3A GFP mice, that 5-HT3 -expressing nerve fibers preferentially contact and receive synaptic contact from Type III taste cells. Further, these 5-HT3 -expressing nerve fibers terminate in a restricted central-lateral portion of the nucleus of the solitary tract (nTS)-the same area that shows increased c-Fos expression upon presentation of a sour tastant (30 mM citric acid). This acid stimulation also evokes c-Fos in the laterally adjacent mediodorsal spinal trigeminal nucleus (DMSp5), but this trigeminal activation is not associated with the presence of 5-HT3 -expressing nerve fibers as it is in the nTS. Rather, the neuronal activation in the trigeminal complex likely is attributable to direct depolarization of acid-sensitive trigeminal nerve fibers, for example, polymodal nociceptors, rather than through taste buds. Taken together, these findings suggest that transmission of sour taste information involves communication between Type III taste cells and 5-HT3 -expressing afferent nerve fibers that project to a restricted portion of the nTS consistent with a crude mapping of taste quality information in the primary gustatory nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Stratford
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,Rocky Mountain Taste and Smell Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - E D Larson
- Rocky Mountain Taste and Smell Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - R Yang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,Rocky Mountain Taste and Smell Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - E Salcedo
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,Rocky Mountain Taste and Smell Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - T E Finger
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,Rocky Mountain Taste and Smell Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Stratford JM, Thompson JA, Finger TE. Immunocytochemical organization and sour taste activation in the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract of mice. J Comp Neurol 2016; 525:271-290. [PMID: 27292295 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sensory inputs from the oropharynx terminate in both the trigeminal brainstem complex and the rostral part of the nucleus of the solitary tract (nTS). Taste information is conveyed via the facial and glossopharyngeal nerves, while general mucosal innervation is carried by the trigeminal and glossopharyngeal nerves. In contrast, the caudal nTS receives general visceral information largely from the vagus nerve. Although the caudal nTS shows clear morphological and molecularly delimited subdivisions, the rostral part does not. Thus, linking taste-induced patterns of activity to morphological subdivisions in the nTS is challenging. To test whether molecularly defined features of the rostral nTS correlate with patterns of taste-induced activity, we combined immunohistochemistry for markers of various visceral afferent and efferent systems with c-Fos-based activity maps generated by stimulation with a sour tastant, 30 mM citric acid. We further dissociated taste-related activity from activity arising from acid-sensitive general mucosal innervation by comparing acid-evoked c-Fos in wild-type and "taste blind" P2X2 /P2X3 double knockout (P2X-dbl KO) mice. In wild-type mice, citric acid stimulation evoked significant c-Fos activation in the central part of the rostral nTS-activity that was largely absent in the P2X-dbl KO mice. P2X-dbl KO mice, like wild-type mice, did exhibit acid-induced c-Fos activity in the dorsomedial trigeminal brainstem nucleus situated laterally adjacent to the rostral nTS. This dorsomedial nucleus also showed substantial innervation by trigeminal nerve fibers immunoreactive for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a marker for polymodal nociceptors, suggesting that trigeminal general mucosal innervation carries information about acids in the oral cavity. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:271-290, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Stratford
- Rocky Mountain Taste & Smell Center, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045
| | - John A Thompson
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045
| | - Thomas E Finger
- Rocky Mountain Taste & Smell Center, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, 80045.,Program in Neuroscience, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, 80045
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Chen Z, Travers SP, Travers JB. Inhibitory modulation of optogenetically identified neuron subtypes in the rostral solitary nucleus. J Neurophysiol 2016; 116:391-403. [PMID: 27146980 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00168.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition is presumed to play an important role in gustatory processing in the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST). One source of inhibition, GABA, is abundant within the nucleus and comes both from local, intrasolitary sources and from outside the nucleus. In addition to the receptor-mediated effects of GABA on rNST neurons, the hyperpolarization-sensitive currents, Ih and IA, have the potential to further modulate afferent signals. To elucidate the effects of GABAergic modulation on solitary tract (ST)-evoked responses in phenotypically defined rNST neurons and to define the presence of IA and Ih in the same cells, we combined in vitro recording and optogenetics in a transgenic mouse model. This mouse expresses channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2) in GAD65-expressing GABAergic neurons throughout the rNST. GABA positive (GABA+) neurons differed from GABA negative (GABA-) neurons in their response to membrane depolarization and ST stimulation. GABA+ neurons had lower thresholds to direct membrane depolarization compared with GABA- neurons, but GABA- neurons responded more faithfully to ST stimulation. Both IA and Ih were present in subsets of GABA+ and GABA- neurons. Interestingly, GABA+ neurons with Ih were more responsive to afferent stimulation than inhibitory neurons devoid of these currents, whereas GABA- neurons with IA were more subject to inhibitory modulation. These results suggest that the voltage-gated channels underlying IA and Ih play an important role in modulating rNST output through a circuit of feedforward inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Chen
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - S P Travers
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - J B Travers
- Division of Biosciences, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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