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Juvenal G, Higa GSV, Bonfim Marques L, Tessari Zampieri T, Costa Viana FJ, Britto LR, Tang Y, Illes P, di Virgilio F, Ulrich H, de Pasquale R. Regulation of GABAergic neurotransmission by purinergic receptors in brain physiology and disease. Purinergic Signal 2024:10.1007/s11302-024-10034-x. [PMID: 39046648 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-10034-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Purinergic receptors regulate the processing of neural information in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, structures related to cognitive functions. These receptors are activated when astrocytic and neuronal populations release adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in an autocrine and paracrine manner, following sustained patterns of neuronal activity. The modulation by these receptors of GABAergic transmission has only recently been studied. Through their ramifications, astrocytes and GABAergic interneurons reach large groups of excitatory pyramidal neurons. Their inhibitory effect establishes different synchronization patterns that determine gamma frequency rhythms, which characterize neural activities related to cognitive processes. During early life, GABAergic-mediated synchronization of excitatory signals directs the experience-driven maturation of cognitive development, and dysfunctions concerning this process have been associated with neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Purinergic receptors timely modulate GABAergic control over ongoing neural activity and deeply affect neural processing in the hippocampal and neocortical circuitry. Stimulation of A2 receptors increases GABA release from presynaptic terminals, leading to a considerable reduction in neuronal firing of pyramidal neurons. A1 receptors inhibit GABAergic activity but only act in the early postnatal period when GABA produces excitatory signals. P2X and P2Y receptors expressed in pyramidal neurons reduce the inhibitory tone by blocking GABAA receptors. Finally, P2Y receptor activation elicits depolarization of GABAergic neurons and increases GABA release, thus favoring the emergence of gamma oscillations. The present review provides an overall picture of purinergic influence on GABAergic transmission and its consequences on neural processing, extending the discussion to receptor subtypes and their involvement in the onset of brain disorders, including epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Juvenal
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Shigueto Vilar Higa
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Bonfim Marques
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Thais Tessari Zampieri
- Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe José Costa Viana
- Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Luiz R Britto
- Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre On Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
- School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre On Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
- School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04107, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
- International Joint Research Centre On Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China.
| | - Roberto de Pasquale
- Department of Biophysics and Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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Riedemann T, Sutor B. Cell-Type-Specific Effects of Somatostatin on Synaptic Transmission in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0598232024. [PMID: 38378274 PMCID: PMC10977029 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0598-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory modulation of glutamatergic information processing is a prerequisite for proper network function. Among the many groups of interneurons (INs), somatostatin-expressing interneurons (SOM-INs) play an important role in the maintenance of physiological brain activity. We have previously shown that somatostatin (SOM) causes a reduction in pyramidal cell (PC) excitability. However, the mechanisms of action of the peptide on cortical synaptic circuits are still unclear. To understand the effects of the neuropeptide SOM on cortical synaptic circuits, we performed a detailed side-by-side comparison of its postsynaptic effects on PCs, SOM-INs, and layer 1 interneurons (L1-INs) in the anterior cingulate cortex of male and female mice and found that SOM produced pronounced postsynaptic effects in PCs while having little to no effect on either IN type. This comparison allowed us to link the observed postsynaptic effects to SOM-induced modulations of glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission and to trace the impact of the neuropeptide on the neuronal circuitry between these three cell types. We show here that SOM depresses glutamatergic synaptic transmission via a presynaptic mechanism while exerting a differential impact on GABAA receptor- and GABAB receptor-mediated transmission at the pre- and postsynaptic level resulting in a shift of inhibition in L2/3 PCs from L1-INs to SOM-INs. In summary, this study unravels a novel aspect by which SOM modulates synaptic signaling between PCs, L1-INs, and SOM-INs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Riedemann
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Institute of Physiology, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
- Center of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Biophysics, Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg 5020, Austria
| | - Bernd Sutor
- Department of Physiological Genomics, Institute of Physiology, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Planegg-Martinsried 82152, Germany
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Villalobos N, Magdaleno-Madrigal VM. Pallidal GABA B receptors: involvement in cortex beta dynamics and thalamic reticular nucleus activity. J Physiol Sci 2023; 73:14. [PMID: 37328793 DOI: 10.1186/s12576-023-00870-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The external globus pallidus (GP) firing rate synchronizes the basal ganglia-thalamus-cortex network controlling GABAergic output to different nuclei. In this context, two findings are significant: the activity and GABAergic transmission of the GP modulated by GABA B receptors and the presence of the GP-thalamic reticular nucleus (RTn) pathway, the functionality of which is unknown. The functional participation of GABA B receptors through this network in cortical dynamics is feasible because the RTn controls transmission between the thalamus and cortex. To analyze this hypothesis, we used single-unit recordings of RTn neurons and electroencephalograms of the motor cortex (MCx) before and after GP injection of the GABA B agonist baclofen and the antagonist saclofen in anesthetized rats. We found that GABA B agonists increase the spiking rate of the RTn and that this response decreases the spectral density of beta frequency bands in the MCx. Additionally, injections of GABA B antagonists decreased the firing activity of the RTn and reversed the effects in the power spectra of beta frequency bands in the MCx. Our results proved that the GP modulates cortical oscillation dynamics through the GP-RTn network via tonic modulation of RTn activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Villalobos
- Academia de Fisiología, Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, 11340, México City, México.
- Sección de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación de la Escuela Superior de Medicina, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Plan de San Luis y Díaz Mirón, Colonia Casco de Santo Tomás, 11340, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Victor Manuel Magdaleno-Madrigal
- Laboratorio de Neuromodulación Experimental, Dirección de Investigaciones en Neurociencias, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
- Carrera de Psicología, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza-UNAM, México City, México
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Sinha AS, Wang T, Watanabe M, Hosoi Y, Sohara E, Akita T, Uchida S, Fukuda A. WNK3 kinase maintains neuronal excitability by reducing inwardly rectifying K+ conductance in layer V pyramidal neurons of mouse medial prefrontal cortex. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:856262. [PMID: 36311015 PMCID: PMC9613442 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.856262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The with-no-lysine (WNK) family of serine-threonine kinases and its downstream kinases of STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress-responsive kinase-1 (OSR1) may regulate intracellular Cl− homeostasis through phosphorylation of cation-Cl− co-transporters. WNK3 is expressed in fetal and postnatal brains, and its expression level increases during development. Its roles in neurons, however, remain uncertain. Using WNK3 knockout (KO) mice, we investigated the role of WNK3 in the regulation of the intracellular Cl− concentration ([Cl−]i) and the excitability of layer V pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Gramicidin-perforated patch-clamp recordings in neurons from acute slice preparation at the postnatal day 21 indicated a significantly depolarized reversal potential for GABAA receptor-mediated currents by 6 mV, corresponding to the higher [Cl−]i level by ~4 mM in KO mice than in wild-type littermates. However, phosphorylation levels of SPAK and OSR1 and those of neuronal Na+-K+-2Cl− co-transporter NKCC1 and K+-Cl− co-transporter KCC2 did not significantly differ between KO and wild-type mice. Meanwhile, the resting membrane potential of neurons was more hyperpolarized by 7 mV, and the minimum stimulus current necessary for firing induction was increased in KO mice. These were due to an increased inwardly rectifying K+ (IRK) conductance, mediated by classical inwardly rectifying (Kir) channels, in KO neurons. The introduction of an active form of WNK3 into the recording neurons reversed these changes. The potential role of KCC2 function in the observed changes of KO neurons was investigated by applying a selective KCC2 activator, CLP290. This reversed the enhanced IRK conductance in KO neurons, indicating that both WNK3 and KCC2 are intimately linked in the regulation of resting K+ conductance. Evaluation of synaptic properties revealed that the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) was reduced, whereas that of inhibitory currents (mIPSCs) was slightly increased in KO neurons. Together, the impact of these developmental changes on the membrane and synaptic properties was manifested as behavioral deficits in pre-pulse inhibition, a measure of sensorimotor gating involving multiple brain regions including the mPFC, in KO mice. Thus, the basal function of WNK3 would be the maintenance and/or development of both intrinsic and synaptic excitabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adya Saran Sinha
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tianying Wang
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Miho Watanabe
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yasushi Hosoi
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Eisei Sohara
- Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tenpei Akita
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Shinichi Uchida
- Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuo Fukuda
- Department of Neurophysiology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
- *Correspondence: Atsuo Fukuda
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Bassetti D, Luhmann HJ, Kirischuk S. Presynaptic GABA B receptor-mediated network excitation in the medial prefrontal cortex of Tsc2 +/- mice. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1261-1271. [PMID: 34279736 PMCID: PMC8302497 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02576-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The TSC1 and TSC2 tumor suppressor genes control the activity of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Elevated activity of this pathway in Tsc2+/- mouse model leads to reduction of postsynaptic GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition and hyperexcitability in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). In this study, we asked whether presynaptic GABAB receptors (GABABRs) can compensate this shift of hyperexcitability. Experiments were performed in brain slices from adolescent wild-type (WT) and Tsc2+/- mice. Miniature and spontaneous postsynaptic currents (m/sPSCs) were recorded from layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in mPFC using patch-clamp technique using a Cs+-based intrapipette solution. Presynaptic GABABRs were activated by baclofen (10 µM) or blocked by CGP55845 (1 µM). Independent on genotype, GABABR modulators bidirectionally change miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) frequency by about 10%, indicating presynaptic GABABR-mediated effects on glutamatergic transmission are comparable in both genotypes. In contrast, frequencies of both mIPSCs and sIPCSs were suppressed by baclofen stronger in Tsc2+/- neurons than in WT ones, whereas CGP55845 significantly increased (m/s)IPSC frequencies only in WT cells. Effects of baclofen and CGP55845 on the amplitudes of evoked (e)IPSCs confirmed these observations. These data indicate (1) that GABAergic synapses are inhibited by ambient GABA in WT but not in Tsc2+/- slices, and (2) that baclofen shifts the E/I ratio, determined as the ratio of (m/s)EPSC frequency to (m/s)IPSC frequency, towards excitation only in Tsc2+/- cells. This excitatory presynaptic GABABR-mediated action has to be taken into account for a possible medication of mental disorders using baclofen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Bassetti
- Institute of Physiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Heiko J Luhmann
- Institute of Physiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sergei Kirischuk
- Institute of Physiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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Perez‐Zabalza M, Reig R, Manrique J, Jercog D, Winograd M, Parga N, Sanchez‐Vives MV. Modulation of cortical slow oscillatory rhythm by GABA B receptors: an in vitro experimental and computational study. J Physiol 2020; 598:3439-3457. [PMID: 32406934 PMCID: PMC7984206 DOI: 10.1113/jp279476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS We confirm that GABAB receptors (GABAB -Rs) are involved in the termination of Up-states; their blockade consistently elongates Up-states. GABAB -Rs also modulate Down-states and the oscillatory cycle, thus having an impact on slow oscillation rhythm and its regularity. The most frequent effect of GABAB -R blockade is elongation of Down-states and subsequent decrease of oscillatory frequency, with an increased regularity. In a quarter of cases, GABAB -R blockade shortened Down-states and increased oscillatory frequency, changes that are independent of firing rates in Up-states. Our computer model provides mechanisms for the experimentally observed dynamics following blockade of GABAB -Rs, for Up/Down durations, oscillatory frequency and regularity. The time course of excitation, inhibition and adaptation can explain the observed dynamics of the network. This study brings novel insights into the role of GABAB -R-mediated slow inhibition on the slow oscillatory activity, which is considered the default activity pattern of the cortical network. ABSTRACT Slow wave oscillations (SWOs) dominate cortical activity during deep sleep, anaesthesia and in some brain lesions. SWOs are composed of periods of activity (Up states) interspersed with periods of silence (Down states). The rhythmicity expressed during SWOs integrates neuronal and connectivity properties of the network and is often altered under pathological conditions. Adaptation mechanisms as well as synaptic inhibition mediated by GABAB receptors (GABAB -Rs) have been proposed as mechanisms governing the termination of Up states. The interplay between these two mechanisms is not well understood, and the role of GABAB -Rs controlling the whole cycle of the SWO has not been described. Here we contribute to its understanding by combining in vitro experiments on spontaneously active cortical slices and computational techniques. GABAB -R blockade modified the whole SWO cycle, not only elongating Up states, but also affecting the subsequent Down state duration. Furthermore, while adaptation tends to yield a rather regular behaviour, we demonstrate that GABAB -R activation desynchronizes the SWOs. Interestingly, variability changes could be accomplished in two different ways: by either shortening or lengthening the duration of Down states. Even when the most common observation following GABAB -Rs blocking is the lengthening of Down states, both changes are expressed experimentally and also in numerical simulations. Our simulations suggest that the sluggishness of GABAB -Rs to follow the excitatory fluctuations of the cortical network can explain these different network dynamics modulated by GABAB -Rs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Perez‐Zabalza
- Institut d'Investigaciones Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Ramon Reig
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, CSIC‐UMHSan Juan de AlicanteAlicanteSpain
| | | | - Daniel Jercog
- Institut d'Investigaciones Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)BarcelonaSpain
| | - Milena Winograd
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, CSIC‐UMHSan Juan de AlicanteAlicanteSpain
| | - Nestor Parga
- Física TeóricaUniversidad Autónoma MadridMadridSpain
- Centro de Investigación Avanzada en Física FundamentalUniversidad Autónoma de MadridMadridSpain
| | - Maria V. Sanchez‐Vives
- Institut d'Investigaciones Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS)BarcelonaSpain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA)BarcelonaSpain
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Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinases Mediate an Autoregulation of GABA B-Receptor-Activated Whole-Cell Current in Locus Coeruleus Neurons. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7869. [PMID: 32398643 PMCID: PMC7217949 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64292-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The norepinephrine-releasing neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) are well known to regulate wakefulness/arousal. They display active firing during wakefulness and a decreased discharge rate during sleep. We have previously reported that LC neurons express large numbers of GABAB receptors (GABABRs) located at peri-/extrasynaptic sites and are subject to tonic inhibition due to the continuous activation of GABABRs by ambient GABA, which is significantly higher during sleep than during wakefulness. In this study, we further showed using western blot analysis that the activation of GABABRs with baclofen could increase the level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) in LC tissue. Recordings from LC neurons in brain slices showed that the inhibition of ERK1/2 with U0126 and FR180204 accelerated the decay of whole-cell membrane current induced by prolonged baclofen application. In addition, the inhibition of ERK1/2 also increased spontaneous firing and reduced tonic inhibition of LC neurons after prolonged exposure to baclofen. These results suggest a new role of GABABRs in mediating ERK1-dependent autoregulation of the stability of GABABR-activated whole-cell current, in addition to its well-known effect on gated potassium channels, to cause a tonic current in LC neurons.
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GABA B receptors: modulation of thalamocortical dynamics and synaptic plasticity. Neuroscience 2020; 456:131-142. [PMID: 32194227 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
GABAB-receptors (GABAB-Rs) are metabotropic, G protein-coupled receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA. Their activation induces slow inhibitory control of the neuronal excitability mediated by pre- and postsynaptic inhibition. Presynaptically GABAB-Rs reduce GABA and glutamate release inhibiting presynaptic Ca2+ channels in both inhibitory and excitatory synapses while postsynaptic GABAB-Rs induce robust slow hyperpolarization by the activation of K+ channels. GABAB-Rs are activated by non-synaptic or volume transmission, which requires high levels of GABA release, either by the simultaneous discharge of GABAergic interneurons or very intense discharges in the thalamus or by means of the activation of a neurogliaform interneurons in the cortex. The main receptor subunits GABAB1a, GABAB1b and GABAB2 are strongly expressed in neurons and glial cells throughout the central nervous system and GABAB-R activation is related to many neuronal processes such as the modulation of rhythmic activity in several brain regions. In the thalamus, GABAB-Rs modulate the generation of the main thalamic rhythm, spindle waves. In the cerebral cortex, GABAB-Rs also modulate the most prominent emergent oscillatory activity-slow oscillations-as well as faster oscillations like gamma frequency. Further, recent studies evaluating the complexity expressed by the cortical network, a parameter associated with consciousness levels, have found that GABAB-Rs enhance this complexity, while their blockade decreases it. This review summarizes the current results on how the activation of GABAB-Rs affects the interchange of information between brain areas by controlling rhythmicity as well as synaptic plasticity.
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NPY 2 Receptors Reduce Tonic Action Potential-Independent GABA B Currents in the Basolateral Amygdala. J Neurosci 2019; 39:4909-4930. [PMID: 30971438 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2226-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Although NPY has potent anxiolytic actions within the BLA, selective activation of BLA NPY Y2 receptors (Y2Rs) acutely increases anxiety by an unknown mechanism. Using ex vivo male rat brain slice electrophysiology, we show that the selective Y2R agonist, [ahx5-24]NPY, reduced the frequency of GABAA-mediated mIPSCs in BLA principal neurons (PNs). [ahx5-24]NPY also reduced tonic activation of GABAB receptors (GABABR), which increased PN excitability through inhibition of a tonic, inwardly rectifying potassium current (KIR ). Surprisingly, Y2R-sensitive GABABR currents were action potential-independent, persisting after treatment with TTX. Additionally, the Ca2+-dependent, slow afterhyperpolarizing K+ current (IsAHP ) was enhanced in approximately half of the Y2R-sensitive PNs, possibly from enhanced Ca2+ influx, permitted by reduced GABABR tone. In male and female mice expressing tdTomato in Y2R-mRNA cells (tdT-Y2R mice), immunohistochemistry revealed that BLA somatostatin interneurons express Y2Rs, as do a significant subset of BLA PNs. In tdT-Y2R mice, [ahx5-24]NPY increased excitability and suppressed the KIR in nearly all BLA PNs independent of tdT-Y2R fluorescence, consistent with presynaptic Y2Rs on somatostatin interneurons mediating the above effects. However, only tdT-Y2R-expressing PNs responded to [ahx5-24]NPY with an enhancement of the IsAHP Ultimately, increased PN excitability via acute Y2R activation likely correlates with enhanced BLA output, consistent with reported Y2R-mediated anxiogenesis. Furthermore, we demonstrate the following: (1) a novel mechanism whereby activity-independent GABA release can powerfully dampen BLA neuronal excitability via postsynaptic GABABRs; and (2) that this tonic inhibition can be interrupted by neuromodulation, here by NPY via Y2Rs.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Within the BLA, NPY is potently anxiolytic. However, selective activation of NPY2 receptors (Y2Rs) increases anxiety by an unknown mechanism. We show that activation of BLA Y2Rs decreases tonic GABA release onto BLA principal neurons, probably from Y2R-expressing somatostatin interneurons, some of which coexpress NPY. This increases principal neuron excitability by reducing GABAB receptor (GABABR)-mediated activation of G-protein-coupled, inwardly rectifying K+ currents. Tonic, Y2R-sensitive GABABR currents unexpectedly persisted in the absence of action potential firing, revealing, to our knowledge, the first report of substantial, activity-independent GABABR activation. Ultimately, we provide a plausible explanation for Y2R-mediated anxiogenesis in vivo and describe a novel and modulatable means of damping neuronal excitability.
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Si X, Li Y, Jiang Y, Shang W, Shui G, Lam SM, Blanchard C, Strappe P, Zhou Z. γ-Aminobutyric Acid Attenuates High-Fat Diet-Induced Cerebral Oxidative Impairment via Enhanced Synthesis of Hippocampal Sulfatides. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:1081-1091. [PMID: 30511848 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b05246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Long-term high-fat diet (HFD) in rats triggered cerebral oxidative stress, reflected by reactive oxygen species accumulation and antioxidant decline in peripheral and cerebral tissues, together with hippocampal lipid disturbance, particularly for triglyceride accumulation and sulfatide deficiency. Hippocampal formation and cerebral cortex also exhibited pathological changes, characterized by neurofibrillary tangle and reduced Nissl bodies. Sulfatides were noted to protect hippocampal neurons from oxidative damage through the clearance of β-amyloid protein, with apolipoprotein E transporting and low-density lipoprotein receptor binding. Delightedly, we found γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplement delivered by rice bran to rats significantly promoted hippocampal sulfatide synthesis and reversed the HFD-induced sulfatide deficiency and oxidative-triggered cerebral impairment. Elevated GABA concentration in hippocampus and the activation of GABA B-type receptors might be the primary contributors. This study demonstrated the potential of GABA-enriched rice bran as a novel dietary supplement to enhance a sulfatide-based therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases in the early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Si
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education , Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin 300457 , China
| | - Yibo Li
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education , Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin 300457 , China
| | - Yugang Jiang
- Institute of Health and Environment Medicine , Academy of Military Medical Sciences , Tianjin 300050 , China
| | - Wenting Shang
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education , Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin 300457 , China
| | - Guanghou Shui
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100101 , China
| | - Sin Man Lam
- Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100101 , China
| | - Chris Blanchard
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Functional Grains , Charles Sturt University , Wagga Wagga , New South Wales 2678 , Australia
| | - Padraig Strappe
- School of Medical and Applied Sciences , Central Queensland University , Rockhampton , Queensland 4700 , Australia
| | - Zhongkai Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education , Tianjin University of Science and Technology , Tianjin 300457 , China
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Functional Grains , Charles Sturt University , Wagga Wagga , New South Wales 2678 , Australia
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11
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Czéh B, Vardya I, Varga Z, Febbraro F, Csabai D, Martis LS, Højgaard K, Henningsen K, Bouzinova EV, Miseta A, Jensen K, Wiborg O. Long-Term Stress Disrupts the Structural and Functional Integrity of GABAergic Neuronal Networks in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex of Rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:148. [PMID: 29973870 PMCID: PMC6020798 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and experimental data suggest that fronto-cortical GABAergic deficits contribute to the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). To further test this hypothesis, we used a well characterized rat model for depression and examined the effect of stress on GABAergic neuron numbers and GABA-mediated synaptic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats. Adult male Wistar rats were subjected to 9-weeks of chronic mild stress (CMS) and based on their hedonic-anhedonic behavior they were behaviorally phenotyped as being stress-susceptible (anhedonic) or stress-resilient. Post mortem quantitative histopathology was used to examine the effect of stress on parvalbumin (PV)-, calretinin- (CR), calbindin- (CB), cholecystokinin- (CCK), somatostatin-(SST) and neuropeptide Y-positive (NPY+) GABAergic neuron numbers in all cortical subareas of the mPFC (anterior cingulate (Cg1), prelimbic (PrL) and infralimbic (IL) cortexes). In vitro, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from layer II–III pyramidal neurons of the ventral mPFC was used to examine GABAergic neurotransmission. The cognitive performance of the animals was assessed in a hippocampal-prefrontal-cortical circuit dependent learning task. Stress exposure reduced the number of CCK-, CR- and PV-positive GABAergic neurons in the mPFC, most prominently in the IL cortex. Interestingly, in the stress-resilient animals, we found higher number of neuropeptide Y-positive neurons in the entire mPFC. The electrophysiological analysis revealed reduced frequencies of spontaneous and miniature IPSCs in the anhedonic rats and decreased release probability of perisomatic-targeting GABAergic synapses and alterations in GABAB receptor mediated signaling. In turn, pyramidal neurons showed higher excitability. Anhedonic rats were also significantly impaired in the object-place paired-associate learning task. These data demonstrate that long-term stress results in functional and structural deficits of prefrontal GABAergic networks. Our findings support the concept that fronto-limbic GABAergic dysfunctions may contribute to emotional and cognitive symptoms of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boldizsár Czéh
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark.,Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre & Centre for Neuroscience, Pécs, Hungary.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Irina Vardya
- Synaptic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Zsófia Varga
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre & Centre for Neuroscience, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Fabia Febbraro
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark
| | - Dávid Csabai
- Neurobiology of Stress Research Group, János Szentágothai Research Centre & Centre for Neuroscience, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | | | - Kim Henningsen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark
| | - Elena V Bouzinova
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark
| | - Attila Miseta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Pécs, Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Kimmo Jensen
- Synaptic Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ove Wiborg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Risskov, Denmark.,Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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12
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Reactive Astrocytes as Drug Target in Alzheimer's Disease. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:4160247. [PMID: 29888263 PMCID: PMC5977027 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4160247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by deposition of extracellular amyloid-β, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, and loss of cortical neurons. However, the mechanism underlying neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains to be explored. Many of the researches on AD have been primarily focused on neuronal changes. Current research, however, broadens to give emphasis on the importance of nonneuronal cells, such as astrocytes. Astrocytes play fundamental roles in several cerebral functions and their dysfunctions promote neurodegeneration and, eventually, retraction of neuronal synapses, which leads to cognitive deficits found in AD. Astrocytes become reactive as a result of deposition of Aβ, which in turn have detrimental consequences, including decreased glutamate uptake due to reduced expression of uptake transporters, altered energy metabolism, altered ion homeostasis (K+ and Ca+), increased tonic inhibition, and increased release of cytokines and inflammatory mediators. In this review, recent insights on the involvement of, tonic inhibition, astrocytic glutamate transporters and aquaporin in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease are provided. Compounds which increase expression of GLT1 have showed efficacy for AD in preclinical studies. Tonic inhibition mediated by GABA could also be a promising target and drugs that block the GABA synthesizing enzyme, MAO-B, have shown efficacy. However, there are contradictory evidences on the role of AQP4 in AD.
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13
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Xu MY, Wong AHC. GABAergic inhibitory neurons as therapeutic targets for cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2018; 39:733-753. [PMID: 29565038 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2017.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is considered primarily as a cognitive disorder. However, functional outcomes in schizophrenia are limited by the lack of effective pharmacological and psychosocial interventions for cognitive impairment. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) interneurons are the main inhibitory neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), and they play a critical role in a variety of pathophysiological processes including modulation of cortical and hippocampal neural circuitry and activity, cognitive function-related neural oscillations (eg, gamma oscillations) and information integration and processing. Dysfunctional GABA interneuron activity can disrupt the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance in the cortex, which could represent a core pathophysiological mechanism underlying cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. Recent research suggests that selective modulation of the GABAergic system is a promising intervention for the treatment of schizophrenia-associated cognitive defects. In this review, we summarized evidence from postmortem and animal studies for abnormal GABAergic neurotransmission in schizophrenia, and how altered GABA interneurons could disrupt neuronal oscillations. Next, we systemically reviewed a variety of up-to-date subtype-selective agonists, antagonists, positive and negative allosteric modulators (including dual allosteric modulators) for α5/α3/α2 GABAA and GABAB receptors, and summarized their pro-cognitive effects in animal behavioral tests and clinical trials. Finally, we also discuss various representative histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitors that target GABA system through epigenetic modulations, GABA prodrug and presynaptic GABA transporter inhibitors. This review provides important information on current potential GABA-associated therapies and future insights for development of more effective treatments.
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14
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Huo Q, Chen M, He Q, Zhang J, Li B, Jin K, Chen X, Long C, Yang L. Prefrontal Cortical GABAergic Dysfunction Contributes to Aberrant UP-State Duration in APP Knockout Mice. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:4060-4072. [PMID: 27552836 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhw218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic and biochemical studies have focused on the role of amyloid β protein in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. In comparison, the physiological roles of its precursor protein, amyloid precursor protein (APP), in synaptic and network activity is less well studied. Using an APP knockout (APP-/-) mouse model, we show that the duration of UP state, which is a key feature of cortical synaptic integration occurring predominantly during slow-wave sleep, is significantly increased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the absence of APP. This was accompanied by a specific reduction in the glutamine synthetase and tissue GABA content and sequential upregulation in the levels of GABABR expression. Pharmacological reinforcement of GABA signaling by application of either a GABA uptake inhibitor or an agonist of GABABR rescued the abnormality of UP-state duration and the former rescues altered GABABR expression as well. In addition to revealing an essential role of APP in the regulation of PFC network function, this study evidences the viability of GABA signaling pathway and its receptors, especially GABABRs, as a target for the treatment of aberrant neural network activity and thus information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwei Huo
- School of Psychology South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Ming Chen
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Quansheng He
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Jiajia Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Bo Li
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Kai Jin
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Xi Chen
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Cheng Long
- School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Brain Science Institute, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
| | - Li Yang
- School of Psychology South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Brain Science Institute, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Center for Studies of Psychological Application, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510631, China
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15
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The Synaptic Properties of Cells Define the Hallmarks of Interval Timing in a Recurrent Neural Network. J Neurosci 2018; 38:4186-4199. [PMID: 29615484 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2651-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Extensive research has described two key features of interval timing. The bias property is associated with accuracy and implies that time is overestimated for short intervals and underestimated for long intervals. The scalar property is linked to precision and states that the variability of interval estimates increases as a function of interval duration. The neural mechanisms behind these properties are not well understood. Here we implemented a recurrent neural network that mimics a cortical ensemble and includes cells that show paired-pulse facilitation and slow inhibitory synaptic currents. The network produces interval selective responses and reproduces both bias and scalar properties when a Bayesian decoder reads its activity. Notably, the interval-selectivity, timing accuracy, and precision of the network showed complex changes as a function of the decay time constants of the modeled synaptic properties and the level of background activity of the cells. These findings suggest that physiological values of the time constants for paired-pulse facilitation and GABAb, as well as the internal state of the network, determine the bias and scalar properties of interval timing.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Timing is a fundamental element of complex behavior, including music and language. Temporal processing in a wide variety of contexts shows two primary features: time estimates exhibit a shift toward the mean (the bias property) and are more variable for longer intervals (the scalar property). We implemented a recurrent neural network that includes long-lasting synaptic currents, which cannot only produce interval-selective responses but also follow the bias and scalar properties. Interestingly, only physiological values of the time constants for paired-pulse facilitation and GABAb, as well as intermediate background activity within the network can reproduce the two key features of interval timing.
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16
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Role of Somatostatin-Positive Cortical Interneurons in the Generation of Sleep Slow Waves. J Neurosci 2017; 37:9132-9148. [PMID: 28821651 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1303-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
During non-rapid eye-movement (NREM) sleep, cortical and thalamic neurons oscillate every second or so between ON periods, characterized by membrane depolarization and wake-like tonic firing, and OFF periods, characterized by membrane hyperpolarization and neuronal silence. Cortical slow waves, the hallmark of NREM sleep, reflect near-synchronous OFF periods in cortical neurons. However, the mechanisms triggering such OFF periods are unclear, as there is little evidence for somatic inhibition. We studied cortical inhibitory interneurons that express somatostatin (SOM), because ∼70% of them are Martinotti cells that target diffusely layer I and can block excitatory transmission presynaptically, at glutamatergic terminals, and postsynaptically, at apical dendrites, without inhibiting the soma. In freely moving male mice, we show that SOM+ cells can fire immediately before slow waves and their optogenetic stimulation during ON periods of NREM sleep triggers long OFF periods. Next, we show that chemogenetic activation of SOM+ cells increases slow-wave activity (SWA), slope of individual slow waves, and NREM sleep duration; whereas their chemogenetic inhibition decreases SWA and slow-wave incidence without changing time spent in NREM sleep. By contrast, activation of parvalbumin+ (PV+) cells, the most numerous population of cortical inhibitory neurons, greatly decreases SWA and cortical firing, triggers short OFF periods in NREM sleep, and increases NREM sleep duration. Thus SOM+ cells, but not PV+ cells, are involved in the generation of sleep slow waves. Whether Martinotti cells are solely responsible for this effect, or are complemented by other classes of inhibitory neurons, remains to be investigated.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cortical slow waves are a defining feature of non-rapid eye-movement (NREM) sleep and are thought to be important for many of its restorative benefits. Yet, the mechanism by which cortical neurons abruptly and synchronously cease firing, the neuronal basis of the slow wave, remains unknown. Using chemogenetic and optogenetic approaches, we provide the first evidence that links a specific class of inhibitory interneurons-somatostatin-positive cells-to the generation of slow waves during NREM sleep in freely moving mice.
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17
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Rozycka A, Liguz-Lecznar M. The space where aging acts: focus on the GABAergic synapse. Aging Cell 2017; 16:634-643. [PMID: 28497576 PMCID: PMC5506442 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As it was established that aging is not associated with massive neuronal loss, as was believed in the mid‐20th Century, scientific interest has addressed the influence of aging on particular neuronal subpopulations and their synaptic contacts, which constitute the substrate for neural plasticity. Inhibitory neurons represent the most complex and diverse group of neurons, showing distinct molecular and physiological characteristics and possessing a compelling ability to control the physiology of neural circuits. This review focuses on the aging of GABAergic neurons and synapses. Understanding how aging affects synapses of particular neuronal subpopulations may help explain the heterogeneity of aging‐related effects. We reviewed the literature concerning the effects of aging on the numbers of GABAergic neurons and synapses as well as aging‐related alterations in their presynaptic and postsynaptic components. Finally, we discussed the influence of those changes on the plasticity of the GABAergic system, highlighting our results concerning aging in mouse somatosensory cortex and linking them to plasticity impairments and brain disorders. We posit that aging‐induced impairments of the GABAergic system lead to an inhibitory/excitatory imbalance, thereby decreasing neuron's ability to respond with plastic changes to environmental and cellular challenges, leaving the brain more vulnerable to cognitive decline and damage by synaptopathic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Rozycka
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology; Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology; Polish Academy of Sciences; 3 Pasteur Street Warsaw 02-093 Poland
| | - Monika Liguz-Lecznar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology; Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology; Polish Academy of Sciences; 3 Pasteur Street Warsaw 02-093 Poland
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18
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KCTD Hetero-oligomers Confer Unique Kinetic Properties on Hippocampal GABAB Receptor-Induced K+ Currents. J Neurosci 2016; 37:1162-1175. [PMID: 28003345 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2181-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAB receptors are the G-protein coupled receptors for the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, GABA. GABAB receptors were shown to associate with homo-oligomers of auxiliary KCTD8, KCTD12, KCTD12b, and KCTD16 subunits (named after their T1 K+-channel tetramerization domain) that regulate G-protein signaling of the receptor. Here we provide evidence that GABAB receptors also associate with hetero-oligomers of KCTD subunits. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicate that two-thirds of the KCTD16 proteins in the hippocampus of adult mice associate with KCTD12. We show that the KCTD proteins hetero-oligomerize through self-interacting T1 and H1 homology domains. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer measurements in live cells reveal that KCTD12/KCTD16 hetero-oligomers associate with both the receptor and the G-protein. Electrophysiological experiments demonstrate that KCTD12/KCTD16 hetero-oligomers impart unique kinetic properties on G-protein-activated Kir3 currents. During prolonged receptor activation (one min) KCTD12/KCTD16 hetero-oligomers produce moderately desensitizing fast deactivating K+ currents, whereas KCTD12 and KCTD16 homo-oligomers produce strongly desensitizing fast deactivating currents and nondesensitizing slowly deactivating currents, respectively. During short activation (2 s) KCTD12/KCTD16 hetero-oligomers produce nondesensitizing slowly deactivating currents. Electrophysiological recordings from hippocampal neurons of KCTD knock-out mice are consistent with these findings and indicate that KCTD12/KCTD16 hetero-oligomers increase the duration of slow IPSCs. In summary, our data demonstrate that simultaneous assembly of distinct KCTDs at the receptor increases the molecular and functional repertoire of native GABAB receptors and modulates physiologically induced K+ current responses in the hippocampus. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The KCTD proteins 8, 12, and 16 are auxiliary subunits of GABAB receptors that differentially regulate G-protein signaling of the receptor. The KCTD proteins are generally assumed to function as homo-oligomers. Here we show that the KCTD proteins also assemble hetero-oligomers in all possible dual combinations. Experiments in live cells demonstrate that KCTD hetero-oligomers form at least tetramers and that these tetramers directly interact with the receptor and the G-protein. KCTD12/KCTD16 hetero-oligomers impart unique kinetic properties to GABAB receptor-induced Kir3 currents in heterologous cells. KCTD12/KCTD16 hetero-oligomers are abundant in the hippocampus, where they prolong the duration of slow IPSCs in pyramidal cells. Our data therefore support that KCTD hetero-oligomers modulate physiologically induced K+ current responses in the brain.
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19
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Beas BS, Setlow B, Bizon JL. Effects of acute administration of the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen on behavioral flexibility in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:2787-97. [PMID: 27256354 PMCID: PMC4919234 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4321-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The ability to adjust response strategies when faced with changes in the environment is critical for normal adaptive behavior. Such behavioral flexibility is compromised by experimental disruption of cortical GABAergic signaling, as well as in conditions such as schizophrenia and normal aging that are characterized by cortical hyperexcitability. The current studies were designed to determine whether stimulation of GABAergic signaling using the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen can facilitate behavioral flexibility. METHODS Male Fischer 344 rats were trained in a set-shifting task in which they learned to discriminate between two response levers to obtain a food reward. Correct levers were signaled in accordance with two distinct response rules (rule 1: correct lever signaled by a cue light; rule 2: correct lever signaled by its left/right position). The order of rule presentation varied, but they were always presented sequentially, with the trials and errors to reach criterion performance on the second (set shift) rule providing the measure of behavioral flexibility. Experiments determined the effects of the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen (intraperitoneal, 0, 1.0, 2.5, and 4.0 mg/kg) administered acutely before the shift to the second rule. RESULTS Baclofen enhanced set-shifting performance. Control experiments demonstrated that this enhancement was not simply due to improved discrimination learning, nor was it due to impaired recall of the initial discrimination rule. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate that baclofen can facilitate behavioral flexibility, suggesting that GABA(B) receptor agonists may have utility for treating behavioral dysfunction in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Sofia Beas
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL,Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Jennifer L. Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL,Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
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20
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Howell RD, Pugh JR. Biphasic modulation of parallel fibre synaptic transmission by co-activation of presynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors in mice. J Physiol 2016; 594:3651-66. [PMID: 27061582 DOI: 10.1113/jp272124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Many excitatory synapses co-express presynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors, despite their opposing actions on synaptic transmission. It is still unclear how co-activation of these receptors modulates synapse function. We measured presynaptic GABA receptor function at parallel fibre synapses onto stellate cells in the cerebellum using whole-cell patch-clamp recording and photolytic uncaging of RuBi-GABA. Activation of presynaptic GABA receptors results in a transient (∼100 ms) enhancement of synaptic transmission (mediated by GABAA receptors) followed by a long lasting (>500 ms) inhibition of transmission (mediated by GABAB receptors). When activated just prior to high-frequency trains of stimulation, presynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors work together to reduce short-term facilitation/enhance depression, altering the filtering properties of synaptic transmission. Inhibition of synaptic transmission by GABAB receptors is more sensitive to GABA than enhancement by GABAA receptors, suggesting GABAB receptors may be activated by ambient GABA or release from greater distances. ABSTRACT GABAA and GABAB receptors are co-expressed at many presynaptic terminals in the central nervous system. Previous studies have shown that GABAA receptors typically enhance vesicle release while GABAB receptors inhibit release. However, it is not clear how the competing actions of these receptors modulate synaptic transmission when co-activated, as is likely in vivo. We investigated this question at parallel fibre synapses in the cerebellum, which co-express presynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors. In acute slices from C57BL/6 mice, we find that co-activation of presynaptic GABA receptors by photolytic uncaging of RuBi-GABA has a biphasic effect on EPSC amplitudes recorded from stellate cells. Synchronous and asynchronous EPSCs evoked within ∼100 ms of GABA uncaging were increased, while EPSCs evoked ∼300-600 ms after GABA uncaging were reduced compared to interleaved control sweeps. We confirmed these effects are presynaptic by measuring the paired-pulse ratio, variance of EPSC amplitudes, and response probability. During trains of high-frequency stimulation GABAA and GABAB receptors work together (rather than oppose one another) to reduce short-term facilitation when GABA is uncaged just prior to the onset of stimulation. We also find that GABAB receptor-mediated inhibition can be elicited by lower GABA concentrations than GABAA receptor-mediated enhancement of EPSCs, suggesting GABAB receptors may be selectively activated by ambient GABA or release from more distance synapses. These data suggest that GABA, acting through both presynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors, modulate the amplitude and short-term plasticity of excitatory synapses, a result not possible from activation of either receptor type alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca D Howell
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Physiology, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Jason R Pugh
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Department of Physiology, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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21
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Carpenter HE, Kelly KB, Bizon JL, Frazier CJ. Age-related changes in tonic activation of presynaptic versus extrasynaptic γ-amniobutyric acid type B receptors in rat medial prefrontal cortex. Neurobiol Aging 2016; 45:88-97. [PMID: 27459929 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The present study examined the effect of age on both glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid mediated (GABAergic) signaling in the rodent medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), with an emphasis on revealing novel changes contributing to increased inhibition in age. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were obtained from layer 2/3 mPFC pyramidal neurons in acute cortical slices prepared from either young (4 months) or aged (20-24 months) male F344 rats. Results indicated that GABAB receptors on GABAergic, but not on glutamatergic, inputs to layer 2/3 pyramidal cells are tonically activated by ambient GABA in young animals and further demonstrated that this form of tonic inhibition is significantly attenuated in aged mPFC. Moreover, concurrent with loss of tonic presynaptic GABAB autoreceptor activation, layer 2/3 pyramidal cells in aged mPFC are subjected to increased tonic activation of extrasynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors. These data demonstrate a shift in the site of GABAB receptor-mediated inhibitory tone in the aged mPFC that clearly promotes increased inhibition of pyramidal cells in aged animals, and that may plausibly contribute to impaired executive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley E Carpenter
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kyle B Kelly
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Charles J Frazier
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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22
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Beas BS, McQuail JA, Ban Uelos C, Setlow B, Bizon JL. Prefrontal cortical GABAergic signaling and impaired behavioral flexibility in aged F344 rats. Neuroscience 2016; 345:274-286. [PMID: 26873002 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is critical for the ability to flexibly adapt established patterns of behavior in response to a change in environmental contingencies. Impaired behavioral flexibility results in maladaptive strategies such as perseveration on response options that no longer produce a desired outcome. Pharmacological manipulations of prefrontal cortical GABAergic signaling modulate behavioral flexibility in animal models, and prefrontal cortical interneuron dysfunction is implicated in impaired behavioral flexibility that accompanies neuropsychiatric disease. As deficits in behavioral flexibility also emerge during the normal aging process, the goal of this study was to determine the role of GABAergic signaling, specifically via prefrontal cortical GABA(B) receptors, in such age-related deficits. Young and aged rats were trained in a set shifting task performed in operant chambers. First, rats learned to discriminate between two response levers to obtain a food reward on the basis of a cue light illuminated above the correct lever. Upon acquisition of this initial discrimination, the contingencies were shifted such that rats had to ignore the cue light and respond on the levers according to their left/right positions. Both young and aged rats acquired the initial discrimination similarly; however, aged rats were impaired relative to young following the set shift. Among aged rats, GABA(B) receptor expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) was strongly correlated with set shifting, such that lower expression was associated with worse performance. Subsequent experiments showed that intra-mPFC administration of the GABA(B) receptor agonist baclofen enhanced set shifting performance in aged rats. These data directly link GABAergic signaling via GABA(B) receptors to impaired behavioral flexibility associated with normal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- B S Beas
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - J A McQuail
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - C Ban Uelos
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - B Setlow
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - J L Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States.
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Locklear MN, Cohen AB, Jone A, Kritzer MF. Sex Differences Distinguish Intracortical Glutamate Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Extracellular Dopamine Levels in the Prefrontal Cortex of Adult Rats. Cereb Cortex 2016; 26:599-610. [PMID: 25260707 PMCID: PMC4712796 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhu222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Executive functions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) are sensitive to local dopamine (DA) levels. Although sex differences distinguish these functions and their dysfunction in disease, the basis for this is unknown. We asked whether sex differences might result from dimorphisms in the glutamatergic mechanisms that regulate PFC DA levels. Using antagonists selective for α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, we compared drug effects on in vivo microdialysis DA measurements in the PFC of adult male and female rats. We found that baseline DA levels were similar across sex, AMPA antagonism decreased PFC DA in both sexes, and NMDA antagonism increased DA in males but decreased DA in females. We also found that, at subseizure-producing drug levels, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-A antagonism did not affect DA in either sex but that GABA-B antagonism transiently increased PFC DA in both sexes, albeit more so in females. Finally, when NMDA antagonism was coincident with GABA-B antagonism, PFC DA levels in males responded as if to GABA-B antagonism alone, whereas in females, DA effects mirrored those induced by NMDA antagonism. Taken together, these data suggest commonalities and fundamental differences in the intracortical amino acid transmitter mechanisms that regulate DA homeostasis in the male and female rat PFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- M N Locklear
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, USA
| | - A B Cohen
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, USA
| | - A Jone
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, USA
| | - M F Kritzer
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, USA
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24
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Neske GT. The Slow Oscillation in Cortical and Thalamic Networks: Mechanisms and Functions. Front Neural Circuits 2016; 9:88. [PMID: 26834569 PMCID: PMC4712264 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2015.00088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
During even the most quiescent behavioral periods, the cortex and thalamus express rich spontaneous activity in the form of slow (<1 Hz), synchronous network state transitions. Throughout this so-called slow oscillation, cortical and thalamic neurons fluctuate between periods of intense synaptic activity (Up states) and almost complete silence (Down states). The two decades since the original characterization of the slow oscillation in the cortex and thalamus have seen considerable advances in deciphering the cellular and network mechanisms associated with this pervasive phenomenon. There are, nevertheless, many questions regarding the slow oscillation that await more thorough illumination, particularly the mechanisms by which Up states initiate and terminate, the functional role of the rhythmic activity cycles in unconscious or minimally conscious states, and the precise relation between Up states and the activated states associated with waking behavior. Given the substantial advances in multineuronal recording and imaging methods in both in vivo and in vitro preparations, the time is ripe to take stock of our current understanding of the slow oscillation and pave the way for future investigations of its mechanisms and functions. My aim in this Review is to provide a comprehensive account of the mechanisms and functions of the slow oscillation, and to suggest avenues for further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett T Neske
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown UniversityProvidence, RI, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Yale UniversityNew Haven, CT, USA
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25
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Bosch D, Ehrlich I. Postnatal maturation of GABAergic modulation of sensory inputs onto lateral amygdala principal neurons. J Physiol 2015; 593:4387-409. [PMID: 26227545 DOI: 10.1113/jp270645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Throughout life, fear learning is indispensable for survival and neural plasticity in the lateral amygdala underlies this learning and storage of fear memories. During development, properties of fear learning continue to change into adulthood, but currently little is known about changes in amygdala circuits that enable these behavioural transitions. In recordings from neurons in lateral amygdala brain slices from infant up to adult mice, we show that spontaneous and evoked excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmissions mature into adolescence. At this time, increased inhibitory activity and signalling has the ability to restrict the function of excitation by presynaptic modulation, and may thus enable precise stimulus associations to limit fear generalization from adolescence onward. Our results provide a basis for addressing plasticity mechanisms that underlie altered fear behaviour in young animals. ABSTRACT Convergent evidence suggests that plasticity in the lateral amygdala (LA) participates in acquisition and storage of fear memory. Sensory inputs from thalamic and cortical areas activate principal neurons and local GABAergic interneurons, which provide feed-forward inhibition that tightly controls LA activity and plasticity via pre- and postsynaptic GABAA and GABAB receptors. GABAergic control is also critical during fear expression, generalization and extinction in adult animals. During rodent development, properties of fear and extinction learning continue to change into early adulthood. Currently, few studies have assessed physiological changes in amygdala circuits that may enable these behavioural transitions. To obtain first insights, we investigated changes in spontaneous and sensory input-evoked inhibition onto LA principal neurons and then focused on GABAB receptor-mediated modulation of excitatory sensory inputs in infant, juvenile, adolescent and young adult mice. We found that spontaneous and sensory-evoked inhibition increased during development. Physiological changes were accompanied by changes in dendritic morphology. While GABAB heteroreceptors were functionally expressed on sensory afferents already early in development, they could only be physiologically recruited by sensory-evoked GABA release to mediate heterosynaptic inhibition from adolescence onward. Furthermore, we found GABAB -mediated tonic inhibition of sensory inputs by ambient GABA that also emerged in adolescence. The observed increase in GABAergic drive may be a substrate for providing modulatory GABA. Our data suggest that GABAB -mediated tonic and evoked presynaptic inhibition can suppress sensory input-driven excitation in the LA to enable precise stimulus associations and limit generalization of conditioned fear from adolescence onward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bosch
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 25, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.,Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 25, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ingrid Ehrlich
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 25, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany.,Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tuebingen, Otfried-Mueller-Str. 25, 72076, Tuebingen, Germany
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26
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McQuail JA, Frazier CJ, Bizon JL. Molecular aspects of age-related cognitive decline: the role of GABA signaling. Trends Mol Med 2015; 21:450-60. [PMID: 26070271 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2015.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Revised: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in inhibitory interneurons contribute to cognitive deficits associated with several psychiatric and neurological diseases. Phasic and tonic inhibition imparted by γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors regulates neural activity and helps to establish the appropriate network dynamics in cortical circuits that support normal cognition. This review highlights basic science demonstrating that inhibitory signaling is altered in aging, and discusses the impact of age-related shifts in inhibition on different forms of memory function, including hippocampus-dependent spatial reference memory and prefrontal cortex (PFC)-dependent working memory. The clinical appropriateness and tractability of select therapeutic candidates for cognitive aging that target receptors mediating inhibition are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A McQuail
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Charles J Frazier
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jennifer L Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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27
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Grüter T, Wiescholleck V, Dubovyk V, Aliane V, Manahan-Vaughan D. Altered neuronal excitability underlies impaired hippocampal function in an animal model of psychosis. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:117. [PMID: 26042007 PMCID: PMC4438226 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychosis is accompanied by severe attentional deficits, and impairments in associational-memory processing and sensory information processing that are ascribed to dysfunctions in prefrontal and hippocampal function. Disruptions of glutamatergic signaling may underlie these alterations: Antagonism of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) results in similar molecular, cellular, cognitive and behavioral changes in rodents and/or humans as those that occur in psychosis, raising the question as to whether changes in glutamatergic transmission may be intrinsic to the pathophysiology of the disease. In an animal model of psychosis that comprises treatment with the irreversible NMDAR-antagonist, MK801, we explored the cellular mechanisms that may underlie hippocampal dysfunction in psychosis. MK801-treatment resulted in a profound loss of hippocampal LTP that was evident 4 weeks after treatment. Whereas neuronal expression of the immediate early gene, Arc, was enhanced in the hippocampus by spatial learning in controls, MK801-treated animals failed to show activity-dependent increases in Arc expression. By contrast, a significant increase in basal Arc expression in the absence of learning was evident compared to controls. Paired-pulse (PP) facilitation was increased at the 40 ms interval indicating that NMDAR and/or fast GABAergic-mediated neurotransmission was disrupted. In line with this, MK801-treatment resulted in a significant decrease in GABA(A), and increase in GABA(B)-receptor-expression in PFC, along with a significant increase of GABA(B)- and NMDAR-GluN2B expression in the dentate gyrus. NMDAR-GluN1 or GluN2A subunit expression was unchanged. These data suggest that in psychosis, deficits in hippocampus-dependent memory may be caused by a loss of hippocampal LTP that arises through enhanced hippocampal neuronal excitability, altered GluN2B and GABA receptor expression and an uncoupling of the hippocampus-prefrontal cortex circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grüter
- Medical Faculty, Department of Neurophysiology, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany ; International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Valentyna Dubovyk
- Medical Faculty, Department of Neurophysiology, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany
| | - Verena Aliane
- Medical Faculty, Department of Neurophysiology, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany
| | - Denise Manahan-Vaughan
- Medical Faculty, Department of Neurophysiology, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany ; International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany
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28
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Urban-Ciecko J, Fanselow EE, Barth AL. Neocortical somatostatin neurons reversibly silence excitatory transmission via GABAb receptors. Curr Biol 2015; 25:722-731. [PMID: 25728691 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the dynamic range for excitatory transmission is a critical component of building a functional circuit diagram for the mammalian brain. Excitatory synaptic transmission is typically studied under optimized conditions, when background activity in the network is low. The range of synaptic function in the presence of inhibitory and excitatory activity within the neocortical circuit is unknown. RESULTS Paired-cell recordings from pyramidal neurons in acute brain slices of mouse somatosensory cortex show that excitatory synaptic transmission is markedly suppressed during spontaneous network activity: EPSP amplitudes are 2-fold smaller and failure rates are greater than 50%. This suppression is mediated by tonic activation of presynaptic GABAb receptors gated by the spontaneous activity of somatostatin-expressing (Sst) interneurons. Optogenetic suppression of Sst neuron firing was sufficient to enhance EPSP amplitude and reduce failure rates, effects that were fully reversible and occluded by GABAb antagonists. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that Sst interneurons can rapidly and reversibly silence excitatory synaptic connections through the regulation of presynaptic release. This is an unanticipated role for Sst interneurons, which have been assigned a role only in fast GABAa-mediated inhibition. Because Sst interneuron activity has been shown to be regulated by sensory and motor input, these results suggest a mechanism by which functional connectivity and synaptic plasticity could be gated in a state-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Urban-Ciecko
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Erika E Fanselow
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Alison L Barth
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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29
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Wang HY, Kuo ZC, Fu YS, Chen RF, Min MY, Yang HW. GABAB receptor-mediated tonic inhibition regulates the spontaneous firing of locus coeruleus neurons in developing rats and in citalopram-treated rats. J Physiol 2014; 593:161-80. [PMID: 25556794 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2014.281378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Noradrenaline (NA)-releasing neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) provide NA to the forebrain and play important roles in regulating many brain functions. LC neurons are subject to tonic inhibition mediated by GABAB receptors (GABAB Rs) and that the extent of the effect varies with ambient GABA levels. GABAB R-mediated tonic inhibition can effectively tune the spontaneous firing rate (SFR) of LC neurons; it is developmentally regulated and is responsible for maintaining a constant SFR of LC neurons during development. In male, but not female rats, chronic perinatal treatment with citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, results in downregulation of GABAB R-mediated tonic inhibition of LC neurons that partially accounts for increased SFR in male, but not female, rats receiving such treatment. Our results show that GABAB R-mediated tonic inhibition could be an important player in the development of normal and abnormal behaviours/brain functions associated with the LC-NA system. Noradrenaline (NA)-releasing neurons in the locus coeruleus (LC) provide NA to the forebrain. Their activity is believed to be a key factor regulating the wakefulness/arousal level of the brain. In this study, we found that the activity of NA-releasing neurons in the LC (LC neurons) was subject to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) tonic inhibition through GABAB receptors (GABAB Rs), but not GABAA receptors. The intensity of GABAB R tonic inhibition was found to depend on ambient GABA levels, as it was dramatically increased by blockade of GABA reuptake. It also varied with the function of GABAB Rs. The GABAB R activity on LC neurons was found to increase with postnatal age up to postnatal days 8-10, resulting in increased tonic inhibition. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in the spontaneous activity of LC neurons at different postnatal ages unless GABAB R tonic inhibition was blocked. These results show that, during postnatal development, there is a continuous increase in GABAB R tonic inhibition that maintains the activity of LC neurons at a proper level. In male, but not female, rats, chronic perinatal treatment with citalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, reduced GABAB R activity and tonic inhibition, which might result in the significantly higher spontaneous activity of LC neurons seen in these animals. In conclusion, our results show that GABAB R-mediated tonic inhibition has a direct impact on the spontaneous activity of LC neurons and that the extent of the effect varies with ambient GABA levels and functionality of GABAB R signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Ying Wang
- Institute of Zoology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 107, Taiwan; Department of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 107, Taiwan
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Oligodendrocyte precursor cells modulate the neuronal network by activity-dependent ectodomain cleavage of glial NG2. PLoS Biol 2014; 12:e1001993. [PMID: 25387269 PMCID: PMC4227637 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1001993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study shows that the activity of neurons can trigger shedding of a protein, NG2, from the surface of oligodendrocyte precursor cells; this protein in turn modulates synaptic transmission, revealing a two-way conversation between neurons and glia. The role of glia in modulating neuronal network activity is an important question. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPC) characteristically express the transmembrane proteoglycan nerve-glia antigen 2 (NG2) and are unique glial cells receiving synaptic input from neurons. The development of NG2+ OPC into myelinating oligodendrocytes has been well studied, yet the retention of a large population of synapse-bearing OPC in the adult brain poses the question as to additional functional roles of OPC in the neuronal network. Here we report that activity-dependent processing of NG2 by OPC-expressed secretases functionally regulates the neuronal network. NG2 cleavage by the α-secretase ADAM10 yields an ectodomain present in the extracellular matrix and a C-terminal fragment that is subsequently further processed by the γ-secretase to release an intracellular domain. ADAM10-dependent NG2 ectodomain cleavage and release (shedding) in acute brain slices or isolated OPC is increased by distinct activity-increasing stimuli. Lack of NG2 expression in OPC (NG2-knockout mice), or pharmacological inhibition of NG2 ectodomain shedding in wild-type OPC, results in a striking reduction of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) in pyramidal neurons of the somatosensory cortex and alterations in the subunit composition of their α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepr opionicacid (AMPA) receptors. In NG2-knockout mice these neurons exhibit diminished AMPA and NMDA receptor-dependent current amplitudes; strikingly AMPA receptor currents can be rescued by application of conserved LNS protein domains of the NG2 ectodomain. Furthermore, NG2-knockout mice exhibit altered behavior in tests measuring sensorimotor function. These results demonstrate for the first time a bidirectional cross-talk between OPC and the surrounding neuronal network and demonstrate a novel physiological role for OPC in regulating information processing at neuronal synapses. Although glial cells substantially outnumber neurons in the mammalian brain, much remains to be discovered regarding their functions. Among glial cells, oligodendrocyte precursors differentiate into oligodendrocytes, whose function is to enwrap nerves with myelin to ensure proper impulse conduction. However, oligodendrocyte precursors also comprise a stable population in all major regions of the adult brain, making up around 5% of the total number of neurons and glia. Synapses are classically formed between neurons. Nonetheless, oligodendrocyte precursors are unique among glial cells in that they receive direct synaptic input from different types of neurons; whether OPC also send signals to neurons is still unknown. Here we show a bidirectional communication between neurons and oligodendrocyte precursors: neuronal activity regulates the cleavage of a glial membrane protein and the release of an extracellular domain that in turn modulates synaptic transmission between neurons. Our data thus show that a particular subtype of glial cells, oligodendrocyte precursors, functionally integrate into the neuronal network and we link this bidirectional signaling to mouse behavior and disease.
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31
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Bañuelos C, Beas BS, McQuail JA, Gilbert RJ, Frazier CJ, Setlow B, Bizon JL. Prefrontal cortical GABAergic dysfunction contributes to age-related working memory impairment. J Neurosci 2014; 34:3457-66. [PMID: 24599447 PMCID: PMC3942567 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5192-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Working memory functions supported by the prefrontal cortex decline in normal aging. Disruption of corticolimbic GABAergic inhibitory circuits can impair working memory in young subjects; however, relatively little is known regarding how aging impacts prefrontal cortical GABAergic signaling and whether such changes contribute to cognitive deficits. The current study used a rat model to evaluate the effects of aging on expression of prefrontal GABAergic synaptic proteins in relation to working memory decline, and to test whether pharmacological manipulations of prefrontal GABAergic signaling can improve working memory abilities in aged subjects. Results indicate that in aged medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), expression of the vesicular GABA transporter VGAT was unchanged; however, there was a significant increase in expression of the GABA synthesizing enzyme GAD67, and a significant decrease in the primary neuronal GABA transporter GAT-1 and in both subunits of the GABA(B) receptor (GABA(B)R). Expression of VGAT, GAD67, and GAT-1 was not associated with working memory ability. In contrast, among aged rats, GABA(B)R expression was significantly and negatively associated with working memory performance, such that lower GABA(B)R expression predicted better working memory. Subsequent experiments showed that systemic administration of a GABA(B)R antagonist, CGP55845, dose-dependently enhanced working memory in aged rats. This enhancing effect of systemic CGP55845 was reproduced by direct intra-mPFC administration. Together, these data suggest that age-related dysregulation of GABAergic signaling in prefrontal cortex may play a causal role in impaired working memory and that targeting GABA(B)Rs may provide therapeutic benefit for age-related impairments in executive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Charles J. Frazier
- Department of Neuroscience
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Neuroscience
- Department of Psychiatry
| | - Jennifer L. Bizon
- Department of Neuroscience
- Department of Psychiatry
- McKnight Brain Institute, and
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The emerging role of GABAB receptors as regulators of network dynamics: fast actions from a 'slow' receptor? Curr Opin Neurobiol 2013; 26:15-21. [PMID: 24650499 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Revised: 10/10/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Convention holds that ionotropic receptors mediate fast neurotransmission and that 'slow' G-protein coupled metabotropic receptors have a secondary, modulatory role in the control of neuronal networks. Here, we discuss recent evidence showing that activation of metabotropic GABAB receptors in cortical layer 1 can powerfully inhibit principal cell activity and that their activation can rapidly halt ongoing network activity. Inputs from both within and without the cortex converge upon layer 1 where they target various populations of interneurons, including neurogliaform cells. We argue that neurogliaform cells are the main effector of a powerful inhibitory circuit that, acting through GABAB receptors, can be differentially recruited by long-range connections to serve in roles as diverse as conscious perception and memory consolidation.
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Hearing M, Kotecki L, Marron Fernandez de Velasco E, Fajardo-Serrano A, Chung HJ, Luján R, Wickman K. Repeated cocaine weakens GABA(B)-Girk signaling in layer 5/6 pyramidal neurons in the prelimbic cortex. Neuron 2013; 80:159-70. [PMID: 24094109 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2013.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Repeated cocaine exposure triggers adaptations in layer 5/6 glutamatergic neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) that promote behavioral sensitization and drug-seeking behavior. While suppression of metabotropic inhibitory signaling has been implicated in these behaviors, underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here, we show that Girk/K(IR)3 channels mediate most of the GABA(B) receptor (GABA(B)R)-dependent inhibition of layer 5/6 pyramidal neurons in the mPFC and that repeated cocaine suppresses this pathway. This adaptation was selective for GABA(B)R-dependent Girk signaling in layer 5/6 pyramidal neurons of the prelimbic cortex (PrLC) and involved a D₁/₅ dopamine receptor- and phosphorylation-dependent internalization of GABA(B)R and Girk channels. Persistent suppression of Girk signaling in layer 5/6 of the dorsal mPFC enhanced cocaine-induced locomotor activity and occluded behavioral sensitization. Thus, the cocaine-induced suppression of GABA(B)R-Girk signaling in layer 5/6 pyramidal neurons of the prelimbic cortex appears to represent an early adaptation critical for promoting addiction-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Hearing
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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Craig MT, Mayne EW, Bettler B, Paulsen O, McBain CJ. Distinct roles of GABAB1a- and GABAB1b-containing GABAB receptors in spontaneous and evoked termination of persistent cortical activity. J Physiol 2012; 591:835-43. [PMID: 23266934 PMCID: PMC3591701 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.248088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
During slow-wave sleep, cortical neurons display synchronous fluctuations between periods of persistent activity (‘UP states’) and periods of relative quiescence (‘DOWN states’). Such UP and DOWN states are also seen in isolated cortical slices. Recently, we reported that both spontaneous and evoked termination of UP states in slices from the rat medial entorhinal cortex (mEC) involves GABAB receptors. Here, in order to dissociate the roles of GABAB1a- and GABAB1b-containing receptors in terminating UP states, we used mEC slices from mice in which either the GABAB1a or the GABAB1b subunit had been genetically ablated. Pharmacological blockade of GABAB receptors using the antagonist CGP55845 prolonged the UP state duration in both wild-type mice and those lacking the GABAB1b subunit, but not in those lacking the GABAB1a subunit. Conversely, electrical stimulation of layer 1 could terminate an ongoing UP state in both wild-type mice and those lacking the GABAB1a subunit, but not in those lacking the GABAB1b subunit. Together with previous reports, indicating a preferential presynaptic location of GABAB1a- and postsynaptic location of GABAB1b-containing receptors, these results suggest that presynaptic GABAB receptors contribute to spontaneous DOWN state transitions, whilst postsynaptic GABAB receptors are essential for the afferent termination of the UP state. Inputs to layer 1 from other brain regions could thus provide a powerful mechanism for synchronizing DOWN state transitions across cortical areas via activation of GABAergic interneurons targeting postsynaptic GABAB receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Craig
- Program in Developmental Neurobiology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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35
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Liu M, Weng C, Xie H, Qin W. Binocular form deprivation influences the visual cortex. Neural Regen Res 2012; 7:2713-8. [PMID: 25337118 PMCID: PMC4200740 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.34.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Accepted: 11/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors are considered to play a crucial role in synaptic plasticity in the developing visual cortex. In this study, we established a rat model of binocular form deprivation by suturing the rat binocular eyelids before eye-opening at postnatal day 14. During development, the decay time of excitatory postsynaptic currents mediated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors of normal rats became longer after eye-opening; however, the decay time did not change significantly in binocular form deprivation rats. The peak value in the normal group became gradually larger with age, but there was no significant change in the binocular form deprivation group. These findings indicate that binocular form deprivation influences the properties of excitatory postsynaptic currents mediated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors in the rat visual cortex around the end of the critical period, indicating that form stimulation is associated with the experience-dependent modification of neuronal synapses in the visual cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Liu
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chuanhuang Weng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Hanping Xie
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Wei Qin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University of Chinese PLA, Chongqing 400038, China
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Palmer L, Murayama M, Larkum M. Inhibitory Regulation of Dendritic Activity in vivo. Front Neural Circuits 2012; 6:26. [PMID: 22654734 PMCID: PMC3360463 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2012.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The spatiotemporal control of neuronal excitability is fundamental to the inhibitory process. We now have a wealth of information about the active dendritic properties of cortical neurons including axonally generated sodium action potentials as well as local sodium spikelets generated in the dendrites, calcium plateau spikes, and NMDA spikes. All of these events have been shown to be highly modified by the spatiotemporal pattern of nearby inhibitory input which can drastically change the output firing mode of the neuron. This means that particular populations of interneurons embedded in the neocortical microcircuitry can more precisely control pyramidal cell output than has previously been thought. Furthermore, the output of any given neuron tends to feed back onto inhibitory circuits making the resultant network activity further dependent on inhibition. Network activity is therefore ultimately governed by the subcellular microcircuitry of the cortex and it is impossible to ignore the subcompartmentalization of inhibitory influence at the neuronal level in order to understand its effects at the network level. In this article, we summarize the inhibitory circuits that have been shown so far to act on specific dendritic compartments in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Palmer
- Institute for Physiology, University of Bern Bern, Switzerland
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Gassmann M, Bettler B. Regulation of neuronal GABA(B) receptor functions by subunit composition. Nat Rev Neurosci 2012; 13:380-94. [PMID: 22595784 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 248] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
GABA(B) receptors (GABA(B)Rs) are G protein-coupled receptors for GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the CNS. In the past 5 years, notable advances have been made in our understanding of the molecular composition of these receptors. GABA(B)Rs are now known to comprise principal and auxiliary subunits that influence receptor properties in distinct ways. The principal subunits regulate the surface expression and the axonal versus dendritic distribution of these receptors, whereas the auxiliary subunits determine agonist potency and the kinetics of the receptor response. This Review summarizes current knowledge on how the subunit composition of GABA(B)Rs affects the distribution of these receptors, neuronal processes and higher brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gassmann
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Physiology, University of Basel, Klingelbergstr. 50-70, 4056 Basel, Switzerland.
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GABA metabolism and transport: effects on synaptic efficacy. Neural Plast 2012; 2012:805830. [PMID: 22530158 PMCID: PMC3316990 DOI: 10.1155/2012/805830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic inhibition is an important regulator of excitability in neuronal networks. In addition, inhibitory synaptic signals contribute crucially to the organization of spatiotemporal patterns of network activity, especially during coherent oscillations. In order to maintain stable network states, the release of GABA by interneurons must be plastic in timing and amount. This homeostatic regulation is achieved by several pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms and is triggered by various activity-dependent local signals such as excitatory input or ambient levels of neurotransmitters. Here, we review findings on the availability of GABA for release at presynaptic terminals of interneurons. Presynaptic GABA content seems to be an important determinant of inhibitory efficacy and can be differentially regulated by changing synthesis, transport, and degradation of GABA or related molecules. We will discuss the functional impact of such regulations on neuronal network patterns and, finally, point towards pharmacological approaches targeting these processes.
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Zhang ZW, Kang JI, Vaucher E. Axonal varicosity density as an index of local neuronal interactions. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22543. [PMID: 21811630 PMCID: PMC3141066 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2010] [Accepted: 06/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Diffuse transmission is an important non-synaptic communication mode in the cerebral neocortex, in which neurotransmitters released from en passant varicosities interact with surrounding cells. In a previous study we have shown that the cholinergic axonal segments which were in the microproximity with dopaminergic fibers possessed a greater density of en passant varicosities compared to more distant segments, suggesting an activity-dependent level of en passant varicosities in the axonal zone of interaction. To further evaluate this plastic relationship, the density of cholinergic varicosities was quantified on fiber segments within the microproximity of activated or non-activated pyramidal cells of the prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Repetitive 14 days patterned visual stimulation paired with an electrical stimulation of the cholinergic fibers projecting to the mPFC from the HDB was performed to induce persistent axonal plastic changes. The c-Fos early gene immunoreactivity was used as a neuronal activity marker of layer V pyramidal cells, labelled with anti-glutamate transporter EAAC1. Cholinergic fibers were labeled with anti-ChAT (choline acetyltransferase) immunostaining. The density of ChAT+ varicosities on and the length of fiber segments within the 3 µm microproximity of c-Fos positive/negative pyramidal cells were evaluated on confocal images. More than 50% of the pyramidal cells in the mPFC were c-Fos immunoreactive. Density of ChAT+ varicosities was significantly increased within 3 µm vicinity of activated pyramidal cells (0.50±0.01 per µm of ChAT+ fiber length) compared to non-activated cells in this group (0.34±0.001; p≤0.05) or control rats (0.32±0.02; p≤0.05). Different types of stimulation (visual, HDB or visual/HDB) induced similar increase of the density of ChAT+ varicosities within microproximity of activated pyramidal cells. This study demonstrated at the subcellular level an activity-dependent enrichment of ChAT+ varicosities in the axonal zone of interaction with other neuronal elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Wei Zhang
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jun Il Kang
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elvire Vaucher
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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