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Ohno N, Karube F, Fujiyama F. Volume electron microscopy for genetically and molecularly defined neural circuits. Neurosci Res 2024:S0168-0102(24)00074-9. [PMID: 38914208 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
The brain networks responsible for adaptive behavioral changes are based on the physical connections between neurons. Light and electron microscopy have long been used to study neural projections and the physical connections between neurons. Volume electron microscopy has recently expanded its scale of analysis due to methodological advances, resulting in complete wiring maps of neurites in a large volume of brain tissues and even entire nervous systems in a growing number of species. However, structural approaches frequently suffer from inherent limitations in which elements in images are identified solely by morphological criteria. Recently, an increasing number of tools and technologies have been developed to characterize cells and cellular components in the context of molecules and gene expression. These advancements include newly developed probes for visualization in electron microscopic images as well as correlative integration methods for the same elements across multiple microscopic modalities. Such approaches advance our understanding of interactions between specific neurons and circuits and may help to elucidate novel aspects of the basal ganglia network involving dopamine neurons. These advancements are expected to reveal mechanisms for processing adaptive changes in specific neural circuits that modulate brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Ohno
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Histology and Cell Biology, Jichi Medical University, Japan; Division of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Japan.
| | - Fuyuki Karube
- Laboratory of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
| | - Fumino Fujiyama
- Laboratory of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Japan
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2
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Chen XY, Liu C, Xue Y, Chen L. Changed firing activity of nigra dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. Neurochem Int 2023; 162:105465. [PMID: 36563966 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease which is characterized by selective degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The intrinsic neuronal firing activity is critical for the functional organization of brain and the specific deficits of neuronal firing activity may be associated with different brain disorders. It is known that the surviving nigra dopaminergic neurons exhibit altered firing activity, such as decreased spontaneous firing frequency, reduced number of firing neurons and increased burst firing in Parkinson's disease. Several ionic mechanisms are involved in changed firing activity of dopaminergic neurons under parkinsonian state. In this review, we summarize the changes of spontaneous firing activity as well as the possible mechanisms of nigra dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. This review may let us clearly understand the involvement of neuronal firing activity of nigra dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Chen
- Department of International Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Cui Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Xue
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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3
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Troshev D, Blokhin V, Ukrainskaya V, Kolacheva A, Ugrumov M. Isolation of living dopaminergic neurons labeled with a fluorescent ligand of the dopamine transporter from mouse substantia nigra as a new tool for basic and applied research. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1020070. [PMID: 36568278 PMCID: PMC9780273 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1020070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopaminergic neurons (DNs) of the nigrostriatal system control the motor function, and their degeneration leads to the development of Parkinson's disease (PD). A stumbling block in the study of DNs in the whole substantia nigra (SN) is the lack of tools to analyze the expression of most of the genes involved in neurotransmission, neurodegeneration, and neuroplasticity, since they are also expressed in other cells of the SN. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a fluorescence-activated cell sorting method for isolating living DNs from the SN of wild-type mice using two fluorescent dyes, DRAQ5 (nuclear stain) and a dopamine uptake inhibitor GBR 12909 coupled to a fluorophore (DN stain). We have developed a method for selecting a population of DNs from the SN of mice, as evidenced by: (i) immunopositivity of 95% of the sorted cells for tyrosine hydroxylase, the first enzyme of dopamine synthesis; (ii) the sorted cells expressing the genes for specific proteins of the dopaminergic phenotype, tyrosine hydroxylase, the dopamine transporter, and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 and non-specific proteins, such as aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, non-specific enzyme of dopamine synthesis. We then compared the changes in gene expression found in the sorted DNs and in the SN homogenate in a PD model we developed, reproduced in mice by treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Using quantitative PCR, we obtained evidence of the same changes in the expression of specific genes in the sorted DNs of SN and in the SN homogenate of a MPTP mouse model of PD, compared with the control. The undoubted advantage of our approach is the possibility of obtaining a large amount of readily available and relatively cheap primary material (SN) from wild-type mice, which can be used to solve both research and applied problems. In addition, this method can be easily adapted to the isolation of DNs from the SN in other animal species, including non-human primates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitry Troshev
- Laboratory of Neural and Neuroendocrine Regulations, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor Blokhin
- Laboratory of Neural and Neuroendocrine Regulations, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valeria Ukrainskaya
- Laboratory of Biocatalysis, Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Kolacheva
- Laboratory of Neural and Neuroendocrine Regulations, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Michael Ugrumov
- Laboratory of Neural and Neuroendocrine Regulations, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia,*Correspondence: Michael Ugrumov,
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Montero T, Gatica RI, Farassat N, Meza R, González-Cabrera C, Roeper J, Henny P. Dendritic Architecture Predicts in vivo Firing Pattern in Mouse Ventral Tegmental Area and Substantia Nigra Dopaminergic Neurons. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:769342. [PMID: 34867214 PMCID: PMC8640462 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.769342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The firing activity of ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopaminergic (DA) neurons is an important factor in shaping DA release and its role in motivated behavior. Dendrites in DA neurons are the main postsynaptic compartment and, along with cell body and axon initial segment, contribute to action potential generation and firing pattern. In this study, the organization of the dendritic domain in individual VTA and SNc DA neurons of adult male mice, and their relationship to in vivo spontaneous firing, are described. In comparison with dorsal VTA DA neurons, ventrally located VTA neurons (as measured by cell body location) possess a shorter total dendritic length and simpler dendritic architecture, and exhibit the most irregular in vivo firing patterns among DA neurons. In contrast, for DA neurons in the SNc, the higher irregularity of firing was related to a smaller dendritic domain, as measured by convex hull volumes. However, firing properties were also related to the specific regional distribution of the dendritic tree. Thus, VTA DA neurons with a larger extension of their dendritic tree within the parabrachial pigmented (PBP) nucleus fired more regularly compared with those with relatively more dendrites extending outside the PBP. For DA neurons in the SNc, enhanced firing irregularity was associated with a smaller proportion of dendrites penetrating the substantia nigra pars reticulata. These results suggest that differences in dendritic morphology contribute to the in vivo firing properties of individual DA neurons, and that the existence of region-specific synaptic connectivity rules that shape firing diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinidad Montero
- Laboratorio de Neuroanatomía, Departamento de Anatomía, and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, NeuroUC, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rafael Ignacio Gatica
- Laboratorio de Neuroanatomía, Departamento de Anatomía, and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, NeuroUC, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Navid Farassat
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Rodrigo Meza
- Laboratorio de Neuroanatomía, Departamento de Anatomía, and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, NeuroUC, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristian González-Cabrera
- Laboratorio de Neuroanatomía, Departamento de Anatomía, and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, NeuroUC, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jochen Roeper
- Institute of Neurophysiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Pablo Henny
- Laboratorio de Neuroanatomía, Departamento de Anatomía, and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, NeuroUC, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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TRPM4 Contributes to Subthreshold Membrane Potential Oscillations in Multiple Mouse Pacemaker Neurons. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0212-21.2021. [PMID: 34732535 PMCID: PMC8607911 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0212-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Select neuronal populations display steady rhythmic neuronal firing that provides tonic excitation to drive downstream networks and behaviors. In noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC), circadian neurons of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and CO2/H+-activated neurons of the brainstem retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN), large subthreshold membrane potential oscillations contribute to the pacemaker-like action potential discharge. The oscillations and firing in LC and SCN involve contributions from leak sodium (NALCN) and L-type calcium channels while recent work from RTN suggested an additional pivotal role for a secondary calcium-activated and voltage-gated cationic current sensitive to TRPM4 channel blockers. Here, we tested whether TRPM4 contributes to subthreshold oscillations in mouse LC and SCN. By RNAscope in situ hybridization, Trpm4 transcripts were detected in both cell groups. In whole-cell recordings from acute slice preparations, prominent voltage-dependent membrane potential oscillations were revealed in LC and SCN after blocking action potentials. These oscillations were inhibited by two chemically-distinct blockers of TRPM4, 9-phenanthrol (9-pt) and 4-chloro-2-[[2-(2-chlorophenoxy)acetyl]amino]benzoic acid (CBA). Under whole-cell voltage clamp, inward currents evoked by oscillation voltage waveforms were inhibited in LC by blocking L-type calcium channels and TRPM4. These data implicate TRPM4 in the large subthreshold membrane potential oscillations that underlie tonic action potential discharge in LC and SCN, providing a voltage-dependent and calcium-dependent cationic current to augment the depolarizing inward Na+ and Ca2+ currents previously associated with this distinctive electroresponsive property.
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6
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Capsoni S, Fogli Iseppe A, Casciano F, Pignatelli A. Unraveling the Role of Dopaminergic and Calretinin Interneurons in the Olfactory Bulb. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:718221. [PMID: 34690707 PMCID: PMC8531203 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.718221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The perception and discriminating of odors are sensory activities that are an integral part of our daily life. The first brain region where odors are processed is the olfactory bulb (OB). Among the different cell populations that make up this brain area, interneurons play an essential role in this sensory activity. Moreover, probably because of their activity, they represent an exception compared to other parts of the brain, since OB interneurons are continuously generated in the postnatal and adult period. In this review, we will focus on periglomerular (PG) cells which are a class of interneurons found in the glomerular layer of the OB. These interneurons can be classified into distinct subtypes based on their neurochemical nature, based on the neurotransmitter and calcium-binding proteins expressed by these cells. Dopaminergic (DA) periglomerular cells and calretinin (CR) cells are among the newly generated interneurons and play an important role in the physiology of OB. In the OB, DA cells are involved in the processing of odors and the adaptation of the bulbar network to external conditions. The main role of DA cells in OB appears to be the inhibition of glutamate release from olfactory sensory fibers. Calretinin cells are probably the best morphologically characterized interneurons among PG cells in OB, but little is known about their function except for their inhibitory effect on noisy random excitatory signals arriving at the main neurons. In this review, we will mainly describe the electrophysiological properties related to the excitability profiles of DA and CR cells, with a particular view on the differences that characterize DA mature interneurons from cells in different stages of adult neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Capsoni
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Bio@SNS Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alex Fogli Iseppe
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Casciano
- Department of Translational Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Centre for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Angela Pignatelli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Combe CL, Gasparini S. I h from synapses to networks: HCN channel functions and modulation in neurons. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 166:119-132. [PMID: 34181891 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide gated (HCN) channels and the current they carry, Ih, are widely and diversely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS). The distribution of the four subunits of HCN channels is variable within the CNS, within brain regions, and often within subcellular compartments. The precise function of Ih can depend heavily on what other channels are co-expressed. In this review, we give an overview of HCN channel structure, distribution, and modulation by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). We then discuss HCN channel and Ih functions, where we have parsed the roles into two main effects: a steady effect on maintaining the resting membrane potential at relatively depolarized values, and slow channel dynamics. Within this framework, we discuss Ih involvement in resonance, synaptic integration, transmitter release, plasticity, and point out a special case, where the effects of Ih on the membrane potential and its slow channel dynamics have dual roles in thalamic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crescent L Combe
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Sonia Gasparini
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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8
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Mechanism of Pacemaker Activity in Zebrafish DC2/4 Dopaminergic Neurons. J Neurosci 2021; 41:4141-4157. [PMID: 33731451 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2124-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish models are used increasingly to study the molecular pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD), owing to the extensive array of techniques available for their experimental manipulation and analysis. The ascending dopaminergic projection from the posterior tuberculum (TPp; diencephalic populations DC2 and DC4) to the subpallium is considered the zebrafish correlate of the mammalian nigrostriatal projection, but little is known about the neurophysiology of zebrafish DC2/4 neurons. This is an important knowledge gap, because autonomous activity in mammalian substantia nigra (SNc) dopaminergic neurons contributes to their vulnerability in PD models. Using a new transgenic zebrafish line to label living dopaminergic neurons, and a novel brain slice preparation, we conducted whole-cell patch clamp recordings of DC2/4 neurons from adult zebrafish of both sexes. Zebrafish DC2/4 neurons share many physiological properties with mammalian dopaminergic neurons, including the cell-autonomous generation of action potentials. However, in contrast to mammalian dopaminergic neurons, the pacemaker driving intrinsic rhythmic activity in zebrafish DC2/4 neurons does not involve calcium conductances, hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, or sodium leak currents. Instead, voltage clamp recordings and computational models show that interactions between three components - a small, predominantly potassium, leak conductance, voltage-gated sodium channels, and voltage-gated potassium channels - are sufficient for pacemaker activity in zebrafish DC2/4 neurons. These results contribute to understanding the comparative physiology of the dopaminergic system and provide a conceptual basis for interpreting data derived from zebrafish PD models. The findings further suggest new experimental opportunities to address the role of dopaminergic pacemaker activity in the pathogenesis of PD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Posterior tuberculum (TPp) DC2/4 dopaminergic neurons are considered the zebrafish correlate of mammalian substantia nigra (SNc) neurons, whose degeneration causes the motor signs of Parkinson's disease (PD). Our study shows that DC2/4 and SNc neurons share a number of electrophysiological properties, including depolarized membrane potential, high input resistance, and continual, cell-autonomous pacemaker activity, that strengthen the basis for the increasing use of zebrafish models to study the molecular pathogenesis of PD. The mechanisms driving pacemaker activity differ between DC2/4 and SNc neurons, providing: (1) experimental opportunities to dissociate the contributions of intrinsic activity and underlying pacemaker currents to pathogenesis; and (2) essential information for the design and interpretation of studies using zebrafish PD models.
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Angiotensin-II Modulates GABAergic Neurotransmission in the Mouse Substantia Nigra. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0090-21.2021. [PMID: 33771900 PMCID: PMC8174047 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0090-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic projections neurons of the substantia nigra reticulata (SNr), through an extensive network of dendritic arbors and axon collaterals, provide robust inhibitory input to neighboring dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra compacta (SNc). Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) receptor signaling increases SNc dopaminergic neuronal sensitivity to insult, thus rendering these cells susceptible to dysfunction and destruction. However, the mechanisms by which Ang-II regulates SNc dopaminergic neuronal activity are unclear. Given the complex relationship between SN dopaminergic and GABAergic neurons, we hypothesized that Ang-II could regulate SNc dopaminergic neuronal activity directly and indirectly by modulating SNr GABAergic neurotransmission. Here, using transgenic mice, slice electrophysiology, and optogenetics, we provide evidence of an AT1 receptor-mediated signaling mechanism in SNr GABAergic neurons where Ang-II suppresses electrically-evoked neuronal output by facilitating postsynaptic GABAA receptors (GABAARs) and prolonging the action potential (AP) duration. Unexpectedly, Ang-II had no discernable effects on the electrical properties of SNc dopaminergic neurons. Also, and indicating a nonlinear relationship between electrical activity and neuronal output, following phasic photoactivation of SNr GABAergic neurons, Ang-II paradoxically enhanced the feedforward inhibitory input to SNc dopaminergic neurons. In sum, our observations describe an increasingly complex and heterogeneous response of the SN to Ang-II by revealing cell-specific responses and nonlinear effects on intranigral GABAergic neurotransmission. Our data further implicate the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS) as a functionally relevant neuromodulator in the substantia nigra, thus underscoring a need for additional inquiry.
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Tossell K, Dodhia RA, Galet B, Tkachuk O, Ungless MA. Tonic GABAergic inhibition, via GABA A receptors containing αβƐ subunits, regulates excitability of ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:1722-1737. [PMID: 33522050 PMCID: PMC8651010 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The activity of midbrain dopamine neurons is strongly regulated by fast synaptic inhibitory γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic inputs. There is growing evidence in other brain regions that low concentrations of ambient GABA can persistently activate certain subtypes of GABAA receptor to generate a tonic current. However, evidence for a tonic GABAergic current in midbrain dopamine neurons is limited. To address this, we conducted whole‐cell recordings from ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons in brain slices from mice. We found that application of GABAA receptor antagonists decreased the holding current, indicating the presence of a tonic GABAergic input. Global increases in GABA release, induced by either a nitric oxide donor or inhibition of GABA uptake, further increased this tonic current. Importantly, prolonged inhibition of the firing activity of local GABAergic neurons abolished the tonic current. A combination of pharmacology and immunohistochemistry experiments suggested that, unlike common examples of tonic inhibition, this current may be mediated by a relatively unusual combination of α4βƐ subunits. Lastly, we found that the tonic current reduced excitability in dopamine neurons suggesting a subtractive effect on firing activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Tossell
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rakesh A Dodhia
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin Galet
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Olga Tkachuk
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mark A Ungless
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences (LMS), London, UK.,Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Li K, Abbott SBG, Shi Y, Eggan P, Gonye EC, Bayliss DA. TRPM4 mediates a subthreshold membrane potential oscillation in respiratory chemoreceptor neurons that drives pacemaker firing and breathing. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108714. [PMID: 33535052 PMCID: PMC7888550 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Brainstem networks that control regular tidal breathing depend on excitatory drive, including from tonically active, CO2/H+-sensitive neurons of the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). Here, we examine intrinsic ionic mechanisms underlying the metronomic firing activity characteristic of RTN neurons. In mouse brainstem slices, large-amplitude membrane potential oscillations are evident in synaptically isolated RTN neurons after blocking action potentials. The voltage-dependent oscillations are abolished by sodium replacement; blocking calcium channels (primarily L-type); chelating intracellular Ca2+; and inhibiting TRPM4, a Ca2+-dependent cationic channel. Likewise, oscillation voltage waveform currents are sensitive to calcium and TRPM4 channel blockers. Extracellular acidification and serotonin (5-HT) evoke membrane depolarization that augments TRPM4-dependent oscillatory activity and action potential discharge. Finally, inhibition of TRPM4 channels in the RTN of anesthetized mice reduces central respiratory output. These data implicate TRPM4 in a subthreshold oscillation that supports the pacemaker-like firing of RTN neurons required for basal, CO2-stimulated, and state-dependent breathing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Stephen B G Abbott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Yingtang Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Pierce Eggan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Gonye
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Douglas A Bayliss
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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12
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Zampese E, Surmeier DJ. Calcium, Bioenergetics, and Parkinson's Disease. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092045. [PMID: 32911641 PMCID: PMC7564460 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons is responsible for the core motor deficits of Parkinson’s disease (PD). These neurons are autonomous pacemakers that have large cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations that have been linked to basal mitochondrial oxidant stress and turnover. This review explores the origin of Ca2+ oscillations and their role in the control of mitochondrial respiration, bioenergetics, and mitochondrial oxidant stress.
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Robles-Gómez AA, Vega AV, Florán B, Barral J. Differential calcium channel-mediated dopaminergic modulation in the subthalamonigral synapse. Synapse 2020; 74:e22149. [PMID: 31975491 DOI: 10.1002/syn.22149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) modulates basal ganglia (BG) activity for initiation and execution of goal-directed movements and habits. While most studies are aimed to striatal function, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying dopaminergic regulation in other nuclei of the BG are not well understood. Therefore, we set to analyze the dopaminergic modulation occurring in subthalamo-nigral synapse, in both pars compacta (SNc) and pars reticulata (SNr) neurons, because these synapses are important for the integration of information previously processed in striatum and globus pallidus. In this study, electrophysiological and pharmacological evidence of dopaminergic modulation on glutamate release through calcium channels is presented. Using paired pulse ratio (PPR) measurements and selective blockers of these ionic channels, together with agonists and antagonists of DA D2 -like receptors, we found that blockade of the CaV 3 family occludes the presynaptic inhibition produced by the activation of DA receptors pharmacologically profiled as D3 -type in the STh-SNc synapses. On the contrast, the blockade of CaV 2 channels, but not CaV 3, occlude with the effect of the D3 agonist, PD 128907, in the STh-SNr synapse. The functional role of this differential distribution of calcium channels that modulate the release of glutamate in the SN implies a fine adjustment of firing for both classes of neurons. Dopaminergic neurons of the SNc establish a DA tone within the SN based on the excitatory/inhibitory inputs; such tone may contribute to processing information from subthalamic nucleus and could also be involved in pathological DA depletion that drives hyperexcitation of SNr neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana V Vega
- Carrera de Médico Cirujano, FES Iztacala, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Benjamín Florán
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, CINVESTAV-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jaime Barral
- Neurociencias, FES Iztacala, UNAM, Tlalnepantla de Baz, Mexico
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15
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Zhang X, Wan JQ, Tong XP. Potassium channel dysfunction in neurons and astrocytes in Huntington's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 24:311-318. [PMID: 29377621 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a late-onset fatal neurodegenerative disease, characterized by progressive movement disorders, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive impairment. The cytosine-adenine-guanine (CAG) triplet expansion encoding glutamine present in the protein huntingtin (Htt), produces widespread neuronal and glial pathology. Mutant huntingtin (mHtt) nuclear aggregates are the primary cause of cortical and striatal neuron degeneration, neuronal inflammation, apoptosis and eventual cell loss. The precise mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in HD remain poorly understood and HD patients have no current cure. Potassium channels are widely expressed in most cell types. In neurons, they play a crucial role in setting the resting membrane potential, mediating the rapid repolarization phase of the action potential and controlling sub-threshold oscillations of membrane potentials. In glial cells, their major contributions are maintaining the resting membrane potential and buffering extracellular K+ . Thus, potassium channels have an essential function in both physiological and pathological brain conditions. This review summarizes recent progress on potassium channels involved in the pathology of HD by using different HD mouse models. Exploring the dysfunction of potassium channels in the brain illustrates new approaches for targeting this channel for the treatment of HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Discipline of Neuroscience and Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie-Qing Wan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Tong
- Discipline of Neuroscience and Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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16
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Differential Somatic Ca2+ Channel Profile in Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons. J Neurosci 2017; 36:7234-45. [PMID: 27383597 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0459-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Dopaminergic (DA) neurons located in the ventral midbrain continuously generate a slow endogenous pacemaker activity, the mechanism of which is still debated. It has been suggested that, in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), the pacemaking relies more on Ca(2+) channels and that the density of L-type Ca(2+) channels is higher in these DA neurons than in those located in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). This might lead to a higher Ca(2+) load in SNc DA neurons and explain their higher susceptibility to degeneration. However, direct evidence for this hypothesis is lacking. We found that the L-type current and channel density are indeed higher in the somata of rat SNc DA neurons and that this current undergoes less inactivation in this region. Nonstationary fluctuation analysis measurements showed a much higher number of L-type channels in the soma of SNc DA neurons, as well as a smaller single-channel conductance, pointing to a possible different molecular identity of L-type channels in DA neurons from the two areas. A major consequence of this is that pacemaking and, even more so, bursting are associated with a larger Ca(2+) entry through L-type channels in SNc DA neurons than in their VTA counterparts. Our results establish a molecular and functional difference between two populations of midbrain DA neurons that may contribute to their differential sensitivity to neurodegeneration. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dopamine neurons from the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) are involved in various brain functions, such as movement initiation and goal directed behavior, respectively. This work shows that, although both neurons fire in a similar regular and slow pacemaker mode, this firing activity is supported by different calcium channel landscapes. Indeed, the L-type calcium current is larger in the soma of dopamine neurons of the SNc, leading to a higher charge transfer through L-type channels during pacemaking and bursting. Therefore, these neurons may be physiologically exposed to a larger stress than their neighbors from the VTA.
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17
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Inhibition of L-Type Ca 2+ Channels by TRPC1-STIM1 Complex Is Essential for the Protection of Dopaminergic Neurons. J Neurosci 2017; 37:3364-3377. [PMID: 28258168 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3010-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons leads to Parkinson's disease; however, the mechanism(s) for the vulnerability of DA neurons is(are) not fully understood. We demonstrate that TRPC1 regulates the L-type Ca2+ channel that contributes to the rhythmic activity of adult DA neurons in the substantia nigra region. Store depletion that activates TRPC1, via STIM1, inhibits the frequency and amplitude of the rhythmic activity in DA neurons of wild-type, but not in TRPC1-/-, mice. Similarly, TRPC1-/- substantia nigra neurons showed increased L-type Ca2+ currents, decreased stimulation-dependent STIM1-Cav1.3 interaction, and decreased DA neurons. L-type Ca2+ currents and the open channel probability of Cav1.3 channels were also reduced upon TRPC1 activation, whereas increased Cav1.3 currents were observed upon STIM1 or TRPC1 silencing. Increased interaction between Cav1.3-TRPC1-STIM1 was observed upon store depletion and the loss of either TRPC1 or STIM1 led to DA cell death, which was prevented by inhibiting L-type Ca2+ channels. Neurotoxins that mimic Parkinson's disease increased Cav1.3 function, decreased TRPC1 expression, inhibited Tg-mediated STIM1-Cav1.3 interaction, and induced caspase activation. Importantly, restoration of TRPC1 expression not only inhibited Cav1.3 function but increased cell survival. Together, we provide evidence that TRPC1 suppresses Cav1.3 activity by providing an STIM1-based scaffold, which is essential for DA neuron survival.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Ca2+ entry serves critical cellular functions in virtually every cell type, and appropriate regulation of Ca2+ in neurons is essential for proper function. In Parkinson's disease, DA neurons are specifically degenerated, but the mechanism is not known. Unlike other neurons, DA neurons depend on Cav1.3 channels for their rhythmic activity. Our studies show that, in normal conditions, the pacemaking activity in DA neurons is inhibited by the TRPC1-STIM1 complex. Neurotoxins that mimic Parkinson's disease target TRPC1 expression, which leads to an abnormal increase in Cav1.3 activity, thereby causing degeneration of DA neurons. These findings link TRPC1 to Cav1.3 regulation and provide important indications about how disrupting Ca2+ balance could have a direct implication in the treatment of Parkinson's patients.
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18
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Estep CM, Galtieri DJ, Zampese E, Goldberg JA, Brichta L, Greengard P, Surmeier DJ. Transient Activation of GABAB Receptors Suppresses SK Channel Currents in Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta Dopaminergic Neurons. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0169044. [PMID: 28036359 PMCID: PMC5201262 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) are richly innervated by GABAergic neurons. The postsynaptic effects of GABA on SNc DA neurons are mediated by a mixture of GABAA and GABAB receptors. Although activation of GABAA receptors inhibits spike generation, the consequences of GABAB receptor activation are less well characterized. To help fill this gap, perforated patch recordings were made from young adult mouse SNc DA neurons. Sustained stimulation of GABAB receptors hyperpolarized SNc DA neurons, as previously described. However, transient stimulation of GABAB receptors by optical uncaging of GABA did not; rather, it reduced the opening of small-conductance, calcium-activated K+ (SK) channels and increased the irregularity of spiking. This modulation was attributable to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and protein kinase A. Thus, because suppression of SK channel activity increases the probability of burst spiking, transient co-activation of GABAA and GABAB receptors could promote a pause-burst pattern of spiking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad M. Estep
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Daniel J. Galtieri
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Enrico Zampese
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Joshua A. Goldberg
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Medical Research Israel-Canada, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lars Brichta
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Paul Greengard
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - D. James Surmeier
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States of America
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19
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Morozova EO, Zakharov D, Gutkin BS, Lapish CC, Kuznetsov A. Dopamine Neurons Change the Type of Excitability in Response to Stimuli. PLoS Comput Biol 2016; 12:e1005233. [PMID: 27930673 PMCID: PMC5145155 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dynamics of neuronal excitability determine the neuron's response to stimuli, its synchronization and resonance properties and, ultimately, the computations it performs in the brain. We investigated the dynamical mechanisms underlying the excitability type of dopamine (DA) neurons, using a conductance-based biophysical model, and its regulation by intrinsic and synaptic currents. Calibrating the model to reproduce low frequency tonic firing results in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) excitation balanced by γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibition and leads to type I excitable behavior characterized by a continuous decrease in firing frequency in response to hyperpolarizing currents. Furthermore, we analyzed how excitability type of the DA neuron model is influenced by changes in the intrinsic current composition. A subthreshold sodium current is necessary for a continuous frequency decrease during application of a negative current, and the low-frequency "balanced" state during simultaneous activation of NMDA and GABA receptors. Blocking this current switches the neuron to type II characterized by the abrupt onset of repetitive firing. Enhancing the anomalous rectifier Ih current also switches the excitability to type II. Key characteristics of synaptic conductances that may be observed in vivo also change the type of excitability: a depolarized γ-Aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAR) reversal potential or co-activation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) leads to an abrupt frequency drop to zero, which is typical for type II excitability. Coactivation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) together with AMPARs and GABARs shifts the type I/II boundary toward more hyperpolarized GABAR reversal potentials. To better understand how altering each of the aforementioned currents leads to changes in excitability profile of DA neuron, we provide a thorough dynamical analysis. Collectively, these results imply that type I excitability in dopamine neurons might be important for low firing rates and fine-tuning basal dopamine levels, while switching excitability to type II during NMDAR and AMPAR activation may facilitate a transient increase in dopamine concentration, as type II neurons are more amenable to synchronization by mutual excitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina O. Morozova
- Department of Physics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
- Department of Mathematical sciences, Indiana University - Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Boris S. Gutkin
- Group of Neural Theory, INSERM U960 LNC, IEC, Ecole Normale Superieure PSL University, Paris
- Center for Cognition and Decision Making, NRU HSE, Moscow, Russia
| | - Christopher C. Lapish
- Addiction Neuroscience Program, Indiana University - Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Alexey Kuznetsov
- Department of Mathematical sciences, Indiana University - Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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20
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Krashia P, Martini A, Nobili A, Aversa D, D'Amelio M, Berretta N, Guatteo E, Mercuri NB. On the properties of identified dopaminergic neurons in the mouse substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 45:92-105. [PMID: 27519559 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We studied the properties of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) in mice expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter (TH-GFP). By using a practical map of cell positioning in distinct SNpc and VTA subregions in horizontal midbrain slices we saw that the spontaneous firing, membrane properties, cell body size and magnitude of the hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih ) in TH-GFP-positive neurons (TH-GFP+ ) vary significantly among subregions, following a mediolateral gradient. Block of Ih with Zd7288 inhibited firing in the most lateral subregions, but had little effect in the intermediate/medial VTA. In addition, TH-GFP+ cells were excited by Met5 -Enkephalin. Extracellular recordings from a large neuron number showed that all TH-GFP+ cells were inhibited by dopamine, suggesting that this is a reliable approach for identifying dopaminergic neurons in vitro. Simultaneous recordings from dopamine-sensitive and dopamine-insensitive neurons showed that dopamine-insensitive cells (putative non-dopaminergic neurons) are unaffected by Zd7288 but inhibited by Met5 -Enkephalin. Under patch-clamp, dopamine generated a quantitatively similar outward current in most TH-GFP+ neurons, although medial VTA cells showed reduced dopamine sensitivity. Pargyline prolonged the dopamine current, whereas cocaine enhanced dopamine-mediated responses in both the SNpc and the VTA. Our work provides new insights into the variability in mouse midbrain dopaminergic neurons along the medial-lateral axis and points to the necessity of a combination of different electrophysiological and pharmacological approaches for reliably identifying these cells to distinguish them from non-dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Krashia
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Martini
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nobili
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine, University Campus-Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Aversa
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D'Amelio
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine, University Campus-Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Berretta
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Ezia Guatteo
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Motor Science and Wellness, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
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21
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The effect of bilirubin on the excitability of mitral cells in the olfactory bulb of the rat. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32872. [PMID: 27611599 PMCID: PMC5017196 DOI: 10.1038/srep32872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Olfactory dysfunction is a common clinical phenomenon observed in various liver diseases. Previous studies have shown a correlation between smell disorders and bilirubin levels in patients with hepatic diseases. Bilirubin is a well-known neurotoxin; however, its effect on neurons in the main olfactory bulb (MOB), the first relay in the olfactory system, has not been examined. We investigated the effect of bilirubin (>3 μM) on mitral cells (MCs), the principal output neurons of the MOB. Bilirubin increased the frequency of spontaneous firing and the frequency but not the amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs). TTX completely blocked sEPSCs in almost all of the cells tested. Bilirubin activity was partially blocked by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepro pionic acid (AMPA) receptor antagonists. Furthermore, we found that bilirubin increased the frequency of intrinsic firing independent of synaptic transmission in MCs. Our findings suggest that bilirubin enhances glutamatergic transmission and strengthens intrinsic firing independent of synaptic transmission, all of which cause hyperexcitability in MCs. Our findings provide the basis for further investigation into the mechanisms underlying olfactory dysfunction that are often observed in patients with severe liver disease.
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22
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Fillinger C, Yalcin I, Barrot M, Veinante P. Afferents to anterior cingulate areas 24a and 24b and midcingulate areas 24a' and 24b' in the mouse. Brain Struct Funct 2016; 222:1509-1532. [PMID: 27539453 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-016-1290-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Areas 24a and 24b of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) play a major role in cognition, emotion and pain. While their connectivity has been studied in primate and in rat, a complete mapping was still missing in the mouse. Here, we analyzed the afferents to the mouse ACC by injecting retrograde tracers in the ventral and dorsal areas of the ACC (areas 24a/b) and of the midcingulate cortex (MCC; areas 24a'/b'). Our results reveal inputs from five principal groups of structures: (1) cortical areas, mainly the orbital, medial prefrontal, retrosplenial, parietal associative, primary and secondary sensory areas and the hippocampus, (2) basal forebrain, mainly the basolateral amygdaloid nucleus, the claustrum and the horizontal limb of the diagonal band of Broca, (3) the thalamus, mainly the anteromedial, lateral mediodorsal, ventromedial, centrolateral, central medial and reuniens/rhomboid nuclei, (4) the hypothalamus, mainly the lateral and retromammillary areas, and (5) the brainstem, mainly the monoaminergic centers. The neurochemical nature of inputs from the diagonal band of Broca and brainstem centers was also investigated by double-labeling, showing that only a part of these afferents were cholinergic or monoaminergic. Comparisons between the areas indicate that areas 24a and 24b receive qualitatively similar inputs, but with different densities. These differences are more pronounced when comparing the inputs to ACC's areas 24a/24b to the inputs to MCC's areas 24a'/24b'. These results provide a complete analysis of the afferents to the mouse areas 24a/24b and 24a'/24b', which shows important similarity with the connectivity of homologous areas in rats, and brings the anatomical basis necessary to address the roles of cingulate areas in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clémentine Fillinger
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, 5 rue Blaise Pascal, 67084, Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ipek Yalcin
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, 5 rue Blaise Pascal, 67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Michel Barrot
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, 5 rue Blaise Pascal, 67084, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierre Veinante
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, 5 rue Blaise Pascal, 67084, Strasbourg, France. .,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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23
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Zakharov D, Lapish C, Gutkin B, Kuznetsov A. Synergy of AMPA and NMDA Receptor Currents in Dopaminergic Neurons: A Modeling Study. Front Comput Neurosci 2016; 10:48. [PMID: 27252643 PMCID: PMC4877376 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2016.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopaminergic (DA) neurons display two modes of firing: low-frequency tonic and high-frequency bursts. The high frequency firing within the bursts is attributed to NMDA, but not AMPA receptor activation. In our models of the DA neuron, both biophysical and abstract, the NMDA receptor current can significantly increase their firing frequency, whereas the AMPA receptor current is not able to evoke high-frequency activity and usually suppresses firing. However, both currents are produced by glutamate receptors and, consequently, are often co-activated. Here we consider combined influence of AMPA and NMDA synaptic input in the models of the DA neuron. Different types of neuronal activity (resting state, low frequency, or high frequency firing) are observed depending on the conductance of the AMPAR and NMDAR currents. In two models, biophysical and reduced, we show that the firing frequency increases more effectively if both receptors are co-activated for certain parameter values. In particular, in the more quantitative biophysical model, the maximal frequency is 40% greater than that with NMDAR alone. The dynamical mechanism of such frequency growth is explained in the framework of phase space evolution using the reduced model. In short, both the AMPAR and NMDAR currents flatten the voltage nullcline, providing the frequency increase, whereas only NMDA prevents complete unfolding of the nullcline, providing robust firing. Thus, we confirm a major role of the NMDAR in generating high-frequency firing and conclude that AMPAR activation further significantly increases the frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Zakharov
- Nonlinear Dynamics Department, Institute of Applied Physics, Russian Academy of Science (RAS) Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Christopher Lapish
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Boris Gutkin
- Group of Neural Theory, Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS)Paris, France; Centre for Cognition and Decision Making, National Research University Higher School of EconomicsMoscow, Russia
| | - Alexey Kuznetsov
- Department of Mathematical Sciences and Center for Mathematical Modeling and Computational Sciences, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Indianapolis, IN, USA
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24
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Hage TA, Sun Y, Khaliq ZM. Electrical and Ca(2+) signaling in dendritic spines of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 27163179 PMCID: PMC4900803 DOI: 10.7554/elife.13905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known about the density and function of dendritic spines on midbrain dopamine neurons, or the relative contribution of spine and shaft synapses to excitability. Using Ca(2+) imaging, glutamate uncaging, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and transgenic mice expressing labeled PSD-95, we comparatively analyzed electrical and Ca(2+) signaling in spines and shaft synapses of dopamine neurons. Dendritic spines were present on dopaminergic neurons at low densities in live and fixed tissue. Uncaging-evoked potential amplitudes correlated inversely with spine length but positively with the presence of PSD-95. Spine Ca(2+) signals were less sensitive to hyperpolarization than shaft synapses, suggesting amplification of spine head voltages. Lastly, activating spines during pacemaking, we observed an unexpected enhancement of spine Ca(2+) midway throughout the spike cycle, likely involving recruitment of NMDA receptors and voltage-gated conductances. These results demonstrate functionality of spines in dopamine neurons and reveal a novel modulation of spine Ca(2+) signaling during pacemaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis A Hage
- Cellular Neurophysiology Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Yujie Sun
- Cellular Neurophysiology Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Zayd M Khaliq
- Cellular Neurophysiology Unit, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
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25
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Hirasawa H, Contini M, Raviola E. Extrasynaptic release of GABA and dopamine by retinal dopaminergic neurons. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 370:rstb.2014.0186. [PMID: 26009765 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2014.0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mouse retina, dopaminergic amacrine (DA) cells synthesize both dopamine and GABA. Both transmitters are released extrasynaptically and act on neighbouring and distant retinal neurons by volume transmission. In simultaneous recordings of dopamine and GABA release from isolated perikarya of DA cells, a proportion of the events of dopamine and GABA exocytosis were simultaneous, suggesting co-release. In addition, DA cells establish GABAergic synapses onto AII amacrine cells, the neurons that transfer rod bipolar signals to cone bipolars. GABAA but not dopamine receptors are clustered in the postsynaptic membrane. Therefore, dopamine, irrespective of its site of release-synaptic or extrasynaptic-exclusively acts by volume transmission. Dopamine is released upon illumination and sets the gain of retinal neurons for vision in bright light. The GABA released at DA cells' synapses probably prevents signals from the saturated rods from entering the cone pathway when the dark-adapted retina is exposed to bright illumination. The GABA released extrasynaptically by DA and other amacrine cells may set a 'GABAergic tone' in the inner plexiform layer and thus counteract the effects of a spillover of glutamate released at the bipolar cell synapses of adjacent OFF and ON strata, thus preserving segregation of signals between ON and OFF pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Hirasawa
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, 38 Morohongo, Moroyama, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Massimo Contini
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Viale Morgagni, 63, Firenze 50134, Italy
| | - Elio Raviola
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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26
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Paladini C, Tepper J. Neurophysiology of Substantia Nigra Dopamine Neurons: Modulation by GABA and Glutamate. HANDBOOK OF BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-802206-1.00017-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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27
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Aumann TD. Environment- and activity-dependent dopamine neurotransmitter plasticity in the adult substantia nigra. J Chem Neuroanat 2015; 73:21-32. [PMID: 26718607 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2015.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Revised: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The ability of neurons to change the amount or type of neurotransmitter they use, or 'neurotransmitter plasticity', is an emerging new form of adult brain plasticity. For example, it has recently been shown that neurons in the adult rat hypothalamus up- or down-regulate dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in response to the amount of light the animal receives (photoperiod), and that this in turn affects anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors (Dulcis et al., 2013). In this Chapter I consolidate recent evidence from my laboratory suggesting neurons in the adult mouse substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) also undergo DA neurotransmitter plasticity in response to persistent changes in their electrical activity, including that driven by the mouse's environment or behavior. Specifically, we have shown that the amounts of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH, the rate-limiting enzyme in DA synthesis) gene promoter activity, TH mRNA and TH protein in SNc neurons increases or decreases after ∼20h of altered electrical activity. Also, infusion of ion-channel agonists or antagonists into the midbrain for 2 weeks results in ∼10% (∼500 neurons) more or fewer TH immunoreactive (TH+) SNc neurons, with no change in the total number of SNc neurons (TH+ and TH-). Targeting ion-channels mediating cell-autonomous pacemaker activity in, or synaptic input and afferent pathways to, SNc neurons are equally effective in this regard. In addition, exposing mice to different environments (sex pairing or environment enrichment) for 1-2 weeks induces ∼10% more or fewer TH+ SNc (and ventral tegmental area or VTA) neurons and this is abolished by concurrent blockade of synaptic transmission in midbrain. Although further research is required to establish SNc (and VTA) DA neurotransmitter plasticity, and to determine whether it alters brain function and behavior, it is an exciting prospect because: (1) It may play important roles in movement, motor learning, reward, motivation, memory and cognition; and (2) Imbalances in midbrain DA cause symptoms associated with several prominent brain and behavioral disorders such as schizophrenia, addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, Parkinson's disease and attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Midbrain DA neurotransmitter plasticity may therefore play a role in the etiology of these symptoms, and might also offer new treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim D Aumann
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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Moreno EL, Hachi S, Hemmer K, Trietsch SJ, Baumuratov AS, Hankemeier T, Vulto P, Schwamborn JC, Fleming RMT. Differentiation of neuroepithelial stem cells into functional dopaminergic neurons in 3D microfluidic cell culture. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:2419-2428. [PMID: 25902196 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00180c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A hallmark of Parkinson's disease is the progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. We derived human neuroepithelial cells from induced pluripotent stem cells and successfully differentiated them into dopaminergic neurons within phase-guided, three-dimensional microfluidic cell culture bioreactors. After 30 days of differentiation within the microfluidic bioreactors, in situ morphological, immunocytochemical and calcium imaging confirmed the presence of dopaminergic neurons that were spontaneously electrophysiologically active, a characteristic feature of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in vivo. Differentiation was as efficient as in macroscopic culture, with up to 19% of differentiated neurons immunoreactive for tyrosine hydroxylase, the penultimate enzyme in the synthesis of dopamine. This new microfluidic cell culture model integrates the latest innovations in developmental biology and microfluidic cell culture to generate a biologically realistic and economically efficient route to personalised drug discovery for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edinson Lucumi Moreno
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, 7 avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux, L-4362 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
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Pearlstein E, Gouty-Colomer LA, Michel FJ, Cloarec R, Hammond C. Glutamatergic synaptic currents of nigral dopaminergic neurons follow a postnatal developmental sequence. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:210. [PMID: 26074777 PMCID: PMC4448554 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 05/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The spontaneous activity pattern of adult dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) results from interactions between intrinsic membrane conductances and afferent inputs. In adult SNc DA neurons, low-frequency tonic background activity is generated by intrinsic pacemaker mechanisms, whereas burst generation depends on intact synaptic inputs in particular the glutamatergic ones. Tonic DA release in the striatum during pacemaking is required to maintain motor activity, and burst firing evokes phasic DA release, necessary for cue-dependent learning tasks. However, it is still unknown how the firing properties of SNc DA neurons mature during postnatal development before reaching the adult state. We studied the postnatal developmental profile of spontaneous and evoked AMPA and NMDA (N-Methyl-D-aspartic acid) receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in SNc DA neurons in brain slices from immature (postnatal days P4–P10) and young adult (P30–P50) tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-green fluorescent protein mice. We found that somato-dendritic fields of SNc DA neurons are already mature at P4–P10. In contrast, spontaneous glutamatergic EPSCs show a developmental sequence. Spontaneous NMDA EPSCs in particular are larger and more frequent in immature SNc DA neurons than in young adult ones and have a bursty pattern. They are mediated by GluN2B and GluN2D subunit-containing NMDA receptors. The latter generate long-lasting, DQP 1105-sensitive, spontaneous EPSCs, which are transiently recorded during this early period. Due to high NMDA activity, immature SNc DA neurons generate large and long lasting NMDA receptor-dependent (APV-sensitive) bursts in response to the stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. We conclude that the transient high NMDA activity allows calcium influx into the dendrites of developing SNc DA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edouard Pearlstein
- UMR 901, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, France ; Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, Inserm UMR 901 Marseille, France
| | - Laurie-Anne Gouty-Colomer
- UMR 901, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, France ; Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, Inserm UMR 901 Marseille, France
| | - François J Michel
- UMR 901, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, France ; Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, Inserm UMR 901 Marseille, France
| | - Robin Cloarec
- UMR 901, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, France ; Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, Inserm UMR 901 Marseille, France
| | - Constance Hammond
- UMR 901, Aix-Marseille Université Marseille, France ; Institut de Neurobiologie de la Méditerranée, Inserm UMR 901 Marseille, France
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Dallérac GM, Levasseur G, Vatsavayai SC, Milnerwood AJ, Cummings DM, Kraev I, Huetz C, Evans KA, Walters SW, Rezaie P, Cho Y, Hirst MC, Murphy KP. Dysfunctional Dopaminergic Neurones in Mouse Models of Huntington's Disease: A Role for SK3 Channels. NEURODEGENER DIS 2015; 15:93-108. [DOI: 10.1159/000375126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Wu YN, Johnson SW. Memantine selectively blocks extrasynaptic NMDA receptors in rat substantia nigra dopamine neurons. Brain Res 2015; 1603:1-7. [PMID: 25656790 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that selective block of extrasynaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors might protect against neurodegeneration. We recorded whole-cell currents with patch pipettes to characterize the ability of memantine, a low-affinity NMDA channel blocker, to block synaptic and extrasynaptic NMDA receptors in substantia nigra zona compacta (SNC) dopamine neurons in slices of rat brain. Pharmacologically isolated NMDA receptor-mediated EPSCs were evoked by electrical stimulation, whereas synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors were activated by superfusing the slice with NMDA (10 µM). Memantine was 15-fold more potent for blocking currents evoked by bath-applied NMDA compared to synaptic NMDA receptors. Increased potency for blocking bath-applied NMDA currents was shared by the GluN2C/GluN2D noncompetitive antagonist DQP-1105 but not by the high-affinity channel blocker MK-801. Our data suggest that memantine causes a selective block of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors that are likely to contain GluN2C/2D subunits. Our results justify further investigations on the use of memantine as a neuroprotective agent in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Na Wu
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Steven W Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97207, USA.
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Huang Z, Gibb AJ. Mg2+ block properties of triheteromeric GluN1-GluN2B-GluN2D NMDA receptors on neonatal rat substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurones. J Physiol 2014; 592:2059-78. [PMID: 24614743 PMCID: PMC4027860 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.267864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Native NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are tetrameric channels formed by two GluN1 and two GluN2 subunits. So far, seven NMDARs subunits have been identified and they can form diheteromeric or triheteromeric NMDARs (more than one type of GluN2 subunit). Extracellular Mg2+ is an important regulator of NMDARs, and particularly the voltage dependence of Mg2+ block is crucial to the roles of NMDARs in synaptic plasticity and the integration of synaptic activity with neuronal activity. Although the Mg2+ block properties of diheteromeric NMDARs are fully investigated, properties of triheteromeric NMDARs are still not clear. Our previous data suggested that dopaminergic neurones expressed triheteromeric GluN1–GluN2B–GluN2D NMDARs. Here, using NMDARs in dopaminergic neurones from postnatal day 7 (P7) rats as a model system, we characterize the voltage-dependent Mg2+ block properties of triheteromeric NMDARs. In control conditions, external Mg2+ significantly inhibits the whole cell NMDA-evoked current in a voltage-dependent manner with IC50 values of 20.9 μm, 53.3 μm and 173 μm at −90 mV, −70 mV and −50 mV, respectively. When the GluN2B-selective antagonist ifenprodil was applied, the Mg2+ sensitivity of the residual NMDA-mediated currents (which is mainly carried by GluN1–GluN2B–GluN2D NMDARs) is reduced to IC50 values of 45.9 μm (−90 mV), 104 μm (−70 mV) and 276 μm (−50 mV), suggesting that triheteromeric GluN1–GluN2B–GluN2D NMDARs have less affinity for external Mg2+ than GluN1–GluN2B receptors. In addition, fitting INMDA–V curves with a trapping Mg2+ block model shows the triheteromeric GluN1–GluN2B–GluN2D NMDARs have weaker voltage-dependent Mg2+ block (δ = 0.56) than GluN1–GluN2B NMDARs. Finally, our concentration jump and single channel recordings suggest that GluN1–GluN2B–GluN2D rather than GluN1–GluN2D NMDARs are present. These data provide information relevant to Mg2+ block characteristics of triheteromeric NMDARs and may help to better understand synaptic plasticity, which is dependent on these triheteromeric NMDARs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Huang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, State Key Laboratory of Nature and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing, 100191, P.R. China
| | - Alasdair J Gibb
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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Ha J, Kuznetsov A. Interaction of NMDA receptor and pacemaking mechanisms in the midbrain dopaminergic neuron. PLoS One 2013; 8:e69984. [PMID: 23894569 PMCID: PMC3716766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0069984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine neurotransmission has been found to play a role in addictive behavior and is altered in psychiatric disorders. Dopaminergic (DA) neurons display two functionally distinct modes of electrophysiological activity: low- and high-frequency firing. A puzzling feature of the DA neuron is the following combination of its responses: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation evokes high-frequency firing, whereas other tonic excitatory stimuli (α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate receptor (AMPAR) activation or applied depolarization) block firing instead. We suggest a new computational model that reproduces this combination of responses and explains recent experimental data. Namely, somatic NMDAR stimulation evokes high-frequency firing and is more effective than distal dendritic stimulation. We further reduce the model to a single compartment and analyze the mechanism of the distinct high-frequency response to NMDAR activation vs. other stimuli. Standard nullcline analysis shows that the mechanism is based on a decrease in the amplitude of calcium oscillations. The analysis confirms that the nonlinear voltage dependence provided by the magnesium block of the NMDAR determine its capacity to elevate the firing frequency. We further predict that the moderate slope of the voltage dependence plays the central role in the frequency elevation. Additionally, we suggest a repolarizing current that sustains calcium-independent firing or firing in the absence of calcium-dependent repolarizing currents. We predict that the ether-a-go-go current (ERG), which has been observed in the DA neuron, is the best fit for this critical role. We show that a calcium-dependent and a calcium-independent oscillatory mechanisms form a structure of interlocked negative feedback loops in the DA neuron. The structure connects research of DA neuron firing with circadian biology and determines common minimal models for investigation of robustness of oscillations, which is critical for normal function of both systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joon Ha
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Alexey Kuznetsov
- Department of Mathematical Sciences and Center for Mathematical Biosciences, Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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Xie G, Krnjević K, Ye JH. Salsolinol modulation of dopamine neurons. Front Behav Neurosci 2013; 7:52. [PMID: 23745110 PMCID: PMC3662897 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2013.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Salsolinol, a tetrahydroisoquinoline present in the human and rat brains, is the condensation product of dopamine and acetaldehyde, the first metabolite of ethanol. Previous evidence obtained in vivo links salsolinol with the mesolimbic dopaminergic (DA) system: salsolinol is self-administered into the posterior of the ventral tegmental area (pVTA) of rats; intra-VTA administration of salsolinol induces a strong conditional place preference and increases dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, the underlying neuronal mechanisms are unclear. Here we present an overview of some of the recent research on this topic. Electrophysiological studies reveal that DA neurons in the pVTA are a target of salsolinol. In acute brain slices from rats, salsolinol increases the excitability and accelerates the ongoing firing of dopamine neurons in the pVTA. Intriguingly, this action of salsolinol involves multiple pre- and post-synaptic mechanisms, including: (1) depolarizing dopamine neurons; (2) by activating μ opioid receptors on the GABAergic inputs to dopamine neurons – which decreases GABAergic activity – dopamine neurons are disinhibited; and (3) enhancing presynaptic glutamatergic transmission onto dopamine neurons via activation of dopamine type 1 receptors, probably situated on the glutamatergic terminals. These novel mechanisms may contribute to the rewarding/reinforcing properties of salsolinol observed in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiqin Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Physiology, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Newark, NJ, USA ; Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University Nanjing, China
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Newkirk GS, Hoon M, Wong RO, Detwiler PB. Inhibitory inputs tune the light response properties of dopaminergic amacrine cells in mouse retina. J Neurophysiol 2013; 110:536-52. [PMID: 23636722 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00118.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) is a neuromodulator that in the retina adjusts the circuitry for visual processing in dim and bright light conditions. It is synthesized and released from retinal interneurons called dopaminergic amacrine cells (DACs), whose basic physiology is not yet been fully characterized. To investigate their cellular and input properties as well as light responses, DACs were targeted for whole cell recording in isolated retina using two-photon fluorescence microscopy in a mouse line where the dopamine receptor 2 promoter drives green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression. Differences in membrane properties gave rise to cell-to-cell variation in the pattern of resting spontaneous spike activity ranging from silent to rhythmic to periodic burst discharge. All recorded DACs were light sensitive and generated responses that varied with intensity. The threshold response to light onset was a hyperpolarizing potential change initiated by rod photoreceptors that was blocked by strychnine, indicating a glycinergic amacrine input onto DACs at light onset. With increasing light intensity, the ON response acquired an excitatory component that grew to dominate the response to the strongest stimuli. Responses to bright light (photopic) stimuli also included an inhibitory OFF response mediated by GABAergic amacrine cells driven by the cone OFF pathway. DACs expressed GABA (GABA(A)α1 and GABA(A)α3) and glycine (α2) receptor clusters on soma, axon, and dendrites consistent with the light response being shaped by dual inhibitory inputs that may serve to tune spike discharge for optimal DA release.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Newkirk
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics and Program in Neurobiology & Behavior, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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TRPM2 channels are required for NMDA-induced burst firing and contribute to H(2)O(2)-dependent modulation in substantia nigra pars reticulata GABAergic neurons. J Neurosci 2013; 33:1157-68. [PMID: 23325252 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2832-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) GABAergic neurons are projection neurons that convey output from the basal ganglia to target structures. These neurons exhibit spontaneous regular firing, but also exhibit burst firing in the presence of NMDA or when excitatory glutamatergic input to the SNr is activated. Notably, an increase in burst firing is also seen in Parkinson's disease. Therefore, elucidating conductances that mediate spontaneous activity and changes of firing pattern in these neurons is essential for understanding how the basal ganglia control movement. Using ex vivo slices of guinea pig midbrain, we show that SNr GABAergic neurons express transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channels that underlie NMDA-induced burst firing. Furthermore, we show that spontaneous firing rate and burst activity are modulated by the reactive oxygen species H(2)O(2) acting via TRPM2 channels. Thus, our results indicate that activation of TRPM2 channels is necessary for burst firing in SNr GABAergic neurons and their responsiveness to modulatory H(2)O(2). These findings have implications not only for normal regulation, but also for Parkinson's disease, which involves excitotoxicity and oxidative stress.
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Gambardella C, Pignatelli A, Belluzzi O. The h-current in the substantia Nigra pars compacta neurons: a re-examination. PLoS One 2012; 7:e52329. [PMID: 23284989 PMCID: PMC3528748 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The properties of the hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) were investigated in rat substantia nigra - pars compacta (SNc) principal neurons using patch-clamp recordings in thin slices. A reliable identification of single dopaminergic neurons was made possible by the use of a transgenic line of mice expressing eGFP under the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter. The effects of temperature and different protocols on the Ih kinetics showed that, at 37°C and minimizing the disturbance of the intracellular milieu with perforated patch, this current actually activates at potentials more positive than what is generally indicated, with a half-activation potential of −77.05 mV and with a significant level of opening already at rest, thereby substantially contributing to the control of membrane potential, and ultimately playing a relevant function in the regulation of the cell excitability. The implications of the known influence of intracellular cAMP levels on Ih amplitude and kinetics were examined. The direct application of neurotransmitters (DA, 5-HT and noradrenaline) physiologically released onto SNc neurons and known to act on metabotropic receptors coupled to the cAMP pathway modify the Ih amplitude. Here, we show that direct activation of dopaminergic and of 5-HT receptors results in Ih inhibition of SNc DA cells, whereas noradrenaline has the opposite effect. Together, these data suggest that the modulation of Ih by endogenously released neurotransmitters acting on metabotropic receptors –mainly but not exclusively linked to the cAMP pathway- could contribute significantly to the control of SNc neuron excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Gambardella
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, University of Ferrara and Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Angela Pignatelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, University of Ferrara and Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ottorino Belluzzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Biotecnologie, University of Ferrara and Istituto Nazionale di Neuroscienze, Ferrara, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Ramírez-Latorre JA. Functional upregulation of Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels in the development of substantia nigra dopamine neurons. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51610. [PMID: 23284723 PMCID: PMC3527479 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many connections in the basal ganglia are made around birth when animals are exposed to a host of new affective, cognitive, and sensori-motor stimuli. It is thought that dopamine modulates cortico-striatal synapses that result in the strengthening of those connections that lead to desired outcomes. We propose that there must be a time before which stimuli cannot be processed into functional connections, otherwise it would imply an effective link between stimulus, response, and reward in uterus. Consistent with these ideas, we present evidence that early in development dopamine neurons are electrically immature and do not produce high-frequency firing in response to salient stimuli. We ask first, what makes dopamine neurons immature? and second, what are the implications of this immaturity for the basal ganglia? As an answer to the first question, we find that at birth the outward current is small (3nS-V), insensitive to Ca(2+), TEA, BK, and SK blockers. Rapidly after birth, the outward current increases to 15nS-V and becomes sensitive to Ca(2+), TEA, BK, and SK blockers. We make a detailed analysis of the kinetics of the components of the outward currents and produce a model for BK and SK channels that we use to reproduce the outward current, and to infer the geometrical arrangement of BK and Ca(2+) channels in clusters. In the first cluster, T-type Ca(2+) and BK channels are coupled within distances of ~20 nm (200 Å). The second cluster consists of L-type Ca(2+) and BK channels that are spread over distances of at least 60 nm. As for the second question, we propose that early in development, the mechanism of action selection is in a "locked-in" state that would prevent dopamine neurons from reinforcing cortico-striatal synapses that do not have a functional experiential-based value.
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Ji H, Tucker KR, Putzier I, Huertas MA, Horn JP, Canavier CC, Levitan ES, Shepard PD. Functional characterization of ether-à-go-go-related gene potassium channels in midbrain dopamine neurons - implications for a role in depolarization block. Eur J Neurosci 2012; 36:2906-16. [PMID: 22780096 PMCID: PMC4042402 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2012.08190.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Bursting activity by midbrain dopamine neurons reflects the complex interplay between their intrinsic pacemaker activity and synaptic inputs. Although the precise mechanism responsible for the generation and modulation of bursting in vivo has yet to be established, several ion channels have been implicated in the process. Previous studies with nonselective blockers suggested that ether-à-go-go-related gene (ERG) K(+) channels are functionally significant. Here, electrophysiology with selective chemical and peptide ERG channel blockers (E-4031 and rBeKm-1) and computational methods were used to define the contribution made by ERG channels to the firing properties of midbrain dopamine neurons in vivo and in vitro. Selective ERG channel blockade increased the frequency of spontaneous activity as well as the response to depolarizing current pulses without altering spike frequency adaptation. ERG channel block also accelerated entry into depolarization inactivation during bursts elicited by virtual NMDA receptors generated with the dynamic clamp, and significantly prolonged the duration of the sustained depolarization inactivation that followed pharmacologically evoked bursts. In vivo, somatic ERG blockade was associated with an increase in bursting activity attributed to a reduction in doublet firing. Taken together, these results show that dopamine neuron ERG K(+) channels play a prominent role in limiting excitability and in minimizing depolarization inactivation. As the therapeutic actions of antipsychotic drugs are associated with depolarization inactivation of dopamine neurons and blockade of cardiac ERG channels is a prominent side effect of these drugs, ERG channels in the central nervous system may represent a novel target for antipsychotic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huifang Ji
- Department of Psychiatry and the Maryland Psychiatry Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21228
| | - Kristal R. Tucker
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Ilva Putzier
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Marco A. Huertas
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and the Neuroscience Center of Excellence, LSU Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite D, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - John P. Horn
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Carmen C. Canavier
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and the Neuroscience Center of Excellence, LSU Health Sciences Center, 2020 Gravier Street, Suite D, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Edwin S. Levitan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261
| | - Paul D. Shepard
- Department of Psychiatry and the Maryland Psychiatry Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21228
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Deignan J, Luján R, Bond C, Riegel A, Watanabe M, Williams JT, Maylie J, Adelman JP. SK2 and SK3 expression differentially affect firing frequency and precision in dopamine neurons. Neuroscience 2012; 217:67-76. [PMID: 22554781 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2012.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Revised: 03/29/2012] [Accepted: 04/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The firing properties of dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) pars compacta are strongly influenced by the activity of apamin-sensitive small conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (SK) channels. Of the three SK channel genes expressed in central neurons, only SK3 expression has been identified in DA neurons. The present findings show that SK2 was also expressed in DA neurons. Immuno-electron microscopy (iEM) showed that SK2 was primarily expressed in the distal dendrites, while SK3 was heavily expressed in the soma and, to a lesser extent, throughout the dendritic arbor. Electrophysiological recordings of the effects of the SK channel blocker apamin on DA neurons from wild type and SK(-/-) mice show that SK2-containing channels contributed to the precision of action potential (AP) timing, while SK3-containing channels influenced AP frequency. The expression of SK2 in DA neurons may endow distinct signaling and subcellular localization to SK2-containing channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Deignan
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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41
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Aumann T, Horne M. Activity‐dependent regulation of the dopamine phenotype in substantia nigra neurons. J Neurochem 2012; 121:497-515. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07703.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Aumann
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, Melbourne Brain Centre, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Neuroscience, Melbourne Brain Centre, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mal Horne
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, Melbourne Brain Centre, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- St Vincent’s Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
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42
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Zhou FM, Lee CR. Intrinsic and integrative properties of substantia nigra pars reticulata neurons. Neuroscience 2011; 198:69-94. [PMID: 21839148 PMCID: PMC3221915 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The GABA projection neurons of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) are output neurons for the basal ganglia and thus critical for movement control. Their most striking neurophysiological feature is sustained, spontaneous high frequency spike firing. A fundamental question is: what are the key ion channels supporting the remarkable firing capability in these neurons? Recent studies indicate that these neurons express tonically active type 3 transient receptor potential (TRPC3) channels that conduct a Na-dependent inward current even at hyperpolarized membrane potentials. When the membrane potential reaches -60 mV, a voltage-gated persistent sodium current (I(NaP)) starts to activate, further depolarizing the membrane potential. At or slightly below -50 mV, the large transient voltage-activated sodium current (I(NaT)) starts to activate and eventually triggers the rapid rising phase of action potentials. SNr GABA neurons have a higher density of I(NaT), contributing to the faster rise and larger amplitude of action potentials, compared with the slow-spiking dopamine neurons. I(NaT) also recovers from inactivation more quickly in SNr GABA neurons than in nigral dopamine neurons. In SNr GABA neurons, the rising phase of the action potential triggers the activation of high-threshold, inactivation-resistant Kv3-like channels that can rapidly repolarize the membrane. These intrinsic ion channels provide SNr GABA neurons with the ability to fire spontaneous and sustained high frequency spikes. Additionally, robust GABA inputs from direct pathway medium spiny neurons in the striatum and GABA neurons in the globus pallidus may inhibit and silence SNr GABA neurons, whereas glutamate synaptic input from the subthalamic nucleus may induce burst firing in SNr GABA neurons. Thus, afferent GABA and glutamate synaptic inputs sculpt the tonic high frequency firing of SNr GABA neurons and the consequent inhibition of their targets into an integrated motor control signal that is further fine-tuned by neuromodulators including dopamine, serotonin, endocannabinoids, and H₂O₂.
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Affiliation(s)
- F-M Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.
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43
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Jang M, Jang JY, Kim SH, Uhm KB, Kang YK, Kim HJ, Chung S, Park MK. Functional organization of dendritic Ca2+ signals in midbrain dopamine neurons. Cell Calcium 2011; 50:370-80. [PMID: 21757230 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2011.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2011] [Revised: 06/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic Ca2+ plays an important role not only in synaptic integration and synaptic plasticity, but also in dendritic excitability in midbrain dopamine neurons. However, the functional organization of dendritic Ca2+ signals in the dopamine neurons remains largely unknown. We therefore investigated dendritic Ca2+ signals by measuring glutamate-induced Ca2+ increases along the dendrites of acutely isolated midbrain dopamine neurons. Maximal doses of glutamate induced a [Ca2+]c rise with similar amplitudes in proximal and distal dendritic regions of a dopamine neuron. Glutamate receptors contributed incrementally to the [Ca2+]c rise according to their distance from the soma, with a reciprocal decrement in the contribution of voltage-operated Ca2+ channels (VOCCs). The contribution of AMPA and NMDA receptors increased with dendritic length, but that of metabotropic glutamate receptors decreased. At low doses of glutamate at which spontaneous firing was sustained, the [Ca2+]c rise was higher in the distal than the proximal regions of a dendrite, possibly due to the increased spontaneous firing rate. These results indicate that functional organization of Ca2+ signals in the dendrites of dopamine neurons requires different combination of VOCCs and glutamate receptors according to dendritic length, and that regional Ca2+ rises in dendrites respond differently to applied glutamate concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miae Jang
- Department of Physiology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, and Department of Pathology, Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital, 300 Chunchun-dong, Jangan-ku, Suwon 440-746, Republic of Korea
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44
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Tateno T, Robinson HPC. The mechanism of ethanol action on midbrain dopaminergic neuron firing: a dynamic-clamp study of the role of I(h) and GABAergic synaptic integration. J Neurophysiol 2011; 106:1901-22. [PMID: 21697445 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00162.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are expressed in dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) as well as in DA and GABAergic neurons of the substantia nigra (SN). The excitation of DA neurons induced by ethanol has been proposed to result from its enhancing HCN channel current, I(h). Using perforated patch-clamp recordings in rat midbrain slices, we isolated I(h) in these neurons by voltage clamp. We showed that ethanol reversibly increased the amplitude and accelerated the activation kinetics of I(h) and caused a depolarizing shift in its voltage dependence. Using dynamic-clamp conductance injection, we injected artificial I(h) and fluctuating GABAergic synaptic conductance inputs into neurons following block of intrinsic I(h). This demonstrated directly a major role of I(h) in promoting rebound spiking following phasic inhibition, which was enhanced as the kinetics and amplitude of I(h) were changed in the manner induced by ethanol. Similar effects of ethanol were observed on I(h) and firing rate in non-DA, putatively GABAergic interneurons, indicating that in addition to its direct effects on firing, ethanol will produce large changes in the inhibition and disinhibition (via GABAergic interneurons) converging on DA neurons. Thus the overall effects of ethanol on firing of DA cells of the VTA and SN in vivo, and hence on phasic dopamine release in the striatum, appear to be determined substantially by its action on I(h) in both DA cells and GABAergic interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Tateno
- Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
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Chieng B, Azriel Y, Mohammadi S, Christie MJ. Distinct cellular properties of identified dopaminergic and GABAergic neurons in the mouse ventral tegmental area. J Physiol 2011; 589:3775-87. [PMID: 21646409 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2011.210807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) contains neurons largely with either a dopaminergic (DAergic) or GABAergic phenotype. Physiological and pharmacological properties of DAergic neurons have been determined using tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry but many properties overlap with non-DAergic neurons presumed to be GABAergic. This study examined properties of GABAergic neurons, non-GABAergic neurons and TH-immunopositive neurons in VTA of GAD67-GFP knock-in mice. Ninety-eight per cent of VTA neurons were either GAD-GFP or TH positive,with the latter being five times more abundant. During cell-attached patch-clamp recordings, GAD-GFP neurons fired brief action potentials that could be completely distinguished from those of non-GFP neurons. Pharmacologically, the μ-opioid agonist DAMGO inhibited firing of action potentials in 92% of GAD-GFP neurons but had no effect in non-GFP neurons. By contrast, dopamine invariably inhibited action potentials in non-GFP neurons but only did so in 8% of GAD-GFP neurons. During whole-cell recordings, the narrower width of action potential in GAD-GFP neurons was also evident but there was considerable overlap with non-GFP neurons. GAD-GFP neurons invariably failed to exhibit the potassium-mediated slow depolarizing potential during injection of positive current that was present in all non-GFP neurons. Under voltage-clamp the cationic current, I(h), was found in both types of neurons with considerable overlap in both amplitude and kinetics. These distinct cellular properties may thus be used to confidently discriminate GABAergic and DAergic neurons in VTA during in vitro electrophysiological recordings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy Chieng
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Level 6, Building F, 94 Mallett Street, M02F, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
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Stochastic amplification of calcium-activated potassium currents in Ca2+ microdomains. J Comput Neurosci 2011; 31:647-66. [PMID: 21538141 DOI: 10.1007/s10827-011-0328-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2011] [Revised: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Small conductance (SK) calcium-activated potassium channels are found in many tissues throughout the body and open in response to elevations in intracellular calcium. In hippocampal neurons, SK channels are spatially co-localized with L-Type calcium channels. Due to the restriction of calcium transients into microdomains, only a limited number of L-Type Ca(2+) channels can activate SK and, thus, stochastic gating becomes relevant. Using a stochastic model with calcium microdomains, we predict that intracellular Ca(2+) fluctuations resulting from Ca(2+) channel gating can increase SK2 subthreshold activity by 1-2 orders of magnitude. This effectively reduces the value of the Hill coefficient. To explain the underlying mechanism, we show how short, high-amplitude calcium pulses associated with stochastic gating of calcium channels are much more effective at activating SK2 channels than the steady calcium signal produced by a deterministic simulation. This stochastic amplification results from two factors: first, a supralinear rise in the SK2 channel's steady-state activation curve at low calcium levels and, second, a momentary reduction in the channel's time constant during the calcium pulse, causing the channel to approach its steady-state activation value much faster than it decays. Stochastic amplification can potentially explain subthreshold SK2 activation in unified models of both sub- and suprathreshold regimes. Furthermore, we expect it to be a general phenomenon relevant to many proteins that are activated nonlinearly by stochastic ligand release.
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Lee CR, Witkovsky P, Rice ME. Regulation of Substantia Nigra Pars Reticulata GABAergic Neuron Activity by H₂O₂ via Flufenamic Acid-Sensitive Channels and K ATP Channels. Front Syst Neurosci 2011; 5:14. [PMID: 21503158 PMCID: PMC3074506 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2011.00014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr) GABAergic neurons are key output neurons of the basal ganglia. Given the role of these neurons in motor control, it is important to understand factors that regulate their firing rate and pattern. One potential regulator is hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a reactive oxygen species that is increasingly recognized as a neuromodulator. We used whole-cell current clamp recordings of SNr GABAergic neurons in guinea-pig midbrain slices to determine how H₂O₂ affects the activity of these neurons and to explore the classes of ion channels underlying those effects. Elevation of H₂O₂ levels caused an increase in the spontaneous firing rate of SNr GABAergic neurons, whether by application of exogenous H₂O₂ or amplification of endogenous H₂O₂ through inhibition of glutathione peroxidase with mercaptosuccinate. This effect was reversed by flufenamic acid (FFA), implicating transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Conversely, depletion of endogenous H₂O₂ by catalase, a peroxidase enzyme, decreased spontaneous firing rate and firing precision of SNr neurons, demonstrating tonic control of firing rate by H₂O₂. Elevation of H₂O₂ in the presence of FFA revealed an inhibition of tonic firing that was prevented by blockade of ATP-sensitive K(+) (K(ATP)) channels with glibenclamide. In contrast to guinea-pig SNr neurons, the dominant effect of H₂O₂ elevation in mouse SNr GABAergic neurons was hyperpolarization, indicating a species difference in H₂O₂-dependent regulation. Thus, H₂O₂ is an endogenous modulator of SNr GABAergic neurons, acting primarily through presumed TRP channels in guinea-pig SNr, with additional modulation via K(ATP) channels to regulate SNr output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian R Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, New York University School of Medicine New York, NY, USA
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Cucchiaroni ML, Freestone PS, Berretta N, Viscomi MT, Bisicchia E, Okano H, Molinari M, Bernardi G, Lipski J, Mercuri NB, Guatteo E. Properties of dopaminergic neurons in organotypic mesencephalic-striatal co-cultures - evidence for a facilitatory effect of dopamine on the glutamatergic input mediated by α-1 adrenergic receptors. Eur J Neurosci 2011; 33:1622-36. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2011.07659.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Ding S, Matta SG, Zhou FM. Kv3-like potassium channels are required for sustained high-frequency firing in basal ganglia output neurons. J Neurophysiol 2010; 105:554-70. [PMID: 21160004 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00707.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The GABA projection neurons in the substantial nigra pars reticulata (SNr) are key output neurons of the basal ganglia motor control circuit. These neurons fire sustained high-frequency, short-duration spikes that provide a tonic inhibition to their targets and are critical to movement control. We hypothesized that a robust voltage-activated K(+) conductance that activates quickly and resists inactivation is essential to the remarkable fast-spiking capability in these neurons. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis on laser capture-microdissected nigral neurons indicated that mRNAs for Kv3.1 and Kv3.4, two key subunits for forming high activation threshold, fast-activating, slow-inactivating, 1 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA)-sensitive, fast delayed rectifier (I(DR-fast)) type Kv channels, are more abundant in fast-spiking SNr GABA neurons than in slow-spiking nigral dopamine neurons. Nucleated patch clamp recordings showed that SNr GABA neurons have a strong Kv3-like I(DR-fast) current sensitive to 1 mM TEA that activates quickly at depolarized membrane potentials and is resistant to inactivation. I(DR-fast) is smaller in nigral dopamine neurons. Pharmacological blockade of I(DR-fast) by 1 mM TEA impaired the high-frequency firing capability in SNr GABA neurons. Taken together, these results indicate that Kv3-like channels mediating fast-activating, inactivation-resistant I(DR-fast) current are critical to the sustained high-frequency firing in SNr GABA projection neurons and hence movement control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyuan Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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Differential short-term plasticity at convergent inhibitory synapses to the substantia nigra pars reticulata. J Neurosci 2010; 30:14854-61. [PMID: 21048144 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3895-10.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory projections from the striatum and globus pallidus converge onto GABAergic projection neurons of the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNr). Based on existing structural and functional evidence, these pathways are likely to differentially regulate the firing of SNr neurons. We sought to investigate the functional differences in inhibitory striatonigral and pallidonigral traffic using whole-cell voltage clamp in brain slices with these pathways preserved. We found that striatonigral IPSCs exhibited a high degree of paired-pulse facilitation. We tracked this facilitation over development and found the facilitation as the animal aged, but stabilized by postnatal day 17 (P17), with a paired pulse ratio of 2. We also found that the recovery from facilitation accelerated over development, again, reaching a stable phenotype by P17. In contrast, pallidonigral synapses show paired-pulse depression, and this depression could be solely explained by presynaptic changes. The mean paired-pulse ratio of 0.67 did not change over development, but the recovery from depression slowed over development. Pallidonigral IPSCs were significantly faster than striatonigral IPSCs when measured at the soma. Finally, under current clamp, prolonged bursts of striatal IPSPs were able to consistently silence the pacemaker activity of nigral neurons, whereas pallidal inputs depressed, allowing nigral neurons to reinstate firing. These findings highlight the importance of differential dynamics of neurotransmitter release in regulating the circuit behavior of the basal ganglia.
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