1
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Biringer RG. Migraine signaling pathways: purine metabolites that regulate migraine and predispose migraineurs to headache. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2813-2848. [PMID: 36947357 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04701-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Migraine is a debilitating disorder that afflicts over 1 billion people worldwide, involving attacks that result in a throbbing and pulsating headache. Migraine is thought to be a neurovascular event associated with vasoconstriction, vasodilation, and neuronal activation. Understanding signaling in migraine pathology is central to the development of therapeutics for migraine prophylaxis and for mitigation of migraine in the prodrome phase before pain sets in. The fact that both vasoactivity and neural sensitization are involved in migraine indicates that agonists which promote these phenomena may very well be involved in migraine pathology. One such group of agonists is the purines, in particular, adenosine phosphates and their metabolites. This manuscript explores what is known about the relationship between these metabolites and migraine pathology and explores the potential for such relationships through their known signaling pathways. Reported receptor involvement in vasoaction and nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Gregory Biringer
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
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2
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Benarroch E. What Are the Roles of Pericytes in the Neurovascular Unit and Its Disorders? Neurology 2023; 100:970-977. [PMID: 37188542 PMCID: PMC10186232 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000207379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
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3
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Martínez-Gil N, Kutsyr O, Noailles A, Fernández-Sánchez L, Vidal L, Sánchez-Sáez X, Sánchez-Castillo C, Lax P, Cuenca N, García AG, Maneu V. Purinergic Receptors P2X7 and P2X4 as Markers of Disease Progression in the rd10 Mouse Model of Inherited Retinal Dystrophy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314758. [PMID: 36499084 PMCID: PMC9739106 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The purinergic receptor P2X7 (P2X7R) is implicated in all neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system. It is also involved in the retinal degeneration associated with glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, and its overexpression in the retina is evident in these disorders. Retinitis pigmentosa is a progressive degenerative disease that ultimately leads to blindness. Here, we investigated the expression of P2X7R during disease progression in the rd10 mouse model of RP. As the purinergic receptor P2X4 is widely co-expressed with P2X7R, we also studied its expression in the retina of rd10 mice. The expression of P2X7R and P2X4R was examined by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and western blotting. In addition, we analyzed retinal functionality by electroretinographic recordings of visual responses and optomotor tests and retinal morphology. We found that the expression of P2X7R and P2X4R increased in rd10 mice concomitant with disease progression, but with different cellular localization. Our findings suggest that P2X7R and P2X4R might play an important role in RP progression, which should be further analyzed for the pharmacological treatment of inherited retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Martínez-Gil
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Departamento de Óptica, Farmacología y Anatomía, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Agustina Noailles
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Laura Fernández-Sánchez
- Departamento de Óptica, Farmacología y Anatomía, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Lorena Vidal
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Xavier Sánchez-Sáez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Carla Sánchez-Castillo
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Pedro Lax
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Departamento de Fisiología, Genética y Microbiología, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
| | - Antonio G. García
- Departamento de Farmacología y Terapéutica, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Departamento de Óptica, Farmacología y Anatomía, Universidad de Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain
- Correspondence:
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4
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Choi YK. An Altered Neurovascular System in Aging-Related Eye Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214104. [PMID: 36430581 PMCID: PMC9694120 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The eye has a complex and metabolically active neurovascular system. Repeated light injuries induce aging and trigger age-dependent eye diseases. Damage to blood vessels is related to the disruption of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), altered cellular communication, disrupted mitochondrial functions, and exacerbated aggregated protein accumulation. Vascular complications, such as insufficient blood supply and BRB disruption, have been suggested to play a role in glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD), resulting in neuronal cell death. Neuronal loss can induce vision loss. In this review, we discuss the importance of the neurovascular system in the eye, especially in aging-related diseases such as glaucoma, AMD, and AD. Beneficial molecular pathways to prevent or slow down retinal pathologic processes will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Kyung Choi
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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5
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Barkaway A, Attwell D, Korte N. Immune-vascular mural cell interactions: consequences for immune cell trafficking, cerebral blood flow, and the blood-brain barrier. NEUROPHOTONICS 2022; 9:031914. [PMID: 35581998 PMCID: PMC9107322 DOI: 10.1117/1.nph.9.3.031914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Brain barriers are crucial sites for cerebral energy supply, waste removal, immune cell migration, and solute exchange, all of which maintain an appropriate environment for neuronal activity. At the capillary level, where the largest area of brain-vascular interface occurs, pericytes adjust cerebral blood flow (CBF) by regulating capillary diameter and maintain the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by suppressing endothelial cell (EC) transcytosis and inducing tight junction expression between ECs. Pericytes also limit the infiltration of circulating leukocytes into the brain where resident microglia confine brain injury and provide the first line of defence against invading pathogens. Brain "waste" is cleared across the BBB into the blood, phagocytosed by microglia and astrocytes, or removed by the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) through perivascular routes-a process driven by respiratory motion and the pulsation of the heart, arteriolar smooth muscle, and possibly pericytes. "Dirty" CSF exits the brain and is probably drained around olfactory nerve rootlets and via the dural meningeal lymphatic vessels and possibly the skull bone marrow. The brain is widely regarded as an immune-privileged organ because it is accessible to few antigen-primed leukocytes. Leukocytes enter the brain via the meninges, the BBB, and the blood-CSF barrier. Advances in genetic and imaging tools have revealed that neurological diseases significantly alter immune-brain barrier interactions in at least three ways: (1) the brain's immune-privileged status is compromised when pericytes are lost or lymphatic vessels are dysregulated; (2) immune cells release vasoactive molecules to regulate CBF, modulate arteriole stiffness, and can plug and eliminate capillaries which impairs CBF and possibly waste clearance; and (3) immune-vascular interactions can make the BBB leaky via multiple mechanisms, thus aggravating the influx of undesirable substances and cells. Here, we review developments in these three areas and briefly discuss potential therapeutic avenues for restoring brain barrier functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Barkaway
- University College London, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Attwell
- University College London, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nils Korte
- University College London, Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Pinilla I, Maneu V, Campello L, Fernández-Sánchez L, Martínez-Gil N, Kutsyr O, Sánchez-Sáez X, Sánchez-Castillo C, Lax P, Cuenca N. Inherited Retinal Dystrophies: Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Their Physiopathology and Therapeutic Implications. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11061086. [PMID: 35739983 PMCID: PMC9219848 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11061086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs) are a large group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous diseases characterized by the progressive degeneration of the retina, ultimately leading to loss of visual function. Oxidative stress and inflammation play fundamental roles in the physiopathology of these diseases. Photoreceptor cell death induces an inflammatory state in the retina. The activation of several molecular pathways triggers different cellular responses to injury, including the activation of microglia to eliminate debris and recruit inflammatory cells from circulation. Therapeutical options for IRDs are currently limited, although a small number of patients have been successfully treated by gene therapy. Many other therapeutic strategies are being pursued to mitigate the deleterious effects of IRDs associated with oxidative metabolism and/or inflammation, including inhibiting reactive oxygen species’ accumulation and inflammatory responses, and blocking autophagy. Several compounds are being tested in clinical trials, generating great expectations for their implementation. The present review discusses the main death mechanisms that occur in IRDs and the latest therapies that are under investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Pinilla
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lozano Blesa, University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Surgery, University of Zaragoza, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (V.M.)
| | - Laura Campello
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Laura Fernández-Sánchez
- Department of Optics, Pharmacology and Anatomy, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain;
| | - Natalia Martínez-Gil
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Oksana Kutsyr
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Xavier Sánchez-Sáez
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Carla Sánchez-Castillo
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Pedro Lax
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
| | - Nicolás Cuenca
- Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), 03010 Alicante, Spain; (P.L.); (N.C.)
- Department of Physiology, Genetics and Microbiology, University of Alicante, 03690 Alicante, Spain; (L.C.); (N.M.-G.); (O.K.); (X.S.-S.); (C.S.-C.)
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7
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Combined drug triads for synergic neuroprotection in retinal degeneration. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 149:112911. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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8
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Pouso MR, Cairrao E. Effect of retinoic acid on the neurovascular unit: A review. Brain Res Bull 2022; 184:34-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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9
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Bianca Maria Platania C, Drago F, Bucolo C. The P2X7 receptor as a new pharmacological target for retinal diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2022; 198:114942. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.114942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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10
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Rönnbäck L, Johansson B. Long-Lasting Pathological Mental Fatigue After Brain Injury–A Dysfunction in Glutamate Neurotransmission? Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:791984. [PMID: 35173592 PMCID: PMC8841553 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.791984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-lasting mental or cognitive fatigue may be a disabling symptom after physically recovered skull trauma, stroke, infection, or inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). It is difficult to go back to work and participate in familiar social activities, as typically the person is only able to remain mentally active for short periods, and if mentally exhausted, the recovery time will be disproportionally long. Mental fatigue after traumatic brain injury correlates with brain information processing speed. Information processing is energy consuming and requires widespread and specific neural signaling. Glutamate signaling is essential for information processing, including learning and memory. Low levels and the fine-tuning of extracellular glutamate are necessary to maintain a high precision in information processing. The astroglial cells are responsible for the fine-tuning of the glutamate transmission, but this capacity is attenuated by substances or conditions associated with neuro-inflammation in brain pathology. In this paper, we extend our previously presented hypothesis on the cellular mechanisms underlying mental fatigue suggesting a dysfunction in the astroglial support of the glutamate transmission. Changes in other neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, GABA, and acetylcholine after brain injury are also taken into consideration.
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11
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Mugisho OO, Green CR. The NLRP3 inflammasome in age-related eye disease: Evidence-based connexin hemichannel therapeutics. Exp Eye Res 2021; 215:108911. [PMID: 34958779 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The inflammasome pathway is a fundamental component of the innate immune system, playing a key role especially in chronic age-related eye diseases (AREDs). The inflammasome is of particular interest because it is a common disease pathway that once instigated, can amplify and perpetuate itself leading to chronic inflammation. With aging, it becomes more difficult to shut down inflammation after an insult but the common pathway means that a shared solution may be feasible that could be effective across multiple disease indications. This review focusses on the NLRP3 inflammasome, the most studied and characterized inflammasome in the eye. It describes the two-step signalling required for NLRP3 inflammasome complex activation, and provides evidence for its role in AREDs. In the final section, the article gives an overview of potential NLRP3 inflammasome targeting therapies, before presenting evidence for connexin hemichannel regulators as upstream blockers of inflammasome activation. These have shown therapeutic efficacy in multiple ocular disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odunayo O Mugisho
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Colin R Green
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, New Zealand
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12
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Ernst C, Skov Jensen P, Aalkjaer C, Bek T. Differential Effects of Intra- and Extravascular ATP on the Diameter of Porcine Vessels at Different Branching Levels Ex Vivo. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:8. [PMID: 33035289 PMCID: PMC7552936 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.12.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is involved in the diameter regulation of retinal vessels. The compound has been shown to induce both constriction and dilatation, but the detailed mechanisms underlying these effects and the site of action of the compound are not known in detail. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the vasoactive effects of ATP on retinal vessels depend on intra- and extravascular application, and to study whether the effects differ at different vascular branching levels. Methods Diameter changes in arterioles, pre-capillary arterioles, and capillaries were studied in perfused porcine hemiretinas (n = 48) ex vivo after intra- and extravascular application of the nondegradable ATP analogue ATP-γ-S or ATP in the presence or not of antagonists to the CD73/ecto-5′-nucleotidase (AOPCP), the P2-purinergic receptor (PPADS), the A3-adenosine receptor (MRS1523), and the synthesis of cyclooxygenase products (ibuprofen). Results Intravascular ATP-induced constriction and extravascular ATP-induced dilatation of retinal arterioles, pre-capillary arterioles and capillaries, and dilatation was inhibited by ibuprofen. Both constriction and dilatation of arterioles were inhibited by antagonizing ATP degradation. Furthermore, constriction at all three branching levels was antagonized by blocking the A3 purinoceptor, whereas constriction in arterioles and pre-capillary arterioles was antagonized by blocking the P2 purinoceptor. Conclusions ATP affects the diameter of retinal arterioles, pre-capillary arterioles, and capillaries through different pathways, and the effects depend on whether the compound is administered intravascularly or extravascularly. This may form the basis for selective interventions on retinal vascular disease with differential involvement of vessels at different branching levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Ernst
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Peter Skov Jensen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Christian Aalkjaer
- Department of Biomedicine (Physiology), University of Aarhus, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Toke Bek
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
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13
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Loesch A. On P2X receptors in the brain: microvessels. Dedicated to the memory of the late Professor Geoffrey Burnstock (1929-2020). Cell Tissue Res 2021; 384:577-588. [PMID: 33755804 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-021-03411-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This tribute article presents selected immunocytochemical and transmission electron microscope data on the location of ATP-gated P2X receptor in the rat brain, as studied in the 1990s in Prof G. Burnstock's laboratory at University College London. There are examples of immuno-ultrastructural findings and introductory information about pre- and post-synaptic location of P2X receptors in the rat cerebellum and endocrine hypothalamus to support the concept of purinergic transmission in the central nervous system. Then findings of diverse immunoreactivity for P2X1, P2X2, P2X4, and P2X6 receptors associated with brain microvessels are shown, including vascular endothelium and pericytes as well as perivascular astrocytes and neuronal components. These findings imply the involvement of P2X receptors and hence purinergic signalling in the neurovascular unit, at least in microvessels in the rat cerebellum and hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei examined here. Various aspects of P2X receptors in brain microvessels are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Loesch
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Division of Medicine, University College London Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK.
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14
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Antonioli L, Fornai M, Pellegrini C, D'Antongiovanni V, Turiello R, Morello S, Haskó G, Blandizzi C. Adenosine Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1270:145-167. [PMID: 33123998 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-47189-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine, deriving from ATP released by dying cancer cells and then degradated in the tumor environment by CD39/CD73 enzyme axis, is linked to the generation of an immunosuppressed niche favoring the onset of neoplasia. Signals delivered by extracellular adenosine are detected and transduced by G-protein-coupled cell surface receptors, classified into four subtypes: A1, A2A, A2B, and A3. A critical role of this nucleoside is emerging in the modulation of several immune and nonimmune cells defining the tumor microenvironment, providing novel insights about the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at undermining the immune-privileged sites where cancer cells grow and proliferate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Antonioli
- Unit of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Matteo Fornai
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberta Turiello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy.,PhD Program in Drug discovery and Development, Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - Silvana Morello
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Fisciano, Italy
| | - György Haskó
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corrado Blandizzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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15
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Hariharan A, Weir N, Robertson C, He L, Betsholtz C, Longden TA. The Ion Channel and GPCR Toolkit of Brain Capillary Pericytes. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:601324. [PMID: 33390906 PMCID: PMC7775489 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.601324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain pericytes reside on the abluminal surface of capillaries, and their processes cover ~90% of the length of the capillary bed. These cells were first described almost 150 years ago (Eberth, 1871; Rouget, 1873) and have been the subject of intense experimental scrutiny in recent years, but their physiological roles remain uncertain and little is known of the complement of signaling elements that they employ to carry out their functions. In this review, we synthesize functional data with single-cell RNAseq screens to explore the ion channel and G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) toolkit of mesh and thin-strand pericytes of the brain, with the aim of providing a framework for deeper explorations of the molecular mechanisms that govern pericyte physiology. We argue that their complement of channels and receptors ideally positions capillary pericytes to play a central role in adapting blood flow to meet the challenge of satisfying neuronal energy requirements from deep within the capillary bed, by enabling dynamic regulation of their membrane potential to influence the electrical output of the cell. In particular, we outline how genetic and functional evidence suggest an important role for Gs-coupled GPCRs and ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels in this context. We put forth a predictive model for long-range hyperpolarizing electrical signaling from pericytes to upstream arterioles, and detail the TRP and Ca2+ channels and Gq, Gi/o, and G12/13 signaling processes that counterbalance this. We underscore critical questions that need to be addressed to further advance our understanding of the signaling topology of capillary pericytes, and how this contributes to their physiological roles and their dysfunction in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Hariharan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nick Weir
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Colin Robertson
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Liqun He
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Christer Betsholtz
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Medicine Huddinge (MedH), Karolinska Institutet & Integrated Cardio Metabolic Centre, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Thomas A Longden
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
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16
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Hørlyck S, Cai C, Helms HCC, Lauritzen M, Brodin B. ATP induces contraction of cultured brain capillary pericytes via activation of P2Y-type purinergic receptors. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2020; 320:H699-H712. [PMID: 33306443 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00560.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Brain capillary pericytes have been suggested to play a role in the regulation of cerebral blood flow under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. ATP has been shown to cause constriction of capillaries under ischemic conditions and suggested to be involved in the "no-reflow" phenomenon. To investigate the effects of extracellular ATP on pericyte cell contraction, we studied purinergic receptor activation of cultured bovine brain capillary pericytes. We measured intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) responses to purinergic agonists with the fluorescent indicators fura-2 and Cal-520 and estimated contraction of pericytes as relative change in cell area, using real-time confocal imaging. Addition of ATP caused an increase in cytosolic calcium and contraction of the brain capillary pericytes, both reversible and inhibited by the purinergic receptor antagonist pyridoxalphosphate-6-azophenyl-2',4'-disulfonic acid (PPADS). Furthermore, we demonstrated that ATP-induced contraction could be eliminated by intracellular calcium chelation with BAPTA, indicating that the contraction was mediated via purinergic P2-type receptor-mediated [Ca2+]i signaling. ATP stimulation induced inositol triphosphate signaling, consistent with the notion of P2Y receptor activation. Receptor profiling studies demonstrated the presence of P2Y1 and P2Y2 receptors, using ATP, UTP, ADP, and the subtype specific agonists MRS2365 (P2Y1) and 2-thio-UTP (P2Y2). Addition of specific P2X agonists only caused an [Ca2+]i increase at high concentrations, attributed to activation of inositol triphosphate signaling. Our results suggest that contraction of brain capillary pericytes in vitro by activation of P2Y-type purinergic receptors is caused by intracellular calcium release. This adds more mechanistic understanding of the role of pericytes in vessel constriction and points toward P2Y receptors as potential therapeutic targets.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The study concerns brain capillary pericytes, which have been suggested to play a role in the regulation of cerebral blood flow. We show that extracellular ATP causes contraction of primary brain pericytes by stimulation of purinergic receptors and subsequent release of intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). The contraction is mainly mediated through activation of P2Y-receptor subtypes, including P2Y1 and P2Y2. These findings add more mechanistic understanding of the role of pericytes in regulation of capillary blood flow. ATP was earlier suggested to be involved in capillary constriction in brain pathologies, and our study gives a detailed account of a part of this important mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Hørlyck
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Changsi Cai
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Martin Lauritzen
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birger Brodin
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Dihydrotanshinone, a Natural Diterpenoid, Preserves Blood-Retinal Barrier Integrity via P2X7 Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239305. [PMID: 33291318 PMCID: PMC7730037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of P2X7 signaling, due to high glucose levels, leads to blood retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown, which is a hallmark of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Furthermore, several studies report that high glucose (HG) conditions and the related activation of the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) lead to the over-expression of pro-inflammatory markers. In order to identify novel P2X7R antagonists, we carried out virtual screening on a focused compound dataset, including indole derivatives and natural compounds such as caffeic acid phenethyl ester derivatives, flavonoids, and diterpenoids. Molecular Mechanics/Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA) rescoring and structural fingerprint clustering of docking poses from virtual screening highlighted that the diterpenoid dihydrotanshinone (DHTS) clustered with the well-known P2X7R antagonist JNJ47965567. A human-based in vitro BRB model made of retinal pericytes, astrocytes, and endothelial cells was used to assess the potential protective effect of DHTS against HG and 2′(3′)-O-(4-Benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine-5′-triphosphate (BzATP), a P2X7R agonist, insult. We found that HG/BzATP exposure generated BRB breakdown by enhancing barrier permeability (trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER)) and reducing the levels of ZO-1 and VE-cadherin junction proteins as well as of the Cx-43 mRNA expression levels. Furthermore, HG levels and P2X7R agonist treatment led to increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators (TLR-4, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-8) and other molecular markers (P2X7R, VEGF-A, and ICAM-1), along with enhanced production of reactive oxygen species. Treatment with DHTS preserved the BRB integrity from HG/BzATP damage. The protective effects of DHTS were also compared to the validated P2X7R antagonist, JNJ47965567. In conclusion, we provided new findings pointing out the therapeutic potential of DHTS, which is an inhibitor of P2X7R, in terms of preventing and/or counteracting the BRB dysfunctions elicited by HG conditions.
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18
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Mai-Morente SP, Marset VM, Blanco F, Isasi EE, Abudara V. A nuclear fluorescent dye identifies pericytes at the neurovascular unit. J Neurochem 2020; 157:1377-1391. [PMID: 32974913 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Perivascular pericytes are key regulators of the blood-brain barrier, vascular development, and cerebral blood flow. Deciphering pericyte roles in health and disease requires cellular tracking; yet, pericyte identification remains challenging. A previous study reported that the far-red fluorophore TO-PRO-3 (642/661), usually employed as a nuclear dye in fixed tissue, was selectively captured by live pericytes from the subventricular zone. Herein, we validated TO-PRO-3 as a specific pericyte tracer in the nervous system (NS). Living pericytes from ex vivo murine hippocampus, cortex, spinal cord, and retina robustly incorporated TO-PRO-3. Classical pericyte immunomarkers such as chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan neuron-glial antigen 2 (NG2) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta antigen (PDGFrβ) and the new pericyte dye NeuroTrace 500/525 confirmed cellular specificity of dye uptake. The TO-PRO-3 signal enabled quantification of pericytes density and morphometry; likewise, TO-PRO-3 labeling allowed visualization of pericytes associated with other components of the neurovascular unit. A subset of TO-PRO-3 stained cells expressed the contractile protein α-SMA, indicative of their ability to control the capillary diameter. Uptake of TO-PRO-3 was independent of connexin/pannexin channels but was highly sensitive to temperature and showed saturation, suggesting that a yet unidentified protein-mediated active transport sustained dye incorporation. We conclude that TO-PRO-3 labeling provides a reliable and simple tool for the bioimaging of pericytes in the murine NS microvasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra P Mai-Morente
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Virginia M Marset
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Fabiana Blanco
- Departamento de Biofísica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Eugenia E Isasi
- Departamento de Histología y Embriología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Verónica Abudara
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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19
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Shokoples BG, Paradis P, Schiffrin EL. P2X7 Receptors: An Untapped Target for the Management of Cardiovascular Disease. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 41:186-199. [PMID: 32998520 PMCID: PMC7752223 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic low-grade inflammation contributes to the development of several diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Adequate strategies to target inflammation in cardiovascular disease are in their infancy and remain an avenue of great interest. The purinergic receptor P2X7 is a ubiquitously expressed receptor that predominately mediates inflammation and cellular death. P2X7 is a ligand-gated cation channel that is activated in response to high concentrations of extracellular ATP, triggering the assembly and activation of the NLRP3 (nuclear oligomerization domain like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3) inflammasome and subsequent release of proinflammatory cytokines IL (interleukin)-1β and IL-18. Increased P2X7 activation and IL-1β and IL-18 concentrations have been implicated in the development of many cardiovascular conditions including hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and heart failure. P2X7 receptor KO (knockout) mice exhibit a significant attenuation of the inflammatory response, which corresponds with reduced disease severity. P2X7 antagonism blunts blood pressure elevation in hypertension and progression of atherosclerosis in animal models. IL-1β and IL-18 inhibition has shown efficacy in clinical trials reducing major adverse cardiac events, including myocardial infarction, and heart failure. With several P2X7 antagonists available with proven safety margins, P2X7 antagonism could represent an untapped potential for therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon G. Shokoples
- Vascular and Hypertension Research Unit, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research (B.G.S., P.P., E.L.S.), Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre Paradis
- Vascular and Hypertension Research Unit, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research (B.G.S., P.P., E.L.S.), Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ernesto L. Schiffrin
- Vascular and Hypertension Research Unit, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research (B.G.S., P.P., E.L.S.), Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine (E.L.S.), Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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20
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Freitas-Andrade M, Raman-Nair J, Lacoste B. Structural and Functional Remodeling of the Brain Vasculature Following Stroke. Front Physiol 2020; 11:948. [PMID: 32848875 PMCID: PMC7433746 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintenance of cerebral blood vessel integrity and regulation of cerebral blood flow ensure proper brain function. The adult human brain represents only a small portion of the body mass, yet about a quarter of the cardiac output is dedicated to energy consumption by brain cells at rest. Due to a low capacity to store energy, brain health is heavily reliant on a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients from the bloodstream, and is thus particularly vulnerable to stroke. Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide. By transiently or permanently limiting tissue perfusion, stroke alters vascular integrity and function, compromising brain homeostasis and leading to widespread consequences from early-onset motor deficits to long-term cognitive decline. While numerous lines of investigation have been undertaken to develop new pharmacological therapies for stroke, only few advances have been made and most clinical trials have failed. Overall, our understanding of the acute and chronic vascular responses to stroke is insufficient, yet a better comprehension of cerebrovascular remodeling following stroke is an essential prerequisite for developing novel therapeutic options. In this review, we present a comprehensive update on post-stroke cerebrovascular remodeling, an important and growing field in neuroscience, by discussing cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, sex differences, limitations of preclinical research design and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Raman-Nair
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Baptiste Lacoste
- Neuroscience Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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21
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Calzaferri F, Ruiz-Ruiz C, de Diego AMG, de Pascual R, Méndez-López I, Cano-Abad MF, Maneu V, de Los Ríos C, Gandía L, García AG. The purinergic P2X7 receptor as a potential drug target to combat neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Med Res Rev 2020; 40:2427-2465. [PMID: 32677086 DOI: 10.1002/med.21710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) represent a huge social burden, particularly in Alzheimer's disease (AD) in which all proposed treatments investigated in murine models have failed during clinical trials (CTs). Thus, novel therapeutic strategies remain crucial. Neuroinflammation is a common pathogenic feature of NDDs. As purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7Rs) are gatekeepers of inflammation, they could be developed as drug targets for NDDs. Herein, we review this challenging hypothesis and comment on the numerous studies that have investigated P2X7Rs, emphasizing their molecular structure and functions, as well as their role in inflammation. Then, we elaborate on research undertaken in the field of medicinal chemistry to determine potential P2X7R antagonists. Subsequently, we review the state of neuroinflammation and P2X7R expression in the brain, in animal models and patients suffering from AD, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, and retinal degeneration. Next, we summarize the in vivo studies testing the hypothesis that by mitigating neuroinflammation, P2X7R blockers afford neuroprotection, increasing neuroplasticity and neuronal repair in animal models of NDDs. Finally, we reviewed previous and ongoing CTs investigating compounds directed toward targets associated with NDDs; we propose that CTs with P2X7R antagonists should be initiated. Despite the high expectations for putative P2X7Rs antagonists in various central nervous system diseases, the field is moving forward at a relatively slow pace, presumably due to the complexity of P2X7Rs. A better pharmacological approach to combat NDDs would be a dual strategy, combining P2X7R antagonism with drugs targeting a selective pathway in a given NDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Calzaferri
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Ruiz-Ruiz
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio M G de Diego
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo de Pascual
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Iago Méndez-López
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María F Cano-Abad
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Maneu
- Departamento de Óptica, Farmacología y Anatomía, Universidad de Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Spain
| | - Cristóbal de Los Ríos
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Gandía
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio G García
- Departamento de Farmacología, Instituto-Fundación Teófilo Hernando, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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22
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Abstract
Purpose of review Pericytes are essential components of capillaries in many tissues and organs, contributing to vessel stability and integrity, with additional contributions to microvascular function still being discovered. We review current and foundational studies identifying pericyte differentiation mechanics and their roles in the earliest stages of vessel formation. Recent findings Recent advances in pericyte-focused tools and models have illuminated critical aspects of pericyte biology including their roles in vascular development.Pericytes likely collaborate with endothelial cells undergoing vasculogenesis, initiating direct interactions during sprouting and intussusceptive angiogenesis. Pericytes also provide important regulation of vascular growth including mechanisms underlying vessel pruning, rarefaction, and subsequent regrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Beth Payne
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech-Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Maruf Hoque
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech-Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.,Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Clifton Houk
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA.,Previous Affiliations
| | - Jordan Darden
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech-Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.,Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.,Previous Affiliations
| | - John C Chappell
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech-Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.,Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, 24016, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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23
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Wareham LK, Calkins DJ. The Neurovascular Unit in Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:452. [PMID: 32656207 PMCID: PMC7325980 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a neurodegenerative disease of the visual system and leading cause of blindness worldwide. The disease is associated with sensitivity to intraocular pressure (IOP), which over a large range of magnitudes stresses retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons as they pass through the optic nerve head in forming the optic projection to the brain. Despite clinical efforts to lower IOP, which is the only modifiable risk factor for glaucoma, RGC degeneration and ensuing loss of vision often persist. A major contributor to failure of hypotensive regimens is the multifactorial nature of how IOP-dependent stress influences RGC physiology and structure. This stress is conveyed to the RGC axon through interactions with structural, glial, and vascular components in the nerve head and retina. These interactions promote pro-degenerative pathways involving biomechanical, metabolic, oxidative, inflammatory, immunological and vascular challenges to the microenvironment of the ganglion cell and its axon. Here, we focus on the contribution of vascular dysfunction and breakdown of neurovascular coupling in glaucoma. The vascular networks of the retina and optic nerve head have evolved complex mechanisms that help to maintain a continuous blood flow and supply of metabolites despite fluctuations in ocular perfusion pressure. In healthy tissue, autoregulation and neurovascular coupling enable blood flow to stay tightly controlled. In glaucoma patients evidence suggests these pathways are dysfunctional, thus highlighting a potential role for pathways involved in vascular dysfunction in progression and as targets for novel therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren K Wareham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - David J Calkins
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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24
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Kovacs-Oller T, Ivanova E, Bianchimano P, Sagdullaev BT. The pericyte connectome: spatial precision of neurovascular coupling is driven by selective connectivity maps of pericytes and endothelial cells and is disrupted in diabetes. Cell Discov 2020; 6:39. [PMID: 32566247 PMCID: PMC7296038 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-020-0180-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional hyperemia, or the matching of blood flow with activity, directs oxygen and nutrients to regionally firing neurons. The mechanisms responsible for this spatial accuracy remain unclear but are critical for brain function and establish the diagnostic resolution of BOLD-fMRI. Here, we described a mosaic of pericytes, the vasomotor capillary cells in the living retina. We then tested whether this net of pericytes and surrounding neuroglia predicted a connectivity map in response to sensory stimuli. Surprisingly, we found that these connections were not only selective across cell types, but also highly asymmetric spatially. First, pericytes connected predominantly to other neighboring pericytes and endothelial cells, and less to arteriolar smooth muscle cells, and not to surrounding neurons or glia. Second, focal, but not global stimulation evoked a directional vasomotor response by strengthening connections along the feeding vascular branch. This activity required local NO signaling and occurred by means of direct coupling via gap junctions. By contrast, bath application of NO or diabetes, a common microvascular pathology, not only weakened the vascular signaling but also abolished its directionality. We conclude that the exclusivity of neurovascular interactions may thus establish spatial accuracy of blood delivery with the precision of the neuronal receptive field size, and is disrupted early in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamas Kovacs-Oller
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605 USA
- Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, H-7624 Hungary
| | - Elena Ivanova
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605 USA
| | | | - Botir T. Sagdullaev
- Burke Neurological Institute, White Plains, NY 10605 USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065 USA
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25
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Nelson AR, Sagare MA, Wang Y, Kisler K, Zhao Z, Zlokovic BV. Channelrhodopsin Excitation Contracts Brain Pericytes and Reduces Blood Flow in the Aging Mouse Brain in vivo. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:108. [PMID: 32410982 PMCID: PMC7201096 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Brains depend on blood flow for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients essential for proper neuronal and synaptic functioning. French physiologist Rouget was the first to describe pericytes in 1873 as regularly arranged longitudinal amoeboid cells on capillaries that have a muscular coat, implying that these are contractile cells that regulate blood flow. Although there have been >30 publications from different groups, including our group, demonstrating that pericytes are contractile cells that can regulate hemodynamic responses in the brain, the role of pericytes in controlling cerebral blood flow (CBF) has not been confirmed by all studies. Moreover, recent studies using different optogenetic models to express light-sensitive channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) cation channels in pericytes were not conclusive; one, suggesting that pericytes expressing ChR2 do not contract after light stimulus, and the other, demonstrating contraction of pericytes expressing ChR2 after light stimulus. Since two-photon optogenetics provides a powerful tool to study mechanisms of blood flow regulation at the level of brain capillaries, we re-examined the contractility of brain pericytes in vivo using a new optogenetic model developed by crossing our new inducible pericyte-specific CreER mouse line with ChR2 mice. We induced expression of ChR2 in pericytes with tamoxifen, excited ChR2 by 488 nm light, and monitored pericyte contractility, brain capillary diameter changes, and red blood cell (RBC) velocity in aged mice by in vivo two-photon microscopy. Excitation of ChR2 resulted in pericyte contraction followed by constriction of the underlying capillary leading to approximately an 8% decrease (p = 0.006) in capillary diameter. ChR2 excitation in pericytes substantially reduced capillary RBC flow by 42% (p = 0.03) during the stimulation period compared to the velocity before stimulation. Our data suggests that pericytes contract in vivo and regulate capillary blood flow in the aging mouse brain. By extension, this might have implications for neurological disorders of the aging human brain associated with neurovascular dysfunction and pericyte loss such as stroke and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Berislav V. Zlokovic
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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26
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Liu Q, Yang Y, Fan X. Microvascular pericytes in brain-associated vascular disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 121:109633. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
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27
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Ivanova E, Kovacs-Oller T, Sagdullaev BT. Domain-specific distribution of gap junctions defines cellular coupling to establish a vascular relay in the retina. J Comp Neurol 2019; 527:2675-2693. [PMID: 30950036 PMCID: PMC6721971 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In the retina, diverse functions of neuronal gap junctions (GJs) have been established. However, the distribution and function of vascular GJs are less clear. Here in the mouse retina whole mounts, we combined structural immunohistochemical analysis and a functional assessment of cellular coupling with a GJ-permeable tracer Neurobiotin to determine distribution patterns of three major vascular connexins. We found that Cx43 was expressed in punctate fashion on astroglia, surrounding all types of blood vessels and in continuous string-like structures along endothelial cell contacts in specialized regions of the vascular tree. Specifically, these Cx43-positive strings originated at the finest capillaries and extended toward the feeding artery. As this structural arrangement promoted strong and exclusive coupling of pericytes and endothelial cells along the corresponding branch, we termed this region a "vascular relay." Cx40 expression was found predominantly along the endothelial cell contacts of the primary arteries and did not overlap with Cx43-positive strings. At their occupied territories, Cx43 and Cx40 clustered with tight junctions and, to a lesser extent, with adhesion contacts, both key elements of the blood-retina barrier. Finally, Cx37 puncta were associated with the entire surface of both mural and endothelial cells across all regions of the vascular tree. This combinatorial analysis of vascular connexins and identification of the vascular relay region will serve as a structural foundation for future studies of neurovascular signaling in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ivanova
- Burke Neurological Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, New York
| | - Tamas Kovacs-Oller
- Burke Neurological Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, New York
| | - Botir T Sagdullaev
- Burke Neurological Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, New York
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28
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Blood-retinal barrier protection against high glucose damage: The role of P2X7 receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 168:249-258. [PMID: 31302133 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Blood retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown is a hallmark of diabetic retinopathy, whose occurrence in early or later phases of the disease has not yet been completely clarified. Recent evidence suggests that hyperglycemia induces activation of the P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) leading to pericyte cell death. We herein investigated the role of P2X7R on retinal endothelial cells viability and expression of tight- and adherens-junctions following high glucose (HG) exposure. We found that HG elicited P2X7R activation and expression and release of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in human retinal endothelial cells (HRECs). Furthermore, HG exposure caused a decrease in HRECs viability and a damage of the BRB. JNJ47965567, a P2X7R antagonist, protected HRECs from HG-induced damage (LDH release) and preserved the BRB, as shown by transendothelial electrical resistance and cell junction morphology (ZO-1, claudin-5 and VE-cadherin). Moreover, JNJ47965567 treatment significantly decreased IL-1β expression and release, elicited by HG. These data indicate that P2X7R plays an important role to regulate BRB integrity, in particular the block of this receptor was useful to counteract the damage elicited by HG in HRECs, and warranting further clinical evaluation of P2X7R antagonists for the treatment of diabetic macular edema.
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Methner C, Mishra A, Golgotiu K, Li Y, Wei W, Yanez ND, Zlokovic B, Wang RK, Alkayed NJ, Kaul S, Iliff JJ. Pericyte constriction underlies capillary derecruitment during hyperemia in the setting of arterial stenosis. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 317:H255-H263. [PMID: 31125259 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00097.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Capillary derecruitment distal to a coronary stenosis is implicated as the mechanism of reversible perfusion defect and potential myocardial ischemia during coronary hyperemia; however, the underlying mechanisms are not defined. We tested whether pericyte constriction underlies capillary derecruitment during hyperemia under conditions of stenosis. In vivo two-photon microscopy (2PM) and optical microangiography (OMAG) were used to measure hyperemia-induced changes in capillary diameter and perfusion in wild-type and pericyte-depleted mice with femoral artery stenosis. OMAG demonstrated that hyperemic challenge under stenosis produced capillary derecruitment associated with decreased RBC flux. 2PM demonstrated that hyperemia under control conditions induces 26 ± 5% of capillaries to dilate and 19 ± 3% to constrict. After stenosis, the proportion of capillaries dilating to hyperemia decreased to 14 ± 4% (P = 0.05), whereas proportion of constricting capillaries increased to 32 ± 4% (P = 0.05). Hyperemia-induced changes in capillary diameter occurred preferentially in capillary segments invested with pericytes. In a transgenic mouse model featuring partial pericyte depletion, only 14 ± 3% of capillaries constricted to hyperemic challenge after stenosis, a significant reduction from 33 ± 4% in wild-type littermate controls (P = 0.04). These results provide for the first time direct visualization of hyperemia-induced capillary derecruitment distal to arterial stenosis and demonstrate that pericyte constriction underlies this phenomenon in vivo. These results could have important therapeutic implications in the treatment of exercise-induced ischemia. NEW & NOTEWORTHY In the setting of coronary arterial stenosis, hyperemia produces a reversible perfusion defect resulting from capillary derecruitment that is believed to underlie cardiac ischemia under hyperemic conditions. We use optical microangiography and in vivo two-photon microscopy to visualize capillary derecruitment distal to a femoral arterial stenosis with cellular resolution. We demonstrate that capillary constriction in response to hyperemia in the setting of stenosis is dependent on pericytes, contractile mural cells investing the microcirculation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Methner
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
| | - Anusha Mishra
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
| | - Kirsti Golgotiu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
| | - Yuandong Li
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | - N David Yanez
- Division of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
| | - Berislav Zlokovic
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California , Los Angeles, California
| | - Ruikang K Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington , Seattle, Washington
| | - Nabil J Alkayed
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
| | - Sanjiv Kaul
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
| | - Jeffrey J Iliff
- Knight Cardiovascular Institute, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon
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30
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Isasi E, Korte N, Abudara V, Attwell D, Olivera-Bravo S. Glutaric Acid Affects Pericyte Contractility and Migration: Possible Implications for GA-I Pathogenesis. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:7694-7707. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1620-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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31
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Cheng J, Korte N, Nortley R, Sethi H, Tang Y, Attwell D. Targeting pericytes for therapeutic approaches to neurological disorders. Acta Neuropathol 2018; 136:507-523. [PMID: 30097696 PMCID: PMC6132947 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-018-1893-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many central nervous system diseases currently lack effective treatment and are often associated with defects in microvascular function, including a failure to match the energy supplied by the blood to the energy used on neuronal computation, or a breakdown of the blood–brain barrier. Pericytes, an under-studied cell type located on capillaries, are of crucial importance in regulating diverse microvascular functions, such as angiogenesis, the blood–brain barrier, capillary blood flow and the movement of immune cells into the brain. They also form part of the “glial” scar isolating damaged parts of the CNS, and may have stem cell-like properties. Recent studies have suggested that pericytes play a crucial role in neurological diseases, and are thus a therapeutic target in disorders as diverse as stroke, traumatic brain injury, migraine, epilepsy, spinal cord injury, diabetes, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, glioma, radiation necrosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here we report recent advances in our understanding of pericyte biology and discuss how pericytes could be targeted to develop novel therapeutic approaches to neurological disorders, by increasing blood flow, preserving blood–brain barrier function, regulating immune cell entry to the CNS, and modulating formation of blood vessels in, and the glial scar around, damaged regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yan Jiang Xi Rd, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Nils Korte
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ross Nortley
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Huma Sethi
- Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Yamei Tang
- Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107 Yan Jiang Xi Rd, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - David Attwell
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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32
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Grygorowicz T, Dąbrowska-Bouta B, Strużyńska L. Administration of an antagonist of P2X7 receptor to EAE rats prevents a decrease of expression of claudin-5 in cerebral capillaries. Purinergic Signal 2018; 14:385-393. [PMID: 30091000 PMCID: PMC6298928 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-018-9620-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purinergic P2X receptors, when activated under pathological conditions, participate in induction of the inflammatory response and/or cell death. Both neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration represent hallmarks of multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system. In the current study, we examined whether P2X7R is expressed in brain microvasculature of rats subjected to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and explore possible relationships with blood-brain barrier (BBB) protein—claudin-5 after administration of P2X7R antagonist—Brilliant Blue G (BBG). Capillary fraction isolated from control and EAE rat brains was subjected to immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses. We document the presence of P2X7R in brain capillaries isolated from brain tissue of EAE rats. P2X7R is found to be localized on the abluminal surface of the microvessels and is co-expressed with PDGFβR, a marker of pericytes. We also show over-expression of this receptor in isolated capillaries during the course of EAE, which is temporally correlated with a lower protein level of PDGFβR, as well as claudin-5, a tight junction-building protein. Administration of a P2X7R antagonist to the immunized rats significantly reduced clinical signs of EAE and enhances protein expression of both claudin-5 and PDGFβR. These results indicate that P2X7 receptor located on pericytes may contribute to pathological mechanisms operated during EAE in cerebral microvessels influencing the BBB integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Grygorowicz
- Laboratory of Pathoneurochemistry Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego str., 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Dąbrowska-Bouta
- Laboratory of Pathoneurochemistry Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego str., 02-106, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Strużyńska
- Laboratory of Pathoneurochemistry Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego str., 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
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33
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Sugiyama T. Special Issue for Purinergic Receptors, Particularly P2X 7 Receptor, in the Eye. Vision (Basel) 2018; 2:E30. [PMID: 31735893 PMCID: PMC6835916 DOI: 10.3390/vision2030030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Sugiyama
- Nakano Eye Clinic of Kyoto Medical Co-operative, Kyoto 604-8404, Japan; ; Tel.: +81-75-801-4151
- Department of Ophthalmology, Osaka Medical College, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-8686, Japan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Toho University Sakura Medical Center, Sakura, Chiba 285-8741, Japan
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34
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Purinergic Vasotoxicity: Role of the Pore/Oxidant/K ATP Channel/Ca 2+ Pathway in P2X 7-Induced Cell Death in Retinal Capillaries. Vision (Basel) 2018; 2. [PMID: 30288454 PMCID: PMC6166475 DOI: 10.3390/vision2030025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
P2X7 receptor/channels in the retinal microvasculature not only regulate vasomotor activity, but can also trigger cells in the capillaries to die. While it is known that this purinergic vasotoxicity is dependent on the transmembrane pores that form during P2X7 activation, events linking pore formation with cell death remain uncertain. To better understand this pathophysiological process, we used YO-PRO-1 uptake, dichlorofluorescein fluorescence, perforated-patch recordings, fura-2 imaging and trypan blue dye exclusion to assess the effects of the P2X7 agonist, benzoylbenzoyl-ATP (BzATP), on pore formation, oxidant production, ion channel activation, [Ca2+]i and cell viability. Experiments demonstrated that exposure of retinal microvessels to BzATP increases capillary cell oxidants via a mechanism dependent on pore formation and the enzyme, NADPH oxidase. Indicative that oxidation plays a key role in purinergic vasotoxicity, an inhibitor of this enzyme completely prevented BzATP-induced death. We further discovered that vasotoxicity was boosted 4-fold by a pathway involving the oxidation-driven activation of hyperpolarizing KATP channels and the resulting increase in calcium influx. Our findings revealed that the previously unappreciated pore/oxidant/KATP channel/Ca2+ pathway accounts for 75% of the capillary cell death triggered by sustained activation of P2X7 receptor/channels. Elucidation of this pathway is of potential therapeutic importance since purinergic vasotoxicity may play a role in sight-threatening disorders such as diabetic retinopathy.
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35
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Hashitani H, Mitsui R, Miwa-Nishimura K, Lam M. Role of capillary pericytes in the integration of spontaneous Ca 2+ transients in the suburothelial microvasculature in situ of the mouse bladder. J Physiol 2018; 596:3531-3552. [PMID: 29873405 DOI: 10.1113/jp275845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS In the bladder suburothelial microvasculature, pericytes in different microvascular segments develop spontaneous Ca2+ transients with or without associated constrictions. Spontaneous Ca2+ transients in pericytes of all microvascular segments primarily rely on the cycles of Ca2+ uptake and release by the sarco- and endoplasmic reticulum. The synchrony of spontaneous Ca2+ transients in capillary pericytes exclusively relies on the spread of depolarizations resulting from the opening of Ca2+ -activated chloride channels (CaCCs) via gap junctions. CaCC-dependent depolarizations further activate L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels as required for the synchrony of Ca2+ transients in pericytes of pre-capillary arterioles, post-capillary venules and venules. Capillary pericytes may drive spontaneous Ca2+ transients in pericytes within the suburothelial microvascular network by sending CaCC-dependent depolarizations via gap junctions. ABSTRACT Mural cells in the microvasculature of visceral organs develop spontaneous Ca2+ transients. However, the mechanisms underlying the integration of these Ca2+ transients within a microvascular unit remain to be clarified. In the present study, the origin of spontaneous Ca2+ transients and their propagation in the bladder suburothelial microvasculature were explored. Cal-520 fluorescence Ca2+ imaging and immunohistochemistry were carried out on mural cells using mice expressing red fluorescent protein (DsRed) under control of the NG2 promotor. NG2(+) pericytes in both pre-capillary arterioles (PCAs) and capillaries developed synchronous spontaneous Ca2+ transients. By contrast, although NG2-DsRed also labelled arteriolar smooth muscle cells, these cells remained quiescent. Both NG2(+) pericytes in post-capillary venules (PCVs) and NG2(-) venular pericytes exhibited propagated Ca2+ transients. L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channel (LVDCC) blockade with nifedipine prevented Ca2+ transients or disrupted their synchrony in PCA, PCV and venular pericytes without dis-synchronizing Ca2+ transients in capillary pericytes. Blockade of gap junctions with carbenoxolone or Ca2+ -activated chloride channels (CaCCs) with 4,4'-diisothiocyanato-2,2'-stilbenedisulphonic acid disodium salt prevented Ca2+ transients in PCA and venular pericytes and disrupted the synchrony of Ca2+ transients in capillary and PCV pericytes. Spontaneous Ca2+ transients in pericytes of all microvascular segments were abolished or suppressed by cyclopiazonic acid, caffeine or tetracaine. The synchrony of Ca2+ transients in capillary pericytes arising from spontaneous Ca2+ release from the sarco- and endoplasmic reticulum appears to rely exclusively on CaCC activation, whereas subsequent LVDCC activation is required for the synchrony of Ca2+ transients in pericytes of other microvascular segments. Capillary pericytes may drive spontaneous activity in the suburothelial microvascular unit to facilitate capillary perfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Hashitani
- Department of Cell Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Retsu Mitsui
- Department of Cell Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kyoko Miwa-Nishimura
- Department of Cell Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Michelle Lam
- Department of Cell Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
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36
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Stimulation-induced increases in cerebral blood flow and local capillary vasoconstriction depend on conducted vascular responses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E5796-E5804. [PMID: 29866853 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1707702115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional neuroimaging, such as fMRI, is based on coupling neuronal activity and accompanying changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and metabolism. However, the relationship between CBF and events at the level of the penetrating arterioles and capillaries is not well established. Recent findings suggest an active role of capillaries in CBF control, and pericytes on capillaries may be major regulators of CBF and initiators of functional imaging signals. Here, using two-photon microscopy of brains in living mice, we demonstrate that stimulation-evoked increases in synaptic activity in the mouse somatosensory cortex evokes capillary dilation starting mostly at the first- or second-order capillary, propagating upstream and downstream at 5-20 µm/s. Therefore, our data support an active role of pericytes in cerebrovascular control. The gliotransmitter ATP applied to first- and second-order capillaries by micropipette puffing induced dilation, followed by constriction, which also propagated at 5-20 µm/s. ATP-induced capillary constriction was blocked by purinergic P2 receptors. Thus, conducted vascular responses in capillaries may be a previously unidentified modulator of cerebrovascular function and functional neuroimaging signals.
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37
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Chen Z, He L, Li L, Chen L. The P2X7 purinergic receptor: An emerging therapeutic target in cardiovascular diseases. Clin Chim Acta 2018; 479:196-207. [PMID: 29366837 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2018.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The P2X7 purinergic receptor, a calcium permeable cationic channel, is activated by extracellular ATP. Most studies show that P2X7 receptor plays an important role in the nervous system diseases, immune response, osteoporosis and cancer. Mounting evidence indicates that P2X7 receptor is also associated with cardiovascular disease. For example, the P2X7 receptor activated by ATP can attenuate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. By contrast, inhibition of P2X7 receptor decreases arrhythmia after myocardial infarction, prolongs cardiac survival after a long term heart transplant, alleviates the dilated cardiomyopathy and the autoimmune myocarditis process. The P2X7 receptor also mitigates vascular diseases including atherosclerosis, hypertension, thrombosis and diabetic retinopathy. This review focuses on the latest research on the role and therapeutic potential of P2X7 receptor in cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lu He
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Lanfang Li
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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38
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The Role of Microglia in Diabetic Retinopathy: Inflammation, Microvasculature Defects and Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19010110. [PMID: 29301251 PMCID: PMC5796059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, which appears in one third of all diabetic patients and is a prominent cause of vision loss. First discovered as a microvascular disease, intensive research in the field identified inflammation and neurodegeneration to be part of diabetic retinopathy. Microglia, the resident monocytes of the retina, are activated due to a complex interplay between the different cell types of the retina and diverse pathological pathways. The trigger for developing diabetic retinopathy is diabetes-induced hyperglycemia, accompanied by leukostasis and vascular leakages. Transcriptional changes in activated microglia, mediated via the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB) and extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways, results in release of various pro-inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, caspases and glutamate. Activated microglia additionally increased proliferation and migration. Among other consequences, these changes in microglia severely affected retinal neurons, causing increased apoptosis and subsequent thinning of the nerve fiber layer, resulting in visual loss. New potential therapeutics need to interfere with these diabetic complications even before changes in the retina are diagnosed, to prevent neuronal apoptosis and blindness in patients.
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39
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Abstract
Müller glia, the principal macroglia of the retina, express diverse subtypes of adenosine and metabotropic purinergic (P2Y) receptors. Müller cells of several species, including man, also express ionotropic P2X7 receptors. ATP is liberated from Müller cells after activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors and during osmotic and mechanical induction of membrane stretch; adenosine is released through equilibrative nucleoside transporters. Müller cell-derived purines modulate the neuronal activity and have autocrine effects, for example, induction of glial calcium waves and regulation of the cellular volume. Glial calcium waves induced by neuron-derived ATP mediate functional hyperemia in the retina. Purinergic signaling contributes to the induction of Müller cell gliosis, for example, of cellular proliferation and downregulation of potassium channels, which are important for the homeostatic functions of Müller cells. Purinergic glial calcium waves may also promote the long-range propagation of gliosis and neuronal degeneration across the retinal tissue. The osmotic ATP release is inhibited under pathological conditions. Inhibition of the ATP release may result in osmotic Müller cell swelling and dysregulation of the water transport through the cells; both may contribute to the development of retinal edema. Suppression of the osmotic ATP release and upregulation of the ecto-apyrase (NTPDase1), which facilitate the extracellular degradation of ATP and the formation of adenosine, may protect neurons and photoreceptors from death due to overactivation of P2X receptors. Pharmacological inhibition of P2X7 receptors and stimulation of adenosine receptors may represent clinical approaches to prevent retinal cell death and dysregulated cell proliferation, and to treat retinal edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Reichenbach
- 1 Paul Flechsig Institute of Brain Research, University of Leipzig , Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Bringmann
- 2 Department of Ophthalmology and Eye Hospital, University of Leipzig , Leipzig, Germany
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40
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Joyal JS, Gantner ML, Smith LEH. Retinal energy demands control vascular supply of the retina in development and disease: The role of neuronal lipid and glucose metabolism. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 64:131-156. [PMID: 29175509 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 11/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Sébastien Joyal
- Department of Pediatrics, Pharmacology and Ophthalmology, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Qc, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada.
| | - Marin L Gantner
- The Lowy Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, United States
| | - Lois E H Smith
- Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston MA 02115, United States.
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41
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Zong Y, Xu H, Yu J, Jiang C, Kong X, He Y, Sun X. Retinal Vascular Autoregulation during Phase IV of the Valsalva Maneuver: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study in Healthy Chinese Adults. Front Physiol 2017; 8:553. [PMID: 28804464 PMCID: PMC5532432 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The impairment of retinal vascular autoregulation can be an early manifestation of many systemic and ocular diseases. Therefore, quantifying retinal vascular autoregulation in a non-invasive manner is very important. This study evaluated the effects of a Valsalva maneuver (VM)-induced blood pressure increases on retinal vascular autoregulation. Parafoveal and peripapillary retinal vessel density were measured with optical coherence tomography angiography before (baseline) and 5 s after each subject completed a VM (Phase IV [VM-IV]). Hemodynamic parameters and intraocular pressure (IOP) were examined. Blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial) and ocular perfusion pressure significantly increased during VM-IV, but IOP and heart rate (HR) did not change. The VM-induced blood pressure overshoot significantly decreased parafoveal (8.43%) and peripapillary (1.57%) perfused retinal vessel density (both P < 0.001). The response in the parafoveal region was greater than that in the peripapillary region (P < 0.001), and was age-dependent (r = 0.201, P < 0.05). Foveal avascular zone area detectable with OCTA significantly increased from baseline by 6.63% during VM-IV (P < 0.05). Autoregulatory responses to a VM did not show gender-related differences in either retinal region. The autoregulation of retinal vessels may vary in different regions of the fundus. Optical coherence tomography angiography could be a useful method for evaluating the autoregulation of the retinal vascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia of State Health Ministry and Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of ShanghaiShanghai, China
| | - Huan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia of State Health Ministry and Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of ShanghaiShanghai, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia of State Health Ministry and Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of ShanghaiShanghai, China
| | - Chunhui Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia of State Health Ministry and Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of ShanghaiShanghai, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, Fifth People's Hospital of ShanghaiShanghai, China
| | - Xiangmei Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia of State Health Ministry and Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of ShanghaiShanghai, China
| | - Yi He
- The Key Laboratory on Adaptive Optics, Chinese Academy of SciencesChengdu, China.,The Laboratory on Adaptive Optics, Institute of Optics and Electronics, Chinese Academy of SciencesChengdu, China
| | - Xinghuai Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan UniversityShanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Myopia of State Health Ministry and Key Laboratory of Visual Impairment and Restoration of ShanghaiShanghai, China
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42
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Vascular Pericyte Impairment and Connexin43 Gap Junction Deficit Contribute to Vasomotor Decline in Diabetic Retinopathy. J Neurosci 2017; 37:7580-7594. [PMID: 28674171 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0187-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Adequate blood flow is essential to brain function, and its disruption is an early indicator in diseases, such as stroke and diabetes. However, the mechanisms contributing to this impairment remain unclear. To address this gap, in the diabetic and nondiabetic male mouse retina, we combined an unbiased longitudinal assessment of vasomotor activity along a genetically defined vascular network with pharmacological and immunohistochemical analyses of pericytes, the capillary vasomotor elements. In nondiabetic retina, focal stimulation of a pericyte produced a robust vasomotor response, which propagated along the blood vessel with increasing stimulus. In contrast, the magnitude, dynamic range, a measure of fine vascular diameter control, and propagation of vasomotor response were diminished in diabetic retinas from streptozotocin-treated mice. These functional changes were linked to several mechanisms. We found that density of pericytes and their sensitivity to stimulation were reduced in diabetes. The impaired response propagation from the stimulation site was associated with lower expression of connexin43, a major known gap junction unit in vascular cells. Indeed, selective block of gap junctions significantly reduced propagation but not initiation of vasomotor response in the nondiabetic retina. Our data establish the mechanisms for fine local regulation of capillary diameter by pericytes and a role for gap junctions in vascular network interactions. We show how disruption of this balance contributes to impaired vasomotor control in diabetes.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Identification of mechanisms governing capillary blood flow in the CNS and how they are altered in disease provides novel insight into early states of neurological dysfunction. Here, we present physiological and anatomical evidence that both intact pericyte function as well as gap junction-mediated signaling across the vascular network are essential for proper capillary diameter control and vasomotor function. Changes to capillary blood flow precede other anatomical and functional hallmarks of diabetes establishing a significant window for prevention and treatment.
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Kisler K, Nelson AR, Montagne A, Zlokovic BV. Cerebral blood flow regulation and neurovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer disease. Nat Rev Neurosci 2017; 18:419-434. [PMID: 28515434 PMCID: PMC5759779 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2017.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 738] [Impact Index Per Article: 105.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral blood flow (CBF) regulation is essential for normal brain function. The mammalian brain has evolved a unique mechanism for CBF control known as neurovascular coupling. This mechanism ensures a rapid increase in the rate of CBF and oxygen delivery to activated brain structures. The neurovascular unit is composed of astrocytes, mural vascular smooth muscle cells and pericytes, and endothelia, and regulates neurovascular coupling. This Review article examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms within the neurovascular unit that contribute to CBF control, and neurovascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kassandra Kisler
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, 1501 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
| | - Amy R Nelson
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, 1501 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
| | - Axel Montagne
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, 1501 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
| | - Berislav V Zlokovic
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, 1501 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
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Roy S, Kim D, Lim R. Cell-cell communication in diabetic retinopathy. Vision Res 2017; 139:115-122. [PMID: 28583293 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2017.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In diabetic retinopathy, high glucose (HG)-mediated breakdown in cell-cell communication promotes disruption of retinal homeostasis. Several studies indicate that HG condition alters expression of connexin genes and subsequent gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in retinal vascular cells and non-vascular cells. A serious consequence of disrupted cell-cell communication is apoptosis and breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB). More recently, studies suggest adverse effects from HG on retinal Müller cells. This article focuses on HG-mediated changes in connexin expression and GJIC and their subsequent effects on the breakdown of retinal homeostasis, cell death, compromised vascular permeability, and interactions between endothelial cells, pericytes and retinal Müller cells in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, options for rectifying disrupted homeostasis under HG condition associated with diabetic retinopathy are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayon Roy
- Department of Medicine and Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Dongjoon Kim
- Department of Medicine and Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Remington Lim
- Department of Medicine and Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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Platania CBM, Giurdanella G, Di Paola L, Leggio GM, Drago F, Salomone S, Bucolo C. P2X7 receptor antagonism: Implications in diabetic retinopathy. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 138:130-139. [PMID: 28479300 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most frequent complication of diabetes and one of leading causes of blindness worldwide. Early phases of DR are characterized by retinal pericyte loss mainly related to concurrent inflammatory process. Recently, an important link between P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) and inflammation has been demonstrated indicating this receptor as potential pharmacological target in DR. Here we first carried out an in silico molecular modeling study in order to characterize the allosteric pocket in P2X7R, and identify a suitable P2X7R antagonist through molecular docking. JNJ47965567 was identified as the hit compound in docking calculations, as well as for its absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) profile. As an in vitro model of early diabetic retinopathy, human retinal pericytes were exposed to high glucose (25mM, 48h) that caused a significant (p<0.05) release of IL-1β and LDH. The block of P2X7R by JNJ47965567 significantly (p<0.05) reverted the damage elicited by high glucose, detected as IL-1β and LDH release. Overall, our findings suggest that the P2X7R represents an attractive pharmacological target to manage the early phase of diabetic retinopathy, and the compound JNJ47965567 is a good template to discover other P2X7R selective antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Giurdanella
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luisa Di Paola
- School of Engineering, University Campus BioMedico, Roma, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Leggio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Salomone
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Center for Research in Ocular Pharmacology - CERFO, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Moriyama S, Hiasa M. Expression of Vesicular Nucleotide Transporter in the Mouse Retina. Biol Pharm Bull 2017; 39:564-9. [PMID: 27040629 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b15-00872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT) is a membrane protein that is responsible for vesicular storage and subsequent vesicular release of nucleotides, such as ATP, and plays an essential role in purinergic chemical transmission. In the present study, we investigated whether VNUT is present in the rodent retina to define the site(s) of vesicular ATP release. In the mouse retina, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunological analyses using specific anti-VNUT antibodies indicated that VNUT is expressed as a polypeptide with an apparent molecular mass of 59 kDa. VNUT is widely distributed throughout the inner and outer retinal layers, particularly in the outer segment of photoreceptors, outer plexiform layer, inner plexiform layer, and ganglion cell layer. VNUT is colocalized with vesicular glutamate transporter 1 and synaptophysin in photoreceptor cells, while it is colocalized with vesicular γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter in amacrine cells and bipolar cells. VNUT is also present in astrocytes and Müller cells. The retina from VNUT knockout (VNUT(-/-)) mice showed the loss of VNUT immunoreactivity. The retinal membrane fraction took up radiolabeled ATP in diisothiocyanate stilbene disulfonic acid (DIDS)-, an inhibitor of VNUT, and bafilomycin A1-, a vacuolar adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) inhibitor, in a sensitive manner, while membranes from VNUT(-/-) mice showed the loss of DIDS-sensitive ATP uptake. Taken together, these results indicate that functional VNUT is expressed in the rodent retina and suggest that ATP is released from photoreceptor cells, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, and astrocytes as well as Müller cells to initiate purinergic chemical transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Moriyama
- Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences
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Involvement of P2X7 receptor in neuronal degeneration triggered by traumatic injury. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38499. [PMID: 27929040 PMCID: PMC5144087 DOI: 10.1038/srep38499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal injury is a common feature of central nervous system insults that culminates with the death of the affected neurons, and an irreversible loss of function. Inflammation is an important component of the neurodegenerative process, where the microglia plays an important role by releasing proinflammatory factors as well as clearing the death neurons by phagocytosis. Here we have identified the purinergic signaling through the P2X7 receptor as an important component for the neuronal death in a model of optic nerve axotomy. We have found that in P2X7 receptor deficient mice there is a delayed loss of retinal ganglion cells and a decrease of phagocytic microglia at early times points after axotomy. In contralateral to the axotomy retinas, P2X7 receptor controlled the numbers of phagocytic microglia, suggesting that extracellular ATP could act as a danger signal activating the P2X7 receptor in mediating the loss of neurons in contralateral retinas. Finally, we show that intravitreal administration of the selective P2X7 receptor antagonist A438079 also delays axotomy-induced retinal ganglion cell death in retinas from wild type mice. Thus, our work demonstrates that P2X7 receptor signaling is involved in neuronal cell death after axonal injury, being P2X7 receptor antagonism a potential therapeutic strategy.
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Kurauchi Y, Hisatsune A, Seki T, Katsuki H. Na+, K+-ATPase dysfunction causes cerebrovascular endothelial cell degeneration in rat prefrontal cortex slice cultures. Brain Res 2016; 1644:249-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Carracedo G, Crooke A, Guzman-Aranguez A, Pérez de Lara MJ, Martin-Gil A, Pintor J. The role of dinucleoside polyphosphates on the ocular surface and other eye structures. Prog Retin Eye Res 2016; 55:182-205. [PMID: 27421962 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dinucleoside polyphosphates comprises a group of dinucleotides formed by two nucleosides linked by a variable number of phosphates, abbreviated NpnN (where n represents the number of phosphates). These compounds are naturally occurring substances present in tears, aqueous humour and in the retina. As the consequence of their presence, these dinucleotides contribute to many ocular physiological processes. On the ocular surface, dinucleoside polyphosphates can stimulate tear secretion, mucin release from goblet cells and they help epithelial wound healing by accelerating cell migration rate. These dinucleotides can also stimulate the presence of proteins known to protect the ocular surface against microorganisms, such as lysozyme and lactoferrin. One of the latest discoveries is the ability of some dinucleotides to facilitate the paracellular way on the cornea, therefore allowing the delivery of compounds, such as antiglaucomatous ones, more easily within the eye. The compound Ap4A has been described being abnormally elevated in patient's tears suffering of dry eye, Sjogren syndrome, congenital aniridia, or after refractive surgery, suggesting this molecule as biomarker for dry eye condition. At the intraocular level, some diadenosine polyphosphates are abnormally elevated in glaucoma patients, and this can be related to the stimulation of a P2Y2 receptor that increases the chloride efflux and water movement in the ciliary epithelium. In the retina, the dinucleotide dCp4U, has been proven to be useful to help in the recovery of retinal detachments. Altogether, dinucleoside polyphosphates are a group of compounds which present relevant physiological actions but which also can perform promising therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Carracedo
- Department of Optics II (Optometry and Vision), Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Crooke
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Guzman-Aranguez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria J Pérez de Lara
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Martin-Gil
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Pintor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology IV, Faculty of Optics and Optometry, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
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Filosa JA, Morrison HW, Iddings JA, Du W, Kim KJ. Beyond neurovascular coupling, role of astrocytes in the regulation of vascular tone. Neuroscience 2016; 323:96-109. [PMID: 25843438 PMCID: PMC4592693 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.03.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The brain possesses two intricate mechanisms that fulfill its continuous metabolic needs: cerebral autoregulation, which ensures constant cerebral blood flow over a wide range of arterial pressures and functional hyperemia, which ensures rapid delivery of oxygen and glucose to active neurons. Over the past decade, a number of important studies have identified astrocytes as key intermediaries in neurovascular coupling (NVC), the mechanism by which active neurons signal blood vessels to change their diameter. Activity-dependent increases in astrocytic Ca(2+) activity are thought to contribute to the release of vasoactive substances that facilitate arteriole vasodilation. A number of vasoactive signals have been identified and their role on vessel caliber assessed both in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we discuss mechanisms implicating astrocytes in NVC-mediated vascular responses, limitations encountered as a result of the challenges in maintaining all the constituents of the neurovascular unit intact and deliberate current controversial findings disputing a main role for astrocytes in NVC. Finally, we briefly discuss the potential role of pericytes and microglia in NVC-mediated processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Filosa
- Georgia Regents University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, United States.
| | - H W Morrison
- University of Arizona, 1305 N. Martin Avenue, P.O. Box 210203, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - J A Iddings
- Georgia Regents University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - W Du
- Georgia Regents University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
| | - K J Kim
- Georgia Regents University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, GA 30912, United States
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