Dopamine D1 receptor activation regulates sodium channel-dependent EPSP amplification in rat prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons

TNFR1 signaling converging on FGF14 controls neuronal hyperactivity and sickness behavior in experimental cerebral malaria

BACKGROUND

Excess tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is implicated in the pathogenesis of hyperinflammatory experimental cerebral malaria (eCM), including gliosis, increased levels of fibrin(ogen) in the brain, behavioral changes, and mortality. However, the role of TNF in eCM within the brain parenchyma, particularly directly on neurons, remains underdefined. Here, we investigate electrophysiological consequences of eCM on neuronal excitability and cell signaling mechanisms that contribute to observed phenotypes.

METHODS

The split-luciferase complementation assay (LCA) was used to investigate cell signaling mechanisms downstream of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) that could contribute to changes in neuronal excitability in eCM. Whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology was performed in brain slices from eCM mice to elucidate consequences of infection on CA1 pyramidal neuron excitability and cell signaling mechanisms that contribute to observed phenotypes. Involvement of identified signaling molecules in mediating behavioral changes and sickness behavior observed in eCM were investigated in vivo using genetic silencing.

RESULTS

Exploring signaling mechanisms that underlie TNF-induced effects on neuronal excitability, we found that the complex assembly of fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) and the voltage-gated Na+ (Nav) channel 1.6 (Nav1.6) is increased upon tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1) stimulation via Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2). On account of the dependency of hyperinflammatory experimental cerebral malaria (eCM) on TNF, we performed patch-clamp studies in slices from eCM mice and showed that Plasmodium chabaudi infection augments Nav1.6 channel conductance of CA1 pyramidal neurons through the TNFR1-JAK2-FGF14-Nav1.6 signaling network, which leads to hyperexcitability. Hyperexcitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons caused by infection was mitigated via an anti-TNF antibody and genetic silencing of FGF14 in CA1. Furthermore, knockdown of FGF14 in CA1 reduced sickness behavior caused by infection.

CONCLUSIONS

FGF14 may represent a therapeutic target for mitigating consequences of TNF-mediated neuroinflammation.

PET imaging of dopamine release in the frontal cortex of manganese-exposed non-human primates

Humans and non-human primates exposed to excess levels of manganese (Mn) exhibit deficits in working memory and attention. Frontal cortex and fronto-striatal networks are implicated in working memory and these circuits rely on dopamine for optimal performance. Here, we aimed to determine if chronic Mn exposure alters in vivo dopamine release (DAR) in the frontal cortex of non-human primates. We used [¹¹ C]-FLB457 positron emission tomography with amphetamine challenge to measure DAR in Cynomolgus macaques. Animals received [¹¹ C]-FLB457 positron emission tomography scans with and without amphetamine challenge prior to Mn exposure (baseline), at different time points during the Mn exposure period, and after 10 months of Mn exposure cessation. Four of six Mn-exposed animals expressed significant impairment of frontal cortex in vivo DAR relative to baseline. One Mn animal had no change in DAR and another Mn animal expressed increased DAR relative to baseline. In the reversal studies, one Mn-exposed animal exhibited complete recovery of DAR while the second animal had partial recovery. In both animals, frontal cortex Mn concentrations normalized after 10 months of exposure cessation based on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. D1-dopamine receptor (D1R) autoradiography in frontal cortex tissue indicates that Mn animals that experienced cessation of Mn exposure expressed D1R levels that were approximately 50% lower than Mn animals that did not experience cessation of Mn exposure or control animals. The present study provides evidence of Mn-induced alterations in frontal cortex DAR and D1R that may be associated with working memory and attention deficits observed in Mn-exposed subjects.

Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Electrophysiology to Study Ionotropic Glutamatergic Receptors and Their Roles in Addiction

Development of the whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology technique has allowed for enhanced visualization and experimentation of ionic currents in neurons of mammalian tissue with high spatial and temporal resolution. Electrophysiology has become an exceptional tool for identifying single cellular mechanisms underlying behavior. Specifically, the role of glutamatergic signaling through α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors underlying behavior has been extensively studied. Here we will discuss commonly used protocols and techniques for performing whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and exploring AMPA and NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic responses and alterations in the context of substance abuse.

Interactions of Hallucinogens with the Glutamatergic System: Permissive Network Effects Mediated Through Cortical Layer V Pyramidal Neurons

Recordings made from layer V (L5) pyramidal cells of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and neocortex in rodent slice preparations have shown that serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and serotonergic hallucinogens induce an increase in the frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in the apical dendritic field by activating 5-HT_2A receptors. Serotonergic hallucinogens induce late EPSCs and increase recurrent network activity when subcortical or mid-cortical regions are stimulated at low frequencies (e.g., 0.1 Hz). A range of agonists or positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) for mostly G_i/o-coupled receptors, including metabotropic glutamate₂ (mGlu₂), adenosine A₁, or μ-opioid receptors, suppress these effects of 5-HT_2A receptor stimulation. Furthermore, a range of mostly G_q/11-coupled receptors (including orexin₂ [OX₂]; α₁-adrenergic, and mGlu₅ receptors) similarly induce glutamate (Glu) release onto L5 pyramidal cells. Evidence implicates a number of brain regions in mediating these effects of serotonergic hallucinogens and G_q/11-coupled receptors including the midline and intralaminar thalamic nuclei, claustrum, and neurons in deep PFC. These effects on 5-HT_2A receptors and related GPCRs appear to play a major role in the behavioral effects of serotonergic hallucinogens, such as head twitches in rodents and higher order behaviors such as rodent lever pressing on the differential-reinforcement-of-low rate 72-s (DRL 72-s) schedule. This implies that the effects of 5-HT_2A receptor activation on the activity of L5 pyramidal cells may be responsible for mediating a range of behaviors linked to limbic circuitry with connectivity between the PFC, striatum, thalamus, claustrum, striatum, amygdala, and the hippocampal formation.

Layer-specific effects of dopaminergic D1 receptor activation on excitatory synaptic trains in layer V mouse prefrontal cortical pyramidal cells

In humans, executive functions (e.g., working memory [WM]) are mediated in part by prefrontal cortical areas (PFC), where ventromedial areas may be homologous to ventromedial areas (mPFC) in rodents. Many executive functions are critically dependent on optimal dopamine levels within the PFC; however, our understanding of the role of dopamine in modulating PFC-mediated tasks is incomplete. Stable patterns of neuronal activity have been associated with WM processes, and recurrent excitatory synaptic activity has been proposed to play a role in this sustained activity. This excitatory activity may be regulated in a frequency-dependent manner. Thus, we examined the effects of dopamine D1-like receptor (D1R) activation on short-term excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) dynamics in two subtypes of mouse layer V mPFC pyramidal neurons by varying evoked train frequency from 10 to 50 Hz. We isolated non-NMDA receptor (non-NMDAR) and NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated components of EPSP trains, which were evoked by stimulating fibers located either within layer V or layer I of the mPFC. Interestingly, no differences in the effects of D1R activation were observed between subcortically projecting (PT or pyramidal tract) and contralaterally projecting (IT or intratelencephalic) layer V pyramidal cells. However, we found that D1R activation had layer-specific effects on NMDAR- and non-NMDAR-mediated EPSP trains: while D1R activation increased the amplitude of both components with layer V stimulation, with layer I stimulation D1R activation had no effect on non-NMDAR-mediated EPSP trains but decreased the amplitude of NMDAR-mediated EPSP trains. Our results suggest that dopamine, acting at D1-like receptors, increases the influence of local inputs from other layer V pyramidal cells, but may restrict the influence of layer I (tuft) inputs. Our demonstration of differential D1R regulation of excitatory synaptic dynamics in distinct compartments of mPFC layer V neurons may provide another important aspect linking cellular mechanisms of dopaminergic modulation to PFC network functioning, and ultimately to executive functions such as working memory.

Layer- and Cell Type-Specific Modulation of Excitatory Neuronal Activity in the Neocortex

From an anatomical point of view the neocortex is subdivided into up to six layers depending on the cortical area. This subdivision has been described already by Meynert and Brodmann in the late 19/early 20. century and is mainly based on cytoarchitectonic features such as the size and location of the pyramidal cell bodies. Hence, cortical lamination is originally an anatomical concept based on the distribution of excitatory neuron. However, it has become apparent in recent years that apart from the layer-specific differences in morphological features, many functional properties of neurons are also dependent on cortical layer or cell type. Such functional differences include changes in neuronal excitability and synaptic activity by neuromodulatory transmitters. Many of these neuromodulators are released from axonal afferents from subcortical brain regions while others are released intrinsically. In this review we aim to describe layer- and cell-type specific differences in the effects of neuromodulator receptors in excitatory neurons in layers 2–6 of different cortical areas. We will focus on the neuromodulator systems using adenosine, acetylcholine, dopamine, and orexin/hypocretin as examples because these neuromodulator systems show important differences in receptor type and distribution, mode of release and functional mechanisms and effects. We try to summarize how layer- and cell type-specific neuromodulation may affect synaptic signaling in cortical microcircuits.

Dysregulation of Corticostriatal Connectivity in Huntington's Disease: A Role for Dopamine Modulation

Aberrant communication between striatum, the main information processing unit of the basal ganglia, and cerebral cortex plays a critical role in the emergence of Huntington’s disease (HD), a fatal monogenetic condition that typically strikes in the prime of life. Although both striatum and cortex undergo substantial cell loss over the course of HD, corticostriatal circuits become dysfunctional long before neurons die. Understanding the dysfunction is key to developing effective strategies for treating a progressively worsening triad of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. Cortical output neurons drive striatal activity through the release of glutamate, an excitatory amino acid. Striatal outputs, in turn, release γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) and exert inhibitory control over downstream basal ganglia targets. Ample evidence from transgenic rodent models points to dysregulation of corticostriatal glutamate transmission along with corresponding changes in striatal GABA release as underlying factors in the HD behavioral phenotype. Another contributor is dysregulation of dopamine (DA), a modulator of both glutamate and GABA transmission. In fact, pharmacological manipulation of DA is the only currently available treatment for HD symptoms. Here, we review data from animal models and human patients to evaluate the role of DA in HD, including DA interactions with glutamate and GABA within the context of dysfunctional corticostriatal circuitry.

The role of negative conductances in neuronal subthreshold properties and synaptic integration

Based on passive cable theory, an increase in membrane conductance produces a decrease in the membrane time constant and input resistance. Unlike the classical leak currents, voltage-dependent currents have a nonlinear behavior which can create regions of negative conductance, despite the increase in membrane conductance (permeability). This negative conductance opposes the effects of the passive membrane conductance on the membrane input resistance and time constant, increasing their values and thereby substantially affecting the amplitude and time course of postsynaptic potentials at the voltage range of the negative conductance. This paradoxical effect has been described for three types of voltage-dependent inward currents: persistent sodium currents, L- and T-type calcium currents and ligand-gated glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate currents. In this review, we describe the impact of the creation of a negative conductance region by these currents on neuronal membrane properties and synaptic integration. We also discuss recent contributions of the quasi-active cable approximation, an extension of the passive cable theory that includes voltage-dependent currents, and its effects on neuronal subthreshold properties.

A consensus layer V pyramidal neuron can sustain interpulse-interval coding

In terms of a single neuron's long-distance communication, interpulse intervals (IPIs) are an attractive alternative to rate and binary codes. As a proxy for an IPI, a neuron's time-to-spike can be found in the biophysical and experimental intracellular literature. Using the current, consensus layer V pyramidal neuron, the present study examines the feasibility of IPI-coding and examines the noise sources that limit the information rate of such an encoding. In descending order of importance, the noise sources are (i) synaptic variability, (ii) sodium channel shot-noise, followed by (iii) thermal noise. The biophysical simulations allow the calculation of mutual information, which is about 3.0 bits/spike. More importantly, while, by any conventional definition, the biophysical model is highly nonlinear, the underlying function that relates input intensity to the defined output variable is linear. When one assumes the perspective of a neuron coding via first hitting-time, this result justifies a pervasive and simplifying assumption of computational modelers-that a class of cortical neurons can be treated as linearly additive, computational devices.

Cognitive enhancers versus addictive psychostimulants: The good and bad side of dopamine on prefrontal cortical circuits

In this review we describe how highly addictive psychostimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine actions might underlie hypoexcitabilty in frontal cortical areas observed in clinical and preclinical models of psychostimulant abuse. We discuss new mechanisms that describe how increments on synaptic dopamine release are linked to reduce calcium influx in both pre and postsynaptic compartments on medial PFC networks, therefore modulating synaptic integration and information. Sustained DA neuromodulation by addictive psychostimulants can "lock" frontal cortical networks in deficient states. On the other hand, other psychostimulants such as modafinil and methylphenidate are considered pharmacological neuroenhancement agents that are popular among healthy people seeking neuroenhancement. More clinical and preclinical research is needed to further clarify mechanisms of actions and physiological effects of cognitive enhancers which show an opposite pattern compared to chronic effect of addictive psychostimulants: they appear to increase cortical excitability. In conclusion, studies summarized here suggest that there is frontal cortex hypoactivity and deficient inhibitory control in drug-addicted individuals. Thus, additional research on physiological effects of cognitive enhancers like modafinil and methylphenidate seems necessary in order to expand current knowledge on mechanisms behind their therapeutic role in the treatment of addiction and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

Dopamine Receptors and Neurodegeneration

Dopamine (DA) is one of the major neurotransmitters and participates in a number of functions such as motor coordination, emotions, memory, reward mechanism, neuroendocrine regulation etc. DA exerts its effects through five DA receptors that are subdivided in 2 families: D1-like DA receptors (D1 and D5) and the D2-like (D2, D3 and D4). All DA receptors are widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and play an important role in not only in physiological conditions but also pathological scenarios. Abnormalities in the DAergic system and its receptors in the basal ganglia structures are the basis Parkinson's disease (PD), however DA also participates in other neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington disease (HD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Under pathological conditions reorganization of DAergic system has been observed and most of the times, those changes occur as a mechanism of compensation, but in some cases contributes to worsening the alterations. Here we review the changes that occur on DA transmission and DA receptors (DARs) at both levels expression and signals transduction pathways as a result of neurotoxicity, inflammation and in neurodegenerative processes. The better understanding of the role of DA receptors in neuropathological conditions is crucial for development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat alterations related to neurodegenerative diseases.

Modulating the map: dopaminergic tuning of hippocampal spatial coding and interactions

Salient events activate the midbrain dopaminergic system and have important impacts on various aspects of mnemonic function, including the stability of hippocampus-dependent memories. Dopamine is also central to modulation of neocortical memory processing, particularly during prefrontal cortex-dependent working memory. Here, we review the current state of the circuitry and physiology underlying dopamine's actions, suggesting that--alongside local effects within hippocampus and prefrontal cortex--dopamine released from the midbrain ventral tegmental area is well positioned to dynamically tune interactions between limbic-cortical circuits through modulation of rhythmic network activity.

Cell-attached single-channel recordings in intact prefrontal cortex pyramidal neurons reveal compartmentalized D1/D5 receptor modulation of the persistent sodium current

The persistent Na⁺ current (I_Nap) is believed to be an important target of dopamine modulation in prefrontal cortex (PFC) neurons. While past studies have tested the effects of dopamine on I_Nap, the results have been contradictory largely because of difficulties in measuring I_Nap using somatic whole-cell recordings. To circumvent these confounds we used the cell-attached patch-clamp technique to record single Na⁺ channels from the soma, proximal dendrite (PD) or proximal axon (PA) of intact prefrontal layer V pyramidal neurons. Under baseline conditions, numerous well resolved Na⁺ channel openings were recorded that exhibited an extrapolated reversal potential of 73 mV, a slope conductance of 14–19 pS and were blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX). While similar in most respects, the propensity to exhibit prolonged bursts lasting >40 ms was many fold greater in the axon than the soma or dendrite. Bath application of the D1/D5 receptor agonist SKF81297 shifted the ensemble current activation curve leftward and increased the number of late events recorded from the PD but not the soma or PA. However, the greatest effect was on prolonged bursting where the D1/D5 receptor agonist increased their occurrence 3 fold in the PD and nearly 7 fold in the soma, but not at all in the PA. As a result, D1/D5 receptor activation equalized the probability of prolonged burst occurrence across the proximal axosomatodendritic region. Therefore, D1/D5 receptor modulation appears to be targeted mainly to Na⁺ channels in the PD/soma and not the PA. By circumventing the pitfalls of previous attempts to study the D1/D5 receptor modulation of I_Nap, we demonstrate conclusively that D1/D5 receptor activation can increase the I_Nap generated proximally, however questions still remain as to how D1/D5 receptor modulates Na⁺ currents in the more distal initial segment where most of the I_Nap is normally generated.

Genetic background modulates impaired excitability of inhibitory neurons in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome

Dominant loss-of-function mutations in voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.1 cause Dravet Syndrome, an intractable childhood-onset epilepsy. NaV1.1(+/-) Dravet Syndrome mice in C57BL/6 genetic background exhibit severe seizures, cognitive and social impairments, and premature death. Here we show that Dravet Syndrome mice in pure 129/SvJ genetic background have many fewer seizures and much less premature death than in pure C57BL/6 background. These mice also have a higher threshold for thermally induced seizures, fewer myoclonic seizures, and no cognitive impairment, similar to patients with Genetic Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus. Consistent with this mild phenotype, mutation of NaV1.1 channels has much less physiological effect on neuronal excitability in 129/SvJ mice. In hippocampal slices, the excitability of CA1 Stratum Oriens interneurons is selectively impaired, while the excitability of CA1 pyramidal cells is unaffected. NaV1.1 haploinsufficiency results in increased rheobase and threshold for action potential firing and impaired ability to sustain high-frequency firing. Moreover, deletion of NaV1.1 markedly reduces the amplification and integration of synaptic events, further contributing to reduced excitability of interneurons. Excitability is less impaired in inhibitory neurons of Dravet Syndrome mice in 129/SvJ genetic background. Because specific deletion of NaV1.1 in forebrain GABAergic interneuons is sufficient to cause the symptoms of Dravet Syndrome in mice, our results support the conclusion that the milder phenotype in 129/SvJ mice is caused by lesser impairment of sodium channel function and electrical excitability in their forebrain interneurons. This mild impairment of excitability of interneurons leads to a milder disease phenotype in 129/SvJ mice, similar to Genetic Epilepsy with Febrile Seizures Plus in humans.

Irregular activity arises as a natural consequence of synaptic inhibition

Irregular neuronal activity is observed in a variety of brain regions and states. This work illustrates a novel mechanism by which irregular activity naturally emerges in two-cell neuronal networks featuring coupling by synaptic inhibition. We introduce a one-dimensional map that captures the irregular activity occurring in our simulations of conductance-based differential equations and mathematically analyze the instability of fixed points corresponding to synchronous and antiphase spiking for this map. We find that the irregular solutions that arise exhibit expansion, contraction, and folding in phase space, as expected in chaotic dynamics. Our analysis shows that these features are produced from the interplay of synaptic inhibition with sodium, potassium, and leak currents in a conductance-based framework and provides precise conditions on parameters that ensure that irregular activity will occur. In particular, the temporal details of spiking dynamics must be present for a model to exhibit this irregularity mechanism and must be considered analytically to capture these effects.

Two-photon optical interrogation of individual dendritic spines with caged dopamine

We introduce a novel caged dopamine compound (RuBi-Dopa) based on ruthenium photochemistry. RuBi-Dopa has a high uncaging efficiency and can be released with visible (blue-green) and IR light in a two-photon regime. We combine two-photon photorelease of RuBi-Dopa with two-photon calcium imaging for an optical imaging and manipulation of dendritic spines in living brain slices, demonstrating that spines can express functional dopamine receptors. This novel compound allows mapping of functional dopamine receptors in living brain tissue with exquisite spatial resolution.

Contribution of dopamine d1/5 receptor modulation of post-spike/burst afterhyperpolarization to enhance neuronal excitability of layer v pyramidal neurons in prepubertal rat prefrontal cortex

Dopamine (DA) receptors in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) modulate both synaptic and intrinsic plasticity that may contribute to cognitive processing. However, the ionic basis underlying DA actions to enhance neuronal plasticity in PFC remains ill-defined. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in layer V-VI pyramidal cells in prepubertal rat PFC, we showed that DA, via activation of D1/5, but not D2/3/4, receptors suppress a Ca(2+)-dependent, apamin-sensitive K(+) channel that mediates post-spike/burst afterhyperpolarization (AHP) to enhance neuronal excitability of PFC neurons. This inhibition is not dependent on HCN channels. The D1/5 receptor activation also enhanced an afterdepolarizing potential (ADP) that follows the AHP. Additional single-spike analyses revealed that DA or D1/5 receptor activation suppressed the apamin-sensitive post-spike mAHP, further contributing to the increase in evoked spike firing to enhance the neuronal excitability. Taken together, the D1/5 receptor modulates intrinsic mechanisms that amplify a long depolarizing input to sustain spike firing outputs in pyramidal PFC neurons.

Fear signaling in the prelimbic-amygdala circuit: a computational modeling and recording study

The acquisition and expression of conditioned fear depends on prefrontal-amygdala circuits. Auditory fear conditioning increases the tone responses of lateral amygdala neurons, but the increase is transient, lasting only a few hundred milliseconds after tone onset. It was recently reported that that the prelimbic (PL) prefrontal cortex transforms transient lateral amygdala input into a sustained PL output, which could drive fear responses via projections to the lateral division of basal amygdala (BL). To explore the possible mechanisms involved in this transformation, we developed a large-scale biophysical model of the BL-PL network, consisting of 850 conductance-based Hodgkin-Huxley-type cells, calcium-based learning, and neuromodulator effects. The model predicts that sustained firing in PL can be derived from BL-induced release of dopamine and norepinephrine that is maintained by PL-BL interconnections. These predictions were confirmed with physiological recordings from PL neurons during fear conditioning with the selective β-blocker propranolol and by inactivation of BL with muscimol. Our model suggests that PL has a higher bandwidth than BL, due to PL's decreased internal inhibition and lower spiking thresholds. It also suggests that variations in specific microcircuits in the PL-BL interconnection can have a significant impact on the expression of fear, possibly explaining individual variability in fear responses. The human homolog of PL could thus be an effective target for anxiety disorders.

Manganese neurotoxicity: new perspectives from behavioral, neuroimaging, and neuropathological studies in humans and non-human primates

Manganese (Mn) is an essential metal and has important physiological functions for human health. However, exposure to excess levels of Mn in occupational settings or from environmental sources has been associated with a neurological syndrome comprising cognitive deficits, neuropsychological abnormalities and parkinsonism. Historically, studies on the effects of Mn in humans and experimental animals have been concerned with effects on the basal ganglia and the dopaminergic system as it relates to movement abnormalities. However, emerging studies are beginning to provide significant evidence of Mn effects on cortical structures and cognitive function at lower levels than previously recognized. This review advances new knowledge of putative mechanisms by which exposure to excess levels of Mn alters neurobiological systems and produces neurological deficits not only in the basal ganglia but also in the cerebral cortex. The emerging evidence suggests that working memory is significantly affected by chronic Mn exposure and this may be mediated by alterations in brain structures associated with the working memory network including the caudate nucleus in the striatum, frontal cortex and parietal cortex. Dysregulation of the dopaminergic system may play an important role in both the movement abnormalities as well as the neuropsychiatric and cognitive function deficits that have been described in humans and non-human primates exposed to Mn.

Dopaminergic modulation of axonal potassium channels and action potential waveform in pyramidal neurons of prefrontal cortex

Voltage-gated K(+) (KV) channels play critical roles in shaping neuronal signals. KV channels distributed in the perisomatic regions and thick dendrites of cortical pyramidal neurons have been extensively studied. However, the properties and regulation of KV channels distributed in the thin axons remain unknown. In this study, by performing somatic and axonal patch-clamp recordings from layer 5 pyramidal neurons of prefrontal cortical slices, we showed that the rapidly inactivating A-currents mediated the transient K(+) currents evoked by action potential (AP) waveform command (KAP) at the soma, whereas the rapidly activating but slowly inactivating KV1-mediated D-currents dominated the KAP at the axon. In addition, activation of D1-like receptors for dopamine decreased the axonal K(+) currents, as a result of an increase in the activity of cAMP-PKA pathway. In contrast, activation of D2-like receptors showed an opposite effect on the axonal K(+) currents. Further experiments demonstrated that functional D1-like receptors were expressed at the main axon trunk and their activation could broaden the waveforms of axonal APs. Together, these results show that axonal KV channels were subjected to dopamine modulation, and this modulation could regulate the waveforms of propagating APs at the axon, suggesting an important role of dopaminergic modulation of axonal KV channels in regulating neuronal signalling.

Levodopa-induced dyskinesia is strongly associated with resonant cortical oscillations

The standard pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease using the dopamine precursor levodopa is unfortunately limited by gradual development of disabling involuntary movements for which the underlying causes are poorly understood. Here we show that levodopa-induced dyskinesia in hemiparkinsonian rats is strongly associated with pronounced 80 Hz local field potential oscillations in the primary motor cortex following levodopa treatment. When this oscillation is interrupted by application of a dopamine antagonist onto the cortical surface the dyskinetic symptoms disappear. The finding that abnormal cortical oscillations are a key pathophysiological mechanism calls for a revision of the prevailing hypothesis that links levodopa-induced dyskinesia to an altered sensitivity to dopamine only in the striatum. Apart from having important implications for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, the discovered pathophysiological mechanism may also play a role in several other psychiatric and neurological conditions involving cortical dysfunction.

A large-scale model of the functioning brain

A central challenge for cognitive and systems neuroscience is to relate the incredibly complex behavior of animals to the equally complex activity of their brains. Recently described, large-scale neural models have not bridged this gap between neural activity and biological function. In this work, we present a 2.5-million-neuron model of the brain (called "Spaun") that bridges this gap by exhibiting many different behaviors. The model is presented only with visual image sequences, and it draws all of its responses with a physically modeled arm. Although simplified, the model captures many aspects of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and psychological behavior, which we demonstrate via eight diverse tasks.

Receptor-dependent regulation of dendrite formation of noradrenaline and dopamine in non-GABAergic cerebral cortical neurons

The present study characterized the receptor-dependent regulation of dendrite formation of noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA) in cultured neurons obtained from embryonic day 16 rat cerebral cortex. Morphological diversity of cortical dendrites was analyzed on various features: dendrite initiation, dendrite outgrowth, and dendrite branching. Using a combination of immunocytochemical markers of dendrites and GABAergic neurons, we focused on the dendrite morphology of non-GABAergic neurons. Our results showed that (1) NA inhibited the dendrite branching, (2) β adrenergic receptor (β-AR) agonist inhibited the dendrite initiation, while promoted the dendrite outgrowth, (3) β1-AR and β2-AR were present in all the cultured neurons, and both agonists inhibited the dendrite initiation, while only β1-AR agonist induced the dendrite branching; (4) DA inhibited the dendrite outgrowth, (5) D1 receptor agonist inhibited the dendrite initiation, while promoted the dendrite branching. In conclusion, this study compared the effects of NA, DA and their receptors and showed that NA and DA regulate different features on the dendrite formation of non-GABAergic cortical neurons, depending on the receptors.

Dopaminergic modulation of synaptic transmission in cortex and striatum

Among the many neuromodulators used by the mammalian brain to regulate circuit function and plasticity, dopamine (DA) stands out as one of the most behaviorally powerful. Perturbations of DA signaling are implicated in the pathogenesis or exploited in the treatment of many neuropsychiatric diseases, including Parkinson's disease (PD), addiction, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and Tourette's syndrome. Although the precise mechanisms employed by DA to exert its control over behavior are not fully understood, DA is known to regulate many electrical and biochemical aspects of neuronal function including excitability, synaptic transmission, integration and plasticity, protein trafficking, and gene transcription. In this Review, we discuss the actions of DA on ionic and synaptic signaling in neurons of the prefrontal cortex and striatum, brain areas in which dopaminergic dysfunction is thought to be central to disease.

The role of glutamatergic inputs onto parvalbumin-positive interneurons: relevance for schizophrenia

Cognitive impairment, a core feature of schizophrenia, has been suggested to arise from a disturbance of gamma oscillations that is due to decreased neurotransmission from the parvalbumin (PV) subtype of interneurons. Indeed, PV interneurons have uniquely fast membrane and synaptic properties that are crucially important for network functions such as feedforward inhibition or gamma oscillations. The causes leading to impairment of PV neurotransmission in schizophrenia are still under investigation. Interestingly, NMDA receptors (NMDARs) antagonism results in schizophrenia-like symptoms in healthy adults. Additionally, systemic NMDAR antagonist administration increases prefrontal cortex pyramidal cell firing, apparently by producing disinhibition, and repeated exposure to NMDA antagonists leads to changes in the GABAergic markers that mimic the impairments found in schizophrenia. Based on these findings, PV neuron deficits in schizophrenia have been proposed to be secondary to (NMDAR) hypofunction at glutamatergic synapses onto these cells. However, NMDARs generate long-lasting postsynaptic currents that result in prolonged depolarization of the postsynaptic cells, a property inconsistent with the role of PV cells in network dynamics. Here, we review evidence leading to the conclusion that cortical disinhibition and GABAergic impairment produced by NMDAR antagonists are unlikely to be mediated via NMDARs at glutamatergic synapses onto mature cortical PV neurons.

Glutamate receptor subtypes mediating synaptic activation of prefrontal cortex neurons: relevance for schizophrenia

Schizophrenia may involve hypofunction of NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-mediated signaling, and alterations in parvalbumin-positive fast-spiking (FS) GABA neurons that may cause abnormal gamma oscillations. It was recently hypothesized that prefrontal cortex (PFC) FS neuron activity is highly dependent on NMDAR activation and that, consequently, FS neuron dysfunction in schizophrenia is secondary to NMDAR hypofunction. However, NMDARs are abundant in synapses onto PFC pyramidal neurons; thus, a key question is whether FS neuron or pyramidal cell activation is more dependent on NMDARs. We examined the AMPAR and NMDAR contribution to synaptic activation of FS neurons and pyramidal cells in the PFC of adult mice. In FS neurons, EPSCs had fast decay and weak NMDAR contribution, whereas in pyramidal cells, EPSCs were significantly prolonged by NMDAR-mediated currents. Moreover, the AMPAR/NMDAR EPSC ratio was higher in FS cells. NMDAR antagonists decreased EPSPs and EPSP-spike coupling more strongly in pyramidal cells than in FS neurons, showing that FS neuron activation is less NMDAR dependent than pyramidal cell excitation. The precise EPSP-spike coupling produced by fast-decaying EPSCs in FS cells may be important for network mechanisms of gamma oscillations based on feedback inhibition. To test this possibility, we used simulations in a computational network of reciprocally connected FS neurons and pyramidal cells and found that brief AMPAR-mediated FS neuron activation is crucial to synchronize, via feedback inhibition, pyramidal cells in the gamma frequency band. Our results raise interesting questions about the mechanisms that might link NMDAR hypofunction to alterations of FS neurons in schizophrenia.

Confocal Analysis of Cholinergic and Dopaminergic Inputs onto Pyramidal Cells in the Prefrontal Cortex of Rodents

Cholinergic and dopaminergic projections to the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are both involved in cognitive functions including attention. These neuronal systems modulate mPFC neuronal activity mainly through diffuse transmission. In order to better understand the anatomical level of influence of these systems, confocal microscopy with triple-fluorescent immunolabeling was used in three subregions of the mPFC of rats and Drd1a-tdTomato/Drd2-EGFP transgenic mice. The zone of interaction was defined as a reciprocal microproximity between dopaminergic and cholinergic axonal segments as well as pyramidal neurons. The density of varicosities, along these segments was considered as a possible activity-dependant morphological feature. The percentage of cholinergic and dopaminergic fibers in microproximity ranged from 12 to 40% depending on the layer and mPFC subregion. The cholinergic system appeared to have more influence on dopaminergic fibers since a larger proportion of the dopaminergic fibers were within microproximity to cholinergic fibers. The density of both cholinergic and dopaminergic varicosities was significantly elevated within microproximities. The main results indicate that the cholinergic and dopaminergic systems converge on pyramidal cells in mPFC particularly in the layer V. In transgenic mice 93% of the pyramidal cells expressed the transgenic marker for Drd2 expression, but only 22% expressed the maker for Drd1ar expression. Data presented here suggest that the modulation of mPFC by dopaminergic fibers would be mostly inhibitory and localized at the output level whereas the cholinergic modulation would be exerted at the input and output level both through direct interaction with pyramidal cells and dopaminergic fibers.

Retinal parallel processors: more than 100 independent microcircuits operate within a single interneuron

Most neurons are highly polarized cells with branched dendrites that receive and integrate synaptic inputs and extensive axons that deliver action potential output to distant targets. By contrast, amacrine cells, a diverse class of inhibitory interneurons in the inner retina, collect input and distribute output within the same neuritic network. The extent to which most amacrine cells integrate synaptic information and distribute their output is poorly understood. Here, we show that single A17 amacrine cells provide reciprocal feedback inhibition to presynaptic bipolar cells via hundreds of independent microcircuits operating in parallel. The A17 uses specialized morphological features, biophysical properties, and synaptic mechanisms to isolate feedback microcircuits and maximize its capacity to handle many independent processes. This example of a neuron employing distributed parallel processing rather than spatial integration provides insights into how unconventional neuronal morphology and physiology can maximize network function while minimizing wiring cost.

Activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIalpha in the striatum by the heteromeric D1-D2 dopamine receptor complex

Synaptic plasticity in the striatum is a key mechanism that underlies processes such as reward related incentive learning and behavioral habit formation resulting from drugs of abuse. Key aspects of these functions are dependent on dopamine transmission as well as activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIalpha (CaMKIIalpha). In this study, we examined the ability of a recently identified heteromeric complex composed of D1 and D2 dopamine receptors coupled to Gq/11 to activate striatal CaMKIIalpha. Using the dopaminergic agonist SKF83959, which selectively activates the D1-D2 complex, we demonstrated phosphorylation of CaMKIIalpha at threonine 286, both in heterologous cells and in the murine striatum in vivo. Phosphorylation of CaMKIIalpha by activation of the receptor complex required concurrent agonism of both D1 and D2 receptors and was independent of receptor pathways that modulated adenylyl cyclase. The identification of this novel mechanism by which dopamine may modulate synaptic plasticity has implications for our understanding of striatal-mediated reward and motor function, as well as neuronal disorders in which striatal dopaminergic neurotransmission is involved.

Using genetic data in cognitive neuroscience: from growing pains to genuine insights

Research that combines genetic and cognitive neuroscience data aims to elucidate the mechanisms that underlie human behaviour and experience by way of 'intermediate phenotypes': variations in brain function. Using neuroimaging and other methods, this approach is poised to make the transition from health-focused investigations to inquiries into cognitive, affective and social functions, including ones that do not readily lend themselves to animal models. The growing pains of this emerging field are evident, yet there are also reasons for a measured optimism.

Impaired long term memory consolidation in transgenic mice overexpressing the human soluble form of IL-1ra in the brain

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is expressed following LTP induction and is required for long-term memory consolidation. We demonstrate that the long-term, but not short-term memory is impaired in a transgenic mouse strain overexpressing the human soluble interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (hsIL-1ra) in the brain. Overexpression of IL-1ra was found to reduce the basal as well as the novelty-induced upregulation of activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) in the dentate gyrus and in the retrosplenial cortex. Together with the finding that blocking IL-1 receptors interferes with the BDNF-ERK1/2 pathway, our data suggest an essential role played by physiological levels of IL-1 in long-term memory consolidation.

Dopamine vs noradrenaline: inverted-U effects and ADHD theories

The aim of the present study was to review the dopamine theory of attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in light of recent use of noradrenergic therapies. A historical review of pharmacological theories of ADHD was conducted, including inverted-U, spatial working memory and neural circuit aspects. Pharmacological advances, including animal and human studies of dopaminergic and noradrenergic mechanisms at the prefrontal cortex (PFC), indicate that alpha-2A adrenoreceptor stimulation results in increased dendritic firing during delay periods for preferred directions, while moderate levels of D1 receptor stimulation result in reduction of delay-related firing to non-preferred directions, allowing representational control in the PFC. Recent studies of the COMT val/met gene and stimulant medication response may help explain variation in inverted-U responses in individuals. Further studies utilizing delay-related firing paradigms should be useful in the investigation of attentional syndromes, and responses to newer pharmacological treatments.

Putative role of the COMT gene polymorphism (Val158Met) on verbal working memory functioning in a healthy population

Working memory has been described as a neurocognitive probe of prefrontal brain functioning. Genetic variability related with catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene (Val158Met polymorphism) has received increasing attention as a possible modulator of working memory tasks in both schizophrenic patients and healthy subjects, although inconsistencies across studies have been found. This may be related to the existence of different working memory components, processes and modalities, which may have different sensitivities to subtle changes in dopamine levels and, therefore, the effect of the underlying COMT Val158Met genetic variability. To test this out a large sample of 521 healthy individuals from the general population were tested on the WCST and three working memory tasks that cover the assessment of verbal and spatial working modalities as well as different components and processes (Letter and Number Sequencing, CPT-IP, Backwards Visual Span). All individuals were genotyped for the rs4680 (Val158Met) polymorphism at the COMT gene. Met carriers showed near-significant better performance in the LNS compared with Val/Val individuals (F = 3.9, df = 1, P = 0.046). Moreover, the analysis for linear trend found that Met allele carriers showed significantly better performance than Val/Val individuals (B = 0.58 P = 0.031), although evidence for a linear trend was not found. None of the WCST indices differed among genotypes. Consistent with the hypothesis that Val158Met polymorphism (COMT gene) might account for individual differences on dopamine-dependent prefrontally related neurocognitive functions, the Letter-Number Sequencing task, which requires not only maintenance but also active manipulation of information seemed to be more sensitive to the disadvantageous Val/Val genotype in a large non-clinical sample.

Dopamine Increases the Gain of the Input-Output Response of Rat Prefrontal Pyramidal Neurons

Dopaminergic modulation of prefrontal cortical activity is known to affect cognitive functions like working memory. Little consensus on the role of dopamine modulation has been achieved, however, in part because quantities directly relating to the neuronal substrate of working memory are difficult to measure. Here we show that dopamine increases the gain of the frequency-current relationship of layer 5 pyramidal neurons in vitro in response to noisy input currents. The gain increase could be attributed to a reduction of the slow afterhyperpolarization by dopamine. Dopamine also increases neuronal excitability by shifting the input-output functions to lower inputs. The modulation of these response properties is mainly mediated by D1 receptors. Integrate-and-fire neurons were fitted to the experimentally recorded input-output functions and recurrently connected in a model network. The gain increase induced by dopamine application facilitated and stabilized persistent activity in this network. The results support the hypothesis that catecholamines increase the neuronal gain and suggest that dopamine improves working memory via gain modulation.

Serotonin transduction cascades mediate variable changes in pyloric network cycle frequency in response to the same modulatory challenge

A fundamental question in systems biology addresses the issue of how flexibility is built into modulatory networks such that they can produce context-dependent responses. Here we examine flexibility in the serotonin (5-HT) response system that modulates the cycle frequency (cf) of a rhythmic motor output. We found that depending on the preparation, the same 5-min bath application of 5-HT to the pyloric network of the California spiny lobster, Panulirus interruptus, could produce a significant increase, decrease, or no change in steady-state cf relative to baseline. Interestingly, the mean circuit output was not significantly different among preparations prior to 5-HT application. We developed pharmacological tools to examine the preparation-to-preparation variability in the components of the 5-HT response system. We found that the 5-HT response system consisted of at least three separable components: a 5-HT(2betaPan)-like component mediated a rapid decrease followed by a sustained increase in cf; a 5-HT(1alphaPan)-like component produced a small and usually gradual increase in cf; at least one other component associated with an unknown receptor mediated a sustained decrease in cf. The magnitude of the change in cf produced by each component was highly variable, so that when summed they could produce either a net increase, decrease, or no change in cf depending on the preparation. Overall, our research demonstrates that the balance of opposing components of the 5-HT response system determines the direction and magnitude of 5-HT-induced change in steady-state cf relative to baseline.

Pharmacological and therapeutic directions in ADHD: Specificity in the PFC

BACKGROUND

Recent directions in the treatment of ADHD have involved both a broadening of pharmacological perspectives to include nor-adrenergic as well as dopaminergic agents. A review of animal and human studies of pharmacological and therapeutic directions in ADHD suggests that the D1 receptor is a specific site for dopaminergic regulation of the PFC, but optimal levels of dopamine (DA) are required for beneficial effects on working memory. Animal and human studies indicate that the alpha-2A receptor is also important for prefrontal regulation, leaving open the question of the relative importance of these receptor sites. The therapeutic effects of ADHD medications in the prefrontal cortex have focused attention on the development of working memory capacity in ADHD.

HYPOTHESIS

The actions of dopaminergic vs noradrenergic agents, currently available for the treatment of ADHD have overlapping, but different actions in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and subcortical centers. While stimulants act on D1 receptors in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, they also have effects on D2 receptors in the corpus striatum and may also have serotonergic effects at orbitofrontal areas. At therapeutic levels, dopamine (DA) stimulation (through DAT transporter inhibition) decreases noise level acting on subcortical D2 receptors, while NE stimulation (through alpha-2A agonists) increases signal by acting preferentially in the PFC possibly on DAD1 receptors. On the other hand, alpha-2A noradrenergic transmission is more limited to the prefrontal cortex (PFC), and thus less likely to have motor or stereotypic side effects, while alpha-2B and alpha-2C agonists may have wider cortical effects. The data suggest a possible hierarchy of specificity in the current medications used in the treatment of ADHD, with guanfacine likely to be most specific for the treatment of prefrontal attentional and working memory deficits. Stimulants may have broader effects on both vigilance and motor impulsivity, depending on dose levels, while atomoxetine may have effects on attention, anxiety, social affect, and sedation via noradrenergic transmission.

TESTS OF THE HYPOTHESIS

At a theoretical level, the advent of possible specific alpha-2A noradrenergic therapies has posed the question of the role of working memory in ADHD. Head to head comparisons of stimulant and noradrenergic alpha-2A, alpha-2B and alpha-2C agonists, utilizing vigilance and affective measures should help to clarify pharmacological and therapeutic differences.

Neuroplasticity of neocortical circuits in schizophrenia

The core features of schizophrenia include deficits in cognitive processes mediated by the circuitry of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). These deficits are associated with a range of molecular and morphological alterations in the DLPFC, each of which could be a cause, consequence, or compensation in relation to other changes, and thus reflect the neuroplasticity of the brain in response to the underlying disease process. In this review, we consider disturbances in excitatory, inhibitory, and modulatory connections of DLPFC circuitry from the perspective of disease- and development-related neuroplasticity and discuss their implications for the identification of novel therapeutic targets.