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Washburn S, Oñate M, Yoshida J, Vera J, Bhuvanasundaram R, Khatami L, Nadim F, Khodakhah K. The cerebellum directly modulates the substantia nigra dopaminergic activity. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:497-513. [PMID: 38272967 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01560-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Evidence of direct reciprocal connections between the cerebellum and basal ganglia has challenged the long-held notion that these structures function independently. While anatomical studies have suggested the presence of cerebellar projections to the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), the nature and function of these connections (Cb-SNc) is unknown. Here we show, in mice, that Cb-SNc projections form monosynaptic glutamatergic synapses with dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neurons in the SNc. Optogenetic activation of Cb-SNc axons in the SNc is associated with increased SNc activity, elevated striatal dopamine levels and increased locomotion. During behavior, Cb-SNc projections are bilaterally activated before ambulation and unilateral lever manipulation. Cb-SNc projections show prominent activation for water reward and higher activation for sweet water, suggesting that the pathway also encodes reward value. Thus, the cerebellum directly, rapidly and effectively modulates basal ganglia dopamine levels and conveys information related to movement initiation, vigor and reward processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Washburn
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maritza Oñate
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Junichi Yoshida
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jorge Vera
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Leila Khatami
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Farzan Nadim
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Kamran Khodakhah
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
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2
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Tomagra G, Franchino C, Cesano F, Chiarion G, de lure A, Carbone E, Calabresi P, Mesin L, Picconi B, Marcantoni A, Carabelli V. Alpha-synuclein oligomers alter the spontaneous firing discharge of cultured midbrain neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1078550. [PMID: 36744002 PMCID: PMC9896582 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1078550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to monitor the effects of extracellular α-synuclein on the firing activity of midbrain neurons dissociated from substantia nigra TH-GFP mice embryos and cultured on microelectrode arrays (MEA). We monitored the spontaneous firing discharge of the network for 21 days after plating and the role of glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs in regulating burst generation and network synchronism. Addition of GABA A , AMPA and NMDA antagonists did not suppress the spontaneous activity but allowed to identify three types of neurons that exhibited different modalities of firing and response to applied L-DOPA: high-rate (HR) neurons, low-rate pacemaking (LR-p), and low-rate non-pacemaking (LR-np) neurons. Most HR neurons were insensitive to L-DOPA, while the majority of LR-p neurons responded with a decrease of the firing discharge; less defined was the response of LR-np neurons. The effect of exogenous α-synuclein (α-syn) on the firing discharge of midbrain neurons was then studied by varying the exposure time (0-48 h) and the α-syn concentration (0.3-70 μM), while the formation of α-syn oligomers was monitored by means of AFM. Independently of the applied concentration, acute exposure to α-syn monomers did not exert any effect on the spontaneous firing rate of HR, LR-p, and LR-np neurons. On the contrary, after 48 h exposure, the firing activity was drastically altered at late developmental stages (14 days in vitro, DIV, neurons): α-syn oligomers progressively reduced the spontaneous firing discharge (IC50 = 1.03 μM), impaired burst generation and network synchronism, proportionally to the increased oligomer/monomer ratio. Different effects were found on early-stage developed neurons (9 DIV), whose firing discharge remained unaltered, regardless of the applied α-syn concentration and the exposure time. Our findings unravel, for the first time, the variable effects of exogenous α-syn at different stages of midbrain network development and provide new evidence for the early detection of neuronal function impairment associated to aggregated forms of α-syn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Tomagra
- Drug Science Department, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces Inter-Departmental Research Centre, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Federico Cesano
- Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces Inter-Departmental Research Centre, Turin, Italy
- Department of Chemistry and INSTM-UdR Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Chiarion
- Mathematical Biology and Physiology, Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio de lure
- Laboratory Experimental Neurophysiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Carbone
- Drug Science Department, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces Inter-Departmental Research Centre, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Neurological Clinic, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Neurology, Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Università Cattolica del “Sacro Cuore,”Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Mesin
- Mathematical Biology and Physiology, Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Picconi
- Laboratory Experimental Neurophysiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Rome, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Umane e Promozione della Qualitá della Vita, Telematic University San Raffaele Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Marcantoni
- Drug Science Department, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces Inter-Departmental Research Centre, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Carabelli
- Drug Science Department, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
- Nanostructured Interfaces and Surfaces Inter-Departmental Research Centre, Turin, Italy
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Mercuri NB, Federici M, Rizzo FR, Maugeri L, D'Addario SL, Ventura R, Berretta N. Long-Term Depression of Striatal DA Release Induced by mGluRs via Sustained Hyperactivity of Local Cholinergic Interneurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:798464. [PMID: 34924961 PMCID: PMC8674918 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.798464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cellular mechanisms regulating dopamine (DA) release in the striatum have attracted much interest in recent years. By in vitro amperometric recordings in mouse striatal slices, we show that a brief (5 min) exposure to the metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist DHPG (50 μM) induces a profound depression of synaptic DA release, lasting over 1 h from DHPG washout. This long-term depression is sensitive to glycine, which preferentially inhibits local cholinergic interneurons, as well as to drugs acting on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and to the pharmacological depletion of released acetylcholine. The same DHPG treatment induces a parallel long-lasting enhancement in the tonic firing of presumed striatal cholinergic interneurons, measured with multi-electrode array recordings. When DHPG is bilaterally infused in vivo in the mouse striatum, treated mice display an anxiety-like behavior. Our results demonstrate that metabotropic glutamate receptors stimulation gives rise to a prolonged depression of the striatal dopaminergic transmission, through a sustained enhancement of released acetylcholine, due to the parallel long-lasting potentiation of striatal cholinergic interneurons firing. This plastic interplay between dopamine, acetylcholine, and glutamate in the dorsal striatum may be involved in anxiety-like behavior typical of several neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola B Mercuri
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Federici
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Lorenzo Maugeri
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Rome, Italy
| | - Sebastian L D'Addario
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology and Center Daniel Bovet, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Ventura
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology and Center Daniel Bovet, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Berretta
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Laboratory of Experimental Neurology, Rome, Italy
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Raj A, Kaushal A, Datta I. Impact of monomeric and aggregated wild-type and A30P/A53T double-mutant α-synuclein on antioxidant mechanism and glutamate metabolic profile of cultured astrocytes. J Neurosci Res 2021; 100:681-706. [PMID: 34904280 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24994] [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: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Serving as a source of glutathione and up-taking and metabolizing glutamate are the primary supportive role of astrocytes for the adjacent neurons. Despite the clear physical association between astrocytes and α-synuclein, the effect of extracellular α-synuclein on these astrocytic functions has not yet been elucidated. Hence, we aim to assess the effect of various forms of α-synuclein on antioxidant mechanism and glutamate metabolism. Wild-type and A53T/A30P double-mutant α-synuclein, both in monomeric and aggregated forms, were added extracellularly to media of midbrain rat astrocyte culture, with their survival, oxidative, and nitrative stress, glutathione and glutamate content, expression of enzymes associated with oxidative stress and glutamate metabolism, glutamate and glutathione transporters being assessed along with the association/engulfment of these peptides by astrocytes. A30P/A53T peptide associated more with astrocytes, and low-extracellular K+ concentration showed prominent reduction in the engulfment of the monomeric forms, suggesting that the association of the aggregated forms was greater with the membrane. The peptide-associated astrocytes showed lower survival and increased oxidative stress generation, owing to the decrease in nuclear localization of Nrf2 and increase in iNOS, and further aggravated by the decrease in glutathione content and related enzymes like glutathione synthetase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase. Glutamate uptake increased in aggregate-treated cells due to the increase in GLAST1 expression, de novo synthesis of glutamate by pyruvate carboxylase, and/or glutamine synthase, bolstered by the differential glutamate dehydrogenase enzyme activity. We thus show for the first time that extracellular α-synuclein exposure leads to astrocytic dysfunction with respect to the antioxidant mechanism and glutamate metabolic profile. The impact was higher in the case of the aggregated and mutated peptide, with the highest dysfunction for the mutant aggregated α-synuclein treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Raj
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Institute of National Importance, Bengaluru, India
| | - Alka Kaushal
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Institute of National Importance, Bengaluru, India
| | - Indrani Datta
- Department of Biophysics, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Institute of National Importance, Bengaluru, India
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Mirzaei S, Kulkarni K, Zhou K, Crack PJ, Aguilar MI, Finkelstein DI, Forsythe JS. Biomaterial Strategies for Restorative Therapies in Parkinson's Disease. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:4224-4235. [PMID: 34634903 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder, in which dopaminergic midbrain neurons degenerate, leading to dopamine depletion that is associated with neuronal death. In this Review, we initially describe the pathogenesis of PD and established therapies that unfortunately only delay progression of the disease. With a rapidly escalating incidence in PD, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies that not only halt progression but even reverse degeneration. Biomaterials are playing critical roles in these new therapies which include controlled and site-specific delivery of neurotrophins, increased engraftment of implanted neural stem cells, and redirection of endogenous stem cell populations away from their niche to encourage reparative mechanisms. This Review will therefore cover important design features of biomaterials used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering strategies targeted at PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Mirzaei
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ketav Kulkarni
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Kun Zhou
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Peter J. Crack
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Marie-Isabel Aguilar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - David I. Finkelstein
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - John S. Forsythe
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash Institute of Medical Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia
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6
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Mustafa R, Rawas C, Mannal N, Kreiner G, Spittau B, Kamińska K, Yilmaz R, Pötschke C, Kirsch J, Liss B, Tucker KL, Parlato R. Targeted Ablation of Primary Cilia in Differentiated Dopaminergic Neurons Reduces Striatal Dopamine and Responsiveness to Metabolic Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10081284. [PMID: 34439532 PMCID: PMC8389284 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10081284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia (PC) are microtubule-based protrusions of the cell membrane transducing molecular signals during brain development. Here, we report that PC are required for maintenance of Substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic (DA) neurons highly vulnerable in Parkinson's disease (PD). Targeted blockage of ciliogenesis in differentiated DA neurons impaired striato-nigral integrity in adult mice. The relative number of SN DA neurons displaying a typical auto-inhibition of spontaneous activity in response to dopamine was elevated under control metabolic conditions, but not under metabolic stress. Strikingly, in the absence of PC, the remaining SN DA neurons were less vulnerable to the PD neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridin (MPTP). Our data indicate conserved PC-dependent neuroadaptive responses to DA lesions in the striatum. Moreover, PC control the integrity and dopamine response of a subtype of SN DA neurons. These results reinforce the critical role of PC as sensors of metabolic stress in PD and other disorders of the dopamine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasem Mustafa
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (R.M.); (J.K.); (K.L.T.)
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm Medical Faculty, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.R.); (N.M.); (C.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Chahinaz Rawas
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm Medical Faculty, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.R.); (N.M.); (C.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Nadja Mannal
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm Medical Faculty, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.R.); (N.M.); (C.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Grzegorz Kreiner
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
| | - Björn Spittau
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany;
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical School OWL, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Kamińska
- Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland;
- Jagiellonian Center for Experimental Therapeutics, Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Kraków, Poland
| | - Rüstem Yilmaz
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, Mannheim Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
| | - Christina Pötschke
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm Medical Faculty, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.R.); (N.M.); (C.P.); (B.L.)
| | - Joachim Kirsch
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (R.M.); (J.K.); (K.L.T.)
| | - Birgit Liss
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm Medical Faculty, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.R.); (N.M.); (C.P.); (B.L.)
- Linacre College and New College, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2JD, UK
| | - Kerry L. Tucker
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (R.M.); (J.K.); (K.L.T.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA
- Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA
| | - Rosanna Parlato
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; (R.M.); (J.K.); (K.L.T.)
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm Medical Faculty, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (C.R.); (N.M.); (C.P.); (B.L.)
- Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience, Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Department of Neurology, Mannheim Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-621-3835-611
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Mannal N, Kleiner K, Fauler M, Dougalis A, Poetschke C, Liss B. Multi-Electrode Array Analysis Identifies Complex Dopamine Responses and Glucose Sensing Properties of Substantia Nigra Neurons in Mouse Brain Slices. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:635050. [PMID: 33716704 PMCID: PMC7952765 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.635050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dopaminergic (DA) midbrain neurons within the substantia nigra (SN) display an autonomous pacemaker activity that is crucial for dopamine release and voluntary movement control. Their progressive degeneration is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. Their metabolically demanding activity-mode affects Ca2+ homeostasis, elevates metabolic stress, and renders SN DA neurons particularly vulnerable to degenerative stressors. Accordingly, their activity is regulated by complex mechanisms, notably by dopamine itself, via inhibitory D2-autoreceptors and the neuroprotective neuronal Ca2+ sensor NCS-1. Analyzing regulation of SN DA neuron activity-pattern is complicated by their high vulnerability. We studied this activity and its control by dopamine, NCS-1, and glucose with extracellular multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings from midbrain slices of juvenile and adult mice. Our tailored MEA- and spike sorting-protocols allowed high throughput and long recording times. According to individual dopamine-responses, we identified two distinct SN cell-types, in similar frequency: dopamine-inhibited and dopamine-excited neurons. Dopamine-excited neurons were either silent in the absence of dopamine, or they displayed pacemaker-activities, similar to that of dopamine-inhibited neurons. Inhibition of pacemaker-activity by dopamine is typical for SN DA neurons, and it can undergo prominent desensitization. We show for adult mice, that the number of SN DA neurons with desensitized dopamine-inhibition was increased (~60–100%) by a knockout of NCS-1, or by prevention of NCS-1 binding to D2-autoreceptors, while time-course and degrees of desensitization were not altered. The number of neurons with desensitized D2-responses was also higher (~65%) at high glucose-levels (25 mM), compared to lower glucose (2.5 mM), while again desensitization-kinetics were unaltered. However, spontaneous firing-rates were significantly higher at high glucose-levels (~20%). Moreover, transient glucose-deprivation (1 mM) induced a fast and fully-reversible pacemaker frequency reduction. To directly address and quantify glucose-sensing properties of SN DA neurons, we continuously monitored their electrical activity, while altering extracellular glucose concentrations stepwise from 0.5 mM up to 25 mM. SN DA neurons were excited by glucose, with EC50 values ranging from 0.35 to 2.3 mM. In conclusion, we identified a novel, common subtype of dopamine-excited SN neurons, and a complex, joint regulation of dopamine-inhibited neurons by dopamine and glucose, within the range of physiological brain glucose-levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Mannal
- Institute of Applied Physiology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Michael Fauler
- Institute of Applied Physiology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Birgit Liss
- Institute of Applied Physiology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Linacre and New College, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Lyu S, Doroodchi A, Xing H, Sheng Y, DeAndrade MP, Yang Y, Johnson TL, Clemens S, Yokoi F, Miller MA, Xiao R, Li Y. BTBD9 and dopaminergic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of restless legs syndrome. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:1743-1760. [PMID: 32468214 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02090-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by an urge to move legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. RLS symptoms generally happen at night and can be relieved by movements. Genetic studies have linked polymorphisms in BTBD9 to a higher risk of RLS. Knockout of BTBD9 homolog in mice (Btbd9) and fly results in RLS-like phenotypes. A dysfunctional dopaminergic system is associated with RLS. However, the function of BTBD9 in the dopaminergic system and RLS is not clear. Here, we made use of the simple Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system. Loss of hpo-9, the worm homolog of BTBD9, resulted in hyperactive egg-laying behavior. Analysis of genetic interactions between hpo-9 and genes for dopamine receptors (dop-1, dop-3) indicated that hpo-9 and dop-1 worked similarly. Reporter assays of dop-1 and dop-3 revealed that hpo-9 knockout led to a significant increase of DOP-3 expression. This appears to be evolutionarily conserved in mice with an increased D2 receptor (D2R) mRNA in the striatum of the Btbd9 knockout mice. Furthermore, the striatal D2R protein was significantly decreased and Dynamin I was increased. Overall, activities of DA neurons in the substantia nigra were not altered, but the peripheral D1R pathway was potentiated in the Btbd9 knockout mice. Finally, we generated and characterized the dopamine neuron-specific Btbd9 knockout mice and detected an active-phase sleepiness, suggesting that dopamine neuron-specific loss of Btbd9 is sufficient to disturb the sleep. Our results suggest that increased activities in the D1R pathway, decreased activities in the D2R pathway, or both may contribute to RLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangru Lyu
- Department of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100236, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0236, USA
| | - Atbin Doroodchi
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Hong Xing
- Department of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100236, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0236, USA
| | - Yi Sheng
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Mark P DeAndrade
- Department of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100236, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0236, USA
| | - Youfeng Yang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Tracy L Johnson
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Stefan Clemens
- Department of Physiology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Fumiaki Yokoi
- Department of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100236, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0236, USA
| | - Michael A Miller
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Rui Xiao
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Yuqing Li
- Department of Neurology, Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, College of Medicine, University of Florida, PO Box 100236, Gainesville, FL, 32610-0236, USA.
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9
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Fasciani I, Petragnano F, Aloisi G, Marampon F, Rossi M, Coppolino MF, Rossi R, Longoni B, Scarselli M, Maggio R. A New Threat to Dopamine Neurons: The Downside of Artificial Light. Neuroscience 2020; 432:216-228. [PMID: 32142863 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Growing awareness of adverse impacts of artificial light on human health has led to recognize light pollution as a significant global environmental issue. Despite, a large number of studies in rodent and monkey models of Parkinson's disease have reported that near infrared light has neuroprotective effects on dopaminergic neurons, recent findings have shown that prolonged exposure of rodents and birds to fluorescent artificial light results in an increase of neuromelanin granules in substantia nigra and loss of dopaminergic neurons. The observed detrimental effect seems to be dependent on a direct effect of light on the substantia nigra rather than a secondary effect of the alterations of circadian rhythms. Moreover, inferences from animal models to human studies have shown a positive correlation between the prevalence of Parkinson's disease and light pollution. The present article discusses experimental evidence supporting a potentially deleterious impact of light on dopaminergic neurons and highlights the mechanisms whereby light might damage neuronal tissue. Moreover, it analyses epidemiological evidence that suggests light pollution to be an environmental risk factor for Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Fasciani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Petragnano
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Gabriella Aloisi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Rossi
- Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Maria Francesca Coppolino
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Rossi
- Ph D Programme in Neuroscience, University Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Biancamaria Longoni
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Scarselli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Maggio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy.
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10
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van der Velden L, Vinck MA, Wadman WJ. Resonance in the Mouse Ventral Tegmental Area Dopaminergic Network Induced by Regular and Poisson Distributed Optogenetic Stimulation in-vitro. Front Comput Neurosci 2020; 14:11. [PMID: 32132914 PMCID: PMC7040182 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2020.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons in many brain regions exhibit spontaneous, intrinsic rhythmic firing activity. This rhythmic firing activity may determine the way in which these neurons respond to extrinsic synaptic inputs. We hypothesized that neurons should be most responsive to inputs at the frequency of the intrinsic oscillation frequency. We addressed this question in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), a dopaminergic nucleus in the midbrain. VTA neurons have a unique propensity to exhibit spontaneous intrinsic rhythmic activity in the 1-5 Hz frequency range, which persists in the in-vitro brain slice, and form a network of weakly coupled oscillators. Here, we combine in-vitro simultaneous recording of action potentials from a 60 channel multi-electrode-array with cell-type-specific optogenetic stimulation of the VTA dopamine neurons. We investigated how VTA neurons respond to wide-band stochastic (Poisson input) as well as regular laser pulses. Strong synchrony was induced between the laser input and the spike timing of the neurons, both for regular pulse trains and Poisson pulse trains. For rhythmically pulsed input, the neurons demonstrated resonant behavior with the strongest phase locking at their intrinsic oscillation frequency, but also at half and double the intrinsic oscillation frequency. Stochastic Poisson pulse stimulation provided a more effective stimulation of the entire population, yet we observed resonance at lower frequencies (approximately half the oscillation frequency) than the neurons' intrinsic oscillation frequency. The non-linear filter characteristics of dopamine neurons could allow the VTA to predict precisely timed future rewards based on past sensory inputs, a crucial component of reward prediction error signaling. In addition, these filter characteristics could contribute to a pacemaker role for the VTA in synchronizing activity with other regions like the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luuk van der Velden
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martin A Vinck
- Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in Cooperation With Max Planck Society, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wytse J Wadman
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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11
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Bizzarri B, Botta L, Aversa D, Mercuri NB, Poli G, Barbieri A, Berretta N, Saladino R. L-DOPA-quinone Mediated Recovery from GIRK Channel Firing Inhibition in Dopaminergic Neurons. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:431-436. [PMID: 30996775 PMCID: PMC6466524 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxidative degeneration of dopamine-releasing (DAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) has attracted much interest in preclinical research, due to its involvement in Parkinson's disease manifestations. Evidence exists on the participation of quinone derivatives in mitochondrial dysfunction, alpha synuclein protein aggregation, and protein degradation. With the aim to investigate the role of L-DOPA-quinone in DAergic neuron functions, we synthesized L-DOPA-quinone by use of 2-iodoxybenzoic acid and measured its activity in recovery from dopamine-mediated firing inhibition of SNc neurons. Noteworthy, L-DOPA-quinone counteracts firing inhibition in SNc DAergic neurons caused by GIRK opening. A possible mechanism to explain the effect of L-DOPA-quinone on GIRK channel has been proposed by computational models. Overall, the study showed the possibility that L-DOPA-quinone stabilizes GIRK in a preopen conformation through formation of a covalent adduct with cysteine-65 on the GIRK2 subunit of the protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno
M. Bizzarri
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Ecologiche e Biologiche, Università
della Tuscia, Via S. C. De Lellis 44, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Botta
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Ecologiche e Biologiche, Università
della Tuscia, Via S. C. De Lellis 44, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Daniela Aversa
- IRCCS
Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306/354, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola B. Mercuri
- IRCCS
Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306/354, 00142 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento
di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università
di Roma Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulio Poli
- Dipartimento
di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università
degli studi di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Barbieri
- Dipartimento
di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università
degli studi di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Nicola Berretta
- IRCCS
Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina, 306/354, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Saladino
- Dipartimento
di Scienze Ecologiche e Biologiche, Università
della Tuscia, Via S. C. De Lellis 44, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
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12
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Tomagra G, Picollo F, Battiato A, Picconi B, De Marchis S, Pasquarelli A, Olivero P, Marcantoni A, Calabresi P, Carbone E, Carabelli V. Quantal Release of Dopamine and Action Potential Firing Detected in Midbrain Neurons by Multifunctional Diamond-Based Microarrays. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:288. [PMID: 31024230 PMCID: PMC6465646 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Micro-Graphitic Single Crystal Diamond Multi Electrode Arrays (μG-SCD-MEAs) have so far been used as amperometric sensors to detect catecholamines from chromaffin cells and adrenal gland slices. Besides having time resolution and sensitivity that are comparable with carbon fiber electrodes, that represent the gold standard for amperometry, μG-SCD-MEAs also have the advantages of simultaneous multisite detection, high biocompatibility and implementation of amperometric/potentiometric protocols, aimed at monitoring exocytotic events and neuronal excitability. In order to adapt diamond technology to record neuronal activity, the μG-SCD-MEAs in this work have been interfaced with cultured midbrain neurons to detect electrical activity as well as quantal release of dopamine (DA). μG-SCD-MEAs are based on graphitic sensing electrodes that are embedded into the diamond matrix and are fabricated using MeV ion beam lithography. Two geometries have been adopted, with 4 × 4 and 8 × 8 microelectrodes (20 μm × 3.5 μm exposed area, 200 μm spacing). In the amperometric configuration, the 4 × 4 μG-SCD-MEAs resolved quantal exocytosis from midbrain dopaminergic neurons. KCl-stimulated DA release occurred as amperometric spikes of 15 pA amplitude and 0.5 ms half-width, at a mean frequency of 0.4 Hz. When used as potentiometric multiarrays, the 8 × 8 μG-SCD-MEAs detected the spontaneous firing activity of midbrain neurons. Extracellularly recorded action potentials (APs) had mean amplitude of ∼-50 μV and occurred at a mean firing frequency of 0.7 Hz in 67% of neurons, while the remaining fired at 6.8 Hz. Comparable findings were observed using conventional MEAs (0.9 and 6.4 Hz, respectively). To test the reliability of potentiometric recordings with μG-SCD-MEAs, the D2-autoreceptor modulation of firing was investigated by applying levodopa (L-DOPA, 20 μM), and comparing μG-SCD-MEAs, conventional MEAs and current-clamp recordings. In all cases, L-DOPA reduced the spontaneous spiking activity in most neurons by 70%, while the D2-antagonist sulpiride reversed this effect. Cell firing inhibition was generally associated with increased APs amplitude. A minority of neurons was either insensitive to, or potentiated by L-DOPA, suggesting that AP recordings originate from different midbrain neuronal subpopulations and reveal different modulatory pathways. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that μG-SCD-MEAs are multi-functional biosensors suitable to resolve real-time DA release and AP firing in in vitro neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Tomagra
- Department of Drug and Science Technology and "NIS" Inter-departmental Centre, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Picollo
- Department of Physics and "NIS" Inter-departmental Centre, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Alfio Battiato
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Picconi
- Experimental Neurophysiology Laboratory, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, University San Raffaele, Rome, Italy.,University San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia De Marchis
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology and "NICO" Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Olivero
- Department of Physics and "NIS" Inter-departmental Centre, University of Torino, Turin, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare - Sezione di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Marcantoni
- Department of Drug and Science Technology and "NIS" Inter-departmental Centre, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Neurological Clinic, Department of Medicine, Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Emilio Carbone
- Department of Drug and Science Technology and "NIS" Inter-departmental Centre, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Valentina Carabelli
- Department of Drug and Science Technology and "NIS" Inter-departmental Centre, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
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13
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Aversa D, Martini A, Guatteo E, Pisani A, Mercuri NB, Berretta N. Reversal of dopamine-mediated firing inhibition through activation of the dopamine transporter in substantia nigra pars compacta neurons. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:3534-3547. [PMID: 29933497 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE One of the hallmarks of ventral midbrain dopamine-releasing neurons is membrane hyperpolarization in response to stimulation of somato-dendritic D2 receptors. At early postnatal age, under sustained dopamine, this inhibitory response is followed by a slow recovery, resulting in dopamine inhibition reversal (DIR). In the present investigation, we aimed to get a better insight into the cellular mechanisms underlying DIR. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We performed single-unit extracellular recordings with a multi-electrode array device and conventional patch-clamp recordings on midbrain mouse slices. KEY RESULTS While continuous dopamine (100 μM) perfusion gave rise to firing inhibition that recovered in 10 to 15 min, the same effect was not obtained with the D2 receptor agonist quinpirole (100 nM). Moreover, firing inhibition caused by the GABAB receptor agonist baclofen (300 nM) was reversed by dopamine (100 μM), albeit D2 receptors had been blocked by sulpiride (10 μM). Conversely, the block of the dopamine transporter (DAT) with cocaine (30 μM) prevented firing recovery by dopamine under GABAB receptor stimulation. Accordingly, in whole-cell recordings from single cells, the baclofen-induced outward current was counteracted by dopamine (100 μM) in the presence of sulpiride (10 μM), and this effect was prevented by the DAT antagonists cocaine (30 μM) and GBR12909 (2 μM). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our results indicate that the DAT plays a major role in DIR, mediating it under conditions of sustained dopamine exposure, and point to DAT as an important target for pharmacological therapies leading to prolonged enhancement of the dopaminergic signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Aversa
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Martini
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Ezia Guatteo
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università 'Parthenope', Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Università di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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14
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Romeo S, Vitale F, Viaggi C, di Marco S, Aloisi G, Fasciani I, Pardini C, Pietrantoni I, Di Paolo M, Riccitelli S, Maccarone R, Mattei C, Capannolo M, Rossi M, Capozzo A, Corsini GU, Scarnati E, Lozzi L, Vaglini F, Maggio R. Fluorescent light induces neurodegeneration in the rodent nigrostriatal system but near infrared LED light does not. Brain Res 2017; 1662:87-101. [PMID: 28263713 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of continuous artificial light exposure on the mouse substantia nigra (SN). A three month exposure of C57Bl/6J mice to white fluorescent light induced a 30% reduction in dopamine (DA) neurons in SN compared to controls, accompanied by a decrease of DA and its metabolites in the striatum. After six months of exposure, neurodegeneration progressed slightly, but the level of DA returned to the basal level, while the metabolites increased with respect to the control. Three month exposure to near infrared LED light (∼710nm) did not alter DA neurons in SN, nor did it decrease DA and its metabolites in the striatum. Furthermore mesencephalic cell viability, as tested by [3H]DA uptake, did not change. Finally, we observed that 710nm LED light, locally conveyed in the rat SN, could modulate the firing activity of extracellular-recorded DA neurons. These data suggest that light can be detrimental or beneficial to DA neurons in SN, depending on the source and wavelength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Romeo
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Flora Vitale
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Cristina Viaggi
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano di Marco
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Gabriella Aloisi
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Irene Fasciani
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Carla Pardini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pietrantoni
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mattia Di Paolo
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Serena Riccitelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rita Maccarone
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claudia Mattei
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marta Capannolo
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mario Rossi
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, MA 20892, United States
| | - Annamaria Capozzo
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giovanni U Corsini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Scarnati
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Luca Lozzi
- Department of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesca Vaglini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technology in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Maggio
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
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15
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Bizzarri BM, Martini A, Serafini F, Aversa D, Piccinino D, Botta L, Berretta N, Guatteo E, Saladino R. Tyrosinase mediated oxidative functionalization in the synthesis of DOPA-derived peptidomimetics with anti-Parkinson activity. RSC Adv 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c7ra03326e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
DOPA-derived peptidomimetics are an attractive therapeutic tool for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno M. Bizzarri
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB)
- University of Tuscia
- 01100 Viterbo
- Italy
| | - Alessandro Martini
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS
- 00143 Roma
- Italy
| | - Francesco Serafini
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB)
- University of Tuscia
- 01100 Viterbo
- Italy
| | - Daniela Aversa
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS
- 00143 Roma
- Italy
| | - Davide Piccinino
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB)
- University of Tuscia
- 01100 Viterbo
- Italy
| | - Lorenzo Botta
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB)
- University of Tuscia
- 01100 Viterbo
- Italy
| | - Nicola Berretta
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS
- 00143 Roma
- Italy
| | - Ezia Guatteo
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS
- 00143 Roma
- Italy
- University of Naples Parthenope
| | - Raffaele Saladino
- Department of Ecological and Biological Sciences (DEB)
- University of Tuscia
- 01100 Viterbo
- Italy
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16
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Functional alterations of the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems in spontaneous α-synuclein overexpressing rats. Exp Neurol 2016; 287:21-33. [PMID: 27771352 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The presence of α-synuclein (α-syn) in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites is an important characteristic of the neurodegenerative processes of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. Here we report that Berlin-Druckrey rats carrying a spontaneous mutation in the 3' untranslated region of α-syn mRNA (m/m rats) display a marked accumulation of α-syn in the mesencephalic area, striatum and frontal cortex, accompanied to severe dysfunctions in the dorsolateral striatum. Despite a small reduction in the number of SNpc and ventral tegmental area DAergic cells, the surviving dopaminergic neurons of the m/m rats do not show clear-cut alterations of the spontaneous and evoked firing activity, DA responses and somatic amphetamine-induced firing inhibition. Interestingly, mutant DAergic neurons display diminished whole-cell Ih conductance and a reduced frequency of spontaneous excitatory synaptic currents. By contrast, m/m rats show a severe impairment of DA and glutamate release in the dorsolateral striatum, as revealed by amperometric measure of DA currents and by electrophysiological recordings of glutamatergic synaptic events in striatal medium spiny neurons. These functional impairments are paralleled by a decreased expression of the DA transporter and VGluT1 proteins in the same area. Thus, together with α-syn overload in the mesencephalic region, striatum and frontal cortex, the main functional alterations occur in the DAergic and glutamatergic terminals in the dorsal striatum of the m/m rats.
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17
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Krashia P, Martini A, Nobili A, Aversa D, D'Amelio M, Berretta N, Guatteo E, Mercuri NB. On the properties of identified dopaminergic neurons in the mouse substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 45:92-105. [PMID: 27519559 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We studied the properties of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA) in mice expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter (TH-GFP). By using a practical map of cell positioning in distinct SNpc and VTA subregions in horizontal midbrain slices we saw that the spontaneous firing, membrane properties, cell body size and magnitude of the hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih ) in TH-GFP-positive neurons (TH-GFP+ ) vary significantly among subregions, following a mediolateral gradient. Block of Ih with Zd7288 inhibited firing in the most lateral subregions, but had little effect in the intermediate/medial VTA. In addition, TH-GFP+ cells were excited by Met5 -Enkephalin. Extracellular recordings from a large neuron number showed that all TH-GFP+ cells were inhibited by dopamine, suggesting that this is a reliable approach for identifying dopaminergic neurons in vitro. Simultaneous recordings from dopamine-sensitive and dopamine-insensitive neurons showed that dopamine-insensitive cells (putative non-dopaminergic neurons) are unaffected by Zd7288 but inhibited by Met5 -Enkephalin. Under patch-clamp, dopamine generated a quantitatively similar outward current in most TH-GFP+ neurons, although medial VTA cells showed reduced dopamine sensitivity. Pargyline prolonged the dopamine current, whereas cocaine enhanced dopamine-mediated responses in both the SNpc and the VTA. Our work provides new insights into the variability in mouse midbrain dopaminergic neurons along the medial-lateral axis and points to the necessity of a combination of different electrophysiological and pharmacological approaches for reliably identifying these cells to distinguish them from non-dopaminergic neurons in the midbrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Krashia
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Martini
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nobili
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine, University Campus-Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Aversa
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D'Amelio
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Medicine, University Campus-Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Berretta
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy
| | - Ezia Guatteo
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Motor Science and Wellness, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Nicola Biagio Mercuri
- Department of Experimental Neurology, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
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18
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Namba H, Okubo T, Nawa H. Perinatal Exposure to Neuregulin-1 Results in Disinhibition of Adult Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons: Implication in Schizophrenia Modeling. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22606. [PMID: 26935991 PMCID: PMC4776181 DOI: 10.1038/srep22606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant neuregulin-1 (NRG1) signals are suggested to associate with the neuropathophysiology of schizophrenia. Employing a mouse schizophrenia model established by neonatal neuregulin-1 challenge, we analysed postpubertal consequence of the NRG1 pretreatment for the electrophysiological property of nigral dopamine neurons. In vivo single unit recordings from anaesthetized NRG1-pretreated mice revealed increased spike bursting of nigral dopamine neurons. In slice preparations from NRG1-pretreated mice, spontaneous firing was elevated relative to controls. The relative increase in firing rates was abolished by a GABAA receptor antagonist. Whole-cell recording showed that perinatal NRG1 pretreatment diminished inhibitory miniature synaptic currents as well as GABAA receptor sensitivity. These results collectively suggest that perinatal exposure to neuregulin-1 results in the disinhibition of nigral dopamine neurons to influence their firing properties at the adult stage when the behavioral deficits are evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisaaki Namba
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585
| | - Takeshi Okubo
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585
| | - Hiroyuki Nawa
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585
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19
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Puia G, Gullo F, Dossi E, Lecchi M, Wanke E. Novel modulatory effects of neurosteroids and benzodiazepines on excitatory and inhibitory neurons excitability: a multi-electrode array recording study. Front Neural Circuits 2012; 6:94. [PMID: 23233835 PMCID: PMC3516127 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2012.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The balance between glutamate- and GABA-mediated neurotransmission in the brain is fundamental in the nervous system, but it is regulated by the “tonic” release of a variety of endogenous factors. One such important group of molecules are the neurosteroids (NSs) which, similarly to benzodiazepines (BDZs), enhance GABAergic neurotransmission. The purpose of our work was to investigate, at in vivo physiologically relevant concentrations, the effects of NSs and BDZs as GABA modulators on dissociated neocortical neuron networks grown in long-term culture. We used a multi-electrode array (MEA) recording technique and a novel analysis that was able to both identify the action potentials of engaged excitatory and inhibitory neurons and to detect drug-induced network up-states (burst). We found that the NSs tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC) and allopregnanolone (ALLO) applied at low nanomolar concentrations, produced different modulatory effects on the two neuronal clusters. Conversely, at high concentrations (1 μM), both NSs, decreased excitatory and inhibitory neuron cluster excitability; however, even several hours after wash-out, the excitability of inhibitory neurons continued to be depressed, leading to a network long-term depression (LTD). The BDZs clonazepam (CLZ) and midazolam (MDZ) also decreased the network excitability, but only MDZ caused LTD of inhibitory neuron cluster. To investigate the origin of the LTD after MDZ application, we tested finasteride (FIN), an inhibitor of endogenous NSs synthesis. FIN did not prevent the LTD induced by MDZ, but surprisingly induced it after application of CLZ. The significance and possible mechanisms underlying these LTD effects of NSs and BDZs are discussed. Taken together, our results not only demonstrate that ex vivo networks show a sensitivity to NSs and BDZs comparable to that expressed in vivo, but also provide a new global in vitro description that can help in understanding their activity in more complex systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Puia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Modena, Italy
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Gonzalez-Sulser A, Wang J, Queenan BN, Avoli M, Vicini S, Dzakpasu R. Hippocampal neuron firing and local field potentials in the in vitro 4-aminopyridine epilepsy model. J Neurophysiol 2012; 108:2568-80. [PMID: 22972961 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00363.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive synchronous neuronal activity is a defining feature of epileptic activity. We previously characterized the properties of distinct glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission-dependent synchronous epileptiform discharges in mouse hippocampal slices using the 4-aminopyridine model of epilepsy. In the present study, we sought to identify the specific hippocampal neuronal populations that initiate and underlie these local field potentials (LFPs). A perforated multielectrode array was used to simultaneously record multiunit action potential firing and LFPs during spontaneous epileptiform activity. LFPs had distinct components based on the initiation site, extent of propagation, and pharmacological sensitivity. Individual units, located in different hippocampal subregions, fired action potentials during these LFPs. A specific neuron subgroup generated sustained action potential firing throughout the various components of the LFPs. The activity of this subgroup preceded the LFPs observed in the presence of antagonists of ionotropic glutamatergic synaptic transmission. In the absence of ionotropic glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission, LFPs disappeared, but units with shorter spike duration and high basal firing rates were still active. These spontaneously active units had an increased level of activity during LFPs and consistently preceded all LFPs recorded before blockade of synaptic transmission. Our findings reveal that neuronal subpopulations with interneuron properties are likely responsible for initiating synchronous activity in an in vitro model of epileptiform discharges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Gonzalez-Sulser
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia 20007, USA.
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Gavello D, Rojo-Ruiz J, Marcantoni A, Franchino C, Carbone E, Carabelli V. Leptin counteracts the hypoxia-induced inhibition of spontaneously firing hippocampal neurons: a microelectrode array study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41530. [PMID: 22848520 PMCID: PMC3405131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides regulating energy balance and reducing body-weight, the adipokine leptin has been recently shown to be neuroprotective and antiapoptotic by promoting neuronal survival after excitotoxic and oxidative insults. Here, we investigated the firing properties of mouse hippocampal neurons and the effects of leptin pretreatment on hypoxic damage (2 hours, 3% O(2)). Experiments were carried out by means of the microelectrode array (MEA) technology, monitoring hippocampal neurons activity from 11 to 18 days in vitro (DIV). Under normoxic conditions, hippocampal neurons were spontaneously firing, either with prevailing isolated and randomly distributed spikes (11 DIV), or with patterns characterized by synchronized bursts (18 DIV). Exposure to hypoxia severely impaired the spontaneous activity of hippocampal neurons, reducing their firing frequency by 54% and 69%, at 11 and 18 DIV respectively, and synchronized their firing activity. Pretreatment with 50 nM leptin reduced the firing frequency of normoxic neurons and contrasted the hypoxia-induced depressive action, either by limiting the firing frequency reduction (at both ages) or by increasing it to 126% (in younger neurons). In order to find out whether leptin exerts its effect by activating large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK), as shown on rat hippocampal neurons, we applied the BK channel blocker paxilline (1 µM). Our data show that paxilline reversed the effects of leptin, both on normoxic and hypoxic neurons, suggesting that the adipokine counteracts hypoxia through BK channels activation in mouse hippocampal neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gavello
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, NIS Center, CNISM, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Jonathan Rojo-Ruiz
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, NIS Center, CNISM, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Marcantoni
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, NIS Center, CNISM, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Claudio Franchino
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, NIS Center, CNISM, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Emilio Carbone
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, NIS Center, CNISM, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Valentina Carabelli
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, NIS Center, CNISM, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
Cocaine (benzoylmethylecgonine), a natural alkaloid, is a powerful psychostimulant and a highly addictive drug. Unfortunately, the relationships between its behavioral and electrophysiological effects are not clear. We investigated the effects of cocaine on the firing of midbrain dopaminergic (DA) neurons, both in anesthetized and awake rats, using pre-implanted multielectrode arrays and a recently developed telemetric recording system. In anesthetized animals, cocaine (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) produced a general decrease of the firing rate and bursting of DA neurons, sometimes preceded by a transient increase in both parameters, as previously reported by others. In awake rats, however, injection of cocaine led to a very different pattern of changes in firing. A decrease in firing rate and bursting was observed in only 14% of DA neurons. Most of the other DA neurons underwent increases in firing rate and bursting: these changes were correlated with locomotor activity in 52% of the neurons, but were uncorrelated in 29% of them. Drug concentration measurements indicated that the observed differences between the two conditions did not have a pharmacokinetic origin. Taken together, our results demonstrate that cocaine injection differentially affects the electrical activity of DA neurons in awake and anesthetized states. The observed increases in neuronal activity may in part reflect the cocaine-induced synaptic potentiation found ex vivo in these neurons. Our observations also show that electrophysiological recordings in awake animals can uncover drug effects, which are masked by general anesthesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Liss
- Department of General Physiology, University of Ulm, Germany.
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