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Pérez‐Atencio LF, Casarrubios AM, Ibarz JM, Barios JA, Medrano C, Pestaña D, Paul DL, Barrio LC. Respiratory disturbances and high risk of sudden death in the neonatal connexin-36 knockout mouse. Physiol Rep 2021; 9:e15109. [PMID: 34755471 PMCID: PMC8579078 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural circuits at the brainstem involved in the central generation of the motor patterns of respiration and cardiorespiratory chemoreflexes organize as cell assemblies connected by chemical and electrical synapses. However, the role played by the electrical connectivity mainly mediated by connexin36 (Cx36), which expression reaches peak value during the postnatal period, is still unknown. To address this issue, we analyzed here the respiratory phenotype of a mouse strain devoid constitutively of Cx36 at P14. Male Cx36-knockout mice at rest showed respiratory instability of variable degree, including a periodic Cheyne-Stokes breathing. Moreover, mice lacking Cx36 exhibited exacerbated chemoreflexes to normoxic and hypoxic hypercapnia characterized by a stronger inspiratory/expiratory coupling due to an increased sensitivity to CO2 . Deletion of Cx36 also impaired the generation of the recurrent episodes of transient bradycardia (ETBs) evoked during hypercapnic chemoreflexes; these EBTs constituted a powerful mechanism of cardiorespiratory coupling capable of improving alveolar gaseous exchange under hypoxic hypercapnia conditions. Approximately half of the homo- and heterozygous Cx36KO, but none WT, mice succumbed by respiratory arrest when submitted to hypoxia-hypercapnia, the principal exogenous stressor causing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The early suppression of EBTs, which worsened arterial O2 saturation, and the generation of a paroxysmal generalized clonic-tonic activity, which provoked the transition from eupneic to gasping respiration, were the critical events causing sudden death in the Cx36KO mice. These results indicate that Cx36 expression plays a pivotal role in respiratory control, cardiorespiratory coordination, and protection against SIDS at the postnatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana M. Casarrubios
- Unit of Experimental Neurology“Ramón y Cajal” Hospital (IRYCIS)MadridSpain
| | - José M. Ibarz
- Unit of Experimental Neurology“Ramón y Cajal” Hospital (IRYCIS)MadridSpain
| | - Juan A. Barios
- Biomedical Neuroengineering Research Group (nBio)Systems Engineering and Automation Department of Miguel Hernández UniversityElcheSpain
| | - Cristina Medrano
- Anesthesiology Service“Ramón y Cajal” Hospital (IRYCIS)MadridSpain
| | - David Pestaña
- Anesthesiology Service“Ramón y Cajal” Hospital (IRYCIS)MadridSpain
| | - David L. Paul
- Department of NeurobiologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Luis C. Barrio
- Unit of Experimental Neurology“Ramón y Cajal” Hospital (IRYCIS)MadridSpain
- Centro de Tecnología Biomédica de la Universidad PolitécnicaMadridSpain
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2
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Kraft M, Büscher A, Wiedmann F, L’hoste Y, Haefeli WE, Frey N, Katus HA, Schmidt C. Current Drug Treatment Strategies for Atrial Fibrillation and TASK-1 Inhibition as an Emerging Novel Therapy Option. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:638445. [PMID: 33897427 PMCID: PMC8058608 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.638445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia with a prevalence of up to 4% and an upwards trend due to demographic changes. It is associated with an increase in mortality and stroke incidences. While stroke risk can be significantly reduced through anticoagulant therapy, adequate treatment of other AF related symptoms remains an unmet medical need in many cases. Two main treatment strategies are available: rate control that modulates ventricular heart rate and prevents tachymyopathy as well as rhythm control that aims to restore and sustain sinus rhythm. Rate control can be achieved through drugs or ablation of the atrioventricular node, rendering the patient pacemaker-dependent. For rhythm control electrical cardioversion and pharmacological cardioversion can be used. While electrical cardioversion requires fasting and sedation of the patient, antiarrhythmic drugs have other limitations. Most antiarrhythmic drugs carry a risk for pro-arrhythmic effects and are contraindicated in patients with structural heart diseases. Furthermore, catheter ablation of pulmonary veins can be performed with its risk of intraprocedural complications and varying success. In recent years TASK-1 has been introduced as a new target for AF therapy. Upregulation of TASK-1 in AF patients contributes to prolongation of the action potential duration. In a porcine model of AF, TASK-1 inhibition by gene therapy or pharmacological compounds induced cardioversion to sinus rhythm. The DOxapram Conversion TO Sinus rhythm (DOCTOS)-Trial will reveal whether doxapram, a potent TASK-1 inhibitor, can be used for acute cardioversion of persistent and paroxysmal AF in patients, potentially leading to a new treatment option for AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Kraft
- Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- HCR, Heidelberg Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antonius Büscher
- Clinic for Cardiology II: Electrophysiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Felix Wiedmann
- Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- HCR, Heidelberg Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yannick L’hoste
- Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- HCR, Heidelberg Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Walter E. Haefeli
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Norbert Frey
- Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- HCR, Heidelberg Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hugo A. Katus
- Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- HCR, Heidelberg Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Constanze Schmidt
- Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- HCR, Heidelberg Center for Heart Rhythm Disorders, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Nijjar S, Maddison D, Meigh L, de Wolf E, Rodgers T, Cann MJ, Dale N. Opposing modulation of Cx26 gap junctions and hemichannels by CO 2. J Physiol 2020; 599:103-118. [PMID: 33022747 DOI: 10.1113/jp280747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS A moderate increase in P C O 2 (55 mmHg) closes Cx26 gap junctions. This effect of CO2 is independent of changes in intra- or extracellular pH. The CO2 -dependent closing effect depends on the same residues (K125 and R104) that are required for the CO2 -dependent opening of Cx26 hemichannels. Pathological mutations of Cx26 abolish the CO2 -dependent closing of the gap junction. Elastic network modelling suggests that the effect of CO2 on Cx26 hemichannels and gap junctions is mediated through changes in the lowest entropy state of the protein. ABSTRACT Cx26 hemichannels open in response to moderate elevations of CO2 ( P C O 2 55 mmHg) via a carbamylation reaction that depends on residues K125 and R104. Here we investigate the action of CO2 on Cx26 gap junctions. Using a dye transfer assay, we found that an elevated P C O 2 of 55 mmHg greatly delayed the permeation of a fluorescent glucose analogue (NBDG) between HeLa cells coupled by Cx26 gap junctions. However, the mutations K125R or R104A abolished this effect of CO2 . Whole cell recordings demonstrated that elevated CO2 reduced the Cx26 gap junction conductance (median reduction 66.7%, 95% CI, 50.5-100.0%) but had no effect on Cx26K125R or Cx31 gap junctions. CO2 can cause intracellular acidification. Using 30 mm propionate, we found that acidification in the absence of a change in P C O 2 caused a median reduction in the gap junction conductance of 41.7% (95% CI, 26.6-53.7%). This effect of propionate was unaffected by the K125R mutation (median reduction 48.1%, 95% CI, 28.0-86.3%). pH-dependent and CO2 -dependent closure of the gap junction are thus mechanistically independent. Mutations of Cx26 associated with the keratitis ichthyosis deafness syndrome (N14K, A40V and A88V), in combination with the mutation M151L, also abolished the CO2 -dependent gap junction closure. Elastic network modelling suggests that the lowest entropy state when CO2 is bound is the closed configuration for the gap junction but the open state for the hemichannel. The opposing actions of CO2 on Cx26 gap junctions and hemichannels thus depend on the same residues and presumed carbamylation reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarbjit Nijjar
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Daniel Maddison
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Louise Meigh
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Thomas Rodgers
- School of Chemical Engineering and Analytical Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Martin J Cann
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Nicholas Dale
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Panneton WM, Gan Q. The Mammalian Diving Response: Inroads to Its Neural Control. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:524. [PMID: 32581683 PMCID: PMC7290049 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian diving response (DR) is a remarkable behavior that was first formally studied by Laurence Irving and Per Scholander in the late 1930s. The DR is called such because it is most prominent in marine mammals such as seals, whales, and dolphins, but nevertheless is found in all mammals studied. It consists generally of breathing cessation (apnea), a dramatic slowing of heart rate (bradycardia), and an increase in peripheral vasoconstriction. The DR is thought to conserve vital oxygen stores and thus maintain life by directing perfusion to the two organs most essential for life-the heart and the brain. The DR is important, not only for its dramatic power over autonomic function, but also because it alters normal homeostatic reflexes such as the baroreceptor reflex and respiratory chemoreceptor reflex. The neurons driving the reflex circuits for the DR are contained within the medulla and spinal cord since the response remains after the brainstem transection at the pontomedullary junction. Neuroanatomical and physiological data suggesting brainstem areas important for the apnea, bradycardia, and peripheral vasoconstriction induced by underwater submersion are reviewed. Defining the brainstem circuit for the DR may open broad avenues for understanding the mechanisms of suprabulbar control of autonomic function in general, as well as implicate its role in some clinical states. Knowledge of the proposed diving circuit should facilitate studies on elite human divers performing breath-holding dives as well as investigations on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), stroke, migraine headache, and arrhythmias. We have speculated that the DR is the most powerful autonomic reflex known.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Michael Panneton
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Qi Gan
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO, United States
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5
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Kim H, Cheon JH, Lim NN, Cho YK, Lee SH, Lee HK, Lee DY. An Analysis between Pre- and Post-exercise of the Respiratory and Metabolic State for the Acute and Subacute Stroke Patients. BRAIN & NEUROREHABILITATION 2017. [DOI: 10.12786/bn.2017.10.e14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Howard Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Ji Hong Cheon
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Na Na Lim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Youn Kyung Cho
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sung Hoon Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Hyun Kyung Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Dong Youl Lee
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Kwangju Christian Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
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Using a computational model to analyze the effects of firing frequency on synchrony of a network of gap junction-coupled hypoglossal motoneurons. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2014. [PMID: 25194195 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63488-7.00006-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Hypoglossal motoneurons (HMs) are located in the brainstem and play an important role in the maintenance of upper airway patency. HMs are known to be coupled to one another via gap junctions and exhibit synchronous firing behavior when driven by premotor inputs. In the current study, we used a computational model to analyze the influence of firing frequency on synchronous firing behavior of a network of gap junction-coupled HMs. As there are many factors that can influence excitability and firing frequency of HMs, our simulations were focused on the effects of modulation of SK channel conductance and the magnitude of the input currents as a means of modifying firing frequency. Our simulations revealed that regardless of the mechanism by which firing frequency was modulated, increasing the firing frequency disrupted the synchrony in gap junction-coupled HM networks with low, medium, and high levels of gap junction coupling.
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7
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de Carvalho D, Patrone LGA, Taxini CL, Biancardi V, Vicente MC, Gargaglioni LH. Neurochemical and electrical modulation of the locus coeruleus: contribution to CO2drive to breathe. Front Physiol 2014; 5:288. [PMID: 25183958 PMCID: PMC4135231 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The locus coeruleus (LC) is a dorsal pontine region, situated bilaterally on the floor of the fourth ventricle. It is considered to be the major source of noradrenergic innervation in the brain. These neurons are highly sensitive to CO2/pH, and chemical lesions of LC neurons largely attenuate the hypercapnic ventilatory response in unanesthetized adult rats. Developmental dysfunctions in these neurons are linked to pathological conditions such as Rett and sudden infant death syndromes, which can impair the control of the cardio-respiratory system. LC is densely innervated by fibers that contain glutamate, serotonin, and adenosine triphosphate, and these neurotransmitters strongly affect LC activity, including central chemoreflexes. Aside from neurochemical modulation, LC neurons are also strongly electrically coupled, specifically through gap junctions, which play a role in the CO2 ventilatory response. This article reviews the available data on the role of chemical and electrical neuromodulation of the LC in the control of ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora de Carvalho
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista - São Paulo State University Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Luis G A Patrone
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista - São Paulo State University Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Camila L Taxini
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista - São Paulo State University Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Vivian Biancardi
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista - São Paulo State University Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Mariane C Vicente
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista - São Paulo State University Jaboticabal, Brazil
| | - Luciane H Gargaglioni
- Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Universidade Estadual Paulista - São Paulo State University Jaboticabal, Brazil
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8
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Reyes EP, Cerpa V, Corvalán L, Retamal MA. Cxs and Panx- hemichannels in peripheral and central chemosensing in mammals. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:123. [PMID: 24847209 PMCID: PMC4023181 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) and Pannexins (Panx) form hemichannels at the plasma membrane of animals. Despite their low open probability under physiological conditions, these hemichannels release signaling molecules (i.e., ATP, Glutamate, PGE2) to the extracellular space, thus subserving several important physiological processes. Oxygen and CO2 sensing are fundamental to the normal functioning of vertebrate organisms. Fluctuations in blood PO2, PCO2 and pH are sensed at the carotid bifurcations of adult mammals by glomus cells of the carotid bodies. Likewise, changes in pH and/or PCO2 of cerebrospinal fluid are sensed by central chemoreceptors, a group of specialized neurones distributed in the ventrolateral medulla (VLM), raphe nuclei, and some other brainstem areas. After many years of research, the molecular mechanisms involved in chemosensing process are not completely understood. This manuscript will review data regarding relationships between chemosensitive cells and the expression of channels formed by Cxs and Panx, with special emphasis on hemichannels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edison Pablo Reyes
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo Santiago, Chile ; Dirección de Investigación, Universidad Autónoma de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Verónica Cerpa
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo Santiago, Chile
| | - Liliana Corvalán
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio Antonio Retamal
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo Santiago, Chile
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9
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Panneton WM. The mammalian diving response: an enigmatic reflex to preserve life? Physiology (Bethesda) 2014; 28:284-97. [PMID: 23997188 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00020.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian diving response is a remarkable behavior that overrides basic homeostatic reflexes. It is most studied in large aquatic mammals but is seen in all vertebrates. Pelagic mammals have developed several physiological adaptations to conserve intrinsic oxygen stores, but the apnea, bradycardia, and vasoconstriction is shared with those terrestrial and is neurally mediated. The adaptations of aquatic mammals are reviewed here as well as the neural control of cardiorespiratory physiology during diving in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Michael Panneton
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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10
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Cummins EP, Selfridge AC, Sporn PH, Sznajder JI, Taylor CT. Carbon dioxide-sensing in organisms and its implications for human disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 71:831-45. [PMID: 24045706 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1470-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The capacity of organisms to sense changes in the levels of internal and external gases and to respond accordingly is central to a range of physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. Carbon dioxide, a primary product of oxidative metabolism is one such gas that can be sensed by both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and in response to altered levels, elicit the activation of multiple adaptive pathways. The outcomes of activating CO2-sensitive pathways in various species include increased virulence of fungal and bacterial pathogens, prey-seeking behavior in insects as well as taste perception, lung function, and the control of immunity in mammals. In this review, we discuss what is known about the mechanisms underpinning CO2 sensing across a range of species and consider the implications of this for physiology, disease progression, and the possibility of developing new therapeutics for inflammatory and infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eoin P Cummins
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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11
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Panneton WM, Gan Q, Dahms TE. Cardiorespiratory and neural consequences of rats brought past their aerobic dive limit. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2010; 109:1256-69. [PMID: 20705947 PMCID: PMC2971699 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00110.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2010] [Accepted: 08/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian diving response is a dramatic autonomic adjustment to underwater submersion affecting heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and ventilation. The bradycardia is known to be modulated by the parasympathetic nervous system, arterial blood pressure is modulated via the sympathetic system, and still other circuits modulate the respiratory changes. In the present study, we investigate the submergence of rats brought past their aerobic dive limit, defined as the diving duration beyond which blood lactate concentration increases above resting levels. Hemodynamic measurements were made during underwater submergence with biotelemetric transmitters, and blood was drawn from cannulas previously implanted in the rats' carotid arteries. Such prolonged submersion induces radical changes in blood chemistry; mean arterial PCO(2) rose to 62.4 Torr, while mean arterial PO(2) and pH reached nadirs of 21.8 Torr and 7.18, respectively. Despite these radical changes in blood chemistry, the rats neither attempted to gasp nor breathe while underwater. Immunohistochemistry for Fos protein done on their brains revealed numerous Fos-positive profiles. Especially noteworthy were the large number of immunopositive profiles in loci where presumptive chemoreceptors are found. Despite the activation of these presumptive chemoreceptors, the rats did not attempt to breathe. Injections of biotinylated dextran amine were made into ventral parts of the medullary dorsal horn, where central fibers of the anterior ethmoidal nerve terminate. Labeled fibers coursed caudal, ventral, and medial from the injection to neurons on the ventral surface of the medulla, where numerous Fos-labeled profiles were seen in the rats brought past their aerobic dive limit. We propose that this projection inhibits the homeostatic chemoreceptor reflex, despite the gross activation of chemoreceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Michael Panneton
- Dept. of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, St. Louis Univ. School of Medicine, 1402 S. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63104-1004, USA.
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12
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Hirata Y, Oku Y. TRP channels are involved in mediating hypercapnic Ca2+ responses in rat glia-rich medullary cultures independent of extracellular pH. Cell Calcium 2010; 48:124-32. [PMID: 20728216 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2010.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2010] [Revised: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 07/24/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The medulla contains central chemosensitive cells important for the maintenance of blood gas and pH homeostasis. To identify the intrinsic chemosensitive cells, we measured responses of intracellular Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](i)) and H(+) ([H(+)](i)), and membrane potential of rat primary-cultured medullary cells to 6-s exposure to acidosis. The cells showed transient [Ca(2+)](i) increases to extracellular pH 6.8, which was inhibited by the specific ASIC1a blocker (psalmotoxin-1), but did not respond to pH 7.1 in the HEPES-buffered solution. Isocapnic acidosis induced no changes in [Ca(2+)](i), whereas hypercapnic acidosis induced a remarkable Ca(2+) response and an increase in membrane potential in the HCO(3)(-)-buffered solution (pH 7.1). In glia-rich cultures, intracellular acidification preceded the hypercapnic acidosis-induced Ca(2+) response, and acetazolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor suppressed these responses. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channel broad-spectrum blockers Ni(2+) and ruthenium red, and a TRPV1- and TRPM8-specific blocker N-(4-tertiarybutylphenyl)-4-(3-chloropyridin-2-yl)-tetrahydropyrazine-1(2H)-carbox-amide attenuated the hypercapnic acidosis-induced Ca(2+) response. Subpopulations of cells that exhibited the hypercapnic acidosis-induced Ca(2+) response also responded to the application of capsaicin (TRPV1 agonist) and menthol (TRPM8 agonist). These results suggest that the TRP channel family partially mediates the fast hypercapnic acidosis-induced Ca(2+) response via changes in [H(+)](i) and is a candidate of central chemosensing proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Hirata
- Department of Physiology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Mukogawa-cho, Nishinomiya, Japan
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13
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Erlichman JS, Leiter JC. Glia modulation of the extracellular milieu as a factor in central CO2 chemosensitivity and respiratory control. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2010; 108:1803-11. [PMID: 20110540 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01321.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
We discuss the influence of astrocytes on respiratory function, particularly central CO2 chemosensitivity. Fluorocitrate (FC) poisons astrocytes, and studies in intact animals using FC provide strong evidence that disrupting astrocytic function can influence CO2 chemosensitivity and ventilation. Gap junctions interconnect astrocytes and contribute to K+ homeostasis in the extracellular fluid (ECF). Blocking gap junctions alters respiratory control, but proof that this is truly an astrocytic effect is lacking. Intracellular pH regulation of astrocytes has reciprocal effects on extracellular pH. Electrogenic sodium-bicarbonate transport (NBCe) is present in astrocytes. The activity of NBCe alkalinizes intracellular pH and acidifies extracellular pH when activated by depolarization (and a subset of astrocytes are depolarized by hypercapnia). Thus, to the extent that astrocytic intracellular pH regulation during hypercapnia lowers extracellular pH, astrocytes will amplify the hypercapnic stimulus and may influence central chemosensitivity. However, the data so far provide only inferential support for this hypothesis. A lactate shuttle from astrocytes to neurons seems to be active in the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN) and important in setting the chemosensory stimulus in the RTN (and possibly other chemosensory nuclei). Thus astrocytic processes, so vital in controlling the constituents of the ECF in the central nervous system, may profoundly influence central CO2 chemosensitivity and respiratory control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Erlichman
- Department of Biology, St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY 13617-1475, USA.
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14
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Erlichman JS, Boyer AC, Reagan P, Putnam RW, Ritucci NA, Leiter JC. Chemosensory responses to CO2 in multiple brain stem nuclei determined using a voltage-sensitive dye in brain slices from rats. J Neurophysiol 2009; 102:1577-90. [PMID: 19553484 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00381.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We used epifluorescence microscopy and a voltage-sensitive dye, di-8-ANEPPS, to study changes in membrane potential during hypercapnia with or without synaptic blockade in chemosensory brain stem nuclei: the locus coeruleus (LC), the nucleus of the solitary tract, lateral paragigantocellularis nucleus, raphé pallidus, and raphé obscurus and, in putative nonchemosensitive nuclei, the gigantocellularis reticular nucleus and the spinotrigeminal nucleus. We studied the response to hypercapnia in LC cells to evaluate the performance characteristics of the voltage-sensitive dye. Hypercapnia depolarized many LC cells and the voltage responses to hypercapnia were diminished, but not eradicated, by synaptic blockade (there were intrinsically CO2-sensitive cells in the LC). The voltage response to hypercapnia was substantially diminished after inhibiting fast Na+ channels with tetrodotoxin. Thus action potential-related activity was responsible for most of the optical signal that we detected. We systematically examined CO2 sensitivity among cells in brain stem nuclei to test the hypothesis that CO2 sensitivity is a ubiquitous phenomenon, not restricted to nominally CO2 chemosensory nuclei. We found intrinsically CO2 sensitive neurons in all the nuclei that we examined; even the nonchemosensory nuclei had small numbers of intrinsically CO2 sensitive neurons. However, synaptic blockade significantly altered the distribution of CO2-sensitive cells in all of the nuclei so that the cellular response to CO2 in more intact preparations may be difficult to predict based on studies of intrinsic neuronal activity. Thus CO2-sensitive neurons are widely distributed in chemosensory and nonchemosensory nuclei and CO2 sensitivity is dependent on inhibitory and excitatory synaptic activity even within brain slices. Neuronal CO2 sensitivity important for the behavioral response to CO2 in intact animals will thus be determined as much by synaptic mechanisms and patterns of connectivity throughout the brain as by intrinsic CO2 sensitivity.
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Conrad SC, Nichols NL, Ritucci NA, Dean JB, Putnam RW. Development of chemosensitivity in neurons from the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) of neonatal rats. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2009; 166:4-12. [PMID: 19056522 PMCID: PMC2683148 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2008.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2008] [Revised: 11/07/2008] [Accepted: 11/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We studied the development of chemosensitivity during the neonatal period in rat nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) neurons. We determined the percentage of neurons activated by hypercapnia (15% CO(2)) and assessed the magnitude of the response by calculating the chemosensitivity index (CI). There were no differences in the percentage of neurons that were inhibited (9%) or activated (44.8%) by hypercapnia or in the magnitude of the activated response (CI 164+/-4.9%) in NTS neurons from neonatal rats of all ages. To assess the degree of intrinsic chemosensitivity in these neurons we used chemical synaptic block medium and the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone. Chemical synaptic block medium slightly decreased basal firing rate but did not affect the percentage of NTS neurons that responded to hypercapnia at any neonatal age. However, in neonates aged
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C. Conrad
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University School of Medicine, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435
| | - Nicole L. Nichols
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University School of Medicine, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435
| | - Nick A. Ritucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University School of Medicine, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435
| | - Jay B. Dean
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33612
| | - Robert W. Putnam
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University School of Medicine, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435
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16
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Juszczak GR, Swiergiel AH. Properties of gap junction blockers and their behavioural, cognitive and electrophysiological effects: animal and human studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2009; 33:181-98. [PMID: 19162118 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2008] [Revised: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 12/22/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions play an important role in brain physiology. They synchronize neuronal activity and connect glial cells participating in the regulation of brain metabolism and homeostasis. Gap junction blockers (GJBs) include various chemicals that impair gap junction communication, disrupt oscillatory neuronal activity over a wide range of frequencies, and decrease epileptic discharges. The behavioural and clinical effects of GJBs suggest that gap junctions can be involved in the regulation of locomotor activity, arousal, memory, and breathing. Severe neuropsychiatric side effects suggest the involvement of gap junctions in mechanisms of consciousness. Unfortunately, the available GJBs are not selective and can bind to targets other than gap junctions. Other problems in behavioural studies include the possible adverse effects of GJBs, for example, retinal toxicity and hearing disturbances, changes in blood-brain transport, and the metabolism of other drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to design experiments properly to avoid false, misleading or uninterpretable results. We review the pharmacological properties and electrophysiological, behavioural and cognitive effects of the available gap junction blockers, such as carbenoxolone, glycyrrhetinic acid, quinine, quinidine, mefloquine, heptanol, octanol, anandamide, fenamates, 2-APB, several anaesthetics, retinoic acid, oleamide, spermine, aminosulfonates, and sodium propionate. It is concluded that despite a number of different problems, the currently used gap junction blockers could be useful tools in pharmacology and neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz R Juszczak
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Jastrzebiec, ul. Postepu 1, 05-552 Wolka Kosowska, Poland.
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17
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Johnson SM, Haxhiu MA, Richerson GB. GFP-expressing locus ceruleus neurons from Prp57 transgenic mice exhibit CO2/H+ responses in primary cell culture. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2008; 105:1301-11. [PMID: 18635881 PMCID: PMC2576037 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.90414.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2008] [Accepted: 07/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The locus ceruleus (LC) contains neurons that increase their firing rate (FR) in vitro when exposed to elevated CO(2)/H(+) and have been proposed to influence the respiratory network to make compensatory adjustments in ventilation. Prp57 transgenic mice express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the LC and were used to isolate, culture, and target LC neurons for electrophysiological recording. We hypothesized that GFP-LC neurons would exhibit CO(2)/H(+) chemosensitivity under primary culture conditions, evidenced as a change in FR. This is the first study to quantify CO(2)/H(+) responses in LC neuron FR in cell culture. Neurons were continuously bathed with solutions containing antagonists of glutamate and GABA receptors, and the acid-base status was changed from control (5% CO(2); pH approximately 7.4) to hypercapnic acidosis (9% CO(2); pH approximately 7.2) and hypocapnic alkalosis (3% CO(2); pH approximately 7.6). FR was quantified during perforated patch current clamp recordings. Approximately 86% of GFP-LC neurons were stimulated, and approximately 14% were insensitive to changes in CO(2)/H(+). The magnitude of the response of these neurons depended on the baseline FR, ranging from 155.9 +/- 6% when FR started at 2.95 +/- 0.49 Hz to 381 +/- 55.6% when FR started at 1.32 +/- 0.31 Hz. These results demonstrate that cultured LC neurons from Prp57 transgenic mice retain functional sensing molecules necessary for CO(2)/H(+) responses. Prp57 transgenic mice will serve as a valuable model to delineate mechanisms involved in CO(2)/H(+) responsiveness in catecholaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shereé M Johnson
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20059, USA.
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18
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Elsen FP, Shields EJ, Roe MT, Vandam RJ, Kelty JD. Carbenoxolone induced depression of rhythmogenesis in the pre-Bötzinger Complex. BMC Neurosci 2008; 9:46. [PMID: 18500991 PMCID: PMC2413244 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-9-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2007] [Accepted: 05/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Carbenoxolone (CBX), a gap junction uncoupler, alters the functioning of the pre-Bötzinger Complex (preBötC), a central pattern generating neuronal network important for the production of respiratory rhythm in mammals. Even when isolated in a 1/2 mm-thick slice of medulla oblongata from neonatal mouse the preBötC continues producing periodic bursts of action potentials, termed population bursts that are thought to be important in generating various patterns of inspiration, in vivo. Whether gap junction communication contributes to preBötC rhythmogenesis remains unresolved, largely because existing gap junction uncouplers exert numerous non-specific effects (e.g., inhibition of active transport, alteration of membrane conductances). Here, we determined whether CBX alters preBötC rhythmogenesis by altering membrane properties including input resistance (Rin), voltage-gated Na+ current (INa), and/or voltage-gated K+ current (IK), rather than by blocking gap junction communication. To do so we used a medullary slice preparation, network-level recordings, whole-cell voltage clamp, and glycyrrhizic acid (GZA; a substance used as a control for CBX, since it is similar in structure and does not block gap junctions). Results Whereas neither of the control treatments [artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) or GZA (50 μM)] noticeably affected preBötC rhythmogenesis, CBX (50 μM) decreased the frequency, area and amplitude of population bursts, eventually terminating population burst production after 45–60 min. Both CBX and GZA decreased neuronal Rin and induced an outward holding current. Although neither agent altered the steady state component of IK evoked by depolarizing voltage steps, CBX, but not GZA, increased peak INa. Conclusion The data presented herein are consistent with the notion that gap junction communication is important for preBötC rhythmogenesis. By comparing the effects of CBX and GZA on membrane properties our data a) demonstrate that depression of preBötC rhythmogenesis by CBX results from actions on another variable or other variables; and b) show that this comparative approach can be used to evaluate the potential contribution of other non-specific actions (e.g., Ca++ conductances or active transport) of CBX, or other uncouplers, in their alteration of preBötC rhythmogenesis, or the functioning of other networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank P Elsen
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
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Okada Y, Masumiya H, Tamura Y, Oku Y. Respiratory and metabolic acidosis differentially affect the respiratory neuronal network in the ventral medulla of neonatal rats. Eur J Neurosci 2008; 26:2834-43. [PMID: 18001280 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2007.05891.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Two respiratory-related areas, the para-facial respiratory group/retrotrapezoid nucleus (pFRG/RTN) and the pre-Bötzinger complex/ventral respiratory group (preBötC/VRG), are thought to play key roles in respiratory rhythm. Because respiratory output patterns in response to respiratory and metabolic acidosis differ, we hypothesized that the responses of the medullary respiratory neuronal network to respiratory and metabolic acidosis are different. To test these hypotheses, we analysed respiratory-related activity in the pFRG/RTN and preBötC/VRG of the neonatal rat brainstem-spinal cord in vitro by optical imaging using a voltage-sensitive dye, and compared the effects of respiratory and metabolic acidosis on these two populations. We found that the spatiotemporal responses of respiratory-related regional activities to respiratory and metabolic acidosis are fundamentally different, although both acidosis similarly augmented respiratory output by increasing respiratory frequency. PreBötC/VRG activity, which is mainly inspiratory, was augmented by respiratory acidosis. Respiratory-modulated pixels increased in the preBötC/VRG area in response to respiratory acidosis. Metabolic acidosis shifted the respiratory phase in the pFRG/RTN; the pre-inspiratory dominant pattern shifted to inspiratory dominant. The responses of the pFRG/RTN activity to respiratory and metabolic acidosis are complex, and involve either augmentation or reduction in the size of respiratory-related areas. Furthermore, the activation pattern in the pFRG/RTN switched bi-directionally between pre-inspiratory/inspiratory and post-inspiratory. Electrophysiological study supported the results of our optical imaging study. We conclude that respiratory and metabolic acidosis differentially affect activities of the pFRG/RTN and preBötC/VRG, inducing switching and shifts of the respiratory phase. We suggest that they differently influence the coupling states between the pFRG/RTN and preBötC/VRG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasumasa Okada
- Department of Medicine, Keio University Tsukigase Rehabilitation Center, Izu, Japan
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20
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Intrinsic chemosensitivity of individual nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and locus coeruleus (LC) neurons from neonatal rats. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2008; 605:348-52. [PMID: 18085298 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-73693-8_61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Chemosensitive (CS) neurons are found in discrete brainstem regions, but whether the CS response of these neurons is due to intrinsic chemosensitivity of individual neurons or is mediated by changes in chemical and/or electrical synaptic input is largely unknown. We studied the effect of synaptic blockade (11.4 mM Mg2+/0.2mM Ca2+) solution (SNB) and a gap junction uncoupling agent carbenoxolone (CAR--100 microM) on the response of neurons from two CS brainstem regions, the NTS and the LC. In NTS neurons, SNB decreased spontaneous firing rate (FR). We calculated the magnitude of the FR response to hypercapnic acidosis (HA; 15% CO2) using the Chemosensitivity Index (CI). The percentage of NTS neurons activated and CI were the same in the absence and presence of SNB. Blocking gap junctions with CAR did not significantly alter spontaneous FR. CAR did not alter the CI in NTS neurons and resulted in a small decrease in the percentage of activated neurons, which was most evident in NTS neurons from rats younger than postnatal day 10. In LC neurons, SNB resulted in an increase in spontaneous FR. As with NTS neurons, SNB did not alter the percentage of activated neurons or the CI in LC neurons. CAR resulted in a small increase in spontaneous FR in LC neurons. In contrast, CAR had a marked effect on the response of LC neurons to HA: a reduced percentage of CS LC neurons and decreased CI. In summary, both NTS and LC neurons appear to contain intrinsically CS neurons. CS neurons from the two regions receive different tonic input in slices (excitatory for NTS and inhibitory for LC); however, blocking chemical synaptic input does not affect the CS response in either region. In NTS neurons, gap junction coupling plays a small role in the CS response, but gap junctions play a major role in the chemosensitivity of many LC neurons.
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Hypercapnia modulates synaptic interaction of cultured brainstem neurons. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2007; 160:147-59. [PMID: 17964865 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2007.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2007] [Revised: 09/10/2007] [Accepted: 09/11/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
CO(2) is an important metabolic product whose concentrations are constantly monitored by CO(2) chemoreceptors. However, the high systemic CO(2) sensitivity may not be achieved by the CO(2) chemoreceptors without neuronal network processes. To show modulation of network properties during hypercapnia, we studied brainstem neurons dissociated from embryonic rats (P17-19) in multielectrode arrays (MEA) after initial period (3 weeks) of culture. Spike trains of 33,622 pairs of units were analyzed using peri-event histograms (PEH). The amplitude of peri-central peaks between two CO(2)-stimulated units increased and the peak latency decreased during hypercapnia. Similar enhancement of synaptic strength was observed in those sharing a common input. These phenomena were not seen in CO(2)-unresponsive neurons. The amplitude of peri-central peaks between two CO(2) inhibited units also increased without changing latency. Over 60% CO(2)-stimulated neurons studied received mono-/oligosynaptic inputs from other CO(2)-stimulated cells, whereas only approximately 10% CO(2)-unresponsive neurons had such synaptic inputs. A small number of brainstem neurons showed electrical couplings. The coupling efficiency of CO(2)-stimulated but not CO(2)-unresponsive units was suppressed by approximately 50% with high PCO(2). Inhibitory synaptic projections were also found, which was barely affected by hypercapnia. Consistent with the strengthening of excitatory synaptic connections, CO(2) sensitivity of post-synaptic neurons was significantly higher than presynaptic neurons. The difference was eliminated with blockade of presynaptic input. Based on these indirect assessments of synaptic interaction, our PEH analysis suggests that hypercapnia appears to modulate excitatory synaptic transmissions, especially those between CO(2)-stimulated neurons.
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Jiang C, Rojas A, Wang R, Wang X. CO2 central chemosensitivity: why are there so many sensing molecules? Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2005; 145:115-26. [PMID: 15705527 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2004.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2004] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
CO2 central chemoreceptors (CCRs) play a critical role in respiratory and cardiovascular controls. Although the primary sensory cells and their neuronal networks remain elusive, recent studies have begun to shed insight into the molecular mechanisms of several pH sensitive proteins. These putative CO2/pH-sensing molecules are expressed in the brainstem, detect P(CO2) at physiological levels, and couple the P(CO2) to membrane excitability. Functional analysis suggests that multiple CO2/pH-sensing molecules are needed to achieve high sensitivity and broad bandwidth of the CCRs. In contrast to the diversity of pH sensitive molecules, molecular mechanisms for CO2 sensing are rather general. The sensing molecules detect pH changes rather than molecular CO2. One or a few titratable amino acid residues in these proteins are usually involved. Protonation of these residues may lead to a change in protein conformation that is coupled to a change in channel activity. Depending on the location of the protonation sites, a membrane protein can detect extra- and/or intracellular pH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Jiang
- Department of Biology, Georgia State University, 24 Peachtree Center Avenue, Atlanta GA 30302-4010, USA.
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23
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Putnam RW, Filosa JA, Ritucci NA. Cellular mechanisms involved in CO(2) and acid signaling in chemosensitive neurons. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2004; 287:C1493-526. [PMID: 15525685 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00282.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
An increase in CO(2)/H(+) is a major stimulus for increased ventilation and is sensed by specialized brain stem neurons called central chemosensitive neurons. These neurons appear to be spread among numerous brain stem regions, and neurons from different regions have different levels of chemosensitivity. Early studies implicated changes of pH as playing a role in chemosensitive signaling, most likely by inhibiting a K(+) channel, depolarizing chemosensitive neurons, and thereby increasing their firing rate. Considerable progress has been made over the past decade in understanding the cellular mechanisms of chemosensitive signaling using reduced preparations. Recent evidence has pointed to an important role of changes of intracellular pH in the response of central chemosensitive neurons to increased CO(2)/H(+) levels. The signaling mechanisms for chemosensitivity may also involve changes of extracellular pH, intracellular Ca(2+), gap junctions, oxidative stress, glial cells, bicarbonate, CO(2), and neurotransmitters. The normal target for these signals is generally believed to be a K(+) channel, although it is likely that many K(+) channels as well as Ca(2+) channels are involved as targets of chemosensitive signals. The results of studies of cellular signaling in central chemosensitive neurons are compared with results in other CO(2)- and/or H(+)-sensitive cells, including peripheral chemoreceptors (carotid body glomus cells), invertebrate central chemoreceptors, avian intrapulmonary chemoreceptors, acid-sensitive taste receptor cells on the tongue, and pain-sensitive nociceptors. A multiple factors model is proposed for central chemosensitive neurons in which multiple signals that affect multiple ion channel targets result in the final neuronal response to changes in CO(2)/H(+).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Putnam
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Wright State University School of Medicine, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435, USA.
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Hewitt A, Barrie R, Graham M, Bogus K, Leiter JC, Erlichman JS. Ventilatory effects of gap junction blockade in the RTN in awake rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2004; 287:R1407-18. [PMID: 15308490 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00404.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that carbenoxolone, a pharmacological inhibitor of gap junctions, would reduce the ventilatory response to CO(2) when focally perfused within the retrotrapezoid nucleus (RTN). We tested this hypothesis by measuring minute ventilation (V(E)), tidal volume (V(T)), and respiratory frequency (F(R)) responses to increasing concentrations of inspired CO(2) (Fi(CO(2)) = 0-8%) in rats during wakefulness. We confirmed that the RTN was chemosensitive by perfusing the RTN unilaterally with either acetazolamide (AZ; 10 microM) or hypercapnic artificial cerebrospinal fluid equilibrated with 50% CO(2) (pH approximately 6.5). Focal perfusion of AZ or hypercapnic aCSF increased V(E), V(T), and F(R) during exposure to room air. Carbenoxolone (300 microM) focally perfused into the RTN decreased V(E) and V(T) in animals <11 wk of age, but V(E) and V(T) were increased in animals >12 wk of age. Glyzyrrhizic acid, a congener of carbenoxolone, did not change V(E), V(T), or F(R) when focally perfused into the RTN. Carbenoxolone binds to the mineralocorticoid receptor, but spironolactone (10 microM) did not block the disinhibition of V(E) or V(T) in older animals when combined with carbenoxolone. Thus the RTN is a CO(2) chemosensory site in all ages tested, but the function of gap junctions in the chemosensory process varies substantially among animals of different ages: gap junctions amplify the ventilatory response to CO(2) in younger animals, but appear to inhibit the ventilatory response to CO(2) in older animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hewitt
- Department of Biology, St. Lawrence University, Canton, NY 13617, USA
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Winmill RE, Hedrick MS. Gap junction blockade with carbenoxolone differentially affects fictive breathing in larval and adult bullfrogs. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2003; 138:239-51. [PMID: 14609513 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2003.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the role of gap junctional communication in the modulation of respiratory related motor output using in vitro brainstem preparations of larval (N=14) and adult (N=14) bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana). Superfusion of the isolated brainstem for at least 1 h with the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone (CBX; 100 microM and 1 mM) dissolved in artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) elicited significant changes in respiratory-related burst frequency in both larval and adult preparations. In tadpole preparations, both concentrations of CBX significantly decreased gill and lung burst frequency over 20-40 min, with 1 mM CBX producing complete cessation of gill and lung burst activity by 40 min in all preparations. There was little or no change in other burst characteristics such as burst amplitude or duration. By contrast, superfusion of the adult brainstem preparation with CBX significantly increased lung burst frequency over 10-20 min, and caused cessation of lung burst activity with 100 microM CBX (five of seven preparations) and with 1 mM CBX (seven of seven preparations). Adult preparations that ceased activity with 100 microM CBX recovered in control aCSF, but those in 1 mM did not recover, despite up to 3 h superfusion with control aCSF. In two additional adult preparations, 1 h exposure to hypercapnic aCSF (7-10% CO2) following the cessation of fictive breathing with 1 mM CBX failed to evoke respiratory activity. The inhibition of fictive breathing in tadpoles suggests that gap junctional communication may be important for respiratory rhythmogenesis prior to the development of central CO2 chemosensitivity. Following metamorphosis to the terrestrial adult, however, gap junctional communication may contribute to regulation of respiratory frequency and possibly the transduction of central CO2 chemosensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Winmill
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Hayward, Hayward, CA 94542, USA
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