Estimating use-dependent synaptic gain in autonomic ganglia by computational simulation and dynamic-clamp analysis

A multiscale predictive digital twin for neurocardiac modulation

Cardiac function is tightly regulated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Activation of the sympathetic nervous system increases cardiac output by increasing heart rate and stroke volume, while parasympathetic nerve stimulation instantly slows heart rate. Importantly, imbalance in autonomic control of the heart has been implicated in the development of arrhythmias and heart failure. Understanding of the mechanisms and effects of autonomic stimulation is a major challenge because synapses in different regions of the heart result in multiple changes to heart function. For example, nerve synapses on the sinoatrial node (SAN) impact pacemaking, while synapses on contractile cells alter contraction and arrhythmia vulnerability. Here, we present a multiscale neurocardiac modelling and simulator tool that predicts the effect of efferent stimulation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the ANS on the cardiac SAN and ventricular myocardium. The model includes a layered representation of the ANS and reproduces firing properties measured experimentally. Model parameters are derived from experiments and atomistic simulations. The model is a first prototype of a digital twin that is applied to make predictions across all system scales, from subcellular signalling to pacemaker frequency to tissue level responses. We predict conditions under which autonomic imbalance induces proarrhythmia and can be modified to prevent or inhibit arrhythmia. In summary, the multiscale model constitutes a predictive digital twin framework to test and guide high-throughput prediction of novel neuromodulatory therapy. KEY POINTS: A multi-layered model representation of the autonomic nervous system that includes sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, each with sparse random intralayer connectivity, synaptic dynamics and conductance based integrate-and-fire neurons generates firing patterns in close agreement with experiment. A key feature of the neurocardiac computational model is the connection between the autonomic nervous system and both pacemaker and contractile cells, where modification to pacemaker frequency drives initiation of electrical signals in the contractile cells. We utilized atomic-scale molecular dynamics simulations to predict the association and dissociation rates of noradrenaline with the β-adrenergic receptor. Multiscale predictions demonstrate how autonomic imbalance may increase proclivity to arrhythmias or be used to terminate arrhythmias. The model serves as a first step towards a digital twin for predicting neuromodulation to prevent or reduce disease.

Patch-clamp analysis of nicotinic synapses whose strength straddles the firing threshold of rat sympathetic neurons

Neurons in paravertebral sympathetic ganglia are innervated by converging nicotinic synapses of varying strength. Based upon intracellular recordings of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) with sharp microelectrodes these synapses were classified in the past as either primary (strong) or secondary (weak) by their ability to trigger postsynaptic action potentials. Here we present an analysis of 22 synapses whose strength straddled threshold, thereby distinguishing them from the original classification scheme for primary and secondary synapses. Recordings at 36°C were made from intact superior cervical ganglia isolated from 13 male and 3 female Sprague-Dawley rats and from 4 male spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats. Ganglia were pretreated with collagenase to permit patch recording. By dissecting a 1 cm length of the presynaptic cervical sympathetic nerve as part of the preparation and through use of graded presynaptic stimulation it was possible to fractionate synaptic inputs by their distinct latencies and magnitudes, and by the presynaptic stimulus threshold for each component. Comparison of cell-attached extracellular recordings with intracellular recordings of synaptic potentials and synaptic currents indicated that straddling EPSPs are not an artifact of shunting damage caused by intracellular recording. The results also showed that in cells where a single presynaptic shock elicits multiple action potentials, the response is driven by multiple synapses and not by repetitive postsynaptic firing. The conductance of straddling synapses also provides a direct estimate of the threshold synaptic conductance (9.8 nS ± 7.6 nS, n = 22, mean ± SD). The results are discussed in terms of their implications for ganglionic integration and an existing model of synaptic amplification.

A Physiological Instability Displayed in Hippocampal Neurons Derived From Lithium-Nonresponsive Bipolar Disorder Patients

BACKGROUND

We recently reported a hyperexcitability phenotype displayed in dentate gyrus granule neurons derived from patients with bipolar disorder (BD) as well as a hyperexcitability that appeared only in CA3 pyramidal hippocampal neurons that were derived from patients with BD who responded to lithium treatment (lithium responders) and not in CA3 pyramidal hippocampal neurons that were derived from patients with BD who did not respond to lithium (nonresponders).

METHODS

Here we used our measurements of currents in neurons derived from 4 control subjects, 3 patients with BD who were lithium responders, and 3 patients with BD who were nonresponders. We changed the conductances of simulated dentate gyrus and CA3 hippocampal neurons according to our measurements to derive a numerical simulation for BD neurons.

RESULTS

The computationally simulated BD dentate gyrus neurons had a hyperexcitability phenotype similar to the experimental results. Only the simulated BD CA3 neurons derived from lithium responder patients were hyperexcitable. Interestingly, our computational model captured a physiological instability intrinsic to hippocampal neurons that were derived from nonresponder patients that we also observed when re-examining our experimental results. This instability was caused by a drastic reduction in the sodium current, accompanied by an increase in the amplitude of several potassium currents. These baseline alterations caused nonresponder BD hippocampal neurons to drastically shift their excitability with small changes to their sodium currents, alternating between hyperexcitable and hypoexcitable states.

CONCLUSIONS

Our computational model of BD hippocampal neurons that was based on our measurements reproduced the experimental phenotypes of hyperexcitability and physiological instability. We hypothesize that the physiological instability phenotype strongly contributes to affective lability in patients with BD.

Dramatically Amplified Thoracic Sympathetic Postganglionic Excitability and Integrative Capacity Revealed with Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Recordings

Thoracic paravertebral sympathetic postganglionic neurons (tSPNs) comprise the final integrative output of the distributed sympathetic nervous system controlling vascular and thermoregulatory systems. Considered a non-integrating relay, what little is known of tSPN intrinsic excitability has been determined by sharp microelectrodes with presumed impalement injury. We thus undertook the first electrophysiological characterization of tSPN cellular properties using whole-cell recordings and coupled results with a conductance-based model to explore the principles governing their excitability in adult mice of both sexes. Recorded membrane resistance and time constant values were an order of magnitude greater than values previously obtained, leading to a demonstrable capacity for synaptic integration in driving recruitment. Variation in membrane resistivity was the primary determinant controlling cell excitability with vastly lower currents required for tSPN recruitment. Unlike previous microelectrode recordings in mouse which observed inability to sustain firing, all tSPNs were capable of repetitive firing. Computational modeling demonstrated that observed differences are explained by introduction of a microelectrode impalement injury conductance. Overall, tSPNs largely linearly encoded injected current magnitudes over a broad frequency range with distinct subpopulations differentiable based on repetitive firing signatures. Thus, whole-cell recordings reveal tSPNs have more dramatically amplified excitability than previously thought, with greater intrinsic capacity for synaptic integration and with the ability for maintained firing to support sustained actions on vasomotor tone and thermoregulatory function. Rather than acting as a relay, these studies support a more responsive role and possible intrinsic capacity for tSPNs to drive sympathetic autonomic function.

cPLA2α-/- sympathetic neurons exhibit increased membrane excitability and loss of N-Type Ca2+ current inhibition by M1 muscarinic receptor signaling

Group IVa cytosolic phospholipase A₂ (cPLA₂α) mediates GPCR-stimulated arachidonic acid (AA) release from phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP₂) located in plasma membranes. We previously found in superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons that PLA₂ activity is required for voltage-independent N-type Ca²⁺ (N-) current inhibition by M₁ muscarinic receptors (M₁Rs). These findings are at odds with an alternative model, previously observed for M-current inhibition, where PIP₂ dissociation from channels and subsequent metabolism by phospholipase C suffices for current inhibition. To resolve cPLA₂α’s importance, we have investigated its role in mediating voltage-independent N-current inhibition (~40%) that follows application of the muscarinic agonist oxotremorine-M (Oxo-M). Preincubation with different cPLA₂α antagonists or dialyzing cPLA₂α antibodies into cells minimized N-current inhibition by Oxo-M, whereas antibodies to Ca²⁺-independent PLA₂ had no effect. Taking a genetic approach, we found that SCG neurons from cPLA₂α^-/- mice exhibited little N-current inhibition by Oxo-M, confirming a role for cPLA₂α. In contrast, cPLA₂α antibodies or the absence of cPLA₂α had no effect on voltage-dependent N-current inhibition by M₂/M₄Rs or on M-current inhibition by M₁Rs. These findings document divergent M₁R signaling mediating M-current and voltage-independent N-current inhibition. Moreover, these differences suggest that cPLA₂α acts locally to metabolize PIP₂ intimately associated with N- but not M-channels. To determine cPLA₂α’s functional importance more globally, we examined action potential firing of cPLA₂α^+/+ and cPLA₂α^-/- SCG neurons, and found decreased latency to first firing and interspike interval resulting in a doubling of firing frequency in cPLA₂α^-/- neurons. These unanticipated findings identify cPLA₂α as a tonic regulator of neuronal membrane excitability.

HCN hyperpolarization-activated cation channels strengthen virtual nicotinic EPSPs and thereby elevate synaptic amplification in rat sympathetic neurons

The influence of hyperpolarization-activated cation current (h-current; Ih) upon synaptic integration in paravertebral sympathetic neurons was studied together with expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) subunit isoforms. All four HCN subunits were detected in homogenates of the rat superior cervical ganglion (SCG) using the PCR to amplify reverse-transcribed messenger RNAs (RT-PCR) and using quantitative PCR. Voltage clamp recordings from dissociated SCG neurons at 35°C detected Ih in all cells, with a maximum hyperpolarization-activated cation conductance of 1.2 ± 0.1 nS, half-maximal activation at -87.6 mV, and reversal potential of -31.6 mV. Interaction between Ih and synaptic potentials was tested with virtual fast nicotinic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) created with dynamic clamp. The blocking of Ih with 15 μM ZD7288 hyperpolarized cells by 4.7 mV and increased the virtual synaptic conductance required to stimulate an action potential from 7.0 ± 0.9 nS to 12.1 ± 0.9 nS. In response to stimulation with 40 s long trains of virtual EPSPs, ZD7288 reduced postsynaptic firing from 2.2 to 1.7 Hz and the associated synaptic amplification from 2.2 ± 0.1 to 1.7 ± 0.2. Cyclic nucleotide binding to HCN channels was simulated by blocking native Ih with ZD7288, followed by reconstitution with virtual Ih using a dynamic clamp model of the voltage clamp data. Over a 30-mV range, shifting the half-activation voltage for Ih in 10 mV depolarizing increments always increased synaptic gain. These results indicate that Ih, in sympathetic neurons, can strengthen nicotinic EPSPs and increase synaptic amplification, while also working as a substrate for cyclic nucleotide-dependent modulation.

Modelling the vascular response to sympathetic postganglionic nerve activity

This paper explores the influence of burst properties of the sympathetic nervous system on arterial contractility. Specifically, a mathematical model is constructed of the pathway from action potential generation in a sympathetic postganglionic neurone to contraction of an arterial smooth muscle cell. The differential equation model is a synthesis of models of the individual physiological processes, and is shown to be consistent with physiological data.

The model is found to be unresponsive to tonic (regular) stimulation at typical frequencies recorded in sympathetic efferents. However, when stimulated at the same average frequency, but with repetitive respiratory-modulated burst patterns, it produces marked contractions. Moreover, the contractile force produced is found to be highly dependent on the number of spikes in each burst. In particular, when the model is driven by preganglionic spike trains recorded from wild-type and spontaneously hypertensive rats (which have increased spiking during each burst) the contractile force was found to be 10-fold greater in the hypertensive case. An explanation is provided in terms of the summative increased release of noradrenaline. Furthermore, the results suggest the marked effect that hypertensive spike trains had on smooth muscle cell tone can provide a significant contribution to the pathology of hypertension.

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We model the sympathetic-driven contraction of a vascular smooth muscle cell.

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The cell is unresponsive to tonic stimulation at typical sympathetic frequencies.

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We quantify the force produced by the cell in response to sympathetic bursting.

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The response of the cell is strongly dependent on burst amplitude and duration.

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Recordings from hypertensive animals produce significant contractile forces.

Virtual leak channels modulate firing dynamics and synaptic integration in rat sympathetic neurons: implications for ganglionic transmission in vivo

KEY POINTS

The synaptic organization of paravertebral sympathetic ganglia enables them to relay activity from the spinal cord to the periphery and thereby control autonomic functions, including blood pressure and body temperature. The present experiments were done to reconcile conflicting observations in tissue culture, intact isolated ganglia and living animals. By recording intracellularly from dissociated neurons and intact ganglia, we found that when electrode damage makes cells leaky it could profoundly distort cellular excitability and the integration of synaptic potentials. The experiments relied on the dynamic clamp method, which allows the creation of virtual ion channels by injecting current into a cell based upon a mathematical model and using rapid feedback between the model and cell. The results support the hypothesis that sympathetic ganglia can produce a 2.4-fold amplification of presynaptic activity. This could aid understanding of the neural hyperactivity that is believed to drive high blood pressure in some patients.

ABSTRACT

The excitability of rat sympathetic neurons and integration of nicotinic EPSPs were compared in primary cell culture and in the acutely isolated intact superior cervical ganglion using whole cell patch electrode recordings. When repetitive firing was classified by Hodgkin's criteria in cultured cells, 18% displayed tonic class 1 excitability, 36% displayed adapting class 2 excitability and 46% displayed phasic class 3 excitability. In the intact ganglion, 71% of cells were class 1 and 29% were class 2. This diverges from microelectrode reports that nearly 100% of superior cervical ganglion neurons show phasic class 3 firing. The hypothesis that the disparity between patch and microelectrode data arises from a shunt conductance was tested using the dynamic clamp in cell culture. Non-depolarizing shunts of 3-10 nS converted cells from classes 1 and 2 to class 3 dynamics with current-voltage relations that replicated microelectrode data. Primary and secondary EPSPs recorded from the intact superior cervical ganglion were modelled as virtual synapses in cell culture using the dynamic clamp. Stimulating sympathetic neurons with virtual synaptic activity, designed to replicate in vivo recordings of EPSPs in muscle vasoconstrictor neurons, produced a 2.4-fold amplification of presynaptic activity. This gain in postsynaptic output did not differ between neurons displaying the three classes of excitability. Mimicry of microelectrode damage by virtual leak channels reduced and eventually obliterated synaptic gain by inhibiting summation of subthreshold EPSPs. These results provide a framework for interpreting sympathetic activity recorded from intact animals and support the hypothesis that paravertebral ganglia function as activity-dependent amplifiers of spinal output from preganglionic circuitry.

Dynamic clamp with StdpC software

Dynamic clamp is a powerful method that allows the introduction of artificial electrical components into target cells to simulate ionic conductances and synaptic inputs. This method is based on a fast cycle of measuring the membrane potential of a cell, calculating the current of a desired simulated component using an appropriate model and injecting this current into the cell. Here we present a dynamic clamp protocol using free, fully integrated, open-source software (StdpC, for spike timing-dependent plasticity clamp). Use of this protocol does not require specialist hardware, costly commercial software, experience in real-time operating systems or a strong programming background. The software enables the configuration and operation of a wide range of complex and fully automated dynamic clamp experiments through an intuitive and powerful interface with a minimal initial lead time of a few hours. After initial configuration, experimental results can be generated within minutes of establishing cell recording.

Weak and straddling secondary nicotinic synapses can drive firing in rat sympathetic neurons and thereby contribute to ganglionic amplification

Interactions between nicotinic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) critically determine whether paravertebral sympathetic ganglia behave as simple synaptic relays or as integrative centers that amplify preganglionic activity. Synaptic connectivity in this system is characterized by an n + 1 pattern of convergence, where each ganglion cell receives one very strong primary input and a variable number (n) of weak secondary inputs that are subthreshold in strength. To test whether pairs of secondary nicotinic EPSPs can summate to fire action potentials (APs) and thus mediate ganglionic gain in the rat superior cervical ganglion, we recorded intracellularly at 34°C and used graded presynaptic stimulation to isolate individual secondary synapses. Weak EPSPs in 40 of 53 neurons had amplitudes of 0.5–7 mV (mean 3.5 ± 0.3 mV). EPSPs evoked by paired pulse stimulation were either depressing (n = 10), facilitating (n = 9), or borderline (n = 10). In 15 of 29 cells, pairs of weak secondary EPSPs initiated spikes when elicited within a temporal window <20 ms, irrespective of EPSP amplitude or paired pulse response type. In six other neurons, we observed novel secondary EPSPs that were strong enough to straddle spike threshold without summation. At stimulus rates <1 Hz straddling EPSPs appeared suprathreshold in strength. However, their limited ability to drive firing could be blocked by the afterhyperpolarization following an AP. When viewed in a computational context, these findings support the concept that weak and straddling secondary nicotinic synapses enable mammalian sympathetic ganglia to behave as use-dependent amplifiers of preganglionic activity.

Ganglionic transmission in a vasomotor pathway studied in vivo

Intracellular recordings were made in vivo from 40 spontaneously active cells in the third lumbar sympathetic ganglion of urethane-anaesthetized rats. In 38/40 cells ongoing action potentials showed strong cardiac rhythmicity (93.4 +/- 1.9% modulation) indicating high barosensitivity and probable muscle vasoconstrictor (MVC) function. Subthreshold excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) showed the same pattern. The 38 barosensitive neurons fired action potentials at 2.9 +/- 0.3 Hz. All action potentials were triggered by EPSPs, most of which were unitary events. Calculations indicated that <5% of action potentials were triggered by summation of otherwise subthreshold EPSPs. 'Dominant' synaptic inputs with a high safety factor were identified, confirming previous work. These were active in 24/38 cells and accounted for 32% of all action potentials; other ('secondary') inputs drove the remainder. Inputs (21 dominant, 19 secondary) attributed to single preganglionic neurons fired at 1.38 +/- 0.16 Hz. An average of two to three preganglionic neurons were estimated to drive each ganglion cell's action potentials. When cells were held hyperpolarized to block spiking, a range of spontaneous EPSP amplitudes was revealed. Threshold equivalent was defined as the membrane potential value that was exceeded by spontaneous EPSPs at the same frequency as the cell's original firing rate. In 10/12 cells examined, a continuum of EPSP amplitudes overlapped threshold equivalent. Small changes in cell excitability could therefore raise or lower the percentage of preganglionic inputs triggering action potentials. The results indicate that vasoconstrictor ganglion cells in vivo mostly behave not as 1:1 relays, but as continuously variable gates.

Vasomotor sympathetic neurons are more excitable than secretomotor sympathetic neurons in bullfrog paravertebral ganglia

We compared the excitability of secretomotor B and vasomotor C neurons using virtual nicotinic synapses implemented with the dynamic clamp technique. In response to fast synaptic conductance (g(syn)) waveforms modeled after B cell synaptic currents, it took 17.1+/-1.2nS to elicit spikes in 104 B cells and 3.3+/-0.3nS in 35 C cells. After normalizing for whole-cell capacitance, C cells were still more excitable than B cells (76+/-5pS/pF vs. 169+/-8pS/pF). Stimulating C cells with slower g(syn) waveforms, identical to synaptic currents in C cells, further accentuated the difference between cell types. The phenotypic excitability difference did not correlate with time in culture (1-12days) and could not be explained by resting potential (B cells: -65.6+/-0.9mV, C cells: -63.1+/-1.6mV) or input conductance density, which was greater in C cells (24.4+/-4.3pS/pF) than B cells (14.5+/-1.5pS/pF). Action potentials elicited by virtual EPSPs had a threshold voltage for firing that was -28.4+/-0.7mV in C cells and -19.7+/-0.4mV B cells, and an upstroke velocity and peak spike potential that were greater in B cells. The repetitive firing properties of B and C cells were similar; 69-78% phasic, 11-16% adapting and 11-15% tonic. We propose that B and C neurons express different types of Na(+) channels that shape how they integrate nicotinic synaptic potentials.

Homeostatic regulation of M-current modulates synaptic integration in secretomotor, but not vasomotor, sympathetic neurons in the bullfrog

We compared how vasomotor C neurons and secretomotor B neurons integrated identical patterns of virtual synaptic activity using dynamic clamp, perforated-patch recordings from dissociated bullfrog sympathetic ganglion cells. The synaptic template modelled one strong nicotinic synapse and nine weak synapses, each firing randomly at 5 Hz, with strength normalized to each cell. B neurons initially fired at 12 Hz, but this declined within seconds, decreasing 27% after 40 s and recovering slowly as evidenced by the threshold synaptic conductance for firing (tau(recovery) = 136 + or - 23 s). C neurons gave an identical initial response that remained steady, declining only 6% after 40 s. The difference resulted from an activity-dependent 379 + or - 65% increase in M-current (I(M)) in B cells (tau(recovery) = 153 + or - 22 s), which was absent in C cells. In addition, action potential afterhyperpolarizations were 2-fold longer in B cells, but this did not produce the differential response to synaptic stimulation. Activity-dependent increases in I(M) were sensitive to 100 microm Cd(2+) and 2.5 microm oxotremorine M (oxo-M), a muscarinic agonist, and fully blocked by zero Ca(2+), 10 microm oxo-M and 2.5 microm oxo-M plus 50 microm wortmannin, a PIP(2) synthesis inhibitor. A leftward shift in voltage-dependent activation could not fully account for the I(M) increase. Firing at 0.5 Hz was sufficient to modulate I(M). Opposing influences of activity and muscarinic excitation thus produce homeostatic I(M) regulation, to stabilize excitability and postsynaptic output in secretomotor sympathetic neurons. Absence of this regulation in vasomotor neurons suggests a different integrative function, where synaptic gain increases in proportion to presynaptic activity.

Differential Inhibition of Ca2+ channels by alpha2-adrenoceptors in three functional subclasses of rat sympathetic neurons

A comparison of identified sympathetic neurons in the isolated intact superior cervical ganglion revealed that secretomotor, pilomotor, and vasoconstrictor cells differ in their action potential mechanisms and in their postsynaptic alpha(2)-adrenergic responses to 10 microM norepinephrine (NE). In normal saline, the half-width of the spike afterhyperpolarization (AHP) in secretomotor neurons (103.5 +/- 6.2 ms) was twofold that recorded in vasoconstrictor neurons (47.7 +/- 2.9 ms) and 1.5-fold that in pilomotor neurons (71.4 +/- 10.3 ms). Bath-applied NE reversibly inhibited the action potential repolarization shoulder, AHP amplitude, and AHP duration in secretomotor and pilomotor neurons to a similar extent, but had no effect on vasoconstrictor neurons. The insensitivity of vasomotor neurons to NE was not an artifact produced by microelectrode recording because all three cell groups were similar in terms of resting potential and input resistance. Moreover, NE insensitivity was not a natural consequence of briefer AHP duration in vasoconstrictor cells. Adding 10 mM TEA(+) caused marked accentuation of the shoulder and AHP duration in vasoconstrictor neurons and comparable changes in the other two cell types, but did not unmask any sign of NE sensitivity in the vasoconstrictors. However, the spike shoulder and AHP in vasoconstrictors were Cd(2+) sensitive, blocked by omega-conotoxin, an N-type calcium channel antagonist, and inhibited by oxotremorine-M, a muscarinic receptor agonist. These data show that NE can differentially modulate functional subsets of mammalian sympathetic neurons and that NE insensitivity can serve as a practical experimental criterion for identification of vasomotor neurons in the isolated ganglion.

Dynamic Clamp Analysis of Synaptic Integration in Sympathetic Ganglia

Advances in modern neuroscience require the identification of principles that connect different levels of experimental analysis, from molecular mechanisms to explanations of cellular functions, then to circuits, and, ultimately, to systems and behavior. Here, we examine how synaptic organization of the sympathetic ganglia may enable them to function as use-dependent amplifiers of preganglionic activity and how the gain of this amplification may be modulated by metabotropic signaling mechanisms. The approach combines a general computational model of ganglionic integration together with experimental tests of the model using the dynamic clamp method. In these experiments, we recorded intracellularly from dissociated bullfrog sympathetic neurons and then mimicked physiological synapses with virtual computer-generated synapses. It thus became possible to analyze the synaptic gain by recording cellular responses to complex patterns of synaptic activity that normally arise in vivo from convergent nicotinic and muscarinic synapses. The results of these studies are significant because they illustrate how gain generated through ganglionic integration may contribute to the feedback control of important autonomic behaviors, in particular to the control of the blood pressure. We dedicate this paper to the memory of Professor Vladimir Skok, whose rich legacy in synaptic physiology helped establish the modern paradigm for connecting multiple levels of analysis in studies of the nervous system.

Sympathetic rhythms and nervous integration

1. The present review focuses on some of the processes producing rhythms in sympathetic nerves influencing cardiovascular functions and considers their potential relevance to nervous integration. 2. Two mechanisms are considered that may account for rhythmic sympathetic discharges. First, neuronal elements of peripheral or central origin produce rhythmic activity by phasically exciting and/or inhibiting neurons within central sympathetic networks. Second, rhythms arise within central sympathetic networks. Evidence is considered that indicates the operation of both mechanisms; the first in muscle and the second in skin sympathetic vasoconstrictor networks. 3. Sympathetic activity to the rat tail, a model for the nervous control of skin circulation, is regulated by central networks involved in thermoregulation and those associated with fear and arousal. In an anaesthetized preparation, activity displays an apparently autonomous rhythm (T-rhythm; 0.4-1.2 Hz) and the level of activity can be manipulated by regulating core body temperature. This model has been used to study rhythm generation in central sympathetic networks and possible functional relevance. 4. A unique insight provided by the T rhythm, into possible physiological function(s) underlying rhythmic sympathetic discharges is that the activity of single sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons within a population innervating the same target can have different rhythm frequencies. Therefore, the graded and dynamic entrainment of the rhythms by inputs, such as central respiratory drive and/or lung inflation-related afferent activity, can produce graded and dynamic synchronization of sympathetic discharges. The degree of synchronization may influence the efficacy of transmission in a target chain of excitable cells. 5. The T-rhythm may be generated within the spinal cord because the intrathecal application of 5-hydroxytryptamine at the L1 level of the spinal cord of a rat spinalized at T10-T11 produces a T-like rhythm. Thus, induction and modulation of spinal cord oscillators may be mechanisms that influence ganglionic and neuroeffector transmission. 6. The study of sympathetic rhythms may not only further understanding of sympathetic control, but may also inform on the relevance of rhythmic nervous activities in general.

Excitatory muscarinic modulation strengthens virtual nicotinic synapses on sympathetic neurons and thereby enhances synaptic gain

Acetylcholine excites many neuronal types by binding to postsynaptic m1-muscarinic receptors that signal to ion channels through the G(q/11) protein. To investigate the functional significance of this metabotropic pathway in sympathetic ganglia, we studied how muscarinic excitation modulated the integration of virtual nicotinic excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) created in dissociated bullfrog B-type sympathetic neurons with the dynamic-clamp technique. Muscarine (1 muM) strengthened the impact of virtual synapses by reducing the artificial nicotinic conductance required to reach the postsynaptic firing threshold from 20.9 +/- 5.4 to 13.1 +/- 3.1 nS. Consequently, postganglionic action potential output increased by 4-215% when driven by different patterns of virtual presynaptic activity that were chosen to reflect the range of physiological firing rates and convergence levels seen in amphibian and mammalian sympathetic ganglia. In addition to inhibiting the M-type K(+) conductance, muscarine activated a leak conductance in three of 37 cells. When this leak conductance was reproduced with the dynamic clamp, it also acted to strengthen virtual nicotinic synapses and enhance postganglionic spike output. Combining pharmacological M-conductance suppression with virtual leak activation, at resting potentials between -50 and -55 mV, produced synergistic strengthening of nicotinic synapses and an increase in the integrated postganglionic spike output. Together, these results reveal how muscarinic activation of a branched metabotropic pathway can enhance integration of fast EPSPs by modulating their effective strength. The results also support the hypothesis that muscarinic synapses permit faster and more accurate feedback control of autonomic behaviors by generating gain through synaptic amplification in sympathetic ganglia.

Angiotensin II regulates neuronal excitability via phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate-dependent modulation of Kv7 (M-type) K+ channels

Voltage-gated Kv7 (KCNQ) channels underlie important K+ currents in many different types of cells, including the neuronal M current, which is thought to be modulated by muscarinic stimulation via depletion of membrane phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). We studied the role of modulation by angiotensin II (angioII) of M current in controlling discharge properties of superior cervical ganglion (SCG) sympathetic neurons and the mechanism of action of angioII on cloned Kv7 channels in a heterologous expression system. In SCG neurons, which endogenously express angioII AT1 receptors, application of angioII for 2 min produced an increase in neuronal excitability and a decrease in spike-frequency adaptation that partially returned to control values after 10 min of angioII exposure. The increase in excitability could be simulated in a computational model by varying only the amount of M current. Using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells expressing cloned Kv7.2 + 7.3 heteromultimers and AT1 receptors studied under perforated patch clamp, angioII induced a strong suppression of the Kv7.2/7.3 current that returned to near baseline within 10 min of stimulation. The suppression was blocked by the phospholipase C inhibitor edelfosine. Under whole-cell clamp, angioII moderately suppressed the Kv7.2/7.3 current whether or not intracellular Ca2+ was clamped or Ca2+ stores depleted. Co-expression of PI(4)5-kinase in these cells sharply reduced angioII inhibition, but did not augment current amplitudes, whereas co-expression of a PIP2 5'-phosphatase sharply reduced current amplitudes, and also blunted the inhibition. The rebound of the current seen in perforated-patch recordings was blocked by the PI4-kinase inhibitor, wortmannin (50 microM), suggesting that PIP2 re-synthesis is required for current recovery. High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of anionic phospholipids in CHO cells stably expressing AT1 receptors revealed that PIP2 and phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate levels are to be strongly depleted after 2 min of stimulation with angioII, with a partial rebound after 10 min. The results of this study establish how angioII modulates M channels, which in turn affects the integrative properties of SCG neurons.

Physiological classification of sympathetic neurons in the rat superior cervical ganglion

A new scheme is presented for identifying three sympathetic phenotypes in the rat superior cervical ganglion using electrophysiology and neuropeptide Y expression. Postganglionic compound action potentials recorded from the external and internal carotid nerves each contained two peaks, 1 and 2, with distinct preganglionic stimulus thresholds. Peak 2 in the external carotid response contained subpeaks 2a and 2b having a similar stimulus threshold. Neurons corresponding to peaks 1, 2a, and 2b were identified intracellularly by antidromic stimulation, graded preganglionic stimulation, injection with neurobiotin and immunostaining. Seventeen of 53 neurons studied this way had a low threshold for preganglionic stimulation of firing that corresponded to activation of extracellular peak 1. All low-threshold neurons were neuropeptide Y (NPY)-negative. The other 36 neurons had a high presynaptic stimulus threshold that corresponded to activation of extracellular peak 2, and 12 of these cells contained NPY. Together with other known features of ganglionic organization, the results indicate that low-threshold NPY-negative neurons are secretomotor cells projecting to salivary glands, that high-threshold NPY-negative neurons are pilomotor cells responsible for extracellular peak 2a, and that high-threshold, NPY-positive neurons are vasoconstrictor cells responsible for peak 2b. Secreto-, pilo-, and vasomotor neurons identified in this way had distinct axonal conduction velocities (0.52, 0.20, and 0.10 m/s) and diameters (33, 29, and 25 microm) but were indistinguishable in terms of preganglionic conduction velocities (0.30-0.34 m/s) and number of primary dendrites (8.4-8.6). The cell classification scheme presented here will allow future comparison of ganglionic integration in different sympathetic modalities.

Post-stimulus potentiation of transmission in pelvic ganglia enhances sympathetic dilatation of guinea-pig uterine artery in vitro

Vasodilatation produced by stimulation of preganglionic neurones in lumbar and sacral pathways to pelvic ganglia was studied using an in vitro preparation of guinea-pig uterine artery and associated nerves in a partitioned bath allowing selective drug application to the ganglia or artery. Arterial diameter was monitored using real time video imaging. Vasodilatations produced by hypogastric nerve stimulation (HN; 300 pulses, 10 Hz) were significantly larger and longer in duration than with pelvic nerve stimulation (N = 18). Stimulation of ipsilateral lumbar splanchnic nerves or ipsilateral third lumbar ventral roots also produced prolonged vasodilatations. Blockade of ganglionic nicotinic receptors (0.1-1 mM hexamethonium) delayed the onset and sometimes reduced the peak amplitude of dilatations, but slow dilatations persisted in 16 of 18 preparations. These dilatations were not reduced further by 3 microM capsaicin applied to the artery and ganglia, or ganglionic application of 1 microM hyoscine, 30-100 microM suramin or 10 microM CNQX. Dilatations were reduced slightly by ganglionic application of NK1 and NK3 receptor antagonists (SR140333, SR142801; 1 microM), but were reduced significantly by bathing the ganglia in 0.5 mM Ca2+ and 10 mM Mg2+. Intracellular recordings of paracervical ganglion neurones revealed fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in all neurones on HN stimulation (300 pulses, 10 Hz), and slow EPSPs (3-12 mV amplitude) in 25 of 37 neurones. Post-stimulus action potential discharge associated with slow EPSPs occurred in 16 of 37 neurones (firing rate 9.4 +/- 1.5 Hz). Hexamethonium (0.1-1 mM) abolished fast EPSPs. Hexamethonium and hyoscine (1 microM) did not reduce slow EPSPs and associated post-stimulus firing in identified vasodilator neurones (with VIP immunoreactivity) or non-vasodilator paracervical neurones. These results demonstrate a predominantly sympathetic origin of autonomic pathways producing pelvic vasodilatation in females. Non-cholinergic mediators of slow transmission in pelvic ganglia produce prolonged firing of postganglionic neurones and long-lasting dilatations of the uterine artery. This mechanism would facilitate maintenance of pelvic vasodilatation on stimulation of preganglionic neurones during sexual activity.