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She JW, Young CM, Chou SJ, Wu YR, Lin YT, Huang TY, Shen MY, Chen CY, Yang YP, Chien Y, Ayalew H, Liao WH, Tung YC, Shyue JJ, Chiou SH, Yu HH. Gradient conducting polymer surfaces with netrin-1-conjugation promote axon guidance and neuron transmission of human iPSC-derived retinal ganglion cells. Biomaterials 2024; 313:122770. [PMID: 39226653 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Major advances have been made in utilizing human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, the delivery and integration of hiPSCs into target tissues remain significant challenges, particularly in the context of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) restoration. In this study, we introduce a promising avenue for providing directional guidance to regenerated cells in the retina. First, we developed a technique for construction of gradient interfaces based on functionalized conductive polymers, which could be applied with various functionalized ehthylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) monomers. Using a tree-shaped channel encapsulated with a thin PDMS and a specially designed electrochemical chamber, gradient flow generation could be converted into a functionalized-PEDOT gradient film by cyclic voltammetry. The characteristics of the successfully fabricated gradient flow and surface were analyzed using fluorescent labels, time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Remarkably, hiPSC-RGCs seeded on PEDOT exhibited improvements in neurite outgrowth, axon guidance and neuronal electrophysiology measurements. These results suggest that our novel gradient PEDOT may be used with hiPSC-based technologies as a potential biomedical engineering scaffold for functional restoration of RGCs in retinal degenerative diseases and optic neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei She
- Smart Organic Materials Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan; Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP), Nano Science & Technology Program, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan; Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, No. 101, Section 2, Guangfu Road, East District, 300, Hsinchu City, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Mei Young
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jie Chou
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - You-Ren Wu
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Lin
- Smart Organic Materials Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Yang Huang
- Smart Organic Materials Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Mo-Yuan Shen
- Smart Organic Materials Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Ying Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Yueh Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan
| | - Hailemichael Ayalew
- Smart Organic Materials Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hao Liao
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chung Tung
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Jong Shyue
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan; Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 11217, Taiwan; Genomic Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Hsiao-Hua Yu
- Smart Organic Materials Laboratory, Institute of Chemistry, Academia Sinica, No. 128, Section 2, Academia Road, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
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Smith BJ, Côté PD, Tremblay F. Voltage-gated sodium channel-dependent retroaxonal modulation of photoreceptor function during post-natal development in mice. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:353-365. [PMID: 33248000 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Juvenile (postnatal day 16) mice lacking Nav 1.6 channels (null-mutant Scn8admu ) have reduced photoreceptor function, which is unexpected given that Nav channels have not been detected in mouse photoreceptors and do not contribute appreciably to photoreceptor function in adults. We demonstrate that acute block of Nav channels with intravitreal TTX in juvenile (P16) wild-type mice has no effect on photoreceptor function. However, reduced light activity by prolonged dark adaptation from P8 caused significant reduction in photoreceptor function at P16. Injecting TTX into the retrobulbar space at P16 to specifically block Nav channels in the optic nerve also caused a reduction in photoreceptor function comparable to that seen at P16 in null-mutant Scn8a mice. In both P16 null-mutant Scn8admu and retrobulbar TTX-injected wild-type mice, photoreceptor function was restored following intravitreal injection of the TrkB receptor agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, linking Nav -dependent retrograde transport to TrkB-dependent neurotrophic factor production pathways as a modulatory influence of photoreceptor function at P16. We also found that in Scn8admu mice, photoreceptor function recovers by P22-25 despite more precarious general health of the animal. Retrobulbar injection of TTX in the wild type still reduced the photoreceptor response at this age but to a lesser extent, suggesting that Nav -dependent modulation of photoreceptor function is largely transient, peaking soon after eye opening. Together, these results suggest that the general photosensitivity of the retina is modulated following eye opening by retrograde transport through activity-dependent retinal ganglion cell axonal signaling targeting TrkB receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Smith
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Patrice D Côté
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - François Tremblay
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Izaak Walton Killam Health Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
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3
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Sánchez-Aguilera A, Monedero G, Colino A, Vicente-Torres MÁ. Development of Action Potential Waveform in Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons. Neuroscience 2020; 442:151-167. [PMID: 32634531 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
CA1 pyramidal neurons undergo intense morphological and electrophysiological changes from the second to third postnatal weeks in rats throughout a critical period associated with the emergence of exploratory behavior. Using whole cell current-clamp recordings in vitro and neurochemical methods, we studied the development of the somatic action potential (AP) waveform and some of the underlying channels in this critical period. At the third postnatal week, APs showed a more hyperpolarized threshold, higher duration and amplitude. Subthreshold depolarization broadened APs and depolarized their peak overshoots more pronouncedly in immature neurons (2 weeks old). These features were mimicked by pharmacologically blocking the fast-inactivating A-type potassium current (IA) and matched well with the higher concentrations of Kv4.2 and Kv4.3 and the lower concentrations of BK and Kv1.2 channels detected by Western blotting. Repetitive stimulation with high frequency trains (50 Hz) reproduced AP broadening associated to inactivation of the A-type current in immature cells. Moreover, repetitive firing showed changes in AP amplitude consistent with the inactivation of both sodium and potassium subthreshold currents, which resulted in higher AP amplitudes in the more immature neurons. We propose that maturation of AP waveform and excitability in this critical developmental period could be related to the onset of exploratory behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Sánchez-Aguilera
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); IdISSC, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Avda Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Gonzalo Monedero
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); IdISSC, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Asunción Colino
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); IdISSC, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Vicente-Torres
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM); IdISSC, Avda Complutense s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Circuit-Specific Early Impairment of Proprioceptive Sensory Neurons in the SOD1 G93A Mouse Model for ALS. J Neurosci 2019; 39:8798-8815. [PMID: 31530644 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1214-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease in which motor neurons degenerate, resulting in muscle atrophy, paralysis, and fatality. Studies using mouse models of ALS indicate a protracted period of disease development with progressive motor neuron pathology, evident as early as embryonic and postnatal stages. Key missing information includes concomitant alterations in the sensorimotor circuit essential for normal development and function of the neuromuscular system. Leveraging unique brainstem circuitry, we show in vitro evidence for reflex circuit-specific postnatal abnormalities in the jaw proprioceptive sensory neurons in the well-studied SOD1G93A mouse. These include impaired and arrhythmic action potential burst discharge associated with a deficit in Nav1.6 Na+ channels. However, the mechanoreceptive and nociceptive trigeminal ganglion neurons and the visual sensory retinal ganglion neurons were resistant to excitability changes in age-matched SOD1G93A mice. Computational modeling of the observed disruption in sensory patterns predicted asynchronous self-sustained motor neuron discharge suggestive of imminent reflexive defects, such as muscle fasciculations in ALS. These results demonstrate a novel reflex circuit-specific proprioceptive sensory abnormality in ALS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurodegenerative diseases have prolonged periods of disease development and progression. Identifying early markers of vulnerability can therefore help devise better diagnostic and treatment strategies. In this study, we examined postnatal abnormalities in the electrical excitability of muscle spindle afferent proprioceptive neurons in the well-studied SOD1G93A mouse model for neurodegenerative motor neuron disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Our findings suggest that these proprioceptive sensory neurons are exclusively afflicted early in the disease process relative to sensory neurons of other modalities. Moreover, they presented Nav1.6 Na+ channel deficiency, which contributed to arrhythmic burst discharge. Such sensory arrhythmia could initiate reflexive defects, such as muscle fasciculations in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as suggested by our computational model.
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Van Hook MJ, Nawy S, Thoreson WB. Voltage- and calcium-gated ion channels of neurons in the vertebrate retina. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 72:100760. [PMID: 31078724 PMCID: PMC6739185 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we summarize studies investigating the types and distribution of voltage- and calcium-gated ion channels in the different classes of retinal neurons: rods, cones, horizontal cells, bipolar cells, amacrine cells, interplexiform cells, and ganglion cells. We discuss differences among cell subtypes within these major cell classes, as well as differences among species, and consider how different ion channels shape the responses of different neurons. For example, even though second-order bipolar and horizontal cells do not typically generate fast sodium-dependent action potentials, many of these cells nevertheless possess fast sodium currents that can enhance their kinetic response capabilities. Ca2+ channel activity can also shape response kinetics as well as regulating synaptic release. The L-type Ca2+ channel subtype, CaV1.4, expressed in photoreceptor cells exhibits specific properties matching the particular needs of these cells such as limited inactivation which allows sustained channel activity and maintained synaptic release in darkness. The particular properties of K+ and Cl- channels in different retinal neurons shape resting membrane potentials, response kinetics and spiking behavior. A remaining challenge is to characterize the specific distributions of ion channels in the more than 100 individual cell types that have been identified in the retina and to describe how these particular ion channels sculpt neuronal responses to assist in the processing of visual information by the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Van Hook
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Scott Nawy
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience(2), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Wallace B Thoreson
- Truhlsen Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience(2), University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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6
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VanderWall KB, Vij R, Ohlemacher SK, Sridhar A, Fligor CM, Feder EM, Edler MC, Baucum AJ, Cummins TR, Meyer JS. Astrocytes Regulate the Development and Maturation of Retinal Ganglion Cells Derived from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 12:201-212. [PMID: 30639213 PMCID: PMC6373493 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) form the connection between the eye and the brain, with this connectivity disrupted in numerous blinding disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated the ability to derive RGCs from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs); however, these cells exhibited some characteristics that indicated a limited state of maturation. Among the many factors known to influence RGC development in the retina, astrocytes are known to play a significant role in their functional maturation. Thus, efforts of the current study examined the functional maturation of hPSC-derived RGCs, including the ability of astrocytes to modulate this developmental timeline. Morphological and functional properties of RGCs were found to increase over time, with astrocytes significantly accelerating the functional maturation of hPSC-derived RGCs. The results of this study clearly demonstrate the functional and morphological maturation of RGCs in vitro, including the effects of astrocytes on the maturation of hPSC-derived RGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin B VanderWall
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Ridhima Vij
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Sarah K Ohlemacher
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Akshayalakshmi Sridhar
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Clarisse M Fligor
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Elyse M Feder
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Michael C Edler
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Anthony J Baucum
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA
| | - Jason S Meyer
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA; Glick Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University, Indianapolis IN 46202, USA.
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7
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Ren YM, Weng CH, Zhao CJ, Yin ZQ. Changes in intrinsic excitability of ganglion cells in degenerated retinas of RCS rats. Int J Ophthalmol 2018; 11:756-765. [PMID: 29862172 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2018.05.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the intrinsic excitability of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in degenerated retinas. METHODS The intrinsic excitability of various morphologically defined RGC types using a combination of patch-clamp recording and the Lucifer yellow tracer in retinal whole-mount preparations harvested from Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats, a common retinitis pigmentosa (RP) model, in a relatively late stage of retinal degeneration (P90) were investigated. Several parameters of RGC morphologies and action potentials (APs) were measured and compared to those of non-dystrophic control rats, including dendritic stratification, dendritic field diameter, peak amplitude, half width, resting membrane potential, AP threshold, depolarization to threshold, and firing rates. RESULTS Compared with non-dystrophic control RGCs, more depolarizations were required to reach the AP threshold in RCS RGCs with low spontaneous spike rates and in RCS OFF cells (especially A2o cells), and RCS RGCs maintained their dendritic morphologies, resting membrane potentials and capabilities to generate APs. CONCLUSION RGCs are relatively well preserved morphologically and functionally, and some cells are more susceptible to decreased excitability during retinal degeneration. These findings provide valuable considerations for optimizing RP therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Ren
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University); Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chuan-Huang Weng
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University); Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Cong-Jian Zhao
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University); Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Zheng-Qin Yin
- Southwest Hospital/Southwest Eye Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University); Key Lab of Visual Damage and Regeneration & Restoration of Chongqing, Chongqing 400038, China
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Wang L, Qiu YH, Zeng Y. Coding Properties of Three Intrinsically Distinct Retinal Ganglion Cells under Periodic Stimuli: A Computational Study. Front Comput Neurosci 2016; 10:102. [PMID: 27721751 PMCID: PMC5033956 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2016.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As the sole output neurons in the retina, ganglion cells play significant roles in transforming visual information into spike trains, and then transmitting them to the higher visual centers. However, coding strategies that retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) adopt to accomplish these processes are not completely clear yet. To clarify these issues, we investigate the coding properties of three types of RGCs (repetitive spiking, tonic firing, and phasic firing) by two different measures (spike-rate and spike-latency). Model results show that for periodic stimuli, repetitive spiking RGC and tonic RGC exhibit similar spike-rate patterns. Their spike- rates decrease gradually with increased stimulus frequency, moreover, variation of stimulus amplitude would change the two RGCs' spike-rate patterns. For phasic RGC, it activates strongly at medium levels of frequency when the stimulus amplitude is low. While if high stimulus amplitude is applied, phasic RGC switches to respond strongly at low frequencies. These results suggest that stimulus amplitude is a prominent factor in regulating RGCs in encoding periodic signals. Similar conclusions can be drawn when analyzes spike-latency patterns of the three RGCs. More importantly, the above phenomena can be accurately reproduced by Hodgkin's three classes of neurons, indicating that RGCs can perform the typical three classes of firing dynamics, depending on the distinctions of ion channel densities. Consequently, model results from the three RGCs may be not specific, but can also applicable to neurons in other brain regions which exhibit part(s) or all of the Hodgkin's three excitabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Neuroscience and Intelligent Media Institute, Communication University of China Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Hong Qiu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, China
| | - Yanjun Zeng
- Biomedical Engineering Center, Beijing University of Technology Beijing, China
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9
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Sluch VM, Davis CHO, Ranganathan V, Kerr JM, Krick K, Martin R, Berlinicke CA, Marsh-Armstrong N, Diamond JS, Mao HQ, Zack DJ. Differentiation of human ESCs to retinal ganglion cells using a CRISPR engineered reporter cell line. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16595. [PMID: 26563826 PMCID: PMC4643248 DOI: 10.1038/srep16595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinal ganglion cell (RGC) injury and cell death from glaucoma and other forms of optic nerve disease is a major cause of irreversible vision loss and blindness. Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived RGCs could provide a source of cells for the development of novel therapeutic molecules as well as for potential cell-based therapies. In addition, such cells could provide insights into human RGC development, gene regulation, and neuronal biology. Here, we report a simple, adherent cell culture protocol for differentiation of hPSCs to RGCs using a CRISPR-engineered RGC fluorescent reporter stem cell line. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting of the differentiated cultures yields a highly purified population of cells that express a range of RGC-enriched markers and exhibit morphological and physiological properties typical of RGCs. Additionally, we demonstrate that aligned nanofiber matrices can be used to guide the axonal outgrowth of hPSC-derived RGCs for in vitro optic nerve-like modeling. Lastly, using this protocol we identified forskolin as a potent promoter of RGC differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin M Sluch
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Chung-ha O Davis
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, 21205
| | - Vinod Ranganathan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Justin M Kerr
- Synaptic Physiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Kellin Krick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Russ Martin
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Cynthia A Berlinicke
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
| | - Nicholas Marsh-Armstrong
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, 21205.,The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205
| | - Jeffrey S Diamond
- Synaptic Physiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Hai-Quan Mao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, and Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Donald J Zack
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Baltimore, MD 21287.,Department of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287.,The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205.,Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287
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10
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Ben-Ari Y. Is birth a critical period in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders? Nat Rev Neurosci 2015; 16:498-505. [DOI: 10.1038/nrn3956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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11
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Tao Y, Chen T, Liu B, Yang GQ, Peng G, Zhang H, Huang YF. The neurotoxic effects of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea on the electrophysiological property and visual signal transmission of rat's retina. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2015; 286:44-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2015.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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12
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Martynyuk NY, Purnyn’ EE, Fedulova SA. Effect of a Blocker of Nicotine Acetylcholine Receptors on Excitatory Postsynaptic Currents in Ganglion Cells of the Rat Retina. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-015-9482-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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13
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Hauser JL, Liu X, Litvina EY, Chen C. Prolonged synaptic currents increase relay neuron firing at the developing retinogeniculate synapse. J Neurophysiol 2014; 112:1714-28. [PMID: 24966302 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00451.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The retinogeniculate synapse, the connection between retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and thalamic relay neurons, undergoes robust changes in connectivity over development. This process of synapse elimination and strengthening of remaining inputs is thought to require synapse specificity. Here we show that glutamate spillover and asynchronous release are prominent features of retinogeniculate synaptic transmission during this period. The immature excitatory postsynaptic currents exhibit a slow decay time course that is sensitive to low-affinity glutamate receptor antagonists and extracellular calcium concentrations, consistent with glutamate spillover. Furthermore, we uncover and characterize a novel, purely spillover-mediated AMPA receptor current from immature relay neurons. The isolation of this current strongly supports the presence of spillover between boutons of different RGCs. In addition, fluorescence measurements of presynaptic calcium transients suggest that prolonged residual calcium contributes to both glutamate spillover and asynchronous release. These data indicate that, during development, far more RGCs contribute to relay neuron firing than would be expected based on predictions from anatomy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Hauser
- Department of Neurology, F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xiaojin Liu
- Department of Neurology, F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Y Litvina
- Department of Neurology, F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chinfei Chen
- Department of Neurology, F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; and Program in Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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14
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Kv3 channels modulate calcium signals induced by fast firing patterns in the rat retinal ganglion cells. Cell Calcium 2012; 52:405-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2012.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Revised: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 06/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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15
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Classification of potassium and chlorine ionic currents in retinal ganglion cell line (RGC-5) by whole-cell patch clamp. Vis Neurosci 2012; 29:275-82. [DOI: 10.1017/s0952523812000272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractRetinal ganglion cell line (RGC-5) has been widely used as a valuable model for studying pathophysiology and physiology of retinal ganglion cells in vitro. However, the electrophysiological characteristics, especially a thorough classification of ionic currents in the cell line, remain to be elucidated in details. In the present study, we determined the resting membrane potential (RMP) in RGC-5 cell line and then identified different types of ionic currents by using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The RMP recorded in the cell line was between −30 and −6 mV (−17.6 ± 2.6 mV, n = 10). We observed the following voltage-gated ion channel currents: (1) inwardly rectifying Cl− current (ICl,ir), which could be blocked by Zn2+; (2) Ca2+-activated Cl− current (ICl,Ca), which was sensitive to extracellular Ca2+ and could be inhibited by disodium 4,4’-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2’-disulfonate; (3) inwardly rectifying K+ currents (IK1), which could be blocked by Ba2+; (4) a small amount of delayed rectifier K+ current (IK). On the other hand, the voltage-gated sodium channels current (INa) and transient outward potassium channels current (IA) were not observed in this cell line. These results further characterize the ionic currents in the RGC-5 cell line and are beneficial for future studies especially on ion channel (patho)physiology and pharmacology in the RGC-5 cell line.
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16
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Wong RCS, Cloherty SL, Ibbotson MR, O'Brien BJ. Intrinsic physiological properties of rat retinal ganglion cells with a comparative analysis. J Neurophysiol 2012; 108:2008-23. [DOI: 10.1152/jn.01091.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian retina contains 15–20 different retinal ganglion cell (RGC) types, each of which is responsible for encoding different aspects of the visual scene. The encoding is defined by a combination of RGC synaptic inputs, the neurotransmitter systems used, and their intrinsic physiological properties. Each cell's intrinsic properties are defined by its morphology and membrane characteristics, including the complement and localization of the ion channels expressed. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that the intrinsic properties of individual RGC types are conserved among mammalian species. To do so, we measured the intrinsic properties of 16 morphologically defined rat RGC types and compared these data with cat RGC types. Our data demonstrate that in the rat different morphologically defined RGC types have distinct patterns of intrinsic properties. Variation in these properties across cell types was comparable to that found for cat RGC types. When presumed morphological homologs in rat and cat retina were compared directly, some RGC types had very similar properties. The rat A2 cell exhibited patterns of intrinsic properties nearly identical to the cat alpha cell. In contrast, rat D2 cells (ON-OFF directionally selective) had a very different pattern of intrinsic properties than the cat iota cell. Our data suggest that the intrinsic properties of RGCs with similar morphology and suspected visual function may be subject to variation due to the behavioral needs of the species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond C. S. Wong
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science, Australian National University, Acton, Australia
- National Vision Research Institute, Australian College of Optometry, Carlton, Australia; and
| | - Shaun L. Cloherty
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science, Australian National University, Acton, Australia
- National Vision Research Institute, Australian College of Optometry, Carlton, Australia; and
| | - Michael R. Ibbotson
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Vision Science, Australian National University, Acton, Australia
- National Vision Research Institute, Australian College of Optometry, Carlton, Australia; and
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Brendan J. O'Brien
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Acton, Australia
- National Vision Research Institute, Australian College of Optometry, Carlton, Australia; and
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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17
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Abstract
The fluorescent dye Lucifer yellow (LY) was introduced in 1978, and has been extremely useful in studying cell structure and communications. This dye has been used mostly for labelling cells by intracellular injection from microelectrodes. This review describes the numerous applications of LY, with emphasis on the enteric nervous system and interstitial cells of Cajal. Of particular importance is the dye coupling method, which enables the detection of cell coupling by gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menachem Hanani
- Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
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18
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Abstract
The axon initial segment (AIS), with its dense clusters of voltage-gated ion channels decorating the axonal membrane, regulates action potential initiation and modulation. The AIS also functions as a barrier to maintain axodendritic polarity, and its precise axonal location contributes to the fine-tuning of neuronal excitability. Therefore, it is not surprising that mutations in AIS-related genes, disruption of the molecular organization of the AIS and altered AIS ion channel expression, function, location and/or density are emerging as key players in neurological disorders. Here, we consider the role of the AIS in nervous system disease and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly A Buffington
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, BCM295, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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19
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Primary Culture of Dissociated Cells of the Rat Retina under Conditions of Long-Lasting Culturing: Properties of Ganglion Cells. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-011-9223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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20
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Role of a Tetraethylammonium-Sensitive Component of Potassium Currents in High-Frequency Tonic Impulsation Generated by Rat Retinal Ganglion Cells. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-011-9190-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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21
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Stasheff SF, Shankar M, Andrews MP. Developmental time course distinguishes changes in spontaneous and light-evoked retinal ganglion cell activity in rd1 and rd10 mice. J Neurophysiol 2011; 105:3002-9. [PMID: 21389300 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00704.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In a subset of hereditary retinal diseases, early photoreceptor degeneration causes rapidly progressive blindness in children. To better understand how retinal development may interact with degenerative processes, we compared spontaneous and light-evoked activity among retinal ganglion cells in rd1 and rd10 mice, strains with closely related retinal disease. In each, a mutation in the Pde6b gene causes photoreceptor dysfunction and death, but in rd10 mice degeneration starts after a peak in developmental plasticity of retinal circuitry and thereafter progresses more slowly. In vitro multielectrode action potential recordings revealed that spontaneous waves of correlated ganglion cell activity comparable to those in wild-type mice were present in rd1 and rd10 retinas before eye opening [postnatal day (P) 7 to P8]. In both strains, spontaneous firing rates increased by P14-P15 and were many times higher by 4-6 wk of age. Among rd1 ganglion cells, all responses to light had disappeared by ~P28, yet in rd10 retinas vigorous ON and OFF responses were maintained well beyond this age and were not completely lost until after P60. This difference in developmental time course separates mechanisms underlying the hyperactivity from those that alter light-driven responses in rd10 retinas. Moreover, several broad physiological groups of cells remained identifiable according to response polarity and time course as late as P60. This raises hope that visual function might be preserved or restored despite ganglion cell hyperactivity seen in inherited retinal degenerations, particularly if treatment or manipulation of early developmental plasticity were to be timed appropriately.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven F Stasheff
- Department of Pediatrics (Neurology), The University of Iowa and The Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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22
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Hu H, Lu W, Zhang M, Zhang X, Argall AJ, Patel S, Lee GE, Kim YC, Jacobson KA, Laties AM, Mitchell CH. Stimulation of the P2X7 receptor kills rat retinal ganglion cells in vivo. Exp Eye Res 2010; 91:425-32. [PMID: 20599962 PMCID: PMC2941978 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2010.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2009] [Revised: 06/18/2010] [Accepted: 06/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The P2X(7) receptor is associated with the death of many cell types, and growing evidence supports its presence on neurons. Activation of the P2X(7) receptor on isolated retinal ganglion cells increases intracellular calcium levels and can kill the cells. Within the intact eye, however, glia and other cell types surrounding the ganglion cells may provide protection and attenuate the effects of receptor stimulation. This investigation thus asks whether stimulation of the P2X(7) receptor can actually kill retinal ganglion cells in vivo. Drugs were injected intravitreally into the superior/nasal region of Long Evans rats. Cell survival was determined by counting the number of remaining ganglion cells labeled with aminostilbamidine. The P2X(7) receptor agonist BzATP reduced ganglion cell survival as compared to eyes injected with saline solution. Ganglion cell death was inhibited by co-injection of the P2X(7) antagonists Brilliant Blue G and MRS 2540. The loss of ganglion cells following activation of the P2X(7) receptor was also prevented by the adenosine A(3) adenosine receptor agonist MRS 3558. In conclusion, stimulation of the P2X(7) receptor can kill retinal ganglion cells in vivo. The neuroprotective effects of A(3) receptor activation identified in isolated ganglion cells are also apparent in vivo. This implies that the balance between extracellular ATP and its protective metabolite adenosine can influence ganglion cell survival in the living eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Hu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Wennan Lu
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
| | - Xiulan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Arthur J. Argall
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
| | - Shaun Patel
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
| | - Ga Eun Lee
- Department of Life Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Chul Kim
- Department of Life Science, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Buk-gu, Gwangju 500-712, Republic of Korea
| | - Kenneth A. Jacobson
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892
| | - Alan M. Laties
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
| | - Claire H. Mitchell
- Department of Physiology, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104
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23
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Anishchenko A, Greschner M, Elstrott J, Sher A, Litke AM, Feller MB, Chichilnisky EJ. Receptive field mosaics of retinal ganglion cells are established without visual experience. J Neurophysiol 2010; 103:1856-64. [PMID: 20107116 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00896.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A characteristic feature of adult retina is mosaic organization: a spatial arrangement of cells of each morphological and functional type that produces uniform sampling of visual space. How the mosaics of visual receptive fields emerge in the retina during development is not fully understood. Here we use a large-scale multielectrode array to determine the mosaic organization of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in rats around the time of eye opening and in the adult. At the time of eye opening, we were able to reliably distinguish two types of ON RGCs and two types of OFF RGCs in rat retina based on their light response and intrinsic firing properties. Although the light responses of individual cells were not yet mature at this age, each of the identified functional RGC types formed a receptive field mosaic, where the spacing of the receptive field centers and the overlap of the receptive field extents were similar to those observed in the retinas of adult rats. These findings suggest that, although the light response properties of RGCs may need vision to reach full maturity, extensive visual experience is not required for individual RGC types to form a regular sensory map of visual space.
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24
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Dunn TA, Storm DR, Feller MB. Calcium-dependent increases in protein kinase-A activity in mouse retinal ganglion cells are mediated by multiple adenylate cyclases. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7877. [PMID: 19924297 PMCID: PMC2774513 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Accepted: 10/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons undergo long term, activity dependent changes that are mediated by activation of second messenger cascades. In particular, calcium-dependent activation of the cyclic-AMP/Protein kinase A signaling cascade has been implicated in several developmental processes including cell survival, axonal outgrowth, and axonal refinement. The biochemical link between calcium influx and the activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway is primarily mediated through adenylate cyclases. Here, dual imaging of intracellular calcium concentration and PKA activity was used to assay the role of different classes of calcium-dependent adenylate cyclases (ACs) in the activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Surprisingly, depolarization-induced calcium-dependent PKA transients persist in barrelless mice lacking AC1, the predominant calcium-dependent adenylate cyclase in RGCs, as well as in double knockout mice lacking both AC1 and AC8. Furthermore, in a subset of RGCs, depolarization-induced PKA transients persist during the inhibition of all transmembrane adenylate cyclases. These results are consistent with the existence of a soluble adenylate cyclase that plays a role in calcium-dependent activation of the cAMP/PKA cascade in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A. Dunn
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Daniel R. Storm
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Marla B. Feller
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California, United States of America
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25
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The development of Kv4.2 expression in the retina. Neurosci Lett 2009; 464:209-13. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2009] [Revised: 07/22/2009] [Accepted: 08/19/2009] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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26
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Bai X, Zhu J, Yang J, Savoie BT, Wang GY. Mechanisms that limit the light stimulus frequency following through the DL-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid sensitive and insensitive rod Off-pathways. Neuroscience 2009; 162:184-94. [PMID: 19406212 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.04.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2009] [Revised: 04/24/2009] [Accepted: 04/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the retina, rod signal pathways process scotopic visual information. Light decrements are mediated by two distinct groups of rod pathways in the dark-adapted retina that can be differentiated on the basis of their sensitivity to the glutamate agonist dl-2-amino-4-phosphonobutyric acid (APB). We have found that the APB sensitive and insensitive rod Off-pathways signal different light decrement information: the APB sensitive rod Off-pathway conveys slow and low frequency light signals, whereas the APB insensitive rod Off-pathways mediate fast and high frequency light signals [Wang GY (2006) Unique functional properties of the APB sensitive and insensitive rod pathways signaling light decrements in mouse retinal ganglion cells. Vis Neurosci 23:127-135]. However, the mechanisms which limit the frequency following through the APB sensitive and insensitive rod Off-pathways remain unknown. In the current study, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from ganglion cells in dark and light adapted mouse retina to identify the mechanisms that limit the frequency following through the APB sensitive and insensitive rod Off-pathways. The results showed that the sites from AII amacrine cells to Off cone bipolar cells are the major mechanisms that limit the frequency following through the APB sensitive rod Off-pathway. In the APB insensitive rod Off-pathways, rods themselves limited the frequency following through these pathways. Moreover, ganglion cells were able to follow higher frequencies under photopic conditions than under scotopic conditions. The Off responses followed lower frequencies than On responses under photopic conditions. This finding was observed in cells that yielded On or Off responses only as well as in On-Off cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Bai
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-49, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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27
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Nemargut JP, Zhu J, Savoie BT, Wang GY. Differential effects of charybdotoxin on the activity of retinal ganglion cells in the dark- and light-adapted mouse retina. Vision Res 2009; 49:388-97. [PMID: 19084033 PMCID: PMC2721325 DOI: 10.1016/j.visres.2008.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2008] [Revised: 11/12/2008] [Accepted: 11/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Patch-clamp recordings were made from retinal ganglion cells in the mouse retina. Under dark adaptation, blockage of BK(Ca) channels increases the spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) and light-evoked On-EPSCs, while it decreases the light-evoked Off inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs). However, under light adaptation it decreases the light-evoked On-EPSCs, the spontaneous IPSCs and the light-evoked On- and Off-IPSCs. Blockage of BK(Ca) channels significantly altered the outputs of RGCs by changing their light-evoked responses into a bursting pattern and increasing the light-evoked depolarization of the membrane potentials, while it did not significantly change the peak firing rates of light-evoked responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Nemargut
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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28
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Chen M, Weng S, Deng Q, Xu Z, He S. Physiological properties of direction-selective ganglion cells in early postnatal and adult mouse retina. J Physiol 2008; 587:819-28. [PMID: 19103682 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2008.161240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Selective responses of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) to the direction of motion have been recorded extracellularly from the rabbit and the mouse retina at eye opening. Recently, it has been shown that the development of this circuitry is light independent. Using whole-cell patch clamp recording, we report here that mouse early postnatal direction-selective ganglion cells (DSGCs) showed lower membrane excitability, lower reliability of synaptic transmission and much slower kinetics of light responses compared with adult DSGCs. However, the degree of direction selectivity of early postnatal DSGCs measured by the direction-selective index and the width of the directional tuning curve was almost identical to that of adult DSGCs. The DSGCs exhibited a clear selectivity for the direction of motion at the onset of light sensitivity. Furthermore, the degree of direction selectivity was not affected by rearing in complete darkness from birth to postnatal day 11 or 30. The formation of the retinal neurocircuitry for coding motion direction is completely independent of light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minggang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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29
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Biophysical basis for three distinct dynamical mechanisms of action potential initiation. PLoS Comput Biol 2008; 4:e1000198. [PMID: 18846205 PMCID: PMC2551735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2008] [Accepted: 09/03/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Transduction of graded synaptic input into trains of all-or-none action
potentials (spikes) is a crucial step in neural coding. Hodgkin identified three
classes of neurons with qualitatively different analog-to-digital transduction
properties. Despite widespread use of this classification scheme, a
generalizable explanation of its biophysical basis has not been described. We
recorded from spinal sensory neurons representing each class and reproduced
their transduction properties in a minimal model. With phase plane and
bifurcation analysis, each class of excitability was shown to derive from
distinct spike initiating dynamics. Excitability could be converted between all
three classes by varying single parameters; moreover, several parameters, when
varied one at a time, had functionally equivalent effects on excitability. From
this, we conclude that the spike-initiating dynamics associated with each of
Hodgkin's classes represent different outcomes in a nonlinear
competition between oppositely directed, kinetically mismatched currents. Class
1 excitability occurs through a saddle node on invariant circle bifurcation when
net current at perithreshold potentials is inward (depolarizing) at steady
state. Class 2 excitability occurs through a Hopf bifurcation when, despite net
current being outward (hyperpolarizing) at steady state, spike initiation occurs
because inward current activates faster than outward current. Class 3
excitability occurs through a quasi-separatrix crossing when fast-activating
inward current overpowers slow-activating outward current during a stimulus
transient, although slow-activating outward current dominates during constant
stimulation. Experiments confirmed that different classes of spinal lamina I
neurons express the subthreshold currents predicted by our simulations and,
further, that those currents are necessary for the excitability in each cell
class. Thus, our results demonstrate that all three classes of excitability
arise from a continuum in the direction and magnitude of subthreshold currents.
Through detailed analysis of the spike-initiating process, we have explained a
fundamental link between biophysical properties and qualitative differences in
how neurons encode sensory input. Information is transmitted through the nervous system in the form of action
potentials or spikes. Contrary to popular belief, a spike is not generated
instantaneously when membrane potential crosses some preordained threshold. In
fact, different neurons employ different rules to determine when and why they
spike. These different rules translate into diverse spiking patterns that have
been observed experimentally and replicated time and again in computational
models. In this study, our aim was not simply to replicate different spiking
patterns; instead, we sought to provide deeper insight into the connection
between biophysics and neural coding by relating each to the process of spike
initiation. We show that Hodgkin's three classes of excitability result
from a nonlinear competition between oppositely directed, kinetically mismatched
currents; the outcome of that competition is manifested as dynamically distinct
spike-initiating mechanisms. Our results highlight the benefits of forward
engineering minimal models capable of reproducing phenomena of interest and then
dissecting those models in order to identify general explanations of how those
phenomena arise. Furthermore, understanding nonlinear dynamical processes such
as spike initiation is crucial for definitively explaining how biophysical
properties impact neural coding.
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30
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Qu J, Myhr KL. The development of intrinsic excitability in mouse retinal ganglion cells. Dev Neurobiol 2008; 68:1196-212. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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31
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Sia Y, Bourne JA. The rat temporal association cortical area 2 (Te2) comprises two subdivisions that are visually responsive and develop independently. Neuroscience 2008; 156:118-28. [PMID: 18674594 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2008.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2008] [Revised: 07/01/2008] [Accepted: 07/02/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we have used the expression of non-phosphorylated neurofilament (NNF), a protein that exhibits differential areal and laminar neuronal patterning, to assess the chemoarchitectural organization of the rat temporal association cortex (Te). Since expression of NNF is associated with the latter stages of neuronal development, this enabled us to profile the hierarchical development of this region of the cortex. We also examined the expression of the protein Fos, the product of the immediate-early gene cFos, as a neuronal activity marker to determine which areas within this region are visually responsive. Our findings reveal the existence of two previously undescribed subdivisions within the dorsal and ventral domains of the rat temporal association cortical area 2 (Te2) which we have termed Te2d and Te2v, respectively. We also demonstrated the early maturation of the caudal region of Te2d while preceding the primary visual cortex. Within this region of the cortex, the Fos protein indicates that both subdivisions are visually responsive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Sia
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
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32
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Electrical activity of rat retinal ganglion cells. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2007. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-007-0048-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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33
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Margolis DJ, Detwiler PB. Different mechanisms generate maintained activity in ON and OFF retinal ganglion cells. J Neurosci 2007; 27:5994-6005. [PMID: 17537971 PMCID: PMC3136104 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0130-07.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal discharge is driven by either synaptic input or cell-autonomous intrinsic pacemaker activity. It is commonly assumed that the resting spike activity of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), the output cells of the retina, is driven synaptically, because retinal photoreceptors and second-order cells tonically release neurotransmitter. Here we show that ON and OFF RGCs generate maintained activity through different mechanisms: ON cells depend on tonic excitatory input to drive resting activity, whereas OFF cells continue to fire in the absence of synaptic input. In addition to spontaneous activity, OFF cells exhibit other properties of pacemaker neurons, including subthreshold oscillations, burst firing, and rebound excitation. Thus, variable weighting of synaptic mechanisms and intrinsic properties underlies differences in the generation of maintained activity in these parallel retinal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Margolis
- Program in Neurobiology and Behavior and Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
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34
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Resta V, Novelli E, Vozzi G, Scarpa C, Caleo M, Ahluwalia A, Solini A, Santini E, Parisi V, Di Virgilio F, Galli-Resta L. Acute retinal ganglion cell injury caused by intraocular pressure spikes is mediated by endogenous extracellular ATP. Eur J Neurosci 2007; 25:2741-54. [PMID: 17459106 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2007.05528.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Elevated intraocular pressure may lead to retinal ganglion cell injury and consequent visual deficits. Chronic intraocular pressure increase is a major risk factor for glaucoma, a leading blinding disease, and permanent visual deficits can also occur following acute pressure increments due to trauma, acute glaucoma or refractive surgery. How pressure affects retinal neurons is not firmly established. Mechanical damage at the optic nerve head, reduced blood supply, inflammation and cytotoxic factors have all been called into play. Reasoning that the analysis of retinal neurons soon after pressure elevation would provide useful cues, we imaged individual ganglion cells in isolated rat retinas before and after short hydrostatic pressure increments. We found that slowly rising pressure to peaks observed in trauma, acute glaucoma or refractive surgery (50-90 mmHg) did not damage ganglion cells, whereas a rapid 1 min pulse to 50 mmHg injured 30% of these cells within 1 h. The severity of damage and the number of affected cells increased with stronger or repeated insults. Degrading extracellular ATP or blocking the P2X receptors for ATP prevented acute pressure-induced damage in ganglion cells. Similar effects were observed in vivo. A short intraocular pressure transient increased extracellular ATP levels in the eye fluids and damaged ganglion cells within 1 h. Reducing extracellular ATP in the eye prevented damage to ganglion cells and accelerated recovery of their response to light. These data show that rapid pressure transients induce acute ganglion cell injury and unveil the causal role of extracellular ATP elevation in such injury.
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Brocard F, Verdier D, Arsenault I, Lund JP, Kolta A. Emergence of intrinsic bursting in trigeminal sensory neurons parallels the acquisition of mastication in weanling rats. J Neurophysiol 2006; 96:2410-24. [PMID: 16914618 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00352.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that a subpopulation of neurons in the dorsal principal sensory trigeminal nucleus are not simple sensory relays to the thalamus but may form the core of the central pattern generating circuits responsible for mastication. In this paper, we used whole cell patch recordings in brain stem slices of young rats to show that these neurons have intrinsic bursting abilities that persist in absence of extracellular Ca(2+). Application of different K(+) channel blockers affected duration and firing rate of bursts, but left bursting ability intact. Bursting was voltage dependent and was abolished by low concentrations of Na(+) channel blockers. The proportion of bursting neurons increased dramatically in the second postnatal week, in parallel with profound changes in several electrophysiological properties. This is the period in which masticatory movements appear and mature. Bursting was associated with the development of an afterdepolarization that depend on maturation of a persistent sodium conductance (I(NaP)). An interesting finding was that the occurrence of bursting and the magnitude of I(NaP) were both modulated by the extracellular concentration of Ca(2+). Lowering extracellular [Ca(2+)] increased both I(NaP) and probability of bursting. We suggest that these mechanisms underlie burst generation in mastication and that similar processes may be found in other motor pattern generators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Brocard
- Université de Montréal, Pavillon Paul Desmarais, C.P. 6128, Succursale Centre Ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3J7, Canada
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Van Wart A, Matthews G. Impaired firing and cell-specific compensation in neurons lacking nav1.6 sodium channels. J Neurosci 2006; 26:7172-80. [PMID: 16822974 PMCID: PMC6673932 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1101-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of neurons to fire precise patterns of action potentials is critical for encoding inputs and efficiently driving target neurons. At the axon initial segment and nodes of Ranvier, where nerve impulses are generated and propagated, a high density of Na(v)1.2 sodium channels is developmentally replaced by Na(v)1.6 channels. In retinal ganglion cells (GCs), this isoform switch coincides with the developmental transition from single spikes to repetitive firing. Also, Na(v)1.6 channels are required for repetitive spiking in cerebellar Purkinje neurons. These previous observations suggest that the developmental appearance of Na(v)1.6 underlies the transition to repetitive spiking in GCs. To test this possibility, we recorded from GCs of med (Na(v)1.6-null) and wild-type mice during postnatal development. By postnatal day 18, when the switch to Na(v)1.6 at GC initial segments is normally complete, the maximal sustained and instantaneous firing rates were lower in med than in wild-type GCs, demonstrating that Na(v)1.6 channels are necessary to attain physiologically relevant firing frequencies in GCs. However, the firing impairment was milder than that reported previously in med Purkinje neurons, which prompted us to look for differences in compensatory sodium channel expression. Both Na(v)1.2 and Na(v)1.1 channels accumulated at initial segments and nodes of med GCs, sites normally occupied by Na(v)1.6. In med Purkinje cells, only Na(v)1.1 channels were found at initial segments, whereas in other brain regions, only Na(v)1.2 was detected at med initial segments and nodes. Thus, compensatory mechanisms in channel isoform distribution are cell specific, which likely results in different firing properties.
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Abstract
Voltage-gated ion channels have to be at the right place in the right number to endow individual neurons with their specific character. Their biophysical properties together with their spatial distribution define the signalling characteristics of a neuron. Improper channel localization could cause communication defects in a neuronal network. This review covers recent studies of mechanisms for targeting voltage-gated ion channels to axons and dendrites, including trafficking, retention and endocytosis pathways for the preferential localization of particular ion channels. We also discuss how the spatial localization of these channels might contribute to the electrical excitability of neurons, and consider the need for future work in this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen C Lai
- Center for Basic Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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38
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Van Wart A, Matthews G. Expression of sodium channels Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 during postnatal development of the retina. Neurosci Lett 2006; 403:315-7. [PMID: 16753259 PMCID: PMC1819474 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2006.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2006] [Accepted: 05/04/2006] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
During the second and third postnatal weeks, there is a developmental switch from sodium channel isoform Na(v)1.2 to isoform Na(v)1.6 at initial segments and nodes of Ranvier in rat retinal ganglion cells. We used quantitative, real-time PCR to determine if the developmental appearance of Na(v)1.6 channels is accompanied by an increase in steady-state level of Na(v)1.6 mRNA in the retina. Between postnatal day 2 (P2) and P10, Na(v)1.6 levels did not change, but between P10 and P19, there was an approximately three-fold increase in Na(v)1.6 transcript levels. This coincides with the appearance of Na(v)1.6 channels in the retina and optic nerve. The steady-state level of Na(v)1.2 mRNA also increased during this same period, which suggests that the rise in Na(v)1.6 may be part of a general increase in sodium channel transcripts at about the time of eye opening at P14. The results are consistent with a developmental increase in steady-state transcripts giving rise to a corresponding increase in sodium channel protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audra Van Wart
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230, USA
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39
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Bartoo AC, Sprunger LK, Schneider DA. Expression of sodium channel Nav1.6 in cholinergic myenteric neurons of guinea pig proximal colon. Cell Tissue Res 2006; 325:203-9. [PMID: 16555052 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-006-0179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2005] [Accepted: 01/24/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We wished to establish the functional identity of Na(v)1.6-expressing myenteric neurons of the guinea pig proximal colon by determining the extent of colocalization of Na(v)1.6 and selected neurochemical markers. Na(v)1.6-like immunoreactivity (-li) was primarily localized to the hillock and initial segments of myenteric neurons located near junctions with internodal fiber tracts. Immunoreactivity for Na(v)1.6 was co-localized with choline-acetyltransferase-li, representing 96% of Na(v)1.6-immunoreactive neurons; about 5% of these neurons showed co-localization with calretinin-li, but none with substance-P-li. Cholinergic neurons expressing Na(v)1.6 were amongst the smallest (somal area <300 mum(2)) of all cholinergic myenteric neurons observed. Only three of 234 Na(v)1.6-immunoreactive neurons exhibited nNOS-li, and none co-localized with calbindin-li. These data suggest that Na(v)1.6 is expressed in a small uniform population of cholinergic myenteric neurons that lie within the guinea pig proximal colon and that are likely to function as excitatory motor neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- A C Bartoo
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-6520, USA
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40
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Stacy RC, Demas J, Burgess RW, Sanes JR, Wong ROL. Disruption and recovery of patterned retinal activity in the absence of acetylcholine. J Neurosci 2006; 25:9347-57. [PMID: 16221843 PMCID: PMC6725714 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1800-05.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many developing neural circuits generate synchronized bursting activity among neighboring neurons, a pattern thought to be important for sculpting precise neural connectivity. Network output remains relatively constant as the cellular and synaptic components of these immature circuits change during development, suggesting the presence of homeostatic mechanisms. In the retina, spontaneous waves of activity are present even before chemical synapse formation, needing gap junctions to propagate. However, as synaptogenesis proceeds, retinal waves become dependent on cholinergic neurotransmission, no longer requiring gap junctions. Later still in development, waves are driven by glutamatergic rather than cholinergic synapses. Here, we asked how retinal activity evolves in the absence of cholinergic transmission by using a conditional mutant in which the gene encoding choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the sole synthetic enzyme for acetylcholine (ACh), was deleted from large retinal regions. ChAT-negative regions lacked retinal waves for the first few days after birth, but by postnatal day 5 (P5), ACh-independent waves propagated across these regions. Pharmacological analysis of the waves in ChAT knock-out regions revealed a requirement for gap junctions but not glutamate, suggesting that patterned activity may have emerged via restoration of previous gap-junctional networks. Similarly, in P5 wild-type retinas, spontaneous activity recovered after a few hours in nicotinic receptor antagonists, often as local patches of coactive cells but not waves. The rapid recovery of rhythmic spontaneous activity in the presence of cholinergic antagonists and the eventual emergence of waves in ChAT knock-out regions suggest that homeostatic mechanisms regulate retinal output during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Stacy
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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41
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Wang GY. Unique functional properties of the APB sensitive and insensitive rod pathways signaling light decrements in mouse retinal ganglion cells. Vis Neurosci 2006; 23:127-35. [PMID: 16597356 DOI: 10.1017/s0952523806231110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2005] [Accepted: 12/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Light decrements are mediated by two distinct groups of rod pathways in the dark-adapted retina that can be differentiated on the basis of their sensitivity to the glutamate agonist DL-2-amino-phosphonobutyric (APB). By means of the APB sensitive pathway, rods transmit light decrementsviarod bipolar cells to AII amacrine cells, then to Off cone bipolar cells, which in turn innervate the dendrites of Off ganglion cells. APB hyperpolarizes rod bipolar cells, thus blocking this rod pathway. With APB insensitive pathways, rods either directly synapse onto Off cone bipolar cells, or rods pass light decrement signal to cones by gap junctions. In the present study, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from ganglion cells in the dark-adapted mouse retina to investigate the functional properties of APB sensitive and insensitive rod pathways. The results revealed several clear-cut differences between the APB sensitive and APB insensitive rod pathways. The latency of Off responses to a flashing spot of light was significantly shorter for the APB insensitive pathways than those for the APB sensitive pathway. Moreover, Off responses of the APB insensitive pathways were found to be capable of following substantially higher stimulus frequencies. Nitric oxide was found to selectively block Off responses in the APB sensitive rod pathway. Collectively, these results provide evidence that the APB sensitive and insensitive rod pathways can convey different types of information signaling light decrements in the dark-adapted retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Yong Wang
- Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112, USA.
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42
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Schiefer MA, Grill WM. Sites of neuronal excitation by epiretinal electrical stimulation. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2006; 14:5-13. [PMID: 16562626 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2006.870488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Action potentials arising from retinal ganglion cells ultimately create visual percepts. In persons blind from retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, viable retinal ganglion cells remain, and the retina can be stimulated electrically to restore partial sight. However, it is unclear what neuronal elements in the retina are activated by epiretinal electrical stimulation. This study investigated the effects of cellular geometry, electrode to neuron distance, stimulus duration, and stimulus polarity on excitation of a retinal ganglion cell with an epiretinal electrode. Computer-based compartmental models representing simplified retinal ganglion cell morphology provided evidence that the threshold for excitation was lower when an electrode was located in proximity to the characteristic 90 degrees bend in the axon of the retinal ganglion cell than when it was located over a passing axon of the nerve fiber layer. This electrode-position-dependent difference in threshold occurred with both cathodic and anodic monophasic stimuli, with point source and disk electrodes, at multiple electrode-to-neuron distances, and was robust to changes in the electrical properties of the model. This finding reveals that the physical geometry of the retinal ganglion cells produces stimulation thresholds that depend strongly on electrode position. The low excitation thresholds near the bend in the axon will result in activation of cells local to the electrode at lower currents than required to excite passing axons. This pattern of activation provides a potential explanation of how epiretinal electrical stimulation results in the production of punctuate, rather than diffuse or streaky phosphenes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Schiefer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4912, USA.
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43
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Colicos MA, Firth SI, Bosze J, Goldstein J, Feller MB. Emergence of realistic retinal networks in culture promoted by the superior colliculus. Dev Neurosci 2005; 26:406-16. [PMID: 15855770 DOI: 10.1159/000082283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2004] [Accepted: 07/20/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The developing retina is characterized by 'retinal waves', spontaneous depolarizations that propagate through a developing network of interneurons and retinal ganglion cells. Although the circuitry underlying retinal waves is well characterized, the secreted factors that are critical for its normal development are not defined. Dissociated cell culture provides an ideal system for defining these factors; however, it is difficult to recapitulate retinal circuitry in culture. Here we demonstrate that by culturing dissociated retinal neurons in the presence of cells from the superior colliculus (SC), retinal neurons form networks that are similar to those described in the intact retina. Whole-cell voltage clamp recordings reveal the presence of a spontaneously active network of interneurons. In addition, we observed spontaneous, propagating activity reminiscent of that observed in the intact retina. We propose that the presence of factors secreted from the SC results in the development of networks that reproduce critical features of the intact retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Colicos
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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44
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Moody WJ, Bosma MM. Ion Channel Development, Spontaneous Activity, and Activity-Dependent Development in Nerve and Muscle Cells. Physiol Rev 2005; 85:883-941. [PMID: 15987798 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00017.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
At specific stages of development, nerve and muscle cells generate spontaneous electrical activity that is required for normal maturation of intrinsic excitability and synaptic connectivity. The patterns of this spontaneous activity are not simply immature versions of the mature activity, but rather are highly specialized to initiate and control many aspects of neuronal development. The configuration of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels that are expressed early in development regulate the timing and waveform of this activity. They also regulate Ca2+influx during spontaneous activity, which is the first step in triggering activity-dependent developmental programs. For these reasons, the properties of voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels expressed by developing neurons and muscle cells often differ markedly from those of adult cells. When viewed from this perspective, the reasons for complex patterns of ion channel emergence and regression during development become much clearer.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Moody
- Department of Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, USA.
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45
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Torborg CL, Hansen KA, Feller MB. High frequency, synchronized bursting drives eye-specific segregation of retinogeniculate projections. Nat Neurosci 2005; 8:72-8. [PMID: 15608630 PMCID: PMC1463890 DOI: 10.1038/nn1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2004] [Accepted: 11/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of retinal waves prevents the segregation of retinogeniculate afferents into eye-specific layers in the visual thalamus. However, the key features of retinal waves that drive this refinement are controversial. Some manipulations of retinal waves lead to normal eye-specific segregation but others do not. By comparing retinal spiking patterns in several mutant mice with differing levels of eye-specific segregation, we show that the presence of high-frequency bursts synchronized across neighboring retinal ganglion cells correlates with robust eye-specific segregation and that the presence of high levels of asynchronous spikes does not inhibit this segregation. These findings provide a possible resolution to previously described discrepancies regarding the role of retinal waves in retinogeniculate segregation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristi A. Hansen
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marla B. Feller
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, UCSD, La Jolla, CA, USA
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46
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Bartoo AC, Sprunger LK, Schneider DA. Expression and distribution of TTX-sensitive sodium channel alpha subunits in the enteric nervous system. J Comp Neurol 2005; 486:117-31. [PMID: 15844213 DOI: 10.1002/cne.20541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The expression and distribution of TTX-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) alpha subunits in the enteric nervous system (ENS) has not been described. Using RT-PCR, expression of Na(v)1.2, Na(v)1.3, Na(v)1.6, and Na(v)1.7 mRNA was detected in small and large intestinal preparations from guinea pigs. Expression of Na(v)1.1 mRNA as well as Na(v)1.1-like immunoreactivity (-li) were not observed in any intestinal region investigated. Na(v)1.2-li was primarily observed within the soma of the majority of myenteric and submucosal neurons, although faint immunoreactivity was occasionally observed in ganglionic and internodal fibers. Na(v)1.3-li was observed in dendrites, soma, and axons in a small group of myenteric neurons, as well as in numerous myenteric internodal fibers; immunoreactivity was rarely observed in the submucosal plexus. Na(v)1.6-li was primarily observed in the initial axonal segment of colonic myenteric neurons. Na(v)1.7-li was observed in dorsal root ganglia neurons but not in the myenteric plexus of the small and large intestine. In the ileum, 37% of Na(v)1.2-li cell bodies colocalized with calbindin-li while colocalization with calretinin-li was rare. In contrast, 22% of Na(v)1.3-li cell bodies colocalized with calretinin-li but colocalization with calbindin-li was not observed. In the colon, both Na(v)1.2-li and Na(v)1.3-li cell bodies frequently colocalized with either calretinin-li or calbindin-li. Na(v)1.2-li cell bodies also colocalized with the majority of NeuN-li cells in the small and large intestine. These data suggest that Na(v)1.1 may not be highly expressed in the ENS, but that Na(v)1.2, Na(v)1.3, and Na(v)1.6, and possibly Na(v)1.7, have broadly important and distinct functions in the ENS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron C Bartoo
- Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology, and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-6520, USA
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47
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Moorhouse AJ, Li S, Vickery RM, Hill MA, Morley JW. A patch-clamp investigation of membrane currents in a novel mammalian retinal ganglion cell line. Brain Res 2004; 1003:205-8. [PMID: 15019582 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We characterised membrane currents in undifferentiated RGC-5 cells, a cell line used in in vitro models of apoptosis and glaucoma. The cells were inexcitable, with no voltage-dependent Na(+) currents or action potentials. Some novel currents were observed including basal Cl(-) currents, inwardly rectifiying K(+) currents and Gd(3+) insensitive stretch-activated currents. Our results highlight the differences between the electrophysiological properties of undifferentiated RGC-5 cells and retinal ganglion cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Moorhouse
- School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia
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48
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Maravall M, Stern EA, Svoboda K. Development of intrinsic properties and excitability of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons during a critical period for sensory maps in rat barrel cortex. J Neurophysiol 2004; 92:144-56. [PMID: 14973314 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00598.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of layer 2/3 sensory maps in rat barrel cortex (BC) is experience dependent with a critical period around postnatal days (PND) 10-14. The role of intrinsic response properties of neurons in this plasticity has not been investigated. Here we characterize the development of BC layer 2/3 intrinsic responses to identify possible sites of plasticity. Whole cell recordings were performed on pyramidal cells in acute BC slices from control and deprived rats, over ages spanning the critical period (PND 12, 14, and 17). Vibrissa trimming began at PND 9. Spiking behavior changed from phasic (more spike frequency adaptation) to regular (less adaptation) with age, such that the number of action potentials per stimulus increased. Changes in spiking properties were related to the strength of a slow Ca(2+)-dependent afterhyperpolarization. Maturation of the spiking properties of layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons coincided with the close of the critical period and was delayed by deprivation. Other measures of excitability, including I-f curves and passive membrane properties, were affected by development but unaffected by whisker deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Maravall
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York 11724, USA.
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49
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Abstract
Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were made from morphologically identified ganglion cells in the intact retina of developing ferrets. As early as 3 d after birth, all ganglion cells exhibited bursts of spontaneous activity, with the interval between bursts gradually decreasing with maturity. By 2 weeks after birth, ganglion cells could be morphologically differentiated into three major classes (alpha, beta, and gamma), and at this time each cell class was characterized by a distinct pattern of spontaneous activity. Dual patch-clamp recordings from pairs of neighboring cells revealed that cells of all morphological classes burst in a coordinated manner, regardless of cell type. These observations suggest that a common mechanism underlies the bursting patterns exhibited by all ganglion cell classes, and that class-specific firing patterns emerge coincident with retinal ganglion cell morphological differentiation.
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50
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Huberman AD, Wang GY, Liets LC, Collins OA, Chapman B, Chalupa LM. Eye-specific retinogeniculate segregation independent of normal neuronal activity. Science 2003; 300:994-8. [PMID: 12738869 PMCID: PMC2647844 DOI: 10.1126/science.1080694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The segregation of initially intermingled left and right eye inputs to the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (DLGN) during development is thought to be in response to precise spatial and temporal patterns of spontaneous ganglion cell activity. To test this hypothesis, we disrupted the correlated activity of neighboring ganglion cells in the developing ferret retina through immunotoxin depletion of starburst amacrine cells. Despite the absence of this type of correlated activity, left and right eye inputs segregated normally in the DLGN. By contrast, when all spontaneous activity was blocked, the projections from the two eyes remained intermingled. Thus, certain features of normal neural activity patterns are not required for the formation of eye-specific projections to the DLGN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D. Huberman
- Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Guo-Yong Wang
- Section of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Lauren C. Liets
- Section of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Odell A. Collins
- Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Barbara Chapman
- Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Section of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Leo M. Chalupa
- Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Section of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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