Differential inhibition of glial K(+) currents by 4-AP

The versatile Kv channels in the nervous system: actions beyond action potentials

Voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channel opening repolarizes excitable cells by allowing K+ efflux. Over the last two decades, multiple Kv functions in the nervous system have been found to be unrelated to or beyond the immediate control of excitability, such as shaping action potential contours or regulation of inter-spike frequency. These functions include neuronal exocytosis and neurite formation, neuronal cell death, regulation of astrocyte Ca2+, glial cell and glioma proliferation. Some of these functions have been shown to be independent of K+ conduction, that is, they suggest the non-canonical functions of Kv channels. In this review, we focus on neuronal or glial plasmalemmal Kv channel functions which are unrelated to shaping action potentials or immediate control of excitability. Similar functions in other cell types will be discussed to some extent in appropriate contexts.

Divergent paths to seizure-like events

Much debate exists about how the brain transitions into an epileptic seizure. One source of confusion is that there are likely to be critical differences between experimental seizure models. To address this, we have compared the evolving activity patterns in two widely used in vitro models of epileptic discharges. Brain slices from young adult mice were prepared in the same way and bathed either in 0 Mg2+ or 100 µmol/L 4AP artificial cerebrospinal fluid. We have found that while local field potential recordings of epileptiform discharges in the two models appear broadly similar, patch-clamp analysis reveals an important difference in the relative degree of glutamatergic involvement. 4AP affects parvalbumin-expressing interneurons more than other cortical populations, destabilizing their resting state and inducing spontaneous bursting behavior. Consequently, the most prominent pattern of transient discharge ("interictal event") in this model is almost purely GABAergic, although the transition to seizure-like events (SLEs) involves pyramidal recruitment. In contrast, interictal discharges in 0 Mg2+ are only maintained by a very large glutamatergic component that also involves transient discharges of the interneurons. Seizure-like events in 0 Mg2+ have significantly higher power in the high gamma frequency band (60-120Hz) than these events do in 4AP, and are greatly delayed in onset by diazepam, unlike 4AP events. We, therefore, conclude that the 0 Mg2+ and 4AP models display fundamentally different levels of glutamatergic drive, demonstrating how ostensibly similar pathological discharges can arise from different sources. We contend that similar interpretative issues will also be relevant to clinical practice.

Expression of potassium channels is relevant for cell survival and migration in a murine bone marrow stromal cell line

S17 is a clonogenic bone marrow stromal (BMS) cell line derived from mouse that has been extensively used to assess both human and murine hematopoiesis support capacity. However, very little is known about the expression of potassium ion channels and their function in cell survival and migration in these cells. Thus, the present study was designed to characterize potassium ion channels using electrophysiological and molecular biological approaches in S17 BMS cells. The whole-cell configuration of the patch clamp technique has been applied to identify potassium ion currents and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) used to determine their molecular identities. Based on gating kinetics and pharmacological modulation of the macroscopic currents we found the presence of four functional potassium ion channels in S17 BMS cells. These include a current rapidly activated and inactivated, tetraethylammonium-sensitive, (IK_V ) in most (50%) cells; a fast activated and rapidly inactivating A-type K ⁺ current (IK _A -like); a delayed rectifier K ⁺ current (IK _DR ) and an inward rectifier potassium current (IK _IR ), found in, respectively 4.5%, 26% and 24% of these cells. RT-PCR confirmed the presence of mRNA transcripts for the alpha subunit of the corresponding functional ion channels. Additionally, functional assays were performed to investigate the importance of potassium currents in cell survival and migration. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide analyses revealed a reduction in cell viability, while wound healing assays revealed reduced migration potential in cells incubated with different potassium channel blockers. In conclusion, our data suggested that potassium currents might play a role in the maintenance of overall S17 cell ionic homeostasis directly affecting cell survival and migration.

Physiology of Astroglia

Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.

The expression and activity of KV3.4 channel subunits are precociously upregulated in astrocytes exposed to Aβ oligomers and in astrocytes of Alzheimer's disease Tg2576 mice

Astrocyte dysfunction emerges early in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and may contribute to its pathology and progression. Recently, the voltage gated potassium channel K_V3.4 subunit, which underlies the fast-inactivating K⁺ currents, has been recognized to be relevant for AD pathogenesis and is emerging as a new target candidate for AD. In the present study, we investigated both in in vitro and in vivo models of AD the expression and functional activity of K_V3.4 potassium channel subunits in astrocytes. In primary astrocytes our biochemical, immunohistochemical, and electrophysiological studies demonstrated a time-dependent upregulation of K_V3.4 expression and functional activity after exposure to amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers. Consistently, astrocytic K_V3.4 expression was upregulated in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum of 6-month-old Tg2576 mice. Further, confocal triple labeling studies revealed that in 6-month-old Tg2576 mice, K_V3.4 was intensely coexpressed with Aβ in nonplaque associated astrocytes. Interestingly, in the cortical and hippocampal regions of 12-month-old Tg2576 mice, plaque-associated astrocytes much more intensely expressed K_V3.4 subunits, but not Aβ. More important, we evidenced that the selective knockdown of K_V3.4 expression significantly downregulated both glial fibrillary acidic protein levels and Aβ trimers in the brain of 6-month-old Tg2576 mice. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the expression and function of K_V3.4 channel subunits are precociously upregulated in cultured astrocytes exposed to Aβ oligomers and in reactive astrocytes of AD Tg2576 mice.

A Novel Focal Seizure Pattern Generated in Superficial Layers of the Olfactory Cortex

Seizure patterns identified in focal epilepsies caused by diverse etiologies are likely due to different pathogenic mechanisms. We describe here a novel, region-specific focal seizure pattern that mimics seizure activity observed in a subpopulation of patients submitted to presurgical monitoring with intracerebral electrodes. Distinctive seizure-like events (SLEs) are induced in the olfactory regions by acute treatment of both tangential brain slices and the isolated guinea pig brain with the potassium channel blocker 4-aminopyridine. Analysis of field potentials, intracellular activities, and extracellular potassium changes demonstrates that SLEs in the piriform cortex initiate in the superficial layer 1 lacking principal neurons with an activity-dependent increase of extracellular potassium. SLE progression (but not onset) does not require the participation of synaptic transmission and is mediated by diffusion of potassium to deep cortical layers. The novel seizure pattern here described is not observed in other cortical regions; it is proposed to rely on the peculiar organization of the superficial piriform cortex layers, which are characterized by unmyelinated axons and perisynaptic astroglial envelopes. This study reveals a sequence of ictogenic events in the olfactory cortex that were never described before in other cortical structures and supports the notion that altered potassium homeostasis and unmyelinated fibers may represent a potential vehicle for focal ictogenesis.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We describe a novel seizure pattern peculiar of the olfactory cortex that resembles focal seizures with low-voltage fast activity at onset observed in humans. The findings suggest that network mechanisms responsible for seizure onset can be region specific.

Chronaxie Measurements in Patterned Neuronal Cultures from Rat Hippocampus

Excitation of neurons by an externally induced electric field is a long standing question that has recently attracted attention due to its relevance in novel clinical intervention systems for the brain. Here we use patterned quasi one-dimensional neuronal cultures from rat hippocampus, exploiting the alignment of axons along the linear patterned culture to separate the contribution of dendrites to the excitation of the neuron from that of axons. Network disconnection by channel blockers, along with rotation of the electric field direction, allows the derivation of strength-duration (SD) curves that characterize the statistical ensemble of a population of cells. SD curves with the electric field aligned either parallel or perpendicular to the axons yield the chronaxie and rheobase of axons and dendrites respectively, and these differ considerably. Dendritic chronaxie is measured to be about 1 ms, while that of axons is on the order of 0.1 ms. Axons are thus more excitable at short time scales, but at longer time scales dendrites are more easily excited. We complement these studies with experiments on fully connected cultures. An explanation for the chronaxie of dendrites is found in the numerical simulations of passive, realistically structured dendritic trees under external stimulation. The much shorter chronaxie of axons is not captured in the passive model and may be related to active processes. The lower rheobase of dendrites at longer durations can improve brain stimulation protocols, since in the brain dendrites are less specifically oriented than axonal bundles, and the requirement for precise directional stimulation may be circumvented by using longer duration fields.

Role of voltage-gated K(+) channels in regulating Ca(2+) entry in rat cortical astrocytes

Astrocytes have multiple functions such as provision of nourishment and mechanical support to the nervous system, helping to clear extracellular metabolites of neurons and modulating synaptic transmission by releasing gliotransmitters. In excitable cells, voltage-gated K(+) (Kv) channels serve to repolarize during action potentials. Astrocytes are considered non-excitable cells since they are not able to generate action potentials. There is an abundant expression of various Kv channels in astrocytes but the functions of these Kv channels remain unclear. We examined whether these astrocyte Kv channels regulate astrocyte "excitability" in the form of cytosolic Ca(2+) signaling. Electrophysiological examination revealed that neonatal rat cortical astrocytes possessed both delayed rectifier type and A-type Kv channels. Pharmacological blockade of both delayed rectifier Kv channels by TEA and A-type Kv channels by quinidine significantly suppressed store-operated Ca(2+) influx; however, TEA alone or quinidine alone did not suffice to cause such suppression. TEA and quinidine together dramatically enhanced current injection-triggered membrane potential overshoot (depolarization); either drug alone caused much smaller enhancements. Taken together, the results suggest both delayed rectifier and A-type Kv channels regulate astrocyte Ca(2+) signaling via controlling membrane potential.

Alteration in rectification of potassium channels in perinatal hypoxia ischemia brain damage

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are susceptible to perinatal hypoxia ischemia brain damage (HIBD), which results in infant cerebral palsy due to the effects on myelination. The origin of OPC vulnerability in HIBD, however, remains controversial. In this study, we defined the HIBD punctate lesions by MRI diffuse excessive high signal intensity (DEHSI) in postnatal 7-day-old rats. The electrophysiological functional properties of OPCs in HIBD were recorded by patch-clamp in acute cerebral cortex slices. The slices were intracellularly injected with Lucifer yellow and immunohistochemically labeled with NG2 antibody to identify local OPCs. Passive membrane properties and K(+) channel functions in OPCs were analyzed to estimate the onset of vulnerability in HIBD. The resting membrane potential, membrane resistance, and membrane capacitance of OPCs were increased in both the gray and white matter of the cerebral cortex. OPCs in both the gray and white matter exhibited voltage-dependent K(+) currents, which consisted of the initiated rectified potassium currents (IA) and the sustained rectified currents (IK). The significant alternation in membrane resistance was influenced by the diversity of potassium channel kinetics. These findings suggest that the rectification of IA and IK channels may play a significant role in OPC vulnerability in HIBD.

Epileptiform stimulus increases Homer 1a expression to modulate synapse number and activity in hippocampal cultures

Neurons adapt to seizure activity structurally and functionally to attenuate hyperactive neural circuits. Homer proteins provide a scaffold in the postsynaptic density (PSD) by binding to ligands through an EVH1 domain and to other Homer proteins by a coiled-coil domain. The short Homer isoform 1a (H1a) has a ligand-binding domain but lacks a coiled-coil domain and thus acts in a dominant-negative manner to uncouple Homer scaffolds. Here, we show that treating rat hippocampal cultures with bicuculline and 4-aminopyridine (Bic+4-AP) evoked epileptiform activity and synchronized Ca(2+) spiking, measured with whole cell current-clamp and fura-2-based digital imaging; Bic+4-AP increased H1a mRNA through the activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5). Treatment with Bic+4-AP for 4 h attenuated burst firing and induced synapse loss. Synaptic changes were measured using a confocal imaging-based assay that quantified clusters of PSD-95 fused to green fluorescent protein. Treatment with an mGluR5 antagonist blocked H1a expression, synapse loss, and burst attenuation. Overexpression of H1a inhibited burst firing similar to Bic+4-AP treatment. Furthermore, knockdown of H1a using a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) strategy reduced synapse loss and burst attenuation induced by Bic+4-AP treatment. Thus an epileptiform stimulus applied to hippocampal neurons in culture induced burst firing and H1a expression through the activation of mGluR5; a 4-h exposure to this stimulus resulted in synapse loss and burst attenuation. These results suggest that H1a expression functions in a negative-feedback manner to reduce network excitability by regulating the number of synapses.

Epileptic stimulus increases Homer 1a expression to modulate endocannabinoid signaling in cultured hippocampal neurons

Endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling serves as an on-demand neuroprotective system. eCBs are produced postsynaptically in response to depolarization or activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and act on presynaptic cannabinoid receptor-1 to suppress synaptic transmission. Here, we examined the effects of epileptiform activity on these two forms of eCB signaling in hippocampal cultures. Treatment with bicuculline and 4-aminopyridine (Bic + 4-AP), which induced burst firing, inhibited metabotropic-induced suppression of excitation (MSE) and prolonged the duration of depolarization-induced suppression of excitation (DSE). The Homer family of proteins provides a scaffold for signaling molecules including mGluRs. It is known that seizures induce the expression of the short Homer isoform 1a (H1a) that acts in a dominant negative manner to uncouple Homer scaffolds. Bic + 4-AP treatment increased H1a mRNA. A group I mGluR antagonist blocked the Bic + 4-AP-evoked increase in burst firing, the increase in H1a expression, and the inhibition of MSE. Bic + 4-AP treatment reduced mGluR-mediated Ca(2+) mobilization from inositol trisphosphate-sensitive stores relative to untreated cells. Expression of H1a, but not a mutant form that cannot bind Homer ligands, mimicked Bic + 4-AP inhibition of MSE and mGluR-mediated Ca(2+) mobilization. In cells expressing shRNA targeted to Homer 1 mRNA, Bic + 4-AP did not affect mGluR-mediated Ca(2+) release. Furthermore, knockdown of H1a prevented the inhibition of MSE induced by Bic + 4-AP. Thus, an epileptic stimulus increased H1a expression, which subsequently uncoupled mGluR-mediated eCB production. These results indicate that seizure activity modulates eCB-mediated synaptic plasticity, suggesting a changing role for the eCB system following exposure to aberrant patterns of excitatory synaptic activity.

A silk platform that enables electrophysiology and targeted drug delivery in brain astroglial cells

Astroglial cell survival and ion channel activity are relevant molecular targets for the mechanistic study of neural cell interactions with biomaterials and/or electronic interfaces. Astrogliosis is the most typical reaction to in vivo brain implants and needs to be avoided by developing biomaterials that preserve astroglial cell physiological function. This cellular phenomenon is characterized by a proliferative state and altered expression of astroglial potassium (K(+)) channels. Silk is a natural polymer with potential for new biomedical applications due to its ability to support in vitro growth and differentiation of many cell types. We report on silk interactions with cultured neocortical astroglial cells. Astrocytes survival is similar when plated on silk-coated glass and on poly-D-lysine (PDL), a well known polyionic substrate used to promote astroglial cell adhesion to glass surfaces. Comparative analyses of whole-cell patch-clamp experiments reveal that silk- and PDL-coated cells display depolarized resting membrane potentials (-40 mV), very high input resistance, and low specific conductance, with values similar to those of undifferentiated glial cells. Analysis of K(+) channel conductance reveals that silk-astrocytes express large outwardly delayed rectifying K(+) current (K(DR)). The magnitude of K(DR) in PDL- and silk-coated astrocytes is similar, indicating that silk does not alter the resting K(+) current. We also demonstrate that guanosine- (GUO) embedded silk enables the direct modulation of astroglial K(+) conductance in vitro. Astrocytes plated on GUO-embedded silk are more hyperpolarized and express inward rectifying K(+) conductance (K(ir)). The K(+) inward current increases and this is paralleled by upregulation and membrane polarization of K(ir)4.1 protein signal. Collectively these results indicate that silk is a suitable biomaterial platform for the in vitro studies of astroglial ion channel responses and related physiology.

Water transport between CNS compartments: functional and molecular interactions between aquaporins and ion channels

The physiological ability of the mammalian CNS to integrate peripheral stimuli and to convey information to the body is tightly regulated by its capacity to preserve the ion composition and volume of the perineuronal milieu. It is well known that astroglial syncytium plays a crucial role in such process by controlling the homeostasis of ions and water through the selective transmembrane movement of inorganic and organic molecules and the equilibration of osmotic gradients. Astrocytes, in fact, by contacting neurons and cells lining the fluid-filled compartments, are in a strategic position to fulfill this role. They are endowed with ion and water channel proteins that are localized in specific plasma membrane domains facing diverse liquid spaces. Recent data in rodents have demonstrated that the precise dynamics of the astroglia-mediated homeostatic regulation of the CNS is dependent on the interactions between water channels and ion channels, and their anchoring with proteins that allow the formation of macromolecular complexes in specific cellular domains. Interplay can occur with or without direct molecular interactions suggesting the existence of different regulatory mechanisms. The importance of molecular and functional interactions is pinpointed by the numerous observations that as consequence of pathological insults leading to the derangement of ion and volume homeostasis the cell surface expression and/or polarized localization of these proteins is perturbed. Here, we critically discuss the experimental evidence concerning: (1) molecular and functional interplay of aquaporin 4, the major aquaporin protein in astroglial cells, with potassium and gap-junctional channels that are involved in extracellular potassium buffering. (2) the interactions of aquaporin 4 with chloride and calcium channels regulating cell volume homeostasis. The relevance of the crosstalk between water channels and ion channels in the pathogenesis of astroglia-related acute and chronic diseases of the CNS is also briefly discussed.

Voltage-dependent ionic conductances in the human malignant astrocytoma cell line U87-MG

Although the human malignant astrocytoma cell line U87-MG has been used in numerous studies, few findings are available on the properties of its membrane ion conductances. Characterization of the ion channels expressed in these cells will make it possible to study membrane ion conductance changes when a receptor is activated by its ligand. This will help to elucidate the functional properties of these receptors and their signal-transduction pathways in pathophysiological events. This work studied the voltage-dependent ionic conductances of U87-MG cells using the Whole-Cell Recording patch-clamp technique. Six types of voltage-dependent ionic currents were identified: (i) a TEA-, 4-AP- and CTX-sensitive Ca2+-dependent K+ current, (ii) a transient K+ current inhibited by 4-AP, (iii) an inwardly rectifying K+ current blocked by Ba2+ and 4-AP, (iv) a DIDS- and SITS-sensitive Cl- current, (v) a TTX-sensitive Na+ conductance and (vi) a L-type Ca2+ conductance activated by BayK-8644 and inhibited by Ni and the L-type Ca2+ channel inhibitor, nifedipine. In addition, electrical depolarizations elicited inward currents due to voltage-independent, Ca2+-dependent K+ influx against the electrochemical gradient, probably via an ouabain-sensitive Na+-K+ pump.

Expression and localization of voltage dependent potassium channel Kv4.2 in epilepsy associated focal lesions

An increasing number of observations suggest an important role for voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels in epilepsy. We studied the cell-specific distribution of Kv4.2, phosphorylated (p) Kv4.2 and the Kv4.2 interacting protein NCS-1 using immunocytochemistry in different epilepsy-associated focal lesions. In hippocampal sclerosis (HS), Kv4.2 and pKv4.2 immunoreactivity (IR) was reduced in the neuropil in regions with prominent neuronal cell loss. In both HS and malformations of cortical development (MCD), intense labeling was found in neuronal somata, but not in dendrites. Strong NCS-1 IR was observed in neurons in all lesion types. Western blot analysis demonstrated an increase of total Kv4.2 in all lesions and activation of the ERK pathway in HS and ganglioglioma. These findings indicate that Kv4.2 is expressed in both neuronal and glial cells and its regulation may involve potassium channel interacting proteins, alterations in the subcellular localization of the channel, as well as phosphorylation-mediated posttranslational modifications.

The endocannabinoid anandamide inhibits potassium conductance in rat cortical astrocytes

Endocannabinoids are a family of endogenous signaling molecules that modulate neuronal excitability in the central nervous system (CNS) by interacting with cannabinoid (CB) receptors. In spite of the evidence that astroglial cells also possess CB receptors, there is no information on the role of endocannabinoids in regulating CNS function through the modulation of ion channel-mediated homeostatic mechanisms in astroglial cells. We provide electrophysiological evidence that the two brain endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG) markedly depress outward conductance mediated by delayed outward rectifier potassium current (IK(DR)) in primary cultured rat cortical astrocytes. Pharmacological experiments suggest that the effect of AEA does not result from the activation of known CB receptors. Moreover, neither the production of AEA metabolites nor variations in free cytosolic calcium are involved in the negative modulation of IK(DR). We show that the action of AEA is mediated by its interaction with the extracellular leaflet of the plasma membrane. Similar experiments performed in situ in cortical slices indicate that AEA downregulates IK(DR) in complex and passive astroglial cells. Moreover, IK(DR) is also inhibited by AEA in NG2 glia. Collectively, these results support the notion that endocannabinoids may exert their modulation of CNS function via the regulation of homeostatic function of the astroglial syncytium mediated by ion channel activity.

Dihydropyridine block of voltage-dependent K+ currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons

The dihydropyridines nifedipine, nimodipine and Bay K 8644 are widely used as pharmacological tools to assess the contribution of L-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels to a variety of neuronal processes including synaptic transmission, excitability and second messenger signaling. These compounds are still used in neuronal preparations despite evidence from cardiac tissue and heterologous expression systems that they block several voltage-dependent K(+) (Kv) channels. Both because these compounds have been used to assess the relative contribution of L-type Ca(2+) channels to several different processes in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and because a relatively wide variety of Kv channels present in other neuronal populations is present in DRG neurons, we determined the extent to which dihydropyridines block Kv currents in these neurons. Standard whole cell patch clamp techniques were used to study acutely disassociated adult rat DRG neurons. All three dihydropyridines tested blocked Kv currents in DRG neurons; IC(50) values (concentration resulting in an inhibition that is 50% of maximum) for nifedipine and nimodipine-induced block of sustained Kv currents were 14.5 and 6.6 microM, respectively. The magnitude of sustained current block was 44+/-1.6%, 60+/-2%, and 56+/-2.9% with 10 microM nifedipine, nimodipine and Bay K 8644, respectively. Current block was occluded by neither 4-aminopyridine (5 mM) nor tetraethylammonium (135 mM). Dihydropyridine-induced block of Kv currents was not associated with a shift in the voltage-dependence of current activation or inactivation, the recovery from inactivation, or voltage dependent block. However, there was a small use-dependence to the dihydropyridine-induced block. Our results suggest that several types of Kv channels in DRG neurons are blocked by mechanisms distinct from those underlying block of Kv channels in cardiac myocytes. Importantly, our results suggest that if investigators wish to explore the contribution of L-type Ca(2+) channels to neuronal function, they should consider alternative strategies for the manipulation of these channels than the use of dihydropyridines.

Activation of CB1 specifically located on GABAergic interneurons inhibits LTD in the lateral amygdala

Previously, we found that in the lateral amygdala (LA) of the mouse, WIN55,212-2 decreases both glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission via activation of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1), yet produces an overall reduction of neuronal excitability. This suggests that the effects on excitatory transmission override those on inhibitory transmission. Here we show that CB1 activation by WIN55,212-2 and Delta(9)-THC inhibits long-term depression (LTD) of basal synaptic transmission in the LA, induced by low-frequency stimulation (LFS; 900 pulses/1 Hz). The CB1 agonist WIN55,212-2 blocked LTD via G(i/o) proteins, activation of inwardly rectifying K+ channels (K(ir)s), inhibition of the adenylate cyclase-protein kinase A (PKA) pathway, and PKA-dependent inhibition of voltage-gated N-type Ca2+ channels (N-type VGCCs). Interestingly, WIN55,212-2 effects on LTD were abolished in CB1 knock-out mice (CB1-KO), and in conditional mutants lacking CB1 expression only in GABAergic interneurons, but were still present in mutants lacking CB1 in principal forebrain neurons. LTD induction per se was unaffected by the CB1 antagonist SR141716A and was normally expressed in CB1-KO as well as in both conditional CB1 mutants. Our data demonstrate that activation of CB1 specifically located on GABAergic interneurons inhibits LTD in the LA. These findings suggest that CB1 expressed on either glutamatergic or GABAergic neurons play a differential role in the control of synaptic transmission and plasticity.

K(ir) and K(v) channels regulate electrical properties and proliferation of adult neural precursor cells

The functional significance of the electrophysiological properties of neural precursor cells (NPCs) was investigated using dissociated neurosphere-derived NPCs from the forebrain subventricular zone (SVZ) of adult mice. NPCs exhibited hyperpolarized resting membrane potentials, which were depolarized by the K(+) channel inhibitor, Ba(2+). Pharmacological analysis revealed two distinct K(+) channel families: Ba(2+)-sensitive K(ir) channels and tetraethylammonium (TEA)-sensitive K(v) (primarily K(DR)) channels. Ba(2+) promoted mitogen-stimulated NPC proliferation, which was mimicked by high extracellular K(+), whereas TEA inhibited proliferation. Based on gene and protein levels in vitro, we identified K(ir)4.1, K(ir)5.1 and K(v)3.1 channels as the functional K(+) channel candidates. Expression of these K(+) channels was immunohistochemically found in NPCs of the adult mouse SVZ, but was negligible in neuroblasts. It therefore appears that expression of K(ir) and K(v) (K(DR)) channels in NPCs and related changes in the resting membrane potential could contribute to NPC proliferation and neuronal lineage commitment in the neurogenic microenvironment.

Guanosine promotes the up-regulation of inward rectifier potassium current mediated by Kir4.1 in cultured rat cortical astrocytes

Guanosine (Guo) is an endogenous neuroprotective molecule of the CNS, which has various acute and long-term effects on both neurones and astroglial cells. Whether Guo also modulates the activity/expression of ion channels involved in homeostatic control of extracellular potassium by the astrocytic syncytium is still unknown. Here we provide electrophysiological evidence that chronic exposure (48 h) to Guo (500 microm) promotes the functional expression of an inward rectifier K+ (Kir) conductance in primary cultured rat cortical astrocytes. Molecular screening indicated that Guo promotes the up-regulation of the Kir4.1 channel, the major component of the Kir current in astroglia in vivo. Furthermore, the properties of astrocytic Kir current overlapped those of the recombinant Kir4.1 channel expressed in a heterologous system, strongly suggesting that the Guo-induced Kir conductance is mainly gated by Kir4.1. In contrast, the expression levels of two other Kir channel proteins were either unchanged (Kir2.1) or decreased (Kir5.1). Finally, we showed that inhibition of translational process, but not depression of transcription, prevents the Guo-induced up-regulation of Kir4.1, indicating that this nucleoside acts through de novo protein synthesis. Because accumulating data indicate that down-regulation of astroglial Kir current contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases associated with dysregulation of extracellular K+ homeostasis, these results support the notion that Guo might be a molecule of therapeutic interest for counteracting the detrimental effect of K+-buffering impairment of the astroglial syncytium that occurs in pathological conditions.

Complex expression and localization of inactivating Kv channels in cultured hippocampal astrocytes

Voltage-gated potassium channels are well established as critical for setting action potential frequency, membrane potential, and neurotransmitter release in neurons. However, their role in the "nonexcitable" glial cell type is yet to be fully understood. We used whole cell current kinetics, pharmacology, immunocytochemistry, and RT-PCR to characterize A-type current in hippocampal astrocyte cultures to better understand its function. Pharmacological analysis suggests that approximately 70, 10, and <5% of total A current is associated with Kv4, Kv3, and Kv1 channels, respectively. In addition, pharmacology and kinetics provide evidence for a significant contribution of KChIP accessory proteins to astrocytic A-channel composition. Localization of the Shaw Kv3.4 channel to astrocytic processes and the Shal Kv4.3 channel to soma suggest that these channels serve a specific function. Given this complex A-type channel expression pattern, we assessed the role of A currents in membrane voltage oscillations in response to current injections. Although TEA-sensitive delayed-rectifying currents are involved in the extent of repolarization, 4-AP-sensitive A currents serve to increase the rate. As in neurons, this effect may enable astrocytes to respond rapidly to high-frequency synaptic events. Our results indicate that hippocampal astrocytes in vitro express multiple A-type Kv channel alpha-subunits with accessory, possibly Ca(2+)-sensitive, cytoplasmic subunits that appear to be specifically localized to subcellular membrane compartments. Function of these channels remains to be determined in a physiological setting. However, this study suggests that they enable astrocytes to respond rapidly with membrane voltage oscillations to high-frequency incoming signals, possibly synchronizing astrocyte function to neuronal activity.

Activation of the cannabinoid receptor type 1 decreases glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission in the lateral amygdala of the mouse

The endogenous cannabinoid system has been shown recently to play a crucial role in the extinction of aversive memories. As the amygdala is presumably involved in this process, we investigated the effects of the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212-2 (WIN-2) on synaptic transmission in the lateral amygdala (LA) of wild-type and cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1)-deficient mice. Extracellular field potential recordings and patch-clamp experiments were performed in an in vitro slice preparation. We found that WIN-2 reduces basal synaptic transmission and pharmacologically isolated AMPA receptor- and GABA(A) receptor-mediated postsynaptic currents in wild-type, but not in CB1-deficient mice. These results indicate that, in the LA, cannabinoids modulate both excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission via CB1. WIN-2-induced changes of paired-pulse ratio and of spontaneous and miniature postsynaptic currents suggest a presynaptic site of action. Inhibition of G(i/o) proteins and blockade of voltage-dependent and G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K(+) channels inhibited WIN-2 action on basal synaptic transmission. In contrast, modulation of the adenylyl cyclase-protein kinase A pathway, and blockade of presynaptic N- and P/Q- or of postsynaptic L- and R/T-type voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels did not affect WIN-2 effects. Our results indicate that the mechanisms underlying cannabinoid action in the LA partly resemble those observed in the nucleus accumbens and differ from those described for the hippocampus.

Intracellular chloride modulates A-type potassium currents in astrocytes

Application of the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol to astrocytes in situ or in vitro results in a receptor-mediated Cl(-) current with a concomitant block of outward K(+) currents. The effect on K(+) current is largely selective for the inactivating A-type current. Parallel experiments with various Cl(-) pipette concentrations show a significant reduction in A-type current under low Cl(-) conditions with minimal effect on delayed current. In addition, lower Cl(-) conditions caused a depolarizing shift of steady-state inactivation (V(1/2), -68 to -57 mV) and activation (V(1/2), -5.8 to 34 mV) kinetics of A-type current only. Cl(-) had no effect on the time course of inactivation or reactivation kinetics, suggesting the Cl(-)-mediated effect is largely on activation kinetics, indirectly affecting steady-state inactivation. Muscimol application to astrocytes under perforated patch control (gramicidin) displayed a similar block of A-type current to that of conventional whole cell patch at 40 or 20 mM pipette Cl(-) concentrations. With barium application under perforated patch conditions, the study of muscimol-mediated Cl(-) current in isolation of the effect on K(+) currents was possible. This allowed estimation of intracellular Cl(-) concentration from receptor current reversal information. The average intracellular Cl(-) concentration was found to be 29 +/- 3.2 mM. The effect on activation kinetics and lack of effect on time course of inactivation or reactivation suggest that intracellular anion concentrations have an effect on the K(+) channel voltage sensor region. Cl(-) may modulate K(+) currents by altering membrane field potentials surrounding K(+) channel proteins.

Effects of barium, furosemide, ouabaine and 4,4'-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS) on ionophoretically-induced changes in extracellular potassium concentration in hippocampal slices from rats and from patients with epilepsy

Glial cells limit local K(+)-accumulation by K(+)-uptake through different mechanisms, sensitive to Ba(2+), ouabaine, furosemide, or DIDS. Since the relative contribution of these mechanisms has not yet been determined, we studied the effects of bath-applied barium (2 mM), ouabaine (9 microM), furosemide (2 mM), and DIDS (1 mM) on ionophoretically-induced rises in [K(+)](o) in the pyramidal layer of area CA1 from normal rat slices, in the presence of glutamate receptor (Glu-R) antagonists. We also investigated the effect of barium on ionophoretically-induced tetrapropylammonium (TPA(+))-signals in order to test for barium-induced changes of the extracellular space. Finally, we repeated the barium experiment on slices from human non-sclerotic and sclerotic hippocampal specimens to assess a reduced glial capability for barium-sensitive K(+)-uptake in sclerotic tissue from epilepsy patients. In normal rat slices barium augmented ionophoretically-induced rises in [K(+)](o) by approximately 120%, also in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX) (by approximately 150%), but did not significantly affect the TPA(+)-signal. Ouabaine also augmented the K(+)-signal, but only by 27%. Furosemide and DIDS had negligible effects. In slices from sclerotic human hippocampus an augmentation of the K(+)-signal by barium was absent. Thus barium augments ionophoretically-induced K(+)-signals to a similar extent as previously shown for stimulus-induced signals. We suggest that glial barium-sensitive K(+)-buffer mechanisms reduce fast local rises of [K(+)](o) by at least 50%. This capability of glial cells is extremely reduced in area CA1 of slices from human sclerotic hippocampal specimens.

Olfactory receptor axons influence the development of glial potassium currents in the antennal lobe of the moth Manduca sexta

In the olfactory (antennal) lobe of the moth Manduca sexta, olfactory receptor axons strongly influence the distribution and morphology of glial cells. In the present study, we asked whether the development of the electrophysiological properties of the glial cells is influenced by the receptor axons. Whole-cell currents were measured in antennal lobe glial cells in acute brain slices prepared from animals at different stages of metamorphic development (stages 3, 6, and 12). Outward currents were induced by depolarizing voltage steps from a holding potential of -70 mV. At all developmental stages investigated, the outward currents were partly blocked by bath application of the potassium channel blocker 4-aminopyridine (4AP, 10 mM) or by including tetraethylammonium (TEA, 30 mM) in the pipette solution. The relative contribution of the 4AP-sensitive current to the outward current increased from 18% at stages 3 and 6 to 42% at stage 12, while the TEA-sensitive current increased from 18% at stage 3 to 81% at stage 6, and then declined again to 40% at stage 12. In contrast, in the absence of receptor axons, these changes in the contribution of the TEA- and 4AP-sensitive currents to the total outward current did not occur; rather, the current profile remained in the most immature state (stage 3). The results suggest that olfactory receptor axons are essential for development of the mature pattern of glial potassium currents.

Sequential and opposite regulation of two outward K(+) currents by ET-1 in cultured striatal astrocytes

In the brain, astrocytes represent a major target for endothelins (ETs), a family of peptides that can be released by several cell types and that have potent and multiple effects on astrocytic functions. Four types of K(+) currents (I(K)) were detected in various proportions by patch-clamp recordings of cultured striatal astrocytes, including the A-type I(K), the inwardly rectifying I(K IR), the Ca(2+)-dependent I(K) (I(K Ca)), and the delayed-rectified I(K) (I(K DR)). Variations in the shape of current-voltage relationships were related mainly to differences in the proportion of these currents. ET-1 was found to regulate with opposite effects the two more frequently recorded outward K(+) currents in striatal astrocytes. Indeed, this peptide induced an initial activation of I(K Ca) (composed of SK and BK channels) and a delayed long-lasting inhibition of I(K DR). In current-clamp recordings, the activation of I(K Ca) correlated with a transient hyperpolarization, whereas the inhibition of I(K DR) correlated with a sustained depolarization. These ET-1-induced sequential changes in membrane potential in astrocytes may be important for the regulation of voltage gradients in astrocytic networks and the maintenance of K(+) homeostasis in the brain microenvironment.

Freshly isolated astrocytes from rat hippocampus show two distinct current patterns and different [K(+)](o) uptake capabilities

Whether astrocytes predominantly express ohmic K(+) channels in vivo, and how expression of different K(+) channels affects [K(+)](o) homeostasis in the CNS have been long-standing questions for how astrocytes function. In the present study, we have addressed some of these questions in glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP(+)], freshly isolated astrocytes (FIAs) from CA1 and CA3 regions of P7-15 rat hippocampus. As isolated, these astrocytes were uncoupled allowing a higher resolution of electrophysiological study. FIAs showed two distinct ion current profiles, with neither showing a purely linear I-V relationship. One population of astrocytes had a combined expression of outward potassium currents (I(Ka), I(Kd)) and inward sodium currents (I(Na)). We term these outwardly rectifying astrocytes (ORA). Another population of astrocytes is characterized by a relatively symmetric potassium current pattern, comprising outward I(Kdr), I(Ka), and abundant inward potassium currents (I(Kin)), and a larger membrane capacitance (C(m)) and more negative resting membrane potential (RMP) than ORAs. We term these variably rectifying astrocytes (VRA). The I(Kin) in 70% of the VRAs was essentially insensitive to Cs(+), while I(Kin) in the remaining 30% of VRAs was sensitive. The I(Ka) of VRAs was most sensitive to 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), while I(Kdr) of ORAs was more sensitive to tetraethylammonium (TEA). ORAs and VRAs occurred approximately equally in FIAs isolated from the CA1 region (52% ORAs versus 48% VRAs), but ORAs were enriched in FIAs isolated from the CA3 region (71% ORAs versus 29% VRAs), suggesting an anatomical segregation of these two types of astrocytes within the hippocampus. VRAs, but not ORAs, showed robust inward currents in response to an increase in extracellular K(+) from 5 to 10 mM. As VRAs showed a similar current pattern and other passive membrane properties (e.g., RMP, R(in)) to "passive astrocytes"in situ (i.e., these showing linear I-V curves), such passive astrocytes possibly represent VRAs influenced by extensive gap-junction coupling in situ. Thus, our data suggest that, at least in CA1 and CA3 regions from P7-15 rats, there are two classes of GFAP(+) astrocytes which possess different K(+) currents. Only VRAs seem suited to uptake of extracellular K(+) via I(Kin) channels at physiological membrane potentials and increases of [K(+)](o). ORAs show abundant outward potassium currents with more depolarized RMP. Thus VRAs and ORAs may cooperate in vivo for uptake and release of K(+), respectively.

Excitable properties in astrocytes derived from human embryonic CNS stem cells

Although it is widely believed that astrocytes lack excitability in adult tissue, primitive action potential-like responses have been elicited from holding potentials negative to -80 mV, in cultured and injury-induced gliotic rodent astrocytes and in human glia under pathological conditions such as glioblastomas and temporal lobe epilepsy. The present study was designed to investigate the properties of astrocytes (identified by immunoreactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein) derived from multipotent human embryonic CNS stem cells and cultured for 12-25 days in differentiating conditions. We describe here for the first time that brief (1 ms) current pulses elicit spikes from a resting potential (VREST) of approximately -37 mV and, more interestingly, that spontaneous firing can be occasionally recorded in human astrocytes. A voltage-clamp study revealed that in these cells: (i) the half-inactivation of the tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive Na+ channels is around VREST; (ii) the delayed rectifier K+ current is very small; (iii) the ever-present transient outward A-type K+ channels are paradoxically capable of inhibiting the action potentials elicited from a negative membrane potential (-55 to -60 mV); and (iv) inwardly rectifying currents are not present. The responses predicted from a simulation model are in agreement with the experiments. As suggested by recent studies, the decrease of Na+ channel expression and the changes of the electrophysiological properties during the postnatal maturation of the CNS seem to exclude the possibility that astrocytes may play an excitable role in adult tissue. Our data show that excitability and firing should be considered an intrinsic attribute of human astrocytes during CNS development. This is likely to have physiological importance because the role of astrocytes during development is different from the [K+]o-buffering role played in adult CNS, namely the glutamate release and/or the guiding of migrating neurons.

Freshly isolated astrocyte (FIA) preparations: a useful single cell system for studying astrocyte properties

Astrocytes are cell constituents of the mammalian CNS whose intricate relationships with neurons, blood vessels and meninges in situ are well documented. These relationships and their complex morphologies imply numerous functions. Over the past quarter century or so, however, the main experimental basis for determining which roles are likely have been derived from studies on primary astrocyte cultures, usually prepared from neonatal rodent brains. We list a number of examples where these cultures have shown quantitative and qualitative differences from the properties exhibited by astrocytes in situ. The absence of an adequate reliable database makes proposals of likely hypotheses of astrocyte function difficult to formulate. In this article we describe representative studies from our laboratory showing that freshly isolated astrocytes (FIAs), can be used to determine the properties of astrocytes that seem more in concordance with the properties exhibited in situ. Although the cells are most easily isolated from < or =15 day old rat hippocampi they can be isolated from up to 30 day old rats. The examples we describe are that several different types of K(+) currents can be determined by patch clamp electrophysiology, of all the mGluRs only mGluR3 and 5 were detected by single cell RT-PCR, and that single cell Ca(2+) imaging shows that the mGluR5 receptor is functional. It was found that the frequency of cells expressing mGluR5 declines with the age of the animal with the mGluR5b type splice variant replacing the mGluR5a type, as occurs in the intact brain. It is concluded that FIAs can be used to determine the individual characteristics of astrocytes and their properties without the problems of indirect effects inherent in a heterogeneous system such as the slice, and without the problem of cultures unpredictably reflecting the in situ state. The FIAs obviously cannot be used to study interactions of astrocytes with the other CNS components but we propose that they will provide a good database on which hypotheses regarding such interactions can be tested in slices. FIAs can also be isolated from brain slices or intact brain after various pharmacological or electrophysiological perturbations to determine the changes in astrocyte properties that correlate with the perturbations.