1
|
Hilscher MM, Mikulovic S, Perry S, Lundberg S, Kullander K. The alpha2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, a subunit with unique and selective expression in inhibitory interneurons associated with principal cells. Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106895. [PMID: 37652281 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) play crucial roles in various human disorders, with the α7, α4, α6, and α3-containing nAChR subtypes extensively studied in relation to conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, nicotine dependence, mood disorders, and stress disorders. In contrast, the α2-nAChR subunit has received less attention due to its more restricted expression and the scarcity of specific agonists and antagonists for studying its function. Nevertheless, recent research has shed light on the unique expression pattern of the Chrna2 gene, which encodes the α2-nAChR subunit, and its involvement in distinct populations of inhibitory interneurons. This review highlights the structure, pharmacology, localization, function, and disease associations of α2-containing nAChRs and points to the unique expression pattern of the Chrna2 gene and its role in different inhibitory interneuron populations. These populations, including the oriens lacunosum moleculare (OLM) cells in the hippocampus, Martinotti cells in the neocortex, and Renshaw cells in the spinal cord, share common features and contribute to recurrent inhibitory microcircuits. Thus, the α2-nAChR subunit's unique expression pattern in specific interneuron populations and its role in recurrent inhibitory microcircuits highlight its importance in various physiological processes. Further research is necessary to uncover the comprehensive functionality of α2-containing nAChRs, delineate their specific contributions to neuronal circuits, and investigate their potential as therapeutic targets for related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Markus M Hilscher
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, IGP/BMC, Box 815, 751 08 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Science for Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Solna, Sweden
| | - Sanja Mikulovic
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, IGP/BMC, Box 815, 751 08 Uppsala, Sweden; Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Cognition & Emotion Laboratory, Magdeburg, Germany; German Center for Mental Health(DZPG), Germany
| | - Sharn Perry
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, IGP/BMC, Box 815, 751 08 Uppsala, Sweden; Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Stina Lundberg
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, IGP/BMC, Box 815, 751 08 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Klas Kullander
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, IGP/BMC, Box 815, 751 08 Uppsala, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Black BJ, Atmaramani R, Pancrazio JJ. Spontaneous and Evoked Activity from Murine Ventral Horn Cultures on Microelectrode Arrays. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:304. [PMID: 29033792 PMCID: PMC5626830 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Motor neurons are the site of action for several neurological disorders and paralytic toxins, with cell bodies located in the ventral horn (VH) of the spinal cord along with interneurons and support cells. Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have emerged as a high content assay platform for mechanistic studies and drug discovery. Here, we explored the spontaneous and evoked electrical activity of VH cultures derived from embryonic mouse spinal cord on multi-well plates of MEAs. Primary VH cultures from embryonic day 15–16 mice were characterized by expression of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) by immunocytochemistry. Well resolved, all-or-nothing spontaneous spikes with profiles consistent with extracellular action potentials were observed after 3 days in vitro, persisting with consistent firing rates until at least day in vitro 19. The majority of the spontaneous activity consisted of tonic firing interspersed with coordinated bursting across the network. After 5 days in vitro, spike activity was readily evoked by voltage pulses where a minimum amplitude and duration required for excitation was 300 mV and 100 μs/phase, respectively. We characterized the sensitivity of spontaneous and evoked activity to a host of pharmacological agents including AP5, CNQX, strychnine, ω-agatoxin IVA, and botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A). These experiments revealed sensitivity of the cultured VH to both agonist and antagonist compounds in a manner consistent with mature tissue derived from slices. In the case of BoNT/A, we also demonstrated intoxication persistence over an 18-day period, followed by partial intoxication recovery induced by N- and P/Q-type calcium channel agonist GV-58. In total, our findings suggest that VH cultures on multi-well MEA plates may represent a moderate throughput, high content assay for performing mechanistic studies and for screening potential therapeutics pertaining to paralytic toxins and neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan J Black
- Neuronal Networks and Interfaces Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Rahul Atmaramani
- Neuronal Networks and Interfaces Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| | - Joseph J Pancrazio
- Neuronal Networks and Interfaces Laboratory, Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Leroy F, Lamotte d'Incamps B. The Preparation of Oblique Spinal Cord Slices for Ventral Root Stimulation. J Vis Exp 2016. [PMID: 27768090 DOI: 10.3791/54525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrophysiological recordings from spinal cord slices have proven to be a valuable technique to investigate a wide range of questions, from cellular to network properties. We show how to prepare viable oblique slices of the spinal cord of young mice (P2 - P11). In this preparation, the motoneurons retain their axons coming out from the ventral roots of the spinal cord. Stimulation of these axons elicits back-propagating action potentials invading the motoneuron somas and exciting the motoneuron collaterals within the spinal cord. Recording of antidromic action potentials is an immediate, definitive and elegant way to characterize motoneuron identity, which surpasses other identification methods. Furthermore, stimulating the motoneuron collaterals is a simple and reliable way to excite the collateral targets of the motoneurons within the spinal cord, such as other motoneurons or Renshaw cells. In this protocol, we present antidromic recordings from the motoneuron somas as well as Renshaw cell excitation, resulting from ventral root stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Félix Leroy
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (UMR 8119), Centre de Neurophysique, Physiologie et Pathologie, Université Paris Descartes;
| | - Boris Lamotte d'Incamps
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (UMR 8119), Centre de Neurophysique, Physiologie et Pathologie, Université Paris Descartes
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Perry S, Gezelius H, Larhammar M, Hilscher MM, Lamotte d'Incamps B, Leao KE, Kullander K. Firing properties of Renshaw cells defined by Chrna2 are modulated by hyperpolarizing and small conductance ion currents Ih and ISK. Eur J Neurosci 2015; 41:889-900. [PMID: 25712471 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.12852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Renshaw cells in the spinal cord ventral horn regulate motoneuron output through recurrent inhibition. Renshaw cells can be identified in vitro using anatomical and cellular criteria; however, their functional role in locomotion remains poorly defined because of the difficulty of functionally isolating Renshaw cells from surrounding motor circuits. Here we aimed to investigate whether the cholinergic nicotinic receptor alpha2 (Chrna2) can be used to identify Renshaw cells (RCs(α2)) in the mouse spinal cord. Immunohistochemistry and electrophysiological characterization of passive and active RCs(α2) properties confirmed that neurons genetically marked by the Chrna2-Cre mouse line together with a fluorescent reporter mouse line are Renshaw cells. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings revealed that RCs(α2) constitute an electrophysiologically stereotyped population with a resting membrane potential of -50.5 ± 0.4 mV and an input resistance of 233.1 ± 11 MΩ. We identified a ZD7288-sensitive hyperpolarization-activated cation current (Ih) in all RCs(α2), contributing to membrane repolarization but not to the resting membrane potential in neonatal mice. Additionally, we found RCs(α2) to express small calcium-activated potassium currents (I(SK)) that, when blocked by apamin, resulted in a complete attenuation of the afterhyperpolarisation potential, increasing cellular firing frequency. We conclude that RCs(α2) can be genetically targeted through their selective Chrna2 expression and that they display currents known to modulate rebound excitation and firing frequency. The genetic identification of Renshaw cells and their electrophysiological profile is required for genetic and pharmacological manipulation as well as computational simulations with the aim to understand their functional role.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharn Perry
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Box 593, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Baxter JC, Ramachandra R, Mayne DR, Elmslie KS. Functional expression of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors by muscle afferent neurons. J Neurophysiol 2014; 112:1549-58. [PMID: 24966300 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00035.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The exercise pressor reflex (EPR) is generated by group III and IV muscle afferents during exercise to increase cardiovascular function. Muscle contraction is triggered by ACh, which is metabolized into choline that could serve as a signal of exercise-induced activity. We demonstrate that ACh can induce current in muscle afferents neurons isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats. The nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) appear to be expressed by some group III-IV neurons since capsaicin (TRPV1) and/or ATP (P2X) induced current in 56% of ACh-responsive neurons. α7- And α4β2-nAChRs have been shown to be expressed in sensory neurons. An α7-nAChR antibody stained 83% of muscle afferent neurons. Functional expression was demonstrated by using the specific α7-nAChR blockers α-conotoxin ImI (IMI) and methyllycaconitine (MLA). MLA inhibited ACh responses in 100% of muscle afferent neurons, whereas IMI inhibited ACh responses in 54% of neurons. Dihydro-β-erythroidine, an α4β2-nAChR blocker, inhibited ACh responses in 50% of muscle afferent neurons, but recovery from block was not observed. Choline, an α7-nAChR agonist, elicited a response in 60% of ACh-responsive neurons. Finally, we demonstrated the expression of α7-nAChR by peripherin labeled (group IV) afferent fibers within gastrocnemius muscles. Some of these α7-nAChR-positive fibers were also positive for P2X3 receptors. Thus choline could serve as an activator of the EPR by opening α7-nAChR expressed by group IV (and possible group III) afferents. nAChRs could become pharmacological targets for suppressing the excessive EPR activation in patients with peripheral vascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James C Baxter
- The Baker Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville, Missouri
| | - Renuka Ramachandra
- The Baker Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville, Missouri
| | - Dustin R Mayne
- The Baker Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville, Missouri
| | - Keith S Elmslie
- The Baker Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences, Kirksville, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
d'Incamps BL, Ascher P. High affinity and low affinity heteromeric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at central synapses. J Physiol 2014; 592:4131-6. [PMID: 24835169 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2014.273128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Most neuronal heteromeric nicotinic receptors seem able to adopt two different stochiometries depending on the ratio of α and β subunits. In recombinant receptors these two stoichiometries have been associated with different affinities to ACh, but it is not known which stoichiometry is present at nicotinic synapses in the nervous system. One possible clue to this identification is the speed of decay of the synaptic currents. In many ionotropic receptors this speed has been linked to the dissociation rate of the transmitter, which is itself related to its affinity. On this basis we propose that, at the synapse between motoneuron and Renshaw cells, the heteromeric nicotinic receptors are mostly low affinity receptors and suggest that, in contrast, the very slow decay of some synaptic currents recorded in other parts of the brain signs the presence of high affinity receptors rather than volume transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boris Lamotte d'Incamps
- Center for Neurophysics, Physiology, Pathology, CNRS UMR 8119, Université Paris Descartes 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, 75006, France
| | - Philippe Ascher
- Laboratory of Cerebral Physiology, CNRS UMR 8118, Université Paris Descartes 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris, 75006, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Richards DS, Griffith RW, Romer SH, Alvarez FJ. Motor axon synapses on renshaw cells contain higher levels of aspartate than glutamate. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97240. [PMID: 24816812 PMCID: PMC4016288 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Motoneuron synapses on spinal cord interneurons known as Renshaw cells activate nicotinic, AMPA and NMDA receptors consistent with co-release of acetylcholine and excitatory amino acids (EAA). However, whether these synapses express vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) capable of accumulating glutamate into synaptic vesicles is controversial. An alternative possibility is that these synapses release other EAAs, like aspartate, not dependent on VGLUTs. To clarify the exact EAA concentrated at motor axon synapses we performed a quantitative postembedding colloidal gold immunoelectron analysis for aspartate and glutamate on motor axon synapses (identified by immunoreactivity to the vesicular acetylcholine transporter; VAChT) contacting calbindin-immunoreactive (-IR) Renshaw cell dendrites. The results show that 71% to 80% of motor axon synaptic boutons on Renshaw cells contained aspartate immunolabeling two standard deviations above average neuropil labeling. Moreover, VAChT-IR synapses on Renshaw cells contained, on average, aspartate immunolabeling at 2.5 to 2.8 times above the average neuropil level. In contrast, glutamate enrichment was lower; 21% to 44% of VAChT-IR synapses showed glutamate-IR two standard deviations above average neuropil labeling and average glutamate immunogold density was 1.7 to 2.0 times the neuropil level. The results were not influenced by antibody affinities because glutamate antibodies detected glutamate-enriched brain homogenates more efficiently than aspartate antibodies detecting aspartate-enriched brain homogenates. Furthermore, synaptic boutons with ultrastructural features of Type I excitatory synapses were always labeled by glutamate antibodies at higher density than motor axon synapses. We conclude that motor axon synapses co-express aspartate and glutamate, but aspartate is concentrated at higher levels than glutamate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dannette S. Richards
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Ronald W. Griffith
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Shannon H. Romer
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Francisco J. Alvarez
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Subunit composition and kinetics of the Renshaw cell heteromeric nicotinic receptors. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 86:1114-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2013] [Revised: 06/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
9
|
Sabatelli M, Lattante S, Conte A, Marangi G, Luigetti M, Del Grande A, Chiò A, Corbo M, Giannini F, Mandrioli J, Mora G, Calvo A, Restagno G, Lunetta C, Penco S, Battistini S, Zeppilli P, Bizzarro A, Capoluongo E, Neri G, Rossini PM, Zollino M. Replication of association of CHRNA4 rare variants with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the Italian multicentre study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 13:580-4. [PMID: 22873564 DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2012.704926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels widely expressed throughout the mammalian brain, including bulbar and spinal motor neurons. They are involved in neuroprotection and in control of release of many neurotransmitters, including glutamate. Previous data raised the hypothesis that rare variants in the region coding the intracellular loop subunits of nAChRs might represent one of several genetic risk factors for SALS. The aim of present study was to replicate the study in an independent cohort of ALS patients. We analysed 718 sporadic ALS patients from five Italian ALS centres and 1300 ethnically matched controls. We focused primarily on CHRNA4, encoding α4 subunit, since most mutations were previously detected in this gene. We observed a significant association between CHRNA4 mutations and ALS (OR 2.91; 95% CI 1.4080-6.0453; p = 0.0056). Most mutations detected in patients were not present in the dbSNP134 and in 3500 ethnically matched control chromosomes and affected evolutionary conserved amino acid residues. In conclusion, the present data confirm that CHRNA4 variants are overrepresented in SALS strengthening the hypothesis can they act as predisposing genetic factors for SALS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Sabatelli
- Istituto di Neurologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Venugopal S, Hamm TM, Crook SM, Jung R. Modulation of inhibitory strength and kinetics facilitates regulation of persistent inward currents and motoneuron excitability following spinal cord injury. J Neurophysiol 2011; 106:2167-79. [PMID: 21775715 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00359.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Spasticity is commonly observed after chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) and many other central nervous system disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke). SCI-induced spasticity has been associated with motoneuron hyperexcitability partly due to enhanced activation of intrinsic persistent inward currents (PICs). Disrupted spinal inhibitory mechanisms also have been implicated. Altered inhibition can result from complex changes in the strength, kinetics, and reversal potential (E(Cl(-))) of γ-aminobutyric acid A (GABA(A)) and glycine receptor currents. Development of optimal therapeutic strategies requires an understanding of the impact of these interacting factors on motoneuron excitability. We employed computational methods to study the effects of conductance, kinetics, and E(Cl(-)) of a dendritic inhibition on PIC activation and motoneuron discharge. A two-compartment motoneuron with enhanced PICs characteristic of SCI and receiving recurrent inhibition from Renshaw cells was utilized in these simulations. This dendritic inhibition regulated PIC onset and offset and exerted its strongest effects at motoneuron recruitment and in the secondary range of the current-frequency relationship during PIC activation. Increasing inhibitory conductance compensated for moderate depolarizing shifts in E(Cl(-)) by limiting PIC activation and self-sustained firing. Furthermore, GABA(A) currents exerted greater control on PIC activation than glycinergic currents, an effect attributable to their slower kinetics. These results suggest that modulation of the strength and kinetics of GABA(A) currents could provide treatment strategies for uncontrollable spasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharmila Venugopal
- Center for Adaptive Neural Systems, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mutant human β4 subunit identified in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients impairs nicotinic receptor function. Pflugers Arch 2010; 461:225-33. [PMID: 21107856 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-010-0905-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2010] [Revised: 10/19/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Recently identified mutations in the genes encoding the neuronal nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) subunits in patients affected by sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS) may represent a factor which enhances disease susceptibility, in particular in association with ambient causes such as cigarette smoking. In this work, we characterize the functional properties of nAChRs containing the β4R349C subunit, the mutation most frequently encountered in sALS patients. The mutation was coexpressed with wild-type α3 or α4 subunits or with mutant α4R487Q subunit, which has been detected in one patient together with β4R349C mutation. None of the functional parameters examined showed differences between α4β4 and α4R487Qβ4 nAChRs. By contrast, β4R349C mutation, independent of the companion α subunit, caused the reduction in potency of both ACh and nicotine, decreased the density of whole-cell current evoked by maximal transmitter concentrations, and altered the kinetics of ACh-evoked whole-cell currents. These data confirm that sALS-associated mutations in nicotinic subunits may markedly perturb cholinergic transmission in individuals bearing the mutations.
Collapse
|
12
|
Four excitatory postsynaptic ionotropic receptors coactivated at the motoneuron-Renshaw cell synapse. J Neurosci 2009; 28:14121-31. [PMID: 19109494 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3311-08.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Renshaw cells (RCs) are spinal interneurons excited by collaterals of the axons of motoneurons (MNs). They respond to a single motoneuronal volley by a surprisingly long (tens of milliseconds) train of action potentials. We have analyzed this synaptic response in spinal cord slices of neonatal mice in light of recent observations suggesting that the MN axons release both acetylcholine and glutamate. We found that the RC synaptic current involves four components of similar amplitudes mediated by two nicotinic receptors (nAChRs, tentatively identified as alpha(7) homomers and alpha(4)beta(2) heteromers) and two glutamate receptors (AMPARs and NMDARs). The decay time constants of the four components cover a wide range: from 3.6 +/- 2.2 ms (alpha(7) nAChRs) to 54.6 +/- 19.5 ms (NMDARs, at -45 mV). The RC discharge can be separated into an initial doublet of high-frequency action potentials followed by later spikes with a variable latency and longer interspike intervals. The initial doublet involves the four ionotropic receptors as well as endogenous voltage-dependent conductances. The late discharge depends on NMDARs, but these receptors must be primed by the initial depolarization. The activation of the NMDARs is prolonged by the fact that their slow deactivation is further slowed by depolarization. The formation of the initial doublet is favored by hyperpolarization, whereas the late discharge is favored by depolarization. This suggests that in physiological conditions the pattern of discharge of the RC in response to a MN input may alternate between a phasic and a tonic response.
Collapse
|
13
|
Liu TT, Bannatyne BA, Jankowska E, Maxwell DJ. Cholinergic terminals in the ventral horn of adult rat and cat: evidence that glutamate is a cotransmitter at putative interneuron synapses but not at central synapses of motoneurons. Neuroscience 2009; 161:111-22. [PMID: 19318116 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2009.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2009] [Revised: 03/12/2009] [Accepted: 03/12/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Until recently it was generally accepted that the only neurotransmitter to be released at central synapses of somatic motoneurons was acetylcholine. However, studies on young mice (P0-10) have provided pharmacological evidence indicating that glutamate may act as a cotransmitter with acetylcholine at synapses between motoneurons and Renshaw cells. We performed a series of anatomical experiments on axon collaterals obtained from intracellularly labeled motoneurons from an adult cat and labeled by retrograde transport in adult rats to determine if glutamate is co-localized with acetylcholine by these terminals. We could find no evidence for the presence of vesicular glutamate transporters in motoneuron axon terminals of either species. In addition, we were unable to establish any obvious relationship between motoneuron terminals and the R2 subunit of the AMPA receptor (GluR2). However we did observe a population of cholinergic terminals in lamina VII which did not originate from motoneurons but were immunoreactive for the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 and formed appositions to GluR2 subunits. These were smaller than motoneuron terminals and, unlike them, formed no relationship with Renshaw cells. The evidence suggests that glutamate does not act as a cotransmitter with acetylcholine at central synapses of motoneurons in the adult cat and rat. However, glutamate is present in a population of cholinergic terminals which probably originate from interneurons where its action is via an AMPA receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T T Liu
- Spinal Cord Group, Neuroscience and Molecular Pharmacology, Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Renshaw cell properties have been studied extensively for over 50 years, making them a uniquely well-defined class of spinal interneuron. Recent work has revealed novel ways to identify Renshaw cells in situ and this in turn has promoted a range of studies that have determined their ontogeny and organization of synaptic inputs in unprecedented detail. In this review we illustrate how mature Renshaw cell properties and connectivity arise through a combination of activity-dependent and genetically specified mechanisms. These new insights should aid the development of experimental strategies to manipulate Renshaw cells in spinal circuits and clarify their role in modulating motor output.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco J Alvarez
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology & Physiology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Col. Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
González-Forero D, Alvarez FJ. Differential postnatal maturation of GABAA, glycine receptor, and mixed synaptic currents in Renshaw cells and ventral spinal interneurons. J Neurosci 2005; 25:2010-23. [PMID: 15728841 PMCID: PMC6726047 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2383-04.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Renshaw cells (RCs) receive excitatory inputs from motoneurons to which then they inhibit. The gain of this spinal recurrent inhibitory circuit is modulated by inhibitory synapses on RCs. Inhibitory synapses on RCs mature postnatally, developing unusually large postsynaptic gephyrin clusters that colocalize glycine and GABA(A) receptors. We hypothesized that these features potentiate inhibitory currents in RCs. Thus, we analyzed glycinergic and GABAergic "inhibitory" miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs) in neonatal [postnatal day 1 (P1) to P5] and mature (P9-P15) RCs and compared them to other ventral interneurons (non-RCs). Recorded neurons were Neurobiotin filled and identified as RCs or non-RCs using post hoc immunohistochemical criteria. Glycinergic, GABAergic, and mixed glycine/GABA mPSCs matured differently in RCs and non-RCs. In RCs, glycinergic and GABA(A) mPSC peak amplitudes increased 230 and 45%, respectively, from P1-P5 to P9-P15, whereas in non-RCs, glycinergic peak amplitudes changed little and GABA(A) amplitudes decreased. GABA(A) mPSCs were slower in RCs (P1-P5, tau = 58 ms; P9-P15, tau = 43 ms) compared with non-RCs (P1-P5, tau = 27 ms; P9-P15, tau = 14 ms). Thus, fast glycinergic currents dominated "mixed" mPSC peak amplitudes in mature RCs, and GABA(A) currents dominated their long decays. In non-RCs, GABAergic and mixed events had shorter durations, and their frequencies decreased with development. Functional maturation of inhibitory synapses on RCs correlates well with increased glycine receptor recruitment to large gephyrin patches, colocalization with alpha3/alpha5-containing GABA(A) receptors, and maintenance of GABA/glycine corelease. As a result, charge transfer in GABA, glycine, or mixed mPSCs was larger in mature RCs than in non-RCs, suggesting RCs receive potent inhibitory synapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David González-Forero
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio 45435, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Marchetti C, Taccola G, Nistri A. Activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors depresses recurrent inhibition of motoneurons in the neonatal rat spinal cord in vitro. Exp Brain Res 2005; 164:406-10. [PMID: 15991027 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-005-2368-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2005] [Accepted: 03/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study examined whether activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) could modulate synaptic inhibition of spinal motoneurons in the neonatal rat isolated spinal cord. Recurrent inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (IPSPs) generated by Renshaw cells were evoked via antidromic stimulation of motor axon collaterals and recorded intracellularly from lumbar motoneurons. The selective agonist of group I mGluRs DHPG (5 micromol L-1) depressed the recurrent IPSP, an effect prevented by the selective antagonist AIDA (500 micromol L-1). The depression by DHPG was use-independent and could be partly counteracted by increasing stimulus strength. Paired pulse depression observed at <or=50-ms intervals was blocked by DHPG in an AIDA-sensitive manner. These results suggest that, in the presence of DHPG, smaller recurrent IPSPs can contribute to the excitatory action of mGluR activation on spinal networks, including the generation of synchronous oscillations recorded from motoneurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Marchetti
- Neurobiology Sector and Istituto Nazionale di Fisica della Materia Unit, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Via Beirut 4, 34014, Trieste, Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bui TV, Dewey DE, Fyffe REW, Rose PK. Comparison of the inhibition of Renshaw cells during subthreshold and suprathreshold conditions using anatomically and physiologically realistic models. J Neurophysiol 2005; 94:1688-98. [PMID: 15917321 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00284.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory synaptic inputs to Renshaw cells are concentrated on the soma and the juxtasomatic dendrites. In the present study, we investigated whether this proximal bias leads to more effective inhibition under different neuronal operating conditions. Using compartmental models based on detailed anatomical measurements of intracellularly stained Renshaw cells, we compared the inhibition produced by glycine/gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA(A)) synapses when distributed with a proximal bias to the inhibition produced when the same synapses were distributed uniformly (i.e., with no regional bias). The comparison was conducted in subthreshold and suprathreshold conditions. The latter were mimicked by voltage clamping the soma to -55 mV. The voltage clamp reduces nonlinear interactions between excitatory and inhibitory synapses. We hypothesized that for electrotonically compact cells such as Renshaw cells, the strength of the inhibition would become much less dependent on synaptic location in suprathreshold conditions. This hypothesis was not confirmed. The inhibition produced when inhibitory inputs were proximally distributed was always stronger than when the same inputs were uniformly distributed. In fact, the relative effectiveness of proximally distributed inhibitory inputs over uniformly distributed synapses was greater in suprathreshold conditions than that in subthreshold conditions. The somatic voltage clamp minimized saturation of inhibitory driving potentials. Because this effect was greatest near the soma, the current produced by more distal synapses suffered a greater loss because of saturation. Conversely, in subthreshold conditions, the effectiveness of proximal synapses was substantially reduced at high levels of background synaptic activity because of saturation. Our results suggest glycine/GABA(A) synapses on Renshaw cells are strategically distributed to block the powerful excitatory drive produced by recurrent collaterals from motoneurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuan V Bui
- Canadian Institute for Health Research Group in Sensory-Motor Systems, Department of Physiology, Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Botterell Hall, Queen's University, Kingston K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Mentis GZ, Alvarez FJ, Bonnot A, Richards DS, Gonzalez-Forero D, Zerda R, O'Donovan MJ. Noncholinergic excitatory actions of motoneurons in the neonatal mammalian spinal cord. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2005; 102:7344-9. [PMID: 15883359 PMCID: PMC1091756 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0502788102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian spinal motoneurons are considered to be output elements of the spinal cord that generate exclusively cholinergic actions on Renshaw cells, their intraspinal synaptic targets. Here, we show that antidromic stimulation of motor axons evokes depolarizing monosynaptic potentials in Renshaw cells that are depressed, but not abolished, by cholinergic antagonists. This residual potential was abolished by 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid and 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione. In the presence of cholinergic antagonists, motor axon stimulation triggered locomotor-like activity that was blocked by 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid. Some cholinergic motoneuronal terminals on both Renshaw cells and motoneurons were enriched in glutamate, but none expressed vesicular glutamate transporters. Our results raise the possibility that motoneurons release an excitatory amino acid in addition to acetylcholine and that they may be more directly involved in the genesis of mammalian locomotion than previously believed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Z Mentis
- Laboratory of Neural Control, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Xu H, Whelan PJ, Wenner P. Development of an Inhibitory Interneuronal Circuit in the Embryonic Spinal Cord. J Neurophysiol 2005; 93:2922-33. [PMID: 15574794 DOI: 10.1152/jn.01091.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Locally projecting inhibitory interneurons play a crucial role in the patterning and timing of network activity. However, because of their relative inaccessibility, little is known about their development or incorporation into circuits. In this study, we characterized the functional onset, neurotransmitters, rostrocaudal spread, and funicular distribution of one such spinal interneuronal circuit during development. The R-interneuron is the avian homologue of the mammalian Renshaw cell. Both cell types receive input from motoneuron recurrent collaterals and make direct connections back onto motoneurons. By stimulating motoneurons projecting in a given ventral root and recording the response in adjacent ventral roots, we demonstrate that the R-interneuron circuit becomes functional between embryonic day 6 (E6) and E7. This ventral root response is observed at E11 and at E14 until it can no longer be detected at E16. Using bath-applied neurotransmitter receptor antagonists, we were able to demonstrate that the circuit is predominately nicotinic and GABAergic from E7.5 to E15. We also found a glutamatergic component to the pathway throughout this developmental period. The R-interneuron projects three or more segments both rostrally and caudally through the ventrolateral funiculus. The distribution of this circuit may become more locally focused between E7.5 and E15.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Xu
- Department of Physiology, Emory University, School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30340, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Herzog E, Landry M, Buhler E, Bouali-Benazzouz R, Legay C, Henderson CE, Nagy F, Dreyfus P, Giros B, El Mestikawy S. Expression of vesicular glutamate transporters, VGLUT1 and VGLUT2, in cholinergic spinal motoneurons. Eur J Neurosci 2004; 20:1752-60. [PMID: 15379996 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2004.03628.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian spinal motoneurons are cholinergic neurons that have long been suspected to use also glutamate as a neurotransmitter. We report that VGLUT1 and VGLUT2, two subtypes of vesicular glutamate transporters, are expressed in rat spinal motoneurons. Both proteins are present in somato-dendritic compartments as well as in axon terminals in primary cultures of immunopurified motoneurons and sections of spinal cord from adult rat. However, VGLUT1 and VGLUT2 are not found at neuromuscular junctions of skeletal muscles. After intracellular injection of biocytin in motoneurons, VGLUT2 is observed in anterogradely labelled terminals contacting Renshaw inhibitory interneurons. These VGLUT2- and VGLUT1-positive terminals do not express VAChT, the vesicular acetylcholine transporter. Overall, our study establishes for the first time that (i) mammalian spinal motoneurons express vesicular glutamate transporters, (ii) these motoneurons have the potential to release glutamate (in addition to acetylcholine) at terminals contacting Renshaw cells, and finally (iii) the VGLUTs are not present at neuromuscular synapses of skeletal muscles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Herzog
- INSERM U 513, Faculte de Medecine, 94010 Creteil 94010 cedex, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ogier R, Liu X, Tribollet E, Bertrand D, Raggenbass M. Identified spinal motoneurons of young rats possess nicotinic acetylcholine receptors of the heteromeric family. Eur J Neurosci 2004; 20:2591-7. [PMID: 15548202 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2004.03746.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine whether, in young rats, spinal motoneurons possess functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Motoneurons were identified either by retrograde labelling or by choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry. Whole-cell recordings were performed in spinal cord slices cut at the lumbar level. In voltage clamp, acetylcholine evoked a rapidly activating inward current. In current clamp, it depolarized the motoneuron membrane and induced action potential firing. The acetylcholine-evoked current was strongly reduced by d-tubocurarine or dihydro-beta-erythroidine, broad spectrum nicotinic antagonists, but was almost insensitive to methyllycaconitine, a nicotinic antagonist selective for receptors containing the alpha7 subunit. Moreover, exo-2-(2-pyridyl)-7-azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, an alpha7-specific agonist, was without effect. In young animals, light-microscopic autoradiography showed that in the central grey matter all laminae were intensely and equally labelled by [3H]epibatidine. A dense [125I]-alpha-bungarotoxin binding was also found in all laminae, with slightly lower levels in the superficial layers of the dorsal horns and in the ventral part of the grey matter. In adults, the density of [3H]epibatidine binding sites was much lower in the entire grey matter, except in layer 2 of the dorsal horn, and [125I]-alpha-bungarotoxin binding sites were present only in some selected areas. Our data indicate that spinal motoneurons possess functional nicotinic receptors of the heteromeric type and suggest that nicotinic cholinergic transmission may play a significant role in the developing spinal cord.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Ogier
- Department of Physiology, University Medical Center, 1, rue Michel-Servet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sapir T, Geiman EJ, Wang Z, Velasquez T, Mitsui S, Yoshihara Y, Frank E, Alvarez FJ, Goulding M. Pax6 and engrailed 1 regulate two distinct aspects of renshaw cell development. J Neurosci 2004; 24:1255-64. [PMID: 14762144 PMCID: PMC2997484 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.3187-03.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many of the interneuron cell types present in the adult spinal cord contribute to the circuits that control locomotion and posture. Little is known, however, about the embryonic origin of these cell types or the molecular mechanisms that control their differentiation. Here we provide evidence that V1 interneurons (INs), an embryonic class of interneurons that transiently express the En1 transcription factor, differentiate as local circuit inhibitory interneurons and form synapses with motor neurons. Furthermore, we show that a subset of V1 INs differentiates as Renshaw cells, the interneuronal cell type that mediates recurrent inhibition of motor neurons. We analyze the role that two V1 IN-related transcription factor genes play in Renshaw cell development. Pax6 (paired box gene 6) is necessary for an early step in Renshaw cell development, whereas Engrailed 1 (En1), which is genetically downstream of Pax6, regulates the formation of inhibitory synapses between Renshaw cells and motor neurons. Together, these results show that Pax6 and En1 have essential roles in establishing the recurrent inhibitory circuit between motor neurons and Renshaw cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Sapir
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Garrido R, Springer JE, Hennig B, Toborek M. Nicotine Attenuates Arachidonic Acid-Induced Apoptosis of Spinal Cord Neurons by Preventing Depletion of Neurotrophic Factors. J Neurotrauma 2003; 20:1201-13. [PMID: 14651807 DOI: 10.1089/089771503322584628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased levels of free fatty acids and, in particular, arachidonic acid can lead to induction of apoptosis of spinal cord neurons. Because of the importance of neurotrophic factors in cell survival and death, mRNA and protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) were studied in cultured spinal cord neurons treated with arachidonic acid. In addition, the present study focused on the effects of nicotine and neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) on these processes. A 2-h exposure to arachidonic acid markedly diminished expression of BDNF and FGF-2. These effects were fully prevented by pretreatment with 10 microM nicotine. Mecamylamine (a non-specific antagonist of nAChRs) and alpha-bungarotoxin (a specific antagonist of the nAChRalpha7) completely inhibited nicotine-mediated protection against arachidonic acid-induced alterations of BDNF and FGF-2. In addition, nicotine, BDNF and FGF-2 fully protected against arachidonic acid-induced apoptosis of spinal cord neurons. BDNF and FGF-2 were effective in prevention of apoptotic cell death even when applied 2 h after the beginning of arachidonic acid treatment. These results suggest that arachidonic acid can induce apoptosis of spinal cord neurons by depletion of neurotrophic factors and that nicotine can protect against these effects through the nAChRalpha7-mediated pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Garrido
- Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky Medical Center, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Roth AL, Berg DK. Large clusters of alpha7-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on chick spinal cord neurons. J Comp Neurol 2003; 465:195-204. [PMID: 12949781 DOI: 10.1002/cne.10856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing the alpha7 gene product are widely expressed in the nervous system and have high calcium permeabilities that allow them to influence numerous calcium-dependent processes. Though often found at presynaptic locations, where they enhance transmitter release, the receptors can also occupy postsynaptic sites. Highest levels have been reported for chick ciliary ganglion neurons, where the postsynaptic receptors are concentrated on somatic spines arranged in clumps and appear as large receptor clusters. We show here that subpopulations of chick spinal cord neurons also express high levels of alpha7-containing receptors and arrange them in large clusters. The populations include peripheral motoneurons, presumptive preganglionic neurons, neurons adjacent to the lateral motor column, and possible interneurons in the ventral horn. In many cases, the receptor clusters codistribute with filamentous actin, as do clusters on ciliary ganglion neurons, where the actin represents a somatic spine constituent. In other respects, the spinal cord clusters differ. Those on motoneurons codistribute with the actin-associated component drebrin, as do the clusters on ciliary ganglion neurons, but the clusters on preganglionic neurons do not. Preganglionic neurons do, however, stain for lipid raft components as found for ciliary ganglion neurons, where the rafts embed the receptor-enriched spines. The results demonstrate that CNS neurons can configure alpha7-containing nicotinic receptors into large clusters but also suggest that the clusters are not likely to reflect a common molecular substructure on all neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adelheid L Roth
- Neurobiology Section, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0357, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Le Novère N, Corringer PJ, Changeux JP. The diversity of subunit composition in nAChRs: evolutionary origins, physiologic and pharmacologic consequences. JOURNAL OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2002; 53:447-56. [PMID: 12436412 DOI: 10.1002/neu.10153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are made up of homologous subunits, which are encoded by a large multigene family. The wide number of receptor oligomers generated display variable pharmacological properties. One of the main questions underlying research in molecular pharmacology resides in the actual role of this diversity. It is generally assumed that the observed differences between the pharmacology of homologous receptors, for instance, the EC(50) for the endogenous agonist, or the kinetics of desensitization, bear some kind of physiologic relevance in vivo. Here we develop the quite challenging point of view that, at least within a given subfamily of nicotinic receptor subunits, the pharmacologic variability observed in vitro would not be directly relevant to the function of receptor proteins in vivo. In vivo responses are not expected to be sensitive to mild differences in affinities, and several examples of functional replacement of one subunit by another have been unravelled by knockout animals. The diversity of subunits might have been conserved through evolution primarily to account for the topologic diversity of subunit distribution patterns, at the cellular and subcellular levels. A quantitative variation of pharmacological properties would be tolerated within a physiologic envelope, as a consequence of a near-neutral genetic drift. Such a "gratuitous" pharmacologic diversity is nevertheless of practical interest for the design of drugs, which would specifically tackle particular receptor oligomers with a defined subunit composition among the multiple nicotinic receptors present in the organism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Le Novère
- Receptors and Cognition, CNRS URA 2182, Institut Pasteur, 75724 Paris, France.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Berg DK, Conroy WG. Nicotinic alpha 7 receptors: synaptic options and downstream signaling in neurons. JOURNAL OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2002; 53:512-23. [PMID: 12436416 DOI: 10.1002/neu.10116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic receptors are cation-ion selective ligand-gated ion channels that are expressed throughout the nervous system. Most have significant calcium permeabilities, enabling them to regulate calcium-dependent events. One of the most abundant is a species composed of the alpha 7 gene product and having a relative calcium permeability equivalent to that of NMDA receptors. The alpha 7-containing receptors can be found presynaptically where they modulate transmitter release, and postsynaptically where they generate excitatory responses. They can also be found in perisynaptic locations where they modulate other inputs to the neuron and can activate a variety of downstream signaling pathways. The effects the receptors produce depend critically on the sites at which they are clustered. Instructive preparations for examining alpha 7-containing receptors are the rat hippocampus, where they are thought to play a modulatory role, and the chick ciliary ganglion, where they participate in throughput transmission as well as regulatory signaling. Relatively high levels of alpha 7-containing receptors are found in the two preparations, and the receptors display a variety of synaptic options and functions in the two cases. Progress is starting to be made in understanding the mechanisms responsible for localizing the receptors at specific sites and in identifying components tethered in the vicinity of the receptors that may facilitate signal transduction and downstream signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darwin K Berg
- Neurobiology Section, 9500 Gilman Drive, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0357, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|