1
|
Gunawan F, Matson BC, Coppoli A, Jiang L, Ding Y, Perry R, Sanchez-Rangel E, DeAguiar RB, Behar KL, Rothman DL, Mason GF, Hwang JJ. Deficits in brain glucose transport among younger adults with obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2024; 32:1329-1338. [PMID: 38764181 DOI: 10.1002/oby.24034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity is associated with alterations in eating behavior and neurocognitive function. In this study, we investigate the effect of obesity on brain energy utilization, including brain glucose transport and metabolism. METHODS A total of 11 lean participants and 7 young healthy participants with obesity (mean age, 27 years) underwent magnetic resonance spectroscopy scanning coupled with a hyperglycemic clamp (target, ~180 mg/dL) using [1-13C] glucose to measure brain glucose uptake and metabolism, as well as peripheral markers of insulin resistance. RESULTS Individuals with obesity demonstrated an ~20% lower ratio of brain glucose uptake to cerebral glucose metabolic rate (Tmax/CMRglucose) than lean participants (2.12 ± 0.51 vs. 2.67 ± 0.51; p = 0.04). The cerebral tricarboxylic acid cycle flux (VTCA) was similar between the two groups (p = 0.64). There was a negative correlation between total nonesterified fatty acids and Tmax/CMRglucose (r = -0.477; p = 0.045). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that CMRglucose is unlikely to differ between groups due to similar VTCA, and, therefore, the glucose transport Tmax is lower in individuals with obesity. These human findings suggest that obesity is associated with reduced cerebral glucose transport capacity even at a young age and in the absence of other cardiometabolic comorbidities, which may have implications for long-term brain function and health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felona Gunawan
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Brooke C Matson
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Anastasia Coppoli
- Yale Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lihong Jiang
- Yale Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yuyan Ding
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Rachel Perry
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Elizabeth Sanchez-Rangel
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Renata Belfort DeAguiar
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kevin L Behar
- Yale Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Douglas L Rothman
- Yale Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Graeme F Mason
- Yale Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Janice J Hwang
- Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu W, Borges K. Case for supporting astrocyte energetics in glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome. Epilepsia 2024. [PMID: 38767952 DOI: 10.1111/epi.18013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
In glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome (Glut1DS), glucose transport into brain is reduced due to impaired Glut1 function in endothelial cells at the blood-brain barrier. This can lead to shortages of glucose in brain and is thought to contribute to seizures. Ketogenic diets are the first-line treatment and, among many beneficial effects, provide auxiliary fuel in the form of ketone bodies that are largely metabolized by neurons. However, Glut1 is also the main glucose transporter in astrocytes. Here, we review data indicating that glucose shortage may also impact astrocytes in addition to neurons and discuss the expected negative biochemical consequences of compromised astrocytic glucose transport for neurons. Based on these effects, auxiliary fuels are needed for both cell types and adding medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) to ketogenic diets is a biochemically superior treatment for Glut1DS compared to classical ketogenic diets. MCTs provide medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), which are largely metabolized by astrocytes and not neurons. MCFAs supply energy and contribute carbons for glutamine and γ-aminobutyric acid synthesis, and decanoic acid can also block α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid glutamate receptors. MCTs do not compete with metabolism of ketone bodies mostly occurring in neurons. Triheptanoin, an anaplerotic but also gluconeogenic uneven MCT, may be another potential addition to ketogenic diets, although maintenance of "ketosis" can be difficult. Gene therapy has also targeted both endothelial cells and astrocytes. Other approaches to increase fuel delivery to the brain currently investigated include exchange of Glut1DS erythrocytes with healthy cells, infusion of lactate, and pharmacological improvement of glucose transport. In conclusion, although it remains difficult to assess impaired astrocytic energy metabolism in vivo, astrocytic energy needs are most likely not met by ketogenic diets in Glut1DS. Thus, we propose prospective studies including monitoring of blood MCFA levels to find optimal doses for add-on MCT to ketogenic diets and assessing of short- and long-term outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weizhi Xu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karin Borges
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dienel GA, Rothman DL. In vivo calibration of genetically encoded metabolite biosensors must account for metabolite metabolism during calibration and cellular volume. J Neurochem 2024; 168:506-532. [PMID: 36726217 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Isotopic assays of brain glucose utilization rates have been used for more than four decades to establish relationships between energetics, functional activity, and neurotransmitter cycling. Limitations of these methods include the relatively long time (1-60 min) for the determination of labeled metabolite levels and the lack of cellular resolution. Identification and quantification of fuels for neurons and astrocytes that support activation and higher brain functions are a major, unresolved issues. Glycolysis is preferentially up-regulated during activation even though oxygen level and supply are adequate, causing lactate concentrations to quickly rise during alerting, sensory processing, cognitive tasks, and memory consolidation. However, the fate of lactate (rapid release from brain or cell-cell shuttling coupled with local oxidation) is long disputed. Genetically encoded biosensors can determine intracellular metabolite concentrations and report real-time lactate level responses to sensory, behavioral, and biochemical challenges at the cellular level. Kinetics and time courses of cellular lactate concentration changes are informative, but accurate biosensor calibration is required for quantitative comparisons of lactate levels in astrocytes and neurons. An in vivo calibration procedure for the Laconic lactate biosensor involves intracellular lactate depletion by intravenous pyruvate-mediated trans-acceleration of lactate efflux followed by sensor saturation by intravenous infusion of high doses of lactate plus ammonium chloride. In the present paper, the validity of this procedure is questioned because rapid lactate-pyruvate interconversion in blood, preferential neuronal oxidation of both monocarboxylates, on-going glycolytic metabolism, and cellular volumes were not taken into account. Calibration pitfalls for the Laconic lactate biosensor also apply to other metabolite biosensors that are standardized in vivo by infusion of substrates that can be metabolized in peripheral tissues. We discuss how technical shortcomings negate the conclusion that Laconic sensor calibrations support the existence of an in vivo astrocyte-neuron lactate concentration gradient linked to lactate shuttling from astrocytes to neurons to fuel neuronal activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald A Dienel
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Douglas L Rothman
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center and Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
York EM, Miller A, Stopka SA, Martínez-François JR, Hossain MA, Baquer G, Regan MS, Agar NYR, Yellen G. The dentate gyrus differentially metabolizes glucose and alternative fuels during rest and stimulation. J Neurochem 2024; 168:533-554. [PMID: 37929637 PMCID: PMC11070451 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
The metabolic demands of neuronal activity are both temporally and spatially dynamic, and neurons are particularly sensitive to disruptions in fuel and oxygen supply. Glucose is considered an obligate fuel for supporting brain metabolism. Although alternative fuels are often available, the extent of their contribution to central carbon metabolism remains debated. Differential fuel metabolism likely depends on cell type, location, and activity state, complicating its study. While biosensors provide excellent spatial and temporal information, they are limited to observations of only a few metabolites. On the other hand, mass spectrometry is rich in chemical information, but traditionally relies on cell culture or homogenized tissue samples. Here, we use mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) to focus on the fuel metabolism of the dentate granule cell (DGC) layer in murine hippocampal slices. Using stable isotopes, we explore labeling dynamics at baseline, as well as in response to brief stimulation or fuel competition. We find that at rest, glucose is the predominant fuel metabolized through glycolysis, with little to no measurable contribution from glycerol or fructose. However, lactate/pyruvate, β-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), octanoate, and glutamine can contribute to TCA metabolism to varying degrees. In response to brief depolarization with 50 mM KCl, glucose metabolism was preferentially increased relative to the metabolism of alternative fuels. With an increased supply of alternative fuels, both lactate/pyruvate and βHB can outcompete glucose for TCA cycle entry. While lactate/pyruvate modestly reduced glucose contribution to glycolysis, βHB caused little change in glycolysis. This approach achieves broad metabolite coverage from a spatially defined region of physiological tissue, in which metabolic states are rapidly preserved following experimental manipulation. Using this powerful methodology, we investigated metabolism within the dentate gyrus not only at rest, but also in response to the energetic demand of activation, and in states of fuel competition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa M. York
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School,
Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Anne Miller
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School,
Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Sylwia A. Stopka
- Surgical Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of
Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Department of Radiology, Brigham
and Women's Hospital; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115 USA
| | | | - Md Amin Hossain
- Surgical Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of
Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Department of Radiology, Brigham
and Women's Hospital; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115 USA
| | - Gerard Baquer
- Surgical Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of
Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Department of Radiology, Brigham
and Women's Hospital; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115 USA
| | - Michael S. Regan
- Surgical Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of
Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Department of Radiology, Brigham
and Women's Hospital; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115 USA
| | - Nathalie Y. R. Agar
- Surgical Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of
Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Department of Radiology, Brigham
and Women's Hospital; Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115 USA
| | - Gary Yellen
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School,
Boston, MA 02115 USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rae CD, Baur JA, Borges K, Dienel G, Díaz-García CM, Douglass SR, Drew K, Duarte JMN, Duran J, Kann O, Kristian T, Lee-Liu D, Lindquist BE, McNay EC, Robinson MB, Rothman DL, Rowlands BD, Ryan TA, Scafidi J, Scafidi S, Shuttleworth CW, Swanson RA, Uruk G, Vardjan N, Zorec R, McKenna MC. Brain energy metabolism: A roadmap for future research. J Neurochem 2024; 168:910-954. [PMID: 38183680 PMCID: PMC11102343 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Although we have learned much about how the brain fuels its functions over the last decades, there remains much still to discover in an organ that is so complex. This article lays out major gaps in our knowledge of interrelationships between brain metabolism and brain function, including biochemical, cellular, and subcellular aspects of functional metabolism and its imaging in adult brain, as well as during development, aging, and disease. The focus is on unknowns in metabolism of major brain substrates and associated transporters, the roles of insulin and of lipid droplets, the emerging role of metabolism in microglia, mysteries about the major brain cofactor and signaling molecule NAD+, as well as unsolved problems underlying brain metabolism in pathologies such as traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and metabolic downregulation during hibernation. It describes our current level of understanding of these facets of brain energy metabolism as well as a roadmap for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline D. Rae
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, NSW 2052 & Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joseph A. Baur
- Department of Physiology and Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Karin Borges
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Gerald Dienel
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Carlos Manlio Díaz-García
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | | | - Kelly Drew
- Center for Transformative Research in Metabolism, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA
| | - João M. N. Duarte
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, & Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jordi Duran
- Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oliver Kann
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Heidelberg, D-69120; Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tibor Kristian
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Center System, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and the Center for Shock, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research (S.T.A.R.), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dasfne Lee-Liu
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
| | - Britta E. Lindquist
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurocritical Care, Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ewan C. McNay
- Behavioral Neuroscience, University at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Michael B. Robinson
- Departments of Pediatrics and System Pharmacology & Translational Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Douglas L. Rothman
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center and Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Benjamin D. Rowlands
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Timothy A. Ryan
- Department of Biochemistry, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joseph Scafidi
- Department of Neurology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Susanna Scafidi
- Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - C. William Shuttleworth
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico School of Medicine Albuquerque, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Raymond A. Swanson
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Gökhan Uruk
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Nina Vardjan
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology—Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology—Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Mary C. McKenna
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rothman DL, Behar KL, Dienel GA. Mechanistic stoichiometric relationship between the rates of neurotransmission and neuronal glucose oxidation: Reevaluation of and alternatives to the pseudo-malate-aspartate shuttle model. J Neurochem 2024; 168:555-591. [PMID: 36089566 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The ~1:1 stoichiometry between the rates of neuronal glucose oxidation (CMRglc-ox-N) and glutamate (Glu)/γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-glutamine (Gln) neurotransmitter (NT) cycling between neurons and astrocytes (VNTcycle) has been firmly established. However, the mechanistic basis for this relationship is not fully understood, and this knowledge is critical for the interpretation of metabolic and brain imaging studies in normal and diseased brain. The pseudo-malate-aspartate shuttle (pseudo-MAS) model established the requirement for glycolytic metabolism in cultured glutamatergic neurons to produce NADH that is shuttled into mitochondria to support conversion of extracellular Gln (i.e., astrocyte-derived Gln in vivo) into vesicular neurotransmitter Glu. The evaluation of this model revealed that it could explain half of the 1:1 stoichiometry and it has limitations. Modifications of the pseudo-MAS model were, therefore, devised to address major knowledge gaps, that is, submitochondrial glutaminase location, identities of mitochondrial carriers for Gln and other model components, alternative mechanisms to transaminate α-ketoglutarate to form Glu and shuttle glutamine-derived ammonia while maintaining mass balance. All modified models had a similar 0.5 to 1.0 predicted mechanistic stoichiometry between VNTcycle and the rate of glucose oxidation. Based on studies of brain β-hydroxybutyrate oxidation, about half of CMRglc-ox-N may be linked to glutamatergic neurotransmission and localized in pre-synaptic structures that use pseudo-MAS type mechanisms for Glu-Gln cycling. In contrast, neuronal compartments that do not participate in transmitter cycling may use the MAS to sustain glucose oxidation. The evaluation of subcellular compartmentation of neuronal glucose metabolism in vivo is a critically important topic for future studies to understand glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas L Rothman
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center and Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kevin L Behar
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Gerald A Dienel
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dienel GA, Schousboe A, McKenna MC, Rothman DL. A tribute to Leif Hertz: The historical context of his pioneering studies of the roles of astrocytes in brain energy metabolism, neurotransmission, cognitive functions, and pharmacology identifies important, unresolved topics for future studies. J Neurochem 2024; 168:461-495. [PMID: 36928655 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Leif Hertz, M.D., D.Sc. (honōris causā) (1930-2018), was one of the original and noteworthy participants in the International Conference on Brain Energy Metabolism (ICBEM) series since its inception in 1993. The biennial ICBEM conferences are organized by neuroscientists interested in energetics and metabolism underlying neural functions; they have had a high impact on conceptual and experimental advances in these fields and on promoting collaborative interactions among neuroscientists. Leif made major contributions to ICBEM discussions and understanding of metabolic and signaling characteristics of astrocytes and their roles in brain function. His studies ranged from uptake of K+ from extracellular fluid and its stimulation of astrocytic respiration, identification, and regulation of enzymes specifically or preferentially expressed in astrocytes in the glutamate-glutamine cycle of excitatory neurotransmission, a requirement for astrocytic glycogenolysis for fueling K+ uptake, involvement of glycogen in memory consolidation in the chick, and pharmacology of astrocytes. This tribute to Leif Hertz highlights his major discoveries, the high impact of his work on astrocyte-neuron interactions, and his unparalleled influence on understanding the cellular basis of brain energy metabolism. His work over six decades has helped integrate the roles of astrocytes into neurotransmission where oxidative and glycogenolytic metabolism during neurotransmitter glutamate turnover are key aspects of astrocytic energetics. Leif recognized that brain astrocytic metabolism is greatly underestimated unless the volume fraction of astrocytes is taken into account. Adjustment for pathway rates expressed per gram tissue for volume fraction indicates that astrocytes have much higher oxidative rates than neurons and astrocytic glycogen concentrations and glycogenolytic rates during sensory stimulation in vivo are similar to those in resting and exercising muscle, respectively. These novel insights are typical of Leif's astute contributions to the energy metabolism field, and his publications have identified unresolved topics that provide the neuroscience community with challenges and opportunities for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald A Dienel
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, USA
| | - Arne Schousboe
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2100, Denmark
| | - Mary C McKenna
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, USA
| | - Douglas L Rothman
- Department of Radiology, Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC), Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kann O. Lactate as a supplemental fuel for synaptic transmission and neuronal network oscillations: Potentials and limitations. J Neurochem 2024; 168:608-631. [PMID: 37309602 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Lactate shuttled from the blood circulation, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes or even activated microglia (resident macrophages) to neurons has been hypothesized to represent a major source of pyruvate compared to what is normally produced endogenously by neuronal glucose metabolism. However, the role of lactate oxidation in fueling neuronal signaling associated with complex cortex function, such as perception, motor activity, and memory formation, is widely unclear. This issue has been experimentally addressed using electrophysiology in hippocampal slice preparations (ex vivo) that permit the induction of different neural network activation states by electrical stimulation, optogenetic tools or receptor ligand application. Collectively, these studies suggest that lactate in the absence of glucose (lactate only) impairs gamma (30-70 Hz) and theta-gamma oscillations, which feature high energy demand revealed by the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2, set to 100%). The impairment comprises oscillation attenuation or moderate neural bursts (excitation-inhibition imbalance). The bursting is suppressed by elevating the glucose fraction in energy substrate supply. By contrast, lactate can retain certain electric stimulus-induced neural population responses and intermittent sharp wave-ripple activity that features lower energy expenditure (CMRO2 of about 65%). Lactate utilization increases the oxygen consumption by about 9% during sharp wave-ripples reflecting enhanced adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria. Moreover, lactate attenuates neurotransmission in glutamatergic pyramidal cells and fast-spiking, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons by reducing neurotransmitter release from presynaptic terminals. By contrast, the generation and propagation of action potentials in the axon is regular. In conclusion, lactate is less effective than glucose and potentially detrimental during neural network rhythms featuring high energetic costs, likely through the lack of some obligatory ATP synthesis by aerobic glycolysis at excitatory and inhibitory synapses. High lactate/glucose ratios might contribute to central fatigue, cognitive impairment, and epileptic seizures partially seen, for instance, during exhaustive physical exercise, hypoglycemia and neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Kann
- Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences (IZN), University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Markussen KH, Corti M, Byrne BJ, Kooi CWV, Sun RC, Gentry MS. The multifaceted roles of the brain glycogen. J Neurochem 2024; 168:728-743. [PMID: 37554056 PMCID: PMC10901277 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen is a biologically essential macromolecule that is directly involved in multiple human diseases. While its primary role in carbohydrate storage and energy metabolism in the liver and muscle is well characterized, recent research has highlighted critical metabolic and non-metabolic roles for glycogen in the brain. In this review, the emerging roles of glycogen homeostasis in the healthy and diseased brain are discussed with a focus on advancing our understanding of the role of glycogen in the brain. Innovative technologies that have led to novel insights into glycogen functions are detailed. Key insights into how cellular localization impacts neuronal and glial function are discussed. Perturbed glycogen functions are observed in multiple disorders of the brain, including where it serves as a disease driver in the emerging category of neurological glycogen storage diseases (n-GSDs). n-GSDs include Lafora disease (LD), adult polyglucosan body disease (APBD), Cori disease, Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (G1D), GSD0b, and late-onset Pompe disease (PD). They are neurogenetic disorders characterized by aberrant glycogen which results in devastating neurological and systemic symptoms. In the most severe cases, rapid neurodegeneration coupled with dementia results in death soon after diagnosis. Finally, we discuss current treatment strategies that are currently being developed and have the potential to be of great benefit to patients with n-GSD. Taken together, novel technologies and biological insights have resulted in a renaissance in brain glycogen that dramatically advanced our understanding of both biology and disease. Future studies are needed to expand our understanding and the multifaceted roles of glycogen and effectively apply these insights to human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kia H. Markussen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, USA
| | - Manuela Corti
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
| | - Barry J. Byrne
- Department of Pediatrics, Powell Gene Therapy Center, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
| | - Craig W. Vander Kooi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
- Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research, University of Florida
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative
| | - Ramon C. Sun
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
- Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research, University of Florida
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative
| | - Matthew S. Gentry
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
- Center for Advanced Spatial Biomolecule Research, University of Florida
- Lafora Epilepsy Cure Initiative
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
DiNuzzo M, Dienel GA, Behar KL, Petroff OA, Benveniste H, Hyder F, Giove F, Michaeli S, Mangia S, Herculano-Houzel S, Rothman DL. Neurovascular coupling is optimized to compensate for the increase in proton production from nonoxidative glycolysis and glycogenolysis during brain activation and maintain homeostasis of pH, pCO 2, and pO 2. J Neurochem 2024; 168:632-662. [PMID: 37150946 PMCID: PMC10628336 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
During transient brain activation cerebral blood flow (CBF) increases substantially more than cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption (CMRO2) resulting in blood hyperoxygenation, the basis of BOLD-fMRI contrast. Explanations for the high CBF versus CMRO2 slope, termed neurovascular coupling (NVC) constant, focused on maintenance of tissue oxygenation to support mitochondrial ATP production. However, paradoxically the brain has a 3-fold lower oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) than other organs with high energy requirements, like heart and muscle during exercise. Here, we hypothesize that the NVC constant and the capillary oxygen mass transfer coefficient (which in combination determine OEF) are co-regulated during activation to maintain simultaneous homeostasis of pH and partial pressure of CO2 and O2 (pCO2 and pO2). To test our hypothesis, we developed an arteriovenous flux balance model for calculating blood and brain pH, pCO2, and pO2 as a function of baseline OEF (OEF0), CBF, CMRO2, and proton production by nonoxidative metabolism coupled to ATP hydrolysis. Our model was validated against published brain arteriovenous difference studies and then used to calculate pH, pCO2, and pO2 in activated human cortex from published calibrated fMRI and PET measurements. In agreement with our hypothesis, calculated pH, pCO2, and pO2 remained close to constant independently of CMRO2 in correspondence to experimental measurements of NVC and OEF0. We also found that the optimum values of the NVC constant and OEF0 that ensure simultaneous homeostasis of pH, pCO2, and pO2 were remarkably similar to their experimental values. Thus, the high NVC constant is overall determined by proton removal by CBF due to increases in nonoxidative glycolysis and glycogenolysis. These findings resolve the paradox of the brain's high CBF yet low OEF during activation, and may contribute to explaining the vulnerability of brain function to reductions in blood flow and capillary density with aging and neurovascular disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerald A Dienel
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205 USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, 87131 USA
| | - Kevin L Behar
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511 USA
| | - Ognen A Petroff
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511 USA
| | - Helene Benveniste
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
| | - Fahmeed Hyder
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
- Department of Radiology, Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC), Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
| | - Federico Giove
- Centro Ricerche Enrico Fermi, Rome, RM, 00184 Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, RM, 00179 Italy
| | - Shalom Michaeli
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 USA
| | - Silvia Mangia
- Department of Radiology, Center for Magnetic Resonance Research (CMRR), University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455 USA
| | - Suzana Herculano-Houzel
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Douglas L Rothman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
- Department of Radiology, Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC), Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520 USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hahn A, Reed MB, Vraka C, Godbersen GM, Klug S, Komorowski A, Falb P, Nics L, Traub-Weidinger T, Hacker M, Lanzenberger R. High-temporal resolution functional PET/MRI reveals coupling between human metabolic and hemodynamic brain response. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2024; 51:1310-1322. [PMID: 38052927 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06542-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Positron emission tomography (PET) provides precise molecular information on physiological processes, but its low temporal resolution is a major obstacle. Consequently, we characterized the metabolic response of the human brain to working memory performance using an optimized functional PET (fPET) framework at a temporal resolution of 3 s. METHODS Thirty-five healthy volunteers underwent fPET with [18F]FDG bolus plus constant infusion, 19 of those at a hybrid PET/MRI scanner. During the scan, an n-back working memory paradigm was completed. fPET data were reconstructed to 3 s temporal resolution and processed with a novel sliding window filter to increase signal to noise ratio. BOLD fMRI signals were acquired at 2 s. RESULTS Consistent with simulated kinetic modeling, we observed a constant increase in the [18F]FDG signal during task execution, followed by a rapid return to baseline after stimulation ceased. These task-specific changes were robustly observed in brain regions involved in working memory processing. The simultaneous acquisition of BOLD fMRI revealed that the temporal coupling between hemodynamic and metabolic signals in the primary motor cortex was related to individual behavioral performance during working memory. Furthermore, task-induced BOLD deactivations in the posteromedial default mode network were accompanied by distinct temporal patterns in glucose metabolism, which were dependent on the metabolic demands of the corresponding task-positive networks. CONCLUSIONS In sum, the proposed approach enables the advancement from parallel to truly synchronized investigation of metabolic and hemodynamic responses during cognitive processing. This allows to capture unique information in the temporal domain, which is not accessible to conventional PET imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Murray B Reed
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Chrysoula Vraka
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Godber M Godbersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Klug
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Arkadiusz Komorowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pia Falb
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Nics
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tatjana Traub-Weidinger
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcus Hacker
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Division of Nuclear Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Díaz-García CM. Glycogen from spinal astrocytes dials up the pain. Nat Metab 2024; 6:384-386. [PMID: 38443592 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-024-01000-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Manlio Díaz-García
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
- Harold Hamm Diabetes Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Buxton RB. Thermodynamic limitations on brain oxygen metabolism: physiological implications. J Physiol 2024; 602:683-712. [PMID: 38349000 DOI: 10.1113/jp284358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent thermodynamic modelling indicates that maintaining the brain tissue ratio of O2 to CO2 (abbreviated tissue O2 /CO2 ) is critical for preserving the entropy increase available from oxidative metabolism of glucose, with a fall of that available entropy leading to a reduction of the phosphorylation potential and impairment of brain energy metabolism. This provides a novel perspective for understanding physiological responses under different conditions in terms of preserving tissue O2 /CO2 . To enable estimation of tissue O2 /CO2 in the human brain, a detailed mathematical model of O2 and CO2 transport was developed, and applied to reported physiological responses to different challenges, asking: how well is tissue O2 /CO2 preserved? Reported experimental results for increased neural activity, hypercapnia and hypoxia due to high altitude are consistent with preserving tissue O2 /CO2 . The results highlight two physiological mechanisms that control tissue O2 /CO2 : cerebral blood flow, which modulates tissue O2 ; and ventilation rate, which modulates tissue CO2 . The hypoxia modelling focused on humans at high altitude, including acclimatized lowlanders and Tibetan and Andean adapted populations, with a primary finding that decreasing CO2 by increasing ventilation rate is more effective for preserving tissue O2 /CO2 than increasing blood haemoglobin content to maintain O2 delivery to tissue. This work focused on the function served by particular physiological responses, and the underlying mechanisms require further investigation. The modelling provides a new framework and perspective for understanding how blood flow and other physiological factors support energy metabolism in the brain under a wide range of conditions. KEY POINTS: Thermodynamic modelling indicates that preserving the O2 /CO2 ratio in brain tissue is critical for preserving the entropy change available from oxidative metabolism of glucose and the phosphorylation potential underlying energy metabolism. A detailed model of O2 and CO2 transport was developed to allow estimation of the tissue O2 /CO2 ratio in the human brain in different physiological states. Reported experimental results during hypoxia, hypercapnia and increased oxygen metabolic rate in response to increased neural activity are consistent with maintaining brain tissue O2 /CO2 ratio. The hypoxia modelling of high-altitude acclimatization and adaptation in humans demonstrates the critical role of reducing CO2 with increased ventilation for preserving tissue O2 /CO2 . Preservation of tissue O2 /CO2 provides a novel perspective for understanding the function of observed physiological responses under different conditions in terms of preserving brain energy metabolism, although the mechanisms underlying these functions are not well understood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard B Buxton
- Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Idumah G, Somersalo E, Calvetti D. A spatially distributed model of brain metabolism highlights the role of diffusion in brain energy metabolism. J Theor Biol 2023; 572:111567. [PMID: 37393987 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2023.111567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The different active roles of neurons and astrocytes during neuronal activation are associated with the metabolic processes necessary to supply the energy needed for their respective tasks at rest and during neuronal activation. Metabolism, in turn, relies on the delivery of metabolites and removal of toxic byproducts through diffusion processes and the cerebral blood flow. A comprehensive mathematical model of brain metabolism should account not only for the biochemical processes and the interaction of neurons and astrocytes, but also the diffusion of metabolites. In the present article, we present a computational methodology based on a multidomain model of the brain tissue and a homogenization argument for the diffusion processes. In our spatially distributed compartment model, communication between compartments occur both through local transport fluxes, as is the case within local astrocyte-neuron complexes, and through diffusion of some substances in some of the compartments. The model assumes that diffusion takes place in the extracellular space (ECS) and in the astrocyte compartment. In the astrocyte compartment, the diffusion across the syncytium network is implemented as a function of gap junction strength. The diffusion process is implemented numerically by means of a finite element method (FEM) based spatial discretization, and robust stiff solvers are used to time integrate the resulting large system. Computed experiments show the effects of ECS tortuosity, gap junction strength and spatial anisotropy in the astrocyte network on the brain energy metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Idumah
- Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Case Western Reserve University, USA
| | - Erkki Somersalo
- Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Case Western Reserve University, USA
| | - Daniela Calvetti
- Department of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Case Western Reserve University, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Fonseca-Barriendos D, Castañeda-Cabral JL, Martínez-Cuevas F, Besio W, Valdés-Cruz A, Rocha L. Transcranial Focal Electric Stimulation Avoids P-Glycoprotein Over-Expression during Electrical Amygdala Kindling and Delays Epileptogenesis in Rats. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1294. [PMID: 37374077 DOI: 10.3390/life13061294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpression mediates hyperexcitability and is associated with epileptogenesis. Transcranial focal electrical stimulation (TFS) delays epileptogenesis and inhibits P-gp overexpression after a generalized seizure. Here, first we measured P-gp expression during epileptogenesis and second, we assessed if TFS antiepileptogenic effect was related with P-gp overexpression avoidance. Male Wistar rats were implanted in right basolateral amygdala and stimulated daily for electrical amygdala kindling (EAK), P-gp expression was assessed during epileptogenesis in relevant brain areas. Stage I group showed 85% increase in P-gp in ipsilateral hippocampus (p < 0.001). Stage III group presented 58% and 57% increase in P-gp in both hippocampi (p < 0.05). Kindled group had 92% and 90% increase in P-gp in both hippocampi (p < 0.01), and 93% and 143% increase in both neocortices (p < 0.01). For the second experiment, TFS was administrated daily after each EAK stimulation for 20 days and P-gp concentration was assessed. No changes were found in the TFS group (p > 0.05). Kindled group showed 132% and 138% increase in P-gp in both hippocampi (p < 0.001) and 51% and 92% increase in both cortices (p < 0.001). Kindled + TFS group presented no changes (p > 0.05). Our experiments revealed that progression of EAK is associated with increased P-gp expression. These changes are structure-specific and dependent on seizure severity. EAK-induced P-gp overexpression would be associated with neuronal hyperexcitability and thus, epileptogenesis. P-gp could be a novel therapeutical target to avoid epileptogenesis. In accordance with this, TFS inhibited P-gp overexpression and interfered with EAK. An important limitation of the present study is that P-gp neuronal expression was not evaluated under the different experimental conditions. Future studies should be carried out to determine P-gp neuronal overexpression in hyperexcitable networks during epileptogenesis. The TFS-induced lessening of P-gp overexpression could be a novel therapeutical strategy to avoid epileptogenesis in high-risk patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Fonseca-Barriendos
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México C.P. 14330, Mexico
| | - José Luis Castañeda-Cabral
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Centro Universitrio de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuaias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Zapopan C.P. 44600, Mexico
| | - Frida Martínez-Cuevas
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México C.P. 14330, Mexico
| | - Walter Besio
- Department of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 028881, USA
| | - Alejandro Valdés-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología del Control y la Regulación, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz", Ciudad de México C.P. 14370, Mexico
| | - Luisa Rocha
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Ciudad de México C.P. 14330, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zorec R, Vardjan N. Adrenergic regulation of astroglial aerobic glycolysis and lipid metabolism: Towards a noradrenergic hypothesis of neurodegeneration. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 182:106132. [PMID: 37094775 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Ageing is a key factor in the development of cognitive decline and dementia, an increasing and challenging problem of the modern world. The most commonly diagnosed cognitive decline is related to Alzheimer's disease (AD), the pathophysiology of which is poorly understood. Several hypotheses have been proposed. The cholinergic hypothesis is the oldest, however, recently the noradrenergic system has been considered to have a role as well. The aim of this review is to provide evidence that supports the view that an impaired noradrenergic system is causally linked to AD. Although dementia is associated with neurodegeneration and loss of neurons, this likely develops due to a primary failure of homeostatic cells, astrocytes, abundant and heterogeneous neuroglial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). The many functions that astrocytes provide to maintain the viability of neural networks include the control of ionic balance, neurotransmitter turnover, synaptic connectivity and energy balance. This latter function is regulated by noradrenaline, released from the axon varicosities of neurons arising from the locus coeruleus (LC), the primary site of noradrenaline release in the CNS. The demise of the LC is linked to AD, whereby a hypometabolic CNS state is observed clinically. This is likely due to impaired release of noradrenaline in the AD brain during states of arousal, attention and awareness. These functions controlled by the LC are needed for learning and memory formation and require activation of the energy metabolism. In this review, we address first the process of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline, highlighting the function of astrocytes. Cholinergic and/or noradrenergic deficits lead to impaired astroglial function. Then, we focus on adrenergic control of astroglial aerobic glycolysis and lipid droplet metabolism, which play a protective role but also promote neurodegeneration under some circumstances, supporting the noradrenergic hypothesis of cognitive decline. We conclude that targeting astroglial metabolism, glycolysis and/or mitochondrial processes may lead to important new developments in the future when searching for medicines to prevent or even halt cognitive decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Nina Vardjan
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology - Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia; Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Depannemaecker D, Ezzati A, Wang H, Jirsa V, Bernard C. From phenomenological to biophysical models of seizures. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 182:106131. [PMID: 37086755 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex disease that requires various approaches for its study. In this short review, we discuss the contribution of theoretical and computational models. The review presents theoretical frameworks that underlie the understanding of certain seizure properties and their classification based on their dynamical properties at the onset and offset of seizures. Dynamical system tools are valuable resources in the study of seizures. By analyzing the complex, dynamic behavior of seizures, these tools can provide insights into seizure mechanisms and offer a framework for their classification. Additionally, computational models have high potential for clinical applications, as they can be used to develop more accurate diagnostic and personalized medicine tools. We discuss various modeling approaches that span different scales and levels, while also questioning the neurocentric view, and emphasize the importance of considering glial cells. Finally, we explore the epistemic value provided by this type of approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Damien Depannemaecker
- Institut de Neurosciences des Syst' emes, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, Marseille, France.
| | - Aitakin Ezzati
- Institut de Neurosciences des Syst' emes, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, Marseille, France
| | - Huifang Wang
- Institut de Neurosciences des Syst' emes, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, Marseille, France
| | - Viktor Jirsa
- Institut de Neurosciences des Syst' emes, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Bernard
- Institut de Neurosciences des Syst' emes, Aix-Marseille University, INSERM, Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Astrocytes in the pathophysiology of neuroinfection. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:131-145. [PMID: 36562155 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Key homeostasis providing cells in the central nervous system (CNS) are astrocytes, which belong to the class of cells known as atroglia, a highly heterogeneous type of neuroglia and a prominent element of the brain defence. Diseases evolve due to altered homeostatic state, associated with pathology-induced astroglia remodelling represented by reactive astrocytes, astroglial atrophy and astrodegeneration. These features are hallmarks of most infectious insults, mediated by bacteria, protozoa and viruses; they are also prominent in the systemic infection. The COVID-19 pandemic revived the focus into neurotropic viruses such as SARS-CoV2 (Coronaviridae) but also the Flaviviridae viruses including tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) causing the epidemic in South America prior to COVID-19. Astrocytes provide a key response to neurotropic infections in the CNS. Astrocytes form a parenchymal part of the blood-brain barrier, the site of virus entry into the CNS. Astrocytes exhibit aerobic glycolysis, a form of metabolism characteristic of highly morphologically plastic cells, like cancer cells, hence a suitable milieu for multiplication of infectious agent, including viral particles. However, why the protection afforded by astrocytes fails in some circumstances is an open question to be studied in the future.
Collapse
|
19
|
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald A. Dienel
- Department of Neurology University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock Arkansas USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology University of New Mexico School of Medicine Albuquerque New Mexico USA
| | - Lisa Gillinder
- Mater Hospital South Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Faculty of Medicine Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Aileen McGonigal
- Mater Hospital South Brisbane Queensland Australia
- Faculty of Medicine Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| | - Karin Borges
- Faculty of Medicine School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Dienel GA, Gillinder L, McGonigal A, Borges K. Potential new roles for glycogen in epilepsy. Epilepsia 2023; 64:29-53. [PMID: 36117414 PMCID: PMC10952408 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Seizures often originate in epileptogenic foci. Between seizures (interictally), these foci and some of the surrounding tissue often show low signals with 18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) in many epileptic patients, even when there are no radiologically detectable structural abnormalities. Low FDG-PET signals are thought to reflect glucose hypometabolism. Here, we review knowledge about metabolism of glucose and glycogen and oxidative stress in people with epilepsy and in acute and chronic rodent seizure models. Interictal brain glucose levels are normal and do not cause apparent glucose hypometabolism, which remains unexplained. During seizures, high amounts of fuel are needed to satisfy increased energy demands. Astrocytes consume glycogen as an additional emergency fuel to supplement glucose during high metabolic demand, such as during brain stimulation, stress, and seizures. In rodents, brain glycogen levels drop during induced seizures and increase to higher levels thereafter. Interictally, in people with epilepsy and in chronic epilepsy models, normal glucose but high glycogen levels have been found in the presumed brain areas involved in seizure generation. We present our new hypothesis that as an adaptive response to repeated episodes of high metabolic demand, high interictal glycogen levels in epileptogenic brain areas are used to support energy metabolism and potentially interictal neuronal activity. Glycogenolysis, which can be triggered by stress or oxidative stress, leads to decreased utilization of plasma glucose in epileptogenic brain areas, resulting in low FDG signals that are related to functional changes underlying seizure onset and propagation. This is (partially) reversible after successful surgery. Last, we propose that potential interictal glycogen depletion in epileptogenic and surrounding areas may cause energy shortages in astrocytes, which may impair potassium buffering and contribute to seizure generation. Based on these hypotheses, auxiliary fuels or treatments that support glycogen metabolism may be useful to treat epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerald A. Dienel
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Arkansas for Medical SciencesLittle RockArkansasUSA
- Department of Cell Biology and PhysiologyUniversity of New Mexico School of MedicineAlbuquerqueNew MexicoUSA
| | - Lisa Gillinder
- Mater HospitalSouth BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineMater Research Institute, University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Aileen McGonigal
- Mater HospitalSouth BrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineMater Research Institute, University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| | - Karin Borges
- Faculty of MedicineSchool of Biomedical Sciences, University of QueenslandSt LuciaQueenslandAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Álvarez-Merz I, Fomitcheva IV, Sword J, Hernández-Guijo JM, Solís JM, Kirov SA. Novel mechanism of hypoxic neuronal injury mediated by non-excitatory amino acids and astroglial swelling. Glia 2022; 70:2108-2130. [PMID: 35802030 PMCID: PMC9474671 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In ischemic stroke and post-traumatic brain injury (TBI), blood-brain barrier disruption leads to leaking plasma amino acids (AA) into cerebral parenchyma. Bleeding in hemorrhagic stroke and TBI also release plasma AA. Although excitotoxic AA were extensively studied, little is known about non-excitatory AA during hypoxic injury. Hypoxia-induced synaptic depression in hippocampal slices becomes irreversible with non-excitatory AA, alongside their intracellular accumulation and increased tissue electrical resistance. Four non-excitatory AA (l-alanine, glycine, l-glutamine, l-serine: AGQS) at plasmatic concentrations were applied to slices from mice expressing EGFP in pyramidal neurons or astrocytes during normoxia or hypoxia. Two-photon imaging, light transmittance (LT) changes, and electrophysiological field recordings followed by electron microscopy in hippocampal CA1 st. radiatum were used to monitor synaptic function concurrently with cellular swelling and injury. During normoxia, AGQS-induced increase in LT was due to astroglial but not neuronal swelling. LT raise during hypoxia and AGQS manifested astroglial and neuronal swelling accompanied by a permanent loss of synaptic transmission and irreversible dendritic beading, signifying acute damage. Neuronal injury was not triggered by spreading depolarization which did not occur in our experiments. Hypoxia without AGQS did not cause cell swelling, leaving dendrites intact. Inhibition of NMDA receptors prevented neuronal damage and irreversible loss of synaptic function. Deleterious effects of AGQS during hypoxia were prevented by alanine-serine-cysteine transporters (ASCT2) and volume-regulated anion channels (VRAC) blockers. Our findings suggest that astroglial swelling induced by accumulation of non-excitatory AA and release of excitotoxins through antiporters and VRAC may exacerbate the hypoxia-induced neuronal injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris Álvarez-Merz
- Dept. de Farmacología y Terapéutica, ITH, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, IRYCIS, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Neurobiología-Investigación, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Dept. of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA
| | - Ioulia V. Fomitcheva
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA
| | - Jeremy Sword
- Dept. of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA
| | - Jesús M. Hernández-Guijo
- Dept. de Farmacología y Terapéutica, ITH, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, IRYCIS, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Solís
- Servicio de Neurobiología-Investigación, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergei A. Kirov
- Dept. of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chen JJ, Uthayakumar B, Hyder F. Mapping oxidative metabolism in the human brain with calibrated fMRI in health and disease. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:1139-1162. [PMID: 35296177 PMCID: PMC9207484 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221077338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Conventional functional MRI (fMRI) with blood-oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast is an important tool for mapping human brain activity non-invasively. Recent interest in quantitative fMRI has renewed the importance of oxidative neuroenergetics as reflected by cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption (CMRO2) to support brain function. Dynamic CMRO2 mapping by calibrated fMRI require multi-modal measurements of BOLD signal along with cerebral blood flow (CBF) and/or volume (CBV). In human subjects this "calibration" is typically performed using a gas mixture containing small amounts of carbon dioxide and/or oxygen-enriched medical air, which are thought to produce changes in CBF (and CBV) and BOLD signal with minimal or no CMRO2 changes. However non-human studies have demonstrated that the "calibration" can also be achieved without gases, revealing good agreement between CMRO2 changes and underlying neuronal activity (e.g., multi-unit activity and local field potential). Given the simpler set-up of gas-free calibrated fMRI, there is evidence of recent clinical applications for this less intrusive direction. This up-to-date review emphasizes technological advances for such translational gas-free calibrated fMRI experiments, also covering historical progression of the calibrated fMRI field that is impacting neurological and neurodegenerative investigations of the human brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Jean Chen
- Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Rotman Research Institute, Baycrest, Toronto, Canada
| | - Biranavan Uthayakumar
- Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Fahmeed Hyder
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center (MRRC), Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Quantitative Neuroscience with Magnetic Resonance (QNMR) Research Program, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Koush Y, Rothman DL, Behar KL, de Graaf RA, Hyder F. Human brain functional MRS reveals interplay of metabolites implicated in neurotransmission and neuroenergetics. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2022; 42:911-934. [PMID: 35078383 PMCID: PMC9125492 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x221076570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
While functional MRI (fMRI) localizes brain activation and deactivation, functional MRS (fMRS) provides insights into the underlying metabolic conditions. There is much interest in measuring task-induced and resting levels of metabolites implicated in neuroenergetics (e.g., lactate, glucose, or β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)) and neurotransmission (e.g., γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or pooled glutamate and glutamine (Glx)). Ultra-high magnetic field (e.g., 7T) has boosted the fMRS quantification precision, reliability, and stability of spectroscopic observations using short echo-time (TE) 1H-MRS techniques. While short TE 1H-MRS lacks sensitivity and specificity for fMRS at lower magnetic fields (e.g., 3T or 4T), most of these metabolites can also be detected by J-difference editing (JDE) 1H-MRS with longer TE to filter overlapping resonances. The 1H-MRS studies show that JDE can detect GABA, Glx, lactate, and BHB at 3T, 4T and 7T. Most recently, it has also been demonstrated that JDE 1H-MRS is capable of reliable detection of metabolic changes in different brain areas at various magnetic fields. Combining fMRS measurements with fMRI is important for understanding normal brain function, but also clinically relevant for mechanisms and/or biomarkers of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. We provide an up-to-date overview of fMRS research in the last three decades, both in terms of applications and technological advances. Overall the emerging fMRS techniques can be expected to contribute substantially to our understanding of metabolism for brain function and dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yury Koush
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Douglas L Rothman
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Kevin L Behar
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robin A de Graaf
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fahmeed Hyder
- Magnetic Resonance Research Center, Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Young Seo G, Neal ES, Han F, Vidovic D, Nooru-Mohamed F, Dienel GA, Sullivan MA, Borges K. Brain glycogen content is increased in the acute and interictal chronic stages of the mouse pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:361-367. [PMID: 35377551 PMCID: PMC9159246 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucose is the main brain fuel in fed conditions, while astrocytic glycogen is used as supplemental fuel when the brain is stimulated. Brain glycogen levels are decreased shortly after induced seizures in rodents, but little is known about how glycogen levels are affected interictally in chronic models of epilepsy. Reduced glutamine synthetase activity has been suggested to lead to increased brain glycogen levels in humans with chronic epilepsy. Here, we used the mouse pilocarpine model of epilepsy to investigate whether brain glycogen levels are altered, both acutely and in the chronic stage of the model. One day after pilocarpine‐induced convulsive status epilepticus (CSE), glycogen levels were higher in the hippocampal formation, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum. Opposite to expected, this was accompanied by elevated glutamine synthetase activity in the hippocampus but not the cortex. Increased interictal glycogen amounts were seen in the hippocampal formation and cerebral cortex in the chronic stage of the model (21 days post‐CSE), suggesting long‐lasting alterations in glycogen metabolism. Glycogen solubility in the cerebral cortex was unaltered in this epilepsy mouse model. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (Gsk3b) mRNA levels were reduced in the hippocampal formations of mice in the chronic stage, which may underlie the elevated brain glycogen content in this model. This is the first report of elevated interictal glycogen levels in a chronic epilepsy model. Increased glycogen amounts in the brain may influence seizure susceptibility in this model, and this warrants further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gi Young Seo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Elliott S Neal
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Felicity Han
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Diana Vidovic
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Fathima Nooru-Mohamed
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Gerald A Dienel
- Department of Neurology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA, 72205.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA, 87131
| | - Mitchell A Sullivan
- Glycation and Diabetes Group, Mater Research Institute, Translational Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, 4072, Australia
| | - Karin Borges
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|