Effects of midazolam, pentobarbital and ketamine on the mRNA expression of ion channels in a model organism Daphnia pulex

Increased GABAergic inhibitory function against ischemic long-term potentiation in the CA1 region of the hippocampus

Potentiation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated excitatory synaptic plasticity around 1 h after brief exposure to anoxia/aglycemia is called ischemic long-term potentiation (iLTP), which is considered a pathological form of synaptic response during the early phase of ischemic stroke. It is known that GABAergic inhibitory transmission is also an important molecular process involved in synaptic plasticity and learning memory. However, whether GABAergic transmission is involved in iLTP and early-phase plasticity in ischemic stroke remains unknown. In this study, iLTP was found to be induced in the hippocampal Schaffer-collateral pathway by exposure to oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD). Western blot analysis was conducted to analyze excitatory synaptic receptors and inhibitory synaptic receptors following OGD. The β3 subunit of the GABA_A receptor (GABA_AR) was markedly reduced, whereas the GluN2B subunit of the NMDAR was increased in the hippocampal area in the OGD group. Using extracellular recording, we demonstrated that application of GABA_AR agonist midazolam could abolish the hippocampal iLTP. Moreover, midazolam had no significant effect on the increase in NMDAR subunit GluN2B, but ameliorated the reduction in the β3 subunit of GABA_AR after OGD. In summary, our results indicated that hippocampal GABA_AR reduction promoted synaptic potentiation after OGD. Activation of GABAergic inhibitory transmission function could inhibit iLTP; thus, modulation of GABAergic function is a protective treatment method in the acute phase of synaptic plasticity in ischemic stroke.

Sensory receptor repertoire in cyprid antennules of the barnacle Balanus improvisus

Barnacle settlement involves sensing of a variety of exogenous cues. A pair of antennules is the main sensory organ that the cyprid larva uses to explore the surface. Antennules are equipped with a number of setae that have both chemo- and mechanosensing function. The current study explores the repertoire of sensory receptors in Balanus improvisus cyprid antennules with the goal to better understand sensory systems involved in the settling behavior of this species. We carried out transcriptome sequencing of dissected B. improvisus cyprid antennules. The generated transcriptome assembly was used to search for sensory receptors using HMM models. Among potential chemosensory genes, we identified the ionotropic receptors IR25a, IR8a and IR93a, and several divergent IR candidates to be expressed in the cyprid antennules. We found one gustatory-like receptor but no odorant receptors, chemosensory or odorant-binding proteins. Apart from chemosensory receptors, we also identified 13 potential mechanosensory genes represented by several transient receptor potential channels (TRP) subfamilies. Furthermore, we analyzed changes in expression profiles of IRs and TRPs during the B. improvisus settling process. Several of the sensory genes were differentially expressed during the course of larval settlement. This study gives expanded knowledge about the sensory systems present in barnacles, a taxonomic group for which only limited information about receptors is currently available. It furthermore serves as a starting point for more in depth studies of how sensory signaling affects settling behavior in barnacles with implications for preventing biofouling.

Ethanol alters the expression of ion channel genes in Daphnia pulex

BACKGROUND

Heavy drinking can increase heart rate and blood glucose, induce hypoxic tolerance, impair brain cognitive functions, and alter gene expressions. These phenomena may occur even in response to small dose of ethanol exposure or during its withdrawal.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether persistent low concentrations of ethanol exposure affect organism function and the gene expressions of ion channels.

METHODS

Daphnids were randomized to receive placebo 300 min, 2 mM ethanol 300 min, or 2 mM ethanol 240 min and then placebo 60 min. Heart rate, glucose levels, phototactic behavior, and hypoxic tolerance were recorded during experiment. At the end of the study, changes in the mRNA levels of ion channel genes were assessed in response to exposure to ethanol using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques.

RESULTS

Heart rate was reversibly increased by ethanol withdrawal and returned to basal levels upon re-exposure to ethanol. Fifteen of 120 ion channel transcripts were affected by persistent ethanol exposure. Neither ethanol withdrawal nor persistent exposures showed an effect on blood glucose, phototactic behavior, or hypoxic tolerance.

CONCLUSIONS

Small doses of ethanol can increase heart rate and alter gene expression of multiple ion channels in Daphnia pulex. Affected ion channel genes may assist in understanding the mechanism of ethanol adaptation and tolerance.

Acute pentobarbital treatment impairs spatial learning and memory and hippocampal long-term potentiation in rats

Reports of the effects of pentobarbital on learning and memory are contradictory. Some studies have not shown any interference with learning and memory, whereas others have shown that pentobarbital impairs memory and that these impairments can last for long periods. However, it is unclear whether acute local microinjections of pentobarbital affect learning and memory, and if so, the potential mechanisms are also unclear. Here, we reported that the intra-hippocampal infusion of pentobarbital (8.0mM, 1μl per side) significantly impaired hippocampus-dependent spatial learning and memory retrieval. Moreover, in vitro electrophysiological recordings revealed that these behavioral changes were accompanied by impaired hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) and suppressed neuronal excitability as reflected by a decrease in the number of action potentials (APs). These results suggest that acute pentobarbital application causes spatial learning and memory deficits that might be attributable to the suppression of synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability.