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Rozenfeld E, Ehmann N, Manoim JE, Kittel RJ, Parnas M. Homeostatic synaptic plasticity rescues neural coding reliability. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2993. [PMID: 37225688 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38575-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
To survive, animals must recognize reoccurring stimuli. This necessitates a reliable stimulus representation by the neural code. While synaptic transmission underlies the propagation of neural codes, it is unclear how synaptic plasticity can maintain coding reliability. By studying the olfactory system of Drosophila melanogaster, we aimed to obtain a deeper mechanistic understanding of how synaptic function shapes neural coding in the live, behaving animal. We show that the properties of the active zone (AZ), the presynaptic site of neurotransmitter release, are critical for generating a reliable neural code. Reducing neurotransmitter release probability of olfactory sensory neurons disrupts both neural coding and behavioral reliability. Strikingly, a target-specific homeostatic increase of AZ numbers rescues these defects within a day. These findings demonstrate an important role for synaptic plasticity in maintaining neural coding reliability and are of pathophysiological interest by uncovering an elegant mechanism through which the neural circuitry can counterbalance perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Rozenfeld
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Nadine Ehmann
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia E Manoim
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Robert J Kittel
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Moshe Parnas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel.
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2
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Guo L, Zhu Z, Wang G, Cui S, Shen M, Song Z, Wang JH. microRNA-15b contributes to depression-like behavior in mice by affecting synaptic protein levels and function in the nucleus accumbens. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:6831-6848. [PMID: 32209659 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.012047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depression is a prevalent affective disorder characterized by recurrent low mood. It presumably results from stress-induced deteriorations of molecular networks and synaptic functions in brain reward circuits of genetically-susceptible individuals through epigenetic processes. Epigenetic regulator microRNA-15b inhibits neuronal progenitor proliferation and is up-regulated in the medial prefrontal cortex of mice that demonstrate depression-like behavior, indicating the contribution of microRNA-15 to major depression. Using a mouse model of major depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), here we examined the effects of microRNA-15b on synapses and synaptic proteins in the nucleus accumbens of these mice. The application of a microRNA-15b antagomir into the nucleus accumbens significantly reduced the incidence of CUMS-induced depression and reversed the attenuations of excitatory synapse and syntaxin-binding protein 3 (STXBP3A)/vesicle-associated protein 1 (VAMP1) expression. In contrast, the injection of a microRNA-15b analog into the nucleus accumbens induced depression-like behavior as well as attenuated excitatory synapses and STXBP3A/VAMP1 expression similar to the down-regulation of these processes induced by the CUMS. We conclude that microRNA-15b-5p may play a critical role in chronic stress-induced depression by decreasing synaptic proteins, innervations, and activities in the nucleus accumbens. We propose that the treatment of anti-microRNA-15b-5p may convert stress-induced depression into resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Guo
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Zhaoming Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao Shandong 266021, China
| | - Guangyan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao Shandong 266021, China
| | - Shan Cui
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Meng Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao Shandong 266021, China
| | - Zhenhua Song
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao Shandong 266021, China
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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3
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Ni H, Ding H, Tao J, Wang Y, Tao M, Huang L. [Effects of olfactory deprivation on action potential and ankyrin-G expression in glutamatergic neurons in the barrel cortex of mice]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2020; 40:262-267. [PMID: 32376530 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2020.02.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate effect of upregulated touch sensation induced by olfactory deprivation on action potentials and ankyrin-G expression in the glutamatergic neurons in the barrel cortex of mice. METHODS Chloroform (40 μL) was dropped into the unilateral nasal cavity to induce olfactory deprivation in 40 C57 mice (12 days old), whose glutamatergic neurons were genetically labeled with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP). Behavioral experiments were carried out to assess the effects of olfactory deprivation on whisker tactile of the mice. The action potentials of the glutamatergic neurons in the barrel cortex on the side with or without chloroform treatment (olfactory deprivation group and control group, respectively) were recorded by patch-clamp electrophysiological recording, and ankyrin-G expression in the proximal axonal segment of the neurons was detected with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Compared with those on the control side, the inter-spike intervals of the barrel glutamatergic neurons were significantly decreased and the absolute refractory periods were significantly shortened on the side with olfactory deprivation (P < 0.01); the expression of ankyrin-G was also significantly increased in the proximal axonal segment of the glutamatergic neurons in the barrel cortex on the side with olfactory deprivation (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Olfaction deprivation induces up-regulation of touch sensation in mice possibly as a result of functional enhancement of the glutamatergic neurons and increased ankyrin-G expression in the barrel cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ni
- Department of Functional Experiment Center, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Haihu Ding
- Department of Functional Experiment Center, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Jing Tao
- Department of Functional Experiment Center, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Functional Experiment Center, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Mingfei Tao
- Department of Functional Experiment Center, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233030, China
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4
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Mannan ZI, Adhikari SP, Yang C, Budhathoki RK, Kim H, Chua L. Memristive Imitation of Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL NETWORKS AND LEARNING SYSTEMS 2019; 30:3458-3470. [PMID: 30762570 DOI: 10.1109/tnnls.2019.2892385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, a memristive artificial neural circuit imitating the excitatory chemical synaptic transmission of biological synapse is designed. The proposed memristor-based neural circuit exhibits synaptic plasticity, one of the important neurochemical foundations for learning and memory, which is demonstrated via the efficient imitation of short-term facilitation and long-term potentiation. Moreover, the memristive artificial circuit also mimics the distinct biological attributes of strong stimulation and deficient synthesis of neurotransmitters. The proposed artificial neural model is designed in SPICE, and the biological functionalities are demonstrated via various simulations. The simulation results obtained with the proposed artificial synapse are similar to the biological features of chemical synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity.
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Abstract
The acquisition of associated signals is commonly seen in life. The integrative storage of these exogenous and endogenous signals is essential for cognition, emotion and behaviors. In terms of basic units of memory traces or engrams, associative memory cells are recruited in the brain during learning, cognition and emotional reactions. The recruitment and refinement of associative memory cells facilitate the retrieval of memory-relevant events and the learning of reorganized unitary signals that have been acquired. The recruitment of associative memory cells is fulfilled by generating mutual synapse innervations among them in coactivated brain regions. Their axons innervate downstream neurons convergently and divergently to recruit secondary associative memory cells. Mutual synapse innervations among associative memory cells confer the integrative storage and reciprocal retrieval of associated signals. Their convergent synapse innervations to secondary associative memory cells endorse integrative cognition. Their divergent innervations to secondary associative memory cells grant multiple applications of associated signals. Associative memory cells in memory traces are defined to be nerve cells that are able to encode multiple learned signals and receive synapse innervations carrying these signals. An impairment in the recruitment and refinement of associative memory cells will lead to the memory deficit associated with neurological diseases and psychological disorders. This review presents a comprehensive diagram for the recruitment and refinement of associative memory cells for memory-relevant events in a lifetime.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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6
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Cell-specific plasticity associated with integrative memory of triple sensory signals in the barrel cortex. Oncotarget 2018; 9:30962-30978. [PMID: 30123420 PMCID: PMC6089555 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal plasticity occurs in associative memory. Associative memory cells are recruited for the integration and storage of associated signals. The coordinated refinements and interactions of associative memory cells including glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons remain elusive, which we have examined in a mouse model of associative learning. Paired olfaction, tail and whisker stimulations lead to odorant-induced and tail-induced whisker motions alongside whisker-induced whisker motion. In mice that show this cross-modal associative memory, barrel cortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons are recruited to encode the newly learned odor and tail signals alongside the innate whisker signal. These glutamatergic neurons are functionally upregulated, and GABAergic neurons are refined in a homeostatic manner. The mutual innervations between these glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons are upregulated. Therefore, the co-activations of sensory cortices by pairing the input signals recruit their glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons to be associative memory cells, which undergo coordinated refinement among glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons as well as homeostatic plasticity among subcellular compartments in order to drive these cells toward the optimal state for the integrative storage of associated signals.
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7
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PKC and CaMK-II inhibitions coordinately rescue ischemia-induced GABAergic neuron dysfunction. Oncotarget 2018; 8:39309-39322. [PMID: 28445148 PMCID: PMC5503615 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral ischemia leads to neuronal death for stroke, in which the imbalance between glutamatergic neurons and GABAergic neurons toward neural excitotoxicity is presumably involved. GABAergic neurons are vulnerable to pathological factors and impaired in an early stage of ischemia. The rescue of GABAergic neurons is expected to be the strategy to reserve ischemic neuronal impairment. As protein kinase C (PKC) and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK-II) are activated during ischemia, we have investigated whether the inhibitions of these kinases rescue the ischemic impairment of cortical GABAergic neurons. The functions of GABAergic neurons were analyzed by whole-cell recording in the cortical slices during ischemia and in presence of 1-[N,O-bis(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-N-methyl-L-tyrosyl]-4-phenylpiperazine (CaMK-II inhibitor) and chelerythrine chloride (PKC inhibitor). Our results indicate that PKC inhibitor or CaMK-II inhibitor partially prevents ischemia-induced functional deficits of cortical GABAergic neurons. Moreover, the combination of PKC and CaMK-II inhibitors synergistically reverses this ischemia-induced deficit of GABAergic neurons. One of potential therapeutic strategies for ischemic stroke may be to rescue the ischemia-induced deficit of cortical GABAergic neurons by inhibiting PKC and CaMK-II.
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8
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Lu W, Feng J, Wen B, Wang K, Wang JH. Activity-induced spontaneous spikes in GABAergic neurons suppress seizure discharges: an implication of computational modeling. Oncotarget 2018; 8:32384-32397. [PMID: 28427143 PMCID: PMC5464796 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder, appears self-termination. The endogenous mechanism for seizure self-termination remains to be addressed in order to develop new strategies for epilepsy treatment. We aim to examine the role of activity-induced spontaneous spikes at GABAergic neurons as an endogenous mechanism in the seizure self-termination. Methods and Results Neuronal spikes were induced by depolarization pulses at cortical GABAergic neurons from temporal lobe epilepsy patients and mice, in which some of these neurons fired activity-induced spontaneous spikes. Neural networks including excitatory and inhibitory neurons were computationally constructed, and their functional properties were based on our studies from whole-cell recordings. With the changes in the portion and excitability of inhibitory neurons that generated activity-induced spontaneous spike, the efficacies to suppress synchronous seizure activity were analyzed, such as its onset time, decay slope and spike frequency. The increases in the proportion and excitability of inhibitory neurons that generated activity-induced spontaneous spikes effectively suppressed seizure activity in neural networks. These factors synergistically strengthened the efficacy of seizure activity suppression. Conclusion Our study supports a notion that activity-induced spontaneous spikes in GABAergic neurons may be an endogenous mechanism for seizure self-termination. A potential therapeutic strategy for epilepsy is to upregulate the cortical inhibitory neurons that generate activity-induced spontaneous spikes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lu
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jing Feng
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,State Key Lab for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Wen
- State Key Lab for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kewei Wang
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, Shandong, China.,State Key Lab for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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9
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Zhu Z, Wang G, Ma K, Cui S, Wang JH. GABAergic neurons in nucleus accumbens are correlated to resilience and vulnerability to chronic stress for major depression. Oncotarget 2018; 8:35933-35945. [PMID: 28415589 PMCID: PMC5482628 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Major depression, persistent low mood, is one of common psychiatric diseases. Chronic stressful life is believed to be a major risk factor that leads to dysfunctions of the limbic system. However, a large number of the individuals with experiencing chronic stress do not suffer from major depression, called as resilience. Endogenous mechanisms underlying neuronal invulnerability to chronic stress versus major depression are largely unknown. As GABAergic neurons are vulnerable to chronic stress and their impairments is associated with major depression, we have examined whether the invulnerability of GABAergic neurons in the limbic system is involved in resilience. Results GABAergic neurons in the nucleus accumbens from depression-like mice induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress appear the decreases in their GABA release, spiking capability and excitatory input reception, compared with those in resilience mice. The levels of decarboxylase and vesicular GABA transporters decrease in depression-like mice, but not resilience. Materials and Methods Mice were treated by chronic unpredictable mild stress for three weeks. Depression-like behaviors or resilience was confirmed by seeing whether their behaviors change significantly in sucrose preference, Y-maze and forced swimming tests. Mice from controls as well as depression and resilience in response to chronic unpredictable mild stress were studied in terms of GABAergic neuron activity in the nucleus accumbens by cell electrophysiology and protein chemistry. Conclusions The impairment of GABAergic neurons in the nucleus accumbens is associated with major depression. The invulnerability of GABAergic neurons to chronic stress may be one of cellular mechanisms for the resilience to chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoming Zhu
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao Shandong, 266021, China
| | - Guangyan Wang
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao Shandong, 266021, China
| | - Ke Ma
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao Shandong, 266021, China
| | - Shan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao Shandong, 266021, China.,State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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10
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Abstract
The acquisition, integration and storage of exogenous associated signals are termed as associative learning and memory. The consequences and processes of associative thinking and logical reasoning based on these stored exogenous signals can be memorized as endogenous signals, which are essential for decision making, intention, and planning. Associative memory cells recruited in these primary and secondary associative memories are presumably the foundation for the brain to fulfill cognition events and emotional reactions in life, though the plasticity of synaptic connectivity and neuronal activity has been believed to be involved in learning and memory. Current reports indicate that associative memory cells are recruited by their mutual synapse innervations among co-activated brain regions to fulfill the integration, storage and retrieval of associated signals. The activation of these associative memory cells initiates information recall in the mind, and the successful activation of their downstream neurons endorses memory presentations through behaviors and emotion reactions. In this review, we aim to draw a comprehensive diagram for associative memory cells, working principle and modulation, as well as propose their roles in cognition, emotion and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hui Wang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266021, China
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Shan Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, 266021, China
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
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11
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Piriform cortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons express coordinated plasticity for whisker-induced odor recall. Oncotarget 2017; 8:95719-95740. [PMID: 29221161 PMCID: PMC5707055 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural plasticity occurs in learning and memory. Coordinated plasticity at glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons during memory formation remains elusive, which we investigate in a mouse model of associative learning by cellular imaging and electrophysiology. Paired odor and whisker stimulations lead to whisker-induced olfaction response. In mice that express this cross-modal memory, the neurons in the piriform cortex are recruited to encode newly acquired whisker signal alongside innate odor signal, and their response patterns to these associated signals are different. There are emerged synaptic innervations from barrel cortical neurons to piriform cortical neurons from these mice. These results indicate the recruitment of associative memory cells in the piriform cortex after associative memory. In terms of the structural and functional plasticity at these associative memory cells in the piriform cortex, glutamatergic neurons and synapses are upregulated, GABAergic neurons and synapses are downregulated as well as their mutual innervations are refined in the coordinated manner. Therefore, the associated activations of sensory cortices triggered by their input signals induce the formation of their mutual synapse innervations, the recruitment of associative memory cells and the coordinated plasticity between the GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons, which work for associative memory cells to encode cross-modal associated signals in their integration, associative storage and distinguishable retrieval.
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12
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Liu Z, Huang Y, Liu L, Zhang L. Inhibitions of PKC and CaMK-II synergistically rescue ischemia-induced astrocytic dysfunction. Neurosci Lett 2017; 657:199-203. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 08/02/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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13
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Liu Y, Ge R, Zhao X, Guo R, Huang L, Zhao S, Guan S, Lu W, Cui S, Wang S, Wang JH. Activity strengths of cortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons are correlated with transgenerational inheritance of learning ability. Oncotarget 2017; 8:112401-112416. [PMID: 29348834 PMCID: PMC5762519 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The capabilities of learning and memory in parents are presumably transmitted to their offsprings, in which genetic codes and epigenetic regulations are thought as molecular bases. As neural plasticity occurs during memory formation as cellular mechanism, we aim to examine the correlation of activity strengths at cortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons to the transgenerational inheritance of learning ability. In a mouse model of associative learning, paired whisker and odor stimulations led to odorant-induced whisker motion, whose onset appeared fast (high learning efficiency, HLE) or slow (low learning efficiency, LLE). HLE male and female mice, HLE female and LLE male mice as well as HLE male and LLE female mice were cross-mated to have their first generation of offsprings, filials (F1). The onset of odorant-induced whisker motion appeared a sequence of high-to-low efficiency in three groups of F1 mice that were from HLE male and female mice, HLE female and LLE male mice as well as HLE male and LLE female mice. Activities related to glutamatergic neurons in barrel cortices appeared a sequence of high-to-low strength in these F1 mice from HLE male and female mice, HLE female and LLE male mice as well as HLE male and LLE female mice. Activities related to GABAergic neurons in barrel cortices appeared a sequence of low-to-high strength in these F1 mice from HLE male and female mice, HLE female and LLE male mice as well as HLE male and LLE female mice. Neuronal activity strength was linearly correlated to learning efficiency among three groups. Thus, the coordinated activities at glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons may constitute the cellular basis for the transgenerational inheritance of learning ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233000, China
| | - Rongjing Ge
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233000, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233000, China
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233000, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233000, China
| | - Shidi Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233000, China
| | - Sudong Guan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233000, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, Shandong 266021, China
| | - Shan Cui
- Institute of Biophysics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Shirlene Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60091, USA
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui 233000, China.,Institute of Biophysics and University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, Shandong 266021, China
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14
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Yang Z, Chen N, Ge R, Qian H, Wang JH. Functional compatibility between Purkinje cell axon branches and their target neurons in the cerebellum. Oncotarget 2017; 8:72424-72437. [PMID: 29069799 PMCID: PMC5641142 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A neuron sprouts an axon, and its branches to innervate many target neurons that are divergent in their functions. In order to efficiently regulate the diversified cells, the axon branches should differentiate functionally to be compatible with their target neurons, i.e., a function compatibility between presynaptic and postsynaptic partners. We have examined this hypothesis by using electrophysiological method in the cerebellum, in which the main axon of Purkinje cell projected to deep nucleus cells and the recurrent axons innervated the adjacent Purkinje cells. The fidelity of spike propagation is superior in the recurrent branches than the main axon. The capabilities of encoding spikes and processing GABAergic inputs are advanced in Purkinje cells versus deep nucleus cells. The functional differences among Purkinje's axonal branches and their postsynaptic neurons are preset by the variable dynamics of their voltage-gated sodium channels. In addition, activity strengths between presynaptic and postsynaptic partners are proportionally correlated, i.e., active axonal branches innervate active target neurons, or vice versa. The physiological impact of the functional compatibility is to make the neurons in their circuits to be activated appropriately. In conclusion, each cerebellar Purkinje cell sprouts the differentiated axon branches to be compatible with the diversified target cells in their functions, in order to construct the homeostatic and efficient units for their coordinated activity in neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilai Yang
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Na Chen
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rongjing Ge
- Department of Physiology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
| | - Hao Qian
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.,College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, Shandong 266021, China.,Department of Physiology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
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15
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Zhao X, Huang L, Guo R, Liu Y, Zhao S, Guan S, Ge R, Cui S, Wang S, Wang JH. Coordinated Plasticity among Glutamatergic and GABAergic Neurons and Synapses in the Barrel Cortex Is Correlated to Learning Efficiency. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:221. [PMID: 28798668 PMCID: PMC5526921 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Functional plasticity at cortical synapses and neurons is presumably associated with learning and memory. Additionally, coordinated refinement between glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons occurs in associative memory. If these assumptions are present, neuronal plasticity strength and learning efficiency should be correlated. We have examined whether neuronal plasticity strength and learning efficiency are quantitatively correlated in a mouse model of associative learning. Paired whisker and odor stimulations in mice induce odorant-induced whisker motions. The fully establishment of this associative memory appears fast and slow, which are termed as high learning efficiency and low learning efficiency, respectively. In the study of cellular mechanisms underlying this differential learning efficiency, we have compared the strength of neuronal plasticity in the barrel cortices that store associative signals from the mice with high vs. low learning efficiencies. Our results indicate that the levels of learning efficiency are linearly correlated with the upregulated strengths of excitatory synaptic transmission on glutamatergic neurons and their excitability, as well as the downregulated strengths of GABAergic neurons' excitability, their excitatory synaptic inputs and inhibitory synaptic outputs in layers II~III of barrel cortices. The correlations between learning efficiency in associative memory formation and coordinated plasticity at cortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons support the notion that the plasticity of associative memory cells is a basis for memory strength.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, China
| | - Rui Guo
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, China
| | - Yulong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, China
| | - Shidi Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, China
| | - Sudong Guan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, China
| | - Rongjing Ge
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, China
| | - Shan Cui
- Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics and University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China
| | - Shirlene Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of MedicineChicago, IL, United States
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Bengbu Medical CollegeBengbu, China.,Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics and University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing, China.,School of Pharmacy, Qingdao UniversityQingdao, China
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16
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Abstract
Associative learning and memory are common activities in life, and their cellular infrastructures constitute the basis of cognitive processes. Although neuronal plasticity emerges after memory formation, basic units and their working principles for the storage and retrieval of associated signals remain to be revealed. Current reports indicate that associative memory cells, through their mutual synapse innervations among the co-activated sensory cortices, are recruited to fulfill the integration, storage and retrieval of multiple associated signals, and serve associative thinking and logical reasoning. In this review, we aim to summarize associative memory cells in their formation, features and functional impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Hui Wang
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,College of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Shan Cui
- Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,College of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
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17
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Coordinated Plasticity between Barrel Cortical Glutamatergic and GABAergic Neurons during Associative Memory. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:5648390. [PMID: 28070425 PMCID: PMC5192352 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5648390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural plasticity is associated with memory formation. The coordinated refinement and interaction between cortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons remain elusive in associative memory, which we examine in a mouse model of associative learning. In the mice that show odorant-induced whisker motion after pairing whisker and odor stimulations, the barrel cortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons are recruited to encode the newly learnt odor signal alongside the innate whisker signal. These glutamatergic neurons are functionally upregulated, and GABAergic neurons are refined in a homeostatic manner. The mutual innervations between these glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons are upregulated. The analyses by high throughput sequencing show that certain microRNAs related to regulating synapses and neurons are involved in this cross-modal reflex. Thus, the coactivation of the sensory cortices through epigenetic processes recruits their glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons to be the associative memory cells as well as drive their coordinated refinements toward the optimal state for the storage of the associated signals.
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18
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Wang GY, Zhu ZM, Cui S, Wang JH. Glucocorticoid Induces Incoordination between Glutamatergic and GABAergic Neurons in the Amygdala. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0166535. [PMID: 27861545 PMCID: PMC5115758 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stressful life leads to mood disorders. Chronic mild stress is presumably major etiology for depression, and acute severe stress leads to anxiety. These stressful situations may impair hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and in turn induce synapse dysfunction. However, it remains elusive how the stress hormones mess up subcellular compartments and interactions between excitatory and inhibitory neurons, which we have investigated in mouse amygdala, a structure related to emotional states. METHODS AND RESULTS Dexamethasone was chronically given by intraperitoneal injection once a day for one week or was acutely washed into the brain slices. The neuronal spikes and synaptic transmission were recorded by whole-cell patching in amygdala neurons of brain slices. The chronic or acute administration of dexamethasone downregulates glutamate release as well as upregulates GABA release and GABAergic neuron spiking. The chronic administration of dexamethasone also enhances the responsiveness of GABA receptors. CONCLUSION The upregulation of GABAergic neurons and the downregulation of glutamatergic neurons by glucocorticoid impair their balance in the amygdala, which leads to emotional disorders during stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang-Yan Wang
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, 38 Dengzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Zhao-Ming Zhu
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, 38 Dengzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Shan Cui
- State Key Lab of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- Qingdao University, School of Pharmacy, 38 Dengzhou, Shandong, China
- State Key Lab of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
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19
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Xu A, Cui S, Wang JH. Incoordination among Subcellular Compartments Is Associated with Depression-Like Behavior Induced by Chronic Mild Stress. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 19:pyv122. [PMID: 26506857 PMCID: PMC4886664 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 10/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder is characterized as persistent low mood. A chronically stressful life in genetically susceptible individuals is presumably the major etiology that leads to dysfunctions of monoamine and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. These pathogenic factors cause neuron atrophy in the limbic system for major depressive disorder. Cell-specific pathophysiology is unclear, so we investigated prelimbic cortical GABAergic neurons and their interaction with glutamatergic neurons in depression-like mice. METHODS Mice were treated with chronic unpredictable mild stress for 3 weeks until they expressed depression-like behaviors confirmed by sucrose preference, Y-maze, and forced swimming tests. The structures and functions of GABAergic and glutamatergic units in prelimbic cortices were studied by cell imaging and electrophysiology in chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression mice vs controls. RESULTS In depression-like mice, prelimbic cortical GABAergic neurons show incoordination among the subcellular compartments, such as decreased excitability and synaptic outputs as well as increased reception from excitatory inputs. GABAergic synapses on glutamatergic cells demonstrate decreased presynaptic innervation and increased postsynaptic responsiveness. CONCLUSIONS Chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced incoordination in prelimbic cortical GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons dysregulates their target neurons, which may be the pathological basis for depressive mood. The rebalance of compatibility among subcellular compartments would be an ideal strategy to treat neural disorders.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal
- Chronic Disease
- Depressive Disorder, Major/etiology
- Depressive Disorder, Major/metabolism
- Depressive Disorder, Major/physiopathology
- Depressive Disorder, Major/psychology
- Dietary Sucrose/administration & dosage
- Disease Models, Animal
- Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials
- Food Preferences
- GABAergic Neurons/metabolism
- Glutamic Acid/metabolism
- In Vitro Techniques
- Inhibitory Postsynaptic Potentials
- Male
- Maze Learning
- Mice, Transgenic
- Motor Activity
- Neural Inhibition
- Neural Pathways/metabolism
- Neural Pathways/physiopathology
- Prefrontal Cortex/metabolism
- Prefrontal Cortex/physiopathology
- Stress, Psychological/complications
- Stress, Psychological/metabolism
- Stress, Psychological/physiopathology
- Stress, Psychological/psychology
- Swimming
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiping Xu
- College of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei Anhui, China (Ms Xu and Dr Wang); State Key Lab of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China (Ms Xu, Ms Cui, and Dr Wang); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China (Dr Wang)
| | - Shan Cui
- College of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei Anhui, China (Ms Xu and Dr Wang); State Key Lab of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China (Ms Xu, Ms Cui, and Dr Wang); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China (Dr Wang)
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- College of Life Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei Anhui, China (Ms Xu and Dr Wang); State Key Lab of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China (Ms Xu, Ms Cui, and Dr Wang); University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China (Dr Wang).
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20
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Wen B, Qian H, Feng J, Ge RJ, Xu X, Cui ZQ, Zhu RY, Pan LS, Lin ZP, Wang JH. A portion of inhibitory neurons in human temporal lobe epilepsy are functionally upregulated: an endogenous mechanism for seizure termination. CNS Neurosci Ther 2014; 21:204-14. [PMID: 25475128 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MAIN PROBLEM Epilepsy is one of the more common neurological disorders. The medication is often ineffective to the patients suffering from intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). As their seizures are usually self-terminated, the elucidation of the mechanism underlying endogenous seizure termination will help to find a new strategy for epilepsy treatment. We aim to examine the role of inhibitory interneurons in endogenous seizure termination in TLE patients. METHODS Whole-cell recordings were conducted on inhibitory interneurons in seizure-onset cortices of intractable TLE patients and the temporal lobe cortices of nonseizure individuals. The intrinsic property of the inhibitory interneurons and the strength of their GABAergic synaptic outputs were measured. The quantitative data were introduced into the computer-simulated neuronal networks to figure out a role of these inhibitory units in the seizure termination. RESULTS In addition to functional downregulation, a portion of inhibitory interneurons in seizure-onset cortices were upregulated in encoding the spikes and controlling their postsynaptic neurons. A patch-like upregulation of inhibitory neurons in the local network facilitated seizure termination. The upregulations of both inhibitory neurons and their output synapses synergistically shortened seizure duration, attenuated seizure strength, and terminated seizure propagation. CONCLUSION Automatic seizure termination is likely due to the fact that a portion of the inhibitory neurons and synapses are upregulated in the seizure-onset cortices. This mechanism may create novel therapeutic strategies to treat intractable epilepsy, such as the simultaneous upregulation of cortical inhibitory neurons and their output synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wen
- State Key lab for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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21
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Yang Z, Wang JH. Frequency-dependent reliability of spike propagation is function of axonal voltage-gated sodium channels in cerebellar Purkinje cells. THE CEREBELLUM 2014; 12:862-9. [PMID: 23775547 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-013-0499-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The spike propagation on nerve axons, like synaptic transmission, is essential to ensure neuronal communication. The secure propagation of sequential spikes toward axonal terminals has been challenged in the neurons with a high firing rate, such as cerebellar Purkinje cells. The shortfall of spike propagation makes some digital spikes disappearing at axonal terminals, such that the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying spike propagation reliability is crucial to find the strategy of preventing loss of neuronal codes. As the spike propagation failure is influenced by the membrane potentials, this process is likely caused by altering the functional status of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC). We examined this hypothesis in Purkinje cells by using pair-recordings at their somata and axonal blebs in cerebellar slices. The reliability of spike propagation was deteriorated by elevating spike frequency. The frequency-dependent reliability of spike propagation was attenuated by inactivating VGSCs and improved by removing their inactivation. Thus, the functional status of axonal VGSCs influences the reliability of spike propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilai Yang
- State Key lab for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
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22
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Lu W, Wen B, Zhang F, Wang JH. Voltage-independent sodium channels emerge for an expression of activity-induced spontaneous spikes in GABAergic neurons. Mol Brain 2014; 7:38. [PMID: 24886791 PMCID: PMC4039334 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-7-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebral overexcitation needs inhibitory neurons be functionally upregulated to rebalance excitation vs. inhibition. For example, the intensive activities of GABAergic neurons induce spontaneous spikes, i.e., activity-induced spontaneous spikes (AISS). The mechanisms underlying AISS onset remain unclear. We investigated the roles of sodium channels in AISS induction and expression at hippocampal GABAergic neurons by electrophysiological approach. RESULTS AISS expression includes additional spike capability above evoked spikes, and the full spikes in AISS comprise early phase (spikelets) and late phase, implying the emergence of new spikelet component. Compared with the late phase, the early phase is characterized as voltage-independent onset, less voltage-dependent upstroke and sensitivity to TTX. AISS expression and induction are independent of membrane potential changes. Therefore, AISS's spikelets express based on voltage-independent sodium channels. In terms of AISS induction, the facilitation of voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) activation accelerates AISS onset, or vice versa. CONCLUSION AISS expression in GABAergic neurons is triggered by the spikelets based on the functional emergence of voltage-independent sodium channels, which is driven by intensive VGSCs' activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lu
- State Key lab for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Bo Wen
- State Key lab for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fengyu Zhang
- State Key lab for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- State Key lab for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 15 Datun Road, Beijing 100101, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Qingdao University, Medical College, 38, Dengzhou, Shandong 266021, China
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23
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Yang Z, Gu E, Lu X, Wang JH. Essential role of axonal VGSC inactivation in time-dependent deceleration and unreliability of spike propagation at cerebellar Purkinje cells. Mol Brain 2014; 7:1. [PMID: 24382121 PMCID: PMC3880351 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-7-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The output of the neuronal digital spikes is fulfilled by axonal propagation and synaptic transmission to influence postsynaptic cells. Similar to synaptic transmission, spike propagation on the axon is not secure, especially in cerebellar Purkinje cells whose spiking rate is high. The characteristics, mechanisms and physiological impacts of propagation deceleration and infidelity remain elusive. The spike propagation is presumably initiated by local currents that raise membrane potential to the threshold of activating voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC). RESULTS We have investigated the natures of spike propagation and the role of VGSCs in this process by recording spikes simultaneously on the somata and axonal terminals of Purkinje cells in cerebellar slices. The velocity and fidelity of spike propagation decreased during long-lasting spikes, to which the velocity change was more sensitive than fidelity change. These time-dependent deceleration and infidelity of spike propagation were improved by facilitating axonal VGSC reactivation, and worsen by intensifying VGSC inactivation. CONCLUSION Our studies indicate that the functional status of axonal VGSCs is essential to influencing the velocity and fidelity of spike propagation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilai Yang
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key lab for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Erwei Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Xianfu Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Jin-Hui Wang
- Institute of Biophysics, State Key lab for Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Qingdao University, Medical College, 38 Dengzhou, Shandong 266021, China
- Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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24
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Zhang S, Sun P, Sun Z, Zhang J, Zhou J, Gu Y. Cortical GABAergic neurons are more severely impaired by alkalosis than acidosis. BMC Neurol 2013; 13:192. [PMID: 24314112 PMCID: PMC3879204 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2377-13-192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acid–base imbalance in various metabolic disturbances leads to human brain dysfunction. Compared with acidosis, the patients suffered from alkalosis demonstrate more severe neurological signs that are difficultly corrected. We hypothesize a causative process that the nerve cells in the brain are more vulnerable to alkalosis than acidosis. Methods The vulnerability of GABAergic neurons to alkalosis versus acidosis was compared by analyzing their functional changes in response to the extracellular high pH and low pH. The neuronal and synaptic functions were recorded by whole-cell recordings in the cortical slices. Results The elevation or attenuation of extracellular pH impaired these GABAergic neurons in terms of their capability to produce spikes, their responsiveness to excitatory synaptic inputs and their outputs via inhibitory synapses. Importantly, the dysfunction of these active properties appeared severer in alkalosis than acidosis. Conclusions The severer impairment of cortical GABAergic neurons in alkalosis patients leads to more critical neural excitotoxicity, so that alkalosis-induced brain dysfunction is difficultly corrected, compared to acidosis. The vulnerability of cortical GABAergic neurons to high pH is likely a basis of severe clinical outcomes in alkalosis versus acidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 37 Yiyuan Street, Harbin 150001, P,R, China.
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25
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mGluR1,5 activation protects cortical astrocytes and GABAergic neurons from ischemia-induced impairment. Neurosci Res 2013; 75:160-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Revised: 10/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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26
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Zhang G, Gao Z, Guan S, Zhu Y, Wang JH. Upregulation of excitatory neurons and downregulation of inhibitory neurons in barrel cortex are associated with loss of whisker inputs. Mol Brain 2013; 6:2. [PMID: 23286328 PMCID: PMC3548736 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-6-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of a sensory input causes the hypersensitivity in other modalities. In addition to cross-modal plasticity, the sensory cortices without receiving inputs undergo the plastic changes. It is not clear how the different types of neurons and synapses in the sensory cortex coordinately change after input deficits in order to prevent loss of their functions and to be used for other modalities. We studied this subject in the barrel cortices from whiskers-trimmed mice vs. controls. After whisker trimming for a week, the intrinsic properties of pyramidal neurons and the transmission of excitatory synapses were upregulated in the barrel cortex, but inhibitory neurons and GABAergic synapses were downregulated. The morphological analyses indicated that the number of processes and spines in pyramidal neurons increased, whereas the processes of GABAergic neurons decreased in the barrel cortex. The upregulation of excitatory neurons and the downregulation of inhibitory neurons boost the activity of network neurons in the barrel cortex to be high levels, which prevent the loss of their functions and enhances their sensitivity to sensory inputs. These changes may prepare for attracting the innervations from sensory cortices and/or peripheral nerves for other modalities during cross-modal plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanjun Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233000, China
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