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Lai HJ, Lee MJ, Yu HW, Chen KW, Tsai KL, Lin PC, Huang CW. Biophysical mechanisms underlying tefluthrin-induced modulation of gating changes and resurgent current generation in the human Na v1.4 channel. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 200:105833. [PMID: 38582596 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2024.105833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Human skeletal muscle contraction is triggered by activation of Nav1.4 channels. Nav1.4 channels can generate resurgent currents by channel reopening at hyperpolarized potentials through a gating transition dependent on the intracellular Navβ4 peptide in the physiological conditions. Tefluthrin (TEF) is a pyrethroid insecticide that can disrupt electrical signaling in nerves and skeletal muscle, resulting in seizures, muscle spasms, fasciculations, and mental confusion. TEF can also induce tail currents through other voltage-gated sodium channels in the absence of Navβ4 peptide, suggesting that muscle spasms may be caused by resurgent currents. Further, intracellular Navβ4 peptide and extracellular TEF may show competitive or synergistic effects; however, their binding sites are still unknown. To address these issues, electrophysiological recordings were performed on CHO-K1 cells expressing Nav1.4 channels with intracellular Navβ4 peptide, extracellular TEF, or both. TEF and Navβ4 peptide induced a hyperpolarizing shift of activation and inactivation curves in the Nav1.4 channel. TEF also substantially prolonged the inactivation time constants, while simultaneous application of Navβ4 peptide partially reversed this effect. Resurgent currents were enhanced by TEF and Navβ4 peptide at negative potentials, but TEF more potently enhances resurgent currents and dampens decay of resurgent currents. With longer depolarization, peak resurgent currents decay was fastest with the TEF alone. Molecular docking suggested that TEF and Navβ4 peptide binding site(s) are not in the narrowest part of the channel pore, but rather in the bundle-crossing regions and in the domain linkers, respectively. TEF can induce resurgent currents independently and synergistically with Navβ4 peptide, which may explain the muscle spasms observed in TEF intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Jung Lai
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Department of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Lee
- Department of Neurology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; Department of Medical genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Wei Yu
- Department of Physiology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Wen Chen
- Genetics Generation Advancement Corporation, Taipei 11494, Taiwan
| | - Ke-Li Tsai
- Department of Physiology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Chen Lin
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Wei Huang
- Department of Physiology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
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Thompson AC, Aizenman CD. Characterization of Na + currents regulating intrinsic excitability of optic tectal neurons. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302232. [PMID: 37918964 PMCID: PMC10622587 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing neurons adapt their intrinsic excitability to maintain stable output despite changing synaptic input. The mechanisms behind this process remain unclear. In this study, we examined Xenopus optic tectal neurons and found that the expressions of Nav1.1 and Nav1.6 voltage-gated Na+ channels are regulated during changes in intrinsic excitability, both during development and becsuse of changes in visual experience. Using whole-cell electrophysiology, we demonstrate the existence of distinct, fast, persistent, and resurgent Na+ currents in the tectum, and show that these Na+ currents are co-regulated with changes in Nav channel expression. Using antisense RNA to suppress the expression of specific Nav subunits, we found that up-regulation of Nav1.6 expression, but not Nav1.1, was necessary for experience-dependent increases in Na+ currents and intrinsic excitability. Furthermore, this regulation was also necessary for normal development of sensory guided behaviors. These data suggest that the regulation of Na+ currents through the modulation of Nav1.6 expression, and to a lesser extent Nav1.1, plays a crucial role in controlling the intrinsic excitability of tectal neurons and guiding normal development of the tectal circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian C Thompson
- https://ror.org/05gq02987 Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Carlos D Aizenman
- https://ror.org/05gq02987 Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Baeza-Loya S, Eatock RA. Effects of transient, persistent, and resurgent sodium currents on excitability and spike regularity in vestibular ganglion neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.28.569044. [PMID: 38076890 PMCID: PMC10705474 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.28.569044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Vestibular afferent neurons occur as two populations, regular and irregular, that provide distinct information about head motions. Differences in spike timing regularity are correlated with the different sensory responses important for vestibular processing. Relative to irregular afferents, regular afferents have more sustained firing patterns in response to depolarizing current steps, are more excitable, and have different complements of ion channels. Models of vestibular regularity and excitability emphasize the influence of increased expression of low-voltage-activated potassium currents in irregular neurons. We investigated the potential impact of different modes of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) current (transient, persistent, and resurgent) in cell bodies from vestibular ganglion neurons (VGNs), dissociated and cultured overnight. We hypothesized that regular VGNs would show the greatest impact of persistent (non-inactivating) NaV currents and of resurgent NaV currents, which flow when NaV channels are blocked and then unblocked. Whole-cell patch clamp experiments showed that much of the NaV current modes is carried by NaV1.6 channels. With simulations, we detected little substantial effect in any model VGN of persistent or resurgent modes on regularity of spike timing driven by postsynaptic current trains. For simulated irregular neurons, we also saw little effect on spike rate or firing pattern. For simulated regular VGNs, adding resurgent current changed the detailed timing of spikes during a current step, while the small persistent conductance (less than10% of transient NaV conductance density) strongly depolarized resting potential, altered spike waveform, and increased spike rate. These results suggest that persistent and resurgent NaV current can have a greater effect on the regular VGNs than on irregular VGNs, where low-voltage-activated K conductances dominate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Baeza-Loya
- Virginia Merrill Bloedel Hearing Research Center, Department of Otolaryngology-HNS, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Ruth Anne Eatock
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Speigel IA, Hemmings HC. Selective inhibition of gamma aminobutyric acid release from mouse hippocampal interneurone subtypes by the volatile anaesthetic isoflurane. Br J Anaesth 2021; 127:587-599. [PMID: 34384592 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2021.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cellular and molecular mechanisms by which general anaesthesia occurs is poorly understood. Hippocampal interneurone subpopulations, which are critical regulators of cognitive function, have diverse neurophysiological and synaptic properties, but their responses to anaesthetics are unclear. METHODS We used live-cell imaging of fluorescent biosensors expressed in mouse hippocampal neurones to delineate interneurone subtype-specific effects of isoflurane on synaptic vesicle exocytosis. The role of voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav) subtype expression in determining isoflurane sensitivity was probed by overexpression or knockdown of specific Nav subtypes in identified interneurones. RESULTS Clinically relevant concentrations of isoflurane differentially inhibited synaptic vesicle exocytosis: to 83.1% (11.7%) of control in parvalbumin-expressing interneurones, and to 58.6% (13.3%) and 64.5% (8.5%) of control in somatostatin-expressing interneurones and glutamatergic neurones, respectively. The relative expression of Nav1.1 (associated with lower sensitivity) and Nav1.6 (associated with higher sensitivity) determined the sensitivity of exocytosis to isoflurane. CONCLUSIONS Isoflurane inhibits synaptic vesicle exocytosis from hippocampal glutamatergic neurones and GABAergic interneurones in a cell-type-specific manner depending on their expression of voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris A Speigel
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Hugh C Hemmings
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Zybura A, Hudmon A, Cummins TR. Distinctive Properties and Powerful Neuromodulation of Na v1.6 Sodium Channels Regulates Neuronal Excitability. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071595. [PMID: 34202119 PMCID: PMC8307729 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs) are critical determinants of cellular excitability. These ion channels exist as large heteromultimeric structures and their activity is tightly controlled. In neurons, the isoform Nav1.6 is highly enriched at the axon initial segment and nodes, making it critical for the initiation and propagation of neuronal impulses. Changes in Nav1.6 expression and function profoundly impact the input-output properties of neurons in normal and pathological conditions. While mutations in Nav1.6 may cause channel dysfunction, aberrant changes may also be the result of complex modes of regulation, including various protein-protein interactions and post-translational modifications, which can alter membrane excitability and neuronal firing properties. Despite decades of research, the complexities of Nav1.6 modulation in health and disease are still being determined. While some modulatory mechanisms have similar effects on other Nav isoforms, others are isoform-specific. Additionally, considerable progress has been made toward understanding how individual protein interactions and/or modifications affect Nav1.6 function. However, there is still more to be learned about how these different modes of modulation interact. Here, we examine the role of Nav1.6 in neuronal function and provide a thorough review of this channel’s complex regulatory mechanisms and how they may contribute to neuromodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Zybura
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Biology Department, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Andy Hudmon
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - Theodore R. Cummins
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Biology Department, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence:
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Pan Y, Cummins TR. Distinct functional alterations in SCN8A epilepsy mutant channels. J Physiol 2020; 598:381-401. [PMID: 31715021 PMCID: PMC7216308 DOI: 10.1113/jp278952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Mutations in the SCN8A gene cause early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. We characterize a new epilepsy-related SCN8A mutation, R850Q, in the human SCN8A channel and present gain-of-function properties of the mutant channel. Systematic comparison of R850Q with three other SCN8A epilepsy mutations, T761I, R1617Q and R1872Q, identifies one common dysfunction in resurgent current, although these mutations alter distinct properties of the channel. Computational simulations in two different neuron models predict an increased excitability of neurons carrying these mutations, which explains the over-excitation that underlies seizure activities in patients. These data provide further insight into the mechanism of SCN8A-related epilepsy and reveal subtle but potentially important distinction of functional characterization performed in the human vs. rodent channels. ABSTRACT SCN8A is a novel causal gene for early infantile epileptic encephalopathy. It is well accepted that gain-of-function mutations in SCN8A underlie the disorder, although the remarkable heterogeneity of its clinical presentation and poor treatment response demand a better understanding of the disease mechanisms. Here, we characterize a new epilepsy-related SCN8A mutation, R850Q, in human Nav1.6. We show that it is a gain-of-function mutation, with a hyperpolarizing shift in voltage dependence of activation, a two-fold increase of persistent current and a slowed decay of resurgent current. We systematically compare its biophysics with three other SCN8A epilepsy mutations, T767I, R1617Q and R1872Q, in the human Nav1.6 channel. Although all of these mutations are gain-of-function, the mutations affect different aspects of channel properties. One commonality that we discovered is an alteration of resurgent current kinetics, although the mechanisms by which resurgent currents are augmented remain unclear for all of the mutations. Computational simulations predict an increased excitability of neurons carrying these mutations with differential enhancement by open channel blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Pan
- Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, IN, USA
- Department of Biology, School of Science, IUPUI, IN, USA
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7
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Zbili M, Debanne D. Past and Future of Analog-Digital Modulation of Synaptic Transmission. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:160. [PMID: 31105529 PMCID: PMC6492051 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Action potentials (APs) are generally produced in response to complex summation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs. While it is usually considered as a digital event, both the amplitude and width of the AP are significantly impacted by the context of its emission. In particular, the analog variations in subthreshold membrane potential determine the spike waveform and subsequently affect synaptic strength, leading to the so-called analog-digital modulation of synaptic transmission. We review here the numerous evidence suggesting context-dependent modulation of spike waveform, the discovery analog-digital modulation of synaptic transmission in invertebrates and its recent validation in mammals. We discuss the potential roles of analog-digital transmission in the physiology of neural networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickael Zbili
- UNIS, UMR 1072, INSERM AMU, Marseille, France.,CRNL, INSERM U1028-CNRS UMR5292-Université Claude Bernard Lyon1, Lyon, France
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8
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Zhou C, Johnson KW, Herold KF, Hemmings HC. Differential Inhibition of Neuronal Sodium Channel Subtypes by the General Anesthetic Isoflurane. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 369:200-211. [PMID: 30792243 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.254938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Volatile anesthetics depress neurotransmitter release in a brain region- and neurotransmitter-selective manner by unclear mechanisms. Voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs), which are coupled to synaptic vesicle exocytosis, are inhibited by volatile anesthetics through reduction of peak current and modulation of gating. Subtype-selective effects of anesthetics on Nav might contribute to observed neurotransmitter-selective anesthetic effects on release. We analyzed anesthetic effects on Na+ currents mediated by the principal neuronal Nav subtypes Nav1.1, Nav1.2, and Nav1.6 heterologously expressed in ND7/23 neuroblastoma cells using whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology. Isoflurane at clinically relevant concentrations induced a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation and slowed recovery from fast inactivation in all three Nav subtypes, with the voltage of half-maximal steady-state inactivation significantly more positive for Nav1.1 (-49.7 ± 3.9 mV) than for Nav1.2 (-57.5 ± 1.2 mV) or Nav1.6 (-58.0 ± 3.8 mV). Isoflurane significantly inhibited peak Na+ current (I Na) in a voltage-dependent manner: at a physiologically relevant holding potential of -70 mV, isoflurane inhibited peak I Na of Nav1.2 (16.5% ± 5.5%) and Nav1.6 (18.0% ± 7.8%), but not of Nav1.1 (1.2% ± 0.8%). Since Nav subtypes are differentially expressed both between neuronal types and within neurons, greater inhibition of Nav1.2 and Nav1.6 compared with Nav1.1 could contribute to neurotransmitter-selective effects of isoflurane on synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhou
- Departments of Anesthesiology (C.Z., K.W.J., K.F.H., H.C.H.) and Pharmacology (H.C.H.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; and Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China (C.Z.)
| | - Kenneth W Johnson
- Departments of Anesthesiology (C.Z., K.W.J., K.F.H., H.C.H.) and Pharmacology (H.C.H.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; and Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China (C.Z.)
| | - Karl F Herold
- Departments of Anesthesiology (C.Z., K.W.J., K.F.H., H.C.H.) and Pharmacology (H.C.H.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; and Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China (C.Z.)
| | - Hugh C Hemmings
- Departments of Anesthesiology (C.Z., K.W.J., K.F.H., H.C.H.) and Pharmacology (H.C.H.), Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York; and Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China (C.Z.)
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Increased Resurgent Sodium Currents in Nav1.8 Contribute to Nociceptive Sensory Neuron Hyperexcitability Associated with Peripheral Neuropathies. J Neurosci 2019; 39:1539-1550. [PMID: 30617209 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0468-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a significant public health challenge, yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Painful small fiber neuropathy (SFN) may be caused by gain-of-function mutations in Nav1.8, a sodium channel subtype predominantly expressed in peripheral nociceptive neurons. However, it is not clear how Nav1.8 disease mutations induce sensory neuron hyperexcitability. Here we studied two mutations in Nav1.8 associated with hypersensitive sensory neurons: G1662S reported in painful SFN; and T790A, which underlies increased pain behaviors in the Possum transgenic mouse strain. We show that, in male DRG neurons, these mutations, which impair inactivation, significantly increase TTX-resistant resurgent sodium currents mediated by Nav1.8. The G1662S mutation doubled resurgent currents, and the T790A mutation increased them fourfold. These unusual currents are typically evoked during the repolarization phase of action potentials. We show that the T790A mutation greatly enhances DRG neuron excitability by reducing current threshold and increasing firing frequency. Interestingly, the mutation endows DRG neurons with multiple early afterdepolarizations and leads to substantial prolongation of action potential duration. In DRG neurons, siRNA knockdown of sodium channel β4 subunits fails to significantly alter T790A current density but reduces TTX-resistant resurgent currents by 56%. Furthermore, DRG neurons expressing T790A channels exhibited reduced excitability with fewer early afterdepolarizations and narrower action potentials after β4 knockdown. Together, our data demonstrate that open-channel block of TTX-resistant currents, enhanced by gain-of-function mutations in Nav1.8, can make major contributions to the hyperexcitability of nociceptive neurons, likely leading to altered sensory phenotypes including neuropathic pain in SFN.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This work demonstrates that two disease mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.8 that induce nociceptor hyperexcitability increase resurgent currents. Nav1.8 is crucial for pain sensations. Because resurgent currents are evoked during action potential repolarization, they can be crucial regulators of action potential activity. Our data indicate that increased Nav1.8 resurgent currents in DRG neurons greatly prolong action potential duration and enhance repetitive firing. We propose that Nav1.8 open-channel block is a major factor in Nav1.8-associated pain mechanisms and that targeting the molecular mechanism underlying these unique resurgent currents represents a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of aberrant pain sensations.
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10
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Hong H, Sanchez JT. Need for Speed and Precision: Structural and Functional Specialization in the Cochlear Nucleus of the Avian Auditory System. J Exp Neurosci 2018; 12:1179069518815628. [PMID: 30559595 PMCID: PMC6291874 DOI: 10.1177/1179069518815628] [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: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Birds such as the barn owl and zebra finch are known for their remarkable hearing abilities that are critical for survival, communication, and vocal learning functions. A key to achieving these hearing abilities is the speed and precision required for the temporal coding of sound-a process heavily dependent on the structural, synaptic, and intrinsic specializations in the avian auditory brainstem. Here, we review recent work from us and others focusing on the specialization of neurons in the chicken cochlear nucleus magnocellularis (NM)-a first-order auditory brainstem structure analogous to bushy cells in the mammalian anteroventral cochlear nucleus. Similar to their mammalian counterpart, NM neurons are mostly adendritic and receive auditory nerve input through large axosomatic endbulb of Held synapses. Axonal projections from NM neurons to their downstream auditory targets are sophisticatedly programmed regarding their length, caliber, myelination, and conduction velocity. Specialized voltage-dependent potassium and sodium channel properties also play important and unique roles in shaping the functional phenotype of NM neurons. Working synergistically with potassium channels, an atypical current known as resurgent sodium current promotes rapid and precise action potential firing for NM neurons. Interestingly, these structural and functional specializations vary dramatically along the tonotopic axis and suggest a plethora of encoding strategies for sounds of different acoustic frequencies, mechanisms likely shared across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hong
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Jason Tait Sanchez
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA.,The Hugh Knowles Hearing Research Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
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11
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Hong H, Wang X, Lu T, Zorio DAR, Wang Y, Sanchez JT. Diverse Intrinsic Properties Shape Functional Phenotype of Low-Frequency Neurons in the Auditory Brainstem. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:175. [PMID: 29997479 PMCID: PMC6028565 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the auditory system, tonotopy is the spatial arrangement of where sounds of different frequencies are processed. Defined by the organization of neurons and their inputs, tonotopy emphasizes distinctions in neuronal structure and function across topographic gradients and is a common feature shared among vertebrates. In this study we characterized action potential firing patterns and ion channel properties from neurons located in the extremely low-frequency region of the chicken nucleus magnocellularis (NM), an auditory brainstem structure. We found that NM neurons responsible for encoding the lowest sound frequencies (termed NMc neurons) have enhanced excitability and fired bursts of action potentials to sinusoidal inputs ≤10 Hz; a distinct firing pattern compared to higher-frequency neurons. This response property was due to lower amounts of voltage dependent potassium (KV) conductances, unique combination of KV subunits and specialized sodium (NaV) channel properties. Particularly, NMc neurons had significantly lower KV1 and KV3 currents, but higher KV2 current. NMc neurons also showed larger and faster transient NaV current (INaT) with different voltage dependence of inactivation from higher-frequency neurons. In contrast, significantly smaller resurgent sodium current (INaR) was present in NMc with kinetics and voltage dependence that differed from higher-frequency neurons. Immunohistochemistry showed expression of NaV1.6 channel subtypes across the tonotopic axis. However, various immunoreactive patterns were observed between regions, likely underlying some tonotopic differences in INaT and INaR. Finally, using pharmacology and computational modeling, we concluded that KV3, KV2 channels and INaR work synergistically to regulate burst firing in NMc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hong
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Program in Neuroscience Florida State University College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Ting Lu
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Diego A. R. Zorio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Program in Neuroscience Florida State University College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Program in Neuroscience Florida State University College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Jason Tait Sanchez
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
- The Hugh Knowles Hearing Research Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
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12
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Ikeda M, Yoshino M. Nitric oxide augments single persistent Na + channel currents via the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway in Kenyon cells isolated from cricket mushroom bodies. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:720-728. [PMID: 29742029 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00440.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The nitric oxide (NO)/cyclic GMP signaling pathway has been suggested to be important in the formation of olfactory memory in insects. However, the molecular targets of the NO signaling cascade in the central neurons associated with olfactory learning and memory have not been fully analyzed. In this study, we investigated the effects of NO donors on single voltage-dependent Na+ channels in intrinsic neurons, called Kenyon cells, in the mushroom bodies in the brain of the cricket. Step depolarization on cell-attached patch membranes induces single-channel currents with fast-activating and -inactivating brief openings at the beginning of the voltage steps followed by more persistently recurring brief openings all along the 150-ms pulses. Application of the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) increased the number of channel openings of both types of single Na+ channels. This excitatory effect of GSNO on the activity of these Na+ channels was diminished by KT5823, an inhibitor of protein kinase G (PKG), indicating an involvement of PKG in the downstream pathway of NO. Application of KT5823 alone decreased the activity of the persistent Na+ channels without significant effects on the fast-inactivating Na+ channels. The membrane-permeable cGMP analog 8Br-cGMP increased the number of channel openings of both types of single Na+ channels, similar to the action of NO. Taken together, these results indicate that NO acts as a critical modulator of both fast-inactivating and persistent Na+ channels and that persistent Na+ channels are constantly upregulated by the endogenous cGMP/PKG signaling cascade. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study clarified that nitric oxide (NO) increases the activity of both fast-inactivating and persistent Na+ channels via the cGMP/PKG signaling cascade in cricket Kenyon cells. The persistent Na+ channels are also found to be upregulated constantly by endogenous cGMP/PKG signaling. On the basis of the present results and the results of previous studies, we propose a hypothetical model explaining NO production and NO-dependent memory formation in cricket large Kenyon cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Ikeda
- Department of Biology, Tokyo Gakugei University , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Masami Yoshino
- Department of Biology, Tokyo Gakugei University , Tokyo , Japan
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13
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Hong H, Lu T, Wang X, Wang Y, Sanchez JT. Resurgent sodium current promotes action potential firing in the avian auditory brainstem. J Physiol 2018; 596:423-443. [PMID: 29193076 PMCID: PMC5792585 DOI: 10.1113/jp275083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Key points Auditory brainstem neurons of all vertebrates fire phase‐locked action potentials (APs) at high rates with remarkable fidelity, a process controlled by specialized anatomical and biophysical properties. This is especially true in the avian nucleus magnocellularis (NM) – the analogue of the mammalian anteroventral cochlear nucleus. In addition to high voltage‐activated potassium (KHVA) channels, we report, using whole cell physiology and modelling, that resurgent sodium current (INaR) of sodium channels (NaV) is equally important and operates synergistically with KHVA channels to enable rapid AP firing in NM. Anatomically, we detected strong NaV1.6 expression near hearing maturation, which was less distinct during hearing development despite functional evidence of INaR, suggesting that multiple NaV channel subtypes may contribute to INaR. We conclude that INaR plays an important role in regulating rapid AP firing for NM neurons, a property that may be evolutionarily conserved for functions related to similar avian and mammalian hearing.
Abstract Auditory brainstem neurons are functionally primed to fire action potentials (APs) at markedly high rates in order to rapidly encode the acoustic information of sound. This specialization is critical for survival and the comprehension of behaviourally relevant communication functions, including sound localization and distinguishing speech from noise. Here, we investigated underlying ion channel mechanisms essential for high‐rate AP firing in neurons of the chicken nucleus magnocellularis (NM) – the avian analogue of bushy cells of the mammalian anteroventral cochlear nucleus. In addition to the established function of high voltage‐activated potassium channels, we found that resurgent sodium current (INaR) plays a role in regulating rapid firing activity of late‐developing (embryonic (E) days 19–21) NM neurons. INaR of late‐developing NM neurons showed similar properties to mammalian neurons in that its unique mechanism of an ‘open channel block state’ facilitated the recovery and increased the availability of sodium (NaV) channels after depolarization. Using a computational model of NM neurons, we demonstrated that removal of INaR reduced high‐rate AP firing. We found weak INaR during a prehearing period (E11–12), which transformed to resemble late‐developing INaR properties around hearing onset (E14–16). Anatomically, we detected strong NaV1.6 expression near maturation, which became increasingly less distinct at hearing onset and prehearing periods, suggesting that multiple NaV channel subtypes may contribute to INaR during development. We conclude that INaR plays an important role in regulating rapid AP firing for NM neurons, a property that may be evolutionarily conserved for functions related to similar avian and mammalian hearing. Auditory brainstem neurons of all vertebrates fire phase‐locked action potentials (APs) at high rates with remarkable fidelity, a process controlled by specialized anatomical and biophysical properties. This is especially true in the avian nucleus magnocellularis (NM) – the analogue of the mammalian anteroventral cochlear nucleus. In addition to high voltage‐activated potassium (KHVA) channels, we report, using whole cell physiology and modelling, that resurgent sodium current (INaR) of sodium channels (NaV) is equally important and operates synergistically with KHVA channels to enable rapid AP firing in NM. Anatomically, we detected strong NaV1.6 expression near hearing maturation, which was less distinct during hearing development despite functional evidence of INaR, suggesting that multiple NaV channel subtypes may contribute to INaR. We conclude that INaR plays an important role in regulating rapid AP firing for NM neurons, a property that may be evolutionarily conserved for functions related to similar avian and mammalian hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hong
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Ting Lu
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.,Program in Neuroscience Florida State University College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.,Program in Neuroscience Florida State University College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Jason Tait Sanchez
- Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA.,The Hugh Knowles Hearing Research Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
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14
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Barbosa C, Xiao Y, Johnson AJ, Xie W, Strong JA, Zhang JM, Cummins TR. FHF2 isoforms differentially regulate Nav1.6-mediated resurgent sodium currents in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Pflugers Arch 2016; 469:195-212. [PMID: 27999940 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-016-1911-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Nav1.6 and Nav1.6-mediated resurgent currents have been implicated in several pain pathologies. However, our knowledge of how fast resurgent currents are modulated in neurons is limited. Our study explored the potential regulation of Nav1.6-mediated resurgent currents by isoforms of fibroblast growth factor homologous factor 2 (FHF2) in an effort to address the gap in our knowledge. FHF2 isoforms colocalize with Nav1.6 in peripheral sensory neurons. Cell line studies suggest that these proteins differentially regulate inactivation. In particular, FHF2A mediates long-term inactivation, a mechanism proposed to compete with the open-channel blocker mechanism that mediates resurgent currents. On the other hand, FHF2B lacks the ability to mediate long-term inactivation and may delay inactivation favoring open-channel block. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that FHF2A limits resurgent currents, whereas FHF2B enhances resurgent currents. Overall, our results suggest that FHF2A negatively regulates fast resurgent current by enhancing long-term inactivation and delaying recovery. In contrast, FHF2B positively regulated resurgent current and did not alter long-term inactivation. Chimeric constructs of FHF2A and Navβ4 (likely the endogenous open channel blocker in sensory neurons) exhibited differential effects on resurgent currents, suggesting that specific regions within FHF2A and Navβ4 have important regulatory functions. Our data also indicate that FHFAs and FHF2B isoform expression are differentially regulated in a radicular pain model and that associated neuronal hyperexcitability is substantially attenuated by a FHFA peptide. As such, these findings suggest that FHF2A and FHF2B regulate resurgent current in sensory neurons and may contribute to hyperexcitability associated with some pain pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Barbosa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yucheng Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Andrew J Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Wenrui Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Judith A Strong
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jun-Ming Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Department of Biology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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15
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Barbosa C, Cummins TR. Unusual Voltage-Gated Sodium Currents as Targets for Pain. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2016; 78:599-638. [PMID: 27586296 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctm.2015.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pain is a serious health problem that impacts the lives of many individuals. Hyperexcitability of peripheral sensory neurons contributes to both acute and chronic pain syndromes. Because voltage-gated sodium currents are crucial to the transmission of electrical signals in peripheral sensory neurons, the channels that underlie these currents are attractive targets for pain therapeutics. Sodium currents and channels in peripheral sensory neurons are complex. Multiple-channel isoforms contribute to the macroscopic currents in nociceptive sensory neurons. These different isoforms exhibit substantial variations in their kinetics and pharmacology. Furthermore, sodium current complexity is enhanced by an array of interacting proteins that can substantially modify the properties of voltage-gated sodium channels. Resurgent sodium currents, atypical currents that can enhance recovery from inactivation and neuronal firing, are increasingly being recognized as playing potentially important roles in sensory neuron hyperexcitability and pain sensations. Here we discuss unusual sodium channels and currents that have been identified in nociceptive sensory neurons, describe what is known about the molecular determinants of the complex sodium currents in these neurons. Finally, we provide an overview of therapeutic strategies to target voltage-gated sodium currents in nociceptive neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Barbosa
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - T R Cummins
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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16
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Barbosa C, Tan ZY, Wang R, Xie W, Strong JA, Patel RR, Vasko MR, Zhang JM, Cummins TR. Navβ4 regulates fast resurgent sodium currents and excitability in sensory neurons. Mol Pain 2015; 11:60. [PMID: 26408173 PMCID: PMC4582632 DOI: 10.1186/s12990-015-0063-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased electrical activity in peripheral sensory neurons including dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and trigeminal ganglia neurons is an important mechanism underlying pain. Voltage gated sodium channels (VGSC) contribute to the excitability of sensory neurons and are essential for the upstroke of action potentials. A unique type of VGSC current, resurgent current (INaR), generates an inward current at repolarizing voltages through an alternate mechanism of inactivation referred to as open-channel block. INaRs are proposed to enable high frequency firing and increased INaRs in sensory neurons are associated with pain pathologies. While Nav1.6 has been identified as the main carrier of fast INaR, our understanding of the mechanisms that contribute to INaR generation is limited. Specifically, the open-channel blocker in sensory neurons has not been identified. Previous studies suggest Navβ4 subunit mediates INaR in central nervous system neurons. The goal of this study was to determine whether Navβ4 regulates INaR in DRG sensory neurons. RESULTS Our immunocytochemistry studies show that Navβ4 expression is highly correlated with Nav1.6 expression predominantly in medium-large diameter rat DRG neurons. Navβ4 knockdown decreased endogenous fast INaR in medium-large diameter neurons as measured with whole-cell voltage clamp. Using a reduced expression system in DRG neurons, we isolated recombinant human Nav1.6 sodium currents in rat DRG neurons and found that overexpression of Navβ4 enhanced Nav1.6 INaR generation. By contrast neither overexpression of Navβ2 nor overexpression of a Navβ4-mutant, predicted to be an inactive form of Navβ4, enhanced Nav1.6 INaR generation. DRG neurons transfected with wild-type Navβ4 exhibited increased excitability with increases in both spontaneous activity and evoked activity. Thus, Navβ4 overexpression enhanced INaR and excitability, whereas knockdown or expression of mutant Navβ4 decreased INaR generation. CONCLUSION INaRs are associated with inherited and acquired pain disorders. However, our ability to selectively target and study this current has been hindered due to limited understanding of how it is generated in sensory neurons. This study identified Navβ4 as an important regulator of INaR and excitability in sensory neurons. As such, Navβ4 is a potential target for the manipulation of pain sensations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Barbosa
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, 320 West 25th Street, NB-414F, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-2266, USA.
| | - Zhi-Yong Tan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, 320 West 25th Street, NB-414F, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-2266, USA.
| | - Ruizhong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
| | - Wenrui Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Judith A Strong
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Reesha R Patel
- Medical Neuroscience Graduate Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, 320 West 25th Street, NB-414F, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-2266, USA.
| | - Michael R Vasko
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, 320 West 25th Street, NB-414F, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-2266, USA.
| | - Jun-Ming Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Theodore R Cummins
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, 320 West 25th Street, NB-414F, Indianapolis, IN, 46202-2266, USA.
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